Anagallis arvensis

Anagallis arvensis; also known as Scarlet pimpernel, red pimpernel, red chickweed, poorman’s barometer, poor man’s weather-glass, shepherd’s weather glass or shepherd’s clock) is a low-growing annual plant. The native range of the species is Europe and Western Asia and North Africa.The species has been distributed widely by humans, either deliberately as an ornamental flower or accidentally. Anagallis arvensis is now naturalised almost worldwide, with a range that encompasses the Americas, Central and East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, Malesia, the Pacific Islands, Australasia and Southern Africa.

Contents

• Uses
• Benefits
• Cautions
• Interactions
• Other names
• References

Uses

Used for skin infections and irritations.

Benefits

The Anagallis arvensis was at one time highly regarded as a medicinal herb, especially in the treatment of epilepsy and mental problems, but there is little evidence to support its efficacy and it is no longer recommended for internal use because it contains toxic saponins and cytotoxic cucurbitacins. The whole herb is antitussive, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, purgative, stimulant and vulnerary. It can be taken internally or applied externally as a poultice. An infusion is used in the treatment of dropsy, skin infections and disorders of the liver and gall bladder. The plant is best harvested in June and can be dried for later use. Use with caution, large doses can cause polyuria and tremor. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used internally to treat itchy skins and externally to remove warts.

Cautions

Please check with your homeopathist.

Interactions

None are recorded.

Other names

Scarlet pimpernel, red pimpernel, red chickweed, poorman’s barometer, poor man’s weather-glass, shepherd’s weather glass or shepherd’s clock

References

Source: Naturalmedicinalherbs, http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/a/anagallis-arvensis=scarlet-pimpernel.php