Dorothy FarrarReal spoonwort
The common spoonwort , with the botanical name Cochlearia officinalis, is a species of plant that comes from the cruciferous family. Other common names for the plant are spoon leaf, bitter cress, scurvy or lesser celandine. The spoonwort finds ideal locations above all on the salt marshes near the sea.
Definition and Occurrence
The real spoonwort is a biennial, herbaceous plant and can reach heights of growth of 20 to 50 centimeters. The leaves of the plant grow in a basal rosette on the stem. The flowers appear in racemose inflorescences and are white in color.
The spoonwort prefers to be found in saline marshland, especially on the salt marshes near the sea. The plant prefers sunny locations with sufficient moisture in the soil.
The plant is distributed from the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere to the coasts of the Arctic. The common spoonwort is one of the first to bloom in spring. The plant accumulates salt in the leaves and gradually sheds them to remove the salt from its organism.
In general, the common spoonwort is much rarer today than it was in the past. For this reason, it now has a place on the list of protected species. In addition to its use as a spice, the common spoonwort is also known as a medicinal plant .
Ingredients, effect and dosage
The common spoonwort contains a wide variety of active ingredients that can be used in medicine. These ingredients include vitamin C , minerals , tanning and bitter substances , essential oil and the mustard oil glycoside glucocochlearin and isothiocyanates. Limonene and flavonoids are also included. This makes the spoonwort particularly suitable for preventing numerous health problems.
The flavonoids it contains have antioxidant properties and can help limit and prevent uncontrolled cell growth. The same ingredients have a positive impact on the prevention of diseases related to the cardiovascular system . For example, spoonwort can be taken to prevent heart attacks . Other important components of the plant are magnesium and iodine . They are of great importance for the functioning of the thyroid gland and are central to the formation and repair of cells .
In addition, iodine and magnesium are among the most important components of the thyroid hormones that are produced by the body. Since these hormones perform numerous important tasks in the body, an imbalance in thyroid hormones can lead to serious complaints and symptoms. The use of the real spoonwort is recommended above all through food intake. The herb can be added to warm dishes, with dishes with potatoes or carrots offering a good taste.
In addition, the leaves of the common spoonwort can be eaten as a salad . It can also be processed into spreads. If possible, young leaves should be used, as they contain the most health-promoting active ingredients. A tea made from spoonwort is best prepared from dried leaves.
What does spoonwort help against?
importance to health
The vitamin C contained in the spoonwort is much more suitable for the prevention of degenerative diseases than artificially produced vitamin preparations. Free radicals are inhibited more effectively, which can prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s or diabetes. In addition to vitamin C, the flavonoids and glycosides it contains are responsible for cell protection against free radicals. As a result, the spoonwort can also contribute to strengthening the immune system .
In addition to being used as a preventative for various health problems, the common spoonwort can also be used for treatment. It can provide relief in the case of diseases of the respiratory tract or infections of the urinary tract. Because various ingredients of the real spoonwort cause the destruction of the pathogens. They can also make a contribution to curbing the proliferation of viruses, which are responsible for the flu, for example.
In the case of colds, the spoonwort can disinfect the mucous membranes, killing bacteria and other pathogens. As a result, the healing process is significantly accelerated.
The common spoonwort can also be used therapeutically for complaints related to the digestive process. In the case of constipation, certain active ingredients in the plant can stimulate intestinal activity so that the food is transported further and the constipation can gradually be relieved.
In general, using the spoonwort in the form of tea or as a spice has a positive effect on the metabolism. For this reason, the spoonwort can also relieve symptoms such as spring fatigue or exhaustion. In addition, the active ingredients of the spoonwort can have a beneficial effect on diseases such as gout, rheumatism and slight bleeding in the mouth.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.