Latin name: Ononis spinosaGenus: Butterfly blossom plantsPopular names: Hasenöhrle, HaythornPlant description: A 30 to 60 cm high shrub with hairy thorny stems and fine-toothed leaves grows from a strong taproot. Pinkish red flowers arranged in clusters. Flowering time: June to August Occurs: Sunny and dry places at the edge of forests, paths and fields.
Medicinally used plant parts
The root, according to recent studies, the above-ground herb should also have a good effect. The root (up to 100cm long) is harvested in autumn, cleaned, cut lengthwise and gently dried.
Ingredients
Essential oil, isoflavones, onocol, tannin and sitosterol.
Healing effects and use of hypocrite
The product has diuretic effects and is a valued component of so-called “blood purification teas”. Hypocrite root tea is recommended for increasing the amount of urine in cases of renal pelvis and bladder catarrhs, urinary gravel and for the prevention of urinary stones. Contraindications are water retention in cases of reduced heart and kidney activity.
Preparation of Heuhechel
Pour 1⁄4 l boiling water over 2 heaped teaspoons of cut root. Leave to stand for half an hour and strain. Drink two cups daily. This tea should be drunk only a few days in a row because the effect will soon wear off. Take a break from drinking for a few days.
Combination with other medicinal plants
Birch leaves, goldenrod, haychel root and liquorice root mixed in equal parts as bladder and kidney tea. Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 2 to 3 teaspoons of this mixture, cover and leave to infuse for 10 minutes, strain. Drink a cup 3 times a day between meals.
Side effect
none known.