medicinal herbs
Codlins And Cream
Epilobium hirsutum

• Medicinal herbs
• Natural herbs
• Latin names
• Common names

Herb: Codlins And Cream

Latin name: Epilobium hirsutum

Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose Family)

Medicinal use of Codlins And Cream:

The leaves have been used as astringents, but there are some reports of violent poisoning with epileptic-like convulsions as a result of its use.

Description of the plant:

Habitat of the herb:

Stream banks, marshes, drier parts of fens etc, to 360 metres.

Edible parts of Codlins And Cream:

The leaves are used to make a tea. This is often drunk in Russia, where it is called "kaporie tea". The leaves are also sometimes sucked for their salty taste. Edible leaves. No more details are given in the report but caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow early spring in situ or as soon as the seed is ripe. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Cultivation of Codlins And Cream:

Stream banks, marshes, drier parts of fens etc, to 360 metres.

Known hazards of Epilobium hirsutum:

One report says that the plant might be poisonous. Another says that it causes epileptiform convulsions.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.