Bitter candytuft

The bitter candytuft relieves symptoms of stomach and intestinal diseases, such as gas and bloating. Its flowers look like small bows, hence the name candytuft. This flower smells slightly sweet, but has a bitter taste. The plant was used in ancient times, among other things against heart disease, gout and digestive problems.

Occurrence and cultivation of the bitter candytuft

This plant is found mainly in Central and Southern Europe, it grows in every field and in vineyards. In Germany, however, the medicinal plant is threatened with extinction and may not be collected. This plant still grows wild from meadows and fallow land, mainly in Lower Franconia, in Hesse and Rheinhessen.

The bitter candytuft can be up to 40 centimeters high, it has an angular stem that is downy and hairy. It has elongated leaves that are serrated on the edges. The flowers look like small bows and the white flowers are arranged in loose clusters. The seeds are in the fruits, in small, round pods.

This plant belongs to the cruciferous family, it flowers from May to August. The bitter candytuft can also be used at home, anyone who has a rock garden will be happy about this frugal plant. It develops a very dense flower dress and shows a wonderful green all year round.

It brings Mediterranean flair to the garden. It is popularly known as farmer's mustard, its extracts help with gastrointestinal complaints. As a tea, however, this medicinal plant is of no use, the ingredients cannot fully develop their effect.

Effect & application

The bitter candytuft is a medicinal plant in which the entire flower is used, only the root is not. Mustard oil compounds, i.e. glucosinolates, are present in the herb of this plant. The main component is the clucoiberin. This flower owes its bitter taste to the cucurbitacins.

The herb also contains flavonoids, such as kaempferol and quercetin. The ingredients of the bitter candytuft can have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract, they can tense the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines. But you can also relax the muscles, thereby supporting digestion and relieving the painful bloated stomach.

Some patients also suffer from irritable bowel syndrome; they too can only benefit from the bitter candytuft. However, each intake should be clarified with the doctor. The ingredients can prevent or weaken the release of stomach acid and mild intestinal problems are corrected.

A combination with other medicinal plants is also helpful, including caraway, peppermint and chamomile. The bitter candytuft is used exclusively as a medicinal plant, it is not known in the kitchen. This flower is a recognized medicinal herb and is used for digestive problems and irritable bowel syndrome. Incidentally, also for prevention. Lung diseases were also treated in ancient times, but they are no longer used in today's medicine.

Importance for health, treatment & prevention

The bitter candytuft is mainly used to treat gastrointestinal problems, but also has a positive effect on rheumatism and gout. Most patients complain of abdominal pain and flatulence, up to and including diarrhea. The problems with digestion arise because the intestines have become flaccid and food can no longer be transported quickly.

The bitter candytuft now helps the intestine to work normally again and restore its original performance. The substances contained also prevent inflammation in the digestive tract and heartburn is also a thing of the past. The intestinal mucous membranes are protected all the more when other medicinal herbs are combined.

In this way, the intestine works completely trouble-free again and no more impairments are to be expected. Many people suffer from irritable stomach syndrome without an organic cause being found. Without any explanation, stomach pain, gas, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting occur.

However, no disease is found and the stomach still “rebels”. In the case of mild complaints, it is usually sufficient for the patient to eat healthily, get enough sleep and allow himself some rest. Sometimes an over-the-counter drug is taken from the pharmacy, but if the symptoms do not go away, it is essential to see a doctor.

Gastrointestinal problems are often caused by stress at work or in family, excessive alcohol consumption, high temperatures, and physical exertion. The use of certain medications such as nicotine, coffee and tea, as well as spicy and fatty foods can lead to gastrointestinal complaints.

The bitter candytuft calms the stomach nerves and prevents strong acid build-up. Even stomach ulcers can be prevented and mucus secretion is increased. The bitter candytuft protects the stomach lining and also gives it the opportunity to regenerate.

Sometimes the stomach problems are only triggered by medication, but the medicinal plant helps here too. Inflammation of the bowel is practically no longer present, spasmodic contractions are prevented and the bowel can no longer swell.

Homeopathy also uses this medicinal plant, it is used for heart problems, cardiac arrhythmias and angina pectoris. Here you mix the bitter candytuft with other plant extracts, lily of the valley, wormweed and mountain laurel should help.

Viral infections can also be treated, and if you are short of breath it works wonders. After virus infections, the bitter ribbon herb is often given, it prevents heart failure. Of course, the bitter candytuft also has side effects; high doses can cause diarrhea. Otherwise, however, this medicinal plant is well tolerated, no other side effects are known.