White Balsam, Rabbit-tobacco

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium

Physical Characteristics

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Ontario to Georgia and Alabama.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anaphrodisiac Antiphlogistic Antispasmodic Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Expectorant Sedative Vermifuge The whole plant is anaphrodisiac, antiphlogistic, astringent, diaphoretic, expectorant, vermifuge[4, 61]. It is used internally in the treatment of throat ulcers, chest complaints, intestinal and respiratory catarrh etc and is also applied externally as a poultice to bruises, indolent tumours etc[4, 254]. A tea made from the leaves and flowers is a mild nerve sedative, diuretic and antispasmodic[222]. The fresh juice is considered to be aphrodisiac[222]. It is anaphrodisiac according to another report[4]. The aromatic dried flowers are used as a filling for pillows, having a sedative effect which is beneficial to consumptives[4]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[4]. This has proved to be of benefit in the treatment of sciatica, lumbago and some forms of arthritis[4].

Known Hazards

None known