Table 2 Wild plant-based domestic remedies recorded in the Upper Borbera Valley approximately 45 years ago (in bold are those botanical genera matching the ones recorded during the current field study)
Botanical taxon and family | English name | Used part(s) | Herbal preparation(s) and use(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
Achillea millefolium L., Asteraceae | Yarrow | Flowering tops | Tea as a sedative; externally applied as a vulnerary |
Anchusa azurea Mill., Boraginaceae | Italian bugloss | Flowering tops | Decoction as a bechic |
Centaurea scabiosa L., Asteraceae | Greater knapweed | Roots | Macerated in alcohol and drunk as a liver protector |
Centaurea uniflora Turra, Asteraceae | Knapweed | Flowering tops | Tea as an anti-diarrheal, depurative and diuretic |
Dianthus carthusianorum L., Caryophyllaceae | Carthusian pink | Petals | Wine macerate as an anti-neuralgic |
Mentha longifolia (L.) L., Lamiaceae | Mint | Flowering tops | Tea as a stomachic |
Onobrychis viciifolia Scop., Fabaceae | Sainfoin | Roots | Externally applied as a vulnerary |
Ostrya carpinifolia Scop., Betulaceae | Hop hornbeam | Bark | Decoction as a diuretic and blood depurative; externally applied as an anti-eczema agent and an anti-haemorrhoidal |
Papaver rhoeas L., Papaveraceae | Common poppy | Flowers | Tea as a sedative |
Picea abies (L.) H.Karst., Pinaceae | Spruce | Shoots | Decoction as a bechic |
Plantago lanceolata L., Plantaginaceae | Ribwort plantain | Whole plant | Tea as a stomachic; chewed leaves and roots against toothache |
Polygonum bistorta L., Polygonaceae | Bistort | Rhizome | Tea against menstrual pains; in gargles as an antiseptic; externally applied as a vulnerary |
Potentilla reptans L., Rosaceae | Cinquefoil | Whole plant | Decoction as an anti-diarrhoeal |
Rosa pendulina L., Rosaceae | Mountain rose | Petals | Tea as an astringent and tonic |
Sedum anacampseros L., Crassulaceae | Love restorer | Aerial parts | Compresses to treat wounds |
Thymus pulegioides L., Lamiaceae | Wild thyme | Leaves | Externally applied as a vulnerary |