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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.


PYRETHRUM, DALMATION
(Chrysanthemum cinarariaefolium)
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PROPAGATION: By seed (just cover).
NEEDS: Full sun and good soil.
HARVEST: Flowers (just before the rays are fully extended).

A commercial source of pyrethrin used for insecticides. The flowers are dried, then pulverized to a powder and mixed with water and a little alcohol for insecticidal spray. Used against aphids, pickleworms, leaf hoppers, spider mites, harlequin bugs, cabbage worms, and ticks.

An insecticidal spray can be made using your own flowers. Two recipes follow.

1. Steep 4 oz. of pyrethrum powder in 2/3 C. denatured alcohol. Dilute with 13 gallons of water to spray.

2. Mix 1 Tbsp freshly ground dried flowers with 2 quarts of hot water; add a little soft soap (should not contain degreasers; use something like Ivory dishliquid); add 2 Tbsp vodka (or denatured alcohol which is better); let stand 20 minutes and spray.



©2001 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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