SUNDEW

Latin Name: Drosera rotundifolia

Alternate Names: Dew Plant, Red Rot, Youthwort, Lustwort, Round Leaved Sundew

Family: DROSERACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Alterative, Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Aphrodisiac, Demulcent, Expectorant, Mucolytic, Rejuvenative.

Internal Uses: Arteriosclerosis, Asthma, Bronchitis, Cough, Dysentery, Headache, Hypertension, Nausea, Pneumonia, Rheumatism, Staphylococcus, Strep Throat, Tuberculosis, Ulcers, Whooping Cough

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Syrup.

Its antispasmodic properties make it useful for a wide range of respiratory problems that result in spasms. Sundew enables the discharge of mucus and relieves lung spasms. Plumbagin has antibiotic properties.

The enzymes used to digest insects are very similar to human digestive secretions. Thus, it is helpful for digestive disorders.

Topical Uses: Corns, Freckles, Warts

Topical Applications: Fresh juice is applied to corns and warts. Juice has been blended with milk to lighten freckles.

Culinary uses: Fresh juice was once used to curdle milk in making cheese.

Energetics: Pungent, Warm.

Chemical Constituents: Naphthaquinone derivatives, plumbagin, hydroplumbagin, flavonoids, enzymes, organic acids (citric, malic).

Contraindications: It is becoming endangered in the wild. Do not buy wildcrafted plants or preparations. Use only small doses as the plant contain irritating hairs (which is not a problem with tinctures). Apply topically only on areas one wishes to eliminate, such as warts, or dilute it, as it can irritate the skin. Cats have been poisoned by daily doses.

Comments: Drosera is Greek for 'dew' and rotundifolia is Latin for 'rounded leaves'. Sundew is an insectivorous plant that grows in marshy areas and exudes a sweetish fluid used to lure insects, which it catches and dissolves. This herb has been listed by United Plant Savers as an 'at risk' plant, so please avoid buying products harvested from the wild. Only use the cultivated herb.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), May 10, 2002