Botanical atlas

Billygoat Weed

Ageratum conyzoides

Billygoat weed traveled the world almost as quickly as it took root, hitching along trade routes from its native tropical Americas until it became one of the most familiar roadside weeds of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. In dozens of traditional systems, crushed fresh leaves were pressed onto cuts, burns, and skin infections as a quick field remedy, and the bruised plant was rubbed on the skin to discourage biting insects. Healers in West Africa and parts of Southeast Asia also valued it as a fever and rheumatism remedy applied externally, long before modern chemists identified the alkaloids that now caution against taking it internally. It remains a plant studied more for its cautionary chemistry than embraced as a kitchen or tea herb today.

In tradition.

Billygoat weed traveled the world almost as quickly as it took root, hitching along trade routes from its native tropical Americas until it became one of the most familiar roadside weeds of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. In dozens of traditional systems, crushed fresh leaves were pressed onto cuts, burns, and skin infections as a quick field remedy, and the bruised plant was rubbed on the skin to discourage biting insects. Healers in West Africa and parts of Southeast Asia also valued it as a fever and rheumatism remedy applied externally, long before modern chemists identified the alkaloids that now caution against taking it internally. It remains a plant studied more for its cautionary chemistry than embraced as a kitchen or tea herb today.

Safety.

Billygoat Weed contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, the same liver-damaging, potentially carcinogenic compounds found in comfrey and ragwort, so it should never be taken by mouth. It is especially unsafe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and should be kept away from children, pets, and grazing livestock.