Herb: Yellow Loosestrife


Latin name: Lysimachia vulgaris


Family: Primulaceae (Primrose Family)



Medicinal use of Yellow Loosestrife:

An astringent herb, yellow loosestrife is principally used to treat gastro-intestinal conditions such as diarrhoea and dysentery, to stop internal and external bleeding and to cleanse wounds. The herb is astringent, demulcent and expectorant. It is harvested when in flower in July and dried for later use. The plant can be used internally or externally and is useful in checking bleeding of the mouth, nose and wounds, restraining profuse haemorrhages of any kind and in the treatment of diarrhoea. It makes a serviceable mouthwash for treating sore gums and mouth ulcers.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
120 cm
(4 feet)

Flowering:
April to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Marshes, streams and in shallow water in reed swamps. Shady places near water, avoiding acid soils.

Edible parts of Yellow Loosestrife:

Young leaves. No more details are given.

Other uses of the herb:

A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers. A brown dye is obtained from the rhizomes. The growing plant repels gnats and flies, it has been burnt in houses in order to remove these insects.

Propagation of Yellow Loosestrife:

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Basal cuttings, March to April in a cold frame. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Marshes, streams and in shallow water in reed swamps. Shady places near water, avoiding acid soils.

Known hazards of Lysimachia vulgaris:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.