Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Monograph

Ageratum conyzoides

Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds potentially toxic to the liver with prolonged or repeated use. Internal use is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as in young children. Do not exceed occasional and short-term use; avoid any extended treatment. Consult a healthcare professional or qualified herbalist before any internal use, particularly in case of ongoing medication.

Infusion — Flowering aerial parts

Traditional infusion of aerial parts

The dried leafy and flowering stems are briefly infused in simmering water. This preparation, reported in several tropical traditions, should remain occasional given the alkaloid content of the plant. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Compress — Fresh leaves

Crushed leaf poultice

Fresh leaves are crushed by hand until their juice is released, then applied directly to the skin as a light compress. This traditional external use is reserved for intact or slightly damaged skin. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Decoction — Whole plant

Traditional decoction for fever

The whole plant, fresh or dried, is brought to a gentle boil then left to infuse before being filtered. This preparation, of strictly traditional and occasional use, benefits from professional guidance. Dosage should be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Sourcing the plant

It is found growing wild in wastelands, roadsides, and forest edges in tropical and subtropical regions; it is more rarely offered dried in specialized herbalist shops.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

Harvesting of aerial parts is traditionally done during flowering, in the warm and dry season, from healthy plants away from polluted areas.

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