Asparagus in Herbal Medicine: Asparagus Properties

Scientific name

Asparagus sativus L. (A. officinalis); Asparagus sylvaticus

Family

Liliaceae

Used Parts

In the officinal field, rhizomes, aerial parts and roots are used.

Asparagus - chemical constituents

Saponins (with cardiotonic, diuretic and laxative activity used in homeopathy);
Polyphenols;
Essential oil;
Mineral salts;
Nitrogen substances;
Sugars.

Asparagus in Herbal Medicine: Asparagus Properties

In folk medicine, the rhizome of asparagus, in the form of a decoction, is used for its diuretic properties.

The aerial parts (buds) of the cultivated asparagus and of the forest asparagus are instead appreciated as a food.

Biological activity

The asparagus is endowed with marked diuretic properties, conferred by the saponins and flavonoids contained in it; in fact, these molecules are able to stimulate renal filtration.

For this reason, the use of the plant has received official approval for the treatment of urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

The saponins contained in the asparagus are also attributed cardiotonic and laxative properties, but these activities are not exploited in the field of phytotherapy.

Finally, the asparagus is very appreciated from the nutritional point of view, thanks to its high content of vitamins and mineral salts.

Asparagus against urinary tract infections and against the formation of kidney stones

Thanks to the marked diuretic activity exerted by the asparagus, this plant is a valid remedy for urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

More precisely, the diuretic action is used to promote the healing of the aforementioned urinary infections and to prevent the formation of kidney stones, thanks to the washing action naturally exerted by the urine.

Generally, for the prevention and treatment of the aforementioned disorders, the use of about 800 mg of drugs per day is recommended, to be taken with an adequate quantity of water or other liquids.

Asparagus in folk medicine and homeopathy

The diuretic properties of asparagus have long been known also to folk medicine, which uses it precisely to favor diuresis. In addition, traditional medicine also uses this plant for treating inflammation of the urinary tract of various origins and nature, edema, liver disorders, bronchial asthma, gout and rheumatic disorders.

In Chinese medicine, however, asparagus is used for the treatment of cough and constipation; as well as being used as a remedy to counteract the dryness of the throat and mouth.

Asparagus is also used in homeopathic medicine, where it can be found in the form of granules and mother tincture.

In this context the plant is used in case of renal insufficiency, urolithiasis, rheumatic pains, cough and dyspnea.

The dose of homeopathic remedy to be taken can vary from one individual to another, also depending on the type of disorder that must be treated and depending on the type of preparation and homeopathic dilution that you want to use.