Jackass Bitters is a member of the Asteraceae family and a common Central American plant. It has yellow flowers and bitter-tasting leaves which contain a potent anti-parasitic agent (sesquiterpene dialdehyde) that is particularly active against amoebas, candida, giardia and intestinal parasites. Traditionally, the herb is taken internally as a tea or a wine or used topically to bathe wounds and infections, or as a hair wash to get rid of lice.
Uses & Scientific Evidence For Jackass Bitters
There is some preliminary research that indicates Jackass Bitters helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can ultimately help diabetics manage their condition. A subsequent animal study showed that a tincture of this plant lowered blood glucose levels in animals.
A tea made from the root is used to cleanse the blood and a leaf tea is used to treat intestinal parasites, malaria, fungus and ringworm. It is also used to prevent infection and to use as a hair wash for ridding the hair of head lice.
Boiled and strained leaves have been used as an insecticide for house and garden plants.
