Three-Lobed Bur-Marigold (Bidens tripartita)
in Traditional Herbal Medicine
in Traditional Herbal Medicine
Three-lobed bur-marigold has long been used to treat skin conditions in both adults and children. In Russian folk tradition, the plant is known by many names, including scrofula herb, beggar-ticks, marsh arrow, two-tooth herb, dog bur, and others. The plant was extremely popular in Russia, where it was harvested across 29 provinces.
Infusions made from the herb are traditionally used internally to support the body during colds, and externally to treat exudative diathesis, pyoderma, atopic dermatitis, and eczema of various origins. A Russian herbal medical guide from 1893 states that the plant was believed to help relieve coughs and thin thick mucus. Fresh green herb was also traditionally applied to wounds from venomous snake bites to promote healing. Additionally, the leaves and flowers were historically used to produce bright yellow, cream, and brown dyes for silk and wool fabrics.
Infusions made from the herb are traditionally used internally to support the body during colds, and externally to treat exudative diathesis, pyoderma, atopic dermatitis, and eczema of various origins. A Russian herbal medical guide from 1893 states that the plant was believed to help relieve coughs and thin thick mucus. Fresh green herb was also traditionally applied to wounds from venomous snake bites to promote healing. Additionally, the leaves and flowers were historically used to produce bright yellow, cream, and brown dyes for silk and wool fabrics.
Harvesting and Storage
The aerial parts of the plant are collected during the budding and early flowering stages, typically in the first half of June. Leafy tops measuring 10–15 cm are cut and dried in shaded, well-ventilated areas such as attics or under protective shelters. Drying can also be done in specialized dryers at temperatures between 40–45°C (104–113°F).
During the first stage of drying, the plant material is turned daily. Drying is complete when the stems become brittle and break easily. Properly dried herbs remain usable for up to two years.
The plant grows naturally along riverbanks, lakes, ponds, meadows, fields, and often appears as a garden weed.
During the first stage of drying, the plant material is turned daily. Drying is complete when the stems become brittle and break easily. Properly dried herbs remain usable for up to two years.
The plant grows naturally along riverbanks, lakes, ponds, meadows, fields, and often appears as a garden weed.
Traditional Healing Uses
Bur-marigold decoctions are commonly used in folk medicine for treating childhood allergic conditions such as diathesis accompanied by hives, itching, and scalp seborrhea. Babies can traditionally be bathed in diluted herbal decoctions from birth. Adults also use herbal baths for conditions such as neurodermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.
The herb is believed to have diuretic and diaphoretic properties, improve digestion, regulate metabolic processes, enhance vascular elasticity, and support immune function. In traditional practice, it is also used during colds to help reduce fever, as well as in cases of rheumatism, bleeding disorders, nervous tension, appetite loss, and urticaria.
The herb is believed to have diuretic and diaphoretic properties, improve digestion, regulate metabolic processes, enhance vascular elasticity, and support immune function. In traditional practice, it is also used during colds to help reduce fever, as well as in cases of rheumatism, bleeding disorders, nervous tension, appetite loss, and urticaria.
Internal Use (Traditional Preparation)
Add one teaspoon of dried, crushed three-lobed bur-marigold herb to one cup of water. Simmer over low heat for 1–2 minutes, then allow it to steep for one hour and strain.
The prepared decoction is consumed throughout the day in two to four portions. Traditionally, it is taken on an empty stomach, with food consumed no earlier than 20–30 minutes afterward. If stomach discomfort occurs, the decoction may be taken after meals instead.
A typical treatment course lasts three weeks, followed by a one-week break. The cycle can be repeated if necessary.
The prepared decoction is consumed throughout the day in two to four portions. Traditionally, it is taken on an empty stomach, with food consumed no earlier than 20–30 minutes afterward. If stomach discomfort occurs, the decoction may be taken after meals instead.
A typical treatment course lasts three weeks, followed by a one-week break. The cycle can be repeated if necessary.
External Use
The decoction is traditionally used as a hair rinse after washing to help eliminate dandruff and improve hair health. It is also applied to help manage acne, boils, ulcers, neurodermatitis, and eczema.
External decoction recipe:
Add one tablespoon of dried herb to one cup of water. Simmer on low heat for 1–2 minutes, steep for one hour, strain, and apply to affected areas several times daily.
External decoction recipe:
Add one tablespoon of dried herb to one cup of water. Simmer on low heat for 1–2 minutes, steep for one hour, strain, and apply to affected areas several times daily.
Herbal Oil Preparation
Herbal oil can be prepared at home by mixing one tablespoon of finely ground dried herb with 50 ml of coconut, sunflower, olive, or almond oil. The herb should be ground thoroughly using a mortar or coffee grinder before mixing.
The mixture is transferred to a tightly sealed container and infused for one month, stirring or shaking daily. After infusion, the oil is strained and ready for use.
The oil can be added to liquid soap or shower gel in a 1:1 ratio as a skin-care supplement. It is also traditionally applied to affected areas in cases of psoriasis and used to soothe insect bites.
The mixture is transferred to a tightly sealed container and infused for one month, stirring or shaking daily. After infusion, the oil is strained and ready for use.
The oil can be added to liquid soap or shower gel in a 1:1 ratio as a skin-care supplement. It is also traditionally applied to affected areas in cases of psoriasis and used to soothe insect bites.
Contraindications
Traditional herbal practice advises avoiding use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It may not be suitable for individuals with low blood pressure or chronic diarrhea. In some cases, the herb may cause nervous overstimulation or sleep disturbances.