Dictamnus albus Burning bush (Rutaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Dictamnus albus
Burning bush
(1 Page of 5)

The Dictamnus albus plant species is found in S. and C. Europe. It is a member of the Rutaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Burning bush. Some home gardeners know the variety as D. fraxinella.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Dictamnus albus
Common Name:  Burning bush
Family:  Rutaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Poisonous[19].

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  0.6

Habitat:  Woodland margins and rocky scree, mainly on calcareous soils[19].

Medicinal Information: The burning bush has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for at least 1,500 years[238]. The root bark is a bitter, strong-smelling herb that lowers fevers and controls bacterial and fungal infections[238]. The plant has an effect similar to rue (Ruta graveolens) in that it strongly stimulates the muscles of the uterus, inducing menstruation and sometimes causing abortion[254]. By contrast, its effect upon the gastro-intestinal tract is antispasmodic and it acts as a mild tonic on the stomach[254]. Both the flowering stems and the root-bark are used medicinally[7]. They are abortifacient, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, aromatic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, galactogogue, stimulant and tonic[7, 9, 19, 21, 46, 178, 211]. The plant is used both internally and externally in the teatment of skin diseases (especially scabies and eczema), German measles, arthritic pain and jaundice[238]. It is little used in Western herbalism nowadays, though it has been recommended for use in nervous complaints, intermittent fevers, scrofulous and scorbutic diseases[4]. Use with caution, in large doses it is poisonous[9, 21]. The root bark is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. An infusion of the leaves is used as a tea substitute and is a good digestive[7]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh leaves[9]. It is used in the treatment of female complaints and constipation[9].

For further Dictamnus albus gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future