Eryngo Health Dictionary

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Eryngium maritimum. N.O. Umbelliferae.

Synonym: Commonly known as Sea Holly and Sea Eryngo.

Habitat: The plant is seen only on the sand dunes of the sea shore.

Features ? A pale greenish-blue bloom is characteristic of the erect, smooth stem, which grows to nearly one foot. Stiff, wavy, roundish leaves are roughly divided into three short, broad lobes, with beautiful veins and sharp teeth at the margins. Root leaves have stalks, but those from the stem are sessile. Blooming from July to September, the bright, pale blue flowers form a dense, round head at the end of

branches. The blackish-brown roots, long, thin arid cylindrical, are topped with the bristly remnants of the leaf stalks, and have a sweetish, mucilaginous taste.

Part used ? The root is the only part of the plant recognised in herbalism.

Action: Eryngo root is a diaphoretic, diuretic and expectorant.

It is mostly prescribed for bladder disorders, such as difficult and painful micturation, and also forms part of the treatment for uterine irritation.

Richard Lawrence Hool, of the British and American Physio-Medical Association, advises it in "sluggishness of the liver with uric acid accumulations," prepared as follows:

"Sea Holly 1 ounce

Wild Carrot 1 ounce.

"Boil in 1 1/2 pints of water down to 1 pint; strain, and take a wineglassful four times a day. In cases of jaundice take:

"Sea Holly 1 ounce

Barberry bark 1/2 ounce

"Boil in 1 quart of new milk for 10 minutes. Strain, and take two wineglassfuls every three hours." He adds ? "Most obstinate cases have been known to yield to this remedy in from 7-to 14 days."