Achyrocline alata
StarAchyrocline alata
Synonyms: Achyrocline flavescens, Achyrocline rufescens, Gnaphalium alatum, Achyrocline madioides, Achyrocline pterocaula, Gnaphalium alausense, Gnaphalium rufescens, Gnaphalium incanum, Gnaphalium vauthierianum, Achyrocline argentina
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In southern and central-western South America, Achyrocline alata is used in folk medicine and is locally marketed as a medicinal herb, for example in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The flowering tops and aerial parts are prepared as infusions taken as an anti-inflammatory and a sedative, and as a digestive or stomachic remedy (South American ethnopharmacological literature). Experimental studies of the species have reported anti-inflammatory activity and the ability to promote repair of skin wounds, supporting aspects of its traditional reputation.
Botanical Description
Achyrocline alata is an aromatic herb in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to subtropical South America, where it grows mainly in Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia and the southern and central-western regions of Brazil in open grassland, cerrado and disturbed sunny ground. It is one of the South American everlastings of the "marcela" group, related to Achyrocline satureioides. The plant is an erect, branching herb or subshrub with stems that are conspicuously winged (alate), a feature reflected in its epithet, and with narrow, greyish, somewhat woolly leaves. The tiny flower heads are crowded into dense, flat-topped to rounded terminal clusters and are creamy yellow to golden, with dry, papery (scarious) bracts that persist as the heads dry. As an everlasting it retains its form when picked and dried, and the flowering tops are gathered for traditional use. It carries Guarani-derived local names such as jatei-ka-ha.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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