Geum urbanum
Botanical Nomenclature | Geum urbanum |
Common Name | Colewort, Herb Bennet, St. Benedict's Herb, Wood Avens |
Taxonomy- Family | Rosaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Geum urbanum is a perennial plant growing from 30 to 60cm. The leaves are trilobate, circular and green and the fruit are spiny. The yellow flowers grow in inflorescences. The harvesting takes place from March to April and from September to October. |
Region Found | Ioannina (Smolikas, Metsovo, Pindos, Vikos-Aoos) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | The whole plant. |
Active Substances | Essential oil (which contains Genine and Eugenol), tannins, flavonoids, resins, bitter agents, Geoside (which is located in the root and is hydrolyzed to Eugenol) |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has astringent, antidiarrheal, appetizing and tonic properties. It is also recommended in the form of gargling against the infections of upper respiratory system. It is taken orally as tonic in febrile conditions and in the treatment of hemorrhoids. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered as tonic in the form of infusion (twice a day). A tincture (herbal extract 1:5 in ethyl alcohol 70%, 20-30 drops in a glass of water, 2-3 times a day) is reccomended for its astringent and antidiarrheal properties. It is used in the form of gurgling against the infections of the upper respiratory system. 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 | Mild intestinal problems may occur, as diarrhea and dysentery. |
References | 1) Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 294, 2)http://plantsandapples.co.uk/tag/geum-urbanum/ 3)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/g/geum-urbanum=wood-avens.php 4)http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/geum.html 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Geum+urbanum 6)https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/avens083.html |