Goutweed


Goutweed


There are five to seven species of creeping perennials in this genus, found in woodland, scrub, and on waste ground, throughout Europe and temperate Asia. Most species are invasive weeds. The name Aegopodium is derived from the Greek aigos, "goat" and podos, "foot". The epithet podagraria derives from the Latin podagra, "gout", and refers to the plant's medicinal uses. Goutweed was apparently introduced to the British Isles during medieval times, when it was cultivated in monastery gardens for medicinal purposes. It is often referred to as "bishopweed", "bishopwort", or as "herb Gerard" in old herbals because of its ecclesiastical connection and its dedication to St. Gerard, who was invoked to cure gout.

Herbaceous perennial with a creeping rootstock and strong-smelling, long-stalked leaves, 8-23cm (3-9in) long. Tiny which flowers grow in umbels to 6cm (2½in) across in summer.


Common Name:
Goutweed
Other Names:
Ground Elder
Botanical Name:
Aegopodium podagraria
Genus:
Aegopodium
Family:
Apiaceae
Cultivation:
Any soil in sun or shade. Too invasive for most gardens, but may be grown in containers for medicinal and culinary use.
Native Location:
Europe and temperate Asia
Propagation:
By division of rhizomes in spring or autumn.
Harvest:
Roots and leaves are harvested in summer and used fresh, or dried for use in infusions, homeopathic remedies, liquid extracts, medicated oils, and poultices.
Height:
30-90cm (12-36in)
Width:
Indefinite
Variations:
Variegatum
White-marked leaves and is less invasive.
Height: 30-60cm (12-24in)
Width: Indefinite
Hardiness:
Z4-9
Parts Used:
Leaves, roots
Properties:
A mild sedative herb that has diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for gout or sciatica. Externally for hemorrhoids, gout, stings, or burns. In homeopathy for arthritis and rheumatism.
Culinary Uses:
Leaves have a distinctive flavor; when young, used in salads and soups and as a vegetable. An ingredient of grüne suppe (green soup) in NW Germany.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 103-104