ENGLISH NAME: Masterwort
LATIN NAME: Astrantia
major
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Jarmanka vyšší
Turkey: Yıldız çiçeği (“star
flower,” descriptive)
Bulgaria: Зърниче
Georgia: ვარსკვლავის ყვავილი (Varskvlavis khvavili)
(“star flower”)
COUNTRY: Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Central and
Southeastern European mountains
Elevation: 600–1,800 meters
Terrain: Shady forests,
damp meadows, forest thickets, stream banks
DESCRIPTION:
Masterwort is a perennial herbaceous plant growing 60 to 90 cm tall. It
features palmately divided basal leaves and produces striking star-shaped
flower heads with clusters of small, compact flowers surrounded by prominent
bracts. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and vary in color from
white to pink or reddish hues, giving them a pincushion-like appearance.
USABLE PARTS: Flowers
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used for its mild anti-inflammatory, astringent, and diuretic
properties. Employed in folk medicine for digestive complaints, kidney function
support, and wound healing.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Very limited toxicity reports; however, internal use should be cautious and
preferably under supervision as its medicinal use is not widely standardized.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Sometimes combined with yarrow or meadowsweet in floral digestive or urinary
blends (more common in folk than formal herbalism).
PREPARATION:
Flowers are dried for decorative purposes or mild herbal teas. May be used
fresh or dried in floral crafts or gentle herbal infusions.
HARVEST TIME:
Late spring to early summer, during peak flowering.
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut flowering stems on dry days once flowers are fully open. Use sharp shears
to prevent crushing stems.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry flowers in a shaded, ventilated space. Store in airtight containers in a
cool, dark location to preserve color and scent.