Scientific name

Erica vulgaris

Family

Ericaceae

Origin

South Africa

Synonyms

Brugo, Calluna

Used Parts

Drug given by the herbaceous parts

Chemical constituents

• Polyphenols;
• Tannins;
• Flavonoids;
• Hydroquinone glucosides (arbutin).

Erica in Herbalist: Properties of Erica

Heather contains small amounts of hydroquinone glycosides, insufficient to carry out the disinfectant action of the urinary tract potentially useful in the presence of cystitis and urethritis. Today, other medicinal plants are used in therapy for this purpose, the use of which is now standardized, safe and effective, such as arbutus and bearberry.

Due to its important tannin content, the heather exhibits useful astringent properties in the presence of diarrhea, while for external use it can attenuate skin inflammation (compresses) and oral mucosa (rinses).

Biological activity

Heather is a plant to which various properties are attributed. Among these, we mention the diuretic, cholagogue, antirheumatic and antibacterial activities. Furthermore, it is believed that the plant - if used externally - is also able to promote wound healing.

However, at the moment there are no studies available that can confirm the aforementioned properties that are traditionally ascribed to heather. Despite this, the plant is still used in herbal teas for the treatment of inflammation of the urinary tract, cystitis, urethritis and urinary lithiasis (a use that however has not been officially approved). However, for more information about the uses of heather in herbal teas, we recommend reading the articles dedicated to "Brugo nelle Tisane" and "Erica in Tisane".

A recent study (2015) conducted in vitro highlighted the potential antiviral properties of the heather extract. More precisely, from this study it emerged that the ursolic acid and the oleanolic acid contained within the above mentioned extracts have an interesting inhibitory activity against the hepatitis C virus.

In any case - despite the results obtained from these preliminary studies - before being able to approve similar medical applications of heather, in-depth clinical studies are certainly necessary, in such a way as to determine the real effectiveness and effective safety of use.

Erica in folk medicine and homeopathy

Popular medicine uses heather flowers as a diuretic remedy, to counteract the enlargement of the prostate and to treat kidney and urinary tract disorders, but not only. In fact, traditional medicine exploits this plant also for the treatment of numerous other disorders and diseases, such as: gastrointestinal disorders, gout, hepatobiliary disorders, respiratory tract disorders, rheumatism, agitation and insomnia.

Finally, the plant is also used as a remedy to promote wound healing.

Heather is also used in homeopathic medicine, where it can be found in the form of granules and oral drops.

In the homeopathic field the plant is used in cases of bladder and urinary tract infections, cystitis, nephritis, urethritis, prostate infections, insomnia and behavioral disorders.

The dose of homeopathic remedy to be taken may differ from individual to individual, also depending on the type of disorder that needs to be treated and according to the type of preparation and homeopathic dilution that you want to use.

Side effects

If used properly, heather is normally well tolerated and should not cause any side effects.

However, if too high doses are taken, intestinal irritation may occur.

Contraindications

Avoid the use of heather in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components and in patients with hepatic insufficiency.

Pharmacological Interactions

• enhances the anti-inflammatory effect of dexamethasone, prednisone and indomethacin, administered parenterally;
• the disinfecting effect of heather is reduced by urinary acidifiers.