Pyrethrum is extensively used as a natural insecticide and botanical pesticide.
Pyrethrum refers to the dried flower heads of the plant species Tanacetum cinerariifolium, also called Pyrethrum cinerariifolium and Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium, as well as to the insecticide made from these plants. According to Margaret Roberts and Phyllis Green in the book "My Essential Margaret Roberts," pyrethrum was used as far back as 2000 years ago in ancient China where its extracts were a common insect repellent. Its use has also been reported in Persia as far back as 400 B.C., according to H. Panda, in the book "Herbs Cultivation and Medicinal Uses."
Insecticides and Pesticides
Pyrethrum is extensively used as a natural insecticide and botanical pesticide. Its active ingredients, including jasmolin, pyrethrin and cinerin, are effective against a host of harmful agricultural and household pests. According to H. Panda, pyrethrum is a broad-spectrum insecticide that has low residual toxicity and degenerates rapidly in the presence of sunlight. Pyrethrum insecticide is used in the form of cream, aerosol, spray and powder. Pyrethrum is a popular insecticide due to its short residual life, broad-spectrum activity and low mammalian toxicity. It is used in one of its many forms in mobile catering vehicles, hospitals, restaurants, commercial airplanes, canneries, cafeterias, bakeries, supermarkets and schools.
Hair Care Products
According to Robert Irving Krieger in the "Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology: Principles," pyrethrum concentrate is added in specially formulated lice managing shampoos. Pyrethrum shampoos are used to treat ticks, lice, fleas and nits in humans and animals. Pyrethrum lice oil, pyrethrum leave-in conditioner, and pyrethrum tick and lice spray eliminate lice infestations, typically within 3 to 10 days of regular use.
Mosquito Repellents
Ground pyrethrum flowers are used to make coils that release mosquito repelling smoke upon burning. Mosquito coils are typically made from a pyrethrum concentrate and are used in tropical areas. Pyrethrum-based mosquito repellents are available in a spray-on form that provides two to four hours of protection. These products are biodegradable and generally harmless to plastics and clothing.
Folk Medicine
According to Margaret Roberts and Phyllis Green, pyrethrum is valued as a herbal medicine in some parts of China, where it is used to treat inflammations and fevers. According to James A. Duke and Judith L. DuCellier in the book "CRC Handbook of Alternative Cash Crops," pyrethrum exhibits antibiotic properties and is effective against mycobacterium tuberculosis.
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