A plant record

Jackass bitters (lachòy)

Neurolaena lobata · Asteraceae

EnglishJackass bitters

Kreyòllachòy

FrançaisHerbe à pique

BotanicalNeurolaena lobata

Also known asConyza lobatadjéri toutzèb a pikfèy piktabak dyab

FamilyAsteraceae

Jackass bitters (lachòy) — Neurolaena lobata, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

One of the strongest bitters in Caribbean bush medicine — the leaf in decoction for fever and malaria, for high blood sugar, and for stubborn wounds and skin infections. ⚠ Intensely bitter and potent: a measured dose, and not in pregnancy. Also avoid in breastfeeding, in children under 5, and in diabetes.

In three languages

Kreyòl — trete lafyèv; trete grip; trete paludism; netwaye / detoksifye san; poze poulti sou blesi pou sikatrize Evite tou pandan tete, nan timoun ki poko gen 5 an, ak si moun nan gen dyabèt.

Français — L'un des amers les plus puissants de la médecine caribéenne — la feuille en décoction contre fièvre et paludisme, contre l'excès de sucre, et pour les plaies tenaces et infections de peau. ⚠ Intensément amère et puissante : dose mesurée, et pas pendant la grossesse. À éviter aussi pendant l'allaitement, chez l'enfant de moins de 5 ans et en cas de diabète.

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 ethnobotany

Kept alongside

MugwortYarrowCalendula / Pot marigoldChamomileCurry Plant / ImmortelleCarline thistle

More on Haitian plant medicine