Arnica is a genus of plants of the natural order Compositae, consisting of some twelve species, one of which is found in Central Europe, Arnica montana (leopard's bane or mountain tobacco), but is not a native of Britain. It has a perennialroot, a stem about 60 cm high, bearing on the summit flowers of a bright-yellow colour. In every part of the plant there is an acrid resin and a volatile oil, and in the flowers an acrid bitter principle called arnicin. The root contains also a considerable quantity of tannin. A tincture of it is employed as an external application to wounds and bruises. Research Arnica
Aster is a genus of plants of the natural order Compositae, comprehending several hundred species, mostly natives of North America, although others are widely distributed. Many are cultivated as ornamental plants. One, Aster Tripolium, is native in Britain, and is found in salt marshes, having a pretty purple flower. Asters generally flower late in the season, and some are hence called Michaelmas or Christmas Daisies. The China Aster (Aster or Callistephus sinensis) is a very showy annual, of which there are many varieties. Research Aster
Noneset or thoroughwort (Eupatorium perfoliatum) is a useful annual plant of the natural order Compositae, indigenous to America, and easily recognized by its tall stem, about 140 cm in height, passing through the middle of a large double hairy leaf, and surmounted by a broad flat head of light purple flowers. It was formerly much used as a domestic medicine in the form of an infusion, having tonic and diaphoretic properties. Research Boneset
Burdock (Arctium Lappa) is a biennialherb of the family Compositae. The flower head is covered with small hooks and readily attaches itself to any passing body, thus securing wide distribution of its seeds. In Britain burdocks are regarded as troublesome weeds, but in some countries the roots, young shoots, and young leaves are used in soups, and the plant is cultivated with this view in Japan. It is common in North America. Research Burdock
Camomile or Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an annual perennial dwarf herb of the family Compositae found in Europe. The stem is hollow, round, downy, and furrowed. The leaves are pale green, sharply incised, sessile. The flowers are small, yellow-white. Camomile is used in medicine. Internally the infusion of the flowers is used for diarrhoea, dyspepsia, stomach problems, inflammation of the urinary system and painful menstruation. In external use, it is used in infusion, as a compresses over sores and wounds, skin diseases, haemorrhoid and inflammation of the eyes. The ground seeds produce the same effect. The decoction of the flowers or seeds is used to washmouthinflammation. It is a good aid for sitz bath. The steam (vapour) bath of the camomile tea is recommended for asthma in children, or the relieve the symptoms of a cold. Research Camomile
Canadian fleabane (Conyza canadensis) is an annual herb of the family Compositae with an erect, glabrous or slightly hairy stem, which is much branched near the top. The leaves are slightly hairy and linear to lanceolate. The numerous bell-shaped white and yellow flowers are arranged in long terminal panicles. The fruit is a yellow downy achene.
Canadian fleabane is native to North America, and was introduced to Europe during the 17th century. Research Canadian Fleabane
A capitulum is a type of flowering shoot characteristic of plants of the family Compositae in which the tip of the shoot is flattened and bears many small stalkless flowers surrounded by an involucre of bracts giving the appearance of a single flower. Research Capitulum
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Arnica
