Application
In the Middle Ages, masterwort was considered a universal medicine. It has a diaphoretic and diuretic effect and can be used as a stomach tonic and sedative.
Plant sap on the skin can cause photosensitivity.
Masterwort was especially cultivated and used against livestock diseases. Against lung disease and jaundice among cattle as well as lung and liver diseases in horses. The powdered root is given as egg powder to stimulate egg laying among chickens.
The root was considered to be particularly magical and was used by wise wives and witches to bewitch people, but could also be used as an antidote for bewitched people and livestock.
Ingredients
Volatile oils, coumarin compounds.
Imperatória ostrúthium L.
Photo of page in Joachim Burser's herbarium.
