Herb: Duckweed


Latin name: Lemna minor


Family: Lemnaceae (Duckweed Family)



Medicinal use of Duckweed:

The whole plant is alterative, antipruritic, antiscorbutic, astringent, depurative, diuretic, febrifuge and soporific. It is used in the treatment of colds, measles, oedema and difficulty in urination. It is applied externally in the treatment of skin diseases and is used as a wash for ophthalmia. The plant is used in homeopathy, but the report gives no more details.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
1 cm
(0.4 inch)

Flowering:
June
to July

Habitat of the herb:

Still water.

Edible parts of Duckweed:

Occasionally used as a vegetable. No further details are given but we have found the flavour to be less than desirable.

Other uses of the herb:

The dried plant repels mosquitoes.

Propagation of Duckweed:

Seed - we have no information on this species but, since it spreads so rapidly by division, it really needs no extra help once it is in a pond.

Cultivation of the herb:

Still water.

Known hazards of Lemna minor:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.