Cochlearia Officinalis L
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Cochlearia officinalis is a herbaceous plant of the crucifer family found in northern and western Europe, used traditionally to treat scurvy. The plant contains a glycoside similar to mustard sinigrin and is applied fresh in salads or as a spirit for gum treatment.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
COCHLEARIA OFFICINALIS L - spoonwort, or scurvy grass, Herba Cochleariae (French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch F.), a herbaceous plant of the crucifer family (Cruciferae), growing on sea coasts in northern and western Europe and near salt springs inland; in the USSR along the Baltic Sea and Arctic Ocean. Blooms in May and June. Often cultivated in gardens. Root leaves are thick, petiolate, broadly ovate, blunt, heart-shaped at the base; flowers are white. Fresh crushed herb has a weak mustard odor and sharp taste, dried herb loses the odor. Contains a glycoside similar to mustard sinigrin, which upon decomposition yields an essential oil consisting mainly of isobutyl isothiocyanate C2H5(CH3)CH.NCS. Used against scurvy in the form of greens in salad or for gum rubbing in the form of Spiritus Cochleariae, or as a mouthwash in the form of a mixture of Spiritus Cochleariae with water.
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Cite this page
“Cochlearia Officinalis L.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/cochlearia-officinalis-l/