Dorothy FarrarGypskraut
Gypsophila is also known as gypsophila and is associated with floristry. With its small white flowers, it loosens up many a bouquet. But the gypsophila is also a remedy, although only a few people are aware of this.
Definition and Occurrence
The gypsophila is a carnation plant, there are about 120 species. Wall gypsum is native to Europe and is often referred to as field gypsum. It is an annual plant that flowers from July to October. This species grows up to 20 cm and forms kidney-shaped seeds.
Gypsophila can actually be found everywhere, growing from southern Europe to Scandinavia. This species is widespread in southern Germany, but is rarely found in northern Germany.
The tufted gypsophila is similarly widespread, but in Germany it grows increasingly in Brandenburg and in the Palatinate. The creeping gypsophila, on the other hand, is perennial, flowering from May to September. Gypsum and calcareous soils are the right substrate for this herb, which is why it only occurs in nature in the Alpine region. In the garden, however, it is often used as a ground cover, here it is referred to as carpet gypsum. The plant also likes to settle in stone joints and can be found in wall crowns.
An exception is the gypsophila, it grows significantly larger, up to one meter is not uncommon. It originally comes from the Rocky Mountains, but now grows all over Europe. The panicled gypsophila is cultivated as an ornamental plant, it often gives bouquets the right setting. However, it will only thrive in a dry location, it prefers nutrient-poor soil and needs a lot of sun.
It is often grown in gardens which give it an “old-fashioned” charm. Everyone knows it as a decorative accessory in bouquets, red roses are simply unthinkable without gypsophila. Gypsophila is also used very frequently at weddings, and the white flowers make it a perfect match for the wedding dress. It is also considered a symbol of devotion, which heralds the common path of life.
Ingredients, effect and dosage
Traditionally, detergent is made from the roots of gypsophila, because the soap-like components make it a very gentle washing powder. Usually the white root is boiled and a lye is made that can be diluted with water. The resulting detergent is very gentle and is also used industrially to clean fur and leather goods. A tea can also be made from the root of the gypsophila, which should be drunk three times a day for coughs or bronchitis.
The agent also has an expectorant effect, and in pharmacies there are a number of preparations with extracts of gypsophila roots. The saponins show an expectorant effect, if they are taken orally they relieve the dry cough. In the case of bronchitis, however, they promote expectoration , which in turn provides relief for the patient. Gypsum herb has no side effects, but as a precaution, an intake of 30 to 150 grams per day should not be exceeded.
Unfortunately, interactions with other drugs have not been researched either. During pregnancy and breastfeeding , the doctor should be consulted, there are also no studies that confirm the harmlessness of gypsum herb. Medicines with gypsophila should be avoided during this time, as should drinking tea infusions. These are just precautionary measures, as I said, an assessable study is not available.
These roots should not be taken in excess, as excessive amounts can cause stomach pain , diarrhea and bladder irritation. Feelings of dizziness are rare , but it is also possible. Gypsum herb is popularly said to have several medicinal properties, but these have by no means been proven. Gypsum herb is said to have a diuretic effect and also to lower cholesterol levels. But this effect is more than controversial, whether ingested phytosterols can really achieve this has not been proven. Gypsophila is also said to help drive away pests, but garden owners should be more interested in that.
What does gypsum herb help against?
importance to health
Gypsum herb is only rarely used in medicine today, other saponins are used here. However, it is still used for cleaning, the gypsophila forms a lot of foam and is very gentle. To do this, the soap root is boiled in 2 liters of water for around 10 minutes and diluted generously.
The lye obtained is sufficient for approx. 500 grams of laundry. Contact with the ingredient saponin should be avoided, the skin and mucous membranes could be locally irritated.
The active ingredients saponin and phytosterols can also be found in many tablets today, and remedies for coughs and bronchitis often contain the roots of gypsophila.
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.