Antennaria dioica
Botanical Nomenclature | Antennaria dioica |
Common Name | Catsfoot, Cudweed, Mountain Everlasting, Stoloniferous Pussytoes |
Taxonomy- Family | Compositae or Asteraceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Antennaria dioica is a perennial plant growing from 10 to 20cm, with white and pubescent underneath, upper ones green, oblong at the base and lanceolate near the stem leaves. The male flowers are white, while the female are pink. The flowering and the harvesting take place from May to August. |
Region Found | Ioannina (Gramos, Smolikas, Pindos) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Flowers |
Active Substances | Tannins, essential oil, resins, bitter agents |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea is used as antitussive, astringent, cholagogue, diuretic and emollient. It is recommended for the treatment of hepatitis, diarrhea, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and various liver and gallbladder diseases. It is applied externally to the skin to heal the wounds as well against vaginitis (vaginal washes). |
Method of Administration | It is administered in the form of herbal tea (a quantity of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, 2-3 times a day), as well in the form of tincture and herbal extract for both oral or external use. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | Plant's consumption may cause allergic reactions, especially to people who are sensitive to Bellis perennis and Chrysanthemum coronarium. People with hypertension should avoid the use of this plant, because it can increase blood pressure. Finally, Antennaria dioica should be avoided during pregnancy. |
References | 1) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Antennaria+dioica 2)http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Antennaria_dioica 3)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/a/antennaria-dioica=catsfoot.php 4)https://www.richters.com/Web_store/web_store.cgi?product=X1672&show=&prodclass=Herb_and_Vegetable_Seeds&source=799158.29456 5)https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/catsfo38.html#con 6)http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/plants-c/bio414/species%20pages/Antennaria%20marginata.htm |