Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) is a flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to Europe, Siberia and Central Asia. It is an erect perennial, spreading by runners, with stiff stems bearing narrow, pale green leaves that are arranged in a spiral. The pale yellow flowers, resembling small snapdragons in dense spikes, appear from late spring to mid-autumn. It is also called butter and eggs or wild snapdragon. The plant has medicinal benefits.
Medicinal Benefits
- Laxative and strong diuretic.
- Treatment of oedema, jaundice, liver diseases, gall bladder complaints and skin problems.
- Used in treatment of haemorrhoids, skin eruptions, sores and malignant ulcers.
Growing Toadflax
Indoor Sowing: Cold Stratification and then sow seeds in Early Spring.
Direct Sowing: Autumn.
- Direct Sow seeds in autumn as the seeds need the cold of winter before germination takes place.
- Lightly cover the seeds with soil.
- Alternatively you can direct sow stratified seeds three weeks before the last frost of spring.
- To stratify the seeds, put the seeds in a moist growing medium and place in a freezer bag or small container. Then put the bag or small container in the refrigerator for three weeks.
- Toadflax likes to grow in sunny areas and the soil type is not important, as long as it is well draining.
Medical Disclaimer
Information is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment offered by healthcare professionals.