Not for nothing it is also called “Ginseng of the Alps”: Masterwort was already considered a panacea, even a magic remedy, in the Middle Ages. It has antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, and also helps as an antidote in chronic and acute poisoning conditions.
Occurrence and cultivation of masterwort
Masterwort emits a pungent, aromatic odor. Masterwort is a perennial herbaceous plant with the Latin name Imperatoria ostruthium (also Peucedanum ostruthium) and belongs to the umbelliferae. It loves calcareous soils and is originally native to the Alps, where it grows preferentially along stream banks and in damp meadows at an altitude of at least 1000 meters. Today it is also found in the Pyrenees and other mountainous regions of Central Europe. Its widespread use is probably due to the fact that the popular medicinal plant was widely cultivated in gardens and went wild from there. Depending on the location, the grass-green plant can grow up to 100 cm high. It bears three-lobed, coarsely serrated leaves and forms large, umbrella-like umbels full of small white flowers between June and August. Medicinally relevant is the rhizome, or rootstock, of the plant. Its medicinal properties are greatest in early spring and late fall, and accordingly these are the times of harvest. Masterwort emits a pungent, aromatic odor. In contact with the skin, sensitive people may react with dermatitis.
Effect and application
After harvesting, the roots are thoroughly cleaned with water and brush, then cut into slices and dried in an airy place. Their uses are extremely varied. For example, chewing a small portion of masterwort helps to relieve nausea, stomach aches and indigestion. Toothache can also be relieved in this way. For internal use, either a tea or a tincture is prepared, the latter is also available as a ready-made preparation in pharmacies. Thanks to its essential oils, Imperatoria ostruthium facilitates breathing in asthma and colds and has an expectorant effect. At the same time, its antibacterial properties ensure that bronchitis heals faster. Together with the essential oils, tannins and bitter substances stimulate digestion, promote the production of bile and relieve flatulence. Masterwort with its valuable ingredients (furanocoumarins, resins and flavonoids in addition to those already mentioned) is a powerful remedy for fevers of all kinds and, when taken regularly, dampens the symptoms of menopause. It is used externally either as a tincture or as a paste of masterwort powder mixed with a little warm water. Paps are applied to ulcers, abscesses and poorly healing wounds. They also have a positive effect on acne. Bleeding gums can be stopped by dabbing the gums with Masterwort tincture. For bronchitis and cough, in addition to taking it internally, a steam bath with Imperatoria ostruthium is also an option. For this purpose, about two tablespoons of finely chopped pieces of the root are poured in a bowl with a liter of boiling water. Place the bowl on the table, bend over it and inhale the steam for about 10 to 15 minutes (head and upper body should be covered with a towel). For the treatment of heated, hyperkinetic diseases, the “master of all roots” is not suitable. In the Middle Ages, the plant was attributed magical powers. By burning incense with master root, one wanted to drive away witches, this traditionally took place especially during the Christmas season. If you carried a piece of the root with you, it was supposed to strengthen your physical and spiritual powers. Even to horses and cows the plant was fed for this purpose.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
If the effect of masterwort as a universal remedy was somewhat overestimated in the Middle Ages – it was nicknamed Remedium divinum (divine remedy) and was even used for plague-like diseases and for cancer – today it receives rather too little attention. Perhaps it needs to be rediscovered by modern phytotherapy. Especially its antibacterial properties make it interesting in the age of increasing antibiotic resistance – for the treatment of inflammations in the gastrointestinal tract as well as for use in the first-aid kit.In the future, the plant could potentially play an important role in the fight against aggressive hospital germs, as a preventive against the spread of noroviruses, and against Lyme disease. In its traditional areas of application, masterwort, which is also known as emperor’s root in the vernacular, is already a valuable alternative to conventional medicines. Who does not want to reach for the chemical club immediately because of each cold, which will be grateful for this strong and nevertheless gentle remedy from nature. Especially for chronically ill people it is a great relief to be able to save strong drugs and reduce their sometimes agonizing side effects. In the folk medicine of the alpine countries, a traditional masterwort schnapps enjoys great popularity to this day. Classical homeopathy describes Imperatoria ostruthium as a plant with a truly royal nature, symbolizing our self-confidence and helping us to achieve greater inner security. Here, the masterwort is mainly used for stomach and skin diseases. The folk veterinary medicine uses the plant, among other things, as a remedy against foot and mouth disease. If the masterwort is provided with a moist, nutrient-rich soil and a sunny to semi-shady location, it can also be cultivated in the lowlands. Climatically adapted and hardened plants are commercially available, and propagation is done in the fall by dividing the rhizomes. Seed cultivation rarely succeeds, as this requires a sufficient cold period.
