Heather is the defining plant of heath landscapes. It grows in areas where otherwise rather little thrives and is used, among other things, in folk medicine. There it is used for various ailments and diseases.
Occurrence and cultivation of the heather
Experts also recommend heather for metabolic problems, gout or eczema. In general, the herb can have a positive effect on skin problems. In English, heather is called Heather, while its botanical name is Calluna vulgaris. The herb is also known by the names heather, hoaden, immerschön, cow heath or zetten. In addition, the terms broom weed or broom heather can also be found. The heather is the only plant species of the Calluna genus. It is monotypic. The plant belongs to the heather family, which has the name Ericaeae. The genus name comes from the Greek word “kallyno”. Translated into German, this means something like “I clean”. Heather plants can grow up to forty years old and one meter high. However, this is only the case when they can grow undisturbed. Their average height is between thirty centimeters and one meter. In addition, the herb is a deep-rooted evergreen. It bears flowers between the late summer and autumn months, usually between August and October. During this time, the herb and flowers are collected and processed for medicinal purposes. The leaves of the heather are scaly and curled upward. They feel leathery and are only a few millimeters long. The numerous, small flowers, on the other hand, usually have a color gradation between white and purple. The inflorescence of the heather is dense and racemose, its flowering maturity begins at four years. The herb is pollinated by a wide variety of insects. The many, small seeds are spread by the wind. Heather is widespread throughout Europe – especially in Central and Northern Europe. In the east it can be found as far as Western Siberia and is also common in glacial areas. The plant grows in bogs, heaths, sparse forests and is found up to altitudes of 2700 meters.
Effect and application
The heather is used in beekeeping as an important bee pasture, because it contains appropriate amounts of sugar. Its ingredients are arbutin, saponins, various enzymes, hydroquinone, flavone glycosides and lime. In addition, heather contains several minerals and tannins. Due to its diverse active ingredients, heather is popularly used in folk medicine against various ailments. It has a blood purifying and diuretic effect on the body. It also belongs to the Bach flowers under the name Heather. As Bach Flower No. 14, heather can help against certain psychological problems and associated physical complaints. The herb itself can be used internally and externally. Thus, it is used in folk medicine especially as an infusion tea. This can either be drunk or used as a poultice, depending on the illness. For this purpose, the affected person soaks a compress in the infusion and places it on the diseased area. Also a bath in the infusion or even the bare flowers can be used against various ailments. To make the infusion, it is enough to use one or two teaspoons of the flowers or herb. These are poured over with a cup of boiling water. After the tea has steeped for ten minutes, it can be strained and drunk in small sips or used elsewhere. When used internally, the person should not take more than three cups a day.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Heather has an effect on health that is not to be despised. Not only the leaves, but also the flowers and shoots find their use. Thus, a full bath from the infusion of the herb is described as an effective rheumatism remedy. It relieves pain and helps to make everyday life more pleasant. In addition, taking it internally can help to enhance the effect. Apart from that, heather has been proven to have a positive effect on the urinary system. It is used against bladder and kidney stones and can prevent infections of the urinary tract and bladder. In addition, it has a curative effect. Experts also recommend heather for metabolic problems, gout or eczema. In general, the herb can have a positive effect on skin problems. In addition, there is the expectorant effect attributed to heather tea. Thus, it is also suitable for the treatment of colds and coughs.According to Dr. Bach, the plant is used against what he calls “heather” behavior. By this he understands character traits, which are reflected in strong egocentricity, craving for pleasure, self-love, craving for recognition and vanity. Also the fear of being alone belongs to it. Pathological psychological disorders in this area can be treated with Bach Flower No. 14. Affected persons tend to be afraid of not being noticed and of loneliness in everyday life. In addition, heather can also be taken by people who are very self-centered and preoccupied with themselves. This includes people who always need an audience. As a rule, these people have a seemingly positive but insecure attitude towards themselves and have a strong need for communication. With the help of heather, this positive attitude should be able to be transferred to others and the actual weaknesses reversed. According to Dr. Bach, it should help build a natural self-esteem and reduce inferiority complexes. The same is true for bragging. In addition, Heather can help with illnesses that are triggered by humiliation. Physical symptoms can be stuttering, skin problems, heart problems or kidney diseases. These coincide with the uses of heather in folk medicine.
