Herb: Eel Grass


Latin name: Vallisneria spiralis


Family: Hydrocharitaceae (Tape-grass Family)



Medicinal use of Eel Grass:

The plant is aperitif, demulcent, refrigerant, stomachic and is also used in the treatment of women's complaints. The plant is used in the treatment of leucorrhoea and is made into a tea with Sesame (Sesamum indicum) to improve the appetite.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Flowering:
June to
October

Habitat of the herb:

Still and flowing water. In Britain it is found in ponds that are heated by the effluent from mills.

Edible parts of Eel Grass:

Young leaves - raw. The dried leaves contain 14.1% ash, 1154mg calcium, 3205mg phosphorus and 141mg iron per 100g.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a warm greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. Lay the seed on the surface of a pot of soil and immerse this in water. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in water in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of rooted runners in the growing season.

Cultivation of Eel Grass:

Still and flowing water. In Britain it is found in ponds that are heated by the effluent from mills.

Known hazards of Vallisneria spiralis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.