The infusion of groundsel is taken in fever & treating stomach disorders.
The decoction of the groundsel leaves is applied to chapped hands.
It is used in the treatment of menstrual disorders & nose bleeds.
Groundsel can also be used for rheumatism, sciatica, joint pains, lung ailments, dysentery, diarrhea, lumbago, wounds, bronchial asthma, constipation, ulcers, colic, intestinal problems, as a blood purifier & for high blood pressure, canker sores, chronic sores, toothache, coughs & colds.
Common groundsel has been used to promote menstruation & it has been used to expel parasitic worms & other internal parasites.
PRECAUTIONS:
This plant should not be used by pregnant women.
It can wreak havoc on your liver if consumed in high doses over a long period of time.
There are a few cases of people repeatedly drinking tea made with common groundsel who have then developed hepatic veno-occlusive disease, where the veins of the liver are blocked by damaged tissue & don’t drain properly.
RECIPES:
For gout, it was recommended to pound it with lard & lay it to the feet.
A poultice of the leaves, applied to the pit of the stomach, is said to cause the same emetic effect as a dose of the strong infusion.
A poultice made with salt is said to disperse knots & kernels in the flesh.
MAGIC & FOLKLORE:
This will rid the entire place of any & all evil influences.
Groundsel was also used as a counter-charm against witchcraft & also as a charm to prevent witches stealing milk.
Pieces of the root were used as amulets against the evil-eye.
Women also wore an amulet of Groundsel to prevent other women transferring the milk yield of the amulet – wearer’s cow to themselves.
