Botanical Name
- Family Urticaceae
- Parietaria judaica syn. P. diffusa or P. officinalis
Common Names
- Pellitory, Paritary/Paritory, Lichwort
Cautions
- Do not take if suffering from hay fever or other allergies.
Description
Indigenous to Europe, the plant common in southern countries, where it is found on walls and in dry stony places. The herb is an annual or perennial, heavily branched, bushy and leafy, growing to about thirty inches. The leaves are deep green with greenish flowers, and the seeds are small and dark. The aerial parts are gathered in summer when the plant is in flower.
History
For more than 2,000 years, the herb has been valued as a diuretic, a soother of chronic coughs, and a balm for wounds and burns.
Another herb that shares the name of Pellitory is Anacyclus pyrethrum, otherwise known as Pellitory of Spain or Spanish Camomile.
Key Actions
- demulcent
- mild diuretic
- mildly laxative
Key Components
- flavonoids
- caffeic acid derivatives
- bitter principles
Medicinal Parts
- Aerial parts
Traditional Uses
Popular in the South of France and in England, the herb is used mainly to treat certain diseases of the urinary tract. In European medicine, it is regarded as having a restorative action on the kidneys, supporting and strengthening their function. It has also been prescribed for nephritis, peylitis (kidney inflammation), kidney and bladder stones, renal colic (pain caused by kidney stones), cystitis, and edema. Although not used much anymore, it is sometimes found in commercial preparations.
It is occasionally taken as a laxative.
