Hauhechel

Common hawthorn (Ononis) is a genus of plants in the butterfly subfamily (Faboideae), which belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae). The main distribution area of the hauhechel species is the Mediterranean region.

The hawthorn species are mostly perennial, herbaceous plants 20-60 cm high with alternately arranged deep green, stalked, small leaves with toothed margins, pink to reddish butterfly flowers and 2 cm long, soft-haired legumes.

Flowering time is June/July.

Phytotherapeutically used are the dried roots (hawthorn root - Ononidis radix).

Ononis spinosa is the parent plant of Ononidis radix, which, according to Ph.Eur., comprises the whole or cut, dried root of Ononis spinosa L., the thorny hackle, extracts of which are used to treat urinary tract infections.

Cosmetics: Root extracts of Ononis spinosa as well as Ononis arvensis are used in cosmetic formulations. They have an antiseborrheic effect.

1. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/hauhechel.php