Heather: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Calluna
Scientific name(s)
Calluna vulgaris
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Arbutin
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Urinary tract infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Heather is traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections such as cystitis. Laboratory research has confirmed its antimicrobial activity, which supports its use in this context.
Posologie
Oral: flowering tops
1.5 g
Prostatitis ✪✪✪✪✪
Because of its diuretic qualities and its ability to fight microbes, it has been suggested that heather may be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of prostatitis.
Posologie
Oral: flowering tops
1.5 g
Kidney stones ✪✪✪✪✪
Heather is traditionally used to promote renal elimination of water and as an adjunct to diuretic regimens in mild urinary disorders.nn
Posologie
Oral: flowering tops
1.5 g
Gout ✪✪✪✪✪
Heather, used for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, is also beneficial in the management of gout, a condition resulting from high levels of uric acid in the blood.nn
Posologie
Oral: flowering tops
1.5 g
Properties
Antimicrobial
Heather extracts appear to have antimicrobial effects, with the greatest activity against Gram-positive bacteria. nnHeather extracts were tested against twelve bacterial strains that can cause urogenital infections. The results showed a potential to inhibit pathogenic bacteria. This activity supports the traditional use of heather in the treatment of urinary tract infectionsnnHeather extracts also demonstrated the ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis, such as Gardnerella vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, without affecting beneficial Lactobacillus strains. This indicates that heather extracts could be used to treat vaginal infections while preserving the vaginal microbiota.nn
Usages associés
Antiviral
In vitro studies show that heather extracts have antiviral activity against the hepatitis C virus. Heather extracts with higher concentrations of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid appear to have greater activity. These components are thought to interfere with viral entry and hinder its replication by inhibiting the activity of the NS5B polymerase.nn
Anti-inflammatory
Ethanolic extracts from the aerial parts of heather show anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity (inhibition of pain sensitivity), as demonstrated in mouse studies.nn
Usages associés
Dermatological effect
Animal and in vitro studies show that heather extract may protect against skin inflammation, sunburn, and DNA damage caused by ultraviolet B rays, likely due to its antioxidant effects.
Diuretic
The diuretic effect and effect on gout have not been scientifically demonstrated and are derived from traditional uses.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 3 g - 4.5 g (powder)
- Dried plant: 4.5 g per day; in powder 3 g/day in 3 doses (1 g/dose).nn- Infusion of flowering tops: 3 teaspoons of the plant or 1.5 g in 150 mL of water, drink 3 cups per day.nn- Decoction: 1.5 g in 250 mL of water, 3 cups per day.nn
Contraindications
Pregnant women: contraindicated
Heather contains arbutin, which is contraindicated in pregnant women.nn
Breastfeeding women: contraindicated
Heather contains arbutin, which is contraindicated for breastfeeding women.nn
Children up to 12 years: contraindicated
Heather contains arbutin, which is contraindicated in children under 12 years.nn
