Description:
Perennial growing to 0.6m by 0.6m.
Pellitory of the wall is a much-branched, bushy,
herbaceous, perennial plant, 1 to 2 feet high,
with reddish, brittle stems and narrow, stalked
leaves 1 to 2, inches long. The stems and veins of the under
surface of the leaves are furnished with short, soft hairs,
the upper surface of the leaves is nearly smooth, with sunken
veins. The small, green stalkless flowers grow in clusters
in the axils of the leaves and are in bloom all the summer.
The filaments of their stamens are curiously jointed and so
elastic that if touched before the expansion of the flower,
they suddenly spring from their incurved position and scatter
their pollen broadcast.
Distribution and habitat:
North Wall In; East Wall In; West Wall In.
Pellitory of the wall grows in Western Europe to Western Asia
and the Caucasus.
Hystory:
The name of this genus, Parietaria,
is derived from the Latin word paries (a wall), for it is very
commonly found growing from crannies in dry walls, as its popular
English name also tells us, and will frequently luxuriate in
the midst of stony rubbish.
Parts used:
Herb.
Constituens:
All parts of the plant contain nitre abundantly.
Flavonoids; 3-glucosides & 3-rhamnosides of quercitin, kaempferol & isorhamnetin;
3-sophorosides of quercitin & kaempferol; 3-neohesperidosides
of kaempferol & isorhamnetin. Glucoproteins. bitter principle. Tannin.
Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Leaves.
Young plant - raw or cooked. The young shoots can be added
to mixed salads.
Medicinal Uses:
Cholagogue;
Demulcent;
Diuretic;
Laxative;
Refrigerant;
Vulnerary.
Pellitory of the wall has been valued for over 2,000 years
for its
diuretic action,
as a soother of chronic coughs and as a balm for wounds and
burns. In European herbal medicine it is regarded as having
a restorative action on the kidneys,
supporting and strengthening their function. The whole herb,
gathered when in flower, is
cholagogue,
slightly
demulcent, diuretic,
laxative,
refrigerant and
vulnerary.
It is an efficacious remedy for
kidney and
bladder stones and other complaints of the urinary system
such as cystitis and nephritis. It should not be prescribed
to people with hay fever or other allergic conditions. The
leaves can be usefully employed externally as a poultice on
wounds etc. They have a soothing effect on simple burns and
scalds. The plant is harvested when flowering and can be
used fresh or dried.
Others Uses:
Cleanser.
The whole plant is used for cleaning windows and copper containers.
Dosage:
Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls
of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-l5 minutes.
This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: Take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.
Safety:
None known
