Horsetail

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

annual henbane; Forest Hawkweed; Mercurialis annua; Mercurialis perennis; Wicked Henry

Definition
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A distinction is made between the annual Bingelkraut (Mercurialis annua) and the forest Bingelkraut (Mercurialis perennis).

The annual Bingelkraut, Mercurialis annua is a herbaceous plant that reaches a size of 10-40 cm and grows on wasteland in vineyards and fields. The plant is found throughout Europe, especially in the Mediterranean area. The leaves are ovoid-lanceolate, with serrated edges. The flower colour of the Bingelkräuter is yellowish-green.

The forest henbane, Mercurialis perennis, reaches a size of 15-30 cm. The leaf shape is elongated-lanceolate. The plant occurs throughout Europe. It grows on moist forest soils.

Ingredients
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Saponins, cyanoglycosides, flavone derivatives

Officinal
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Mercuralis annua and Mercuralis perennis are parent plants of Herba Mercuralis, the Bingelkraut.

Spectrum of action
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Popularly used as a laxative and diuretic. There are no reliable scientific results. Poisoning in humans is not to be expected. However, the herb can have a toxic effect on horses, pigs, cattle and cows.

Note(s)
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In ancient Rome the Bingelkraut was named after the god Mercus (hence the botanical genus name Mercurialis).

Literature
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  1. Arberer W (2008) Contact allergy and medicinal plants. JDDG 6: 15-24
  2. Hausen BM, Vieluf K (1997) Allergy plants, plant allergens. Ecomed Publishing House Landsberg (Munich) 81-82