Cnidium officinale
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Cnidium officinale is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Not known
E. Asia - China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young shoots - cooked. The report says that the shoots are edible after the bitterness is removed.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is analgesic, antibacterial, anticonvulsive, antiinflammatory, febrifuge, hypotensive, sedative and vasodilator. It is used especially in the treatment of headaches and also in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, cerebral embolism, weakness, pain and coronary heart disease. The root has an antibacterial action that inhibits the growth of E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, Pseudomonas, B. typhi, B. paratyphi, Vibrio cholerae and V. Proteus.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Cholera: Used in the treatment of cholera - an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Vasodilator: Widens the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. One report from Japan says that it is cultivated there and grows best in the cooler parts of that country. It is cultivated for medicinal use in Korea. Judging by the plants native habitat it is likely to require a well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing it as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Alternatively, sow stored seed in late winter in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no specific mention has been found for this plant, at least one member of this genus has a report of toxicity so some caution is advised for this species.