Description
This small, mounding annual is no more than a foot high; often it is splayed circularly with its outward stems resting on the ground forming tidy circles. Its leaves are verdant in relation to the tan-yellowish sandy soils in which it grows. The opposite leaves have prominent oil glands, are linear, and 1-2½ inches long by ¼-½ of an inch wide. The small yellow flowers form at stem ends and are comprised of both disk and ray flowers with the latter being most prominent. They are also dotted with oil glands. The small seeds are wind carried. When crushed the whole plant is strongly aromatic; it has a peculiar odor not at all unpleasant. The plant’s growth is signaled by summer rains and can be expected to be seen from mid-summer to early fall.
Distribution
Look for Chinchweed from 6,000 feet and lower. The plant is common on sand and clay rich soils, mostly occurring on desert flats with Creosote bush and Joshua tree yucca. The plant is found from Utah to southeast California through to Arizona and New Mexico.
Chemistry
Specific constituents not known but at least: flavonoids and volatile oils
Medicinal Uses
Chinchweed is closely allied with Deerweed, Dogweed, and Mountain marigold; often medicinal uses overlap. The tea or tincture of Chinchweed is of use in relieving a stomachache. Through Chinchweed’s carminative effect it expels stomach gas and is an efficient remedy for hiccups. The plant diminishes intestinal cramps and will lessen diarrhea in associated conditions. Several teaspoons of the tea are soothing to colicky babies. Chinchweed’s volatile oils, when in contact with gastrointestinal smooth muscle coats, tend to sedate, lessen spasm, and therefore provide relief. Mixed with a bitter tonic herb such as Tarbush or Rayweed it will enhance gastric stimulation by bringing more blood to the stomach walls through topical vasodilation.
Indications
Stomachache
Hiccups
Gastrointestinal cramps with diarrhea
Collection
Pull the entire plant up from its base, small taproot included.
Preparations
If using for tea, after drying, garble the leaves and flowers from the stems; discard the stems and roots.
Dosage
Herb infusion: 4-6 ounces 3 times daily
FPT/DPT (60% alcohol): 30-60 drops 3 times daily
Cautions
None known.
Other Uses
Rubbed on the body the Zuni used Chinchweed as an aromatic perfume. It is a traditional dye plant of the Hopi. The Zuni and Hopi both used the plant as a seasoning.