Eclipta alba
Family: Asteraceae
Annual. A creeping and moisture-loving herb which roots at the
stem nodes. Has opposite, lance-shaped leaves and small, white flowers.
Contains substantial amounts of resin and the alkaloid ecliptine.
In Ayurvedic practice, the juice of the leaves is used as a hepatic tonic,
and the root is considered to be a valuable alterative agent, for treating
dropsy, liver disorders and rheumatism. Leaf juice boiled with coconut
oil is used to annoint the head, making the hair black and luxurious.
Cultivation:
Easy. Germ. in 12 days. Sow seed in early spring in the
greenhouse and transplant out to the garden after frost. Plant 1
foot apart. Grows 1 foot tall. Will tolerate high altitude
conditions up to 6,000 feet. Remains green in very cold weather.
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