Chapters 6.31
6.31 - Cochlearia Officinalis
Lainie Tremeer , University of Guelph, Canada
Suggested citation for this chapter.
Tremeer,L. (2022) Greens, Fleshy Stems and Gourds. In The Student Encyclopedia of Canadian Indigenous Foods. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.firstnationsfoods.org/
Introduction
Cochlearia officinalis, or as it is more commonly known, scurvy grass, is a plant that once believed to, as the name implies, cure scurvy. Although evidence may not be concrete it is however known that Cochlearia officinalis provides healthy amounts of vitamin C to those who consume it (Porsild, 1953). This plant is grown in often salinized land, as well as along the coasts and near grassy hills (Cochlearia officinalis - common scurvy-grass, 2020). This plant provides many health benefits and was used historically in many ways, including medicinal purposes. The purpose of this paper is to educate Canadians about how Cochlearia officinalis has been used historically and how it can be utilized today.
Description
This plant is grown along shorelines more commonly than is grown inland. As shown in Figure 1 the bundles of flowers on the Cochlearia officinalis are small and white, with kidney-shaped green leaves surrounding the flowers (Porsild, 1953). The flowers contain four small white petals that are arranged in clusters, these clusters can be found at the tops of stems (Heller, 1962). This bush-like plant takes two years to begin producing flowers. Flowers are normally produced from May to August and the plants are pollinated by bees, flies and beetles (scurvy grass facts and health benefits, 2020). These flowers are usually eight to 15mm in width (nature-first). This plant is usually between 15-40cm tall (nature-first). This plant also has an unpleasant smell, much like the smell of horseradish (Flora of the Canadian Arctic). Cochlearia Officinalis grows in almost all types of soils but prefers well drained soil (scurvy grass facts and health benefits, 2020)
Historical Background
Cochlearia Officinalis originated in Europe and is often found in the coastal parts of Ireland and Britain (Cochlearia officinalis - common scurvy-grass, n.d.). Historically Cochlearia Officinalis was used to ward off scurvy, often used by sailors. The leaves of this plant are vitamin C packed and provided a good supplement to these sailors who were lacking the vitamin. Vitamin C was the main cause of scurvy. At one point in time Cochlearia Officinalis was made into a grass ale, which was a popular tonic drink that provided health benefits of Vitamin C (Cochlearia officinalis - common scurvy-grass, n.d). Cochlearia Officinalis was also used for its antiseptic purposes.
Association with Indigenous Peoples
Cochlearia Officinalis is said to have many uses in the realm of herbal medicine, including vitamin C supplement. There are very few records of the direct ties to Indigenous people that could be tracked, but the maps of where the populations of Cochlearia officinalis originated shows the origins are near the shorelines of the Americas as well as Europe and Britain.
Consumption and Uses
Cochlearia officinalis can be dried and stored through the winter, as it is considered a herb. This plant can be consumed both cooked and uncooked (Kuhnlein & Turner, 1991). Described as having a peppery flavour, Cochlearia Officinalis is typically used uncooked on fresh foods like salads (Porsild, 1953). The young seeds from this plant is what can be used to garnish foods such as salads, as well as used for pickling (Scurvy Grass (Cochlearia Officinalis) Identification, 2021). The older seeds are nearly inedible because they are so tough. Cochlearia Officinalis also has an intensive history of herb medicine, including warding off scurvy.
Advantages
The main benefit of Cochlearia officinalis is the high quantity of vitamin C it contains. There are not many other benefits to the consumption of Cochlearia officinalis, which decreases its marketability to consumers (Porsild, 1953). Though in historical herbal medicine Cochlearia officinalis was used for many different purposes, such as a Vitamin C supplement, used for skin ailments as well as other medicinal purposes.
Limitations
Currently there are very few occurrences of Cochlearia officinalis seen around the world. It used to be popular along many shorelines although not anymore (Cochlearia Officinalis L., n.d.). This could be due to many different things including an increase in other plants being grown, invasive species overtaking the growth of these plants, and as these plants became of less use it would not make sense for people to continue growing them.
References
1.Cochlearia officinalis L. (n.d.). Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.gbif.org/species/5373276
2., C. A. (1962). Wild edible and poisonous plants of Alaska (Extension bulletin). Cooperative Extension Service, University of Alaska.
3.Kuhnlein, H. V., & Turner, N. J. (1991). Traditional Plant Foods of Canadian Indigenous Peoples: Nutrition, Botany, and Use. Gordon and Breach.
4.Porsild, A. (1953, January 1). Edible Plants of the Arctic. ARCTIC, 6(1).
5.Scurvy grass facts and health benefits. Health Benefits | Health Benefits of foods and drinks. (2020, August 18). Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/scurvy-grass/
6.Cochlearia officinalis - common scurvy-grass. Cochlearia officinalis, Common Scurvy-grass: identification, distribution, habitat. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2022, from https://www.first-nature.com/flowers/cochlearia-officinalis.php
7.Scurvy Grass (Cochlearia officinalis) identification. (2021, December 7). Totally Wild UK https://totallywilduk.co.uk/2021/12/07/scurvy-grass-cochlearia-officinalis-identification/