Fleabane, the common name of herbs of the genus erigeron, order compositoe, having a naked receptacle, and a rough pappus, consisting of a single row of capillary bristles with minuter ones intermixed, or with a distinct outer pappus of small bristles or scales. The solitary or corymbed heads are many-flowered, radiate, flat or hemispherical; disk yellow, rays white or purple; leaves entire or toothed, and generally sessile. Formerly the plants were supposed to have the power when suspended in a room of driving away fleas; hence the name. The daisy fleabanes, E. annuum and E. Phila-delphicum, are found in various parts of the United States. They have a bitterish taste and a feebly aromatic odor, due to a small amount of volatile oil. Fleabane is diuretic, and has been used in nephritic diseases and dropsy. It is most conveniently given in infusion or decoction. E. Canadense, or Canada fleabane, possesses similar properties. It is also called horseweed and butterweed, and is common throughout the country. The volatile oil, of which it contains a larger proportion than the two species first mentioned, is officinal, and may be used in the dose of from five to ten drops.

It has been recommended by some practitioners in the treatment of uterine haemorrhage, but does not possess much control over that difficulty. Occasionally when the stomach is irritable it will be retained while other diuretics are rejected. It may often be added with advantage to other agents similar in effect.