BURR MARIGOLD. Bidens tripartita. N.O. Compositae.
Synonym : Water Agrimony.
Habitat : Ditches, by waterways, and in wet places generally ; also cultivated in gardens.
Features : Erect, smooth, angular, brown-spotted stem, two to three feet high. Leaves opposite, stalked, smooth, serrate, usually in three or five segments. Flowers (July to September) in terminal heads, small, tawny.
Numerous seeds, four-cornered, reflexed prickles. Root tapering, many-fibred.
Part used : Whole plant.
Action : Astringent, diuretic, diaphoretic.
Dropsy, gout and bleeding of the urinary and respiratory organs, as well as uterine hemorrhage. 1 ounce to 1 pint infusion, in wineglass doses, three or four times daily. Ginger is usually added to this herb. Hool recommends 2 ounces Burr Marigold to 1 of crushed Ginger in 3 pints of water simmered down to 1 quart, given in the above quantity five times daily, or oftener if necessary.
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