Asperula odorata

Asperula odorata, Rubiaceae, Asperuloside (coumarin), anthraquinones, flavonoids, iridoids, resins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, citric acid
Asperula odorata, Rubiaceae, Asperuloside (coumarin), anthraquinones, flavonoids, iridoids, resins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, citric acidAsperula odorata, Rubiaceae, Asperuloside (coumarin), anthraquinones, flavonoids, iridoids, resins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, citric acidAsperula odorata, Rubiaceae, Asperuloside (coumarin), anthraquinones, flavonoids, iridoids, resins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, citric acidAsperula odorata, Rubiaceae, Asperuloside (coumarin), anthraquinones, flavonoids, iridoids, resins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, citric acidAsperula odorata, Rubiaceae, Asperuloside (coumarin), anthraquinones, flavonoids, iridoids, resins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, citric acidAsperula odorata, Rubiaceae, Asperuloside (coumarin), anthraquinones, flavonoids, iridoids, resins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, citric acid
Botanical Nomenclature Asperula odorata
Common Name Master Of The Woods, Sweet Woodruff, Sweetscented Bedstraw, Wild Baby's Breath, Woodruff
Taxonomy- Family Rubiaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Asperula odorata is a perennial, herbaceous plant growing from 20 to 30cm, with lanceolate, smooth, dull-colored leaves and small, white flowers in inflorescences. The flowering lasts from April to June and the harvesting takes place before blooming.
Region Found Arta (Tzoumerka), Ioannina (Gramos, Metsovo, Zagori Mitsikeli, Vikos-Aoos)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances The whole plant, flowering tops
Active Substances Asperuloside (coumarin), anthraquinones, flavonoids, iridoids, resins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, citric acid
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The herbal tea has laxative, diuretic, cholagogue, sudorific, antispasmodic, astringent and tonic properties. In folk medicine it is recommended for the treatment of kidney stones and gallstones, while due to the contained coumarin the whole plant is used against phlebitis and varicose veins. It is applied externally in the form of poultice to heal the wounds, as well for the treatment of edema and neuralgia (especially trigeminal neuralgia).
Method of Administration The plant is administered as diuretic and anticoagulant in the form of herbal tea (30-50g of dried plant in 1L of boiled water, twice a day, once in the morning and once in the night). It is applied externally as healing and soothing in the form of poultice made from the fresh leaves and in the form of ointment against hemorrhoids and fissures.
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 Consumption of asperula odorata may cause headache, dizziness, drowsiness and temporary memory loss.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Β' τόμος, σελίδες: 524-525 2)Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 128-129, 3)http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-67-sweet%20woodruff.aspx?activeingredientid=67&activeingredientname=sweet%20woodruff 4)http://www.drugs.com/npp/woodruff-sweet.html 5)http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/w/wooswe31.html 6)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Galium+odoratum