Herb's Introduction
Ononis repens, commonly known as common restharrow, is a fascinating perennial subshrub belonging to the pea family, Fabaceae. Its name, "restharrow," originates from a time when farming was done with horse-drawn tools. The plant's exceptionally tough, woody roots were known to "arrest" or stop the harrow, a farming implement, in its tracks. This tenacious plant is recognized for its creeping growth habit, beautiful pink flowers, and a long history of both a farmer's bane and a valuable medicinal herb.
Name in Different Countries
The herb's name often reflects its unique characteristics or historical uses. English: Common Restharrow, Rest Harrow Irish: Fréamhacha tairne
Terminology
The scientific classification of Ononis repens is a subject of some debate among botanists. While many authorities, particularly in Great Britain and Ireland, consider it a separate species, the Plants of the World Online database classifies it as a subspecies of Ononis spinosa, referring to it as Ononis spinosa subsp. procurrens. Genus: Ononis Species: O. repens Binomial Name: Ononis repens L. The genus name Ononis is thought to derive from the ancient Greek word onos, meaning "donkey," as the plant was historically used as fodder for these animals. The species epithet repens is a Latin word for "creeping," which aptly describes the plant's prostrate growth habit.
Availability
Ononis repens is native to a broad range of regions, including Europe, northern and eastern Africa, and western and central Asia. It thrives in specific ecological niches, primarily found in grasslands, dry pastures, and coastal areas such as cliffs and dunes. The plant prefers light, well-drained, and often calcareous (chalky or limestone-rich) soils. While it can be found inland on roadside verges, its distribution is often localized due to its soil preferences.
External Look
Common restharrow is a low-growing, woody perennial that typically reaches a height of up to 60 cm. Its stems are often hairy and can spread by rooting at intervals along their length. The leaves are small, oval, and trifoliate (composed of three leaflets). One of its distinguishing features is the presence of glandular hairs, which give the plant a resinous, sometimes described as a "goaty," smell when bruised. From June to September, the plant produces beautiful, pink or purplish, pea-like flowers. Unlike its close relative, Ononis spinosa, the common restharrow has soft, weak spines, if any at all.
Healing Properties
For centuries, Ononis repens has been valued for its medicinal properties, particularly those found in its tough, fibrous root. The herb is known to possess diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Its primary traditional uses include: Diuretic: It is used to increase urine flow, helping to flush out the urinary system and treat conditions like bladder and kidney stones. Urinary Tract Health: It has been traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections and alleviate symptoms of dropsy (fluid retention). External Applications: The plant has also been used externally for the healing of wounds, eczema, and other skin disorders.
Advantages
Beyond its medicinal applications, Ononis repens offers several ecological and practical benefits: Nitrogen Fixer: As a member of the legume family, it forms a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil and promoting the growth of other plants. Wildlife Support: The plant's flowers are a valuable food source for pollinators, attracting many wild bees and butterflies, including the common blue butterfly. Soil Improvement: Its ability to thrive in and enrich poor, sandy soils makes it useful for improving soil quality in specific habitats.
Uses
The uses of common restharrow are primarily medicinal and, historically, culinary. Medicinal Use: The root is the most common part used for remedies. It is typically harvested in the autumn, dried, and then prepared as a tea or tincture. Culinary Use: In the past, the young shoots were consumed as a vegetable, either boiled, pickled, or added to salads. The root's distinct liquorice-like flavor was also utilized to make a refreshing cold drink by soaking it in water, or to create a substitute for liquorice itself.
Using way
To use Ononis repens medicinally, the root is the most potent part. Preparation: Harvest the mature roots in the autumn. Wash them thoroughly, chop them into small pieces, and allow them to dry. Tea: To make a tea, finely chop the dried root and brew it in boiling water. This infusion is traditionally consumed to treat bladder and kidney ailments.
Conclusion
Ononis repens, the common restharrow, is a remarkable plant with a rich history and a dual identity. While once considered a nuisance to farmers due to its tough roots, it has long been valued for its significant medicinal properties, particularly as a potent diuretic for urinary health. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, fix nitrogen, and support local wildlife highlights its ecological importance. Whether seen as a tenacious weed or a valuable herb, Ononis repens is a testament to nature's ability to provide both resilience and remedy.
