David L. Hoffmann BSc Hons MNIMHDrosera rotundifolia
Droseraceae
Habitat: Grows throughout Europe on wet heaths, moors and sphagnum bogs, especially in Wales.
Collection: The whole of the plant is gathered during the flowering period in July or August.
Part Used: Entire plant.
Constituents:
- Naphthaquinones; plumbagin, its methly-ether, and methylnaphthazarin
- Flavonoids.
Actions: Anti-spasmodic, demulcent, expectorant.
Indications: Sundew may be used with great benefit in bronchitis and whooping cough. The presence of plumbagin helps to explain this as it has been shown to be active against Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Pneumococcus bacteria. Sundew will also help with infections in other parts
of the respiratory tract. Its relaxing effect upon involuntary muscles helps in the relief of asthma. In addition to the pulmonary conditions it has a long history in the treatment of stomach ulcers.
Ellingwood considered it specific for “dry, irritable, persistent cough; also cough of a hoarse, resonant, explosive, or spasmodic character, without secretion.” In addition he recommends it for the following pathologies: cough of measles, whooping-cough, chronic bronchitis, phthitis pulmonalis, asthmatic coughs.
Combinations: In the treatment of asthma it may be used with Grindelia and Pill-bearing Spurge.
Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take l-2ml of the tincture three times a day.
Hyla Cass MD
Daniel Redwood DC