🌿 Spiny restharrow
Dornige Hauhechel
Ononis spinosa L.
Spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa L.) is a perennial herbaceous to semi-shrubby plant belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). It is native to much of Europe and typically grows in sunny meadows, pastures, embankments and calcareous soils.
The plant usually reaches a height of 30 to 60 centimetres. It is characterised by sturdy, partly woody stems, numerous spines and pink to purplish-pink pea-shaped flowers. Its leaves are generally trifoliate, although the upper leaves may be simple.
The principal medicinal part is the dried root (Ononidis radix). It contains isoflavonoids, other phenolic compounds, triterpenes and small amounts of volatile constituents.
Restharrow root has traditionally been used to increase urine output and support urinary tract flushing in cases of minor urinary complaints. Traditional herbal medicine also mentions its use in helping prevent urinary deposits.
The plant usually reaches a height of 30 to 60 centimetres. It is characterised by sturdy, partly woody stems, numerous spines and pink to purplish-pink pea-shaped flowers. Its leaves are generally trifoliate, although the upper leaves may be simple.
The principal medicinal part is the dried root (Ononidis radix). It contains isoflavonoids, other phenolic compounds, triterpenes and small amounts of volatile constituents.
Restharrow root has traditionally been used to increase urine output and support urinary tract flushing in cases of minor urinary complaints. Traditional herbal medicine also mentions its use in helping prevent urinary deposits.
Notes
Spiny restharrow root is traditionally used to support urinary tract flushing. It is not a substitute for medical treatment of urinary tract infections, kidney stones or other kidney and urinary tract disorders.
Flushing therapy must not be used when fluid intake needs to be restricted because of serious heart or kidney disease.
Fever, painful urination, blood in the urine, urinary retention or persistent symptoms require medical assessment. Severe flank pain may indicate a urinary stone requiring treatment.
Adequate safety data are lacking for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
Possible oestrogen-like activity of certain plant constituents should not be interpreted as evidence of a clinically established hormonal effect of restharrow root.
Flushing therapy must not be used when fluid intake needs to be restricted because of serious heart or kidney disease.
Fever, painful urination, blood in the urine, urinary retention or persistent symptoms require medical assessment. Severe flank pain may indicate a urinary stone requiring treatment.
Adequate safety data are lacking for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
Possible oestrogen-like activity of certain plant constituents should not be interpreted as evidence of a clinically established hormonal effect of restharrow root.
Effects
- diuretic
Conditions
- renal gravel
- urinary tract complaints
- urinary stones
Application Areas
- kidneys
- urinary tract
- bladder
- urinary system
Plant Parts
- root
Preparations
- tea
- infusion
Contraindications
- oedema caused by impaired heart or kidney function
- breastfeeding
- severe heart disease requiring fluid restriction
- pregnancy
- urinary complaints accompanied by fever, blood in the urine or severe pain
- allergy