Dictamnus Albus Linn

Dictamnus albus, commonly known as Burning-bush, False Dittany, White Dittany, Gas-plant, or Fraxinella, is the only species in the Dictamnus genus, belonging to the Rutaceae family. It’s a perennial herb native to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Central to Southern Asia.

Parts Used:

• Root

Description:

This elegant plant grows up to 60 cm tall. It produces beautiful, loose pyramidal spikes of flowers ranging in color from pale purple to white. Its leaves resemble those of the Ash tree, and it thrives in warm woodland areas and sheltered gardens. A popular ornamental plant, it is appreciated for both its attractive flowers and strong fragrance.

Remarkably, during hot summer months, the plant secretes a flammable, fragrant oil. When ignited, it produces a brief, harmless flash — which earned it the nickname “Burning-bush”, historically compared to the Biblical burning bush.

Characteristics:

• The plant is inedible. Though its leaves give off a lemon-like fragrance, they are bitter and unpleasant to taste.

• Its essential oil, with a citrus scent, is highly volatile and flammable.

• Legend has it that Carl Linnaeus' daughter once demonstrated this natural phenomenon using a matchstick on a windless summer evening.

Traditional Uses:

Historically, the plant's powdered root and infused tops were used in herbal medicine. While it was often mistaken for the Dittany of Crete (a more potent medicinal plant), Dictamnus albus was valued for its:

• Cordial and cephalic effects (beneficial to the heart and head)

• Believed ability to counteract poisons, combat fevers, and treat hysteria

• Mild anti-inflammatory and emmenagogue (menstrual-inducing) properties

• Remedy for gravel (urinary stones), stimulating urine flow and easing colic pains

• Treatment for epilepsy and other head ailments

• Clearing obstructions in the womb and promoting uterine discharges (now considered outdated practice)

In modern herbalism, its use has largely faded due to better alternatives and safety considerations.

Electropathy Use:

In Electro-Homoeopathy (E.H.), Dictamnus is placed under the Vermifugos group for its antiparasitic (vermifuge) action — helping in the expulsion of intestinal parasites.