ERYNGO. Eryngium maritimum. N.O. Umbeliferae.
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 and 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 micturition,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} 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 . half anounce "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." EYEBRIGHT. Euphrasia officinalis. N.O. Scrophulariaceae.
Synonym : Birdeye, Brighteye.
Habitat : Plentiful on commons, heaths, and in meadows, as well as on sea cliffs, but varies considerably in growth and development with the richness of the soil.
Features : The stems are four to six inches long, and under suitable soil conditions, branched below. The lower leaves are opposite each other, and alternate higher up the stem, small, dark green, lanceolate or nearly rhomboid above, deeply cut, proceeding directly from the stem. The flowers are small, axillary, and range in hue between white and purple, while some are delicately variegated with yellow. The taste is bitter, salty and slightly astringent.
Action : Astringent and tonic.
This herb, as its name indicates, is valued mainly as an application in inflammation and weakness of the eyes, and is frequently combined with Golden Seal to make an excellent lotion for this purpose. A large pinch of the herb should be infused with sufficient boiling water for each application. The eyebath should be freshly filled for each eye, care being taken to strain thoroughly before using the tepid lotion.
Euphrasia is also employed externally to arrest hemorrhages.
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