Bidens Pilosa

Spanish needle scientifically known
as Bidens pilosa is a species of
flowering plant belonging to the
Asteraceae family, native to the
Americas. This plant is considered a
medicinal herb and has many health
benefits. Spanish needles have been
used in traditional medicine for
infections from wounds, upper
respiratory tract infections like colds
and flu, urinary tract infections as
well as venereal diseases. The
leaves, seeds and roots of Spanish
needles have also been reported to
possess antibacterial, anti-
inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-
malarial, diuretic, as well as
hypotensive properties. The annual
plant grows to about 2 meters in
height and grows aggressively, often
times becoming weedy.
The Spanish Needle’s leaves are
oppositely arranged and the plant
may flower at any time of the year.
The plant grows freely in Jamaica
and is also known by names such as
Black Jack, Needle Grass, Broomstick,
Beggars Tick and Demon Spike Grass.

Spanish Needle for its diuretic and
antimalarial properties makes it a
treatment for malaria in certain
cultures. Due to the plant’s
antiseptic properties, plant extract
may also be used as a natural
mouthwash to combat odour causing
germs along with sore gums and
mouth. The herb is also beneficial in
treating joint discomfort, swellings,
colic, stomach ailments along with
the cold and flu.
Some people call this plant teething
bur and use it to soothe teething
babies. In mouthwashes, it helps
with sore gums and mouths. The
juice of the fresh plant is also used
on cuts, or as drops for earache or
eye inflammations. The leaves,
boiled and eaten like spinach, are
said to be good for the bowels. They
are often added to soup dishes such
as callaloo. For colic or worms they
prepare a mixed infusion of leaves
and root.

The warmed juice of the fresh
Spanish needle plant is used to
treat earache and conjunctivitis, and
also functions as a styptic on
wounds. The roots and seeds of the
plant serve the purpose of an agent
that promotes menstrual discharge.

It is also used as expectorant,
stimulant and antispasmodic and is
also used for the treatment of
asthma. The fresh plant is
considered as a potherb and is said
to be the storage of ample vitamin
C.