Description:- Perennial
- Mouse-ear Hawkweed is a dwarf, hairy, rosette-forming perennial that grows in carpet-like patches.
- The whole plant, except the flowers, is covered in glandular hairs, usually whitish, but sometimes reddish on the stems.
- The small hairy oblong leaves look like a mouse's ears.
- Bright yellow to orange-yellow flower heads resembling dandelion, are borne singly on leafless stalks.
- It needs well-drained to dry poor soil in sun or partial shade.
Parts Used:- Aerial parts collected when in flower.
Medicinal Uses. It is said that:- Mouse-ear Hawkweed is mildly astringent, mildly antifungal, cholagogue, diaphoretic, strongly diuretic, expectorant, tonic and antibiotic.
- It contains fIavonoids, caffeic acid and umbelliferone, a compound similar to coumarin and a known antibiotic against brucellosis.
- A tea brewed from the leaves relaxes the muscles of the bronchial tubes, stimulates the cough reflex and reduces the production of catarrh.
- It is effective against all kinds of respiratory problems including influenza, asthma, wheeziness, bronchitis, and other congested and chronic coughs.
- The plant has been regarded as a specific for whooping cough and may be used in combination with white horehound or mullein.
- The herb is also taken in the treatment of enteritis, pyelitis, cystitis, liver ailments, intestinal inflammations, diarrhoea, to control heavy menstrual bleeding and to ease the coughing up of blood.
- A powder made from mouse-ear was used to stem nosebleeds.
- A tea brewed from the whole herb can be used externally and may be used as a gargle, skin wash and/or lotion.
- It may be applied as a poultice to hasten the healing of wounds.
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