Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany
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Retama raetam (Forssk.) Webb
Leguminosae (Fabaceae)
- White Broom
- White Weeping Broom
- ratam رتم
- rotem ha-midbar
- רֹתֶם הַמִּדְבָּר
Phanerophyte shrub
- Sand
and other botanical details.
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Medicinal Complaints / Uses
Retama raetam (Forssk.) Webb
| System/State | Traditional Complaint/Use |
Activity / Interpretation | Traditional Preparation/ Administration |
Parts Used | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dermatological | Skin swelling & to open boils |
Anti-Infective, Vulnerary | Decoct plant in water & use as hot or cold compress. |
Aerial parts | Z |
| Endocrine/ Metabolic | Diabetes; lowers blood sugar |
Hypoglycemic | Decoct plant in water & drink instead of water. (TOXIC See CAUTIONS.) |
Aerial parts | Z |
| Gastrointestinal | Gastrointestinal pain & inflammation |
Anti-inflammatory, Carminative, Demulcent | Decoct plant & drink x3 small cups/day. (TOXIC See CAUTIONS.) |
Aerial parts | Z |
| Musculoskeletal/ Joints | Back pain |
Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory | Prepare paste of crushed leaves + wheat flour, apply to affected area & fix with a cloth. |
Leaf | B |
| Wound Healing | Wound |
Vulnerary | Soak leaves in boiling water, filter & use as a compress on wound; repeat several times until healed. |
Leaf | B |
The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.
The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER - https://florapal.org/disclaimer/
Notes
1. Z notes that large doses of this plant are dangerous (see CAUTIONS) but small quantities are used as a purgative & vermifuge.
2. Z also notes other uses of this plant including; small fruits eaten by sheep, wood used as an excellent source of charcoal by desert tribes & as an abortive in large doses.
Cautions
Retama raetam contains alkaloids. Its fruit is considered toxic & is thought to provoke hallucinations. Deaths have been reported from the abortive effect of this plant.