Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

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Family

Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

Synonym(s)

English name(s)

Cretan Eryngo
Field Eryngo

Hebrew Name(s)

kharkhavina makhekhila

חַרְחֲבִינָה מַכְחִילָה

Arabic Name(s)

qursa'anneh قرصعنة
shirsh el-qursa'anneh شرش القرصعنة
shok el-'arqubani شوك العرقباني

Life Form

Hemicryptophyte

Habitat

Batha
Phrygana

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Eryngium creticum Lam.

System/State	Traditional Complaint/Use	Activity / Interpretation	Traditional Preparation/ Administration	Parts Used	Source
Cancer	Cancer	Anti-carcinogenic	Decoct roots & drink x1 cup mornings for 1 mth.	Root	B
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Protein in urine	Renal	Decoct fruit & drink.	Fruit	Z
Oral Health	Bad breath (refreshes)	Mouth wash	Chew fruits including seeds.	Fruit, Seed	Z
Venoms, Bites & Stings	Scorpion sting / snake bite (See NOTES)	Anti-venom	Scorpion sting: 1. Decoct root in water & apply decoction over sting. 2.Decoct fruit & drink Snake bite: 3. Decoct fruit & drink	Root	Z

Notes

Z recounts how the use of this plant for snake bites is based on the following story provided by those interviewed : "It`s known when a snake attacks a lizard the lizard hurrys to eat the fruit of the "Kurdaani" (qursa'anneh) and to hold a stick in his mouth for defense. Because of the stick the snake cannot put the lizard in its mouth, and the fruit acts a drug against the snakes venom"

Cautions

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.