Heather Flowers

Also known as- Calluna vulgaris

Introduction

Heather flowers are a traditional remedy in Swedish herbal medicine. A low mound of handsome greenery topped by multiple spikes of colored flowers, heathers are native to Ireland, Scotland,
Scandinavia, Russia, and northern North America. Branches are used as broom straw, the leaves flavor beer and tea, the bark can be used for tanning, and the flowers yield nectar for honeybees.

Constituents

Dihydroxychromone, various forms of quercetin.

Parts Used

Dried flowers and leaf.

Typical Preparations

Teas, tinctures, infusions, can be used in capsule form.

Summary

Pharmacologists at the University of Uppsala in Sweden have found that heather flowers contain chemicals that stop the production of inflammatory hormones (prostaglandins) and block the action of platelet activating factor (PAF) in allergy. This property explains the herbÍs use in a variety of herbal formula, as noted in The Complete German Commission E Monographs, for "diseases and ailments of the kidneys and the lower urinary tract, enlargement of the prostate, as a diuretic, for prophylaxis of stone ailments, vaginal discharge, diseases and ailments of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, spasms of the stomach and intestines, colic, diseases of the liver and gallbladder, for gout, arthritis, diseases and disorders of the respiratory tract, cough, colds, sleep disorders, restlessness, as eye baths for inflamed eyes, treatment of wounds, for fever, spleen, and as a diaphoretic."

Precautions

None.

 

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.