Fleabane - Erigeron annuus

Fleabane, Erigeron annuus, is a common, flowering herbaceous plant of temperate regions worldwide. It tends to grow where the soil has been disturbed. Fleabane was used by indigenous peoples as an astringent, expectorant, and diuretic. It has been used as an antidiarrheal and to stop hemorrhage. Studies have shown that it has anti-fungal, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cytoprotective, antiobesity and antioxidant properties.¹ Erigeron annuus leaf extracts containing caffeic acid as an active compound have antioxidative and neuroprotective effects on neuronal cells.²Caffeic acid is a type of polyphenol, a class of micronutrients known for their antioxidant properties. A study of the nematicidal effects of various plants showed that fleabane shoots caused a greater than 98 percent fatality of the nematode larvae of Strongyloides papillosus, the intestinal threadworm.³Fleabane is a possible phytoremediator for metals contaminated soils so if you harvest it yourself take care not to collect it where metals contamination may have occurred. I do not use the roots in my tincture.

Suggested dosing: Tincture 1-2 ml 3x day. 1 ml is about 25 drops.

Possible side effects: Allergy, contact dermatitis, gastrointestinal distress.

Contraindications: Allergy to the Asteraceae family of plants. Do not combine with blood thinners. Do not use it if pregnant or breastfeeding.

¹Rana, R., Pundir, S., Lal, U.R. et al. Phytochemistry and biological activity of Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol 396, 2331–2346 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-023-02518-1

²Jeong, CH., Jeong, H.R., Choi, G.N. et al. Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of caffeic acid isolated from the Erigeron annuus leaf. Chin Med 6, 25 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-8546-6-25

³Nematicidal activity of aqueous tinctures of plants against larvae of the nematode Strongyloides papillosus Boyko, O.O.1, Brygadyrenko, V.V.1,2* 1, Department of Parasitology, Veterinary and Sanitary Examination, Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University, Sergiy Efremov St., 25, 49000, Dnipro, Ukraine

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. I am not a medical professional and cannot diagnose or treat any illness.