Pellitory of the wall is a demulcent diuretic, so it is particularly useful in soothing inflammation of the urinary tract (3). It is renowned for its ability to promote urine production and to dissolve small bladder and kidney stones, making it an effective remedy for conditions such as kidney stones, gravel, bladder disorders, and fluid retention (3,4,5). Its high potassium nitrate content contributes to its diuretic action, facilitating the elimination of toxins. Its polysaccharides and flavonoids contribute to its anti-inflammatory action, helping soothe and reduce inflammation in the urinary tract (5). This makes it a useful remedy in cases of cystitis and pyelitis (3).

The mucilage content of the plant provides soothing properties, which are particularly beneficial for respiratory ailments such as chronic coughs, bronchial irritation, and dryness of the respiratory passages (4,6).

Energetically, pellitory of the wall is considered cooling and moistening (4,7). These qualities make it particularly suitable for addressing conditions characterised by excess heat or dryness. Its cooling nature helps alleviate inflammatory states, whilst its moistening properties counteract dryness in the respiratory and urinary tracts. These energetic traits align with its traditional uses in soothing irritated tissues and supporting the elimination of excess heat and toxins.

Pellitory of the wall has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems across Europe and the Mediterranean (3).

The herb has been widely used to treat urinary conditions, including kidney and bladder stones, nephritis, and cystitis (3,4,5,6). Its diuretic and soothing properties help to reduce irritation and promote the elimination of waste products. A traditional recipe to remove kidney stones blends equal parts of pellitory of the wall, wild carrot (Daucus carota) and parsley piert (Alchemilla aphanes) (4).

The plant’s emollient properties have been used to alleviate dry coughs and bronchial conditions. Traditional preparations often included infusions or syrups to soothe irritated mucous membranes. Culpeper recommended mixing pellitory of the wall with sugar or honey to soothe a dry cough and irritated throat (6).

Traditionally, pellitory of the wall has been used to reduce inflammation in conditions such as cystitis, rheumatism, uterine disorders and ear irritation (4,6). Its soothing properties extend to both internal and external applications. Externally, pellitory of the wall has been applied as a poultice or ointment to treat burns, wounds, and inflammatory skin conditions (4,7). Its emollient and mildly astringent qualities make it an effective remedy for soothing irritated skin and promoting tissue repair.

Respiratory system

The juice of the herb or a decoction can be mixed with sugar or honey and used as a supportive remedy for shortness of breath, dry cough and wheezing in the throat (6).

Urinary system

Pellitory of the wall is most well known for its urinary therapeutic properties, particularly in addressing lithiasis of the bladder or kidneys. It is a demulcent diuretic, a laxative, and a stone-solvent. These properties make it beneficial for managing kidney stones, gravel, pyelitis, suppression of painful passage of urine, dropsy, and cystitis (3,4,5,6). It combines well with parsley piert, buchu (Agathosma betulina), bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) or juniper (Juniperus communis) (4). 

The herb is particularly effective in treating inflammation of the urinary system, especially in cases where a soothing action is required. It can be very beneficial for conditions such as cystitis and pyelitis (4,5). As a general diuretic, it is valuable in relieving water retention when the underlying cause is related to kidney dysfunction. Additionally, it plays a significant role in dissolving kidney stones and addressing gravel in the urinary tract (3).

Skin

In Italy, pellitory is used externally for sprains and contusions (8). The fresh plant applied topically is used to cleanse the skin from spots, swellings, sunburn and inflammation of the skin (6). A warm poultice mixed with mallow and oil can heal bruises, tendons, muscles (6).

Pellitory of the wall has traditionally been used to help with the passage of renal calculi as a demulcent diuretic, for chronic dry coughs, and as a vulnerary, particularly in the 17th, 18th, 19th and beginning of 20th centuries in Britain (3,6). There is, however, very little modern scientific research examining the qualities and properties of this plant. 

Recent in vitro studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of pellitory extracts, particularly against bacterial and fungal pathogens. These findings support its traditional use in treating infections and wounds (9,10). 

Many studies confirm that the pollen of pellitory of the wall (specifically the judaica variation) is a notable allergen, particularly in Mediterranean regions. Studies have focused on the allergenic potential and cross-reactivity of Parietaria species, which is important for allergy diagnosis and management (11,12,13). It is, therefore, contraindicated in hayfever.

The name Parietaria may be from the Latin word paries (a wall). In Britain this plant typically grows in cracks in old stone walls.

Pellitory of the wall is native to Britain, parts of Europe, north Africa and Asia, particularly Turkey, Iran and Turkmenistan (3,16). This plant thrives in rocky crevices, old walls, and disturbed ground. It can be grown in gardens and in pots.

Pellitory of the wall is not listed on IUCN, TRAFFIC nor NatureServe. It is classified as not threatened by the extinction risk predictions for the world’s flowering plants (17).

Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). 

Read our article on Herbal quality and safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

Herbal medicines are often very safe to take; however, their safety and efficacy can be jeopardised by quality issues. So, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputable supplier, from sources known to test their herbs to ensure there is no contamination, adulteration or substitution with incorrect plant matter, as well as ensuring that recognised marker compounds are at appropriate levels in the herbs.

Some important quality assurances to look for are certified organic labelling, the correct scientific/botanical name, and the availability of information from the supplier about ingredient origins. A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from, what contaminants are not in the herb, and what the primary compounds are.

The plant grows from seed sown in the spring; it will bloom from June to September (3,4). It is a hardy and resilient plant and prefers partial shade and full sunlight but will grow in a variety of different soils. Keep the plant moist and well watered, as although it will tolerate episodes of drought it prefers to be kept moist. It is a relatively low maintenance plant to grow and will require minimal upkeep (3,4).

Nettle and pellitory of the wall soup

Ingredients

• 250 g young nettles or older nettle tops
• 250 g of chopped pellitory of the wall aerial parts
• 30 g butter or oil
• 1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• Nutmeg (pinch)
• 2 small potatoes
• Salt
• 300 ml vegetable stock (or plain water)

Method

• Bring a large pan of water to a boil.
• Using gloves, pick the leaves off the thicker main stems of the nettles.
• Chop pellitory of the wall in medium sized chunks.
• Tip the pellitory of the wall and the nettles into the pot of boiling water and leave for about four minutes, until soft.
• Drain and once the leaves are cool enough to handle, squeeze out as much water as possible and chop, removing the stalks.
• Boil the two small potatoes.
• Melt the butter or gently heat the oil in a second largish saucepan, then fry the onion with a pinch of salt until soft.
• Add the garlic with a good pinch of nutmeg.
• Add the potatoes followed by the stock.
• Finally, add the pellitory of the wall and the nettles to the soup pot and blend.

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