Heather
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Botanical Name |
Calluna vulgaris, Erica vulgaris |
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Family |
Heather |
|
Other Names |
Bazzom, griglans, ling |
|
Habitat |
Heaths, moors, open woods acid soil |
|
Description |
Short, evergreen perennial shrub up to 1m/3ft tall. Branched stems Leaves numerous in opposite rows, smooth or hairy, undivided, alternate. Flowers purple, pink or white and bell shaped in spikes July - November |
|
Native to |
Europe, North America |
|
Part Used |
Whole herb |
|
Actions |
Anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic, cholagogue, diuretic, sedative |
|
Constituents |
hydroquinone, tannins, flavone glycosides Hydroquinone glycosides –arbutin Flavonoids –quercitrin,myricitrin Triterpenes –ursolic acid, uvaol Coumarins –scopoletin |
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Culinary Uses |
Tea |
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Skin |
Wounds |
|
Circulatory muscle joint |
Rheumatism |
|
Nervous system |
Insomnia |
|
Psychological |
Generous, understanding |
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Other Notes |
Celts regarded it as a messenger from spirit White heather is said to be lucky – In 1862 whilst staying at Balmoral, Queen Victoria gave white heather to Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who was to marry the Prince of Wales and told her it would bring her luck Pollinated by bees Calluna comes from a Greek word meaning “to sweep” as it was often used to make besoms The name Heath or Heather is associated with the Christian missionaries attempt to convert the Picts. It is said the Christian tried to persuade the Picts to become Christians but the Picts turned it into a battle and the hillside became drenched in heathen blood. It is said Heather is not stained by blood on a battle field |