- Chrysanthemum leucanthemum L.
- Composite family
Parts Usually Used
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
White weed is a perennial plant; the furrowed, simple or sparingly
branched stem grows from 1-3 feet high and bears alternate, toothed,
sessile and clasping leaves. Both stem and radical leaves are spatulate
or obovate with rounded ends; the radical leaves are more strongly
toothed. The stem, and the branch, if any, is topped by a solitary
flower head with yellow disk and white rays.
Grows in fields and waste places over most of North America, Europe,
and Asia as a common weed.
Diaphoretic, diuretic, irritant
White weed is very seldom used today. Can promote sweating and used
to treat urinary and dropsical problems. Used to treat pulmonary diseases,
palsy, sciatica, runny
eyes, and gout. Externally;
applied to promote the flow of blood to the surface and to treat warts,
pustules, ulcers, wounds,
bruises. The dried plant and even the flowers of the common daisy,
boiled up with some honey, have been recommended as an alleviant to
attacks of asthma.