White Wood Aster
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Asters have starry-shaped flower heads that range in colour from white to blue to purple. The heart of the flower is bright yellow to orange. The leaves are divided into slips and are usually bright green, but they can be brownish too. The plant itself is a sturdy clump that can grow up to two metres!
The New England aster is a common late-summer herb that is prolific. In Rafinesque’s Medical Flora, it’s stated that aster is an abundant genus with nearing 100 species (Rafinesque, 1828). It has deep purple ray flowers and yellow centers that are showy and grows to around 3 feet in height during August, September, and October (Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d.). New England aster can be found in fields alongside goldenrod—showing off a beautiful mixture of purple and yellow. Bees and butterflies alike will visit this wildflower.
A few different aster species have been discussed in various materia medica texts in the past, but many of these species are not commonly found in our traditional texts and are not widely used in Western herbalism. Thankfully, Michigan herbalist Jim Mcdonald, has worked closely with this plant and has many insights to offer regarding its uses and benefits.
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Traditionally the aster root has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine, but the leaves and flowers of asters are edible, too. Either dried or fresh, the flowers and leaves of the Aster plant can be eaten. However, they are most commonly used nowadays in herbal teas, fresh in salads, or used as garnish. It has several health benefits and has traditionally been used in the treatment of weak skin, pain, fevers and diarrhea (source). However, it is slightly astringent on the tongue, which means it can leave your mouth feel dry.
New England aster can be used as a tincture made from the fresh flowering tops. It also has a diaphoretic action when used as a hot tea, which is beneficial for colds and the flu when some discomfort and restlessness is present (mcdonald, n.d.). Combining the fresh flower tincture to the tea is extra supportive. This approach helps to soothe overly tense respiratory tissues, ease a cough, clear sinuses, lessen headaches, and release congestion (mcdonald, n.d.).
Digestive Support
High in volatile oils, this late-summer herb is also considered a carminative and can support the digestive system. According to my experiences with New England aster, it is a helpful herb to use when you are prone to bloating, flatulence, and general discomfort, especially when used after meals. This herb can help settle the stomach by releasing gas and bloating that builds up and leads to discomfort. After eating foods that are out of the norm, or eating a food that doesn’t sit well with you, New England aster is a great herb to lean on for relief
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Respiratory Support
New England aster has an affinity for both the upper and lower respiratory system. It is said to be decongesting, antispasmodic, and relaxing to the lungs (mcdonald, n.d), and it is particularly useful for seasonal allergies and colds as well as for cases of acute and chronic asthma. For example, there have been notable benefits for people who have asthma-related allergies and are dependent on inhalers (mcdonald, n.d).
New England aster supports the release of lung tension through its relaxant effects, although herbalist jim mcdonald (n.d.) has seen the fresh blossoms act as more of a sedative herb when used. With acute or chronic asthma, New England aster can help by relaxing and dilating the lung’s passageways and releasing constriction and works best when used before spasms occur as the plant is not as effective once these symptoms are underway (mcdonald, n.d.). mcdonald also considers New England aster a well-indicated herb for people that have a quivering in their lungs that is part of their presentation of allergy or asthma (mcdonald, n.d.).
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Always consult your physician on the risks before trying