AKA: Winter Bergenia, Pig Squeak, Hairy Bergenia, Pink Dragonfly

Bergenia Ciliata is described as a very unusual looking member of the Bergenia plant family (also known collectively as “pigsqueak” because of the sound their leaves make when rubbed together)  that is found growing in the Himalayan Mountain regions.  It is also known as Hairy Bergenia because of its large hairy leaves whose texture and sculptural appeal make the plant popular for ornamental purposes. It produces pale pink flowers in the early spring and has buds that resemble jewels.

The plant is a perennial evergreen that can grow up to 18 inches tall. It is a hermaphrodite with its flowers having both male and female organs.  The plant grows best in semi shaded areas with moist soil.

Benefits and Uses  

• Urinary problems
• Earaches
• Tonic
• Poultice
• Kidney Stones
• Antibacterial

The Nepalese people have traditional used the whole plant to help treat urinary problems and modern researchers have found the Bergenia Ciliata to display strong antibacterial properties. The juice from the leaves has been used to help relieve earaches. The root is also made into a tonic and used for the treatment of fevers, diarrhea, and pulmonary infections. The juice of the root has also been used to treat colds, coughs, hemorrhoids, asthma and urinary problems. The root can also be bruised and then appled as a poultice to help treat boils, eye problems and to relieve backaches. The plant’s root has also been reputed to help dissolve kidney stones.

coming soon....