Ragged-Robin is a plant with a fine root system and a tall, grooved, sparsely hairy, upright and branched stem at the top, which tends to grow 30-90cm in height. Elongated spade-shaped, pointed at the ends, sessile leaves, up to 10 cm long and 3-10 mm wide, arranged alternately. Root leaves are larger and arranged in a rosette.

The flowers consist of five petals, each divided into 4 parts. The flowers are usually pink with a violet or purple tinge, rarely white, arranged in rare shield-shaped inflorescences. Fruit - a dry five-part box, full of small (6-10 mm), brown, gray-black seeds.

The above-ground part of the plant is harvested for medicinal purposes. It is collected during the flowering period of the plant, which takes place from May to August. The plant is cut with a sickle or secateurs. The collected plant is covered in a thin layer on sieves or hay buns and dried in a well-ventilated place, hidden from the sun. Store it in paper bags for up to 2 years.

The chemical composition of the plant has been little studied. The roots of the plant contain triterpene saponins and galactoside sucrose, bitter substances, essential oil and up to 31% starch. Triterpene saponins have also been found in the above-ground part of the plant, among which the smart saponin substance lychnidin (<1%), carbohydrates and their related compounds D-pinite, phenolcarbonic acid, coumarins, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, unidentified hypogenin derivatives and a small amount of alkaloids have been found. Ascorbic acid, vitamin K, phenolcarbonic acid are contained in the leaves of the Ragged-Robin . The flowers contain phenolic carbonates and ascorbic acid (<0.1%).

Medicinal significance

Due to the chemical composition of the Ragged-Robin, its medicinal properties are also formed. It has been determined that the extract of the plant, which has been purified from saponins, is able to act specifically on the nervous-musculature of the uterus, causing its convulsive contraction. This effect is used in medicine to stop heavy uterine bleeding.

Experimentally, the destructive effect of the juice of the plant on the bacteria of the hay stick, staphylococcus aureus and proteus family has been determined. Ascorbic acid has a wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effect. Thanks to the saponins present in the plant, it acts as a sweat and urine expeller, as well as an expectorant.

The properties of Ragged-Robin have also found application in folk medicine. Infusions and decoctions are recommended for women on critical days to reduce the intensity of pain. Also, this remedy is recommended for women who were treated for infertility. In folk medicine, there is an opinion that it is the convulsive contraction of the uterus that facilitates the sperm's path to the ovary.

The anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic and expectorant properties make this plant often used in various mixtures. This herb can be used to treat rheumatism, jaundice, chronic liver disease and kidney disease. Folk scientists recommend this plant as a temperature reducing agent.

Ragged-Robin are also used externally to treat various skin diseases, rinse wounds, make compresses on skin ulcers and hernias. A decoction of the plant can be used as a hair rinse, and can also be used to eliminate pigmentation spots and freckles.

Not recommended for use

Ragged-Robin also has possible side effects. The plant should not be used by pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriage or premature birth. The plant is also not recommended during the lactation period and for the treatment of small children.