Ox-eye (Bugrana) cut root – Ononis spinosa

A pioneer plant of limestone soils, the prickly bugrana is widespread in the dry meadows of Europe. Its root is harvested in the fall, washed, then dried and cut. It has a long history of use and is mentioned in various ancient pharmacopoeias, although its internal use is now regulated.

Description

Beige to light brown, fibrous roots, cut into dry fragments. The odor is discreet, slightly earthy and woody. They are rigid and dense, ideal for slow decoctions or traditional aqueous macerates.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Ox-ear, thorny bugrana, thorny bugrana
• Latin name: Ononis spinosa
• Family: Fabaceae
• Part used: Root
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: Europe, Western Asia
• English name: Spiny restharrow root
• Name in German: Dornige Hauhechelwurzel
• Name in Spanish: Raíz de ononis
• Name in Italian: Radice di ononide
• Name in Arabic: جذر الأرته البقري (Jathr al-Arrat al-Baqari)

Main virtues

Aside from its regulated uses, bugrana root is still used in certain cosmetic and artisanal practices. It is also present in traditional baths or external poultices.

Main constituents

Isoflavones, tannins, essential oils, phytosterols, triterpenes.

Use and dosage

• Decoction (traditional use): 10 g per 500 ml, boil for 15 minutes, then let infuse for 10 minutes.
• Foot or sitz bath: concentrated decoction added to bath water.
• Cosmetic use: base for homemade lotions or compresses (external use only).

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Regulated plant. Internal use prohibited without proper prescription.
• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children.
• Respect the doses and methods of use provided.

History and origin

Ox-stopper gets its name from its tough stems, which can slow plows. Used since ancient times, its root was included in folk remedies in Central and Eastern Europe. Its use has spanned centuries in peasant traditions, right up to its current use.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: airtight jar, away from heat and humidity.
• Packaging: kraft bag, metal box, bulk in opaque pot.
• Appearance: beige to light brown fibrous fragments.
• Smell: earthy, slightly woody.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• ANSM / EMA – List of plants for regulated use
• Traditional European herbalism
• Ancient texts of empirical herbal medicine

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