Pluchea dioscoridis
StarPluchea dioscoridis
Synonyms: Conyza kraussii, Conyza dioscoridis, Conyza modatensis, Blumea baccharoides, Conyza baccharoides, Dimorphanthes aegyptiaca, Conyza odora, Pluchea kraussii, Baccharis aegyptiaca, Conyza echinoides, Baccharis dioscoridis
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Egyptian and Sinai folk medicine Pluchea dioscoridis is used for the treatment of gastric ulcer, colic, rheumatic pains, and colds, as a carminative, and to relieve epilepsy in children; the leaves are applied externally for inflammatory and skin complaints (Boulos, 1983; Lev & Amar, 2002). Modern phytochemical study confirms a sesquiterpene-rich essential oil with documented antimicrobial activity.
Botanical Description
Pluchea dioscoridis (syn. Conyza dioscoridis) is a robust, aromatic perennial shrub of the Asteraceae, reaching 1-3 m tall, widespread along the Nile delta, Mediterranean coast, Sinai, and the Egyptian deserts as well as the wider eastern Mediterranean and Arabian region. It has erect, much-branched woody stems bearing alternate, sessile, ovate to lanceolate leaves with toothed margins and a strong resinous-camphoraceous scent when bruised. The numerous small flower heads are grouped in dense terminal corymbs; each head contains many pinkish-purple to mauve disc and slender female florets surrounded by an imbricate involucre. The fruit is a tiny ribbed achene topped with a pappus of fine bristles that aids wind dispersal. The plant thrives on riverbanks, ditches, canal edges, and disturbed moist saline ground, flowering through much of the warm season.
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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