Common Name:

General Information

Onosma bracteatum is a herbaceous perennial plant with stout, erect stems; it can grow up to 40cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - western Himalayas from Uttar Pradesh to central Nepal and southern Tibet.

Habitat

Rocky slopes in dry areas; at elevations from 3,300 - 5,000 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally require a sunny position in a well-drained soil[, ]. Prefers a deep rather rich sandy loam[]. Tolerates hot dry conditions and also drought once it is established, but dislikes moist climates at any time of the year[, ]. Species in this genus tend to grow well in crevices in a rock garden or on a wall[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Species in the genus Onosma L. generally have been shown to contain several medically-active compounds including alkannin and shikonin, flavonoids, ferulic and vanillic acids. A study has shown that these phytochemicals have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-pain activity and that they are also ikely to be responsible for the wound healing and antibacterial actions[].

The leaves, stems and flowers are alterative, astringent, cardiac tonic, demulcent, diuretic, refrigerant and tonic[, , ]. The plant is said to be of help in building the body’s immune resistance and to also help with regulation of urine output[]. The plant is also considered to be useful in relieving excessive thirst and restlessness in febrile excitement, and also to be useful in relieving functional palpitation of the heart, irritation of the bladder and stomach, and strangury[, ]. A decoction is used in the treatment of rheumatism, syphilis, and leprosy[, , ]. It is used in the treatment of colds, coughs, bronchial affections; insomnia, depression, mental exhaustion; constipation, misperistalsis, jaundice; dysuria, urethral discharges; fevers[].
The plant is applied topically in the treatment of wounds and skin diseases[].

The hydro-alcoholic extract of this plant is used in the treatment of asthma because it has been shown to stabilize the mast cell activity, and showed a significant role in the marked reduction of bronchial hyper-responsiveness[].

Other Uses

A report says that the plant is used in technology, but it gives no more information[]. It is quite likely that this refers to the use of the root as a source of a red dye[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in early summer.
Cuttings in a frame in the summer. Shade them for the first 10 - 12 days[].