Quick Facts

Dr. Marty Ross, MD
Dr. Ross's Expert Review
Bidens pilosa is a traditional herb with a long history of use in herbal medicine, and it is one of the herbs Stephen Buhner wrote about in his protocol books. Montana Farmacy makes this tincture the way I like to see botanicals made: fresh plant, small batches, a 1:5 extraction ratio, organic cane alcohol and water, and nothing else on the label.
So where does it fit? I use it most for people who want herbal support for healthy immune function and microbial balance. Laboratory research on the plant shows antioxidant and immune-modulating activity, and traditional use points the same direction. I am candid about what the science does and does not show. The research is early stage, mostly in vitro and animal work, and there are no human clinical trials on this herb. Theory and observation suggest it belongs in an herbal regimen; the proof is not there yet.
In practice I see it used as part of a broader herbal protocol rather than as a stand-alone. People often pair it with cryptolepis, sida acuta, or alchornea, herbs from the same traditional protocols. Combinations like that can be useful, but they also stack the chance of die-off reactions. Start low and go slow. If headaches, fatigue, or nausea show up, that is usually a sign the dose moved up too fast.
The suggested use on the label is one dropper one to three times a day. I usually start people lower and increase over a week or two. Avoid it during pregnancy. If you take prescription medicines or work with a physician on a treatment plan, keep that person in the loop before anything new gets added.
How I Use It in My Practice
I use Bidens pilosa most as part of an herbal immune support regimen, not on its own. The label suggests one dropper one to three times a day. In my practice I start people with less, often once a day, and increase over one to two weeks as tolerated. Nausea is the side effect I hear about most, and die-off reactions happen when the dose climbs too fast. When that shows up, I hold the dose steady or drop back rather than push through. I keep it out of the plan entirely during pregnancy.
The Research, in Dr. Ross's Words
In my read of this research, the case for Bidens pilosa is early but consistent in direction. A 2023 literature review in Pharmaceutics found that extracts and compounds from the plant show immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties in laboratory work. A 2025 systematic review focused on the phytochemical profile reached a similar conclusion, documenting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential that lines up with the traditional use of the herb.
Here is the candid part. None of these papers are human clinical trials. The evidence is in vitro or in animals, and the reviews summarize laboratory science rather than tested outcomes in people. I do not read that as a reason to dismiss the herb; traditional use and laboratory activity are where many useful botanicals start. I read it as a reason to hold claims loosely and to watch dosing and tolerability in practice.
References
Supplement Facts
| Amount Per Serving | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
Bidens (Bidens pilosa) | 140 mg | |








