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Monday, February 6

Blumea balsamifera



Description:

Subshrub 1-2m. high. Stems striate-furrowed, much-branched at the top. Leaves alternate, bearing some linear segments at the base; margins toothed. Inflorescence in terminal corymb of many heads; flowers yellow. Achene hairy. All parts of the plant are clothed with a velvety tomentum and smell of camphor.

Flowering period:

March - August.

Distribution:

Grows wild in the mountains and the midlands.

Parts used:

The leaves, collected in summer, are air-dried. The fresh leaves are occasionally used. Camphor and borneol are obtained from leaves by distillation.

Chemical composition:

The essential oil from the leaves contains L-borneol, D-camphor and cineol.

Therapeutic uses:

The leaves have antibacterial, antifebrile and anodyne properties. They are prescribed in the treatment of coryza, fever, influenza, cough and dyspepsia, in a daily dose of 6 to 12g in a decoction and also by inhalation of vapour from a boiling decoction of fresh leaves. Poultices of pounded leaves are used to treat haemorrhoids and an alcoholic maceration serves as a liniment for rheumatism. Borneol is administered in a dose of 0.10 to 0.20g per day for colic, chest pains, cough, sore throat, and toothache. External application is effective against impetigo.

Source: Medicinal plants in Viet Nam (Institute of Materia Medica - HANOI - WHO/WPRO, 1990, 444 p.)

1 comment:

  1. "local poughkeepsie" via NoahDavidSimon : in Google ReaderApril 5, 2011 at 10:28 AM

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