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The sundew plant once amazed two would-be scientists when they saw a mosquito caught in its leaves. While both men witnessed the curious phenomenon, the mosquito began to disappear due to the action of a digestive enzyme, similar to our gastric juice, which the sundew leaves secrete. This carnivorous plant can capture and digest around 2000 insects in one summer.
- Trap Structure: Sundews have specialized leaves covered with glandular hairs that secrete a sticky substance. The sticky droplets resemble dew, giving the plant its name. These droplets attract and ensnare insects that come into contact with them.
- Flowers: Sundews produce small, delicate flowers on stalks that rise above the leaves. The flowers can vary in color and appearance depending on the species. The flowers are typically insect-pollinated, and once fertilized, they produce seeds for propagation.
Sundew Plant Scientific Facts
- Scientific name: Drosera rotundifolia L.
- French: Dosera.
- Spanish: Drosera.
- Environment: Rare species that usually grow in humid mountain soils. Naturalized to America.
- Description: This is a vibrant small plant of the Droseraceae family, growing not more than 15 cm high. The leaves grow at ground level, forming a rose, and are covered with sticky hairs to which insects stick.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The aerial part of the plant.
Healing Properties and Indications
The entire sundew plant contains naphthoquinones, the most important of which is plumbagin, which gives it antitussive, bechic, antibiotic, and antispasmodic properties. It has been proven effective against streptococcus, staphylococcus, and pneumococcus.
Because of this, it is an excellent remedy against dry, irritated coughs caused by pharyngitis, laryngitis, or tracheitis. It is highly recommended for whooping cough and asthma. For acute, chronic bronchitis, sundew eases cough and promotes expectoration.
How to use Sundew
- Infusion 15-20 g of plant per liter of water. Drink four or five cups daily.
- Tincture. It is helpful for children in a dose of five drops per year, taking up to 30 drops daily throughout the day. Administer dissolved into water or fruit juice.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 754. Print.[Sundew plant]
- National Institutes of Health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7250096/
Last update on 2025-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API