Herb: London Rocket


Latin name: Sisymbrium irio


Family: Cruciferae



Medicinal use of London Rocket:

The seeds are expectorant, restorative and stimulant. They are used in the treatment of asthma. Externally, they are used as a stimulating poultice. The seeds have been placed under the lids of sore eyes in order to cause weeping and thereby wash foreign matter out of the eye. An infusion of the leaves is used in treating affections of the throat and chest.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
50 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
June to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Roadsides, walls and waste places.

Edible parts of London Rocket:

Immature leaves - raw or cooked. Used as greens. A famine food, it is only eaten when better foods are in short supply. Seed - raw or cooked. The seed can be eaten as piäole. It can also be dried, ground into a powder then mixed with water and used as a gruel. The seed can be mixed with water to make a drink. Flowers - raw.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ.

Cultivation of London Rocket:

Roadsides, walls and waste places.

Known hazards of Sisymbrium irio:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.