Pimpinella

OTHER NAME(S): Bibernellkraut, Boucage Saxifrage, Burnet Saxifrage, Fausse Saxifrage, Grand Boucage, Greater Burnet-Saxifrage, Persil de Bouc, Pied-de-Chèvre, Pimpernell, Pimpinellae Herba, Pimpinellae Radix, Pimpinelle, Saxifrage, Pimpinella saxifraga, Pimpinella major, Pimpinella magna, PIMPINELLA root, Pimpinella leaf, Boucage

Overview

Pimpinella (Pimpinella saxifrage) is an herb. The root and other parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used as medicine.

Pimpinella root is believed to loosen and move airway mucus, but it's not clear if it really helps.

People use pimpinella for varicose veins, kidney stones, UTIs, respiratory infections, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Pimpinella root products are often mixed with other herbs without disclosing it on the product label. These other herbs often include Heracleum sphondylium (Masterwort), Heracleum mantegazzianum, and Pastinaca sativa (Parsnip).

References
  1. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.