Medicinal Plants : Pilosella officinarum

Name

Mouse Ear

Biological Name

Pilosella officinarum
Compositae

Other Names

Mouse Ear, Hawkweed

Parts Used

Aerial parts

Active Compounds

Umbelliferone, a coumarin

Flavonoids including leteolin and its glycosides

Caffeic and chlorogenic acids.

Remedies For

Anti-spasmodic, expectorant, anti-catarrhal, astringent, sialagogue, vulnerary.

Mouse Ear, named after the shape of the leaf, is one of the ancient traditional herbs of England and Wales. Used for respiratory problems where there is a lot of mucus being formed with soreness and even possible coughing of blood. It is considered a specific in cases of whooping cough. Beneficial in bronchitis or bronchitic asthma. Externally it may be used as a poultice to aid wound healing or specifically to treat hernia and fractures.

Combinations: For whooping cough it may be used with Sundew, White Horehound, Mullein or Coltsfoot.

Description

A common European plant growing in sandy soil.

Dosage

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take l-4ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.