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 | Wallflower Other Names: Gillyflower. Wallstock-gillofer. Giroflier. Gillyflower
Botanical Name: Cherranthus cheiri
Family: N.O. Cruciferae |
Description: |
| This homely perennial plant of the cabbage family was introduced into this country over 300 years ago, and its delightful fragrance soon made it a general favourite. It has single flowers, yellowy orange in its wild state, and quickly spreads abundantly from seed, commencing to bloom in early spring, and continuing most of the summer. In olden times this flower was carried in the hand at classic festivals, hence it was called Cherisaunce by virtue of its cordial qualities. |
Habitat: |
| All Southern Europe, on old walls, quarries and seacliffs. |
Constituents: |
| Oil, a powerful glucoside, of the digitalis group, and cherinine, a crystalline alkaloid. |
Medicinal Usage: |
| In homoeopathic medicine a tincture of the whole plant has been found useful in the effects of cutting the wisdom tooth. The oil has a pleasing perfume if diluted, but in full strength a disagreeable odour. The alkaloid is useful acting on nerve centres and on the muscles. |
Ancient Lore: |
WALLFLOWER (Common) CHEIRANTHUS CHEIRI
It is a singular remedy for gout and aches and pains in the joints and sinews.
A well-known garden plant. The cultivated varieties are biennial, whereas in the wild the Wallflower is perennial. The flowers are produced in spikes of yellow and are pleasantly scented. The seeds are small and flat and contained in long, slender, whitish pods.
Where to find it: It grows on rocks and walls.
Flowering time: Late spring, early summer.
Astrology: The Moon rules this herb.
Medicinal virtues: A conserve made of the flowers is used as a remedy both for the apoplexy and palsy. It also cleanses the blood, frees the liver and reins from obstructions, provokes women's courses, expels the secundine and the dead child. It helps the hardness and pains of the mother and of the spleen. It stays inflammations and swellings and comforts and strengthens any weak part or bone out of joint.
Modern uses: Not used by professional herbalists at the present time. The plant is purgative and, therefore, dosage is critical. The plant produces an essential oil which is perfumed. The seeds and flowers are cardiotonic, containing a substance similar to Digitalis. They also increase urine produc- tion. Not recommended for domestic use. |
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