Heather, in this case the species known as common heather (Calluna vulgaris), has been used in folk medicine for centuries as a medicinal plant that is used both internally and externally. Other types of heather, such as Erica arborea, the tree heather, can also be used for medicinal purposes.
Heather can be used both internally and externally
Ingredients and plant components used
Between August and September you can harvest the tender shoot tips, the leaves and the flowers of the common heather. The very high-sugar blossoms not only serve as bee heath (the dark, very aromatic heather honey is considered a specialty of the Lüneburg Heath), but can also be used for infusions. The medicinal plant contains tannins and minerals, various enzymes, various minerals as well as saponins and flavone glycosides, as well as hydroquinone and arbutin.
Healing effect for internal and external use
Both the flowers and the herb can be used to prepare an infusion that is used internally for infections of the urinary tract, bladder and kidneys, gout, rheumatism and diseases of the respiratory tract (especially coughs and heavy phlegm). Applied externally, heather tea is said to help against eczema, skin rashes and reddened skin. The following effects are attributed to common heather in particular:
- antiseptic (kills germs), disinfectant and anti-inflammatory
- diuretic and diaphoretic
- expectorant
- blood purifying
- calming
Recipe: Heather Infusion
The classic, very versatile heather tea is made as follows:
- Pour 250 milliliters of hot water over one tablespoon of the flowers and/or herb.
- Let the brew steep for about five to ten minutes.
- Pour off the solids through a sieve.
- Drink one to three cups or
- use the infusion for compresses and rinsing (e.g. of wounds).
If you like it sweeter, you can sweeten the infusion with a teaspoon of honey.
tips
You can also use the heather blossoms and the infusion for a full bath, which is traditionally recommended for rheumatism and gout.