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Anthemis cotula Mayweed (1 Page of 5) The Anthemis cotula plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Compositae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Mayweed. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Anthemis cotula Common Name: Mayweed Family: Compositae Author: L. Known Hazards: The whole plant is penetrated by an acrid juice, touching or ingesting the plant can cause allergies in some people[4, 222]. Mature Height: 0.6 Mature Width: 0.25 Habitat: Waste places usually on heavy soil[4, 17].
Medicinal Information: Mayweed is closely related to camomile, but is far less effective as a medicine[254]. It has been used as an antispasmodic and to induce menstruation and was traditionally used to treat supposedly hysterical conditions related to the uterus[254]. It is rarely used in contemporary herbal medicine[254].
The whole plant is antispasmodic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue and tonic[4, 61]. It is used internally as a tea, which can be made either from the flowers or the whole plant, though the flowers are less unpleasant and so are more commonly used[4]. An infusion is used in the treatment of a variety of complaints such as rheumatism, epilepsy, asthme, colds and fevers[257]. Applied externally, it is used as a poultice on piles or to draw splinters out of the body, and can also be applied to the bath water[4, 257].
The leaves are rubbed onto insect stings[222]. Some people are allergic to the plant and this remedy could give them painful blisters[240].
This herb is contraindicated for pregnant women or nursing mothers[254].
For further Anthemis cotula gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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