Heather

Scientific Names

Calluna vulgaris L.
Heath family

Common Names

Common heather
Scotch heather
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Heather is an evergreen shrub; the prostrate, grayish, hairy stem grows up to 3 feet long and sends up branches 1 to 1 1/2 feet high. The dull green, sometimes gray, small, linear-lanceolate leaves grow in 2 overlapping rows. Branching spikes of light violet, bell-shaped flowers appear in August and September.
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Where Found

Rare in the United States but commonly found on poor soils and marshy grounds in Great Britain and Europe. Flourish on heaths and moorlands; where the soil is moist and peaty.
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Medicinal Properties

Antiseptic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, vasoconstrictor
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Legends, Myths and Stories

Used to flavor liqueurs and cordials.
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Uses

Used for insomnia, depression, gout, rheumatism, stomachache, coughs, and facial skin problems. Heather contains compounds that act to constrict blood vessels, strengthen the heart, and moderately raise blood pressure; also, stimulates the flow of bile and of urine.
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Formulas or Dosages

Infusion: for insomnia; steep 1 tsp. shoots in 1/2 cup water. Sweeten with 1 tsp. honey.

Decoction: boil 4 tsp. shoots in 1 cup water for a short time only. Take 1/2 cup per day.
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Bibliography

Herbal Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, Cornell Plantations, Matthaei Botanical Gardens of the University of Michigan, University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley., Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition

The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, published by Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London, England. (Out of print)

Webster's New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, New World Dictionaries: A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023, 1984