Sundew

12Nov07

Sundew
Drosera rotundifolia

AKA: Dew plant, Youthwort

Portrait: Perennial. Native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Found in wet, moist places at altitudes up to 6,000 ft (1,800m), especially in northeastern regions of the US and the Rocky and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. It is an insectivorous plant that secretes a sticky fluid, “sundew,” to trap food. Extremely rare in the wild due to overharvesting.

Medicinal Element: All parts above-ground

Herbal Properties: Antispasmodic, expectorant

Summary: Now an endangered plant due to overharvesting, sundew was traditionally administered to individuals with spasmodic respiratory ailments such as coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. It relaxes the bronchi (the branching air passages that connect the windpipe to the lungs) to ease breathing, loosen phlegm, and relieve dry, unproductive coughs. Combined with thyme in a syrup, it is said to be a suitable cough remedy for children. Sundew may possess antibiotic properties specific to streptococcus, staphylococcus, and pneumococcus bacteria. It has also been prescribed for minor gastric complaints including nausea and upset stomach. Sundew should only be used in small amounts over a short period of time. Avoid this herb during pregnancy. Consult a knowledgeable and reputable herbalist before using sundew. Chronic, painful coughs need to be addressed by a health care practitioner to rule out serious illness.

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