Balsam,White
November 14th, 2007Botanical Name : Gnaphalium polycephalum
Family: N.O. Asteraceæ
Synonyms: Indian Posy. Sweet-scented Life Everlasting. Old Field Balsam. Gnaphalium Obtusifolium or Blunt-leaved Everlasting. Gnaphalium Connoideum. Fragrant Everlasting.Balsam fir, Colorado fir, Concolor fir, Oyamel de California, Silver fir, White balsam, White fir None-so-Pretty. Catsfoot. Silver Leaf.
Parts Used: Herb, leaves, flowers.
Habitat: Virginia, Pennsylvania and New England.
Description: This indigenous herbaceous annual has an erect, whitish, woolly, and much branched stem, one or two feet high. The leaves are alternate; sessile, lanceolate, acute, and entire; flowers tubular and yellow.
Leaves lanceolate; stalk tomentose, panicled; flowers tubular, yellow, glomerate, conical, terminating; stems single, . Corollas yellow, flowering July to August. Leaves have a pleasant aromatic smell and an aromatic, slightly bitter, astringent, agreeable taste. The Antennaria Margaritacea or Gnaphalium Margaritacea, or Pearl-flowered Life Everlasting, has the same properties as White Balsam.
History. : Old Field Balsam is found in Canada and various parts of the United States, growing in old fields and on dry barren lands, flowering in July and August. The leaves have a pleasant, aromatic smell, and are the parts used. They readily yield their properties to water.
Properties and Uses. : It is an astringent. Ulcerations of the mouth and throat are relieved by chewing the leaves and blossoms. In fevers a warm infusion is found to be very serviceable; also in quinsy, and pulmonary and tronchial complaints. It is also valuable, in infusion, for diseases of the bowels and hemorrhages; and the leaves, applied to bruises, indolent tumors, and other local affections, are very efficacious.
Medicinal Action and Uses:
Astringent. Beneficial for ulcerations of the throat and mouth; warm infusions used to produce diaphoresis; also of service in quinsy, pulmonary complaints, leucorrhÅ“a. Can be used internally and as a local application, likewise used as fomentations to bruises, indolent tumours. An infusion given in diseases of the bowels – hæmorrhages etc. The fresh juice is reputed anti-venereal and anti-aphrodisiac; the cold infusion vermifugal; the dried flowers are used as a sedative filling for the pillows of consumptives. A tincture is made from whole plant.
ANTEMARIA MARGARITACEA, or Pearl-flowered Life Everlasting, a perennial, possesses similar medicinal qualities.
Click to learn about:CATSFOOT ,CUDWEED ,LIFE EVERLASTING ,GNAPLIALIUM
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider
Resources:
http://www.the-family-doctor.com/a-modern-herbal/b/Balsam,-White.htm
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=16785
http://chestofbooks.com/health/herbs/O-Phelps-Brown/
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