Common hepatica is a semi-evergreen rhizome perennial from the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It is commonly found in deciduous forests and thickets in Europe and Asia.
Due to the shape of its leaves and its use (it was used for liver and gallbladder diseases), it was called liverwort or liverleaf. Its Latin name comes from the Greek word hepar, meaning liver, which it owes to its characteristic liver-shaped leaves.
Common hepatica grows up to 20 cm in height. A rosette of dark green, long-petioled leaves with a burgundy underside grows from a storage rhizome.
Most of the leaves appear after the plant has flowered, in late April. At first, the leaves are white and hairy, but over time they begin to be smooth. It blooms between March and May.
In March, delicate flowers emerge from the ground, white and in intense shades of blue and pink. They close during rainy weather. The flowers of the common hepatica develop gradually, so the plant remains decorative for about 3 weeks.
Common hepatica looks beautiful in naturalistic and forest gardens, under trees and shrubs. It blends in perfectly with plants with similar requirements, such as: spring aphelina, sweet violet, creeping bugle, common hellebore, hosta, corydalis or hearts.
Common hepaticas are great groundcovers for covering the surface under trees and shrubs.
Flowers, leaves.
Common hepatica is used in natural medicine. This plant is a component of many herbal preparations that soothe inflammation, have analgesic effects and relieve menstrual pain.
Common hepatica is also used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, where it has a positive effect on reducing inflammation and accelerating the process of tissue regeneration.
Common hepatica stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, has anti-hemorrhagic, disinfectant, antibacterial and antiviral properties. In addition, it is choleretic, diuretic, expectorant and antispasmodic.
Common hepatica is used in inflammations and infections of the bronchi, throat and lungs. It helps with coughs, lung phlegm, bile stasis, liver and gallbladder swelling, as well as reflux.
Tea from common hepatica leaves is used to wash suppurating wounds and to rinse the mouth in the case of inflammations and bleeding gums. Common hepatica was used in folk medicine for kidney, liver and bladder conditions.
In the Czech Republic, it was used to treat skin cancer, wounds, eczema, ulcers and lung diseases, and as a rinse for tonsillitis. In Hungary, it was used for fractures and oliguria, and in Lithuania for involuntary bedwetting.
Common hepatica is a component of many natural cosmetics. This plant has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, which is why it is often used in cosmetics for sensitive and problematic skin.
Common hepatica needs a semi-shaded or shady location with fertile, clayey, moist and humus-rich soil with a neutral to alkaline pH (pH 6.5-7.4) for proper development.
Fertilisation and proper soil structure, which improves water conditions, are very important in common hepatica cultivation. Regular use of organic fertilisers, e.g. in the form of compost, is particularly important.
Additionally, to ensure abundant flowering, it is worth feeding the plants with potassium-phosphorus fertiliser in autumn.
Common hepatica is resistant to pests and diseases.
Planting and propagating common hepatica by division is done in spring, when it is flowering, so that it has time to regenerate before winter.
If we want to quickly see a flower carpet, it is best to plant common hepatica quite densely, at a spacing of about 15-20 plants per m².
Propagation of common hepatica by dividing clumps - this is the most effective and easiest method of propagating hepatica.
At the end of winter or early spring, gently divide the clump into several parts so as not to damage the root system. Place new seedlings in a permanent location immediately. Remember not to remove the leaves!
Seeds of common hepatica are sown in boxes filled with permeable substrate (peat + sand). They may not germinate in a given year. We leave the boxes dug into the ground over the winter or placed in a cold greenhouse or under a cold frame window.
The seeds germinate for a long time, from 1 to 12 months. We leave the seedlings in the container for a year. We plant them in a permanent location after they have clearly started growing.
Ants are also effective in spreading common hepatica. The seeds produce fat, which is a delicacy for ants, the so-called ant body. By collecting the seeds and carrying them to anthills, ants contribute to the dispersal of common hepatica.
Common hepatica is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with kidney disease, or children under 12 years of age to use this plant.
Due to the fact that it belongs to the buttercup family, common hepatica causes allergic reactions, the main symptoms of which are itching, redness, and hives.
Common hepatica contains toxic substances, so any use of it should be consulted with a doctor. Symptoms of poisoning include inflammation of the mucous membranes, bloody diarrhea, fainting, and in extreme cases, circulatory and respiratory failure. Irreversible kidney damage may also occur.
Both the infusion and the macerate should not be used by pregnant women and small children. The period of use should not exceed two weeks.
Pour a glass of hot water over a teaspoon of crushed dried herb and brew covered for about 20 minutes. After this time, strain the substance and then drink about a quarter of a glass 2-3 times a day.
This tea helps people suffering from liver, gallbladder and bronchial diseases, as well as gallstones.
Prepare about 3-4 g of dry herb, crush it and pour one glass of cold water (after boiling). Then, cover and macerate for about eight hours. After this time, strain the substance.
It is best to prepare the macerate overnight, so that it is ready in the morning. Consume in small portions during the day. Honey, molasses or juices can be added to taste.
Pour a glass of boiling water over four teaspoons of the dry herb, cover and leave for about 30 minutes, then strain. You can add molasses, honey or juices. The infusion should be drunk in small portions throughout the day.
