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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas SundewContents:Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedThe whole plant
Description of Plant(s) and CultureSundew is an insectivorous (insect eating) perennial plant; the root produces a basal rosette of nearly round, reddish, glandular-hairy, tiny, leaves 1/2 inch across, mostly wider than long, which exude a liquid (dewdrops) that traps insects. The leaves fold over the captured insect and digest it. Naked flower stalks, from 2-12 inches high, are topped by one-sided racemes of small, white or pinkish (sometimes red) flowers which bloom from June to August. Blossoms open one at a time.
Where FoundGrows in wet, acid, and moist places in North America, Europe, and Asia. In the United States, sundew is found in the eastern states, in the Rockies, and in the Sierra Nevada range. Also, Newfoundland to Florida; Illinois, Minnesota.
Medicinal PropertiesAntispasmodic, expectorant, demulcent, stimulant
Biochemical InformationProteolytic enzymes, naphthoquinone derivatives, plumbagin and hydroplumbagin, flavonoids, organic acids and traces of essential oil.
Legends, Myths and StoriesSundew is a carnivorous plant with ninety species of the Drosera genus throughout the world. Digestive juices, analogous to pepsin, are excreted, and the insect is dissolved and absorbed. Sundew is the smallest of the insect eating plants, it is about the size of a silver dollar. The Venus fly trap is of this family; its leaves are two-hinged blades, with sensitive hairs, that close when touched, thus entrapping the insect.
UsesEffective remedy for respiratory ailments and chest problems, including coughs, asthma, whooping cough, catarrh, arteriosclerosis, and bronchitis. It is taken to help counteract nausea and upset stomach. The plant contains an antibiotic substance that, in pure form, is effective against Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Pneumococcus. In European folk medicine, the fresh juice is used for warts and corns, and is taken internally as an aphrodisiac. Also, used to help curdle milk. Homeopathically: Epilepsy, hemorrhage, headache, laryngitis, nausea, measles, sciatica. Folk medicine: used for diphtheria, plague, and nerve maladjustments and a “cure for old age”.
Formulas or DosagesOnly 1 tsp. of the dried herb steeped in a pint of boiling water. Throughout the day a total of up to 1 to 2 cups are taken in small mouthful doses. It is best sweetened with honey Tincture: a dose is 3-6 drops. Fresh juice: use a drop at a time on warts or corns. Nutrient ContentVitamin C
WarningSundew contains irritant substances and should be used in small quantities only. External applications may cause blisters on the skin. Use under medical supervision.
Bibliography
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Dew plant
Back to Eden
, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994
, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.