It is not without reason that it bears the nickname of infernal grain. Still valued as a medicinal plant in the Middle Ages, conrade is now used only in homeopathy. Once spread like a weed in the fields, the plant was almost eradicated because of its toxicity and is now protected as a field wild herb worth preserving.
Occurrence and cultivation of corn cockle
As recently as the 1960s, it was a feared poisonous weed found almost everywhere in fields and along roadsides, but today it is rarely encountered and is on the red list of endangered species. The corn cockle (lat. Agrostemma githago), also known as field cockle, corn cockle or corn rose, belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family (clove family) and is related to the clove. Originally from the Mediterranean region, it has spread throughout Central Europe and even to America as a companion to cereal crops. As late as the 1960s, it was still to be found almost everywhere in fields and along roadsides as a feared poisonous weed, but today it is rarely encountered and is on the red list of endangered species. The herbaceous plant, which grows up to 90 cm tall, develops its pink to purple flowers from June to August. They protrude from grain fields and are pollinated by day butterflies. Black seeds form in ovoid capsule fruits, and their dispersal is largely dependent on humans – they are often released when the surrounding grain is threshed. The annual plant is anchored up to one meter deep in the soil by a spindle-shaped taproot. It likes nitrogen-rich, dry soil.
Effect and application
Already Hildegard von Bingen mentions in her books a “Rade”, although it could not be clearly clarified whether this means the Taumellolch or actually the Kornrade. Hildegard von Bingen describes the herb as unsuitable for food (we know today that it is poisonous), but uses it together with bacon as a remedy for skin rashes. In folk medicine, Agrostemma githago was used mainly for skin diseases, gastritis and worm infestation. The plant was also believed to have hemostatic, diuretic, diuretic and expectorant properties. It was used for coughs, colds, dropsy, even against cancer and malaria, and as a laxative. Boiled in vinegar, it was used as a mouthwash against toothache, and even as an anesthetic before surgery. The main active ingredients of the plant are saponins such as the species-specific githagin or githagenin, the protein agrostin, amino acids, fatty oil, and various bitter and tannic substances. Agrostemma githago is highly toxic; even an amount of three to five grams of seed can cause dangerous symptoms of poisoning. These range from irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat to nausea, vomiting, cramps, headaches and drowsiness, and even respiratory paralysis and circulatory shock. Particularly in the Middle Ages, there were repeated cases of mass poisoning from contaminated grain in which seeds of the corn cockle had got mixed in during the harvest. It is therefore no wonder that the plant was feared as a field weed and was consistently combated. Because of its toxicity and the associated risk, the use of corn cockle as a medicinal plant was increasingly abandoned, and by the end of the 18th century it had practically ceased to play a role. Today it is only used in homeopathy. The latter produces a remedy from the herb and seeds of the plant, which is mainly used against gastritis. An ointment made from the herb of corn cockle is still occasionally found in folk medicine for the treatment of ulcers and abscesses.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Already in the mythology of the Celts, the pretty field flower had a special meaning. It was dedicated to the god Llew and was one of the nine wildflowers from which he created his bride Blodeuwedd. The generic name “Agrostemma” from the Greek words for “field, field” (agros) and “wreath” (stemma). In fact, wreaths were woven from the corn cockle in the past, which had a magical effect in popular belief. Woven around the trunk of the tree, they were supposed to prevent unripe fruit from falling from the tree. Those who wore a wreath of corn cockle on their heads were supposed to be able to recognize the evil intentions of their fellow men. Necessity is the mother of invention.In times of famine, the leaves of the corn cockle were first soaked in water for a few days, then boiled and eaten as a vegetable. Most of the poison was destroyed by the method of preparation, but the consumption of this emergency food was still not without residual risk. Classical homeopathy produces a remedy from the ripe, dried seeds of the plant, which is used as Agrostemma githago HAB34 mainly against gastritis and for paralysis. The homeopathic drug picture describes the following symptoms for Agrostemma githago: Burning sensation in the stomach, esophagus, and throat, and in the lower abdomen up to the anus; nausea with bitter vomiting; impaired motor skills; dizziness, headache, and difficulty remaining in an upright posture; burning sensation from the lower jaw up to the crown of the head. The proper time to collect the leaves of corn cocklebur is during the summer months into early fall, and the seeds are collected in the fall. For several years, there have been increased efforts to reestablish the plant in protected areas. It is also available in the seed trade as an ornamental plant. Undemanding and easy to care for, it cuts a handsome figure in any cottage garden. For plant protection, the poison of the corn cockle is of interest as a means of pest control. Relevant studies are investigating its potential use against field pests such as beet cyst nematode.
