(LEUCANTHEMUM VULGARE)
COMMON NAMES. Ox-eye Daisy, White Weed.
MEDICINAL PARTS. The leaves and flowers.
Description.--This is a perennial herb, having an erect, branching, and furrowed stem, from one to two feet high. The leaves are few, alternate, lanceolate-serrate, the lower ones petiolate; the upper ones small, subulate, and sessile.
History.--The plant was introduced into the United States from Europe, and is a very troublesome weed to farmers in nearly every section. It bears white flowers in June and July. The leaves are odorous and somewhat acid; the flowers are bitterish; they impart their virtues to water.
Properties and Uses.--It is tonic, diuretic, and anti-spasmodic, and, in large doses, emetic. It is used as a tonic instead of Chamomile flowers, and is serviceable in whooping-cough, asthma, and nervous excitability. Very beneficial externally and internally in leucorrhoea. Its internal use is highly recommended in colliquative perspiration. Externally it is a good application to wounds, ulcers, scald-head, and some other cutaneous diseases. Dose of the decoction, from a wineglassful to a teacupful, two or three times a day. The fresh leaves or flowers will destroy or drive away fleas.