Galium verum

Galium verum
Family:Galium verum; Antispasmodic; Astringent; Diuretic; Foot care; Lithontripic; Vulnerary.
Common name:Lady's bedstraw
Lady's bedstraw has a long history of use as a herbal medicine though it is little used in modern medicine. Its main application is as a diuretic and as a treatment for skin complaints. The leaves stems and flowering shoots are antispasmodic astringent diuretic foot care lithontripic and vulnerary. The plant is used as a remedy in gravel stone or urinary disorders and is believed to be a remedy for epilepsy. A powder made from the fresh plant is used to soothe reddened skin and reduce inflammation whilst the plant is also used as a poultice on cuts skin infections slow-healing wounds etc. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and is dried for later use. 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.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 03:22 []