Dicoma anomala Seeds - Fever Bush, Stomach Bush - Indigenous South African Shrub

Dicoma anomala Seeds

Fever Bush, Stomach Bush

Dicoma anomala is a highly variable plant characterized by its stiff, sharp-pointed bracts, large flower heads and mauve-white florets surrounded by many white bristles. Dicoma anomala is a prostrate, decumbent or erect perennial herb with an underground tuber. With Afrikaans names such as koorsbossie (translated as fever bush) and maagbossie (stomach bush), it is not surprising that Dicoma anomala is used medicinally. Root decoctions are administered orally or as enemas to children believed to be suffering from blood disorders. The root decoctions are used as a purgative for intestinal worms, colic, diarrhoea, dysentery, toothache, as an ingredient for sterilization medication and for haemorrhoids. The root decoctions are also mixed with plants called melkbos for fever, hence the Afrikaans name koorbossie. Plants parts of Dicoma anomala are said to be used for coughs and respiratory complaints. Roots are sometimes chewed by the Xhosa to induce vomiting when there is suspicion that poisoned food has been ingested.