Centipeda minima

This is a prostrate or ascending slender, leafy herb, somewhat wooly or nearly smooth, with numerous branches spreading from the root, and 8-20cm long. The leaves are oblong-obovate to oblanceolate, are 1cm long or less. The achenes are about 1mm long. Flowers and fruits appear during October-April.

Skin disorders including relief of itching, dry skin from psoriasis. Anodyne, antitussive, depurative, diuretic, stimulates blood circulation. When the aroma of the squeezed flower heads is inhaled it induces sneezing and so is used to relieve nasal congestion, especially during coughs and colds. A paste made from the flower heads is applied externally in the treatment of swellings and skin inflammations.