Galega officinalis

Galega officinalis
Family:Galega officinalis; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Galactogogue; Hypoglycaemic.
Common name:Goat's rue
Goat's rue was once important in the treatment of plague fevers and infectious diseases. It is still used in modern herbalism though mainly for its effect in promoting milk-flow in lactating mothers (it has been shown to increase the flow of milk in cows and goats by 35 - 50%) and for its positive effect on the digestive system. The plant contains galegine an alkaloid that strongly reduces blood sugar levels which make it useful in the treatment of diabetes. The leaves and flowering tops are diaphoretic diuretic galactogogue and hypoglycaemic. It has also been used in the treatment of fevers. It is taken internally to treat insufficient lactation late-onset diabetes pancreatitis and digestive problems especially chronic constipation caused by a lack of digestive enzymes. The plant is harvested as it is just coming into flower and is dried for later use. Some caution is advised.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 03:21 []