Field Eryngo for coughs and urinary disorders
Field Eryngo, Eryngium campestre, is a close relative of the Sea Holly, with which it is sometimes confused. It is a perennial which reaches a height and spread of around 18 inches (45cm). Because the roots can reach down to a depth of a meter or more and spread similarly, it can be difficult to eradicate once established in a garden.
Many people, myself included, think that the field eryngo is a very attractive plant, and this is enhanced when it is in flower, from July to August. Although it is a member of the Umbelliferae, the flowers (like those of the sea holly) are very un-Umbellifer-like – being much more like thistles (which are members of Compositae). There are many cultivars which have been developed for ornamental use.
Field eryngo is mainly found in dry grasslands and beside paths, sometimes by the coast. As you can no doubt tell from this habitat, it likes well drained soil, from medium loam to almost pure sand, tolerates pH balances ranging from acidic to very alkaline, and even saline soils, and is capable of growing in soil with very low nutrition. It cannot grow in the shade. The roots (harvested in Autumn from plants at least 2 years old) are the part used in herbal medicine.
A decoction of roots made from 1-2 teaspoonfuls of root added to a saucepan containing 250ml (1 US cup, 8 fl oz) of cold water, brought to a boil and simmered for 10 minutes is used to treat nervous tension, liver and kidney disorders, cystitis, urethritis, and as a diuretic. It’s also useful to stop the production of milk in nursing mothers and is strongly expectorant, useful for chronic coughs.
When grown for use in herbal remedies, it is important that field eryngo is grown organically to avoid its remedial proterties being obliterated by foreign chemicals. To find out more about growing organic field eryngo visit the Gardenzone.
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