Cardamine pratensis

Cardamine pratensis, Cruciferae, Glycocochlearin (glycoside), vitamin C, metals, minerals
Cardamine pratensis, Cruciferae, Glycocochlearin (glycoside), vitamin C, metals, mineralsCardamine pratensis, Cruciferae, Glycocochlearin (glycoside), vitamin C, metals, mineralsCardamine pratensis, Cruciferae, Glycocochlearin (glycoside), vitamin C, metals, mineralsCardamine pratensis, Cruciferae, Glycocochlearin (glycoside), vitamin C, metals, mineralsCardamine pratensis, Cruciferae, Glycocochlearin (glycoside), vitamin C, metals, minerals
Botanical Nomenclature Cardamine pratensis
Common Name Cuckooflower, Lady's Smock
Taxonomy- Family Cruciferae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Cardamine pratensis is a perennial, herbaceous plant growing from 20 to 40cm, with lanceolate leaves in rosette and large, purple or white flowers in inflorescences. The flowering lasts from April to June and the harvesting takes place from May to June.
Region Found Ioannina (Pindos, Peristeri, Metsovo, Vikos-Aoos, Gramos, Smolikas)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances The whole plant
Active Substances Glycocochlearin (glycoside), vitamin C, metals, minerals
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has tonic, antiscorbutic, expectorant, antirheumatic, spasmolytic and diuretic properties. In herbal medicine the infusion made from the leaves is recommended for the treatment of indigestion, asthma, anorexia and hysteria. It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice against rheumatic pains and chronic skin diseases.
Method of Administration In herbal medicine the plant is administered in the form of infusion (a quantity of dried plant in boiling water, 2-3 times a day) and in the form of syrup made from the blossomed herb (oral administration). The plant is often used as a component in dietary supplements. In addition, it can be consumed, fresh or cooked. Finally, it can be applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice made from the fresh leaves.
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 have beem reported.
References 1) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cardamine+pratensis 2)http://natural-healing-guide.com/Medicinal-Plants/ladys-smock.htm 3)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/c/cardamine-pratensis=cuckoo-flower.php 4)http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Cardamine_pratensis 5)http://www.glenniekindred.co.uk/native/04apr.html 6)http://herbs-treatandtaste.blogspot.gr/2012/05/ladys-smocks-cuckoo-flowerssuperstition.html