Common Hogweed

Common Hogweed: description, application and warnings

Common hogweed (Heracleum spondylium) is a large perennial plant that is found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. It belongs to the umbrella family (Apiaceae) and has the pharmaceutical name Heraclei spondylii herba (formerly: Herba Heraclei spondylii, Herba Brancae ursinae). Common Hogweed has a coarsely pubescent stem and a large umbel with spaced leaf sheaths.

Common Hogweed contains essential oil, furznoku-marina and bitters, which are used in folk medicine to treat various health problems. It is widely used mainly for various diarrhea accompanied by gas, and also as a cough remedy. However, it should be noted that eating common hogweed can cause an allergic reaction, especially from fresh leaves. Meadow dermatitis is an extremely severe skin form of allergy that can be caused by the juice of the Mantegazzi hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum Somm. et Lev.), which is a more poisonous plant species.

Thus, when using Common Hogweed for medicinal purposes, care must be taken, especially when working with the plant fresh. If you are allergic to other Apiaceae plants, or if you are unsure about your reactions to plants, you should consult a doctor before using Common Hogweed for treatment. In any case, self-medication is not recommended and can be hazardous to health.