Heather

Heather for the urinary system

Heather (calluna vulgaris) is a plant from the Ericaceae family that grows on acidic and fresh soils. A legend tells that, at the creation of the world, God asked the oak to beautify the hills of Scotland. But this tree refused because it needed richer and deeper soil. God then turned to the honeysuckle, a fragrant vine but which could not accept because it needs a support to grow. The rose also did not give a favourable answer because it was too fragile to withstand bad weather. Finally, God turned to a very simple plant with pink flowers. Heather courageously decided to take up the challenge and God rewarded it by granting it the robustness of the oak, the fragrance of the honeysuckle and the delicacy of the rose. These virtues are found in the medicinal use of heather, which, as a kidney plant, is anti-inflammatory, diuretic and urinary antiseptic. It will therefore be used in cases of cystitis and inflammation of the kidneys and bladder. It will be part of the natural therapeutic arsenal to relieve the kidney-bladder sphere, including in prostate conditions. It should be noted that its Latin name, calluna, comes from the Greek Kallune, meaning to clean or brush. Heather helps to eliminate uric acid, urea and all strong acids, harmful residues of the human body. Less well known, however, is its ability to stimulate the appetite, heather thus reminding us that it helps us to say yes to life. The flowering tops of heather are used, which are harvested between July and October, at the beginning of flower blooming. An easy plant to live with, even if it prevents weeds from growing, heather can be combined, for a treatment, with meadowsweet, blackcurrant, in infusion or mother tincture. No toxicity or contraindications are known, so do not hesitate to call on it if needed.