Scabiosa officinalis
Botanical Nomenclature | Scabiosa officinalis |
Common Name | Pincushion Flowers |
Taxonomy- Family | Dipsacaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Scabiosa officinalis is a perennial plant growing up to 50cm, with oblong, wavy, opposite leaves, violet, white or red flowers and oval fruits with 8 grooves. The flowering and the harvesting take place in the summer. |
Region Found | Ioannina (Smolikas, Pindos) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | flowers |
Active Substances | Apigenin (flavone), polyunsaturated organic compounds (aldehydes, alkenes and other hydrocarbons) |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has astringent, healing, laxative, sudorific and appetizing properties. It is recommended for the treatment of leucorrhoea and ulcerations. Also, it can be used as eye-cleanser, as well for the treatment of various skin diseases (external application). |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (20g of dried flowers in a 1L of boiled water, 2-3 times a day, either for oral administration or for external application) and in the form of syrup as laxative, astringent and orexigenic. 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)http://www.botanical-dermatology-database.info/BotDermFolder/CAPR.html#Scabiosa 2)http://www.riverofherbs.org/herbs/ 3)http://votana-hepokrates.blogspot.gr/2013/03/scabiosa-officinalis.html |