Vellosilla: properties, benefits and remedies

The hawkweed or pelosilla (Hieracium pilosella) is a beautiful but modest plant of the Compositae family, related to dandelion. He enjoys much esteem among Catalan and Levantine herbalists, especially as remedy for urinary tract infections and kidney problemsalthough it is rather little known to the general public.

The plant barely reaches a palm in height, has basal leaves, in a rosette, and lanceolate, with a whitish underside and covered with dense hairinesshence the name “vellosilla”.

The flowers are from lemon yellow color and they are grouped in chapters, with the external flowers subtly tinged with red on the back. Blooms from early spring to late summer.

They know each other many varieties of hawkweed, with subtle morphological differences between them. It is found throughout Europe, including the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula and mountainous areas in the southeast.

Medicinal properties

For medicinal purposes, from the veil the flowers and leaves are used. They contain flavonoids, coumarins, phenolic acids such as caffeic and chlorogenic, bitter principles, mucilage and tannins.

Of the hawkweed its antibiotic and diuretic properties. Herbalists indicate them for different conditions:

To treat urinary tract infections, such as cystitis, urethritis, ureteritis, and prostatitis.To promote the elimination of excess uric acid and ureato prevent the formation of kidney stones or contribute to its expulsion through the urine, to reduce renal inflammation and to reduce the edema and the fluid retention.He is also attributed a slight lipid-lowering effectso it can be useful to lower the indices of LDL cholesterol and prevent coronary disorders. It has also been used traditionally to combat respiratory infections, in flu and bronchitis processes.Combined with lemon balm, paliure and hawthorn, the hawkweed has been indicated as Mild antihypertensive remedy.

How is it taken?

In herbalists, the hawkweed is found in different presentations:

Dried plant for infusion Tincture Fluid extract Capsules

You can also take the fresh plant, just harvested.

The most common use of the hawkweed is in infusion of the aerial parts (flowers and leaves), although the root can also be used in decoction. It is usually combined with other diuretic and cleansing herbs, taking up to 2 glasses a day or drinking it throughout the day.

hawkweed remedies

These are two infusions with hawkweed that take advantage of its cleansing, diuretic and antiseptic properties.

To reduce uric acid:

Experts propose a very useful diuretic formula to lower uric acid levels that combines hawkweed with birch leaves, dandelion root and horsetail.

How to prepare it: Mix hawkweed, birch leaves, dandelion root and horsetail in equal parts. Use three level tablespoons of the mixture per liter of water. Boil the herbs in the water for 1-2 minutes and let them steep for another 10 minutes. Then strain and drink throughout the day, adding a dash of honey to counteract the bitter taste of the formula.

To stop urinary infections:

The hawkweed is an excellent urinary antiseptic, very valid as an alternative to chemical antibiotics. To stop the infection in case of cystitis, prostatitis, urethritis or ureteritisthis herbal tea that associates hawkweed with other antiseptic plants such as bearberry, corn stigmas and blueberry leaves is effective.

How to prepare it: Mix hawkweed, bearberry, corn stigmas and blueberry leaves in equal parts. Separate three tablespoons of this mixture per liter of water. Boil for 2 minutes, let it rest and take it throughout the day, in small doses.

To lower cholesterol:

The hawkweed promotes liver drainage and helps regulate blood cholesterol levels.

How to take it: It is recommended to mix hawkweed root with dandelion, prepare a decoction with a teaspoon of this mixture and drink two cups daily.

contraindications

The Herbal Medicines Committee (HMPC) of the European Medicines Agency recognizes as consolidated the traditional use of the aerial parts with hawkweed root as Mild diuretic for relief of minor urinary tract problems and that there are no known adverse effects.

In any case, it warns that medicines based on aerial parts with hawkweed root should not be used in patients with disorders in which it is recommended to reduce fluid intake (as in the case of severe heart or kidney failure).

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