Rest Harrow

At first glance, one can say that Rest Harrow (Ononis Spinosa) is just a humble shrub growing wild on the hills and plains of Europe and Asia. But, I assume that you already know that, nothing can be registered as insignificant when we talk about plants. The thorniest shrubs, the most irritating nettles, the majestic trees and the delicate flowers constitute rich reservoirs of potent chemicals with magnificent healing properties.

Generation after generation of people noticed that Rest Harrow had a good effect on the kidney function. Today we know that this plant is a very effective and harmless diuretic. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, being able to cure many types of kidney and bladder infections and inflammations. Due to its diuretic properties, the Rest Harrow tea or decoction can be very helpful in cases of high blood pressure and ascites (an excessive amount of fluid in the peritoneal cavity). The cold macerate can help eliminate kidney stones or kidney sand.

The roots are the only useful parts of the Rest Harrow. People dig for them in late autumn and even winter, set them to dry and then grind them in a fine powder. The powder or the alcoholic tincture can be applied externally on some skin ulcerations with good results. Rest Harrow can be helpful in relieving rheumatic and muscle pain, joint pain, gout and edema.

In Europe, the Rest Harrow root powder can be purchased in some stores and used to make the tea. For good effects, the tea must be prepared and ingested daily for a period of time ranging from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, depending on the disease that is being targeted.