Cochlearia Cut Sheet IPHYM Herbalism Cochlearia officinalis

Cochlearia Cut Sheet IPHYM Herbalism Cochlearia officinalis

Latin name: Cochlearia officinalis

Family: Brassicaceae

Common Names: Hoary officinalis, grass spoons.

Parts used: leaves

Origin: Cochlear halophytes are adapted to saline environments.

Using the infusion of the leaf Cochlear officinale

Like other species of the genus Cochlearia, leaves the cochlear officinale are rich in vitamin C. The sailors were accustomed to eat to prevent scurvy, hence its other name "scurvy grass". It is bitter and pungent reminiscent horseradish and is sometimes added in small quantities to salads.

The crushed fresh leaves are used in poultices to heal ulcers.

Botanical description of the Cochlear officinale

The upright stems are 15 to 30 cm high. The leaves at the base, long-stalked, dark green, thick, heart-shaped, while the stem leaves are smaller and clasping. The hermaphrodite flowers, about 1 cm in diameter, are in clusters and have four white petals and four green sepals (the last two times shorter than the petals). The fruit is a rounded silicle about 4 to 6 mm in diameter.