Page 50 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies
Black-Eyed Susan,
Rudbeckia hirta
Black-eyed Susan is a member of the Aster/Sunflower
Family, and is found throughout eastern and central
North America. It is also called brown-eyed Susan,
hairy coneflower, gloriosa daisy brown betty, yellow
daisy, yellow ox-eye daisy coneflower, poor-land daisy,
and golden Jerusalem. It prefers full sun and moist to
moderately-dry soil.
Identification: Black-eyed Susan is usually an an-
nual; but sometimes a perennial, growing up to 3 feet
(0.9m) tall and up to 1 ½ feet (0.5m) wide.
The leaves are alternate, 4 to 7 inches (10 cm to 20 cm)
long, and covered by coarse hair. The branched stems
grow from a single taproot.
There is no rhizome and reproduction is by seed only.
Be on the lookout for these flowers during late summer
and early autumn. They are about 4 inches (10 cm) in
diameter, with a brownish black dome in the middle,
circled by yellow petals.
Medicinal Use: Black-eyed Susan is a traditional
herb used for colds, flu, infection, swelling, and snake
bite. The roots and sometimes the leaves are used to
boost immunity and fight colds, flu, and infections.
Colds and Flu: A root infusion treats colds and the
flu. Common usage is to drink the root infusion daily
until all symptoms are gone.
Parasites: The Chippewa people have traditionally
used Black-eyed Susan Root Tea to treat worms in chil-
dren.
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Poultice for Snake Bites: A poultice of black-
eyed Susan is said to treat snakebites. Moisten the
hopped leaves or ground root and place over the af-
fected area as a poultice. Wrap with a cloth and keep it
on the wound until the swelling is reduced.
Skin Irritations: Black-eyed Susan root infusions
are soothing on irritated skin including sores, cuts,
scrapes, and swelling. Use a warm root infusion to
wash the irritated skin.
Earaches: If you have fresh roots, use the sap or
juice as drops to treat earaches. One or two drops in
the affected ear treat the infection and relieves pain.
Place the drops in the ear morning and night until the
infection is completely cleared up.
Stimulates the Immune System: Like Echina-
cea, Black-eyed Susan roots have immune-stimulant
activity and boost the immune system to treat colds,
flu, and other minor illness. Those with autoimmune
issues should be careful using this herb internally due
to its immune-stimulating properties.
Tuberculosis: Black-eyed Susan contains com-
pounds that act against the bacterium that causes tu-
berculosis.
Harvesting: To harvest the taproot, wait until the
plant has produced seeds, then dig the plant up by the
root. Black-eyed Susan has one central taproot with
hairs, but no other rhizomes. Dig deeply to get the en-
tire root. Use it fresh in season and also dry some root
for future use.
Warning: Black-eyed Susan plants are toxic to cats
and are reported to be poisonous to cattle, sheep, and
pigs. The seeds are poisonous. Those with autoimmune
conditions should be careful with internal use of this
herb due to its immune-stimulating properties.