About Xanthium orientale L.
Xanthium orientale L. is an annual plant species that belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. Members of the Zuni people, a Native American group, use this plant for several different purposes. Before a cactus ceremony, chewed seeds from the plant are rubbed onto the body to offer protection against cactus spines. A compound poultice made from the plant's seeds is applied to wounds, or used to remove splinters. The seeds can also be ground, mixed with cornmeal, formed into cakes, and steamed to be eaten as food.
