Madder, Dyer's madder

Rubia tinctorum

Physical Characteristics

Rubia tinctorum is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe - Mediterranean. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Hedgerow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Aperient Astringent Cholagogue Diuretic Emmenagogue The root is aperient, astringent, cholagogue, diuretic and emmenagogue[4, 7, 21]. It is taken internally in the treatment of kidney and bladder stones[238]. The root is seldom used in herbal medicine but is said to be effective in the treatment of amenorrhoea, dropsy and jaundice[4]. The roots are harvested in the autumn from plants that are at least 3 years old. They are peeled and then dried[238]. When taken internally the root imparts a red colour to the milk, urine and bones, especially the bones of young animals, and it is used in osteopathic investigations[4, 200].

Known Hazards

Potential to cause cancers, particularly liver and kidney. From the information currently available it is not recommended as a herbal medicine [301].