Tropical chinchweed
StarPectis elongata
Synonyms: Pectis fasciculiflora, Lorentea polycephala, Pectis floribunda, Pectis plumieri, Pectis elongata var. divaricata, Pectis elongata var. floribunda, Pectis polycephala, Pectis elongata var. oerstediana, Chthonia elongata, Pectis stricta, Pectis oerstediana
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In northern Brazil, Pectis elongata (known as 'limãozinho' or 'cominho') is used in folk medicine as an infusion of the lemon-scented leaves to treat fevers, colds, hypotension, genitourinary and gastric complaints, and pain, the leaf tea being taken as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic remedy (de Lima et al., 2023). Pharmacological study of the essential oil has confirmed significant antinociceptive and antiedematogenic activity in animal models, mediated by opioid and nitrergic pathways.
Gallery
Botanical Description
Pectis elongata is a small, strongly lemon-scented annual herb of the daisy family (Asteraceae), reaching about 10 to 40 cm tall. Its slender, often reddish stems bear opposite, narrowly linear leaves dotted with translucent oil glands and fringed at the base with a few bristles, releasing a citral aroma when crushed. The small yellow flower heads carry both ray and disc florets and are borne singly or in loose clusters at the branch tips, followed by slender, ribbed achenes tipped with bristly pappus. The species ranges through Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and tropical South America, including the Amazon basin of northern Brazil, growing in open, disturbed and seasonally dry ground. Its essential oil is dominated by citral and limonene, giving the plant its lemon scent and aromatic, spice-like quality.
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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