Gratiola officinalis

Gratiola officinalis, Scrophulariaceae, Glycosides (gratiolin, gratiosolin), gratiolic acid, lignans, metals (sodium, phosphorus, calcium), bitter agents, acids, resin.
Gratiola officinalis, Scrophulariaceae, Glycosides (gratiolin, gratiosolin), gratiolic acid, lignans, metals (sodium, phosphorus, calcium), bitter agents, acids, resin.Gratiola officinalis, Scrophulariaceae, Glycosides (gratiolin, gratiosolin), gratiolic acid, lignans, metals (sodium, phosphorus, calcium), bitter agents, acids, resin.Gratiola officinalis, Scrophulariaceae, Glycosides (gratiolin, gratiosolin), gratiolic acid, lignans, metals (sodium, phosphorus, calcium), bitter agents, acids, resin.Gratiola officinalis, Scrophulariaceae, Glycosides (gratiolin, gratiosolin), gratiolic acid, lignans, metals (sodium, phosphorus, calcium), bitter agents, acids, resin.Gratiola officinalis, Scrophulariaceae, Glycosides (gratiolin, gratiosolin), gratiolic acid, lignans, metals (sodium, phosphorus, calcium), bitter agents, acids, resin.
Botanical Nomenclature Gratiola officinalis
Common Name Hedge Hyssop
Taxonomy- Family Scrophulariaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Gratiola officinalis is a perennial plant, growing by 15 to 50cm. It has lanceolate, smooth and green leaves, yellow, pink or white bell flowers. The blossoming and harvesting takes place from June to October.
Region Found Epirus (Vikos-Aoos)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Flowers, root
Active Substances Glycosides (gratiolin, gratiosolin), gratiolic acid, lignans, metals (sodium, phosphorus, calcium), bitter agents, acids, resin.
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has diuretic, purgative and vermifuge properties. As a herbal tea is taken for the treatment of chronic gastroenteritis, renal colic, jaundice and intestinal worms. It is also administered in the form of ointment against acne, wounds and the herpes. Finally, because of its diuretic properties it displays a mild cardiotonic action.
Method of Administration The plant is administered in the form of ointment against acne and as a herbal tea (2-10g of dried leaves in 150ml boiling water, 3-4 times per day) which is mainly taken in the morning. It is also taken as a tincture (extract of the herb 1:10 in ethyl alcohol 70% , a few drops per day).
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects Overdosing may cause kidney failure and bleeding bowel. Avoid the consumption of the plant during pregnancy. It increases uterine contractions and can lead to abortion. Fatal intoxication and death was observed in animals that had eaten the herb.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Ά τόμος, σελίδες: 195-196 2) Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες: 242-243, 3)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gratiola+officinalis 4)http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/hyshed49.html 5)http://www.votana-olympos.gr/component/content/article/73-afioni-ekbalio/743-afioni-ekbalio 6)http://www.webhomeopath.com/homeopathy/homeopathic-remedies/homeopathy-remedy-Gratiola_officinalis.html 7)http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/gratiola.html