Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

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Arnebia decumbens (Vent.) Coss. & Kralik

Family

Boraginaceae

Synonym(s)

English name(s)

Arabian Primrose

Arabic Name(s)

el-mirwaha المروحة
kahil كَحيل
samwa سموة

Hebrew Name(s)

arnavit seru'a

אַרְנָבִית שְׂרוּעָה

Life Form

Annual

Habitat

Desert
Shrub-steppes

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Arnebia decumbens (Vent.) Coss. & Kralik

System/State	Traditional Complaint/Use	Activity / Interpretation	Traditional Preparation/ Administration	Parts Used	Source
Dermatological	Disinfectant for skin lesions/ sores/ wounds/pimples	Anti-septic	1. Crush dried plant into fine powder, sprinkle onto lesion /pimple. 2. Prepare cream /salve by mixing plant powder + water + samna, (see NOTES 1) & heating until paste is obtained.	Aerial parts	Z
Dermatological	Skin swelling	Vulnerary	Boil plant in water, mix + equal parts of sesame oil + onion juice + olive oil + "samna" (see NOTES 1) until forms homogenous spread; apply to swollen area x3/day.	Aerial parts	Z
Gastrointestinal	Inflammation of stomach & intestines	Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent	Decoct plant in water (has sweet taste) & drink hot without sugar x1 small glass/day.	Aerial parts	Z
Gastrointestinal	Intestinal / biliary cramps	Analgesic, Anti-spasmodic	Decoct plant in water (has sweet taste) & drink x1 small glass/day.	Aerial parts	Z
General	Fever	Anti-pyretic	Decoct plant & drink hot.	Aerial parts	Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Diuretic	Diuretic	Decoct plant in water (has sweet taste) & drink x1 small glass/day.	Aerial parts	Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Urinary tract cramps	Anti-spasmodic	Decoct plant in water (has sweet taste) & drink x1 small glass/day.	Aerial parts	Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Urinary tract inflammation	Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent	Decoct plant in water (has sweet taste) & drink x1 small glass/day.	Aerial parts	Z
Musculoskeletal/ Joints	Rheumatism	Anti-arthritic, Anti-inflammatory	Mix powdered plant + equal parts of sesame oil & boil for 10 min to obtain paste; spread on affected area.	Aerial parts	Z
Nervous System	Nerve pain in skin & muscles	Analgesic	Mix powdered plant + equal parts of sesame oil & boil for 10 min to obtain paste; spread on affected area.	Aerial parts	Z
Oral Health	Dental caries & toothache	Analgesic, Anti-caries	Burn nuts/ achenes (See NOTES 2) on coals & inhale steam into mouth for 10 min.	Fruit	Z

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.

Notes

1. "Samna" used in some preperations refers to a traditional clarified butter (similar to ghee).
2. An achene used in some preperations is a type of simple dry fruit containing a single seed.

Cautions

Arnebia genus & the Boraginacea family has species containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are carcinogenic, hemoloytic, toxic to liver & lungs, teratogenic & mutagenic. Avoid in pregnancy & lactation.