Loosestrife
|
Botanical Name |
Lysimachia vulgaris |
|
Family |
Primulaceae |
|
Other Names |
Yellow loosestrife, yellow willowherb |
|
Habitat |
Wet places |
|
Description |
Herb up to 1m Leaves: short stalked, oval – lanceolate whorls of 2-4 Flowers: yellow 1.5cm-2cm in diameter |
|
Native to |
Britain, Europe |
|
Parts Used |
Herb |
|
Actions |
Astringent |
|
Constituents |
Saponosides A and B based on primulagenin A and protoprimulagenin A Benzoquinones 2, 5 dihydroxy-3-pentadeclbenzoquinone Flavonoids based on kaempferol and quercetin including rutin Phytosterols |
Loosestrife – Purple
|
Botanical Name |
Lythrum salicaria |
|
Family |
Loosestrife |
|
Other Names |
Grass Polly, willowherb |
|
Habitat |
Streams, marshes, fens, riverbanks, ditches |
|
Description |
Up to 1.5m/5ft upright perennial Leaves: willow like Flowers pink/purple 6 petalled June - August |
|
Native to |
Britain |
|
Cultivation |
Moist- wet soil or shallow water full sun or partial shade |
|
Actions |
Antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent, tonic |
|
Traditional Uses |
Cholera |
|
Other Uses |
Insect repellent, tanning leather |
|
Other Notes |
Its name is derived from a King of Sicily called Lysimachus but adapted by Greeks to make it a plant that can be used to quieten quarrels Its botanical name comes from the Greek “Lythrum” meaning blood and “salaicaria” meaning willow which refers to the shape of the leaves In folklore said to be capable of calming wild animals especially horses |