Parts used: Flowers and leaves
The flowers must be picked when in full bloom and dried rapidly to preserve their effectiveness.
They are used in decoctions and infusions, liquid or dry extracts, and also in pharmaceutical products.
CONSTITUTENS The Aaron's rod flower contains sugars, mucilage, flavonoids, iridoids, saponins and yellow colorants.
MEDICAL USES The mucilage in Aaron's rod helps to soothe irritation, while its saponins and flavonoids combine to reduce inflammation. The saponins also contribute expectorant properties, which is why a syrup made from Aaron’s rod is used to treat throat infections and coughs.
Various preparations made from the plant are used for easing respiratory tract infections, such as asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis and the symptoms of influenza. in addition, the plant's soothing and anti-inflammatory abilities have long been recognised as effective in treating digestive problems, such as diarrhoea, gastritis, enteritis and colitis, and in helping to ease gout.
Applied externally, Aaron's rod will help to heal cuts and leg ulcers and to soothe skin irritations. Olive oil. infused with the dried flowers, is sometimes used to ease the pain of earache and haemorrhoids.
Research has indicated that Aaron's rod has anti-viral properties and it may also help to inhibit the spread of cancer.
Preparation and dosage:
For internal use
To treat Iaryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, diarrhoea, gastritis, enteritis, colitis
Infusion: Put 1.5-2g into a cup of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 15 minutes, then strain. Take 3 cups a day.
Liquid extract: Put 50 drops into a glass of water. Take three to four times a day.
Dry extract Take 300mg three to six times a day.
Syrup for children: Take 1 teaspoon three times a day.
For external use
To treat cuts, leg ulcers, skin irritations.
Compress: Soak 3 teaspoons of dried plant in 300ml of cold water for 30 minutes. Gently bring to the boil. Strain. Soak a cloth in the solution. Apply twice a day.
IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, CONSULT A DOCTOR
CAUTIONS:
-No toxicity or undesirable effect has been recorded to date, but medical advice is recommended before using.
-Aaron's rod should not be taken when pregnant or breastfeeding.
