Goatweed, Tropical whiteweed

Ageratum conyzoides

Physical Characteristics

Ageratum conyzoides is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf from May to October, in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Leprosy Lithontripic Skin Styptic Vulnerary The plant contains between 0.7 - 2.0% essential oil, plus alkaloids and saponins[283]. The whole plant is antiinflammatory and antiallergic[283]. The juice of the fresh plant, or an extract of the dried plant, is used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis[283]. The juice of the fresh plant is also useful in treating post-partum uterine haemorrhage[283]. The juice of the root is antilithic[240, 243]. A paste of the root, mixed with the bark of Schinus wallichii, is applied to set dislocated bones[272]. The leaves are styptic[240]. They are dried and applied as a powder to cuts, sores and the ruptures caused by leprosy[272], The powder absorbs the moisture of the disease and forms a layer that is removed after 1 - 2 days[272]. An effective cure for most cuts and sores, though it does not effect a complete cure for leprosy[272]. The leaves are also used externally in the treatment of ague[240, 243]. The juice of the plant is used to treat cuts, wounds and bruises[272]. A paste of the leaves is used as a poultice to remove thorns from the skin[272]. A paste made of the leaves mixed with equal amounts of Bidens pilosa, Drymaria cordata, Galinsoga parviflora and the rhizome of Zingiber officinale is used to treat snakebites[272]. The juice of the flowerheads is used externally to treat scabies, whilst a paste of them is used to treat rheumatism[272]. A tea made from the flowerheads mixed with Ocimum tenuifolium is used to treat coughs and colds[272].

Known Hazards

None known