lespedeza

against uric acid

From the vast plains of inland America, in the United States, especially Minnesota, Illinois and Dakota, comes this legume, the lespedeza (Lespedeza capitata), which herbalists include in many of their formulations for its high diuretic and purifying power.

It is an erect plant, one meter high, without ramifications, with trifoliate leaves, lanceolate and acute leaflets, with ciliated margins and a greyish reverse, and beautiful cream-colored flowers that have a red spot on the petal. superior and meet in more or less spherical glomeruli.

It grows naturally in meadows, grasslands, and forest clearings, where doves, turtledoves, and other native birds avidly consume its seeds.

Medicinal properties

For medicinal purposes, the flowering tops are harvested in spring, in full bloom. It contains glucosylflavonoids and catechin tannins. It is mainly indicated when a considerable increase in diuresis is required: in urinary conditions such as cystitis and ureteritis, in the prevention of kidney stones, in kidney inflammations and as a support to control and reduce uric acid in gout. The lespedeza is recommended as support for men affected by benign prostate adenoma or with a tendency to suffer from it – in which case sometimes associated with fireweed or sabal–, and to reduce inflammation of the prostate at an earlier age. In the United States, where it is very popular, it is also used for rheumatic pain, to keep cholesterol at bay and, by combating fluid retention, as support in slimming diets. Like the Galician, it has been tested in support treatments against diabetes mellitus due to its hypoglycemic effect. Externally, it is shown to be astringent, healing and anti-inflammatory, useful for curing minor wounds, sores, erythema, skin ulcers and atopic dermatitis. It also helps in mouth ulcers, periodontal disease, inflamed gums, conjunctivitis and blepharitis.

herbal formulas

Herbal tea for hyperuricemia: The urea level can be reduced by associating the lespedeza with devil’s claw, grass, corn silk and star anise.How to prepare it: The plants are mixed in equal parts and about four tablespoons are added to a liter of water. Boil for 1 minute, let it rest for another 10 and strain. Two glasses a day should be taken, better on an empty stomach. Diuretic and purifying homemade herbal tea: This herbal tea associates lespedeza with other plants and is especially recommended for lowering uric acid levels. The lespedeza is combined with the friar’s crown, devil’s claw and, to improve the flavor, star anise.How to prepare it: A tablespoon of the mixture is used in equal parts per glass of water; boil for 1 minute, cover for 10 more and filter. If bitter, you can add rosemary honey. Two cups are taken daily, one in the morning and another at sunset, on an empty stomach.

Precautions

It should not be taken in case of gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcer, heart disease or severe renal failure. Its richness in tannins could cause gastric discomfort. If it is taken for diabetes, it must have the consent and control of the doctor.

Presentation

In the form of a dry plant for infusion, tincture and fluid and dry extract.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”