The Bidens pilosa, commonly known as the Spanish Needle, is a wildflower often found in rural areas. Not only does it possess a simple and rustic beauty, but it also carries significant meanings. What else is the Spanish Needle known as? Read the following article to learn more about this wildflower that grows by the roadside and its remarkable benefits for our lives.
Essential Facts About Bidens Pilosa
Bidens pilosa is also known by various names such as single needle flower, bitter herb, and wild lettuce. The names vary by region. This plant was first discovered in western India and later introduced to European and African countries.
In Vietnam, Bidens pilosa is widely distributed from north to south, commonly found in vacant lots, along roadsides, ditches, and pastures. It holds nostalgic significance for many.
Overview of Bidens Pilosa
Scientific Name: What is the scientific name of Bidens pilosa? Its scientific name is Bidens pilosa, belonging to the Bidens genus in the Asteraceae family.
Origin: In 1753, Bidens pilosa was discovered in western Africa and studied by botanist Carl Linnaeus. Due to its adaptability to various environments, it gradually spread to different countries and is now found in Vietnam, where nearly everyone encounters it at least once in their lifetime.
Bidens pilosa symbolizes the meaning of ‘together forever’.
Growth and Development Characteristics
Bidens pilosa is an annual herbaceous plant that grows in clumps, reaching up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are arranged oppositely, with deeply lobed leaf blades forming three lobes resembling a leaflet, and the edges may have serrated teeth, sometimes with sparse hairs.
The flowers have 3 to 5 white petals surrounding a yellow center. The true flowers are bisexual, arranged on the flower head, with tubular yellow petals that are often mistaken for the “yellow center” of the flower.
Later, the flower’s center transforms into seeds, which take the form of achenes, with barbs on the seed heads. These barbs aid in seed dispersal by wind, clinging to animals or humans, facilitating growth and development.
Meaning of Bidens Pilosa
The Bidens pilosa flower symbolizes the meaning of “together forever.” Although it is a wildflower, Bidens pilosa carries a touching and somewhat tragic story.
Additionally, it represents the innocence, simplicity, and fragility of rural Vietnamese girls.
Uses of Bidens Pilosa
Beyond questions about what Bidens pilosa is, many are curious about its uses. This plant serves various purposes, such as:
Bidens pilosa has a bitter, bland, slightly spicy taste and a cooling effect, making it effective for detoxifying the body, disinfecting wounds, and reducing inflammation.
Bidens pilosa is an edible plant, suitable for boiling or stir-frying with garlic, like other common vegetables, and can also be used to make tea.
It is often used to treat ailments such as sore throat, fever-related throat swelling, intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, dysentery, and skin diseases like allergies, hives, and itching.
Traditionally, the plant is applied directly to insect bites and snake bites due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
The flavonoids and polyynes found in Bidens pilosa have anti-tumor effects in cancer patients.
Furthermore, it is considered a plant that can effectively reduce diabetes symptoms due to the presence of cytopoloyne and polyynes.
The essential oil in the leaves of Bidens pilosa is a potent antioxidant compound with antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Bidens pilosa is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens or outdoor spaces to enhance beauty and freshness.
Bidens pilosa is an edible plant.
Medicinal Recipes from Bidens Pilosa
Treating Intestinal Diseases
To treat intestinal diseases with Bidens pilosa, chop the entire plant into small pieces and dry them. Daily, use a handful of dried plant and boil it with about 1 liter of water to drink instead of tea. Using it for a short period will effectively treat intestinal diseases.
Fever Relief for Children
You can use 20g of Bidens pilosa flowers and leaves, along with 20g of ground herb, to crush and filter the liquid for the child to drink. Give the child this remedy 2-3 times a day, and apply the remaining residue to the soles of their feet for fever relief.
Back Pain Relief
For back pain relief, you need 150g of Bidens pilosa, 250g of jujube, and a little white wine and rock sugar to simmer in water on low heat. Divide the liquid into 4-5 servings throughout the day. Continuing this for 10 days will yield effective results.
Are There Any Side Effects of Bidens Pilosa?
Bidens pilosa can absorb toxins quite effectively. If harvested in areas with heavy industrial pollution, it may contain high levels of toxins. Therefore, using Bidens pilosa from these regions for medicinal purposes may not be effective and could exacerbate health issues by introducing toxins into the body. If you intend to use Bidens pilosa as a medicinal herb, it is best to collect it from mountainous or rural areas with clean air.
Note: Pregnant women should not use Bidens pilosa without consulting a doctor.
