Sweetthistle (Myrrhis odorata) belongs to the Umbelliferae family, like parsley, dill or anise, and is used both as a spice and aromatic plant and as a medicinal herb for blood purification.
Occurrence and cultivation of sweet umbelliferae
The essential oils contained in the sweet umbel have an antispasmodic, digestive and stomachic effect, respectively. In addition, the plant also has a positive effect on the upper respiratory tract. Sweetthistle is a perennial herb that grows between 60 and 200 centimeters tall. It has very large stalked leaves that are hairy on the lower side. Sweet umbels smell strongly of anise, their umbels consist of up to 24 rays, and some are hermaphroditic or all-male. The petals of the flowers are white, edged and inverted-heart-shaped. The fruit of the sweet umbel reaches a length of about 15 to 25 millimeters and has a dark brown color. Sweetthistle is a hardy plant and a so-called frost germinator, which means that the seeds germinate only after a few cold winter months. If you want to plant it yourself, you should choose a semi-shady place, the soil should be acidic or moist and regularly watered and weeded. In the spring, the withered or frozen parts are cut off, and in the course of time a relatively tall perennial develops. In addition, the plant can also be purchased at a specialty nursery. Sweet umbels bloom from May to June and are originally found in the Alps, on the western side of the Balkan Peninsula, in the Apennines and Pyrenees respectively. In a wild form, however, it can also be found in Chile, for example. It usually grows in grassy gardens, meadows, pastures, forest edges or floodplain forests, preferring calcareous substrates. In German folklore, sweetthistle is also called myrrh chervil, but otherwise there are no special legends and sagas about the plant. In old herbal books it can be read that a special tonic for girls was made from the roots of the sweetthistle, but it is not clear what it was used for. Sweetthistle contains essential oils that are very rich in methylcharicol and anethole, respectively. In some Scandinavian and Western European countries, the plant is also called Spanish chervil, a term that probably refers to its Western Mediterranean origin. For many centuries, sweet chervil has also been cultivated in peasant and monastic gardens as a medicinal, spice, livestock feed, and vegetable plant. Many farmers believe that sweetthistle stimulates milk production in cows. Because of its cold tolerance, it is especially popular in Scandinavia, allowing residents to use a tasty culinary herb year-round.
Effect and use
The essential oils contained in sweet umbel have an antispasmodic, digestive and stomachic effect, respectively. In addition, the plant also has a positive effect on the upper respiratory tract, stimulates the appetite and is also used for blood purification. Due to its expectorant effect, it used to be used against cough irritation and against senility. The seeds of the sweet umbel resemble licorice and are a very effective remedy for gum care or bad breath. It is best harvested at noon in warm weather, because then a lot of aromatic substances are formed. Then the leaves can be stripped from the stems and dried. However, the aroma is somewhat lost during drying, so for a tea especially the fresh plant is particularly recommended.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The leaves of sweetthistle can be harvested and eaten in the fall or spring. The seeds are often used as a spice. Sweetthistle has an anise-like flavor and can be used for fish dishes, sauces and salads, respectively. The fruits are used to refine pastries and cabbage dishes. The seeds of the sweet umbel can be eaten pure. The mucous membrane immediately absorbs the active substances contained, which can loosen mucus and freshen breath. The green seeds are a very special delicacy, as they have an extremely aromatic taste and can also be used chopped small for muesli, desserts or fruit salads. In compotes, fruit dishes or fruit salads, the sweet umbel can also be used to reduce sugar consumption.Furthermore, it is possible to prepare a vegetable from the roots of the plant or finely chop the cooked roots and then season them with a marinade of vinegar and oil. In addition, sweetthistle is also a component of various liqueurs and chartreuse and can be combined very well with bay leaf, mint and lemon balm, respectively. To make a tea, crush two teaspoons of sweet cicely seeds in a mortar, add cold water and bring to a boil. The tea must steep for five minutes and is then strained. One or two cups can then be drunk throughout the day. Another option is to steam the leaves of the plant in butter and then serve with boiled potatoes. The plant is also known in homeopathy and is used here as Myrrhis ordata for hemorrhoids and varicose veins, respectively. Mostly the remedy is used in the potencies D2, D3 and D4 respectively. If you want to prepare a remedy, put the fresh herb in an alcohol solution. For hemorrhoids, the ointment form is also recommended, while the drops are suitable for other ailments. Sweet umbels, however, are also used as scented plants for scented bouquets, potpourris or scented gardens.
