Heather is undoubtedly one of the symbols of Polish autumn. This plant is resistant to cold and winds and is also used in folk medicine and phytotherapy. Heather decoctions, infusions and teas work, among others diaphoretic, sedative and diuretic. What exactly are the healing properties of heather flowers and how do they support the body?

Common heather( Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull ) is one one of the most popular meadow and forest plants in Poland belonging to the heather family (Ericaceae Juss.).

Heather is a dense shrub, 20-30 cm high, with intense green leaves and tiny, bell-shaped flowers in the following colors: pink-lilac, purple or sometimes white. Heather blooms mostly from July to October, and some varieties also bloom in November, before the frost sets in.

Heather is found almost all over Europe and the adjacent areas of Asia and Africa. In Poland you will find picturesque heather clusters - the so-called moors - in pastures, meadows and forest areas - mainly in clearings, clearings, in birch and pine forests.

Heather is a strong frost and drought resistant plant. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, heather has been used in practice for centuries. In Scotland and Lapland, brooms were made of it ( callunameans - to sweep), as well as thatch roofs and walls of country cottages. Heather was also used to braid ropes, stuffed mattresses and used it as fuel or as a source of fabric dye. The young shoots were fed to horses and cattle, or they were made into … a heather beer called Fraoch (island of Islay), and also added to wine (Northern Europe) or replaced with tea.

In many cultures, heather is associated with the symbolism of happiness. For Scotsmen, the color of heather comes from the blood shed in clan battles, so they wear it to protect themselves from evil and sleep on pillows filled with this herb to bring about dreams that foretell happiness. And in Wales, for example, heather is an ingredient of wedding bouquets that diverts long-term love and joy.

Heather is also a medicinal plant and has had many uses in folk medicine and phytotherapy since the 15th century, when it was first described as a herb.What properties do heather flowers have and what ailments and diseases do they help?

Heather: ingredients andtheir properties

Common heather, like all other plants used in herbal medicine, consists of many substances that affect our he alth in various ways. Among them, the most valuable are:

  • arbutin - effectively disinfects the urinary tract, especially the urethra
  • tannins - inhibit the excessive growth of the bacterial flora in the digestive tract
  • organic acids - intensify the production of saliva and gastric juice, affect the appetite
  • flavonoids - have antioxidant and diuretic properties
  • essential oils - relax the smooth muscles of the intestines, have a relaxing effect
  • bitter compounds - increase the secretion of bile
  • potassium - supports the proper functioning of the heart and muscles

Heather: healing properties

Due to its composition, heather is used in the treatment of:

  • high fever - as a diaphoretic
  • urinary tract diseases
  • kidney diseases - incl. kidney stones
  • gastrointestinal diseases and ailments - e.g. diarrhea, intestinal inflammation
  • rheumatic diseases
  • liver disease
  • respiratory diseases
  • circulatory disorders
  • menstrual disorders
  • prostate enlargement
  • insomnia

Common heather: use in cosmetics

Cosmetics are also eager to use the moisturizing, protective and regenerative properties of the common heather. Heather flowers are common ingredients:

  • moisturizing creams
  • herbal bath mixtures
  • preparations for the care of dark hair

Heather: honey plant

Common heather is one of the most valued honey plants, and the heather honey itself is considered to be one of the best honeys of floral origin. It is extremely aromatic, has a dark orange or reddish-brown color, a slightly jelly-like consistency and - which is rare among honeys - a bitter-sharp taste.

Heather honey does not contain too many vitamins, but it is rich in:

  • enzymes
  • amino acids
  • growth hormone
  • neurohormones
  • nearly 50 bioelements

Heather: harvesting and drying

In herbal medicine, both herb and heather flowers are used. They are harvested at the end of August, that is, at the beginning of flowering. The twigs with flowers are walled by hand at half their height, and then dried, arranged in a thin layer in the air or in airy and shaded areas. Properly dried flowers andthe herbs keep their colors.

Heather: decoction, infusion and tea - how to make?

Decoction:1 tablespoon of dried heather flowers pour 1 cup of water and boil for 3-5 minutes, then strain. We drink the decoction 2-3 times a day.

Infusion:1 tablespoon of dried heather flowers pour 2 cups of boiling water, brew for about 10 minutes, and then drain. Drink the infusion 4 times a day for half a glass.

Tea:1 a heaped tablespoon of heather flowers pour 1 cup of boiling water and brew, covered, until the liquid is slightly red in color. We drink tea once a day.

  • Chestnuts: healing properties and application
  • Rowan: he alth properties. How to eat mountain ash?
  • Swedish rowan - are its fruits edible?
  • Milk with honey and butter - the best way to catch a cold. RECIPE

Category:

He alth