Anagallis arvensis
Botanical Nomenclature | Anagallis arvensis |
Common Name | Poor Man's Weather-Glass, Poorman's Barometer, Red Chickweed, Red Pimpernel, Shepherd's Clock, Shepherd's Weather Glass |
Taxonomy- Family | Primulaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Anagallis arvensis is an annual herb growing up to 10cm, with sessile, ovate leaves and small, red, brown or violet flowers. The flowering lasts from June to October and the harvesting takes place from July to September. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | The whole plant |
Active Substances | Saponins, cyclamen (saponin), glycosides, essential oil |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has diuretic, cholagogue, antitussive, diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, laxative and healing properties. The herbal tea is recommended for the treatment of dropsy and the disorders of the bladder and the liver. Finally, it is administered against pruritus, warts and skin inflammations. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (a quantity of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, 2-3 times a day). In homeopathy is used in the form of tincture (200g of dried herb in 500mL alcohol, 1-5 drops a day, external use). 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 | Plant's consumption may cause polyuria and dermatitis, especially in sensitive patients. |
References | 1)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21237261 2) https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/pimper33.html#con 3) http://herbs-treatandtaste.blogspot.gr/2011/05/scarlet-pimpernel-anagallis-arvensis.html 4) http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/anagallis.html 5) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Anagallis+arvensis |