Those people supporting the theory of signs, who intended to discover and explain the plant’s properties according to these signs’ appearance, presumed that gromwell health benefits included the plant’s seeds’ ability to dissolve kidney stones. Dioscorides was one of the people who believed this.
Scientific Facts
- SCIENTIFIC SYNONYMS: Lithospermum erythorryzon Sieb.-Zucc., Lithospermum officinale Forbes-Hemsi.
- SYNONYMS: Common gromwell
- FRENCH: Herbe aux peries
- SPANISH: Mijo de sol
- HABITAT: Common in calcareous soils all over Europe but seldom found in America
- DESCRIPTION: Vivacious plant of the Boraginaceae family, growing from 40 to 80 cm high, with hairy leaves, whose nerves are marked on their undersides. The seeds are round, hard, and pearly.
- PARTS USED: The seeds and the leaves
Stoneseed
Stoneseed (Lithospermum ruderale (Lehm.) Dougl.) is a Lithospermum species that grows in America. This American Lithospermum is used as a contraceptive by some native people. Gromwell is currently being researched in this direction, too, as it will likely impede the hypophysis’s (pituitary gland) gonadotropic hormones.
Gromwell Health Benefits
The whole plant is rich in silicon, calcium, mucilage, and coloring substances. From ancient times onwards, people used it to dissolve kidney stones. This uricosuric diuretic property (it promotes the elimination of uric acid) dissolves sand in the urine. It can even dissolve a whole urine calculus, especially if uric acid salts form the latter. Herbalists recommend this plant for people suffering from renal colic and gout.
How to use Gromwell
- Infusion with 50-100 g of seeds and leaves per liter of water. Drink three or four daily cups. In former times, seeds were ingested after having been grouped up.
Gromwell extract possesses digestive benefits as well. Due to its sour flavor, it invigorates all digestive organs, increasing appetite and promoting digestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Gromwell support skin health beyond basic wound healing?
Gromwell is rich in compounds like shikonin that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Beyond basic wound healing, these properties make gromwell effective in treating more complex skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Its antioxidative components also help reduce skin aging by fighting free radical damage and improving skin elasticity.
Can Gromwell contribute to liver health? If so, how?
Yes, gromwell has been traditionally used to support liver health. It contains certain phytochemicals believed to help detoxify the liver, promote cell regeneration, and enhance liver function. These benefits may also aid in the prevention of liver damage caused by alcohol or toxins, in addition to aiding in the management of liver illnesses like hepatitis.
Is there any evidence that Gromwell can aid in managing diabetes?
According to preliminary research, Gromwell may favor blood sugar management due to its capacity to increase insulin sensitivity and decrease glucose absorption in the intestines. This could make it a supportive natural therapy for diabetes management, although more research is needed to understand its efficacy and mechanism of action fully.
How does Gromwell impact cardiovascular health?
Gromwell may have several benefits for cardiovascular health, including anti-hyperlipidemic effects that can help lower harmful cholesterol levels (LDL) and possibly reduce blood pressure. These effects contribute to the prevention of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases by improving lipid profiles and enhancing overall heart health.
Can Gromwell support kidney health?
Traditional medicine has used Gromwell to promote kidney health and treat kidney-related disorders. It is thought to have a diuretic effect, helping to increase urine production and support the elimination of toxins from the body. The potential benefits of this diuretic characteristic include kidney stone prevention and urinary tract infection reduction.
What are the anti-cancer properties of Gromwell?
Gromwell contains compounds like shikonin that have been studied for their anticancer properties. According to research, these substances have the ability to stimulate apoptosis (programmed cell death) in specific types of cancer cells, impede the development of tumors, and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy medications. The anti-cancer activity of Gromwell is currently being studied, and further human clinical trials are required to corroborate these results.
Are there any cognitive or mental health benefits associated with Gromwell?
While research on Gromwell’s cognitive and mental health effects is limited, its antioxidant properties may offer some benefits in this area. Antioxidants aid in the prevention of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative illnesses associated with oxidative stress. Additionally, gromwell’s anti-inflammatory properties may reduce the likelihood of developing depression and anxiety; however, additional research is required to investigate these potential advantages in depth.
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DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. You should 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, you should 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. 579. Print. [gromwell health benefits]
- PubMed: A free search engine accessing primarily the MEDLINE database of references and abstracts on life sciences and biomedical topics. Search for “Gromwell” or “Lithospermum” to find scientific studies and articles. PubMed
- ScienceDirect: It offers research articles and book chapters in various fields, including pharmacology and herbal studies. Searching for “Gromwell health benefits” might yield relevant scientific reviews and research articles. ScienceDirect
- Google Scholar: A freely accessible web search engine that indexes scholarly literature’s full text or metadata across various publishing formats and disciplines. Use it to search for scholarly articles and theses on Gromwell. Google Scholar
- “The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines” by Mark Blumenthal et al.: This book provides a comprehensive guide to the therapeutic use of herbs, including Gromwell, as evaluated by the German Commission E, known for its rigorous examination of herbs.
- “Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine” by Andrew Chevallier: Offering detailed information on the use of herbs for health, including traditional uses and what the science says, this book can be a valuable resource for learning about Gromwell and other herbs.
- WebMD: Known for providing valuable health information, this site might offer insights into Gromwell’s uses and safety considerations as part of its extensive herbal supplements database. WebMD
- The Herbal Resource: An online resource that provides information on herbal remedies, medicinal plants, and their therapeutic applications, including potential uses of Gromwell. The Herbal Resource
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): This U.S. government agency conducts and supports research on complementary health products and practices, including herbal medicine, and offers reputable information. NCCIH
Last update on 2024-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
