Drosera; Uses, Dosage, Site Effects, Interactions

Drosera rotundifolia grows on Sphagnum hummocks on ombrotrophic bogs. Their leaves form small rosettes (ca 5 cm in diameter) and catch prey (predominantly Diptera and Collembola [rx]) using sticky mucilage secreted on the end of stalked glands on the leaf. The attraction of prey to these traps has not yet been demonstrated, but their leaves are a distinctive red color, which has been hypothesized to serve a prey capture function [rx,rx]. This might be through the direct attraction of prey or possibly by camouflaging the trap, as suggested by Jürgens et al. [rx]; this might be of benefit if prey capture is a passive process where a conspicuous trap might deter prey. We tested the hypotheses that: (i) potential prey are attracted to red colored traps and (ii) that traps that are more cryptic will be more successful at trapping prey. We also evaluated prey capture of differently colored D. rotundifolia leaves to establish whether any differences are observed naturally.

Indications of Drosera

• A cough
• Spasmodic dry cough worsened at night and by heat
• Hoarseness
• A sore throat
• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Pneumonia
• Consumption
• Coxalgia
• Epilepsy
• Hemorrhage
• A headache
• Laryngitis, Vomiting
• Whooping-cough.
• Windpipe infections
• Cancer
• Ulcers

Dosage of Drosera

• Adults: 4 drops into a tsp. of water 3 times a day. Children: 1/2 dose. Repeat at greater intervals as condition subsides. Or as directed bya lic. practitioner.
• Fluoroform (2% water solution, 2-4 drops after paroxysms considered specific for a whooping cough), Ouabain from leaves of Carissa schimperi – arrow poison (Respiratory spasm- a whooping cough is cut short in the first stage and reduced in frequency of attacks and hastens convalescence), Chelidonium, Cuprum, Castanea, Argentum, Menyanthes.
• 4 drops into a tsp. of water 3 times a day.
• Children: 1/2 dose. Repeat at greater intervals as condition subsides. Or as directed bya lic. practitioner.