Masterwort

Peucedanum ostruthium

Physical Characteristics

Peucedanum ostruthium is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. Europe. Naturalized in Britain.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Leaves - cooked[2, 115, 177]. Used as a potherb or as a flavouring[61, 183]. The aromatic roots can be used as a flavouring[183]. They are said to taste hotter than pepper[4]. A particularly popular drink is made from the fermented roots[7].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Aromatic Bitter Carminative Diaphoretic Digestive Diuretic Emmenagogue Expectorant Febrifuge Homeopathy Odontalgic Skin Stimulant Stomachic Masterwort is little used in modern herbalism, but it may well be a herb that bears further investigation[254]. 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[254]. It was also used in treating rheumatic conditions, shortness of breath, kidney and bladder stones, water retention and wounds[254]. The root is antispasmodic, aromatic, bitter, strongly carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant and stomachic[4, 7, 9, 21, 254]. It is of use in the treatment of asthma, dyspepsia and menstrual complaints[4], an infusion helps to relieve migraine[7]. The root is gathered in the spring or autumn and dried for later use[7, 9]. An essential oil from the plant has a euphoric and odontalgic effect[7]. Used externally, it relieves skin irritation[7]. When used externally, the plant or the extracted essential oil can cause an allergic reaction to sunlight[254]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the roots[9]. No details of its applications are given[K].

Known Hazards

Skin contact with the sap of this plant is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[65, 218]. It is also said to contain the alleged 'psychotroph' myristicine[218].