Hedge Mustard
Sisymbrium officinale
Hedge mustard is also sometimes referred to as wireweed or tumble weed. It is an annual or biennial and germinates mainly in the autumn. Hedge mustard has a small yellow flower that appears from spring to autumn. As the stems mature they become very hard and wire like, hence the alternative name of wire weed.
From King's American Dispensatory
Botanical Origin.—This is an annual, herbaceous plant, with a round, more or less hairy, branching stem, from 1 to 3 feet high. The leaves are runcinate; the lower ones 3 to 8 inches long by 1 to 3 wide, the lower segments placed at right angles to the midvein, or pointing backward, and the terminal segment largest; the upper ones in 3 lanceolate segments placed at right angles. The flowers are small, yellow, and terminate the slender, virgate raceme, which becomes 1 or 2 feet long. Siliques or pods subulate, erect, sessile, and closely appressed to the rachis. Seeds in a single row in each cell, ovoid, and marginless.
History and Chemical Composition.—This is an unsightly weed, inhabiting the United States and Europe, growing in waste places, and flowering from May to September. Its taste is herb-like, faintly resembling that of mustard. The seeds, leaves, and flowering tops are used; the former possess the greatest pungency and yield oil of mustard (Pless). Water extracts its active properties by infusion.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Hedge mustard is reputed expectorant, and has been used with advantage in hoarseness, old coughs, asthma and ulcerated throat; likewise said to exert some influence as a diuretic in urinary obstructions. The powdered seeds may be used internally in the dose of from 5 to 30 grains, or an infusion may be given every 2 or 3 hours in tablespoonful doses. The juice rubbed up with sugar or honey is also used.
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