Parietaria: properties, uses and contraindications

Parietaria (scientific name parietaria officinalis) is an aromatic plant, belonging to the family of Urticaceae, which can grow up to one meter in height, with many properties in terms of natural medicine, although, at the same time, it has highly allergenic characteristics.

Index of topics

What

The plant has an erect stem, blue-green laciniated leaves, and numerous yellow flowers that appear between June and July. It can reach a height of up to one meter (average height does not exceed 70 centimeters) and its properties are due to a phytocomplex containing flavonoids, tannins, mucilage, mineral salts, bitter substances, and organic acids. In addition to Parietaria officinalis, Another very widespread species is Parietaria judaica, also called Parietaria diffusa, which does not present any particular differences from the officinal one.

Origins

La Parietaria officinalis It was already known and used in Greek and Roman times. Its golden age, however, was in the Middle Ages, when the plant was used to treat lung diseases, from coughs to bronchitis, and also as a diuretic and to purify the blood. Other therapeutic functions concerned gastrointestinal problems, starting with diarrhea.

Where it grows

Parietaria can be found wherever there are cracks in old walls, hedges, and abandoned land, in humid and sunny environments. The scientific name "Parietaria" derives from the Latin paries, which means wall.

Used parts and collection

The whole plant is used during flowering (between spring and summer) and harvested between May and October. Parietaria can be used to make infusions, decoctions, and mother tinctures.

Property

The recognized properties of pellitory make it a plant:

Antirheumatic: its compresses are good for bones and muscles
Digestive: thanks to its ability to stimulate the production of gastric juices
Diuretic: stimulates urine production and therefore protects the kidneys
Purifying: promotes blood purification and the elimination of toxins
Expectorant: relieves respiratory disorders, such as cough, asthma and bronchitis
Emollient: softens the skin and makes it more elastic
Sudoriferous: It contributes to the production of sweat, and is therefore useful, for example, during the flu
Antiallergic: reduces the pruritus and a runny nose.

How to use

Once the plant is crushed and well dried, it can be used in the form of an infusion, decoction or poultice.

Infusion for cystitis and bladder stones

This infusion, to be consumed after meals, can be effective in the case of cystitis or bladder stones.

Put two teaspoons of well-crushed plant in a cup of boiling water
Then let it cool for 15 minutes
Filter
Add a slice of lemon and a teaspoon of honey

Decoction

The preparation is similar to that of the infusion, with one difference: the boiling time must be longer, lasting at least 20 minutes. The decoction is more suitable than the infusion, being more concentrated, and is used especially for long-term cleansing treatments.

Tincture

The preparation is very simple, and is done by macerating the fresh leaves in alcohol, in generous doses. Once obtained, the mother tincture can be applied directly to the skin, in case of irritations and local inflammation. Or it can be taken to improve the activity of Reindeer and to combat urinary tract infections.

Ointment against sunburn

Thanks to its soothing properties, pellitory is also used in the form of compresses or creams to treat sunburn, sunburn, or other skin irritations. A useful ointment for these types of problems is also made from pellitory.

Controindicazioni

Parietaria has no particular side effects or contraindications. It should obviously not be used by those with a specific allergy to this plant, nor by those who suffer from pollen allergies in general. Finally, its use is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.