Today’s bush is not one farmers hold in high regard.  Quite the opposite, it is right up there with the lemon grass/ fever grass as a pretty invasive species.  In fact, today’s bush is considered quite the weed.  Allow one plant in and leave it unchecked. In no time, you will find yourself facing an extensive yellow and green carpet- crowding out your other plants. It seems to require nothing but a damp spot and some sun to flourish. Unlike the other intentionally planted and prissy plants in your garden, it has no need for any tender loving care.

Now, there are quite a few bushes/weeds known as the piss-a-bed. The dandelion, for example, is one of them. But, we’ll get to the dandelion a bit later in A Good Dose. Today’s “piss-a-bed” is what some may also know as fake sunflower, wild marigold, creeping oxeye/ creeping daisy or “carpet daisy”. It sprouts bright yellow flowers, has the roughest of leaves and will carpet any location if given the slightest chance.  In days gone by, the leaves used to be used to scrub pots and other utensils.

Apparently, a tea of the leaves/ flowers is used to treat symptoms of colds and flu.  The same goes for inflammation and fever. I was also told that some women use this bush to treat reproductive ailments. Indeed, as far as the latter goes, I was told that the piss-a-bed was known to be used (in Trinidad) to treat amenorrhea (prolonged absence of normal menstrual flow).

And, still on the topic of reproduction, I do remember reading, some time ago, that waaaay in the past, a particular group of Amerindian people used the roots of the piss-a-bed to induce abortions. (Apparently, they also used the crushed leaves as a poultice for sores.) I also remember cattle owners forever worrying about any of their pregnant livestock grazing too close to this bush- probably for the same reason.

Now, we come to the origin of its ‘local name’.  Back in the day,  piss-a-bed plants were strategically placed by right-thinking adults in the beds of small children. The very rough leaves of the plant would wake the young ones at night. Once awake, the children prone to wetting their beds would realize that they do need to relieve themselves. They’d then trot, quite sleepily, off to the nearest bathroom rather than “piss” in their beds.

Disclaimer:

The contents of this page are meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Statements published here ought not to be taken as expert medical advice designed to treat/cure any diseases or health related conditions. Please talk to your doctor or any qualified healthcare professional if you need medical advice (Believe me, WE at RE:BELLE WOULD!)