Ononis spinosa Spiny rest harrow (Leguminosae)

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Ononis spinosa
Spiny rest harrow
(1 Page of 5)

The Ononis spinosa plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Spiny rest harrow. Some home gardeners know the variety as O. campestris. O. procurrens.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Ononis spinosa
Common Name:  Spiny rest harrow
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Chalk and limestone grassland, stony hillsides and open pine forests[187], mainly on dry stony ground[7].

Medicinal Information: The roots, leaves and flowers are antitussive, aperient, diuretic and lithontripic[7, 9, 13, 21, 46]. The root contains a fixed oil that is anti-diuretic and an essential oil that is diuretic. If the diuretic action is required then the root should be infused and not decocted or the essential oil will be evaporated[254]. An infusion is used in the treatment of dropsy, inflammation of the bladder and kidneys, rheumatism and chronic skin disorders[9]. The roots are used occasionally, they are harvested in the autumn, cut into slices and carefully dried for later use[9]. The young shoots are more commonly used, either fresh or dried[9]. They can be harvested throughout the summer[9]. A cough mixture is made from the bark[13].

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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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