Bidens
Botanical Description & Habitat
Bidens tripartita L
Family
Compositae
Common Names
Bur-Marigold
Habitat
A native British herb
Medicinal Parts
The dried aerial parts, gathered during the flowering period.
Historical Properties & Uses
The use of bidens is restricted pretty much to the British Isles where it is a favorite remedy for internal bleeding, especially from ulcers and menstrual problems
Method of Action
Bidens has Antihemorragic and Astringent Action
Bidens contains volatile oils and astringent principles of undefined character and composition. The antihemorrhagic and astringent properties are well-documented and are undoubtedly due to the oil and some amount of tannic acid-like substances.
The British Pharmacopoeia lists bidens as an antihemorrhagic and astringent, for the treatment of hematuria, metrorrhagia, peptic ulceration and ulcerative colitis. It is combined with comfrey, agrimony, ginger root and Acorus calamus.
An Indian variety of bidens (Bidens biternata) was subjected to a wide variety of pharmacological tests and was found devoid of activity.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Possible Interactions
The topical application of this astringent herb in conjunction with the acne product tretinoin (retinoic acid, vitamin a acid) may adversely affect the skin.
1. The tannin in this herb may potentiate the antibiotic activity of echinacea.
2. The tannin in a tea made from this herb may be inactivated by the addition of milk or cream.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
Bidens appears to be safe to use at therapeutic dosages.
Preparation & Administration
Use three times daily
Infusion
use 2-4g of dried plant
Liquid Extract
use 1.5-3.0ml of 1:1 in 25% alcohol
Tincture
use 1-2ml of 1:5 in 45% alcohol
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983.
Bhakuni, D.S., Dhar, M.L., Dhar, M.M., Dhawan, B.N. & Mehrotra, B.N. Screening of indian plants for biological activity. Part II. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 7(10), 250-262, 1969.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
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