Spreading pellitory (Parietaria judaica) is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and neighbouring regions. It is a perennial plant that spreads easily and is considered to be a weed in some situations. It can grow in in places unsuitable for other plants such as in pavements and in gaps between bricks in walls. Its tolerance to heavy metals enables it to survive in polluted urban environments. Its pollen is a major contributor to hay fever and asthmatic symptoms in Greece.
In traditional medicine its use has been reported against kidney and bladder stones, and for the treatment of sores, ulcers piles, urinaryκ retention, constipation and coughs.
Robert Flogaus-Faust, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
