Galium odoratum

Galium odoratum
Family:Galium odoratum; Antispasmodic; Cardiac; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Homeopathy; Sedative.
Common name:Sweet woodruff
Sweet woodruff was widely used in herbal medicine during the Middle Ages gaining a reputation as an external application to wounds and cuts and also taken internally in the treatment of digestive and liver problems. In current day herbalism it is valued mainly for its tonic diuretic and anti-inflammatory affect. The leaves are antispasmodic cardiac diaphoretic diuretic sedative. An infusion is used in the treatment of insomnia and nervous tension varicose veins biliary obstruction hepatitis and jaundice. The plant is harvested just before or as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use. One report says that it should be used with caution whilst another says that it is entirely safe. Excessive doses can produce dizziness and symptoms of poisoning. The dried plant contains coumarins and these act to prevent the clotting of blood - though in excessive doses it can cause internal bleeding. The plant is grown commercially as a source of coumarin used to make an anticoagulant drug. Do not use this remedy if you are taking conventional medicine for circulatory problems or if you are pregnant. A number of species in this genus contain asperuloside a substance that produces coumarin and gives the scent of new-mown hay as the plant dries. Asperuloside can be converted into prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels) making the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry. A homeopathic remedy made from the plant is used in the treatment of inflammation of the uterus.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 03:22 []