Herb: Fairybells


Latin name: Uvularia grandiflora


Family: Uvulariaceae



Medicinal use of Fairybells:

The root is analgesic. It is used as a poultice or salve in the treatment of toothaches, boils, swellings, wounds and ulcers. As I was typing this report (29/01/95), Geoffrey Smith on Radio 4's "Gardeners Question Time" spoke about it and said that it was the best poultice for boils that he knew of. An infusion of the root has been used to treat backaches and, mixed with oil, has been used as a salve on sore muscles. A tea made from the roots is used as a wash in the treatment of rheumatic pains.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
May to
June

Habitat of the herb:

Rich woods.

Propagation of Fairybells:

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer. Sow stored seed in late winter in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division after the plants die down in late summer. It is best carried out in early spring before the plants flower. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the following spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Rich woods.

Known hazards of Uvularia grandiflora:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.