Loosestrife

Parts Usually Used

The whole plant, fresh or dried in the shade

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Loosestrife is a bushy, erect, perennial plant with a clump of unbranched, four-angled, tall leafy stems; the square, hairy stem grows 2-4 feet high and bears heart-shaped, lanceolate, downy leaves. The lance-shaped leaves grow in opposite pairs or in whorls of three, their bases clasping the stems. Whorls of purple six-petaled flowers grow in the axils off the upper leaves in dense terminal spikes from June to August.

Another variety: Whorled loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia).

Where Found

Settled in swamps, marshes, along lakes and rivers, wet meadows, roadside ditches, and moist places in the eastern United States after being introduced from Europe. From Newfoundland to Minnesota and south to Virginia and Missouri.

Medicinal Properties

Astringent, styptic, demulcent, alterative

Biochemical Information

A glycoside, polyphenolic tannins, pectin and essential oil

Uses

Historically, herbalists employed loosestrife as an astringent for diarrhea and gastroenteritis, believing it could check internal bleeding without causing constipation. Traditional practitioners also administered infusions or fluid extracts of the herb for feverish colds, hoarseness, and inflammation. Externally, cold compresses of the plant were applied to cuts, wounds, bruises, and sores to arrest bleeding and encourage healing.

Historical records also note its preparation as a gargle for sore throats, a wash for leukorrhea, and an eyewash for ophthalmia and irritated eyes, as well as a topical wash for various skin complaints.

Bibliography

The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000 Culpeper’s Complete Herbal & English Physician: Updated With 117 Modern Herbs , by Nicholas Culpeper, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1990, (reprint of 1814) Chinese Medicinal Herbs , compiled by Shih-Chen Li, Georgetown Press, San Francisco, California, 1973.

The Magic of Herbs , by David Conway, published by Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London, England. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023 The Complete Medicinal Herbal , by Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley, Inc, 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, First American Edition, copyright 1993 An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants , by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, Crescent Books (January 27, 1992).

The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine , by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.