Anacyclus pyrethrum
| Anacyclus pyrethrum | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 1' |
| Width: | 1' |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Anacyclus pyrethrum (common name: mount atlas daisy)
Propagation: Seed - requires about 3 weeks cold stratification. Germination is best at a temperature around 13 - 16°c[1]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer[2].
Cuttings of softwood in the spring[2][1].
Cultivation: Requires a well-drained soil in full sun[2]. Plants are intolerant of excessive wet, especially in the winter, and will do better if covered by a pane of glass in the winter[2].
This species is hardy to at least -5°c, probably more if the ground is very well-drained[2].
Range: Mediterranean - Spain, Morocco and Algeria.
Medicinal: The root is a pungent acrid herb that stimulates the salivary glands and irritates the tissues, thereby increasing blood flow to the area[1]. It is used externally to treat toothache, facial neuralgia and chronic catarrh[1]. A gargle is used to soothe sore throats[3]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[1].
In Ayurvedic medicine the root is considered to be tonic and is used in the treatment of paralysis and epilepsy[3].
The diluted essential oil in the root is used in mouthwashes and to treat toothaches[3]. This oil should not be used internally, except under professional supervision[3].
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.