Retama raetam (Forssk.) Webb
Leguminosae (Fabaceae)
- White Broom
- White Weeping Broom
- ratam رتم
- רֹתֶם הַמִּדְבָּר
- rotem ha-midbar
Phanerophyte shrub
- Sand
Click to view:
distribution and other botanical details.
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.
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.
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.