Peucedanum ostruthium
| Peucedanum ostruthium | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 5 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 4' |
| Blooms: | Early Summer-Late Summer |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Peucedanum ostruthium (common name: masterwort)
Propagation: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible otherwise in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Cultivation: An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position[1]. Dislikes shade. This report contradicts the report that this plant grows wild in woodlands.
Masterwort was at one time cultivated as a pot herb and for medicinal purposes, though it has now fallen into virtual disuse[2][1].
Suitable for group plantings in the wild garden[1].
Range: S. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.
Habitat: Woodland, damp fields, river banks and mountain meadows[3][4].
Edibility: Leaves - cooked[5][6][7]. Used as a potherb or as a flavouring[8][9].
The aromatic roots can be used as a flavouring[9]. They are said to taste hotter than pepper[2]. A particularly popular drink is made from the fermented roots[10].
Medicinal: Masterwort is little used in modern herbalism, but it may well be a herb that bears further investigation[11]. It was held in high regard in the Middle Ages where it was especially valued for its ability to resolve all flatulence in the body and stimulate the flow of urine and menstruation[11]. It was also used in treating rheumatic conditions, shortness of breath, kidney and bladder stones, water retention and wounds[11].
The root is antispasmodic, aromatic, bitter, strongly carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant and stomachic[2][10][12][13][11]. It is of use in the treatment of asthma, dyspepsia and menstrual complaints[2], an infusion helps to relieve migraine[10]. The root is gathered in the spring or autumn and dried for later use[10][12].
An essential oil from the plant has a euphoric and odontalgic effect[10]. Used externally, it relieves skin irritation[10].
When used externally, the plant or the extracted essential oil can cause an allergic reaction to sunlight[11].
A homeopathic remedy is made from the roots[12]. No details of its applications are given[K].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Skin contact with the sap of this plant is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[14][15]. It is also said to contain the alleged 'psychotroph' myristicine[15].
Also Known As: Imperatoria ostruthium. L.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ Clapham, Arthur and Tom Tootin, Edmund Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, 1962.
- ↑ Tutin, Tom et al.. Flora Europaea. Cambridge University Press, 1964.
- ↑ Hedrick, Ulysses. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications, 1972.
- ↑ Sowerby, John. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. 1862.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 Chiej, Roberto. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald, 1984.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Launert, Edmund. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn, 1981.
- ↑ Lust, John. The Herb Book. Bantam Books, 1983.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.