The scientific name of rupturewort is Herniariaglabra. It is a medicinal herb that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is associated with dianthus and carnations. There are around fifteen to twenty species of annual plants or perennial plants which belong to the genus Herniaria. It can be mostly found growing wild. The taste of rupturewort is bitter. The rupturewort is the only member of the species which is cultivated. This plant is native to Africa, Asia, Europe, and Northern America.
Rupturewort is known by many other names, such as smooth burstwort, green carpet, rupturewort, herniarybreastwort, etc. This plant was named Herniaria because it has the capability of treating hernias. Its common name “rupturewort” has the same derivation. But, the hernias which were used to treat with the rupturewort were actually skin ruptures like cuts as opposed to the internal hernias that we associate with the word. Nowadays, rupturewort is a popular plant in gardens and gardeners often use it as a ground cover for poor soil. This is a reason why the rupturewort is known as a green carpet.
The rupturewort has some medicinal properties, but there is not enough evidence that can approve these health benefits. The rupturewort grows up to 4 cm and spreads easily in all directions and each plant is being able to cover up to two feet. The flowering season of rupturewort is from July to August. Pregnant women should not use the rupturewort in their diets, because there is not enough evidence for its safety. Also, breastfeeding women should avoid rupturewort adding to their diets. When the soft, green leaves of rupturewort are crushed, then they produce a musky odor.
Here are some health benefits of rupturewort:
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Arthritis and gout:
The rupturewort has been used to help treat joint conditions, like arthritis and rheumatism. There is no evidence to confirm its efficacy, so we are dependent on anecdotal evidence and traditional use. In some cases, it is also used to treat gout possibly because of its purported diuretic ability. Due to its diuretic properties, the rupturewort can help to flush uric acid and other toxins from the body. It is known that the build-up of uric acid is causing painful episodes of gout.
Wound healing:
In traditional medicine, the rupturewort has been used to treat minor wounds and ulcers. Its scientific name is Herniaria and its common name comes from its purported ability to treat ruptured skin or herniated skin. It has astringent properties, so this herb can be topically applied in a form of poultice, so it can help to speed up the healing process of sores, ulcers, and wounds.
Hand cleanser:
It was shown that an aqueous extract of this plant is used as a hand cleanser because it can make the skin soft and supple.
Urinary tract infections:
The rupturewort has been used for centuries as medicine due to its health benefits. The first mention of the rupturewort dates back to the early 1500s when the rupturewort was used as a natural diuretic to treat cystitis and urinary tract infections. Nowadays, the rupturewort is still used to treat many different tract conditions, including cystitis, urinary tract infections, and urethritis. Also, it has antispasmodic properties on the bladder. The rupturewort is also used to prevent kidney gravel or kidney stones from forming.
Blood cleansing agent:
In traditional medicine, the rupturewort has been used as a home remedy for the treatment of ailments of the upper respiratory tract, rheumatism, and arthritis, because it was said that it has blood–cleansing properties.
Nerve pain:
In some traditional medicines, the rupturewort has been used to treat nerve pain. If you want to use it for this purpose, consult with your doctor.
Bone and joint conditions:
The rupturewort was used in traditional medicine to treat problems with bone and joint conditions, but there are not enough scientific studies to approve the usage of rupturewort for this. So, you need to talk with your doctor if you have some bone or joint condition to use the rupturewort for your home remedy.