What is Iberis amara (Annual Candytuft)？
Iberis amara commonly known as Annual Candytuft and candytuft is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Brassicaceae. It comprises annuals, evergreen perennials and subshrubs native to the Old World. Some of the most common names given to it are Bitter candytuft, Rocket candytuft, wild candytuft, Gruetzblume, teraspic, Hyacinth Candytuft and Hyacinth flowered candytuft. The plant is native to western, central and southern Europe, in the Caucasus, and also in Algeria. The name already gives a hint that Iberis amara is native to Spain, the former Iberia. The trivial name candytuft has nothing to do with sweets. Candy comes from Candia the former name of Iraklion on Crete where the plant also occurs.
Iberis amara is used since 80 a.d. in homeopathy to treat gastrointestinal problems. The bitter candytuft contains glucosinolates, flavonoles and curcurbitacines that are anticonvulsive and anti-inflammatory. Especially the curcurbitacines are responsible for the bitter taste of the bitter candytuft. The different chemical compounds are able to relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract or they innervate the muscles. Being able to relax and innervate is a special property of that plant compounds. The fruit is a small pod that bears the seeds that have a high concentration of curcurbitacine. They are used in homeopathy against cardiac insufficiency Iberis amara prefers nutrient poor and calcerous soils.
What is Iberis amara (Annual Candytuft) for?
This plant was known as a medicinal plant in antiquity. It was considered a female remedy, promoting the menses and parturition. It has been used in popular medicine for conditions of the liver and heart, for renal gravel and as an emmenagogue.
Traditional uses and benefits of Iberis amara (Annual Candytuft)
- Little used in modern herbalism, rocket candytuft is a bitter-tasting tonic, aiding digestion and relieving wind and bloating.
- It is traditionally taken to treat gout, rheumatism and arthritis.
- All parts of the plant are antirheumatic and antiscorbutic.
- Seeds are considered very useful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and dropsy.
- Common homeopathic remedy is made from the seeds.
- It has always been used for gout, rheumatism and kindred ailments.
- All parts of the plant are antirheumatic and antiscorbutic.
Gastroparesis: Take equal amounts of Wild Candytuft, Angelica root, Milk Thistle fruit, Caraway fruit, Licorice root, Peppermint, Chamomile flower, Chelidonium Majus and Lemon Balm Leaves. Grind them together. Take one tsp powder with lukewarm water once a day. OR Prepare a decoction of above given herbs. Drink half cup twice a day.
Post time: May-19-2023
