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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


RAGWORT
a.k.a St. Jameswort, Golden Ragwort
(Senecio aureus)
imageImage

HARVEST: Above-ground plant in August.

USES

MEDICINAL:
Leaves are emollient and used as a poultice.
Green leaves have been used for relieving inflammation and swelling of joints, for mouth sores and ulcerated throat.
Leaves said to stop pain of bee sting.
Juice is cooling and astringent and has been used for washing burns, eye inflammation, sores and cancerous ulcers.
Historically used to treat rheumatism, sciatica, and gout.

DYE:
Leaves produce a green dye. Flowers produce a yellow dye.

VETERINARY:
Toxic to cattle, but liked by sheep. Said to cure staggers in horses.



©2000 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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