Bitter Milkwort
Polygala amara · Polygalaceae
Bitter Milkwort
Polygala amer
Polygala amara
Polygalaceae
Traditionally used
Bitter milkwort root is worked as an expectorant. Its saponins are drawn out in a short decoction and taken by the spoonful through the day; they wake the bronchial glands so that a dry, unproductive cough loosens and clears. The same bitterness is turned to a sluggish stomach with weak secretion. ⚠ take it in short courses, resting a day after several, as the saponins can irritate the throat if pressed too long.
In three languages
Français — La racine de polygala amer s'emploie comme expectorant. Ses saponines, extraites en courte décoction et prises à la cuillère au fil de la journée, stimulent les glandes bronchiques et aident une toux sèche à devenir productive. La même amertume convient à un estomac paresseux à faible sécrétion. ⚠ à prendre en cures courtes, avec un jour de repos après plusieurs jours, les saponines pouvant irriter la gorge à la longue.
Safety
Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Sources & lineage
traditional European phytotherapy; root saponins (senegin, polygalic acid) with methylsalicylic ester
Kept alongside