White campion (Silene alba or Silene latifolia ssp. alba) is also known as white campion and white campion, respectively. Its pretty white flowers only open fully at dusk. Then it gives off an enticing fragrance that attracts its pollinators, the night butterflies. The similar looking field campion (Silene noctiflora) is very rare to find. It is native to cereal fields as a wild herb.
Occurrence and cultivation of the white campion
The carnation relationship of the White campion can be recognized, among other things, by the fact that the calyx and corolla are clearly separated from each other. White campion is not uncommon in Europe and Asia. It is also widespread around the Mediterranean. It prefers location in the lowlands and low mountain ranges. However, depending on the slope and exposure, it can also be found at altitudes up to 1500 meters. In North America, this campion is an immigrant. The plant belongs to the extensive family of carnations (Caryophyllaceae). Its assignment to the genus Silene, however, is not clear. In some botanical textbooks it is also listed as Melandrium or Lychnis. The carnation relationship can be recognized, among other things, by the fact that the calyx and corolla are clearly separated from each other. Often, as in the genus Silene, there is an additional outer calyx. White campion feels at home, both in the wild and in the garden, in warm and sunny places that provide it with plenty of nutrients. There, the biennial plant blooms from May to September. It then spreads by itself and tends to reappear in very different places. When it has scattered its numerous small seeds, the dry seed pods decorate the winter garden. Various cultivated forms are also suitable for the rock garden.
Effect and application
The German name Weißes Leimkraut refers to sticky spots on the flower stalks, which are thought to keep ants away. White campion’s English name, White Champion, possibly hints at the fact that the plant has many uses beyond its decorative aspect. Naturopathy actually uses various preparations of the root, shoot and flowers of the campion. In spring, the fresh herb of the plant is collected, which, depending on the location, can grow from 20 to over 100 centimeters high. In autumn is time to collect the root. It is then filled with nutrients and can sometimes reach very deep. Decoctions can be made from the roots and leaves. Leaves and shoots are also made into tea. All components are also squeezed and administered as fresh plant juice. The main applications of white campion are skin diseases and respiratory diseases. The content of saponins in the medicinal plant is responsible for the mucus liquefying effect in cough, hoarseness and sinus diseases. Saponins also have fungicidal and antibiotic effects. This finding justifies, among other things, the use of Silene alba externally in the form of washes and compresses for skin diseases. A diuretic effect, lowering of cholesterol levels, an effect on blood pressure and stimulation of the immune system are also attributed to the substance. Due to the tannin content of the plant, teas and other preparations have an astringent effect. This enhances the bactericidal and fungicidal effects of the saponin. Rinses and gargles therefore support the healing process of mucous membrane diseases and colds. Zinc, which is also contained in the plant, is a vital trace element, which is very important for metabolism and for the functioning of the immune system. Homeopathy uses preparations of Silene latifolia ssp. alba in dilutions and globules. Potencies from C12 to C200 are most commonly used. Juice or pulp from the crushed roots of the White Campion, like the root of the Common Soapwort, was often used in earlier times as a substitute for soap in washing clothes and for body cleansing. The saponins it contains reduce the surface tension of water. This is shown by the fact that a light foam can be produced by stirring and shaking.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
White campion pleases not only the eye, but also the palate. Its fresh young leaves and flowers can be used as an admixture for a tasty wild herb salad.They convince with their slightly sweet and mild taste. They can also be lightly steamed, prepared like spinach, or used as an ingredient for a soothing spring soup. In a green smoothie, the ingredients have an invigorating and vitalizing effect, especially after the winter months. In addition to the above-mentioned respiratory and skin diseases, herbal medicine also uses the white campion for prevention and adjunctive treatment of such diverse diseases as gout, rheumatism and cancer. The active ingredients are utilized as decoctions of the herb or root, as well as tea infusions. Because of its astringent, tanning, and antibacterial effects, the tea is also said to prevent the formation of plaque and relieve bleeding gums and inflammation of the mouth. Traditional folk medicine has used white campion for women’s ailments. An essence from the flowers was also given for mild depression. This extract was thought to increase the patient’s zest for life and decisiveness. It is important, as with all plants containing medicinally active constituents, that White Campion not be used constantly in high doses for self-treatment. Indeed, in very large quantities, which, however, are hardly reached in the plant preparations mentioned here, saponins and tannic acid can cause considerable damage to health.
