Common devil bite
Common Devil’s Bit refers to a perennial plant that belongs to the teasel family. It prefers low-moor meadows or other wet areas. Common devil’s bit is critically endangered in some parts of Germany, such as northern Germany. Larger populations still occur in the southern part of the country, for example in the Alps and the Black Forest.
Definition and Occurrence
The common devil’s bite (Latin Succisa pratensis) is also known as devil’s root or devil’s bite. Depending on the location, this plant grows 25 to 60 cm tall. Typical are the short thick rhizomes, which end so abruptly that it looks as if they were bitten off. This also results in the name ordinary devil’s bite. The blue or violet-blue, rarely white or pink flower heads sit on the long stalks. The heyday of the common devil’s bit is from July to September.
The perennial plant bears foliage that looks prickly. The straight stems have few pairs of leaves. They are hairy and branch out in the upper part. The coarse and unevenly toothed leaves are lanceolate, mossy below and smooth on top. The leaf margins are entire, while the upper leaves are sometimes serrate. Common devil bite grows increasingly in Europe, North Africa and West Siberia and was also introduced to North America. The plant prefers moist habitats such as bogs and swamps, open forest and grassland, and rocky coasts.
Ingredients, effect and dosage
Common devil’s bite, the medicinal plant , contains some important ingredients. These include glycosides , alkaloids , polyphenols, saponins and tannins . The Devil’s Abby plant decorates the wet meadows and swamps with the stems and the blue flower heads, which is a beautiful sight. In 2015 she was named “Flower of the Year”. This award serves the purpose of drawing attention to very protected plant species and raising people’s awareness of the threats to many native plants.
The main reason that this beautiful plant is endangered is due to the intensification of agriculture. Damp meadows are drained, fertilized and converted to arable or building land. Devil’s bite is important food for pollinators because it produces valuable nectar and pollen for honey and wild bees, bumblebees and other insects such as butterflies and hoverflies.
However, common devil’s bite also serves as a medicinal plant. Since the rhizome of the common devil’s bit is said to have digestive properties, it can serve as the basis for an excellent liqueur. For a classic tincture of common devil’s bite, ten parts of high-proof alcohol are poured over one part of the crushed root and left in a sealed jar in a warm place for several weeks to allow the mixture to infuse.
The solid parts are then filtered out and the tincture is filled in dark bottles and kept sealed. It is recommended to take 20 drops three times a day. Ordinary devil’s bite has also proven itself in the kitchen. The young shoots of the plant can be eaten raw. They are also a common ingredient in detoxifying spring salads.
What does the common devil’s bite help against?
importance to health
Ordinary devil’s bite has a diverse effect in folk medicine. The herb is used internally and externally. It is said to be sweaty and heart strengthening. According to recent studies, the plant should have an antibacterial , anti-inflammatory, antiviral , antitumor and hepatoprotective effect due to the active ingredient betulin it contains. The application of the tincture described is said to help with blood purification, skin diseases such as wounds, eczema, ulcers and lichen.
Other areas of application in which ordinary devil’s bite is used are hoarseness and, thanks to the sputum-promoting properties, coughs and diseases of the respiratory tract and lungs such as bronchitis. In the past, a tea substitute was also made from the leaves. In addition to the symptoms mentioned, it also helps with inflammation of the mucous membranes and worm infestation. To purify the blood, the tea is drunk mixed with a tablespoon of fruit vinegar, while no additive is used in the treatment against worms.
For diseases of the lungs, the tea is mixed with high-quality honey and sipped slowly, several times throughout the day. Ordinary Teufelsbiss tea is said to be the perfect remedy for these complaints. The cleaned and dried herb of the plant is required for the preparation. Hot water is poured over this and then left to steep for at least ten minutes before it is carefully removed.
Above all, the bitter and tannins, the glycosides and saponins of the herb are said to help to effectively cleanse the bloodstream. Although the applications with the various medicinal herbs such as common devil’s bite often have a positive effect on a wide variety of complaints, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before use.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.