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Tithonia

tithonia diversifolia


Other Common Names:

Mexican Sunflower, Tree Marigold, Mexican Tournesol, Nitobe Chrysanthemum, Japanese Sunflower


Names in Other Languages:

Jalacate (Spanish), Guasmara (Spanish), Kembang Mbulan (Japanese), Kembang (Indonesian), Thantawan-nu (Thai), Daoruang-yipun (Thai), Benchamatnam (Thai)


Similar Species:

aspilia africana


Brief History:

Tithonia diversifolia is native to Central America and the West Indies, but because of its effectiveness in treating a number of different health concerns it was introduced to China, Japan, Thaiwan, and other Asian countries and has become popular in Chinese medicine.

Tithonia was later introduced to Kenya, where it spread rapidly like a weed across all across the tropical parts of Africa. In most African countries it is seen as a weed, but in recent years has been gaining popularity in indigenous African medicine.


Botanical Description:

Family: asteraceae

Depending on the climate tithonia diversifolia may be either annual or perennial. It is often called a tree, growing up to 3 meters (9 feet) high, but in appearance it more resembles a thick bush or woody shrub.

The flowers of the Tithonia plant resembled small sunflowers and are bright yellow or orange in color.

The leaves are sub-ovate, serrate, acute, with 3-7 lobes, and measure about 10-40 centimeters long.


Cultivation:

In Mexico and parts of Asia tithonia diversifolia is considered a very useful medicinal plant while in parts of Africa it is considered to be more of a weed.


Traditional Uses:

A tea made from the leaf is used in treating stomachache, liver pains, constipation, indigestion, sore throat, and has also used sometimes to treat abdomen pain during pregnancy. The pounded leaves can be applied externally to the skin for cases of dermatitis or itching skin.

Extracts from the leaf have been used in cases of malaria.

A tea made from the flower has been used to treat bacillary dysentery or used externally to wash the skin to relieve eczema. The flower has also been used in the treatments of bone fractures, sprains, contusions, etc.

Tithonia is said to be very useful in improving the function of the liver.

The root and bark are used as a strong laxative or to induce vomiting. A decoction of the root is also used sometimes as an antidote for snakebite.

In addition to its medicinal benefits, Tithonia is also useful as a fertilizer, animal feed, insecticide, nematicide, and as an ornamental plant.


Dosage:

For External Use:

Crush the leaf until it become soft and juicy, use as a poultice or rub the juice into the affected skin. Dried leaves can be applied to wounds to aid healing.


For Internal Use:  

When making a tea or decoction from the leaves, only HALF of a leaf is used per day for adults. The leaf is ground into small pieces, mixed with water, and drunk.


Possible Side Effects:


If you experience any severe side effects or allergic reactions (itching, rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in chest, or any form of swelling), seek medical attention right away!


Warnings!

There is not enough research done regarding what negative effects there may be in the long-term use of Tithonia or in the consumption of large amounts. It is possible that taking Tithonia internally may lead to liver or kidney problems, irregular heart beat, or impaired function of various internal organs.

 

Drug Interactions:

Check with your doctor or health care practitioner before taking with any prescription drugs.


Specific Recommendations for Using Tithonia

The following information is categorized according to the most common or popular uses of Tithonia and ending with the least common or less researched claims.


Name of Ailment

Description Here!

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References

* Comparative Phytochemical and Physicochemical Properties of Aspilia africana and Tithonia diversifolia Leaves by Modern Scientific Press Company, Florida, USA

* The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa by J. M. Dalziel, MD

* Medicinal Plants of East Africa by J.O. Kokwaro

* http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-medical-uses-of-tithonia-diversifolia.htm

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithonia_diversifolia


Images of Tithonia

(click on an image to enlarge)


























Traditional Uses:

* Abdomen Pain in Pregnancy

* Athlete’s Foot

* Bacillary Dysentery

* Bone Fractures

* Bruises

* Constipation

* Contusions

* Cough

* Cystitis

* Dermatitis

* Diarrhea

* Diuretic

* Eczema

* Edema (fluid retention)

* Gastrointestinal Disorders

* Headache

* Hemorrhage (piles)

* Hepatitis

* High Blood Pressure

* Hypocalcemia

* Indigestion

* Itchy Skin

* Induce Vomiting

* Jaundice

* Joint Pain

* Laxative

* Liver Function

* Liver Pain

* Malaria

* Measles

* Menstrual Pains

* Night Sweats

* Snakebite

* Sore Throat

* Sprains

* Stomach Pain

* Ticks

* Typhoid

* Wounds



Nutrients Found in Tithonia

* Carbohydrates

* Fiber

* Protein


Properties and Actions:

* Analgesic

* Anti-bacterial

* Anti-diarrhoeic

* Anti-fungal

* Anti-inflammatory

* Anti-malaria

* Anti-parasitic

* Anti-plasmodial

* Anti-proliferation

* Anti-spasmodic

* Cardiac Glycosides

* Diuretic

* Diversifol

* Flavonoids

* Saponins

* Sulphurein

* Tagitinins A, B, C and F

* Tannins

* Tirotundin

* Tithonine