Herb: Parsley Piert


Latin name: Aphanes arvensis


Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)



Medicinal use of Parsley Piert:

Parsley piert has a long history of folk use, being commonly employed to rid the body of stones in the kidney or bladder. It has become a highly respected herb in modern herbalism for the treatment of kidney stones. The whole herb is astringent, demulcent, diuretic and refrigerant. It is used mainly as an infusion in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints (including cystitis and recurrent urinary infections), jaundice etc. A very valuable remedy, acting violently but safely by promoting the flow of urine, it is often used in combination with other herbs. The plant is harvested in early summer and can be used fresh or dried. The herb is considered to be most efficacious when it is freshly collected and dried.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
5 cm
(2 inches)

Flowering:
April to
October

Habitat of the herb:

Arable and dry stony ground and old walls on acid and basic soils.

Edible parts of Parsley Piert:

Leaves - eaten raw in salads or pickled for winter use. The plant is rarely eaten nowadays.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow autumn in situ. The seed is best sown in dry weather.

Cultivation of Parsley Piert:

Arable and dry stony ground and old walls on acid and basic soils.

Known hazards of Aphanes arvensis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.