The Annual fleabane ("Erigeron annuus") is a wildflower with an ornamental past that can alleviate colds, help with inflammatory diseases of the joints and activate the metabolism. The effect of the dried flowers is gentle and supportive - the potential as a medicinal plant has unfortunately almost been forgotten due to this mild effect.
Occurrence & cultivation of the annual fleabane
At first glance it is reminiscent Annual fleabane on chamomiles or daisies with particularly filigree petals. It is not without reason that the fleabane is also under the name Fine jet known in botany. It has found its way into the great outdoors from the well-tended gardens that the fleabane has decorated with its white and yellow flowers. The former ornamental plant, which was originally native to northern America and belongs to the “composites” family, is nowadays mainly found in the wild as a “weed”.
The fact that the fleabane is neither chamomile nor daisy can be recognized immediately by the fact that it can grow up to a meter in height. In the English-speaking world, the annual fleabane is under the name Eastern Daisy Fleabane known. In China the flowering herb is called Yinianpeng designated. The plant is undemanding and thrives well, which has contributed to its wide distribution. It prefers moist meadows and light forests as a location. The roots are long - about 1 meter is no exception. As a result, the annual fleabane can also survive periods of high drought. The plant reproduces asexually.
Effect & application
When the annual fleabane grows, a rosette made of elongated leaves appears on the ground in spring. The upright stems develop branches in the upper quarter, on which the (basket) flowers are from June. The petals, which are designed as a panicle, shimmer pale purple after the bud has opened. At the height of its development the flower is white. The best time to harvest and collect the annual fleabane is during its flowering period, June through September.
To do this, the entire plant is cut off and combined into loose frets. It is best to hang the bouquets upside down in a dry place. Laying out the flowers on a thin fabric or a grid is also conceivable to promote drying. As soon as the flowers run out of moisture and rustle, they can be stored in tightly closed cans and jars in a dark, cool and dry place. If you are interested in planting the annual fleabane in your own garden, it is best to collect the seeds in the wild in the wild, as these cannot be obtained from seed companies due to a lack of demand.
The best season for this is autumn. Even if the annual fleabane as a wildflower receives less attention than established ornamental and medicinal plants, it is not without importance for the (medicinal) herbalism. The flowering herb contains bitter and tannins that have an astringent and expectorant effect. Drunk as a tea, it has a diuretic and sweaty effect. The boiled brew can also be used externally. If you have skin problems, compresses, baths and washes are all possible. Last but not least, the herb is also used in the game kitchen. As an addition to a “wild” salad, the annual fleabane is known for its mild taste.
Importance for health, treatment & prevention
Traditional Chinese medicine has long known its potential as a medicinal herb. The North American natives also rely on the effects of the annual herb in their naturopathic therapies. Fleabane tea is ideal for coughs, fevers and colds, as well as for sore throats and inflammation of the oral mucosa. The infusion is expectorant and makes the body sweat.
An effect that supports the effect of the fever. Colds can heal faster. Once the cold and flu are over, the annual fleabane can also have a beneficial effect during convalescence. The helpful effect in inflammatory diseases of the joints such as gout and rheumatism should also not be underestimated. A tea made from annual fleabane has a diuretic effect and strengthens the kidneys in their excretory activity.
In this way, toxins can leave the body more quickly. The organism detoxifies. In the case of diarrhea, the herb helps to quickly move harmful substances out of the intestines. The intestinal tract is cleansed by the astringent properties of the annual fleabane. Baths with herbal infusions have proven effective for skin inflammation and eczema. In popular belief it was also assumed that occupational herbs are a good antidote to curses (vocations), enchantment and grievances caused by black magic.
Those who saw themselves affected by evil forces in earlier times resorted to the magical effects of the fleabane. Baths in herbal broth were supposed to protect babies from the evil eye and "crazy" people were advised to put the fleabane on the forehead or under the headgear. Through appropriate sayings, diseases could be transmitted to the plant and the patient was cured.
And the herb's magic effects should go even further: the English name Fleabane ("Flea Banisher") was certainly not chosen for nothing. This means that the genus fleabane was also used to drive away vermin.
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