Heather Flowers
Also known as- Calluna vulgaris
Introduction
Heather flowers are a traditional remedy in Swedish herbal medicine. A low mound of handsome greenery topped by multiple spikes of colored flowers, heathers are native to Ireland, Scotland,
Scandinavia, Russia, and northern North America. Branches are used as broom straw, the leaves flavor beer and tea, the bark can be used for tanning, and the flowers yield nectar for honeybees.
Constituents
Dihydroxychromone, various forms of quercetin.
Parts Used
Dried flowers and leaf.
Typical Preparations
Teas, tinctures, infusions, can be used in capsule form.
Summary
Pharmacologists at the University of Uppsala in Sweden have found that heather flowers contain chemicals that stop the production of inflammatory hormones (prostaglandins) and block the action of platelet activating factor (PAF) in allergy. This property explains the herb's use in a variety of herbal formula, as noted in The Complete German Commission E Monographs, for "diseases and ailments of the kidneys and the lower urinary tract, enlargement of the prostate, as a diuretic, for prophylaxis of stone ailments, vaginal discharge, diseases and ailments of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, spasms of the stomach and intestines, colic, diseases of the liver and gallbladder, for gout, arthritis, diseases and disorders of the respiratory tract, cough, colds, sleep disorders, restlessness, as eye baths for inflamed eyes, treatment of wounds, for fever, spleen, and as a diaphoretic."
Precautions
None.
