Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) Siam Weed

Chromolaena odorata (Siam Weed)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Chromolaena odorata

Family: Asteraceae

Genus: Chromolaena

Related Herbs from the same family:

Eclipta alba (Bhringraj/Bhringraja): A key Ayurvedic herb for hair growth, liver health, and as a rejuvenative (Rasayana) for the head.

Sphaeranthus indicus (Mundi/Gorakhmundi): Used in Ayurveda for skin diseases, digestive disorders, and as a nervine tonic.

Blumea lacera (Kukkuradru): Used for its anthelmintic, antipyretic, and diuretic properties.

The Asteraceae family, also known as the daisy or sunflower family, is one of the largest plant families. Many members contain essential oils and resins and are used for their anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and digestive properties.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Chromolaena odorata | English: Siam Weed, Christmas Bush, Bitter Bush | Sanskrit: Not applicable (non-native) | Hindi: Bhagani, German Pani | Tamil: Poovamkurunthal | Telugu: Pokok Kapal Terbang | Kannada: Seeme Davana | Malayalam: Communist Pacha | Marathi: Osiya | Bengali: Assam Lota | Thai: Saap Sua | French: Herbe du Laos |

3. Medicinal Uses:Wound Healing, Hemostatic (stops bleeding), Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Antispasmodic, Antifungal.

Medicinal Parts:The leaves are the primary part used, both fresh and as a juice or poultice.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Kaempferol): These are major contributors to the plant's Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory actions, which are crucial for wound healing.

Tannins: Astringent compounds that cause coagulation, explaining its potent Hemostatic (blood-clotting) property.

Essential Oils (α-Pinene, β-Caryophyllene): These volatile compounds have Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory effects.

Alkaloids and Terpenoids: Contribute to the overall Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, and Antifungal profile of the plant.

Saponins: Known for their Anti-inflammatory and membrane-permeabilizing properties, which may enhance the activity of other compounds.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Vrana Ropana (Wound Healing) & Raktastambhana (Stops Bleeding)

Formulation: Fresh leaf poultice or leaf juice.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are crushed, and the juice is applied directly to wounds, cuts, and burns. The crushed leaves can also be packed into the wound as a poultice.

Reasoning: The hemostatic effect of tannins stops bleeding quickly, while the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties prevent infection and reduce swelling, promoting rapid granulation and healing.

Jwara (Fever) & Kasa (Cough)

Formulation: Leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the leaves is consumed to treat fevers, colds, and coughs.

Reasoning: Its antipyretic property helps reduce fever, while its anti-inflammatory action can soothe respiratory tract inflammation.

Krimi (Intestinal Worms) & Udara Shoola (Stomach Ache)

Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The leaf juice is taken orally to expel intestinal worms and relieve associated stomach cramps.

Reasoning: The anthelmintic and antispasmodic properties help paralyze and expel worms while relieving abdominal pain.

Twak Vikara (Skin Infections) & Dadru (Ringworm)

Formulation: Leaf paste.

Preparation & Use: The leaf paste is applied topically to treat fungal infections like ringworm, as well as other skin sores and rashes.

Reasoning: The potent antifungal and antimicrobial compounds directly attack the pathogens causing the infection.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

It is used almost exclusively as a medicine.

Emergency Wound Healer Poultice

Purpose: To stop bleeding and prevent infection in fresh cuts and wounds.

Preparation & Use:

• Clean a handful of fresh leaves.

• Crush them thoroughly into a juicy paste.

• Apply directly to the wound and bandage. Change the poultice every 6-12 hours.

Antipyretic Decoction

Purpose: To reduce fever.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil 10-15 leaves in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes.

• Strain and allow to cool. Drink 1/4 cup of this decoction twice a day.

Antifungal Paste for Ringworm

Purpose: To treat ringworm and other superficial fungal infections.

Preparation & Use:

• Grind fresh leaves with a small amount of water to make a fine paste.

• Apply to the affected area twice daily until the infection clears.

7. Disclaimer:Chromolaena odorata is a highly effective topical agent for wounds. However, it is considered an invasive weed in many parts of the world. Internal use should be approached with caution as the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be hepatotoxic (liver-damaging) in high doses or with prolonged use. Internal consumption is not recommended without expert guidance. Always ensure the plant is correctly identified before use.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Medicinal Plants of the World by Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink

• Ethnobotanical Leaflets (Various Research Publications)

• Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Research Papers on C. odorata)

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Eclipta alba (Bhringraj)* Species: Eclipta alba | Family: Asteraceae | Genus: Eclipta* Similarities: Both are members of the Asteraceae family and are renowned for their wound-healing properties. While Chromolaena is used for fresh wounds, Bhringraj is also a key herb for hair growth and liver health.

2. Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola/Mandukaparni)* Species: Centella asiatica | Family: Apiaceae | Genus: Centella* Similarities: Both are spectacular wound healers and are used to promote collagen formation and skin repair. Gotu Kola is more integrated into Ayurveda as a Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic).

3. Calendula officinalis (Marigold)* Species: Calendula officinalis | Family: Asteraceae | Genus: Calendula* Similarities: Both are from the Asteraceae family and are top-tier remedies for skin wounds, cuts, and inflammation. Calendula is widely used in Western herbalism in creams and salves for its vulnerary (wound-healing) properties.

-x-x-x-End-x-x-x-