Botanical Overview
Scoparia dulcis (Family: Plantaginaceae) is a tropical herb commonly known as Sweet broomweed, Licorice weed, or Sweet broom. It is native to Tropical Asia, South America, Africa, and Australia. The whole plant, including leaves and stems, is used medicinally.
Energetics
This herb is considered cooling and moistening in nature, with bitter and sweet tastes. Its energetic profile is generally relaxing, nourishing the qi.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Hypoglycemic
- Hepatoprotective
- Antioxidant
- Antimicrobial
- Analgesic
Indications
Western
- Inflammation
- Diabetes mellitus
- Liver disorders
- Respiratory infections
- Pain
Syndromes
- Hyperglycemia
- Hepatitis
- Bronchitis
TCM
- Throat pain
- Cough
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Heat toxin accumulation
- Lung heat
- Damp heat
Ayurveda
- Diabetes symptoms
- Inflammation
- Jaundice
- Fever
Syndromes
- Madhumeha (diabetes)
- Kamala (jaundice)
Unani
- Sugar metabolism disorder
- Inflammation
- Fever
Syndromes
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains flavonoids, diterpenes, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and glycosides which confer its anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and hepatoprotective properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of whole plant 5-10 g daily
- Infusion of leaves 2-4 g 1-2 times daily
- Extracts standardized to flavonoids or diterpenes (doses vary)
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe in traditional use. Avoid in pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. May potentiate effects of antidiabetic medications; monitor blood sugar accordingly.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-supported planetary or elemental rulers identified.
Selected References
- Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Scoparia dulcis Linn. – Prabhu, K. et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2014
- Scoparia dulcis – Sweet broomweed, Plants For A Future Database
- Monograph on Scoparia dulcis, Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Govt. of India, 2008
- Phytochemistry and biological activities of Scoparia dulcis Linn. – Garala, P.et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2020