Orchis maculata

Orchis maculata, Orchidaceae, Starch (27%), tragacanth, arabin, albumin, mucus, protein (15%), essential oil
Orchis maculata, Orchidaceae, Starch (27%), tragacanth, arabin, albumin, mucus, protein (15%), essential oilOrchis maculata, Orchidaceae, Starch (27%), tragacanth, arabin, albumin, mucus, protein (15%), essential oilOrchis maculata, Orchidaceae, Starch (27%), tragacanth, arabin, albumin, mucus, protein (15%), essential oilOrchis maculata, Orchidaceae, Starch (27%), tragacanth, arabin, albumin, mucus, protein (15%), essential oil
Botanical Nomenclature Orchis maculata
Common Name Heath Spotted-Orchid, Moorland Spotted Orchi
Taxonomy- Family Orchidaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Orchis maculata is a perennial, herbaceous plant growing from 20 to 30cm, with large, purple flowers in inflorescences (bunches). The lanceolate, green leaves have characteristic, large, brown spots. The flowering lasts from June to August and the harvesting takes place from September to November
Region Found Ioannina (Smolikas, Pindos, Gramos areas)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Root, tubers
Active Substances Starch (27%), tragacanth, arabin, albumin, mucus, protein (15%), essential oil
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has emollient, tonic, antidepressant and antidiarrheal properties. It is a plant with high nutritional value, which is used for the treatment of airway inflammations, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma and influenza. In folk medicine a herbal solution is recommended against chronic insomnia, while in many rural areas it is administered in the form of poultice against testicular swelling, skin inflammations and boils.
Method of Administration It is administered as emollient and soothing, especially in the treatment of airway inflammations, in the form of solution, which consists of a quantity of dried and powdered tubers and root (Salepi), water and sugar or honey. It is used against chronic insomnia in the form of infusion or herbal tea (two spoons of dried herb in a glass of boiled water, twice a day). Finally, in folk medicine it is recommended in the form of poultice, which is applied externally to the inflamed skin.
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 No side effects are reported.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Β' τόμος, σελίδες: 403-404 2)Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 334-335 3)http://www.pakbs.org/pjbot/PDFs/44(SI1)/34.pdf 4)Pak. J. Bot., 44: 239-244, Special Issue March 2012. STUDIES ON THE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF AYVACIK-?ANAKKALE IN TURKEY, ISMET UYSAL, SALIH G?CEL, T?LAY T?TENOCAKLI AND M?NIR ?ZT?RK 5)http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/salep.html 6)http://www.noraphotos.com/p679977271/h5703862A#h5703862a