Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant
Application
tea
Life Everlasting
(Gnaphalium polycephalum)
Also know as Pearly everlasting
Botanical Information
A soft, hairy, perennial plant in the Daisy family with clusters of small, white, everlasting flowers.
Working with Life Everlasting
Part(s) Used
Flowers
Herb Forms
Bulk herb for tea.
Christopher Hobbs:
“Life everlasting has a long history of use as a domestic remedy for coughs and bronchitis. It has also been of value in treating diarrhea and flatulent colic.
Life Everlasting has a taste of SWEET, ACRID and a temperature of WARM.”
Historical Uses
In traditional medicine, life everlasting plants were primarily used in Europe, North America, and Africa. Indigenous peoples and herbalists utilized it for respiratory issues, inflammation, pain relief, and wound healing. The plant was commonly used as a poultice or infusion to treat ailments like arthritis, skin irritation, and colds.
Modern Clinical Uses
Today, herbalists and naturopaths often recommend life everlasting for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The plant is popularly used in infusions, tinctures, or topical applications, mainly to soothe skin conditions, support digestion, and ease respiratory issues.
Chemistry
Life everlasting contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. These compounds are responsible for the plant’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.
Pharmacology
The pharmacological actions of life everlasting are largely attributed to its high content of flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds exhibit antioxidant activity, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory effects are thought to arise from modulating inflammatory pathways, while antimicrobial properties inhibit bacterial growth.
Clinical Trials
There is limited clinical research on life everlasting, though preliminary studies suggest promising anti-inflammatory and skin-healing effects. Small trials or animal studies indicate potential benefits in reducing skin irritation and inflammation, but more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Summary
Life everlasting is a valuable traditional and modern herbal remedy with potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. While promising, clinical evidence remains limited, underscoring the need for further research to substantiate its medicinal uses.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Life everlasting is generally considered safe, though some individuals may experience allergic reactions, particularly those sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
Conditions treated with Life Everlasting
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant, antitussive
Application
tea
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.
