Common names for Erigeron essential oil include Canadian Fleabane, Fleawort, Prideweed, Flea Bane, Horseweed, and Mare’s Tail.
Erigeron essential oil is scantly produced. Steffen Arctander warns that Erigeron essential oil distilled outside the United States is often adulterated so beware of foreign produced Erigeron. Although it grows in other temperate climates Erigeron is seldom distilled outside of the United States.
Erigeron essential oil is perfectly suited for perfumery where it contributes complex, unique, and mysterious tenacious notes in herbaceous, chypres, and fougere blends. Erigeron is brilliant in evergreen type colognes and those with
Petitgrain or
Neroli notes. To our nose the aroma resembles herbaceous green notes found in Petitgrain combined with a sweet basil-like top note and slightly musky-earthy back notes. Yes complex!
Erigeron is an astringent that tightens the skin and can be used in skin creams and lotions to help reverse signs of aging. It also may be beneficial for rosacea and reduction of capillary vessels on the face.
Connie and Alan Higley cite in their writings (Reference Guide for Essential Oils) that Fleabane "is a rare essential oil studied by Daniel Pénoël, M.D. for its ability to stimulate the pancreas and liver and counteract retarded puberty. It is a mood enhancer and promoter of hGH."
Suzanne Catty states Erigeron essential oil is "experimental and topically used as an anti-inflammatory for muscular and joint pain and for edema. It has been explored for phytohoromone properties, particularly in both late-onset and early puberty. Researchers are investigating its use in treating perimenopausal symptoms and report some positive results". She also mentions research in "veterinary medicine as a treatment for high blood pressure, as an anti-inflammatory for pain relief, for its ability to lower body temperature and reduce fevers, and for its use in insecticidal and flea preparations".
Erigeron is used traditionally by Native Americans in sweat lodges, shamanic journeying, and for purifying and clearing space. When
White Sage is seasonally unavailable Erigeron can be substituted.
Erigeron essential oil is known to have good insect repellent properties but is not very cost effective considering other less costly essential oils with repellent qualities such as
Citronella.