Your lesser known native of the week - Centipeda minima.
From the Native Herb Group
Centipeda minima, C. cunninghamiana
Family Asteraceae
Common name:
Sneezeweed, spreading sneezeweed, old man weed, gukwonderuk
Description
Low aromatic perennials with ascending stems bearing entire sessile toothed leaves. Flowers are green button-like flower heads consisting of tubular florets.
Distribution
Widespread distribution in New South Wales and Victoria, usually in open sunny locations adjacent to watercourses. C. minima is also found in southern Asia.
Part used
Dried herb, leaves, seeds.
Constituents
Essential oil - chrysanthenyl acetate
Triterpenoid saponins
Polyacetylenes
Sesquiterpene lactone
Bitter principle - myriogenin
Coumarin, flavonoid, lignan
Actions
Anti-inflammatory, antiallergy, sternutatory, antiseptic, anthelmintic, adaptogen
Indications
Opthalmic disorders - conjunctivitis, purulent ophthalmia, smarting eyes
· Sinusitus, rhinitis, common cold
· Bronchitis, tuberculosis
· Difficult concentration
· Externally for sores, wounds
· Inhaled as snuff for catarrhal conditions, colds and headaches.
Preparations
Infusion
Tincture 1:5, 2-3 ml TDS
Toxicity
None cited