Sweet Cicely - Myrrhis odorata
Sweet Cicely - Myrrhis odorata
Edible plant - novice
Other common names: Anise Chervil, Anise Myrrh, Garden Myrrh, Sweet Myrrh, Sweet Chervil, British Myrrh, Spanish Chervil
Season - Spring - Summer
Scientific name meaning: Myrrhis is from the Greek Myrizo, meaning to rub with ointment. Odorata comes from the Latin Odoratus, meaning sweet-smelling
Use as a food The leaves and young seeds can be used raw in salads. They are considered too strong as a cooked side, but, along with the seeds, can be used to flavour vegetables, as a general flavouring, or as part of a spice mix. The leaves and seeds can add sweetness to tart fruit in puddings, be made into syrups, or used to infuse milk, creams, alcohol, soft-drinks.
Leaves have a stronger flavour before the plant has flowered.
The young root can also be used raw or cooked, as per leaves and seeds
Hazards None known at time of writing
Use in herbal medicine Sweet Cicely has been used to treat stomach complaints, flatulence, woulds, coughs, and snake and dog bites. It is believed to be an antiseptic
If you are suffering from any ailment or need medical advice, please see your General Practitioner
Other uses Has been used as a wood polish and to create a yellow dye
Importance to other species As an early-flowering plant, Sweet Cicely is an important food source for pollinators
Always stay safe when foraging. You need to be 100% sure of your identification, 100% sure that your foraged item is edible, and 100% sure that you are not allergic to it (it is good practice to always try a small amount of any new food you are consuming). If in doubt, leave it out!