Brassicaceae
Cuckoo Flower
Cardamine pratensis
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, North America, Asia
Also known as: Lady's Smock, Milkmaid, Meadow Cress
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Vitamin C supplementation (spring herb), digestive complaints, epilepsy (traditional — folk use), urinary complaints. Traditional spring tonic herb.
Herbal Actions
Antiscorbutic, diuretic, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, tonic
Active Constituents
Glucosinolates (gluconasturtiin), vitamins C and A (high), minerals, volatile oil (isothiocyanates)
Preparation Methods
Food☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Large handful fresh herb per 250ml, cold infusion 5 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:3, 25% ethanol, fresh), 3x daily |
| Notes | Excellent fresh spring herb — highest vitamin C in spring. Edible in salads. Watercress-like flavour. Traditional British wild salad herb. Eat raw for maximum vitamin C. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Large amounts in pregnancy (glucosinolates). Thyroid caution. Generally safe.
Side Effects: GI upset (large amounts). Very safe as food.