A woody-based, hardy perennial, up to 1.2 m (4 ft.) tall, leaves are opposite and mostly subdivided into 3-5 leaflets. A froth of pinky-white flowers, borne in corymbs, appear in mid-summer giving rise to another of the herb’s country names, “raspberries and cream”.
History and traditions
The Latin specific name and common name are taken from the words cannabis and hemp, because of a similarity in the shape of the leaves. Hemp being used for rope fiber, by extension E. cannabinum gained the name “holy rope” a plant with beneficent characteristics was often arbitrarily associated with holiness. But it was never in fact a source of rope and shares none of the properties of Cannabis sativa. It has a history of medicinal use as a diuretic, purgative, cure for dropsy, general spring tonic and antiscorbutic. Seventeenth-century herbalists also recommended it for healing “fomenting ulcers” and “putrid sores”.
Growth
Grow in moist soil, in full sun or partial shade. Propagate by division in spring or sow seed in containers in spring.
Parts used
The whole plant the flowering tops are dried for use in infusions, extracts and other preparations.
Uses
Medicinal
It has long been known for its diuretic properties, as a tonic for debility and a treatment for influenza-like illnesses, but the wider medicinal action of this herb is complex, even contradictory. Recent research suggests that it contains compounds that are capable of stimulating the immune system and combating tumors, but it also contains alkaloids that are potentially dangerous to the liver and in large enough doses could cause liver damage. Externally, it is applied, as in previous times, to ulcers and sores.
