Common Loosestrife: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Common loosestrife is quite an unknown medicinal plant. Yet its uses are many and varied.

Occurrence and cultivation of common loosestrife.

The spike-like inflorescences, which can consist of over 100 individual flowers, are striking. The striking reddish-purple flowers make the wild plant look like an ornamental. Common loosestrife is an undemanding perennial herbaceous plant in the loosestrife family. From one rhizome can grow up to 50 stems, which can reach a height of up to two meters. The spike-like inflorescences, which can consist of over 100 individual flowers, are striking. The showy reddish-purple flowers make the wild plant look like an ornamental. Due to its high ornamental value, cultivated forms are also offered, but their medicinal properties are questionable. The common loosestrife prefers to grow on moist to wet soils, gladly also in water ditches and swamps in sunny to semi-shady locations. The flowering period is between June and September. It is an important food plant for bees, butterflies and hoverflies and therefore also an enrichment for an insect-friendly garden. It is widely distributed mainly in Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. Propagation is by seeds, which are produced in large quantities by the large number of flowers and are dispersed both by air and by flowing water.

Effect and application

Already in ancient times, common loosestrife was used to treat eczema. Since the Middle Ages, the hemostatic effect of the plant is known. It was used against internal bleeding, the chewed stem against bleeding gums and the powder obtained from the dried plant against nosebleeds. The remedy is also said to have a positive effect on heavy menstrual bleeding. The hemostatic effect is due to the astringent and hemostatic tannins contained. But other effects have also been proven for this medicinal plant. Thus, it has a bactericidal effect and is thus suitable as a tea for the treatment of sore throats or inflammation of the oral mucosa. Also for wounds, a poultice with a tea of common loosestrife can accelerate healing by killing any germs that may have entered. In the case of more extensive injuries or eczema, in addition to a poultice, a bath can also contribute to healing. For this purpose, 60 grams of the fresh flowering herb are poured over 3 liters of boiling water and added to the bath water after 15 minutes of infusion. However, in case of severe injuries, self-treatment should be refrained from and a doctor should be consulted. High blood loss or severe contamination of the wound can have serious to fatal consequences. Likewise, in the case of hemorrhoids, the astringent effect of the tannins contained in common loosestrife can be used in the form of a sitz bath to relieve discomfort. In cases of diarrhea, common loosestrife can be used to relieve discomfort. Because it is a very mild medicine, it can be used even with young children. Not only does it have a soothing effect on the irritated gastrointestinal tract, but its bactericidal action also supports the fight against pathogens. In this field it is also used in veterinary medicine, for example in cattle or horses. Even in cases of typhoid fever and dysentery, the effectiveness of a tea made from common loosestrife is reported. The tea to be used is made from two to three teaspoons of the herb, which are poured over with 250 milliliters of boiling water. After 15 minutes of infusion, the tea is drained and drunk unsweetened in order not to affect the effectiveness of the tannins. Washing additives and the liquid for poultices can be prepared in the same way. In diabetes, the blood sugar-lowering effect of common loosestrife can be used. Here, however, the benefits and risks should be clarified in advance by a doctor and the herb should be used only as a supplement to therapy. Medicinally effective parts of the plant are, in addition to the stem, the herb and the root, sometimes the flowers are also used. All parts can be used both fresh and dried. As a rule, however, as with most medicinal herbs, the active ingredient content is higher in the fresh herb than in the dried one. Primarily, the herb as well as the dried flowering branch tips are used.In homeopathy, common loosestrife is used to treat diarrhea. A flower essence, similar to the Bach flowers, is also available. This is said to promote self-confidence, openness and independence.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

Despite its many effects, common loosestrife fell into oblivion as a medicinal plant. It is no longer used in modern medicine. It is also hardly mentioned in herbal medicine. Its use in homeopathy is also marginal. There are more familiar remedies available for treatment. Individual suppliers have tea or tea mixtures with common loosestrife on offer. Because no side effects are known so far and it is a very mild remedy, self-treatment can be tried for minor complaints. If the symptoms do not improve or even worsen, a doctor should be consulted, just as in the case of a serious disease. The plant is widespread and not threatened with extinction. Moreover, there is no danger of confusion with poisonous plants. For these reasons, those interested in medicinal herbs can certainly set out and collect the plant or its parts themselves if they do not find it in the trade.