Scurvy grass
Scientific names: Cochlearia officinalis
Family: Brassicaceae/Cruciferae
Alternate names: Cochléaire, Cochléaire Officinale, Coclearia, Cranson, Cranson Officinal, Herbe aux Cuillères, Herbe au Scorbut, Hierba del Escorbuto, Scrubby Grass, Spoonwort
Background
Scurvy grass (Cochlearia officinalis) is a flowering herb. Its leaves have been used to make medicine.
Scurvy grass gets its name from the fact that sailors used to take it to prevent a disease called scurvy. Scurvy is caused by not getting enough vitamin C. Scurvy grass contains vitamin C.
People use scurvy grass for vitamin C deficiency, gout, wound healing, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
Scurvy grass (Cochlearia officinalis) is sometimes called watercress. Do not to confuse it with watercress (Nasturtium officinale). They are not the same.
Scurvy grass gets its name from the fact that sailors used to take it to prevent a disease called scurvy. Scurvy is caused by not getting enough vitamin C. Scurvy grass contains vitamin C.
People use scurvy grass for vitamin C deficiency, gout, wound healing, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
Scurvy grass (Cochlearia officinalis) is sometimes called watercress. Do not to confuse it with watercress (Nasturtium officinale). They are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if scurvy grass is safe. Large amounts can irritate the stomach and intestines.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if scurvy grass is safe. It can irritate the skin.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if scurvy grass is safe. It can irritate the skin.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if scurvy grass is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using scurvy grass for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of scurvy grass might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Scurvy Grass interacts with any medicines. Before taking Scurvy Grass, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 30/03/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 20/02/2022 04:51:14. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
