Herb: Thorn Skeletonweed


Latin name: Stephanomeria spinosa


Synonyms: Lygodesmia spinosa


Family: Compositae



Medicinal use of Thorn Skeletonweed:

The roots are diaphoretic. A decoction of the crushed roots has been used in the treatment of colds. A decoction of the crushed root has been used as a herbal steam bath to cause sweating in the treatment of colds, mumps and tuberculosis. The leaves and stems are antiemetic, astringent and emetic. A decoction of the plant tops has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea. The decoction has been used externally as an eyewash. A poultice of the cottony fuzz (probably the seed floss) has been applied to sores and boils to promote their healing. The cottony fuzz has also been placed in the cavity of an aching tooth to relieve the pain.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial

Habitat of the herb:

Sandy rocky soils under dry conditions at elevations of 1500 - 2800 metres in sagebrush scrub, pinyon-juniper woodland and yellow pine forest communities California.

Cultivation of Thorn Skeletonweed:

Sandy rocky soils under dry conditions at elevations of 1500 - 2800 metres in sagebrush scrub, pinyon-juniper woodland and yellow pine forest communities California.

Known hazards of Stephanomeria spinosa:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.