Description

Annual growing to 28 in (70 cm). Has deep green leaves, greenish flowers, and small dark seeds.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to Europe, this plant is commonplace in southern countries, where it is found on walls and in dry stony sites. It is gathered in summer when in flower.

Parts Used

Aerial parts.

Constituents

Pellitory-of-the-wall contains flavonoids and tannins.

History & Folklore

For more than 2,000 years, pellitory-of-the-wall has been valued as a diuretic, as a soother of chronic coughs, and as a balm for wounds and burns.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Pellitory-of-the wall is chiefly employed as a diuretic, demulcent, and stone-preventing herb. In European herbal medicine, it is regarded as having a restorative action on the kidneys, supporting and strengthening their function. It has been prescribed for conditions such as nephritis, pyelitis (inflammation of the kidney), kidney stones, renal colic (pain caused by kidney stones), cystitis, and edema (fluid retention). It is also occasionally taken as a laxative.

Caution

 Do not take if suffering from hay fever or other allergies.