Ethnobotanical and general use

Medical use
The various species of Gnaphalium are often used in the same way. A decoction of the entire plant has sudorific and febrifuge effects and serves also as a purifier and against syphilis. It is applied in diseases of the breast, bronchitis or pulmonary catarrh, and influenza. The decoction is a specific expectorant. A decoction of equal parts ( 1 g) of Gnaphalium, flowers of Sambucus, of Viola and Malva in 2 cups of water or a decoction of Gnaphalium, Origanum and cacao butter equally serves as an expectorant. Gnaphalium elegans HBK (Yerba de la vida, Mirabira, Viravira), growing in the savanna and the subparamos between 900 and 2200 m, gives good results against cancer and inflammation of the prostate. In infusion, it is used against dyspepsia and gastralgia. As a gargle, it is applied against mouth ulcers. As a 20% decoction it facilitates menstruation. In the form of a bath or cataplasm, it is applied against skin conditions, for wounds, swellings, and as a vulnerary. In infusion, it is used against influenza, and as a vaginal bath. A decoction is used to cure cancer and inflammations of the prostate.

South American medicinal plants : botany, remedial properties, and general use / I. Roth, H. Lindorf. Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002. -- p. 492.