Subshrub 1-2m. high. Stems striate-furrowed, much-branched at the top. Leaves alternate, bearing some linear segments at the base; margins toothed. Inflorescence in terminal corymb of many heads; flowers yellow. Achene hairy. All parts of the plant are clothed with a velvety tomentum and smell of camphor.
Flowering period:
March – August.
Distribution:
Grows wild in the mountains and the midlands.
Parts used:
The leaves, collected in summer, are air-dried. The fresh leaves are occasionally used. Camphor and borneol are obtained from leaves by distillation.
Chemical composition:
The essential oil from the leaves contains L-borneol, D-camphor and cineol.
Therapeutic uses:
The leaves have antibacterial, antifebrile and anodyne properties. They are prescribed in the treatment of coryza, fever, influenza, cough and dyspepsia, in a daily dose of 6 to 12g in a decoction and also by inhalation of vapour from a boiling decoction of fresh leaves. Poultices of pounded leaves are used to treat haemorrhoids and an alcoholic maceration serves as a liniment for rheumatism. Borneol is administered in a dose of 0.10 to 0.20g per day for colic, chest pains, cough, sore throat, and toothache. External application is effective against impetigo.
Source: Medicinal plants in Viet Nam (Institute of Materia Medica – HANOI – WHO/WPRO, 1990, 444 p.)
August 1st, 2007
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