A plant record

False daisy

Eclipta prostrata · Asteraceae

EnglishFalse daisy

FrançaisÉclipta

BotanicalEclipta prostrata

Also known asEclipta albaEclipta erectayerba de tago

FamilyAsteraceae

False daisy — Eclipta prostrata, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

A creeping marsh daisy whose blackening sap has long stained hair dark. Across the Caribbean and India (as bhringraj) it is the great hair and scalp tonic, and a decoction is taken for the liver and for jaundice. The crushed plant stanches minor cuts. ⚠ Avoid in pregnancy, in breastfeeding, and in children under 12; very high doses can stress the liver.

In three languages

Kreyòl — trete refwadisman ak grip (dekoksyon oswa enfizyon tij ak fèy) ⚠ Evite pandan gwosès, pandan tete, ak nan timoun ki poko gen 12 an; dòz ki twò wo ka fatige fwa a.

Français — Marguerite rampante des marais dont la sève noircissante teint les cheveux depuis longtemps. Dans la Caraïbe et en Inde (bhringraj), c'est le grand tonique des cheveux et du cuir chevelu, et une décoction se prend pour le foie et la jaunisse. La plante écrasée arrête les petites coupures. ⚠ À éviter pendant la grossesse, l'allaitement et chez l'enfant de moins de 12 ans ; à très forte dose, elle peut solliciter le foie.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Sources & lineage

TRAMIL Caribbean pharmacopoeia; Caribbean & Indian ethnobotany

Kept alongside

MugwortYarrowCalendula / Pot marigoldChamomileCurry Plant / ImmortelleCarline thistle

More on Haitian plant medicine