Full-time Field Flower: Botanical Description, Composition, Application and Side Effects
Wildflower (Anagallis arvensis) is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the primrose family (Primulaceae). This plant is known for its brick-red flower, which develops on a peduncle from the axils of the leaves. The wildflower blooms from June to October and is often found as a weed in fields, fallow lands, orchards and vineyards.
The botanical description of the wildflower says that this small plant has a tetrahedral stem, which is mostly decumbent and reaches a length of approximately 25 cm. The leaves, devoid of petioles, are ovate to elongated in shape and are arranged oppositely or in whorls of three. Full-colored flowers are usually brick red, but can sometimes be blue or white.
One of the interesting features of the wildflower is its toxicity. This plant contains saponins, bitters, tannins, flavonoids and one substance that appears to have an antifungal effect. Due to its toxicity, wildflower is not used in scientific medicine. However, its components, especially those that act against skin diseases, provide grounds for re-examining its effectiveness.
Anagallis arvensis prepared from the fresh flowering plant is used in homeopathy. It is used for various types of rashes and abscesses, as well as for nervous diseases, although rarely. Average dilutions (D1-D6) are used.
Although old folk medicine gives high praise to the flower, it should not be forgotten that this plant is poisonous and one should beware of any self-medication. The use of ophthalmic color in folk medicine dates back to its mention by Dioscorides and Pliny (1st century AD). Medieval herbalists obtained information from these authors. And German folk medicine apparently took as a basis the statement of Leonart Fuchs in his “New Herbalist” (1543).
Drinking with wine, the full-colored juice of the field is good against snake bites, against liver and kidney diseases. It can also be used as a topical remedy against warts, urolithiasis, constipation and epilepsy. However, in excessively large quantities, wildflower can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Also, long-term consumption of wildflower can harm the kidneys and have undesirable effects on the nervous system. People who are allergic to primroses may also experience a skin rash.
In conclusion, wildflower is an interesting plant with beautiful brick-red flowers, but it is also poisonous and can cause side effects if consumed. It is not currently used in scientific medicine, but its components may be retested for effectiveness in the future. Despite the high appreciation of intravenous flowers in folk medicine, it is necessary to beware of self-medication and consult a specialist before using any medicinal plants.