Buttercup (Ranunculus ficaria)
properties, benefits and uses
The little butter (Ranunculus ficaria), also popularly known as chickweed or chickweed, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Ranunculaceae.
The plant grows to a height of up to 30 cm and is found in wet areas from plains to mountains. It has thick, glossy, heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom in April and May.
Habitat and growing season
Butterwort prefers moist and damp soils and is found in scrubland, woodland edges and wooded areas. It grows mainly in spring and is one of the first green plants to emerge after the cold season.
Chemical composition
Phytochemical studies have revealed the presence of important bioactive compounds in yam, such as tannins, flavonoids, vitamin C and E, saponins and ficaurine (Sharma et al., 2020). These compounds impart antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to the plant (Kumar & Pandey, 2019), making it beneficial for health.
Health benefits
Because of its rich composition, the leaves of butterwort, harvested in March before the yellow flower appears, are traditionally cited for several ailments. It is cited as useful for people suffering from varicose veins, hemorrhoids, allergies, acne and circulatory problems. Research shows that the herb stimulates gastric secretion, has a laxative effect and helps tone capillary walls, improving venous circulation.
Traditional uses
In traditional medicine, marjoram is mentioned as being used both internally and externally. It can be a medicinal food if eaten before flowering and is useful in spring asthenia. The fresh leaves are eaten in salads to provide vitamins and minerals, but only before flowering, as the plant then develops the substances anemonin and ficaric acid and is no longer safe to eat.
In external use, it is used in ointments, tinctures and infusions to treat wounds, ulcers, hemorrhoids and skin conditions.
Precautions
Although buttermilk is prized for its therapeutic benefits, its use should be used with caution. Recent studies suggest that the safety of its use, especially for domestic consumption, is still being researchedfurther studies are needed to determine the optimal doses.
Comparisons
Butter onion is often compared to the lily (Allium ursinum), another spring herb with detoxifying properties. Although both are rich in vitamins and minerals, but evening primrose is less well known and less widely used. Unlike lems, it doesn't have a strong odor and is easier to integrate into the diet.
External uses
In phytotherapy, butter is used in various forms: unguent - for hemorrhoids and dermatologic problems, tinctură - applied topically for skin conditions, infusion for bathrooms - used in anti-inflammatory and circulatory treatments. Flower petals are even used to clean teeth because of their astringent properties.
News
Evening primrose is a valuable herb with potential health benefits. Research into its safety is ongoing. In external use, traditional preparations based on evening primrose are appreciated in situations of circulatory or dermatological problems. This plant can be an important ally in phytotherapy, with both nutritional and therapeutic potential.