Loosestrife - Lythrum salicara
Also known as long purples, milk
willow-herb, purple loosestrife, purple willow-herb, rainbow weed, soldiers,
spiked loosestrife, spiked willow-herb and willow sage. This is a bushy
perennial plant from Europe. It has a square, hairy stem which grows 2 to 4
feet high. It has downy leaves, and purple six-petaled flowers which bloom
from June to August.
Loosestrife is astringent and styptic. It is
useful for diarrhea, including that which is associated with major
illnesses such as dysentry and typhoid fever. An infusion of the plant
can be used to treat gastroenteritis, and works internally without causing
constipation. Loosestrife sometimes helps to stop internal bleeding.