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DROPWORT
FILIPENDULA VULGARIS Good for the stone, gravel, and stoppage of urine. The roots of the Dropwort resemble Dahlia tubers. The stalks grow to about a foot (30 crn) high and bear many pretty flowers in the shape of an umbel. They are white on the inside and red on the outside. Where to find it: A perennial of calcareous grassland. Flowering time: It flowers in early summer. Astrology: It is accounted under Venus. Medicinal virtues: The root is used to provoke the urine and therefore is good for those with the stone. Modern uses: There are several plants bearing the name of Dropwort and most of them are poisonous. The root of Filipendula vulgaris contains a slightly poisonous glycoside. The Water Hemlock (Oenanthe crocata) is also known as Dropwort. It grows in ditches and in stagnant water, and is one of the most poisonous plants, causing death within three hours. The Water Dropwort (Oenanthe aquatica) is less poisonous. A homoeopathic tincture of the seeds is used in doses of a few drops for the treatment of coughs, flatulence and urinary tract disorders. The common Tubular Water Dropwort is known botanically as Oenanthe fatulosa. Because of the confusion that can arise in discerning the poisonous varieties from the innocuous, it is recommended that they are not used as herbal medicines domestically. |