Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Growing Information | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Eryngium foetidum
- Eryngium antihystericum
Common Names
- Culantro
- Bandhaniya
- Chardon béni (France)
- Cimarrón
- Fitweed
- Long coriander
- Mexican coriander
- Ngò gai (Vietnam)
- Recao (Puerto Rico)
- Samat
- Sawtooth coriander
- Shadow beni (Caribbean)
- Spiritweed
Parts Usually Used
The leaves, roots, and whole plant are used medicinally and as a spice.
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
A tropical perennial herb in the Apiaceae family, growing 20-80cm tall from a taproot. Features spiny, toothed leaves arranged in basal rosettes. White flowers appear in dense heads. Plants grow best in moist, shaded conditions and can be cultivated as an annual in temperate regions.
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Where Found
Native to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central/South America. Now cultivated worldwide in tropical regions including Southeast Asia, India, Nepal, and parts of Africa. Grows naturally in Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
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Medicinal Properties
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
- Anticonvulsant (used traditionally for epilepsy)
- Antimicrobial and antifungal
- Anthelmintic
- Antidiabetic
- Antipyretic
- Anti-hypertensive
- Digestive aid
Biochemical Information
Key compounds include:
- Eryngial (trans-2-dodecenal) – Main essential oil constituent
- Trimethylbenzaldehyde isomers
- Tannins and saponins
- Flavonoids
- Caffeic acid
- Chlorogenic acid
- Kaempferol
- Carotenoids
Uses
Medicinal Applications:
- Treatment of burns and wounds
- Relief of earache and fever
- Management of asthma and respiratory conditions
- Treatment of hypertension
- Relief of gastrointestinal issues
- Treatment of parasitic infections
- Management of epilepsy and fits
- Relief of arthritis and joint pain
Culinary Uses:
- Popular seasoning in Caribbean cuisine
- Used in marinades and garnishes
- Added to soups and stews
- Common ingredient in sofrito
- Used as a stronger-flavored substitute for cilantro
- Retains flavor well when dried
Formulas or Dosages
- Decoction of leaves for medicinal use
- Fresh leaves used in cooking
- Dried and powdered for seasoning
- External application for burns and skin conditions
- Tea preparation for various ailments
- Root decoctions for specific treatments
Growing Information
- Grows best in partial shade
- Requires moist, well-draining soil
- Can be propagated from seeds or cuttings
- Harvest by cutting entire rosette at soil level
- Prone to early flowering in long daylight conditions
- Regular flower stalk removal promotes leaf growth
Warning
- Flower heads are not edible
- May become invasive in certain regions
- Should be cultivated in controlled conditions
- Further research needed on long-term medicinal use
- Clinical studies required to confirm safety and efficacy
Resource Links
Useful Tropical Plants – Eryngium foetidum
NatioEryngium foetidum L.: a reviewnal Library of Medicine –
ScienceDirect – Eryngium foetidum
Fitoterapia – Eryngium foetidum L.: A review
ResearchGate – Essential oils and uses of Eryngium foetidum L
Medicinal Uses of KCC Plants – Eryngium foetidum L.
