Witnessed by: Western
Restharrow (Ononis spinosa), of the Fabaceae family. Spiny, woody-based perennial with pink pea-flowers and deep tough roots; native range: dry grassland, chalk downs and roadsides across Europe. Globally recognized as spiny restharrow; cammock; wild liquorice in English. The part used is root. Tough woody root, faintly sweet then bitterish, with a slight liquorice note.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
RESTHARROW
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- restharrow
- Scientific name
- Ononis spinosa L.
- Family
- Fabaceae
Form
- Part used
- root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- sweet · bitter
Temperature
- Western
- cool (drying)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- kidneys · bladder
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- diuretic, mild anti-inflammatory to the urinary tract, gentle aperient
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid where a flushing diuresis is unwanted, as in oedema from failing heart or kidney
- Toxicity
- regarded as safe at customary dose
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