Identity & origin
BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
The shared “herniariae herba” monograph includes Herniaria hirsuta L. This entry is limited to the parts and preparations described in it.
Inclusion in a collective monograph does not prove that each species has been studied separately in humans. The form and pharmaceutical quality described remain decisive.
Also known as: No synonyms listed.
A common name and photograph do not guarantee identification. Check the botanical name and part indicated on a traceable product.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
Uses & evidence
UNDERSTANDING THE USES
Properties & uses.
Traditional urinary elimination
Increasing urine output alongside minor urinary complaints; does not treat an infection.
Use considered plausible in a traditional-use monograph. That status alone does not demonstrate clinical efficacy.
Read the sourceThe traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
Precautions before use
BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
Contraindications & precautions
- Source-listed contraindicationAllergy to the plant or preparation: contraindication.Source
- Source-listed contraindicationDo not use where fluid intake must be restricted, including severe heart or kidney disease.Source
- PrecautionFever, painful urination, spasms or blood in urine require medical assessment; do not delay infection diagnosis.Source
Medicine interactions
- No interaction reported in the sourceNo interactions are reported in the source for the assessed preparations. Evidence is limited; compatibility with medicines is not guaranteed.Source
“Reported” does not prove causality; “possible” may reflect indirect evidence. “None reported” means none in the cited source, not that all combinations have been studied. Do not stop a prescribed treatment based on this profile.
Adverse effects
- Stop use if an unexpected reaction occurs; limited data do not mean absence of risk.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Medicinal use is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because evidence is insufficient; missing evidence establishes neither harm nor safety.
SourceChildren & adolescents
Medicinal use is not recommended below age 18 because evidence is insufficient; do not scale down an adult dose.
SourceIf symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
Forms & how they are used
DOCUMENTED FORMS
One plant, several preparations.
Only forms documented in this profile’s sources are presented.
InfusionFlowering aerial parts · Route: oral
Preparation described in the shared monograph.
Please note: Follow the product's package leaflet; concentrations are not interchangeable.
Read the sourceUnderstanding the plant’s actions
EXPLORE THE EVIDENCE
How does the plant act?
Rupturewort's reputation as a “stone breaker” must be distinguished from what has actually been observed. The EMA recognises traditional use to support minor urinary complaints by increasing urine volume. Studies specific to H. hirsuta examine crystal adhesion in experimental systems; they do not show that an infusion dissolves a stone in a person.
Constituents to know.
Their presence and quantity depend on the plant part and preparation.
- Medicagenic acid saponins
- Derivatives of this family have been characterized in H. hirsuta. Their metabolism is among the research questions.Read the reference
Crystal adhesion: a hypothesis
Changing the formation or attachment of a crystal in a laboratory is a research step, distinct from passing a stone and relieving renal colic.
Laboratory or animal observation. A human benefit cannot be inferred from this finding alone.
Read the referenceWhat this means for preparation.
The word “urinary” must not obscure the difference between minor discomfort, infection and obstruction. Severe pain, blood or fever call for medical assessment.
Studies, findings & limitations
THE RESEARCH
What the research shows.
A laboratory or animal result alone does not demonstrate a benefit in humans. Each result must be read alongside the preparation studied and its limitations.
Metabolites and experimental kidney cells
Laboratory or animal observation. A human benefit cannot be inferred from this finding alone.
- Type of research
- In vitro study, metabolism and crystallization models
- Preparation concerned
- Medicagenic acid associated with H. hirsuta and metabolites, including conjugated forms; MDCK I cells.
- Observed results
- Reduced attachment of calcium oxalate crystals to damaged cells in the model; effects on aggregation explored.
- Limitations to consider
- Cells of canine origin, not patients. Human urinary concentrations after herbal tea and clinical efficacy are not established.
What can we take from this?
These results demonstrate neither dissolution of existing stones nor prevention of their recurrence in humans.
Documentary review dated 09/10/2026. The references remain available to check the context.
Sources & last review
CHECKING REFERENCES
Sources for this profile.
- EMA — herniariae herbaAccessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — final assessment of Herniaria speciesAccessed on 09/10/2026
- Peeters et al. — Medicagenic acid metabolites and calcium oxalate crystals, in vitro (2022)Accessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — document relu pour usages et sécurité : final european union herbal monograph herniaria glabra l h hirsuta l h incana lam herbaAccessed on 09/10/2026
Image: Noé Fleury Frouart · CC BY 4.0. View the original image and its licence. Image resized and converted to WebP.
