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| Smyrnium olusatrum |
Alexanders is antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, analgesic, aphrodisiac, deodorant, digestive, antiseptic, lipolytic (fat & weight loss action), stimulant & stomachic.
The whole plant is bitter & digestive, diuretic.
The root is a diuretic.
The seeds can be soaked in wine to create a tonic for scurvy when other sources of vitamin C were not available & also to promote menstruation.
Alexanders has been used in the treatment of asthma, menstrual problems & wounds.
Externally it is used as a medicinal gargle for sore throat & as a medicinal poultice for broken bones, swellings, itching & rheumatism.
The crushed leaves or their juice is a soothing & healing treatment for cuts & minor abrasions.
RECIPES:
The whole plant has a strong warm celery-like taste & can be eaten either raw, as a salad among other herbs, or boiled.
Stems can be cooked like asparagus, the roots can be treated like any other root vegetables & the leaves can be used as a stock vegetable & are particularly useful in soups.
The flower buds can also be steamed & eaten in place of broccoli.
Leafy seedlings can be used as a parsley substitute.
Use leaves same ways as celery or lovage, as flavoring for soups, stews & sauces accompanying meat & fish.
Flower buds can be used raw, steamed or pickled, they can be added to salads & go well with fish or with a strong, hard cheese.
Use the roots as parsnip substitute or they can be preserved in a sweet & sour pickle.
The root is said to be more tender if it has been kept in a cool place all winter.
Seeds can be used to add flavor to stocks, stews, soups & to flavor rice.
The unopened flower buds can be pickled & when this is done they look like mini-cauliflowers.
The spicy seeds can be used as a pepper substitute.
MAGIC:
Magically, Alexanders is under the dominion of the planet Jupiter & is used as an aphrodisiac & in love potions & philtres.
