Origin

Jamaica

Folk medicinal uses

Although we have been unable to trace analyses of this Senecio sp. several of them are said to be toxic. Despite the possibility of its toxic nature. the plant is used in Jamaica fairly commonly not only in the preparation of baths for colds and fever but also to make tea for colds. fever and biliousness. Quantities used in the preparation of the beverage are very variable. One informant gave the recipe as about 50 gm. of stem and leaf and boiled in about 1/2 pt. water but the more general practice seems to be the use of 4 or 5 leaves in 1/2 pt. water. One prescription for a disordered stomach combined this species with Vernonia divaricata to make tea. The bruised leaves are said to make a useful dressing for a lame foot.

Asprey, G.F; Phylis Thornton/ Medicinal plants of Jamaica. Parts III & IV. – p. 54.