Goat Weed Is No Ordinary Weed.

Goat weed grows in tropical areas and can sometimes become invasive, which is why it has been considered a weed. The botanical name for goat weed is Ageratum conyzoides while it is also known by names such as rerinkomi, imi esu (Yoruba) and akwukwo (Igbo) in Nigeria. It is also commonly known as white weed, billygoat-weed, chickweed and invading ageratum. Goat weed has other local names everywhere it is found.

Because goat weed contains a lot of important active phytochemicals like flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, coumarins, glycosides, phenols, sterols  and essential oils, it has been used for traditional healing in most of the places where it is found, including Nigeria due to the following properties:

• Antioxidant.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Antibacterial.
• Anticonvulsant.
• Analgesic.
• Astringent.
• Antispasmodic (muscle relaxant)

 Uses of the leaves.

• To treat skin disorders such as boils, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, burns, etc.
• To treat inflammatory conditions of the eyes.
• To treat respiratory infections and conditions like colds, coughs, asthma, pneumonia etc.
• To treat aches and pains.
• To treat infections.
• To stop bleeding.
• To dress wounds.
• To aid fertility and treat uterine disorders..
• To prevent ulcers and treat dyspepsia.
• To stimulate digestion.
• To expel gas.
• To treat inflammatory conditions of the joints like rheumatism, arthritis, etc.
• To prevent early miscarriage or abortion.
• To bring down feverish conditions.
• To cleanse the blood.

Uses of the flowers.

• To regulate menses.
• To alleviate menstrual pain.
• To stop bleeding.
• The whole plant may also be used for what the leaves are used for and also in the following ways:
• To treat abdominal pain.
• To treat dysentery.

The flower buds are said to heal cancerous growths. They are found everywhere including by the roadside and fields because of their invasive nature. The extract from the leaves also have insecticide properties.

All plants contain phytonutrients which are useful for healing. Even those that are regarded as weed! They are cheap and come with little or no side effects most of the time.

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