BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
Also known as: No synonyms listed.
A common name and photograph do not guarantee identification. Check the botanical name and part indicated on a traceable product.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
01 · UNDERSTAND
Properties & uses.
Traditional urinary elimination
Increasing urine output alongside minor urinary complaints; does not treat an infection.
Read the sourceThe traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
02 · UNDERSTAND THE ACTION
How does the plant act?
Rupturewort's reputation as a “stone breaker” must be distinguished from what has actually been observed. The EMA recognises traditional use to support minor urinary complaints by increasing urine volume. Studies specific to H. hirsuta examine crystal adhesion in experimental systems; they do not show that an infusion dissolves a stone in a person.
Constituents to know.
Their presence and quantity depend on the plant part and preparation.
- Medicagenic acid saponins
- Derivatives of this family have been characterized in H. hirsuta. Their metabolism is among the research questions.Read the reference
Crystal adhesion: a hypothesis
Changing the formation or attachment of a crystal in a laboratory is a research step, distinct from passing a stone and relieving renal colic.
Read the referenceWhat this means for preparation.
The word “urinary” must not obscure the difference between minor discomfort, infection and obstruction. Severe pain, blood or fever call for medical assessment.
03 · EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE
What the research shows.
A laboratory or animal result alone does not demonstrate a benefit in humans. Each result must be read alongside the preparation studied and its limitations.
Metabolites and experimental kidney cells
- Type of research
- In vitro study, metabolism and crystallization models
- Preparation concerned
- Medicagenic acid associated with H. hirsuta and metabolites, including conjugated forms; MDCK I cells.
- Observed results
- Reduced attachment of calcium oxalate crystals to damaged cells in the model; effects on aggregation explored.
- Limitations to consider
- Cells of canine origin, not patients. Human urinary concentrations after herbal tea and clinical efficacy are not established.
What can we take from this?
These results demonstrate neither dissolution of existing stones nor prevention of their recurrence in humans.
Documentary review dated 09/10/2026. The references remain available to check the context.
04 · CHOOSE A PREPARATION
One plant, several preparations.
Only forms documented in this profile’s sources are presented.
InfusionFlowering aerial parts · Route: oral
Preparation described in the shared monograph.
Please note: Follow the product's package leaflet; concentrations are not interchangeable.
Read the source05 · BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
Contraindications
- Contraindicated if fluids are restricted, particularly in severe heart or kidney disease.
Medicine interactions
- The selected data do not allow compatibility with your treatments to be guaranteed. Ask a pharmacist to check.
Adverse effects
- Stop use if an unexpected reaction occurs; limited data do not mean absence of risk.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: medicinal use is not recommended; insufficient data.
Children & adolescents
Medicinal use is not recommended under 18 years; insufficient data.
If symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
06 · PUTTING KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE
Preparations & recipes.
No home recipe is provided in this profile. For an appropriate preparation, refer to the product leaflet and ask your pharmacist for advice.
07 · CHECK THE SOURCES
Sources for this profile.
- EMA — herniariae herbaAccessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — final assessment of Herniaria speciesAccessed on 09/10/2026
- Peeters et al. — Medicagenic acid metabolites and calcium oxalate crystals, in vitro (2022)Accessed on 09/10/2026
A TOUCH OF SOLÉA
Myriam’s tip
Myriam is reviewing the tip for this profile.
Myriam
