Question 1

What is Eryngium foetidum used for in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka, Eryngium foetidum is used within the Ayurvedic medicinal tradition for conditions including fever, digestive complaints, and skin irritations. It also appears in local cooking as a flavouring herb similar to coriander leaf. Traditional preparations include leaf decoctions and topical poultices.

Question 2

Is Eryngium foetidum the same as coriander?

Accepted Answer

Eryngium foetidum is not the same as common coriander (Coriandrum sativum), though both belong to the Apiaceae family and share a broadly similar flavour profile. Long coriander, as Eryngium foetidum is often called, has a more intense and persistent aroma and is better suited to cooked dishes. It is considered a substitute for coriander leaf in tropical cooking.

Question 3

What does Eryngium foetidum look like?

Accepted Answer

The plant grows as a low rosette of elongated, toothed leaves that are bright to dark green. It typically reaches 15–40 cm in height and produces small whitish flowers on upright stems when it matures. The leaves release a strong, pungent scent when crushed.

Question 4

Is Eryngium foetidum safe to eat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the leaves are widely consumed as a culinary herb across South and Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, and are generally considered safe in normal food quantities. For medicinal preparations at higher doses, guidance from a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner is advisable, particularly for pregnant women, children, and those with health conditions.

Question 5

Does Eryngium foetidum grow wild in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The plant is found growing both in home gardens and in semi-wild conditions along forest margins and disturbed land in Sri Lanka's wetter lowland zones. It has naturalised widely across tropical Asia after being introduced from its native range in the Americas. It is cultivated deliberately for both culinary and medicinal use across the island.

Question 6

What are the active compounds in Eryngium foetidum?

Accepted Answer

The plant's essential oil is dominated by eryngial (trans-2-dodecenal), which contributes to its antimicrobial properties and strong aroma. It also contains flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and vitamins C and A precursors. These constituents underpin the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects attributed to the herb in research studies.

Question 7

Where can I learn about Ayurvedic plants during a trip to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Spice gardens and herbal farms in the Kandy and Matale regions offer guided introductions to Sri Lanka's medicinal plants. Many Ayurvedic wellness retreats across the island also use locally sourced herbs in treatments. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve in the south is one natural habitat where a wide range of endemic and medicinal plant species can be observed in the wild.