Epilobium angustifolium Willow herb (Onagraceae)

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Epilobium angustifolium
Willow herb
(1 Page of 5)

The Epilobium angustifolium plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Onagraceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Willow herb. Some home gardeners know the variety as Chamaenerion angustifolium.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Epilobium angustifolium
Common Name:  Willow herb
Family:  Onagraceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  An infusion of the leaves is said to stupefy a person[4].

Mature Height:  2   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Rocky ground, waste areas, woodland edges and gardens[7, 13].

Medicinal Information: Willow herb is often used as a domestic herbal remedy, though it is little used in conventional herbalism. The herb is antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, emollient, hypnotic, laxative and tonic[4, 7, 172, 192]. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, mucous colitis and irritable bowel syndrome[254]. The plant is used in Germany and Austria to treat prostate problems[254]. A poultice of the leaves is applied to mouth ulcers[222]. An extract of the leaves has antiinflammatory activity[222]. An ointment made from the leaves has been used to soothe skin problems in children[254]. A tea made from the leaves and roots is a folk remedy for dysentery and abdominal cramps[222]. A poultice made from the peeled roots is applied to burns, skin sores, swellings, boils etc[222, 257].

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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'.
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