Siegesbeckia orientalis pubescens

Physical Characteristics

Siegesbeckia orientalis pubescens is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan and Korea.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[177, 178]. The leaves need to be leeched in order to remove a toxin[179].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Blood tonic Cardiac Febrifuge Salve The whole plant is anodyne, cardiac, febrifuge, salve, stimulates blood circulation[4, 147, 158, 178]. The juice of the plant is used externally in the treatment of ringworm, other parasitic infections and as a protective cover for wounds[4, 272]. A paste of the plant is applied to wounds between the toes that have been caused by prolonged walking barefoot in muddy water[272]. A decoction of the plant is also used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, pains and aches in the legs and sides, hemiplegia, hypertension, sciatica, weeping dermatitis and mastitis[147]. A paste of the root is used in the treatment of indigestion[272]. The juice of the root is applied to wounds[272].

Known Hazards

None known