A plant record

Masterwort

Peucedanum ostruthium · Apiaceae

EnglishMasterwort

FrançaisImpératoire

BotanicalPeucedanum ostruthium

Also known asImperatoria ostruthium

FamilyApiaceae

Masterwort — Peucedanum ostruthium, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

Masterwort is an old warming, aromatic root — diuretic, sweat-raising, and easing to spasm and inflammation. It was reached for in a catarrhal chest, in chills and colds, and in an irritated stomach or gut, as well as for painful periods and as a blood-cleanser. Its warmth lives in a volatile oil, so infuse rather than boil: a knifepoint of the powdered root steeped in a cup for ten minutes, one or two hot cups a day.

In three languages

Français — L'impératoire est une vieille racine aromatique et réchauffante — diurétique, sudorifique, et adoucissante sur le spasme et l'inflammation. On y recourait dans la poitrine catarrhale, les refroidissements, l'estomac et l'intestin irrités, ainsi que dans les règles douloureuses et comme dépuratif. Sa chaleur réside dans une huile volatile : l'infuser plutôt que la bouillir — une pointe de couteau de racine en poudre dans une tasse dix minutes, une à deux tasses chaudes par jour.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Sources & lineage

European phytotherapy tradition; root volatile oil (ostruthin, imperatorin, osthole)

Kept alongside

FennelField eryngoBurnet saxifrageGarden angelicaSea holly

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