Burnet-saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifraga) is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is common in south-western Asia and throughout Europe.
Burnet-saxifrage is often found in sunny places, on dry slopes, heaths and roadsides. It also grows in pine forests. It does not need fertile soil to grow and can thrive on barren soil.
Burnet-saxifrage is a perennial plant growing up to 50 cm in height. Its stem is leafless or almost leafless in the upper part, and in the part closer to the rhizome it has single or double pinnate leaves.
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The flowering period of burnet-saxifrage takes place from June to September, and the flowers are collected in complex white umbels.
The flowers are covered with fine hairs on their entire surface and their edges are ciliated. Burnet-saxifrage fruits are oval schizopods, ranging from 1 to 2 mm in size. The berries of the plant are often used as a spice (like anise fruit).
The rhizome of burnet-saxifrage is characterized by considerable thickness and strong twisting. It is also highly branched. A special feature of the plant, as well as several other plants from the Apiaceae family, is the color of the inside of the rhizome. It is blue in color due to the presence of azulene.
It grows throughout Europe and in Asian countries. We can find it in meadows, clearings, roadsides, bushes, parks, grasslands, slopes and forests. It looks like caraway and is most characteristic, of course, in the flowering phase.
Its flowers are small and white, gathered in umbels growing from the branches of the stem. The stem is practically leafless at the top, and has single or double pinnate leaves at the bottom.
Burnet-saxifrage was used already in ancient times, for example by the ancient Romans. Its popularity did not wane even in the Middle Ages.
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According to folk tales, it was believed that drinking burnet-saxifrage, most often in combination with angelica, could protect against death and plague. Burnet-saxifrage tincture was, for example, supposed to protect against the plague.
Burnet-saxifrage can be used in cooking, following the example of Italian, Spanish, French and German cuisine, where the leaves of this plant are often used in sauces, soups and salads.
Its addition is noticeable, but not overwhelming. Burnet-saxifrage smells like parsley and tastes like lovage. It is definitely worth using it when cooking if we suffer from digestive system problems.
However, more effective in this respect may be the dried root of burnet-saxifrage, from which we can prepare a medicinal decoction.
Just pour a portion of the raw material with water, bring it to boil and set aside after a few minutes. After cooling, drink a small amount 3 times a day or - during an infection - gargle with the decoction.
Burnet-saxifrage is also good when sipped as an infusion. When reaching for this species, remember, however, that its properties are more delicate than those of many other herbs, and they are more effective in mixtures with other herbs with a similar effect.
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Root, rhizome.
The rhizome of burnet-saxifrage has been used in medicine for many years. The raw material is valued for its expectorant and antimicrobial properties.
It is successfully used in the cosmetics industry to produce preparations for the care of sensitive and acne-prone skin. Burnet-saxifrage may be helpful in relieving digestive system problems.
Burnet-saxifrage also has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the throat, and is useful in the case of sore throat. It is a very good remedy for soothing dry cough.
We can also drink it in case of digestive problems, such as gastric juice deficiency, constipation, diarrhea, or belching after a meal. Burnet-saxifrage also has a mild diuretic effect. The decoctions can be applied to the skin to help alleviate acne lesions. The plant has astringent properties.
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The roots are also used in medicine. They are dug out in early spring or autumn. They should be dried and stored in tightly closed containers. Rhizomes and roots are expectorant and antispasmodic. They are recommended for flatulence, diarrhea and stomach pain caused by overeating.
The rhizome of burnet-saxifrage was used in the Middle Ages to treat many ailments. It was used to treat respiratory diseases and digestive disorders. Burnet-saxifrage relieves flatulence and stomach pain, and also helps in the digestion process. The rhizome of the perennial also has a diuretic effect.
The saponins contained in the rhizome of burnet-saxifrage are responsible for the effect on the respiratory system. These compounds stimulate ciliary movements of the bronchial epithelium and stimulate the cough reflex, helping to remove residual secretions.
The expectorant effect of burnet-saxifrage is also due to the content of essential oil in the rhizome of this perennial plant. Additionally, some compounds contained in burnet-saxifrage have antimicrobial properties, which may be helpful in treating the symptoms of infection. The rhizome also has a coating effect, which is used to relieve dry throat and hoarseness.
The rhizome of burnet-saxifrage is used to produce cosmetics. Substances with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties are used in the care of acne-prone skin.
Azulene contained in the rhizome of burnet-saxifrage soothes active acne lesions and prevents the occurrence of subsequent pimples. Additionally, azulene has a soothing effect on the skin and relieves redness, so its addition will also work well for sensitive and irritation-prone skin.
Burnet-saxifrage is used both in medicine and in cooking. It is used for salads, vegetable soups, sauces and to decorate fish. Some cooks use it to flavor fish, vegetables and mayonnaise.
In the Caucasus, burnet-saxifrage leaves are added to cold meats, beer and wine. Ground burnet-saxifrage root is also used. It is used to rub meat before baking or frying. Gourmets add burnet-saxifrage to liqueurs, giving them a very aromatic scent.
Burnet-saxifrage is a herb that requires moist and shaded places to grow. In its natural environment, it occurs mainly in swampy areas and on the banks of watercourses.
The compounds contained in burnet-saxifrage that are worth mentioning are certainly saponins, tannins, triterpenes, phenolic acids, resins, proteins and mineral salts, especially calcium and potassium.
Burnet-saxifrage also contains 0.5% of essential oil, the main component of which is azulene. The main action of burnet-saxifrage is to stimulate the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, which facilitates expectoration and removal of residual secretions.
The rhizome of burnet-saxifrage is rich in many active substances. It is a source of essential oil, rich in azulene and bisabolol, as well as phenolic compounds (isoeugenol), coumarins and furanocoumarins (pimpinelin, isopempinelin, bergapitene). Additionally, the rhizome contains propylbenzene, flavonoids, and quinic and caffeic acid.
Burnet-saxifrage is available in the form of dry, crushed rhizome. The decoction is prepared by pouring 2.5 grams of the raw material with 250 ml of water and bringing to a boil. Then cover and cook for 10-15 minutes and set aside for 5 minutes. The infusion can be used once a day.
Contraindications to the use of burnet-saxifrage are pregnancy and age below 12 years of age. When using burnet-saxifrage, pay special attention to staying out in the sun. The presence of furanocoumarins in the raw material may cause phototoxic and photosensitizing effects, posing a risk of burns.
Side effects include the possibility of phototoxic and photosensitizing reactions. An overdose may be associated with the consequences of the diuretic effect, i.e. disturbances in water and electrolyte balance.
There are no known interactions of burnet-saxifrage rhizome with other drugs and herbs. If in doubt, seek help from a doctor or pharmacist.
Burnet-saxifrage blooms from June to September and it happens that this is when we collect it for health-promoting purposes. However, it is not the flowers but the roots of this plant that constitute the medicinal raw material, so harvesting should be done in spring or autumn.
After cleaning, the roots can be dried naturally or in a dryer, and then stored in a tightly closed container. You can brew a decoction or infusion from the prepared raw material.
Both can be used for stomach problems and during upper respiratory tract infections. Burnet-saxifrage will also help with painful menstruation and make it easier to get rid of pimples. If used in excess, it may provoke uterine contractions.
