I live in Norfolk, England and I am researching local herblore, but I cannot find a use for white campion, which surprises me as such a common flower must surely have a use - medicinal, edible or in some other way? I know it is night flowering and pollinated by moths. Can this have something to do with it?
BTW it is also known as Melandrium album and is from the family caryophyllaceae. Grows all over Europe in fields, wasteland and verges.
Does anyone know if white campion (Silene alba) has any medicinal herbal properties?
Apparently yes. An infusion made from the roots is supposed to aid in digestion.
Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it does contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.
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