Lysimachia nummularia, also commonly known as Moneywort or Creeping Jenny is often used as a hanging plant, though its medicinal properties have been used for centuries. Common medical uses of Lysimachia nummularia include healing whooping cough, treating wounds, minimizing the appearance of scars, curing diarrhea, soothing eczema, and killing bacteria. Though there are several supposed medical uses for this plant, there is some skepticism to its effectiveness compared to the other uses. Some of the supposed benefits include aiding in the cure of internal bleeding, coronary heart disease and stroke. It may also help to cure tuberculosis and leukorrhea.
The main uses of Lysimachia nummularia are from its diuretic, vulnerary, astringent and antiscorbutic properties. It is common for many doctors who specialize in herbal remedies to use this plant to treat minor health problems such as scratches, blisters and even bruises. It may also be used to combat urinary tract infections (UTIs) as well as pimples, and has been documented as a common treatment for scurvy. Due to the antiscorbutic properties, many doctors also believe it is beneficial in treating hemorrhages and stomach ulcers.
When taken orally during periods when scurvy and whooping cough were prominent, several doctors would recommend boiling the leaves of the plant in honey or wine. This combination was believed to be especially effective in treating whooping cough, which is the apparent original use of the plant. Many also believe this concoction cured ulcers and other stomach ailments.
A boiling process was often used to treat sore throats and as a medicinal eye drop, which is still currently practiced by several people as an at-home remedy. Usually, dried leaves of the Lysimachia nummularia plant is boiled in a small amount of salt water and stored in an airtight container to use whenever it is necessary. This remedy is said to perhaps cure severe sore throats that are the result of a bacterial infection due to its mild anti-bacterial properties. It is believed that it is effective enough to restore sight in an eye depending on the original ailment.
Perhaps the most common way to use Lysimachia nummularia is topically. It is usually dried and then boiled down to use in a cream or gel form. This has proven to be especially effective in minimizing the appearance of scars, soothing eczema, healing minor wounds, and even as a remedy for pimples due to its astringent properties. It is often used as a form of temporary pain relief and to slow down bleeding in fresh wounds.