Family Name: Compositae
Botanical Name(s): Senecio Vulgaris
Popular Name(s): Grundy Swallow, Ground Glutton, Simson, Sention
Parts Used: Whole Herb
Habitat: A very common weed throughout Europe and Russian Asia.
Description: It is an annual, the root consisting of numerous
white fibers and the round or slightly angular stem, erect, 6 inches to
nearly 1 foot in height, often branching at the top, is frequently
purple in color. It is juicy, not woody, and generally smooth, though
sometimes bears a little loose, cottony wool. The leaves are oblong,
wider and clasping at the base, a dull, deep green color.
Uses: The young leaves have been used in many areas as a salad.
It is often used as a poultice and is said to be useful in treating
sickness of the stomach, whilst a weak infusion is used as a simple and
easy purgative. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used
in the treatment of menstrual disorders and nose bleeds.
