Smooth Rupturewort is an annual, rarely perennial plant with a spike-shaped, weakly branched root. The plant itself is strongly branched, lying stems, which reach an average of 15 cm in length. The stems of the grass are densely covered with oppositely arranged, elliptical leaves. The flowers are located in the axils of the upper leaves. They are greenish-yellow in color with five petals. Fruits are closed nuts, seeds are lenticular.

For medicinal purposes, the above-ground part of the plant is used. It is collected during the flowering period of the plant, which begins in May and ends in August. The stems are cut with a knife or secateurs. Clean from debris and dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area, spreading the plant in a thin layer and stirring it often. The drug is ready when the plant turns from a gray-blue shade to a yellow-green shade and it starts to smell strongly of coumarin (the smell of freshly cut hay). Ready drug is stored in a closed container for no longer than two years.

Smooth Rupturewort contains saponin-like glycosides herniarin and herniariasaponin, which break down into sugars (glucose, rhamnose and galactose), hernia acid and oxysapogenin (a pronounced hemolytic agent), as well as the little-studied alkaloid paronychin, flavonoids, umbelliferone methyl ester, coumarins, vitamin C, carotene and essential oil .

Medicinal significance

Smooth Rupturewort is a specific remedy that treats spasms and inflammations in the bladder. Thanks to the saponin-like glycosides present in the plant, the plant can be successfully used as a diuretic, as well as in cases of kidney disease, such as acute nephritis, cystitis, edema, uncontrolled urination. The plant's anti-infective properties make it useful for treating ureteral inflammation caused by gonorrhea.

Smooth Rupturewort is also used to treat gout, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases of the joints.

In folk medicine, the herb is widely used in the form of decoctions, infusions and applications. Freshly squeezed juice is also often used. Decoctions and preparations have a slightly astringent taste with the presence of a feeling of mucus and a pleasant aroma. They are drunk in case of sharp pains and spasms in the bladder, as a preventive measure in the case of bladder stones, they can also be used as a diuretic to reduce edema and increase blood pressure. The plant can also be used in case of respiratory tract inflammation.

Cystitis is also treated with primrose. You can also make tea from this plant, which will be a preventive measure to prevent thrombosis.

Externally, this plant can be used as a valuable face wash, especially if there is a tendency to acne, diathesis, etc. The plant also has good wound healing properties.

Plant applications can be used to treat various skin hernias in the form of a course. Such applications are also recommended to be placed on the joints during exacerbations of arthritis and gout.

Fresh juice is used in psoriasis by applying it topically. The juice can also be taken orally, just like a decoction of the plant, but be aware that the juice quickly loses its healing properties.

Not recommended for use

Smooth Rupturewort is a poisonous plant, so be careful with dosages. It should not be used by children or women during pregnancy and lactation.