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 Aphanes arvensis
(Rosaceae)
PARSLEY PIERT, BREAKSTONE, FIELD LADY'S MANTLE
This herb has long been given by
herbalists to treat kidney or bladder stones, as one of its common names,
breakstone, reflects. It is also used to soothe the urinary tract.
The common name breakstone comes from the herb's centuries-old use to break down kidney stones.
Native to Britain, it is common throughout northern Europe, where
it grows on dry barren ground. It is a prostrate annual with clusters of three-lobed green leaves and insignificant green flowers that appear throughout the summer.
PARTS USED
Whole herb, collected during flowering.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Astringent principle, probably
mainly tannins.
ACTIONS
Increases urine production; soothes internal body surfaces; breaks up kidney stones.
MEDICINAL USE
Used to dissolve kidney or bladder stones and to soothe a urinary tract irritated by the presence or the passage of stones.
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, tincture.
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