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Masterwort

Imperatoria ostruthium

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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Apiales
Family:
Apiaceae (Carrot)
Also in this family:
Alexanders, Bladder-seed, Bur Chervil, Burnet-saxifrage, Cambridge Milk Parsley, Caraway, Common Hogweed, Coriander, Corky-fruited Water Dropwort, Corn Parsley, Cow Parsley, Cowbane, Creeping Marshwort, Cumin, Edible Carrot, False Thorow-wax, Field Eryngo, Fine-leaved Water Dropwort, Fool's Parsley, Fool's Watercress, Garden Angelica, Garden Parsley, Giant Fennel, Giant Hogweed, Great Pignut, Greater Burnet-saxifrage, Greater Water Parsnip, Ground Elder, Hartwort, Hemlock, Hemlock Water Dropwort, Hog's Fennel, Honewort, Knotted Hedge Parsley, Lesser Marshwort, Lesser Water Parsnip, Longleaf, Milk Parsley, Moon Carrot, Parsley Water Dropwort, Pepper-saxifrage, Pignut, Pink Masterwort, River Water Dropwort, Rock Samphire, Rough Chervil, Sanicle, Scots Lovage, Sea Carrot, Sea Holly, Shepherd's Needle, Shrubby Hare's-ear, Siberian Hogweed, Slender Hare's-ear, Small Hare's-ear, Spignel, Spreading Hedge Parsley, Stone Parsley, Sulphurwort, Sweet Cicely, Thorow-wax, Tubular Water Dropwort, Upright Hedge Parsley, Whorled Caraway, Wild Angelica, Wild Carrot, Wild Celery, Wild Fennel, Wild Parsnip
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
120 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Fields, gardens, meadows, riverbanks, woodland.

Flower:
֍
White, 5 petals
 
The flowers appear in umbels, measuring 5 to 10cm wide. The flowers have no lower bracts.
Fruit:
The globular fruit is winged and has down-turned styles.
Leaves:
A downy perennial with hollow stems. The leaves are 2-trefoil with broad-toothed leaflets. The leaves are mostly basal.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Other Information

Summary

Imperatoria ostruthium, also known as masterwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It typically grows to be a tall plant, reaching heights of up to 4 feet. The plant has dark green leaves and produces small white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. This plant is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal herb. The root has been traditionally used to treat stomach and digestion issues and also used as a mild pain reliever. The plant prefers well-drained soils in partial shade to full sun. It's considered a hardy plant and can be propagated by seed or division, however it's considered as a invasive species in some regions, so it's important to keep it under control.

Blog

Masterwort, also known as Imperatoria ostruthium, is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, dating back to ancient Greece, where it was believed to have healing properties. In this blog, we will explore the history and uses of Masterwort, as well as its potential benefits and risks.

History and Traditional Uses

Masterwort has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal plant. In ancient Greece, it was used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, menstrual problems, and wounds. The Romans also valued Masterwort for its medicinal properties and believed that it could ward off evil spirits.

During the Middle Ages, Masterwort was commonly used to treat the bubonic plague. It was also used to treat respiratory infections, fever, and other infectious diseases.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Masterwort is known as Bai Zhi and is used to treat headaches, sinus infections, and other respiratory issues. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Benefits and Uses

Masterwort has a number of potential health benefits. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. Some studies have also suggested that it may have anticancer properties.

Masterwort is most commonly used to treat respiratory infections and congestion. It is also used to treat headaches, menstrual problems, and digestive issues. Additionally, it may be useful in treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

One of the primary active ingredients in Masterwort is imperatorin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a potential treatment for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and allergies.

Masterwort has also been studied for its potential effects on the immune system. Some studies have suggested that it may help to boost the immune system and protect against infections.

Side Effects and Risks

Like any medicinal plant, Masterwort does carry some risks. It may cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those who are allergic to plants in the carrot family. It may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using Masterwort if you are taking any medications.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid using Masterwort, as it may have negative effects on fetal development and milk production.

Masterwort has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and it may have a number of potential health benefits. However, it is important to use caution when using any medicinal plant, and to consult with a healthcare provider before use. If used properly, Masterwort may be a useful addition to a natural health regimen.

More Information

In addition to the traditional uses of Masterwort, there has been recent scientific research on its potential benefits. One study conducted in 2017 found that an extract of Masterwort had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and may be useful in treating conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Another study published in 2020 found that a compound extracted from Masterwort, called isoimperatorin, had antitumor effects in liver cancer cells. The researchers suggested that further study is needed to determine whether isoimperatorin could be a potential treatment for liver cancer.

Despite the potential benefits of Masterwort, it is important to use caution when using any herbal remedy. There have been reports of adverse reactions to Masterwort, including skin irritation and digestive issues. It is important to start with a small dose and monitor for any adverse reactions.

When purchasing Masterwort, it is important to ensure that you are buying from a reputable source. Some supplements may contain other ingredients or contaminants, which can be harmful.

Masterwort is a traditional medicinal herb with a long history of use. While there is some scientific evidence to support its potential health benefits, more research is needed to fully understand its effects. If you are interested in using Masterwort, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider and use caution. With proper use, Masterwort may be a useful addition to a natural health regimen.

Masterwort is known for its pleasant aroma, and has been used in perfumes and aromatherapy. The essential oil of Masterwort contains a variety of compounds, including alpha-pinene, limonene, and myrcene, which may have therapeutic effects.

In aromatherapy, Masterwort is often used to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It may also be used to treat respiratory infections and congestion, as well as menstrual cramps and digestive issues.

When using Masterwort for aromatherapy, it is important to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, to avoid skin irritation. It is also important to use caution when inhaling the essential oil, as it may cause respiratory irritation in some people.

In addition to its traditional medicinal uses and aromatherapy benefits, Masterwort has also been used in culinary applications. The leaves and stems of the plant can be used as a seasoning, and have a flavor similar to celery or parsley.

Overall, Masterwort is a versatile and useful plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, it may be a useful addition to a natural health regimen. As with any herbal remedy, it is important to use caution and consult with a healthcare provider before use.