Pilosella officinarum
Compositae
Common name: Hawkweed
Habitat: A common British and European plant growing in sandy soil.
Part used: Aerial parts.
Collection: Mouse Ear should be collected when in flower between May andJune.
Constituents:
- Umbelliferone, a coumarin
- Flavonoids including leteolin and its glycosides
- Caffeic and chlorogenic acids.
Actions: Anti-spasmodic, expectorant, anti-catarrhal, astringent, sialagogue, vulnerary.
Indications: Mouse Ear, named after the shape of the leaf, is one of the ancient traditional herbs of England and Wales. It is used for respiratory problems where there is a lot of mucus being formed with soreness and possible even the coughing of blood. It is considered a specific in cases of whooping cough. It may also be found beneficial in bronchitis or bronchitic asthma. Externally it may be used as a poultice to aid wound healing or specifically to treat herniae and fractures.
Combinations: For whooping cough it may be used with Sundew, White Horehound, Mullein or Coltsfoot.
Preparation and dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take l-4ml of the tincture three times a day.