Pellitory

This genus of nine species of annuals and perennials is native to Mediterranean. Several are cultivated for their finely cut foliage and daisy-like flowers. Anacyclus pyrethrum itself is rarely grown as an ornamental, but the prostrate variety, var. depressus, from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, is popular with rock garden enthusiasts. This modest herb has been widely used from medieval times to the present by Arabian, Asian, and European physicians. Culpeper recommended that "the herb or root dried and chewed in the mouth, purges the brain of phlegmatic humors; thereby not only easing pains in the head and teeth, but also hinders the distilling of the brain upon the lungs and eyes, thereby preventing coughs, phthisisks and consumption, the apoplexy and falling sickness" (The English Physician Enlarged, 1653). Anacyclus pyrethrum should not be confused with the insecticidal pyrethrum, which is from Tanacetum cinerariifolium (See tansy)

Low, rosette forming perennial, with finely divided, gray-green leaves, 10-14cm (4-5½in) long. Solitary, daisy-like flowers, 2.5-5cm (1-2in) across, are produced on 30cm (12in) stalks. They have yellow centers and white ray petals with a red stripe below.


Common Name:
Pellitory
Other Names:
Pellitory of Spain
Botanical Name:
Anacyclus pyrethrum
Genus:
Anacyclus
Family:
Asteraceae
Native Location:
Spain, Algeria, and Morocco
Cultivation:
Well-drained soil in sun. Dislikes wet winters.
Propagation:
By seed sown in autumn; by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer.
Harvest:
Roots are lifted in autumn, then dried and powdered or made into decoctions, lozenges, and tinctures.
Variations:
Depressus
Has a low-growing, compact habit and white ray petals with red undersides.
Height: 2.5-5cm (1-2in)
Width: 10cm (4in)
Height:
30cm (12in)
Width:
25-30cm (10-12in)
Hardiness:
Z6-10
Parts Used:
Roots
Various parts of the entire plant, frequently differing by country and culture
Chemical Constituents:
Pellitorine
Properties:
A pungent, acrid herb that stimulates the salivary glands and irritates the tissues, thereby increasing blood flow to the area.
Known Effects:
Kills insects.

Miscellaneous Information:
Tastes bitter.
Possible Additional Effects:
  • May relieve pain from toothache or gum infections
  • May relieve facial pain
  • May increase saliva flow
    		•
    Medicinal Uses:
    Externally for toothache, facial neuralgia, and chronic mucus.
    Culinary Uses:
    Essential oil from roots is used in liqueurs.
    Warnings and Precautions:
    		 Don't take if you:
  • Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan pregnancy in the near future
  • Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis or diverticulitis

    • Consult your doctor if you:
  • Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
  • Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs

    • Pregnancy:
    Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
    Breastfeeding:
    Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
    Infants and Children:
    Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
    Others:
    None are expected if you are beyond childhood, under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it only for a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dose.
    Storage:
  • Store in cool, dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
  • Store safely out of reach of children.
  • Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.
    Safe Dosage:
    Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
    • Adverse Reactions, Side Effects, or Overdose Symptoms:
    Signs and Symptoms What to Do
    Diarrhea Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Nausea or Vomiting Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Bibliography:
    Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 119
    Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 408-409