As the generic term of this genus, resede includes various species of cultivated and ornamental plants; regionally, the plant is also known as wau. As a naturally occurring species, resede is distributed throughout the European continent, Asia, North Africa and the Mediterranean region.
Occurrence and cultivation of the resede
All species of reseda bloom in the period from about mid-June to late September. The reseda plant family, Resedaceae, loves sunny to semi-shady places in flower beds, roadsides, fields or meadows. Resedaceae thrive exclusively in nutrient-rich soils, cultivation in one’s own garden is possible without further ado, provided that sunny locations, preferably in partial shade, and soil conditions are taken into account. There are annual but also perennial forms of growth of the genus Resede. The leaves can be undivided or pinnate, depending on the species. The height of growth can also range from 25 to 130 centimeters, depending on the species. The flowers of the resede are whitish to yellow in color, during further growth the wau forms the typical capsule fruits, which can grow up to 15 millimeters long. All species of reseda bloom in the period from about mid-June to late September. Bees find an abundant supply of pollen from the plant, but only a moderate supply of nectar. The most common are 5 genera of the Resede plant family, including the yellow resede and the so-called dyer’s resede, in the past this species was also used for dyeing textiles. Resede originates from Western Asia and Southeastern Europe. After becoming wild, all species of resede are now native to all other parts of Europe. A particularly sought-after seed mixture is marketed under the name “Veitshöchheimer Bienenweide” (Veitshöchheim Bee Pasture); it contains a mixture of yellow and dyer’s resede.
Effect and application
Resedes often stand inconspicuously on the roadsides, yet it is a pretty flower species with a typically pleasant fragrance. As an ornamental plant in the garden, resedas are rarely found today, even less known is the fact that all types of resedas are medicinal plants. The name resede dates back to Roman times, derived from the Latin word “resedere”, which translates as “to soothe” or “to heal”. So the Romans already knew about the healing properties of resede, but the knowledge about it was largely lost in the course of time. Nevertheless, from ancient Roman writings, the healing effects can be deduced to this day. Both internal and external application is possible. Bruises and contusions can be treated with a plant paste made from fresh, crushed parts of the plant. Since dyer’s resede was also used to dye textiles in the past, this species is also called dyer’s dew. However, the modern textile industry has no interest in these specific properties of the plant. As a tea infusion, resede can be used for nervousness, insomnia, or to relieve pain from abdominal cramps. The main ingredients of wau are flavones, saponins and mustard oils, which are probably responsible for the antimicrobial effect. In Germany, dyer’s resede was cultivated in fields until the 19th century; this method of cultivation has also fallen into disuse and is no longer common. Only the upper flowering parts of the plant contain the specific dyes luteolin and apigenin. However, these are not textile-fast, i.e. they do not bind permanently to the textile fibers and are washed out again after the first wash cycle. This is probably the main reason why the textile industry shows no further interest in commercial marketing of dyer’s resede.
Significance for health, treatment and prevention.
As a medicinal plant, resede plays at best a minor role for therapeutic purposes today. Today, knowledge of its medicinal effects is known only to traditional folk medicine or empirical naturopathic tradition. According to the traditions from the Roman times, medicinal preparations from resede have a calming, analgesic effect, on insomnia, on inner restlessness, on bruises or on bruises, i.e. hematomas. Some sources also report a curative effect on insect bites, the important thing is to apply the freshly crushed herb directly on the puncture site. A preventive effect is not known. All parts of the medicinal plant are non-toxic, and salads can be prepared from flowers, leaves and stems.The taste is described as spicy-mild and cress-like. Due to the ubiquitous distribution, all genera of the plant are considered to be non-endangered and are still not protected. Medicinal effects are attributed to all species of the genus Resede, including dyer’s bugloss. Today, nurseries sell resedes explicitly as an ornamental plant, despite the many good qualities of the perennial. The fragrant flowers exude a natural charm, which can ideally complement each other in the garden, especially with other ornamental plants. For example, a combination of reseda with common viper’s bugloss or wild carrot is interesting. A comprehensive botanical analysis of the constituents of reseda plants has not yet been carried out, as far as can be learned. However, the medicinal potential of reseda plants is considered undisputed even among experts, even though the medicinal plant has unfortunately been completely forgotten. Risks, side effects or interactions are not known, even with intensive or permanent use of the non-toxic plant. In individual cases, hypersensitivity reactions in case of allergic disposition would be conceivable. Nevertheless, it is recommended to inform the attending physician when using reseda plants for medicinal purposes, internally or externally. Although probably harmless, due to the lack of empirical data, it is not recommended for use in young children or pregnant women.
