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Dusty Miller

(Cineraria maritima)
Also know as Silver ragwort

Botanical Information

A medium-sized herbaceous plant with blue, purple, and white flowers in the Aster family, having silvery leaves covered with a dense felt.

Working with Dusty Miller

Part(s) Used

Leaf Juice

Herb Forms

Tincture

Christopher Hobbs:

“This plant, which was once held in high regard, is seldomly used today. The sterilized or freshly-squeezed juice of cineraria has been used for cataracts and conjunctivitis (pink eye) to expedite healing.
A few drops of the juice were placed into the eye several times daily. This caused a slight burning effect which quickly disappeared.”

Historical Uses

Traditionally, Dusty Miller was used as a folk remedy in Europe for various ailments, including as an anti-inflammatory, for treating wounds, and as a mild sedative. It was also used in poultices for treating skin conditions and bruises.

Modern Clinical Uses

  • Herbalists & Naturopaths: Dusty Miller is mainly used by herbalists for its purported anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. It’s sometimes employed in topical formulations for skin conditions like eczema or minor cuts.
  • Phytochemistry: The plant contains compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils. These bioactive compounds may contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.

Chemistry & Pharmacology

  • Key Constituents: The main active compounds identified include flavonoids (such as quercetin), sesquiterpene lactones, and alkaloids. Some studies suggest that these constituents have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
  • Mechanism: Some of the active ingredients act on the body’s inflammatory pathways and may reduce oxidative stress.

Clinical Trials

  • Limited Research: There is very little modern clinical trial data on Dusty Miller’s medicinal properties, especially regarding internal use. Most of the available evidence comes from traditional uses and preclinical studies focusing on its chemical constituents.
  • Clinical Trials: No significant large-scale clinical trials have been conducted to fully establish its therapeutic effects. Most studies focus on its chemical makeup and laboratory research on its anti-inflammatory or anticancer potential.

Summary

Dusty Miller has a long history of use in folk medicine, particularly for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. However, due to the presence of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, its internal use is not generally recommended. Modern research on its medicinal applications is limited, with more emphasis on its chemistry and potential for topical use in treating skin conditions. While it shows promise in preclinical studies, robust clinical evidence is lacking.

Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs

 

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Cautions

Dusty Miller contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are known to be hepatotoxic and potentially carcinogenic when consumed in large quantities or over long periods. This makes it unsafe for prolonged internal use. Care should be taken, especially with extracts or supplements. Topical Use: Generally considered safe for short-term external use on the skin, but sensitivity or allergic reactions may occur in some individuals. Internal Use: Due to the toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, internal use is not recommended without professional supervision. Topical Use: For external applications, a diluted topical ointment or poultice may be used, typically in low concentrations (1-2%). Recommended Dosage: Varies depending on the form (tea, extract, topical), but internal use should be avoided without expert guidance.

Conditions treated with Dusty Miller

Condition

Treatment Support

Application

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Condition

Treatment Support

unknown

Application

sterilized fresh juice

Condition

Treatment Support

unknown

Application

sterilized fresh juice

The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.

The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.

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