smallhead sneezeweed
Helenium microcephalum DC.
Medicinal Documentation
Broken up flowers are inhaled to induce sneezing to clear the nasal passages; After childbirth sneezeweed was inhaled to induce sneezing to aid in the expulsion of childbirth; The flowers are harvested and allowed to dry. The dried flowers are then pulverized into a powder. The flowers are dried, crushed, and inhaled for "heart flutter"; The flowers are harvested and allowed to dry. The dried flowers are then pulverized into a powder. The flowers are dried, crushed, and inhaled for low blood pressure.; The flowers are harvested and allowed to dry. The dried flowers are then pulverized into a powder. Pulverized flowers inhaled to cause sneezing and clear nasal passages. The flowers are also dried, crushed and inhaled for sinus congestion.; Used to induce sneezing in order to clear nasal passages or to expel afterbirth.
Botanical Reference
Parts Documented: flowers
Safety Notes: It secretes a resin that is poisonous to some people; it causes a skin condition similar to that produced by poison oak (poison ivy). This resin in contact with the nasal membranes would probably induce sneezing.