Rope flower

Other names: common bentgrass, visor, anthers, bindweed, flax, fireweed, Linaria vulgaris Mill

Lnica bloom very well known and abundantly growing plant. It is also known by the names lingonberry, foxglove, pussyweed, linenflower and fireweed, the scientific name being Linaria vulgaris Mill. In the Czech Republic it can be found almost everywhere, preferring drier and poorer soils such as meadows, roadsides or embankments. Its yellow, strongly scented flowers accompany us from June to October. This perennial is usually 30 to 80 centimetres tall, but can sometimes reach up to a metre.

Although at first glance this plant looks like a weed, its importance is certainly not neglected. Lnica can be found in a wide range of products. Initially, it was mainly used in folk medicine for its diuretic and laxative effects. Thanks to its content of iridoid glycosides, it also contains substances with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It is therefore sold in the form of herbal teas, tinctures or ointments. Nowadays, lnica clavulosa is also used in the cosmetics industry. The flowers are used to produce herbal oils and extracts with antioxidant properties, which are used in skin creams, serums and tonics. Not to mention that a decoction of the flowers themselves can serve as a refreshing bath for tired skin. With all its uses, however, we must not forget its potential toxicity, and therefore we should be careful if we decide to collect and consume this plant ourselves.