Little Braunelle: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Little Braunelle is the name given to a medicinal plant that is widespread in Europe. It exhibits antibiotic effect.

Occurrence and cultivation of Little Braunelle

The perennial Little Braunelle reaches a maximum growth height of 20 centimeters. It also owes its name to its small size. Little Braunelle (Prunella vulgaris) is also known as Common Braunelle or Little Brunelle. It belongs to the genus Prunella and the family Lamiaceae. The perennial Little Brownelle reaches a maximum height of 20 centimeters. It owes its name to its small size. The elongated leaves of the plant are egg-shaped and grow directly on the stem. The flowering period of the Little Brownelle takes place between May and October. It is widespread from Central Europe to Western Asia. In the course of time the plant reached the temperate climate zones. In Central Europe, the Little Brownelle is common and thrives up to an altitude of 2000 meters. Preferred habitats of the plant are bog meadows, semi-arid grasslands as well as banks and forest clearings. It also requires sufficiently moist and nitrogenous clay soil.

Effect and application

Little burnet has a strong antibiotic effect. Thus, it can be used therapeutically against various ailments ranging from sore throat to high blood pressure. In earlier times, the common burnet was an important medicinal plant. In modern times, however, it is largely forgotten in Europe, which is also due to the introduction of chemical medicines. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) still appreciates the positive effects of the medicinal plant and offers various preparations. Several studies conducted by Asian researchers have revealed further positive effects of the brownelle. It has antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, wound-healing and liver-protecting effects. Even serious diseases such as AIDS (HIV) or tumors are said to be inhibited by the medicinal plant. According to South Korean researchers, some plant components also have an anti-diabetic effect. They have an antioxidant effect, reduce the rise in blood sugar levels in the body and protect the pancreas. The lesser burnet can still be used against throat infections. For this purpose, a tea is prepared from the plant herb. The patient then takes this in small sips. In addition, the tea can be used for gargling to combat a painful sore throat. To prepare the tea, two teaspoons with plant herb are poured over a cup of boiled hot water. Then the tea brews for another 10 minutes. After straining, the patient can take it. Other positive effects of Braunelle are lowering blood pressure and relieving cramps. In this way, stomach cramps and flatulence can be relieved. In addition, substances similar to estrogens are found in the common burnet. Therefore, it is considered helpful against menopausal symptoms and menstrual problems. Even ovulation in women is said to be promoted by the ingredient stigmasterol. Lesser burnet is also suitable for external use. It is used in the form of compresses, washes and baths for the treatment of skin inflammations and wounds. Sore skin areas are simply dabbed with a cotton ball. A sitz bath can also be used to treat hemorrhoids. Likewise, gum problems can be combated with a tincture of the Braunelle.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

In earlier times, the little burnet served as a therapeutic agent against diphtheria. At that time, this serious disease was still widespread and feared in Europe. It was also called sore throat, which is probably how the medicinal plant got its name Braunelle. Nowadays, however, diphtheria has lost its terror and rarely occurs. Instead, the lesser burnet is used to treat sore throats. Folk medicine uses the common burnet against many different diseases. These include gastrointestinal diseases, inflammations and ulcers in the mouth and throat region, as well as fever and wounds. However, modern medicines have pushed the medicinal plant back and it is hardly used in Europe.In Asia, however, Traditional Chinese Medicine has been using the Little Braunelle for thousands of years against various diseases such as mastitis, hepatitis, tuberculosis, hypertension and cancer. In Kashmir, the Little Clematis is part of the recognized Unani medicine. There it is used in herbal mixtures against colds or is used in a sitz bath after childbirth. In addition, hot infused brownelle herb is recommended for the treatment of headaches. Another field of application is the therapy of herpes with aqueous plant extracts. In North America, the native Indians also valued the lesser burnet. They used brown lily tea against fever. The Algonquins strengthened their hearts with a mild decoction of flowers, leaves and roots, while the Iroquois used plant extracts against colds, coughs, diarrhea and vomiting. Eye infections or pressure sores on horses were also treated with the brownelle. Sometimes the plant was only used as a cooling drink. According to South Korean studies, the little burnet is also considered helpful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis). In addition, the medicinal plant is said to prevent a heart attack or stroke. The South Korean researchers attribute this to the anti-inflammatory effect of the plant extract on the blood vessel cell walls. It also reduces the undesired growth of soft muscle cells within the vessels. Chinese and Canadian researchers, in turn, found that the lesser burnet also helps against herpes. Thus, certain plant extracts are effective against forms of herpes that prove resistant to aciclovir. For this purpose, fresh plant juice is applied to the affected areas as soon as the first blisters appear. The only disadvantage is the dark discoloration of the lips. However, this can be washed off again without any problems.