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Spiny Cocklebur (Xanthium spinosum), is a spontaneous annual herbaceous plant with an invasive nature, belonging to the Asteraceaeor Compositae family (which also includes Sunflower, Chicory, Echinacea, Yarrow, Dandelion, Burdock, Wormwood, Tarragon, and many others). It can be found growing spontaneously in pastures, along roadsides, near human settlements, alongside vegetable crops, Alfalfa, or other cultivated crops in the plains and hill regions. It can tolerate both tropical climates and arid soils. Although the exact origin of this species is not known, it is believed to have originated from South America (Chile), and is now widespread across the American continent, Europe, China, Russia, Australia, and parts of the Middle East and Africa.

The species is characterized by a taproot, a highly branched stem with spines at the base of the leaves, and can reach heights of 20-80 cm. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate with 3 lobes and dense veins, while the flowers are small, greenish, and grouped separately by sex (the male flowers are grouped in globular capitula at the top of the branches, while the female flowers are found at the base of the leaves and resemble a spiny fruit).

Used since antiquity, Spiny Cocklebur has proven useful in combating numerous health issues over time and is recognized in the traditional medicine of many peoples. Our Dacian ancestors called this plant “curionnecum, curionnecuma, or thraxila” and used it to treat cholera. In Romanian folk medicine, Spiny Cocklebur has long been used for urinary tract and prostate ailments. In Russia, it was empirically used as a remedy for rabies. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the leaves and fruits of this species are used to address inflammatory issues (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) and are recognized for their diaphoretic, antipyretic, and sedative properties. Moreover, many peoples from southern Europe and North Africa have a long tradition of using Spiny Cocklebur for antidiabetic, antitumor, sialagogue, or diuretic purposes.

In short, modern phytotherapy recommends Spiny Cocklebur-based preparations for uro-genital problems, especially in men over 45. Scientific studies have highlighted the plant’s beneficial properties in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia, kidney stones, prostatitis, colibacillary cystopyelitis, and infections with Proteus vulgaris. For instance, such clinical and laboratory studies have been conducted in Romania, at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca. The scientists involved observed the wound-healing, disinfectant, and anticongestive properties of Spiny Cocklebur’s aqueous extract, with beneficial effects on the aforementioned conditions. Thus, Spiny Cocklebur contributed to the sterilization of urine and the selective retention of electrolytes (Mg2+, K+) in the blood serum, with a protective effect on the myocardium. Additionally, according to modern phytotherapy, Spiny Cocklebur products also help maintain thyroid function, especially in cases of excess thyroid hormones. Finally, the species can also be used externally for benign prostatic hyperplasia, bacterial and fungal infections, addressing inflammatory issues and for wound care.

In conclusion, Spiny Cocklebur extract helps maintain the normal functioning of the male uro-genital system. When used regularly, it has a beneficial action on the prostate, kidneys, and thyroid. Furthermore, the active compounds (e.g., lactones – xanthatin, xanthinine, xanthanol, tomentosin, xantinosin, xanthanolides; saponins, phytosterols – beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol; flavonoids, organic acids – caffeic, chlorogenic, diterpenes, tannins, carotenoids, volatile oils, etc.) from the aerial parts of Spiny Cocklebur also aid in: relaxing the smooth muscles of large blood vessels, easing digestion, promoting the elimination of gases, reducing prostate inflammation and size, combating microbial infections of the urinary tract, fighting kidney stones, regulating thyroid function, limiting uncontrolled cellular division, lowering blood sugar levels, stimulating salivation, and supporting the elimination of toxins from the body via urination and sweating.

In summary, among the virtues of Spiny Cocklebur tea are its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic, antitumor, hypoglycemic, sialagogue, antidiarrheal, and anticongestive action at the prostate level. Externally, Spiny Cocklebur helps speed up the healing of damaged areas, combat microbial infections (being particularly effective against Proteus vulgaris), reduce prostate size, and address inflammatory issues. Thus, externally, it has anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, astringent, and disinfectant effects.

Small-flower Hairy Willowherb (Epilobium parviflorum), is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Onagraceae family (which includes numerous species of Willowherb/Epilobium, Evening Primrose/Oenothera, Fuchsia, and many other decorative and/or medicinal plants). It can be found growing spontaneously along watercourses, in meadows, groves, valleys, pits, or gullies, from the plains to mountainous regions. The species is characterized by a cylindrical stem reaching heights of 1 meter, with short lateral shoots at its base. The leaves are alternate or opposite, narrow, lanceolate, with sharply serrated edges, and the flowers are pink or light purple, with a funnel-shaped receptacle, a calyx with 4 sepals, and a corolla with 4 petals. It is native to Europe and Asia but has also been introduced to North America.

Used since ancient times, Small-flower Hairy Willowherb has proven to be useful in combating numerous health issues over time and is recognized in the traditional medicine of many cultures. In rural areas, Small-flower Hairy Willowherb has long been used empirically to protect the liver, urinary tract, and prostate. It is believed that villagers observed the plant’s positive effect on ducks that consumed its leaves, making them more resistant to disease. As a result, the plant’s leaves were also introduced into human consumption, especially in salads or as an infusion. The regions with the most significant consumption tradition in Romania are Transylvania and the southern Carpathians.

Regarding modern phytotherapy, Small-flower Hairy Willowherb-based preparations are recommended for uro-genital problems, especially in men over 45. Scientific studies have highlighted the plant’s beneficial properties in cases of prostatic hypertrophy, kidney stones, prostatitis, lower urinary tract infections, and digestive system problems. The specialized literature also indicates wound-healing, disinfectant, hemostatic, and anticongestive properties of Small-flower Hairy Willowherb extract, with beneficial effects on the already mentioned ailments. Additionally, modern phytotherapy recommends Small-flower Hairy Willowherb products for maintaining the proper functioning of the liver and gallbladder due to their depurative, choleretic, and cholagogue action.

In short, Small-flower Hairy Willowherb helps maintain the normal functioning of the male uro-genital system. Used regularly, it has a beneficial action on the prostate and kidneys, supporting the body’s excretory function and detoxification mechanisms. Moreover, the active compounds (e.g., polyphenols, kaempferol, myricetin, myricetin-rhamnoside, quercetin, flavonoids, organic acids – ellagic, caffeic, ursolic, oleanolic, hydroxyursolic, hydroxyoleanolic; tannins, triterpenic and steroidal saponins, anthocyanins, essential amino acids, volatile oil, vitamins – C, and minerals – Mg, Zn, Cu, K, S, P, Co, etc.) from the aerial parts of Small-flower Hairy Willowherb also contribute to: supporting the digestive system, protecting liver function, and stimulating the gallbladder, reducing prostate inflammation and size, combating microbial infections of the lower urinary tract, fighting kidney stones, maintaining normal cellular division, and limiting uncontrolled cellular division, soothing gastrointestinal mucosa, stopping bleeding, and supporting the elimination of toxins from the body via urination.

Thus, among the virtues of Small-flower Hairy Willowherb extract are its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, depurative, antioxidant, diuretic, antitumor, hemostatic, hepatoprotective, cholagogue, astringent, and anticongestive actions at the prostate level.

Icelandic Moss (Cetraria islandica), is a lichen species from the Parmeliaceae family (the largest family of lichen-forming fungi, comprising over 2,700 species from 71 genera). Due to its small, shrub-like appearance (vertical growth of 8-10 cm), it has often been likened to a moss. Its color can vary from brown-bronze, to fresh green, or even grayish-white, with a lighter underside and sometimes small white spots. The vegetative organ of lichens is called a thallus. In the case of Icelandic Moss, it is represented by flat or tubular lobes with lobed edges. It has a bitter taste and a mucilaginous texture. In Romania, this species can be found growing spontaneously on the rocky areas of alpine regions, on wind-exposed plateaus, in shrublands, and in dry areas such as the Retezat, Parâng, Țarcu, Banat, and Făgăraș Mountains.

Historically, Icelandic Moss was a common ingredient in traditional culinary preparations (e.g., soups, porridges, bread) in Iceland. Due to its high content of specific carbohydrates, which break down into mannose, galactose, and glucose through hydrolysis, this lichen species was used in Nordic countries to obtain sugar or as fodder for animals (e.g., reindeer). Because of its rich content in polysaccharides or mucilages, Icelandic Moss is increasingly studied today for these compounds’ strong anti-inflammatory action and their solubility in hot water (over 70%). One such compound is lichenin, also known as lichenan or lichen starch, a complex β-glucan that only occurs in certain lichen species and was identified as early as 1956. In addition to polysaccharides, the thalli contain bitter principles such as cetraric acid or cetrarin, which are primarily responsible for the cholagogue and gastro-pancreatic secretions stimulating effects. It is important to note that these effects are obtained ONLY through the bitter taste! Thus, by stimulating the bitter taste receptors, the body automatically increases salivary and internal gland secretions.

Modern phytotherapy most often recommends Icelandic Moss-based products as adjuvants for calming upper respiratory tract inflammation. Extracts from this species are found in numerous phytotherapeutic products such as antitussives, throat soothers, laxatives, or tonics. Additionally, Icelandic Moss is recommended as an excellent gastric and intestinal dressing. Preparations made from this plant have proven effective in combating Helicobacter pylori and inhibiting Koch’s bacillus, thanks to the bacteriostatic action of usnic acid and evozin it contains. Similarly, these products are a good tonic for the autonomic and vasomotor nervous system and accelerate the body’s recovery during convalescence. Its high content of polysaccharides and lactones (especially aliphatic lactones) also gives Icelandic Moss antitumor properties, supporting correct cell division. Furthermore, by benefiting the upper respiratory tract, preparations made from Iceland Moss thalli are also useful in soothing convulsive cough, non-productive cough, asthma, and respiratory allergies.

In conclusion, Icelandic Moss extract is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties on the respiratory tract. It is recommended for calming cough, hoarseness, sore throats, and for easing expectoration. Moreover, the active compounds (e.g., mucilages and polysaccharides, lichen acids – cetraric, protocetraric, protolichesterinic, fumaric, δ,1-usnic; volatile oil, galactomannans, lichenin, friedelin, evozin, aliphatic lactone, modified chlorophyll/taloclor, lipids, bitter principles, vitamins – A, B1, and minerals – Iodine, etc.) from Icelandic Moss thalli also contribute to: limiting inflammatory processes in the body, modulating the immune response, maintaining normal cell division, and destroying abnormal cells, stimulating gastric-pancreatic secretions, soothing gastrointestinal mucosa, stimulating bile evacuation, and tonifying the autonomic and vasomotor nervous system.

In short, among the virtues of Icelandic Moss tea are its cytotoxic, antiproliferative, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitussive, emollient, antiasthmatic, cholagogue, stomachic, nervous tonic, antiviral(especially against HIV and Helicobacter pylori), bacteriostatic (e.g., against Koch’s bacillus), and mild laxative actions.

Spiny Restharrow (Ononis spinosa) is a perennial subshrub, thorny, with an average height of 60-70 cm, belonging to the Fabaceae/Leguminosae family (which includes Beans, Peas, Clover, and Lupins). The name of the species was given by Dioscorides, derived from the Greek “onos” meaning donkey and “oninemi” meaning useful, as Spiny Restharrow is one of the plants preferred by this animal. Known since antiquity, Spiny Restharrow was also used by our Dacian ancestors, who called it “azilă” or “osoi.” Its primary use was as a diuretic, sudorific, and sedative for kidney or stomach pains. In Russian traditional medicine, this species is recognized for its sedative, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, diuretic, and laxative properties. It is often recommended for addressing digestive, renal, or rheumatic issues. Additionally, when used externally, the plant has a beneficial effect on eczema.

In modern phytotherapy, the root of the species is used. Products made from Spiny Restharrow, most often decoctions, are a powerful diuretic, capable of eliminating accumulations of uric acid, nitrates, and water retention (edema). Moreover, when used internally, it soothes the inflammation of urinary system mucosa, limits the development of pathogenic microorganisms, and protects the kidneys from the formation of stones or sand. Externally, Spiny Restharrow is helpful in soothing hemorrhoids and disinfecting the anal area. It is also indicated for calming skin problems.

In conclusion, Spiny Restharrow extract contributes to supporting the excretory function of the kidneys through its diuretic and depurative action. Additionally, the active compounds (e.g., flavonoids – ononin, triterpenes – onocerin, isoflavonic heterosides – ononizide, onopsine, trifolizin, phytoglutin, fatty oil, triterpenic saponosides, organic acids– glycyrrhetic, citric, tannins, volatile oils, sugars, and mineral salts) from the roots of Spiny Restharrow also help to: disinfect the urinary tract, protect the cardiovascular system by ensuring proper kidney function, detoxify the body, and eliminate excess water, nitrogen, and uric acid. Thus, among the virtues of Spiny Restharrow derivatives are their diuretic, detoxifying, depurative, sudorific, uro-renal and cardiovascular protective, antiseptic at the urinary level, anti-inflammatory, antilithic, stomachic, and mild laxative actions. Externally, Spiny Restharrow has a calming effect on kidney pain or hernia, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antihemorrhagic properties.

Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea, syn. Centaurium umbellatum) is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant, a therophyte and medicinal plant, that belongs to the Gentianaceae family (also known as the Gentian family). Common Centaury has been known since antiquity. According to Pliny the Elder, it was discovered by Chiron, a mythological centaur who taught Asclepius the secrets of healing. The species was also used in Zalmoxian medicine to soothe stomach pain, stimulate appetite, combat fevers, colds, and for the “children’s illness” (epilepsy). In Romanian traditional medicine, this species has been used for addressing gastric and respiratory issues.

According to modern phytotherapy, Common Centaury-based preparations contribute to digestive relief, combating bloating, stimulating appetite, and maintaining the health of the hepatobiliary system. Additionally, the active compounds (e.g., bitter principles – euritaurin, swerziamarin; glycosides – centaurin, erithauroside, sweroside, centauroside; alkaloids – erithricine; organic acids – oleanolic acid; erithrosterin, centapicrin, eustonin, gentianin, coumarins, triterpenoids, gums, resins, xanthones, vitamins, and mineral salts) from the aerial parts of Common Centaury also help to: relax smooth muscles, calm the central nervous system, protect against pathogens (e.g., Salmonella sp., Malaria, etc.), support the gallbladder, combat fevers, ensure normal cell division, especially in the colon, stimulate blood circulation, and improve the capillary tone, remove metabolic toxins and excess water from the body via urination, and stimulate the elimination of helminths (pinworms).

In short, among the virtues of Common Centaury derivatives are their anticholinergic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, secretolytic, stomachic, eupeptic, digestive, carminative, appetite-regulating, bitter tonic, choleretic, antihelmintic, febrifuge, immunostimulant, antimutagenic, antiulcer, and diuretic actions. Externally, it can be used for soothing sore throats, caring for skin and scalp due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and tonic capillary properties, as well as for eczema and wound healing.

White Dead-nettle (Lamium album), is a perennial herbaceous plant, a hemicryptophyte, honey plant, with medicinal and food value, belonging to the Lamiaceae/Labiatae family (which includes over 25 species of Mint and numerous hybrids, Lemon Balm, Ironwort, Lavender, Rosemary, Basil, Thyme, Savory, Sage, and many other aromatic plants). It is characterized by a long, horizontal rhizome, from which adventitious roots and subterranean stolons emerge. The aerial stems arise from stolons, are hairy, unbranched, with four ridges, and reach an average height of 20-50 cm, sometimes extending up to 70 cm. The leaves are hairy, petiolate, triangular-ovate, opposite, with serrated edges, and range in size from 4 to 7 cm. The flowers are white, bell-shaped, with a funnel-shaped corolla, measuring 2-2.5 cm in length, and are arranged in cymes of 3-6 at the base of the leaves. These flowers attract bumblebee species for pollination. The fruits are 4 brown nutlets with a persistent calyx. Both the flowers and the rest of the plant have a pleasant, characteristic smell and a sweet taste, with a mucilaginous texture. In some regions, the young plants are consumed as salads or cooked with other vegetables. The species is native to the Euro-Asian region and has also been naturalized in North America. It presents itself in two subspecies: in the eastern region, L. album barbatum predominates, while in the western region, L. album album is more common. Both subspecies are predominantly found in hilly regions, extending up to alpine areas, preferring shady, nutrient-rich, and moist soils.

Like most medicinal plants, White Dead-nettle has been known and used since antiquity. It was also known to our Dacian ancestors, who called it “dyn” (later “zin” or “zân“). Both the flowers and aerial parts of the plant were used for colds, lung issues, coughs, rheumatic pains, malaria (fevers), stomach problems, or high blood pressure. The plant was also used as food, cooked with other vegetables or added to bread dough. For rheumatic pains, it was mixed with wine and administered morning, noon, and evening, while a decoction made from the stolons was used to treat gastric ulcers. A flower decoction was indicated for normalizing blood pressure, while one made from flowering stems was used as an adjuvant for leucorrhea (vaginal discharge).

In modern phytotherapy, White Dead-nettle derivatives stand out for their anti-inflammatory, emollient, astringent, antihemorrhagic, vasoconstrictive, depurative, and diuretic properties. The biologically active compounds such as mucilages in the aerial parts help soothe and regenerate the gastric and intestinal mucosa, while tannins and anti-inflammatory compounds contribute to normalizing accelerated intestinal transit, calming diarrhea episodes. Additionally, the mucilages relax tissues, and together with essential oil and other anti-inflammatory substances, they fluidify bronchial secretions and promote their expectoration. The tannins and astringent compounds contribute to narrowing the vascular lumen through peripheral vasoconstriction, stopping hemorrhages, and relieving varicose veins. White Dead-nettle is also helpful in easing the transition through menopause, providing a calming, depurative, and sedative effect on the nervous system, and combating insomnia. Additionally, due to its antihemorrhagic action, the species is useful in normalizing heavy and painful menstruation. Finally, due to its high potassium salt content, the plant acts on the renal epithelium, increasing the amount of urine excreted, helping to normalize blood pressure and detoxify the body.

Externally, White Dead-nettle preparations help reduce rheumatic pains (especially those caused by gout), promote the healing and scarring of skin ulcers, and soothe varicose ulcers. It is also highly beneficial for maintaining normal prostate size, with warm sitz baths being indicated to limit inflammatory processes at this level. Similarly, the plant can be used in vaginal washes to combat leucorrhea or for oral infections, used as a gargle.

In conclusion, White Dead-nettle extract is recognized for its exceptional properties in combating gastrointestinal disorders and limiting inflammatory processes within the body. Additionally, the active compounds (e.g., flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, carotenoids, rutoside, quercetin, astragalin, mucilages, saponins, tiliroside, phenolic glycosides and iridoids – laminoside, lamalbide, albozide A and B, lamalb, carioptozide; hemialbozide, tannins, alkaloids, phenolic acids, biogenic amines – tyramine, histamine, methylamine; chlorophyll, volatile oil, vitamins – C, K, and mineral salts – K, Mg, etc.) from the aerial parts of White Dead-nettle contribute to: reducing intestinal inflammation and protecting the gastrointestinal mucosa, normalizing accelerated intestinal transit, eliminating toxins from the blood, fluidifying bronchial secretions, stimulating expectoration, stopping hemorrhages, sedating the nervous system, narrowing the vascular lumen, reducing prostatic hypertrophy, easing the menopause transition, and increasing urine excretion and elimination. Externally, the plant is complementary for speeding up the healing of abscesses, boils, skin ulcers, vaginal infections, gout-related swelling, purulent wounds, hemorrhages, varicose veins, and varicose ulcers.

In summary, among the virtues of White Dead-nettle-based products are their anti-inflammatory, emollient, expectorant, hemostatic, sedative, depurative, astringent, antidiarrheal, wound-healing, vasoconstrictive, antivaricose, vulnerary, gastrointestinal protective, prostate protective, antitussive, and diuretic actions.