BIDENS, Bidens Pilosa
Bidens is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is a well known to have antibacterial, anti-fungal, antidysenteric, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimalarial, carminative, hepato-protective and hypotensive activities. Like Lemon Balm, it is most medicinal when used fresh. The plant looses much of its medicinal properties as it dries. Some say it best extracted in alcohol vs water or glycerite extracts.
Bidens is used by many to calm irritating bladder symptoms like pain with urination, urgency to go as well as alleviate vaginal infections. It has helped many with any kind of inflamed mucous membranes including colds, flus, sinus and respiratory infections of any sort. Many use it to soothe sore throats from a persistent cough or infection. Many are using this herb to treat various Mycoplasma infections.
Anytime there is irritation anywhere in the GI tract, Bidens can be helpful and soothing. Bidens has out performed penicillin, methicillin, tetracycline, and other antibiotics for both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in research studies.
Well known herbalist, Micheal Moore, has written, "Bidens may be our best herb for benign prostrate hypertrophy, usually decreasing the membrane irritability both in the urinary tract and the rectum, and often, over a few weeks of use, noticeably shrinking the prostate and giving its connective tissue better tone.” -Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West
Studies have been done showing Bidens effectiveness against the Herpes simplex virus as well as its effectiveness in fighting MRSA.
The whole plant is medicinal. The flowers, leaves stems and roots can be used. I am cutting back the plants so they will regrow and I can get another round of harvest from them. I like to harvest them just as they are budding into flower.
Research:
Anti-Herpes simplex virus activity of Bidens pilosa and Houttuynia cordata.
Anti-hyperglycemic effects and mechanism of Bidens pilosa water extract
A promising anticancer and antimalarial component from the leaves of Bidens pilosa
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF AN ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT BIDENS PILOSA L
And the research goes on and on. This herb is a winner!
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