Tridax procumbens L.

Tridax procumbens L.

Common name: Wild daisy
Family – Asteraceae
Genus: Tridax
Species: procumbens
Malayalam Name: Chiravanak
Tamil Name: vettukkaaya poondu, kinarrruppacan, and thatha poo
Plant Description
A perennial herb that can grow up to 40 cm or more in height. Creeping stems that are long, hairy, and procumbent
Leaves: Opposite or alternate leaves that are ovate to lanceolate in shape, and have coarsely serrate margins
Flowers: White ray florets and yellow disk florets held on a long stalk
Fruits: Achenes that are dark brown to black in color, oblong and long
Uses
Wound healing: The leaves are crushed into a paste and applied to wounds.
Treating infections: It is used to treat skin diseases, boils, blisters, and cuts. It has also been used to treat bronchial catarrh, diarrhea, dysentery, and liver diseases.
Anticoagulant: It has been used to stop blood clotting.
Insect repellent: It has been used as an insect repellent.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic: It has shown anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in animal studies.
Antimicrobial: It has antimicrobial properties against bacteria, yeasts, and dermatophytes.
Tridax procumbens has antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.