The Medicinal Weed
SIAM WEED
The Siam weed is a widely distributed tropical medicinal shrub. It can be referred to as independent leaf, Queen Elizabeth weed , In some part of Nigeria it is called "EWE AKINTOLA" , It is locally called COMMUNIST PACHA in the south India ,In some part of North America it is called CHIMUYO and some part of Europe it is called SIAM KRAUT, The name given to the weed varies with respect to the country or area in which they are found.
The scientific name is "chromolaena odorata", It is scientifically classified into:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Spermatophyta
Subphylum: Angiospermae
Class: Dicotyledonae
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Chromolaena
Species: C. odorata
The nomenclature is of historical significance as the plant flourishing in Nigeria during the era of Nigeria's independence from colonial masters.
In Western Africa the plant was accidentally introduced with forestry seeds. It was introduced as an ornamental in Southern Africa, and also to control Imperata grasses in Ivory Coast.
In Sri Lanka ,it is a major weed that exist where plantations can be found
Description
It is a multi-stemmed shrub to 2.5 m (100 inches) tall in open areas. It has soft stems but the base of the shrub is woody. The plant is hairy and glandular and the leaves give off a pungent, aromatic odour when crushed.
[Source](Researched,seen physically and snapped with my phone)
Medicinal Benefits
The Siam plant is rated very high in healing all manner of bruises, burns, wounds and sores. It possesses all the medicinal actions required of a perfect wound healing and soothing herb. This plant is a strong topical and internal ANALGESIC (pain reliever). Little wonder it also finds its application in herbal medicine practice as a nice remedy for rheumatic affections.
Siam weed reduces SPASMS in the body when consumed as prescribed. This activity, in addition to its antibiotic property explains why many people drink the tea made from Siam weed for COUGH.
This weed combats both BACTERIA and FUNGI growths extensively. So the wound is sanitised or disinfected from harmful microorganisms.
An extract of Siam weed which we regard as troublesome weed is marketed as a veritable and efficacious skin, burns, wounds and soft tissue healing remedy.
It can also be used to arrest bleeding because Siam weed contains STYPTIC and ASTRINGENT effect which can stop bleeding when applied directly to wound spot.
Preparation and Usage
A. The leaves and stem should be boiled with a little quantity of water for 20-30min in which after the water will be allowed to cold and consumed directly to the body according to proportion told to be used .
B. It can also be crushed to bring out water which can be applied to the body directly to stop bleeding or for any skin related benefit purposes like the skin burns and others.
Knowledge truly is power. As you rightly said , it's Elizabeth weed in my village too. We used to squeeze out the juice when I was a child on bruises but never knew the significant antiseptic and antibiotic power. Thank you for increasing my knowledge.
Cheetah upvoted you bro
It's very important for this [local] knowledge to be spread to the next generation / to more people.