Herbs Guide

Senecio Vulgaris

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.