Herb profile
Name
Erica, Ling, Bell Heather
Latin name
Erica; Calluna vulgaris
Traditional uses
Cystitis, rheumatism, insomnia, allergic eczema, blood purifier, beneficial for skin blemishes: tea for animal skin blemishes, both internally and externally: to be fed to cows with a tendency to lick the ground.
Scientifically proven effect(s)
Glycoside arbutin, flavone glycoside, tannins, calcium, silicic acid, secondary plant substances, flavonoids, antioxidant properties. Studies show that heather is effective against bacterial/inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract in humans and against bacterial udder inflammation in cattle.
Contraindications
not known
When is it collected?
Depending on the type and location, heathers flower throughout the year.
Which parts of the plant are used
blooming herb
How is it prepared?
Tea
Trivia
Prefers mostly sunny locations, but also tolerates semi-shaded places. Prefers sandy, stony soils, some only acidic soils. Snow heather prefers chalky soil. Indicator plant for heavy metals in the soil. Indicator plant for nutrient-poor soils (‘heathland’).
Sanoanimal Herbal advice:
Erica – many people probably think of a distant aunt first when they hear this word, but a useful plant also goes by this name. Maybe some of you know it better as heather. Most of the more than 800 Erica species originate in South Africa, some in the Middle East or Europe. Due to their adaptability, they can be found practically everywhere in the world today.
As a ‘winter heather’, it also ensures a colourful garden in winter. The common heather or summer heather species form their own genus Calluna and do not belong to the Erica, but they do belong to the heather family.
Derived from the Greek word kalymin, heather also fulfils the meaning of ‘to clean, to sweep’. The tannins and mucilage contained in it have a positive effect on digestion. The arbutin it contains plays a role in folk medicine because this hydroquinone glucoside has a disinfecting and antiseptic effect. That is why it is traditionally used for cystitis or vaginal infections.
The astringent properties of heather are said to have a strengthening effect on the mucous membranes. It is also said to have an expectorant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and blood-purifying effect. The secondary plant substances and flavonoids in heather often have a relaxing effect on nervous horses.
Erica is also used in homeopathy and can be found under the Bach Flower Remedy as ‘Heather’. All in all, a rather inconspicuous plant that many people have in their gardens without knowing how much healing power this herb contains.
Bibliography:
Andersson, Alexandra: Erikakraut. https://pferdgerecht.de/_futter-natur_/inhaltsstoffe-im-detail/heidekraut/ (zuletzt aufgerufen: 12.1.2023)
Mein schöner Garten (5.2.2018): Heidektauz, Erika (Erica). https://www.mein-schoener-garten.de/pflanzen/heidekraut-erika (zuletzt aufgerufen: 12.1.2023)
Peper, K.-H. (2015): Lexikon der Ostfriesischen Natur- und Volksheilkunde -Gesammeltes Wissen von 1560 bis heute. Isensee Verlag. Oldenburg.
MANTLE, David; EDDEB, Fadel; PICKERING, Anne T. Comparison of relative antioxidant activities of British medicinal plant species in vitro. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2000, 72. Jg., Nr. 1-2, S. 47-51.
NAJID, A., et al. A Calluna vulgaris extract 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor shows potent antiproliferative effects on human leukemia HL-60 cells. Eicosanoids, 1992, 5. Jg., Nr. 1, S. 45-51.
DELIORMAN‐ORHAN, Didem, et al. Assessment of antiradical potential of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull and its major flavonoid. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2009, 89. Jg., Nr. 5, S. 809-814.
MANDIM, Filipa, et al. Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull: Chemical characterization, evaluation of its bioactive properties and effect on the vaginal microbiota. Food & function, 2019, 10. Jg., Nr. 1, S. 78-89.
CUCU, Alexandra-Antonia, et al. Calluna vulgaris as a Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds: Exploring Its Phytochemical Profile, Biological Activities and Apitherapeutic Potential. Plants, 2022, 11. Jg., Nr. 15, S. 1993.
VUČIĆ, Dragana M., et al. In vitro activity of heather [Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull] extracts on selected urinary tract pathogens. Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 2014, 14. Jg., Nr. 4, S. 234.
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