Medicinal Plants : Anacyclus pyrethrum

Name

Pellitory

Biological Name

Anacyclus pyrethrum, Pyrethrum radix

Other Names

Pellitory, Akarakara, Akarkara, Aquarqarha, Akkirakaram, Akkalkara, Akkarakaram, Pellitory of Spain, Pyrethre, Pyrethrum, Roman Pellitory, Spanish Camomile

Description

This herb is found in North Africa, in the Mediterranean, Himalayas, North India and Arabian countries.

Parts Used

Root

Active Compounds

This herb contains an essential volatile oil and an alkaloid, pellitorin or pyrethrin. It has alkamides, lignane (including sesamine), inulin (fructosan) and tannins. Alkamides includes deca-2,4-dien acid-isobutylamide, anacycline, and dehydroanacycline.

It is believed that application of this herb to the skin stimulates the nerve ends that may result in redness, and irritation accompanied by a hot, burning sensation.

Remedies For

Root of this herb is a valuable sialogogue. It is often used as a tonic to the nervous system. It is powerfully irritant. It is also used for rheumatic conditions, and to aid in digestion. Also useful for toothaches (use as a gargle). It is also used as an insecticide. Other applications include treatment for epilepsy, paralysis, hemiplegia, and for sore throat and tonsils. Some herbalists suggest that this herb may be useful for diabetes.

Dosage

Preparation: powder, pills, paste, tonic.

1. Powder: Blow Pellitory combination herbal powder into the nose for Epilepsy.

2. Pill: 1 to 5 grs. of Pellitory Combination Pill is given to children for irritability of temper, wakefulness, painful dentition, diarrhea, colic and vomiting.

3. Churna: Take 6 grains of Akara Karabhadi Churna for impotence and chronic bowel complaints.

4. Boil 35 grs. in water. It is given as drink in diabetes.

Safety

No health hazards or side effects are reported if this herb is used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Overdoses may result in irritation, due to the mucus-membrane-stimulating characteristics of the alkamides found in this herb.