Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris)

Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) is a member of the Primulaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and roots have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Yellow Loosestrife
Scientific Name	Lysimachia vulgaris
Plant Family	Primulaceae
Genus	Lysimachia
Species	vulgaris
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Lysimachia vulgaris
Common Name: Yellow Loosestrife
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Lysimachia, Common Yellow Loosestrife, Lysimachia Vulgaris
Plant Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Lysimachia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 20 to 50 centimeters.
Leaves: Opposite, ovate leaves with smooth margins, upper surface yellow-green and lower surface pale green, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence composed of dense spikes of yellow flowers with five distinct sepals and five petals, actinomorphic, with prominent yellow stamens and a single pistil, flowers arranged in terminal racemes.
Stems: Elongated, erect growth habit, opposite branching pattern, glabrous surface, four-sided cross-section, presence of prominent ridges

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: As described in traditional systems, a soothing diuretic, in cleansing-oriented uses.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a mild anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Tannin: Naturally occurring polyphenols widely distributed in woody and leafy plant parts.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: There is limited information regarding general precautions related to the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.