Cochlearia (Cochlearia officinalis)

Cochlearia (Cochlearia officinalis) is a member of the Brassicaceae family, native to Northern Europe, Western Asia, and Britain. Traditionally, its leaves, roots, and stems have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, bitter, and expectorant actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and japanese kampo medicine.

Cochlearia (Cochlearia officinalis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Cochlearia (Cochlearia officinalis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Cochlearia
Scientific Name	Cochlearia officinalis
Plant Family	Brassicaceae
Genus	Cochlearia
Species	officinalis
Native Range	Northern Europe, Western Asia, Britain
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Roots, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Bitter, Expectorant
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Cochlearia officinalis
Common Name: Cochlearia
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Mouse-Ear, Mouse-Ear Chickweed, Yellow Bittercress
Plant Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Cochlearia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 20 to 50 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface glabrous and pale green, lower surface pubescent and darker green, bearing stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescence consists of solitary flowers with actinomorphic symmetry, featuring four white petals with yellow markings and five green sepals arranged in a spiral.
Stems: Cochlearia has erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth surface, and presence of stipulate structures.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: Traditionally described as a mild diuretic, in fluid-regulation contexts.
Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a cooling bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Expectorant: Commonly referenced as a calming expectorant, for breathing-focused uses.
Tonic: In herbal texts, considered a gentle tonic, for long-term use contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.