corn Spurrey
Spergula arvensis L.

   

Corn Spurrey has a short taproot with a large number of lateral roots with a creeping and raised stem, the nodule is visible on the stem. The shoots of the plant grow up to 40 cm in length or height, the stems are covered with hairs, which are sticky and greasy to the touch.

Clusters with sessile elongated needle-like leaves, with a bend upwards, are located on the stem. They reach an average length of 2-5 cm, and they are also covered with sticky thick hair.

The plant has white flowers with five petals, which are arranged on a long thread-like peduncle. The fruit is a pale green wide ovoid dry box that tends to open in five parts or not at all. Seeds round, black or brown, small up to 1.8 mm in length.

The above-ground part of the plant is used for medicinal purposes. It is harvested during the flowering period of the plant, which is usually in May and June. Dry the Corn Spurrey spread on sieves, in a well-ventilated room, or in the shade. The plant can be stored in dry paper bags for no longer than 1 year.

Corn Spurrey has been little studied from a chemical point of view, but it has been confirmed that it contains biologically active compounds, specifically flavonoids.

Medicinal significance

The medicinal properties of this plant are provided by the flavonoids contained in it. These biologically active compounds have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and hemostatic properties. The anti-bleeding properties of flavonoids are very useful in cases of uterine and intestinal bleeding, as well as help fight various types of inflammation.

In folk medicine, decoctions and infusions of this plant are used to treat cough, abdominal pain, dysentery and various gynecological diseases. In the form of applications and compresses, this plant is used in arthritis and rheumatism.

Not recommended for use

Corn Spurrey is a little-studied plant, so it is not recommended to give it to children, pregnant women and lactating women.