New England Aster - Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

New England Aster - Symphyotrichum novae-angliae  aka Aster novae-anglia is a tall perennial plant with beautiful deep purple blossoms.  It is native to North America and is an important resource for pollinating insects. 

The chemicals within the plant are mostly flavonoids and terpenoids including essential oils. They are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent. There are not a lot of scientific studies concerning the medicinal uses of this plant, but it has a long history of use. 

It is a very useful plant for relief of respiratory problems, asthma, allergies and cold/cough due to its antispasmodic and decongestant properties. The aerial parts of the plant are used for respiratory complaints.

The root is used to treat diarrhea, fever, and for pain relief. Indigenous Americans used the root for fever and it was colloquially known as Indian scabious. The root can be made into a poultice and applied to the skin. It is mentioned in an 1828 publication as useful for urushiol-induced contact dermatitis from poison ivy and poison sumac.¹

It has nervine properties and so can help with anxiety and sleep disruption. It is thought that the relaxing properties are what helps breathing. The fresh or dried plant can be made into a tea or gargle which will impart a dry feeling in the mouth.

Dosing: Tincture 5-15 drops 3 times a day. Start slowly as allergies are always possible.

Contraindications: This herb is not for people with an allergy to asters.  

¹Rafinesque, C. S. and Atkinson & Alexander. 1828. Medical Flora, or, Manual of the Medical Botany of the United States of North America ... Philadelphia: Atkinson & Alexander. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.524.