Łódź, Stoki

Native to western, central, and southern Europe as well as southeast Asia; native to Poland but strongly invasive outside natural area. Ornamental plant. Herbal plant - the whole plant is toxic due to phyto saponins; an external application to skin eruptions, swollen tissue, painful joints, burns and suppurating cuts; leaves are antibacterial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, cathartic, diaphoretic, emetic, emmenagogue, stimulant, sudorific, vasoconstrictor, vasodilator and vermifuge; an infusion of the twigs in oil is recommended for the treatment of sunburn. Usable plant - a yellow and a brown dye are obtained from the twigs; a decoction of the leaves is used to restore black fabrics and also as a hair rinse to darken the hair; the wood is very hard and can be used as a substitute for Buxus sempervirens (Box), used in engraving.