Ambrosia artemisifolia

Alsemambrosia, Ambrosia, ambroisie, ambrosia artemisifolia, namen die klinken als klokken. En die me doen denken aan een bekend gedicht... Ambrosia, wat vloeit mij aan, uw schedelveld is koeler maan en alle appels blozen....Ambrosia was ook nectar, geluk en paradijs. Nu draagt helaas, een plant die wereldwijd een plaag geworden is, deze naam. Een plaag blijkt hij niet alleen te zijn omdat hij zich zo goed kan uitbreiden maar vooral omdat hij bij mensen zo sterke allergische reacties kan veroorzaken. Ik moet zeggen dat ik altijd, en nog steeds, gemengde gevoelens heb, bij het zowel bestrijden als het beschermen van planten. Bestrijden, willen we de planten als ze te sterk groeien, dus als ze de mens hinderen en beschermen willen we ze juist als ze dreigen te verdwijnen. Dus, als ze ons niet meer bedreigen kunnen we ze weer vertroetelen.Lees verder Ambrosia, wat vloeit mij aan? | Mens en gezondheid: Leven

Internet links

AgroAtlas - Weeds - Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. - Common Ragweed

Ambrosia artemisiifolia information from NPGS/GRIN

Natuurbericht: Hooikoortsplant ambrosia bloeit ongemerkt in tuin

Natuurbericht: Hooikoortsplant ambrosia ontkiemt een maand later dan vorig jaar

Ragweed / Ambrosia artemisifolia

Historically, the Native Americans grew fields of Ragweed. Were they crazy? It would seem so but interestingly enough, the seeds (and leaves) of Ragweed have a great amount of nutrition to be had. The seed, or grain, contains 47% crude protein and 38% crude fat according to Green Deane. Given the botanical name of “Ambrosia” or “food of the Gods”, it seems likely that Ragweed was at one time considered a staple of their diet and documented by white man who later named it accordingly. Ragweed also contains calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, sulfur and zinc. He most likely contains vitamins but no studies could be found with that information.

Ragweed contains a good many constituents including volatile oils, quercetin and bitter alkaloids.

If you have Ragweed growing in your yard or garden, pick a leaf to try this experiment. Chew a bit of the leaf and notice what you taste. Is the leaf bitter? How does it make your mouth feel? A bit dry? Does it seem to warm it up or cool it down? Most agree that Ragweed is bitter, drying and cooling.

Medicinally, Ragweed is antibacterial, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, circulatory stimulant, febrifuge, hemostatic, kidney tonic, stimulant, styptic and tonic. Let’s take a look at what this means…

If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Ragweed, you won’t forget it: itchy eyes, nose and throat, sneezing, runny nose, eyes bloodshot; a whiff of the pollen is enough to make many people miserable. It is possible to build up a tolerance to the plant, by taking small doses of it throughout the year. It’s generally best to start as soon as the plant emerges from the ground, building up the amount taken as the seasons progress. Likewise, an extract or homeopathic dilution can also be taken to help nip the reaction in the bud. Ragweed is also helpful for rhinitis, or a stuffy nose, as well as sinusitis and ear infections caused by allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies). Herbalist jim mcdonald uses Ragweed similarly to treat tissues that are swollen, inflamed and leaking, along with Goldenrod, Yarrow and Ox Eye Daisies. As an antiphlogistic, Ragweed helps to reduce inflammation of tissues and membranes, especially those associated with the sinuses.

Ragweed can also help to reduce fevers associated with colds and infections. As an added benefit, he is antibacterial and antiviral, helping to ward off the colds and infections at the same time.

As a styptic and hemostatic, Ragweed helps bleeding to stop. Chewed leaves can be applied as a poultice on a cut or nosebleed, stopping bleeding fast. Powdered Ragweed is useful for this as well and easier to keep on hand for use any time of year. Combined with his astringent actions, Ragweed is helpful for treating hemorrhoids too.

Herbalist Tommie Bass spoke of other folk herbalists using Ragweed for treating kidney problems though he never used it himself. Ragweed has a tonic effect on the kidneys, and has been historically documented as such. William Cook, in his book The Physic-Medical Dispensatory: A Treatise on Therapeutics, Materia Medica, and Pharmacy, written in 1869 wrote: “a use of a strong devotion influences the kidneys considerably, sustains the tone of the stomach, and slowly elevates the circulation”.

Ragweed is very drying and astringent, making him a good herb to use for treating diarrhea, especially crampy diarrhea and dysentery. This same drying action can help to reduce the amount of saliva in the mouth as well for those who have an overabundance of saliva.