Spiny restharrow

Spiny restharrow, scientific name ononis spinosa of the Fabaceae family, is a small shrub with thorns but with very scented flowers. From the roots of this plant we get a remedy well-known for millennia and in recent years also studied by science for its interesting action especially on the urinary tract, but let's understand better.

Spiny restharrow shows diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and healing properties (Ergene et al, J Ethnopharmacol, 2018 - Altuner et al, Mikrobiyol Bul., 2010). Moreover, spiny restharrow extracts have also proven to be analgesic with a painkilling action comparable with that of aspirin after 30 and 90 minutes after the intake of the remedy (Yilmaz et al, Phytother Res, 2006). Given these characteristics, the spiny restharrow is useful in case of cystitis, both when it is already present and as a preventive treatment thanks to its diuretic and purifying action, it soothes irritation and pain. Not only that, the remedy can also be taken in case of rheumatism, urinary gravel and stones.

You can find the Spiny restharrow in herbalist’s and chemist’s shops in the form of mother tincture, the dosage is 30 drops in water 3 times a day in case of cystitis already present. For preventive purposes instead you can take the remedy 20 drops twice a day. Alternatively, you can find the roots of Spiny restharrow also in the form of herb to prepare a tea. In this case bring a cup of water to a boil, remove from heat and infuse 1 teaspoon of plant for ten minutes, then filter. Drink once lukewarm up to two cups a day.