Aerial part of Drosera – traditional uses

This mucilaginous plant secretes sticky enzymes on its leaves to trap insects. But in traditional herbal medicine, it's its softening effect on mucous membranes that has been exploited in specific decoctions or infusions. Its harvest is highly regulated and it's often used in micro-doses in master formulas.

Description

Whole plant cut into small fragments: stems, threadlike leaves, sometimes traces of flowers. Green to reddish color, soft texture and sticky to the dry touch.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Drosera, Sundew, Sundew
• Latin name: Drosera longifolia (syn. Drosera anglica )
• Family: Droseraceae
• Part used: Aerial part
• Shape: Cut
• Origin: European wetlands, acid peat bogs
• English name: Sundew herb
• Name in German: Sonnentau
• Name in Spanish: Rocío del sol
• Name in Italian: Rugiada del sole
• Name in Arabic: ندية الشمس (Nadiyat al-Shams)

Main virtues

In traditional herbal medicine, Drosera is used to soothe and soften the respiratory tract. It is also incorporated into certain external treatments, particularly for its natural mucilaginous properties and gentle application.

Main constituents

Naphthoquinones (plumbagin), flavonoids, mucilages, citric acid, plant digestive enzymes.

Use and dosage

• Gentle infusion: 0.5 g to 1 g maximum per cup of hot water, infuse for 3 to 5 min.
• Maceration: in cold water to limit the extraction of overly active substances.
• Reserved use: prescribed in certain regulated magistral preparations.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Regulated plant : use only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
• Not recommended for children, pregnant women and sensitive people.
• May interact with certain medications – medical advice required.

History and origin

Known since ancient times, Drosera already fascinated Greek and Arab physicians for its appearance and soothing properties. Highly prized in ancient pharmacopoeias for calming upper respiratory tract infections, it was also a symbol of protective moisture in arid regions. Today, its rarity makes it a precious, protected, and supervised plant.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: in small quantities in opaque bags or secure boxes.
• Storage: in a cool place, away from air and light.
• Appearance: fine fragments, mixing green, red and light brown.
• Smell: vegetal, slightly sweet and fresh.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• French Pharmacopoeia – regulated plants
• Handbook of European medicinal botany
• Works on comparative ethnobotany

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.