Cocklebur

Cocklebur is a shrubby weed found in most parts of the country and is classified as an annual and placed under the family Asteraceae or Compositae. The plant is short, stout and slightly branched with rough short hairs. The leaves are numerous. 5 - 7.5 cm. long and almost as broad, traingular- ovate or suborbicular. The flowers are found in terminal and axillary racemes. The hard fruit is about 1.6 cm. long with 2 erect mucronate beaks and covered with spines or hooked prickles. The seeds are 1.3 cm. long, oblong- ovoid, compressed, smooth and shiny.

MEDICINAL USE:

* Cancer and enlargement of the thyroid gland.

* Sedative.

* Malaria.

* Tuberculosis of the lymph gland and herpes or a disease caused by the herpes virus.

HOW TO USE:

* The decoction of the root is a useful tonic to cure cancer and the enlargement of the thyroid gland.

* The decoction of the plant is administered asa sedative.

* The above decoction is also used to cure malaria.

* The infusion of the leaves is administered for tuberculosis of the lymph by the herpes virus.

PARTS USED:

The whole plant.

DOSE:

Normal Dosage For:

Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.

Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day

Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day

1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day

Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day

A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:

1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)

1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)

1 teaspoon = 25 drops

1 cup = 16 tbsp

1 litre = 7 or 8 cup