CASPER refers to CHRISTEN (PHARMAZIE 16:92, 1961) describing medical
properties of _P.vulgaris_, which allegedly "heals" wounds, swellings,
impetigo, sciatica, tabes, phthisis, complaints of breast and lungs,
hepatic disease, gastritis, pain is allayed, constipation is removed.
CHRISTEN has found E-cinnamic acid in the drug (obtained by
dialysis/extraction) to be the active (antibiotic) component, he is cited:
"Zusammenfassend laesst sich sagen, dass zwar viele dieser alten
Anschauungen und Vorstellungen ueber die Heilwirkung von _Pinguicula_ auf
Aberglauben beruhen, dass aber doch eine ganze Reihe von wertvollen, durch
die heutige medizinische Forschung bestaetigten Erfahrungen von der
vortrefflichen Beobachtungsgabe des Volkes zeugt."
(Summary, it may be stated although many of these ancient opinions and
conceptions about the therapeutical properties of _Pinguicula_ are
generally based on superstition, that still a considerable amount of
valuable experience which is confirmed by by present medical research
testifies for the excellent power of observation of the people.)
Women in Wales used a syrup of _Pinguicula_ (like gum) for braiding hair.
Lapps used _Pinguicula_ for preparing a durable curdled, tough, or ropy
(long-)milk (Taetmjoelk or Saetmjoelk) by sieving freshly milked milk
through the fresh leaves. Allegedly, not some ingredient (enzyme or acid)
of the leaves themselves but rather adherent microbes cause the
fermentation.
Has someone tried "Taetmjoelk" already? I wonder if it is drunk or rather
eaten. Anyway, it must be very, well, unique.
Kind regards & bon appetit!
Jan