Description

Annual plant growing to 8 in (20 cm). Has narrow silver-grey leaves and tiny yellow flower heads.

Habitat & Cultivation

Marsh cudweed is native to Europe, the Caucasus, and western Asia, and is naturalized in North America. It prefers damp areas, and is gathered in summer when in flower.

Parts Used

Aerial parts.

Constituents

Marsh cudweed contains a volatile oil and tannins.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

While little used medicinally today, marsh cudweed has astringent, antiseptic, and decongestant properties. In British herbal medicine, it is occasionally taken for tonsillitis, sore throat, and hoarseness, and for mucus in the throat, nasal passages, and sinuses. Marsh cudweed is used in Russia to reduce high blood pressure. It is thought to be antidepressant and aphrodisiac.

Related Species

A North American relative, G. polycephalum, was used to treat respiratory and intestinal congestion, and was applied as a poultice for bruises. G. keriense, native to New Zealand, is also considered a remedy for bruises.