Ononis spinosa

• TeaRootInternalCommission E

  Classic irrigation therapy using restharrow root infusion for inflammatory urinary tract complaints and prevention of kidney gravel — positively assessed by Kommission E and EMA (traditional use).

  Preparation & dosage

  INFUSION (Kommission E, EMA traditional use): 2–3 g of coarsely chopped dried restharrow root (Ononidis radix) in 250 ml boiling water, covered, steep 15 min, strain. Prepare fresh each time. 2–3 cups daily, preferably between meals. Daily dose: 6–9 g drug. For irrigation therapy in inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract and to prevent kidney gravel. IMPORTANT: Drink plenty of fluids (at least 2 litres daily) — the plant acts as an aquaretic, increasing urine volume. Duration up to 4 weeks; persistent symptoms or fever require medical evaluation.

  Dry amount

  2–3 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  Sources: [1] [2] [4]

• TinctureRootInternalTraditional use

  Traditional restharrow root tincture as an alternative to tea — liquid dosage form for urinary irrigation therapy.

  Preparation & dosage

  TINCTURE (DER 1:5 in 45–60 % ethanol): 2–4 ml (~40–80 drops) 3× daily, taken with ample water. Equivalent to ~6–9 g drug per day. Drink liberally alongside (at least 2 litres daily) — the aquaretic effect requires adequate fluid intake. Traditional alternative to tea for urinary irrigation therapy. Duration up to 4 weeks.

  Liquid amount

  2–4 ml

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  Sources: [3] [4]

• TeaRootInternalFolk medicine

  Folk use for gout and rheumatic complaints — the aquaretic effect is traditionally held to support uric acid elimination; evidence is traditional only.

  Preparation & dosage

  FOLK USE FOR GOUT/RHEUMATISM: Infusion as for urinary indication (2–3 g root, 250 ml boiling water, 15 min covered, strain). 2× daily, alongside increased fluid intake. Folk use for supporting elimination of uric acid in gout and rheumatic complaints. Efficacy for this indication is not documented by modern clinical studies — traditional use only. Not a substitute for medically prescribed gout therapy.

  Dry amount

  2–3 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  3 weeks

  Sources: [5] [6] [7]

• TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine

  Folk flower tea as a mild alternative to the root — lower in active constituents, less scientific evidence, used as an adjunct.

  Preparation & dosage

  FLOWER TEA (folk): 1.5–2 g dried restharrow flowers in 200 ml hot water, covered, steep 10 min, strain. 2× daily. Folk use as a milder alternative to the root — lower active constituent concentration. Less well documented than root preparations; Kommission E and EMA assessed only the root positively. For urinary complaints, prefer root preparations.

  Dry amount

  1.5–2 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  2 weeks

  Sources: [5] [6]

• BathRootExternalFolk medicine

  Folk restharrow root bath for rheumatic complaints and skin conditions — external use, not officially assessed.

  Preparation & dosage

  FULL / PARTIAL BATH (folk): 50–100 g dried restharrow root in 2–3 litres cold water, simmer 20–30 min (decoction), cool, strain into bath water. Bath temperature 36–38 °C, duration 15–20 minutes, 2–3× weekly. Folk use for rheumatic complaints, skin rashes and pruritic skin conditions as hip or full bath. External use is not assessed by Kommission E or EMA; traditional use only.

  Sources: [5] [7]

• TeaRootInternalTraditional use

  Restharrow root as a component of bladder and kidney tea blends (e.g. DAB bladder tea) — synergistic aquaretic effect with birch leaf, goldenrod and horsetail.

  Preparation & dosage

  HERBAL BLEND: Restharrow root is traditionally a component of bladder and kidney tea blends (Blasentee, DAB Nr. 8 blend). Typical combination: restharrow root + birch leaf + goldenrod herb + horsetail, equal parts. 1 tbsp (~5 g) blend per 250 ml, steep 15 min, 3× daily. Synergistic aquaretic effect of all components. Officially established in phytotherapy (DAB, NRF formulations).

  Dry amount

  2–3 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  Sources: [2] [3] [4]

• TinctureRootInternalCommission E

  Standardised restharrow root extracts as phytopharmaceuticals — officially approved dosage form for irrigation therapy (Kommission E positive).

  Preparation & dosage

  LIQUID / STANDARDISED EXTRACT: Dry and liquid extracts (DER 3–6:1, ethanol 40–60 %) are approved as phytopharmaceuticals. Daily equivalent: 6–9 g drug. Proprietary preparations (e.g. Cysto Fink, Hepaselect, combination kidney-bladder teas) dose per manufacturer instructions. Drink ample fluid (≥ 2 l/day). Not longer than 4 weeks without medical supervision. Kommission E positive assessment for urinary irrigation therapy.

  Liquid amount

  2–5 ml

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  Sources: [1] [2] [3]

IRRIGATION THERAPY ONLY WITH ADEQUATE FLUID INTAKE: Drink at least 2 litres of fluid daily — without sufficient fluid intake the irrigation therapy is ineffective and counterproductive. CONTRAINDICATION oedema: Do NOT use if oedema is caused by cardiac or renal insufficiency — aquaretic therapy may worsen the underlying condition. Fever, severe pain on urination or blood in urine: seek medical attention immediately — possible serious underlying cause (kidney stones, pyelonephritis). Self-treatment of suspected kidney stones without medical assessment not advised. Self-treatment of chronic urinary infections without diagnosis is not recommended. Limit use to 4 weeks without medical supervision.