Description
When this annual (occasionally bi-annual) is young, its basal leaves point up from the ground. This identifying characteristic is very different from other herbaceous plants whose initial leaf growth radiates out flattened against the ground’s surface. Later in the season when the stalk develops, it becomes many branched at the top, giving credence to another common name for Camphorweed – Telegraph plant. The leaves on the lower stems are petioled, whereas the upper leaves clasp the stem. Generally, they are ovoid, irregularly toothed, wavy, and arranged alternately along the stem. In mass, the common looking yellow composite flowers appear disorganized; they are approximately ½-inch wide by ¼-inch high. The whole plant is sticky to the touch due to its gland tipped leaf and stem hairs. The camphor-like odor given off affords the plant a level of respect its weedy appearance tends to detract from.
Distribution
Camphorweed, like many other weedy plants, does extremely well around disturbed soils. It is found along roadsides, trails, and the margins of fields. Look for Canadian fleabane and Tobacco, if found Camphorweed is not far away. From 1,000-5,000 feet the plant’s range is quite extensive – and still expanding – in the United States. From mid-east coast states, such as Delaware, it extends to Florida and west to Arizona. Heterotheca grandiflora, its flowers being slightly larger, can be found from New Mexico to southern California.
Chemistry
Heterotheca general: flavonoids: galangin, kaempferol, and quercetin; monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and triterpenoids
Medicinal Uses
Externally applied Camphorweed is diminishing to pain, inflammation, and the fluid build-up of acute injury. The plant’s medicinal qualities lend themselves well in treating numerous acute accidents – sprains, contusions, etc. Specifically, Camphorweed inhibits inflammatory mediators within injured tissues, diminishing subsequent edema and pain.
There are qualitative differences in how to properly use Camphorweed versus true Arnica (Arnica montana and others). At first glance, they seem slight, because both are used topically for painful episodes, but the differences are marked. Camphorweed is a tissue sedative, lessening the reactive process that brings about inflammation. Arnica actually heightens the body’s response locally by increasing white blood cell activity. This is why conventional herb wisdom calls for Arnica to be applied "when it hurts to move", not "when it hurts to be still". Use Arnica when the condition is subacute and not when the problem is hot, fiery, and throbbing. Use Camphorweed when the injury is acute and painful, particularly if the pain does not stop when the injured part is at rest.
Indications
Acute injury with pain, swelling, and fluid build-up (external)
Collection
From late spring through summer, collect the whole herb portion. Use the leaves, stems, and flowers alike, fresh or dry.
Preparations and Dosage
Leaf infusion/liniment/oil: as needed