Birch (Betula sp.)

Birch (Betula sp.)

by | Jan 31, 2026 | Plants & People, Plant Profiles, Trees

Description:

The graceful birch tree has always held a special place in our hearts and minds. Traditionally she was perceived as a youthful Goddess of love and light. Yet, her soft feminine and almost fragile appearance belie her hardy nature. Birch is a tree of northern latitudes and unforgiving climates – common from Siberia to Scandinavia, Scotland, and England as well as North America, the Himalayas, China, Japan, and North Korea. Some species have traveled south, to the more temperate regions of the Mediterranean and beyond – almost all the way to the equator. But in the southernmost regions of her range, she prefers mountainous terrain. Humble and undemanding in her soil requirements, she will even make herself at home in sandy or stony ground. Yet, her special affinity lies with water and her preferred habitat is boggy terrain. Birch is a pioneer tree, who happily settles where other trees fear to set root. Over time she ‘cultivates’ such terrain, making it more arable and preparing it for other species to follow in her steps.

Her silver-white bark gives her a striking appearance. In youth, the papery bark peels off easily. It is thin, yet tough, and in the past, has in fact served as paper. As the tree matures the bark begins to form a layer of cork that provides excellent insulation and protects her against the cold. The young twigs and branches are reddish brown and very elastic. Early in the year, she is one of the first trees to put on her spring-gown of luminous and delicate lime-green leaves, triangular or heart-shaped in appearance and conspicuously serrated margins. Early in the spring, when the leaves first unfold, they feel sticky and are covered by a resinous aromatic substance with a balsamic scent.

Birch catkinsThe flowers are known as catkins. Both male and female flowers are present on the same tree, though they develop separately. The male flowers begin to develop in the summer, endure the winter and wait until the female flowers appear in spring. They court the wind as pollinator and distributor of their tiny winged seeds, which are so light that they may be carried for several hundred miles.

Birch trees can reach a height of up to 30m. They reach maturity after about 50 years but can live to about one hundred years.

HISTORY, LORE AND MAGICAL USES

The people of northern Europe have long been very fond of this beautiful, slender tree with its white, shining stem and graciously flowing branches. To them, it evoked the image of a beautiful young woman, which they identified with Freya or Frigga, their Goddess of love and fertility. The Celts, who were equally fond of Birches, identified her with the virgin Goddess Bridha or Brigid. Etymologically the name, ‘Birch’, derives from the Sanskrit ‘bhura’, meaning ‘shining tree’ – no doubt an allusion to the striking white bark and bright, golden autumn cloak.

In Siberia, Birch was regarded as the sacred world-tree and presented a bridge between this world and the realm of spirits and Gods. At first this may seem an odd choice, given the modest statue and strength of an average Birch tree. But it may be at least partly explained by the fact that in those remote regions Birch frequently was the commonest, if not the only tree around. Another reason may have been its universal usefulness: Birch provides medicine and nourishment and its bark and wood can be fashioned into a large number of utensils, from birch bark containers to coverings for lodges and even garments and shoes.

 

The sap is rich in nutrients and the inner bark can be ground into a flour to make ‘cakes’. This is considered famine food, the last resort when nothing else is available. But deer, and most importantly, reindeer relish this inner bark, which is their life-saving winter forage. In turn, the nomads depend on the reindeer, the sacred center of their world which provided them with almost all the essential gifts that made life possible in these inhospitable regions. The reindeer was a spirit guide and totem animal – and it also showed the people where to find their most important sacrament, the Fly Agaric. This conspicuous toadstool with its bright red cap and white dots atop forms a symbiotic relationship with Birch and are often found growing near them. Reindeer love this toadstool as much as the Siberian shamans do, who consider them as a sacred food of the Gods. They partook of it on special occasions, while honoring the Gods in ecstatic celebrations, or prior to going on a spiritual journey to ask for help and advice from the Gods. Thus, the Fly Agaric and the Birch tree have become closely associated and both are shrouded in mystery.

Some legends portrait Birch as a manifestation of the Goddess, who offers her milk to the shaman as an elixir of life, and some scholars regard the sacred mushroom as the breast of the Goddess from whence her milk flowed – and perhaps even the source of the fabled Soma, the sacred elixir of life and nectar of the Gods.

Fly Agaric

As one of the first trees to put on her spring-dress it is only natural that the Birch has always been associated with the life-giving power and has featured prominently in fertility rites and magic. Birch signals the arrival of spring and traditionally farmers observed her progress to determine when to sow their wheat.

In pre-Christian times, Birch played an important role in Beltain celebrations, which are traditionally held on the eve of May 1st. Throughout Europe, faint echoes of this pagan festival have survived to this day as rural May-Day festivals and pageantries. May-Day is the celebration of spring, of love, life, and fertility. On this day, the whole community, or sometimes just the young lads and lasses, go out into the woods to fetch the ‘May-tree’, which more often than not, is a Birch sapling. Much fanfare accompanies the procession upon their return to the village. The tree is decorated with colorful ribbons, shortbreads, and other goodies and is fixed to the top of a pole which is erected on the village square. In the old days, the raucous feast went on all day and often through the night, with much eating, drinking, singing, dancing and general merrymaking – much to the dismay of the church authorities. They tried hard to suppress these quaint old pagan celebrations but in vain. The dance around the Maypole is still popular in many rural areas, though modern celebrations are tame compared to those of the past and nowadays have been sanctioned by the church.

The fertility and life-giving powers of the May-tree Birch served as a ‘village charm’. A procession of singing and dancing folks carried it from house to house to bestow blessings and protection to all the village folk, their and their animals. Later, the custom evolved into a form of flogging, often referred to as ‘quickening’, which was based on the belief that the mere touch of the Birch twigs would bestow luck and fertility to those who came in contact with them. Thus the men of the village would take it upon themselves to ‘bless’ the women with these fertilizing powers by hitting them with birch twigs. All female inhabitants, women, girls, cattle and farm animals, all received the same treatment. Eventually, though, the custom changed and only children, mentally retarded people, and delinquents were given the Birch twig treatment, which was supposed to drive out the ‘evil spirits’ that evidently possessed them. Of these, the practice of chastising children possessed with the ‘demons of disobedience’ with Birch switches, has persisted the longest.

Birch regarded as a protective tree, able to ward off all kinds of daemons and witches. In a milder form of exorcism than that described above, Birch twigs were often pinned above entrances in house and barn to protect against and avert the evil-doings of witches and demons and to undo their spells and curses – especially those that caused impotence or made the flow of milk dry up.

In magical folk medicine, Birch was associated with ‘transfer magic’, and used to alleviate the pain of rheumatism. Three days before the new moon the sufferer had to go and plead with the Birch tree to relieve him from his pains. Certain prayers were solemnly recited and a wreath was wound by tying knots into the bendy birch twigs. It was believed that in this manner the painful knots of arthritis and rheumatism were transferred to the Birch tree, while the patient would find his limbs nimble and bendy, like Birch twigs.

GENERAL USES

Birchwood is light and rots easily, which makes it rather useless for construction work. However, the bark is extremely water resistant, a quality, which Native Americans have long put to use for waterproofing the roofs of their huts. They also fashioned special lightweight canoes as well as various domestic items, such as pots for collecting sap, or cribs to carry babies, shoes, lampshades and even toys from this versatile bark. In Europe, the twigs have mainly been used for thatching and wattle work or for making brooms. The brush ends of brooms, including those of witches’ brooms, were also partly made with Birch twigs.

In early spring the sugary sap rises in the stem. To tap it much the same technique is used as for tapping Maple syrup: a hole is drilled into the stem (1/2 cm wide and 3 cm deep), and a glass tube is inserted. One should not take more than 2-3 liters at a time and only ‘milk’ the tree once every two years. The hole must be sealed with special tree wax to protect it from bleeding to death. Ordinary candle wax is not sufficient, as it will just get pushed out again. This is best left to an experienced person as otherwise, the tree may suffer great damage or it may even kill it.

Birch trees also yield a resinous substance called ‘Birch tar’, which can be extracted from the bark. It is very rich in tannins and is used for curing leather. It makes an effective (and smelly) insect repellent and can also be used as a balsamic healing agent for all manner of skin sores including insect bites.

The inner bark is rich in sugars, oil and even contains Vitamin C. It provides welcome winter forage for deer and other rodents when everything else is covered under a blanket of snow. Native Americans used to prepare a type of flour from the inner bark, which could be used for baking. Birch is not often utilized as firewood, as it burns too quickly, but the bark makes excellent kindling and will even burn when wet. The smoke is a powerful disinfectant and when burnt as incense it ‘smoke off’ infectious micro-organisms. Native Americans often burnt thin pieces of birch bark in their ‘medicine tepees’, where the sick were isolated, in order to purify the air and kill off germs.

MEDICINAL USES

PARTS USED: Leaves, inner bark, sap

HARVEST TIMES: Spring

CONSTITUENTS:

Leaves: flavonoids, saponins, volatile oil, tannin, resin

Bark: betulin (birch camphor), glycoside, volatile oil, tannin, bitter substances, resin

Sap: Sugar, organic acids, amino acids

ACTIONS: diuretic, bitter, slightly astringent

Birch leaves are very useful for their diuretic properties and can be used to help in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and gouty conditions. They also have a reputation for dissolving stones. In Russia, an old folk remedy for rheumatism was to completely cover the patient with Birch leaves, which resulted in a cleansing sweat and subsequent relief. The diuretic action also helps to relieve oedematous conditions and urine retention.

CULPEPER SAYS…

‘It is a tree of Venus. The juice of the leaves, while they are young, or the distilled water of them, or the water that comes from the tree being bored with an auger, and distilled afterward; any of these being drunk for some days together is available to the stone in the kidneys and bladder and is good also to wash sore mouths.’

A decoction of the bark can be used as a wash for impurities of the skin. Birch tar is often used as an ingredient of ointments for psoriasis and eczema.

The sap is a wholesome elixir that can be taken as a spring tonic. However, it has a tendency to ferment easily and is thus not suitable for long-term storage. It should be kept in a dark bottle and stored in the fridge. Adding some Cloves and a piece of Cinnamon also helps to prevent fermentation.

A compound tincture of Birch leaves can be used as a tonic hair rinse to promote healthy growth of hair.

  • 2 handfuls of Birch leaves
  • 1 spoonful of Arnica flowers
  • 1 spoonful of Nettle roots
  • 2 spoonfuls of Nettle leaves
  • 4 Cloves

Cover with 70% alcohol, steep for 3 weeks, strain and bottle. Massage into the scalp and hair as a conditioner.

Or, make a strong infusion with the leaves and add 1 part apple cider vinegar.

Native Americans prepared a mushy paste by boiling and pounding the bark so it could be spread on inflammatory skin conditions, ulcers cuts and wounds. This reduces swellings and prevents infection. They also extracted oil by boiling the wood and bark. It is very effective in fighting fungal and parasitic skin conditions.

The North American species are different from the European White Birch. Their bark tends to be darker and has a distinct wintergreen flavor. In spring,

New Englanders enjoy a type of ‘root beer’ made from the twigs and sap, which apparently is very powerful. Euell Gibbons gives the following instructions:

“Measure 4 quarts of finely cut twigs of sweet birch into a bottom of a 5-gallon crock. In a large kettle, stir 1 gallon of honey into 4 gallons of birch sap and boil this mixture for 10 minutes, then pour over the chopped twigs. When cool, strain to remove the now expended twigs and return the liquid to the crock. Spread 1 cake of soft yeast on a slice of toasted rye bread and float this on top of the beer. Cover with a cloth and let it ferment until the cloudiness just starts to settle. This will usually take about a week, but it depends somewhat on the temperature. Bottle the beer and cap tightly. Store in a dark place, and serve it ice cold before meals after the weather gets hot.” He also says, “Don’t’ have more than a couple of glasses of this beer as it has a ‘kick like a mule'”.

 

 

Plant Profile: Poppy (Papaver somniferum)

by | Aug 3, 2025 | Plants & People, Plant Profiles, Plants & the Sacred

Poppy Field
Image by NickyPe from Pixabay

The Mysterious History of the Opium Poppy

Opium Poppy Papaver somniferum
Synonyms Opium Poppy, Mawseed, Herb of Joy, Mohn, Klapper-Rosen, Mago, Magesamen, Weismagen, wilder Magen, Magensaph, Rosule

Description:

Opium Poppies are nothing if not showy. Their sturdy stems and large leaves make a stark contrast to their large but oddly flimsy flowers. The delicate petals give the impression of a butterfly that is just about to take off. At the base of the flower sits a prominent, many-rayed stigma surrounded by a mass of stamens. After the flower has been fertilized, the petals drop off, leaving the seed capsule exposed as it swells and ripens like a pregnant belly.

Individual plants grow to between 70 cm, and 130 cm tall. The erect stems and large wavy leaves have a tough, rubbery texture. The leaves are indented and clasp the stem. All green parts of the plant are covered by a greyish-blue waxy substance that is easily rubbed off. Botanists describe this feature as glaucous.

When any green part is cut or wounded, a milky latex oozes out and turns brown as it dries. This substance is known as raw opium.

The seed capsule of Papaver somniferum is almost spherical and has a star-shaped, flattened lid. As it dries, the top shrinks and lifts. Tiny holes are formed underneath the rim, allowing the tiny, white or bluish-black seeds can disperse.

Origin and Distribution

It is difficult to establish with any certainty just where Papaver somniferum originated or who its genetic parents might have been. But, most researchers now agree that the Mediterranean region of Asia Minor is its most likely ‘original home’.

From this strategically advantageous position, they spread east into Asia, south into North Africa and north into Central Europe. Today, poppies are even found as far north as Britain. Poppies are popular as ornamentals, and breeders have developed dozens of varieties of different colours and flower arrangements.

The Papaver genus comprises about 100 species that occur throughout the temperate regions of the world. Poppies like to grow in association with corn. In early summer, the related Scarlet Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) can often be seen in cornfields and verges. This species is much smaller, has scarlet-red petals and small, elongated seed capsules. Although the Scarlet Poppy has historically also been used medicinally, its action is much milder than that of Papaver somniferum.

Opium Poppies are not native to the New World. But when they appeared on their shores, Eastern tribes adopted their medicinal uses, which they learned from the Europeans.

Image by Peter Kraayvanger from Cultural History

The delicate Poppy flowers are beautiful to behold. Their papery petals gently waft in the summer's breeze - alas, it is a short-lived beauty. Here one day, gone the next. The fleeting splendour only lasts a few days before the petals fall, revealing a bulging seed pod.

The seed pods hold a myriad of tiny poppy seeds, a familiar item of the kitchen larder. We use them as toppings of bread rolls and bagels, or as cake fillings. Less commonly available is the delicately nutty seed oil, highly esteemed in gourmet cuisines.

But poppy has a secret power, and it flows within its fleshy stems, leaves and unripe seed capsules: its milky latex.

When it oxidizes and dries, the latex turns brown and becomes what the Ancients knew as 'opion'. This substance has been used for thousands of years. In the days of blood and gore, opion was a god-sent pain-reliever. Even today, the most effective pain relievers are still predominantly based on it.

Thanks to its potent analgesic and hypnotic properties, Opium relieves not only physical but also emotional pain. But woe to those who are seduced by it. Taken too regularly, it entraps the body and chains the mind to addiction, causing delusion, apathy, and even death.

Yet, in the words of Paracelsus:

"What is there that is not poison? All things are poison, and nothing is without poison. Solely the dose determines that a thing is not a poison.”

Our age-old relationship with poppies proves the point. Throughout history, it has brought great relief but also suffering and death.

 

Historical record

Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have used poppies since pre-historic times. Archaeobotanists have found charred remains of poppies and opium at Neolithic settlements, burial sites and even in the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs. The latter were even decorated with paintings of Opium Poppy, Mandrake and Blue Water Lily - all considered magical plants connected to the underworld gods.

The earliest written record was found in Sumer and dates back to about 2000 B.C. It refers to poppies as 'Hul Gil' - the Herb of Joy. From Sumer, the knowledge and use of poppies spread throughout the Middle East to Babylonia, Assyria and Egypt, Persia and Greece.

They are mentioned in the famous Egyptian Eber's Papyrus (1500 B.C.), which recommends them as a remedy to calm incessantly crying babies. Remarkably, this use has persisted until the beginning of the 20th century in parts of North Africa and Europe. It certainly kept children quiet, but it also reduced their natural curiosity, thus dimming their wits.

From Hippocrates to Avicenna, Dioscorides and Galen - all the ancient medical texts mention opium as an effective painkiller and sedative.

Dioscorides offers a detailed description of how to obtain the latex:

"Those who wish to obtain the sap (of the Poppy) must go after the dew has dried, and draw their knife around the star in such a manner as not to penetrate the inside of the capsule, and also make straight incisions down the sides. Then with your finger wipe the extruding tear into a shell. When you return to it not long after, you will find the sap thickened, and the next day you will find it much the same. Pound the sap in your mortar and roll the mass into pills."

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Image by Andy Faeth from Mythology

Poppies were considered sacred to Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, and they guarded the entrance to his drowsy realm. Hypnos is often depicted holding the seed capsules in his hands and adorning his head. He brought prophetic dreams and soothed emotional pain with forgetfulness.

At the temple of Aesclepius on the Greek island of Cos, poppies were used in a kind of sleep therapy. Aesclepius is a god of healing, but the only medicine he prescribed was a potent brew of opium and other herbs, while the therapeutic recommendations were revealed directly to the patients via visionary dreams.

The Romans identified Hypnos with their god of sleep, 'Somnus', who lent his name to poppies scientific nomenclature. 'Somniferus' comes from the Latin 'somnus ferre', - bringer of sleep.

Poppies had a strong association with the gods of the Underworld. In Greek mythology, they were sacred to Thanatos or Hades, the Lord of the Underworld, and ruler of the realm of the dead. Excessive doses of opium can bring eternal sleep.

But they were also sacred to Demeter, the Earth-Goddess, who taught humankind the art of agriculture and particularly the cultivation of grains such as wheat and barley. Demeter was, of course, inconsolable when Hades abducted her daughter Persephone. Only poppies managed to soothe her pain. Poppies love mingling among the cornfields, and their bulging seed pods, containing an abundance of tiny seeds, serve as a perfect symbol of fertility.

Some scholars believe that opium was a chief ingredient of the secret ritual drink served at the Elysian Mystery rites. Unfortunately, the recipe ranks among the best-kept secrets of the ancient world, so we will never know for sure.

Mythology tells us that poppies sprang from Aphrodite's tears as she mourned the loss of her lover, Adonis. In ancient times, her birthplace, the island of Cyprus, was a major centre of poppy cultivation and trade.

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Folk Magic

Poppy's association with the goddess of love is also reflected in its relaxing aphrodisiac properties. Opium was very popular in folkloristic love magic. During the Middle Ages, it was the ingredient of choice for love charms, philtres and potions. Poppies were also tasked with predicting the fortunes of lovers. To learn the identity of a future spouse or divine the outcome of a love affair, the inquirer would write his question on a piece of parchment and place it inside a poppy seed capsule. The seed pod was then placed under the pillow until a prophetic dream would reveal all.

Naturally, love associates with fertility. The belly-like seed pod full of seeds makes an apt symbol not just of fertility, but also of prosperity. On New Year's Eve, giving gifts of poppy sweetbread served as tokens of prosperity blessings, while the seed capsules were used as a fertility charm.

Invisibility was also considered one of the poppy's magic powers. For this purpose, it was included in a magic potion. This use is probably linked to the myth of Persephone. It is believed that Hades' wore a cap of invisibility that resembled a poppy seed pod when he abducted Persephone.

Yet, poppy seeds are also said to be anti-demonic. If one found such nasty creatures hard on one's heels, all one had to do to get rid of them was to toss some poppy seeds in their direction. Apparently, demons and vampires are compelled to count everything. A handful of scattered poppy seeds would keep them busy long enough to allow you to escape.

opium as a pharmaceutical drug
Image by vaidosa from Pixabay

From traditional herbal medicine to potent pharmaceutical drug and addiction

 

Opium was widely used in the ancient world, but it was Andromachos, the personal physician of Emperor Nero, who popularized it. One day, Nero challenged Andromachos to create a true panacea, a remedy that would ease all pain and diseases. The physician came up with a potent potion consisting of about sixty different plants and substances, including opium, which he called 'Theriak'. Later, Galen refined the brew and renamed it Galene. It became so popular throughout Europe that it rose to the status of a miracle cure. But the potion was expensive, and some ingredients were difficult to obtain, which led to adulteration.

During the Middle Ages, medicine became 'heroic' - in other words, unsympathetic, and patients were expected to simply bear their pain. The use of opium as a painkiller declined. But eventually, Paracelsus revived it by creating a stripped-down version of the original Theriak recipe, which proved extremely effective and soon surpassed even the success of the original. He compounded his concoction into pill form and called it 'Laudanum Paracelsi'.

 

 

Laudanum

He had managed to make his painkiller even more effective by the simple addition of lemon juice. The acid subtly changes opium's chemistry and enhances its anodyne action. For a long time, Laudanum was a celebrated panacea, believed to be effective for every ailment except leprosy.

The somewhat hyperbolic reputation meant that it was often in short supply. But it also pricked scientific curiosity and inspired numerous experiments. It even gave rise to the groundbreaking invention of the hypodermic needle. In 1656, Sir Christopher Wren first employed a syringe to prove the theory of blood circulation. He injected a dog's hind leg with a solution of opium, and sure enough, the drug rapidly took effect over the dog's entire body.

In 1680, the English Doctor Thomas Sydenham revised Paracelsus' potion once again. His aim was to purify the raw drug and rid it of impurities that seemed to cause 'sickness' when taken in large quantities. He added sherry wine, saffron, cinnamon and cloves to Paracelsus' Laudanum and renamed it 'Sydenham's Laudanum'. It was no more effective than the original, but it kicked off a new wave of enthusiasm for opium-based products. Soon every chemist seemed to market their own blend. Venice Treacle, Mithridate, London Laudanum and Dr Bate's Pacific Pills all became popular household names. But the available raw opium could barely keep up with the demand.

Laudanum was as popular as aspirin is today. Physicians routinely prescribed twice-weekly preventative dosing. Alas, sometimes too much of a good thing proves, well..., too much.

 

 

Overprescription and Addiction

It was at this time that overprescription led to the first cases of serious opium addiction. The problem was compounded by the fact that Laudanum was even overprescribed for children. But the problem with an addictive substance such as opium is that frequent dosing increases the body's resistance, and larger amounts are required to get the same results.

In 1700, Dr John Jones published a book called 'The Mysteries of Opium Revealed'. In the course of about 400 pages, he extolled the properties of opium. Describing its uses and effects, he also reported on its pleasant side effects and symptoms of addiction. Although his work was clearly biased and likely to have been influenced by his own intimate relationship with the subject, it did contain a grain of genius. Jones was the first to intuit that opium actually imitated substances that are already present in the body. But it took another 275 years before scientists discovered these substances, which subsequently became known as endorphins.

 

 

Morphine

Debate and experimentation continued. In 1799, Friedrich Sertürner, a young German pharmacist's apprentice, observed that the effects of opium seemed to vary considerably from batch to batch. He became convinced that this must be due to the varying presence of an active constituent in the raw opium. After only four years of experimentation, he managed to isolate such a substance. In allusion to the Greek god of sleep, he called 'morphine'. But he wrongly believed that this purified compound was free of the unpleasant characteristics of opium. He had assumed that morphine was safer because only a tiny amount of it was necessary to induce far stronger effects than those of raw opium. But neither he nor anyone else at the time realized that it was also far more addictive. Soon, several pharmaceutical companies started to churn out morphine by the boatload. At the same time, Wren's earlier invention for injecting opium was perfected and morphed into what we now know as the hypodermic syringe. The improvement was celebrated as a great success, since the administration of morphine via a syringe tripled its efficacy.

The story of opium epitomizes the risk of relying on science to solve all our problems. Sometimes the solution to one problem engenders new ones that we only fully grasp much later.

(The history of poppy also has a very interesting, dark and thought-provoking political aspect, which, however, is beyond the scope of this article. Those interested in this plant and its impact on world history should read up on the opium wars - the consequences of which still linger.

Almond, Sweet – (Prunus dulcis)

by | Mar 29, 2025 | Plant Profiles

Almond, Sweet – (Prunus dulcis)

Image by RÜŞTÜ BOZKUŞ from Pixabay

Sweet Almond Tree (Prunus dulcis) - Botanical Profile, History, Benefits & Uses

Early in the year, around Valentine’s Day, almond trees sense the approaching spring and burst into bloom. Their graceful branches become adorned with a profusion of delicate pinkish-white flowers with dark centres—an enchanting display of nature’s divine grace.

Almond Blossom painting

Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay

Almonds in their shell, ripening on the tree

Image by Fernando Espí from Pixabay

Sweet Almond Tree – Habitat, Distribution and Climate

Sweet almond trees are native to the arid mountains of Central and Southwest Asia, ranging from the Tien Shan Mountains in western China to Turkestan, Kurdistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq—regions where wild relatives still grow.

They thrive in semi-arid Mediterranean climates with mild, moist winters and hot summers. The trees start to produce their velvety fruits within 3 to 6 years. (Gorawala, 2022)

Botanical Description

The sweet almond tree is a slow-growing, deciduous tree in the Prunus genus, closely related to apricots, peaches, and plums.

The trees can reach a height of 3-5 m. Their leaves resemble peach leaves: elongated, lanceolate and slightly serrated. The flowers, which in the warmer regions of the Mediterranean Basin can appear as early as the end of January, are delicate and beautiful 5-petaled pinkish-white blossoms with a darker centre and a splatter of stamens. Almond trees are self-incompatible and rely on honeybees for fertilisation. (Almond | Definition, Cultivation, Types, Nutrition, Uses, Nut, & Facts | Britannica, 2025)

Like its relatives, it produces a fruit containing a hard, woody stone that protects an oil-rich kernel. But unlike those fruity relatives, the endocarp or fleshy part is woody and offers no nourishment. The edible part is only the embryonic seed itself. The trees begin producing velvety fruits within 3 to 6 years. As the seeds mature, the outer skin splits open, exposing the woody ’nut’ inside. Technically, the almonds are drupes rather than true nuts. (Gorawala, 2022) Interestingly, the kernels of wild almond trees—and those of their botanical cousins—contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside that is highly toxic. (Jaszczak-Wilke et al., 2021)

The mystery of how sweet almonds were domesticated and lost this deadly poison remains unsolved.

Almonds’ Ancient Origin

Archaeological evidence suggests almonds were cultivated in the Middle East as early as the Bronze Age, but their importance as a major food source dates much further back in time. Remains of nut shells near pitted hammers and anvils found at Gesher Benot Ya’aqov (Israel) dated to the Pleistocene Era (780 000 b.c.e.) include the shells of wild almonds. But domesticated almonds are not recorded before the late Bronze Age (3000-2000 b.c.e.), at the dawn of agriculture in the Near East.

Almonds were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun (1325 b.c.e) and at Deir-el-Medina, a workmen’s village and home of the artisans involved in building the tombs in the Valley of the Kings during the 18th-20th Dynasties of the New Kingdom of Egypt (1550-1080 b.c.e.). Other significant archaeological sites that have yielded prehistoric remains of almonds are found in Crete: at the Neolithic level, underneath the palace at Knossos, and in the storerooms at Hagia Triada, a site associated with the Minoan culture that thrived during the Bronze Age.

Almonds in Biblical Times

When the Arabs conquered North Africa, they introduced Almonds to Tunisia and Morocco and Greek and Arab traders spread them throughout the Mediterranean along ancient trade routes. (Casas-Agustench et al., 2011)

Almonds and their precious oil were well-known in classical Greek and Roman times, long before the Christian era.

The Bible frequently refers to almonds and notes that they are one of the best fruit trees of the land of Canaan. Almonds, known as ‘shakad’ in Hebrew, carry great cultural and spiritual significance in the Jewish tradition. (Grieve, 1998)

‘Shaka’ means to wake, watch and be alert and vigilant. (Šāqaḏ Meaning – Hebrew Lexicon | Old Testament (KJV), n.d.) Twigs of almond blossom are still used to adorn the synagogues at important festivals. According to Mrs. Grieves, Aaron’s rod was an almond twig, and the nuts were chosen to decorate the golden candlestick used in the tabernacle. (Grieve, 1998)

Almonds from Roman Times to the Middle Ages

Almonds spread to northern Europe and even to the British Isles very early on, probably with the Romans, but were not cultivated there until the 16th century. (Grieve, 1998). They became an important item of trade in Europe and feature strongly in medieval recipes. In 1372, the Queen of France, Jeanne d’Evreux, was reported to have a hoard of 500 lb. of almonds in her storage. (Grieve, 1998)

By the Middle Ages, almonds and even almond milk were hugely popular, not just in southern Europe, where almonds grow, but all over Europe and the UK. Despite their high price tag, they feature in dozens of recipes. Even almond milk, far from being a modern invention, was probably invented in the context of religious taboos at Lent, when animal products were banned from the table.

At any rate, animal milk was reserved for children and for making cheese, so almond butter and milk readily replaced the dairy option – judging by the prolific mentions in medieval cookbooks. (Clarke, 500)

Almonds Spread to the Americas

Almonds were introduced to the Americas by Spanish Franciscan monks, first in Mexico and later to California, between 1769 and 1823. But when they abandoned their mission, the almond orchards died. The venture was revived in 1854, soon after California became a state of the Union. It did not take long for growers to learn about the specific needs of this valuable crop. Californian almonds are practically all descendants of the French varieties, Nonpareil, Non Plus Ultra and IXL and are grown successfully in the Central Valley. (History Of Almond Production, n.d.)

Almond orchard in flower

Image by Maria Teresa Martínez from Pixabay

Almonds as a Commercial Crop and its Environmental Implications

Today, the leading almond-producing countries include the United States, China, Australia, Spain, and other Mediterranean regions. (Gorawala, 2022)

Commercial almond production is big business. Vast orchards cover thousands of hectares of almond trees. Because of climate change, prolonged droughts and pressure on water resources production have become challenging, making trees more vulnerable to pests, which increases the need for pesticides and herbicides, harming not only their intended victims but also the honey bees needed to pollinate the flowers. Of course, it does not stop there but continues through the food chain, affecting all insect-eating animals, especially birds. Last but not least, farmworkers, exposed to the Agro-poisons, and the local population, are affected not only by direct exposure but also via the groundwater, where herbicides and pesticides inevitably end up. Bees, stressed by Agro-chemicals and transport conditions (they are often ferried across the country for thousands of miles), are succumbing to colony collapse syndrome (CCD), a potentially existential threat to both, bees and their keepers (almost 3 million hives are rented to pollinate the Californian orchards alone). And, since almond trees are self-incompatible, they depend on bees for their survival, too.(Almond | Definition, Cultivation, Types, Nutrition, Uses, Nut, & Facts | Britannica, 2025), (An Unhealthy Alliance between Almonds and Honeybees, 2019)

 

Modern Research and Alternative Cultivation Models

Agricultural research teams are working to develop hybrids that are not dependent on bees, but these new varieties are not yet ready for commercialisation.

Traditional orchards in Europe and the Middle East are much smaller and family-owned. Harvest is frequently still done by hand. The commercial operations of the Agro-industry employ mechanical nut shakers to speed up the harvest. (Almond | Definition, Cultivation, Types, Nutrition, Uses, Nut, & Facts | Britannica, 2025)

There is a shadow side to almonds’ popularity. With the recent trend to replace dairy milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, the pressure on the environment has risen exponentially. Almond milk is not an animal product, but it is not cruelty-free. Almond cultivation relies on honeybees for pollination. Commercially grown, non-organic almonds and their derivative products, such as almond milk, butter, marzipan and almond flour, are not sustainable choices.

Almonds in Regenerative Agricultural

There is hope. Some growers are adopting regenerative practices to lessen the industry’s environmental impact. They report higher yields while using fewer resources, an increase in organic matter, improved soil health and structure, and reduced water consumption. The results are healthier trees producing more resilient nuts – and happy bees.

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jrWp9SxYU4

Almond Nutrient Composition:

  • C16:0 Palmitic acid (5-9%)
  • C18:0 Stearic acid (1-3%)
  • C18:1 Oleic acid (48-88%)
  • C18:2 Linoleic acid (11-33%)

Key Nutrients: Vitamin E, K, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc

(Gorawala, 2022)

Almond Oil

Image by Rabbixel from Pixabay

Sweet Almond Nutritional Profile – Vitamins, Minerals and Health Benefits

Hippocrates (460-370 b.c.e.), the ‘father of medicine’, recorded the properties of Almonds in the ‘Corpus Hippocraticum’, describing them as ‘burning, but nutritious’. The Ancient Greeks used a categorisation system similar to the Ayurvedic teachings, the ‘humoural system’ that classified substances according to their essential nature and the elements. In this system, oily substances were regarded as fiery, hot and dry.

Ayurveda and Unani Medicine

In Ayurveda and Unani medicine, almonds are highly valued for their health benefits. They are believed to enhance brain function, improve skin health, and boost overall vitality, mirroring the cultural significance of almonds as symbols of wellness and nourishment.

Hildgegard von Bingen

Hildegard von Bingen also praised almonds highly. She suggested that those with a bad skin complexion and an ‘empty head’ would benefit from eating almonds regularly. (Hertzka & Strehlow, 2002)

Almonds are indeed highly beneficial. They contain many micro- and macronutrients, essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that despite their rich oil content of about 50%, they can modulate serum glucose, lipid and uric acid levels. They help to regulate body weight and protect against diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Recent research also shows that almonds have a prebiotic effect, supporting beneficial gut-flora and protecting the digestive system against diseases like IBS. (Barreca et al., 2020)

 

Fresh almonds at the market

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

Almond Cuisine: Sweet and Savoury Dishes

Almonds are a delicious and healthy nuts, partly because of their nutrient-rich oil. The highly beneficial polyphenols, associated with almond’s prebiotic effect, are found in the skin. It is better not to blanch the almonds for maximum benefit, but it depends on the dish. Sometimes a finer texture is preferred. Almond skins are sometimes used as fibre in supplements or food additives.

 

Almond oil is relatively stable, and stored properly, it keeps for about one year. Organic almond oil is edible and very nutritious. The nuts themselves deliver additional benefits. They can be eaten raw, roasted or enjoyed as a creamy spread known as almond butter.

 

As we have seen, almond milk and butter were invented in the Middle Ages. Such products are currently experiencing a major renaissance, especially in the whole food sector. But apart from the recent almond milk revival, the nuts themselves are highly versatile and can be used in both, sweet and savoury dishes.

Sweet Almond dishes

Countless cakes, tarts, biscuits and puddings are made with almonds – but most importantly, they are the key ingredient in marzipan. Simple, but delicious, sugar or chocolate-coated almonds or candied almonds are traditional Christmas treats. In Mediterranean countries, almonds feature most prominently in Easter baking. Colomba di Pasqua is a traditional Italian Easter cake featuring almonds, and pastries known as Jesuits or Jesuits’ hats, triangular flaky puff pastry filled with frangipane and topped with flaked almonds, is popular in France. In India, Badam Kulfi, a type of ice cream, is made with condensed milk and almonds.

 

Savoury Almond dishes

Flaked almonds are used for decoration, but entire nuts or ground nuts are often incorporated as a more substantive ingredient. They are often included in Kormas (Indian and Pakistani cuisine), or can be part of the nut mixture of nut loaves in vegetarian cooking. Hickory smoked or roasted almonds make a healthy and nutritious snack and almond flour can be used in baking as a gluten-free alternative, to thicken sauces and stews. But, because almonds do not contain gluten, they cannot simply be exchanged 1:1 for regular wheat flour.

In Andalucia, Ajoblanco, a cold soup made with ground almonds, left-over bread, garlic, water and olive oil is a popular dish in the summer. Almond meal (more unblanched, coarsely ground almonds) makes an excellent alternative to bread crumbs or can be used in a half-and-half blend.

There are hundreds of recipes out there. A selection will be posted in recipe section of sacredearth.com soon.

 

Caution:

People susceptible to nut allergies should abstain from almonds and almond products. If you are allergic to peaches, you are more likely to react to almonds. Cross-reactivity with other tree nuts is also common. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can even be fatal. Pollen allergy is only an issue in almond-producing regions. (Almond Allergy, n.d.)

 

Mould is a risk, since almonds can be attacked by aflatoxin-producing moulds, which are highly toxic and considered a potent carcinogen implicated in causing liver cancer. The EU has strict food testing standards and tests shipments of almonds both within the Union and from abroad.

(Aflatoxins in Food | EFSA, 2021)

Almond Oil  – Extraction Method Matters

Almond oil is edible, but only food-grade organic almond oil is recommended for culinary uses. Most conventional almond oil is extracted using solvents like hexane, removing much of its nutritional and therapeutic value. In contrast, organic, virgin cold-pressed almond oil is rich in essential nutrients, but this method produces lower yields, making it more expensive. (Roncero et al., 2016)

 

Butter cake
Image by Silvia from Pixabay
Candied almonds
Image by Silvia from Pixabay
Almond biscotti
Image by Jason Goh from Pixabay

Cosmetic Properties

Almond oil is a prized ingredient in natural cosmetics due to its:

  • Light texture
  • High stability from monounsaturated oleic acid
  • Smooth application with good slippage
  • Suitability for sensitive skin around the eyes

 

Almond Oil Uses – Skin, Hair Care and Therapeutic Applications

Nutrient-rich Almond oil is widely used in skin care preparations and as a base oil for therapeutic massages. Rich in vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and zinc, it nourishes the skin and prevents damage caused by free radicals. Almond oil is recommended for sensitive and mature skin.

Pure, unrefined cold-pressed almond oil has a fine texture and a subtle, nutty fragrance. While relatively light, it does not immediately absorb into the skin, making it an excellent choice for massage oils. Its high proportion of monounsaturated oleic acid ensures oxidation resistance when stored properly. (Kusmirek, 2002)

Almond Oil Benefits and Uses

Traditional medical systems in China, India, Greece, and Persia valued almond oil for its remarkable moisturising and skin-care properties. It has been used to:

  • Prevent scarring
  • Soothe sun-damaged skin
  • Smooth mature skin
  • Reduce puffiness and wrinkles around the eyes
  • Relieve itching
  • Treat irritable skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry, flaky skin (Ahmad, 2010)

Natural Body Care Applications

Almond oil’s soothing and emollient qualities make it suitable for all skin types. It is among the most widely used and sought-after base oils for natural cosmetics. Mixed with oat bran or ground almonds, it creates a nourishing and cleansing body scrub. (Bly, 2019) Additionally, it is a valuable additive in soap-making, contributing to a creamy, nourishing lather. Other uses include:

 

    • Body lotions and night creams
    • Skin-repair formulation
    • Soothing anti-inflammatory ointments
    • Body butters and lip balms
    • Hair-repair oil treatments
    • After-sun care lotions
    • Aromatherapy massage blends (Kusmirek, 2002)

 

Almond Tree in Flower

Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay

Mythology

The beautiful, endearing almond tree features in many ancient stories, folklore and mythology, especially in Southern Europe and the Levant. It symbolises rebirth at the awakening of spring, undying hope, abundance, generosity, beauty, love, devotion, and inspiration. (Altman, 2000) In Greek mythology, the almond tree is associated with Jupiter and Gaia, Agdistis and Attis (Atsma, 2000) and is also linked to the tragic story of Phyllis and Demophon. 

References

  • Aflatoxins in food | EFSA. (2021, December 21). https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/aflatoxins-food
  • Ahmad, Z. (2010). The uses and properties of almond oil. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 16(1), 10–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.06.015
  • Almond | Definition, Cultivation, Types, Nutrition, Uses, Nut, & Facts | Britannica. (2025, February 24). https://www.britannica.com/plant/almond
  • Almond Allergy. (n.d.). Retrieved 4 March 2025, from https://www.food-info.net/uk/intol/almond.htm
  • Altman, N. (2000). Sacred trees: Spirituality, wisdom & well-being. Sterling Pub.
  • An unhealthy alliance between almonds and honeybees. (2019, June 20). Food and Environment Reporting Network. https://thefern.org/2019/06/an-unhealthy-alliance-between-almonds-and-honeybees/
  • Barreca, D., Nabavi, S. M., Sureda, A., Rasekhian, M., Raciti, R., Silva, A. S., Annunziata, G., Arnone, A., Tenore, G. C., Süntar, İ., & Mandalari, G. (2020). Almonds (Prunus Dulcis Mill. D. A. Webb): A Source of Nutrients and Health-Promoting Compounds. Nutrients, 12(3), 672. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030672
  • Casas-Agustench, P., Salas-Huetos, A., & Salas-Salvadó, J. (2011). Mediterranean nuts: Origins, ancient medicinal benefits and symbolism. Public Health Nutrition, 14(12A), 2296–2301. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980011002540
  • Clarke, J. (500, 49:00). In the Middle Ages, the Upper Class Went Nuts for Almond Milk. Atlas Obscura. http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/almond-milk-obsession-origins-middle-ages
  • Gorawala, P. (2022). Agricultural Research Updates. Volume 40 (1st ed). Nova Science Publishers, Incorporated.
  • Grieve, M. (1998). A modern herbal: The medicinal, culinary, cosmetic and economic properties, cultivation and folklore of herbs, grasses, fungi, shrubs & trees, with all their modern scientific uses. Tiger Books internat.
  • Hertzka, G., & Strehlow, W. (2002). Die Küchengeheimnisse der Hildegard-Medizin: Ratschläge und Erkenntnisse der heiligen Hildegard von Bingen über die Heilkraft unserer Nahrungsmittel (12. Aufl). Bauer.
  • History Of Almond Production. (n.d.). Retrieved 3 March 2025, from https://wholesalenutsanddriedfruit.com/history-of-almond-production/
  • Jaszczak-Wilke, E., Polkowska, Ż., Koprowski, M., Owsianik, K., Mitchell, A. E., & Bałczewski, P. (2021). Amygdalin: Toxicity, Anticancer Activity and Analytical Procedures for Its Determination in Plant Seeds. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(8), 2253. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26082253
  • Kusmirek, J. (2002). Liquid Sunshine—Vegetable Oils for Aromatherapy. Floramicus.
  • šāqaḏ Meaning—Hebrew Lexicon | Old Testament (KJV). (n.d.). Retrieved 3 March 2025, from https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/hebrew/kjv/shaqad.html
Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis

by | Feb 1, 2025 | Plant Profiles

Most of us know this woody, aromatic bush as a culinary herb, but in fact, Rosemary is so much more than that. It has some quite remarkable properties that are well worth remembering.

As a kitchen herb, Rosemary is an old stand-by: Rosemary potatoes, Rosemary chicken, Rosemary salt, Rosemary lamb, or Rosemary fish are all familiar menu items.  The needle-like leaves have a highly aromatic, somewhat medicinal scent. The flavour is distinctive, somewhat bitter, and resinous, which perfectly complements fatty foods. It ‘cuts through’ the grease. This is why it is used to flavor greasy meat and fish dishes and to aid digestion. Rosemary acts as a token apology to the liver.

Rosemary, which has long been known as Rosmarinus officinalis, was recently assigned to the Genus ‘Salvia’. That means, it is botanically grouped with the sages. However, the old name is still acceptable, but keep the name change in mind to avoid confusion.

Although it is an herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), its thin, spiky leaves lend it the appearance of some kind of dwarf conifer. Rosemary is at home in the semi-arid climate zone of the Mediterranean coastal region. It commonly grows in the garrigue, the shrubland that covers the lower hills. Its scientific name – ‘rosmarinus’ means ‘Dew of the Sea’. It indicates that this herb likes to be ‘kissed’ by the salty mist coming in from the sea. Others have suggested that the name perhaps alludes to the light blue flowers. A bush that is profusely covered in flowers has the appearance of sea foam on the crest of a wave. Thus, Rosemary has also been linked to the Greek Goddess Aphrodite, who was born from the foam of the sea.

In the Mediterranean, it is one of the earliest flowers to appear in the New Year. Its pale blue flowers blush the wild coastal hillsides, spreading an aromatic scent that awakens the sleepy bees. Rich in nectar, Rosemary is one of their first sources of nourishment. The highly aromatic Rosemary honey is sold at local markets as a highly prized regional specialty.

Rosemary’s intense fragrance and aromatic flavor are due to essential oils, which are obtained not from the flowers, but from the needle-like leaves. As a key ingredient of the ever-useful herb blend known as  ‘Herbes de Provençe’ it is a quintessential item on the herb shelf.

Rosemary bush

Medicinal uses of Rosemary

This essential oil is also responsible for its medicinal properties. Rosemary oil stimulates blood circulation, particularly to the head. It has a beneficial effect on memory. In herbal lore, this property is associated with the remembrance of loved ones, and friends, and those who have recently passed away.

Rosemary’s bitter principle aids digestion. It ‘warms’ the stomach and stimulates the liver and gallbladder. It helps the body to break down fats and improve digestion.

It also shows anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Externally, a Rosemary infusion can be used to cleanse badly healing wounds.

Cooking with Rosemary

Rosemary goes great with roasts – whether you are roasting a goose, lamb chops, or a pan full of root vegetables, a sprig of rosemary transforms the dish and adds a complex, slightly bitter and highly aromatic flavor.

Purification

Rosemary has also long been used as incense, particularly in combination with Juniper berries. This tradition has continued into modern times. It is still sometimes used to fumigate and purify the air in a patient’s room. It is also popular as a cleansing aromatic that is used in sauna infusions, or to scent bath oils and soaps.

Restorative

Rosemary’ is a tonic and restorative. Its stimulating action on the blood circulation and coronary function and can restore vitality and strength to convalescents or feeble children. In the past it was also used as an aphrodisiac that had the reputation to restore a dwindling manhood. Recent research has shown that Rosemary contains

Cosmetics

Rosemary can be added to home-made shampoos or hair rinses. It will stimulate the follicles and promote hair growth. In the ‘still room,’ its essence would have been added to skin tonics, lotions, and oils.

Rosemary Hair Rinse

The simplest way to let your hair benefit from the tonic power of Rosemary is to simply make a strong infusion of 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary leaves to 500 ml of water – infuse with boiling water and steep until it has cooled down, strain and massage into the scalp. Leave it for a few minutes, then rinse it out. It is best when prepared fresh, but it will keep for a few days in the fridge.

Rosemary Shampoo

Unscented shampoo bases are readily available at many stores these days. Get one you like and add a few drops of Rosemary Essential Oil to it.

Recommended for brown or dark hair as it will naturally darken the hair over time.

Plant Profile: St. John’s Wort

Plant Profile: St. John’s Wort

by | Jun 20, 2024 | Plant Profiles

Hypericum perforatum (Clusiaceae)

St John’s Wort is the kind of herb that gladdens the heart just by looking at it. Many magical and medicinal properties have been ascribed to it and even its name alludes to certain divine connotations: it was named in honour of St. John, the Baptist, whose saints’ day is on June 23rd. He presides over the Christianised version of the Midsummer Feast, the most important feast day of the ancient pastoral calendar. Yet, it is often considered a noxious weed, particularly in agricultural circles. Let’s take a closer look.

Description:

St. John’s Wort is a perennial herbaceous plant that can reach a height of up to 2ft. The stem bears two raised lines along their length and branches in the upper parts. Numerous translucent dots cover the ovate to linear leaves. These are oil glands that store essential oil. The margins are entire and show tiny black dots around the edges. These oil glands produce the red oil. The five-petaled, yellow flowers look like little stars or suns. Clusters of flowers bloom from June to September. The tiny seeds are borne in capsules. St John’s Wort tastes balsamic, aromatic and slightly bitter. Squish the flower-buds between your fingers to verify its identity. St. John’s Wort, when pressed, stains red. 

Habitat:

St. John’s Wort grows throughout Central Europe and the British Isles. Its habitats are verges, meadows, hedgerows, wood clearings, and waste places. It has become naturalised in many parts of the US, where it is regarded as a noxious weed.

HISTORY

The Doctrine of signatures assigns this herb to the Sun, not only because its flowers look so sunny, but also because its flowering-  and gathering season coincides with the zenith of the Sun at Midsummer. At this time, its potency is at its peak. The reddish oil has been associated with blood, the sacred juice of life. Saint John’s Wort has long been revered as a magical herb that was said to ward off all kinds of witches and devils, and was even often offered as a Midsummer sacrifice to ensure the continuity of life.

Some sprigs were cast on the solstice bonfires, others were blessed and hung above the doorways and into the rafters of stables and barns. This custom was believed to offer protection against the hazards of the burning power of the sun: fires, lightning, and droughts, and to ward off witches and demons.

St John’s Wort enjoyed its greatest glory during the Middle Ages, when it was known as ‘Fuga Daemonium’ and it was deemed a protective force against all evil.

All efforts of the Church to demonise the herb had failed and so it was absorbed into Christian mythology and given to St. John, the Baptist, who’s Saints Day falls on June 24th, right at the height of the herb’s flowering time. The red oil was said to be a reminder of the Saint’s martyrdom.

Many of the old Pagan traditions were absorbed into the new faith but reinterpreted to fit its own mythology: It was probably the only herb to have been used in the Witch trials to identify witches, using talismanic magic:

The formula:

SATOR

AREPO

TENET

OPERA

ROTAS

was written on a piece of paper and placed on a piece of leather along with some St. John’s Wort that had been gathered during the first quarter of the moon. This talisman was supposed to reveal the true identity of a witch, since no witch could disguise her identity in the presence of such a forthright and radiant herb. It had the power to banish all the evil powers. (Just how it did so is not clear).

Today, St. John’s Wort’s magical associations have largely been forgotten. But it continues to play an important role in medical herbalism, especially as a natural anti-depressant. But not all consider it benevolent. In the US, it is considered a noxious weed that is dangerous to cattle. The allegations are that its photosensitising properties are hazardous to humans and cattle alike.  

St. Johns Wort is indeed photosensitising. It is most likely to harm grazing animals that may consume large amounts of it while being exposed to intense heat without access to sheltering shade. This problem is severe in the overgrazed southwestern parts of the US. Internal use of St. John’s Wort herb rarely poses this threat to humans, (although it is conceivable). It is therefore recommended to avoid St. John’s Wort if one spends a lot of time in the sun or in the solarium.

Caution is also advised when using it in the treatment of depression. St. John’s Wort affects the serum-levels of the Neurotransmitter Serotonin, which may produce negative effects when used with other anti-depressant drugs that also affect the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Finally, St John’s Wort is a powerful liver cleanser. It cleanses the liver eliminates all kinds of toxins – including pharmaceutical drugs and birth control pills, rendering them useless. Thus, it is always advised to consult with a qualified practitioner who can advise you on any drug interactions or other ill-effects, before attempting to use St. John’s Wort medicinally.

Medicinal Uses

PARTS USED: Aerial parts, collect when in flower, for the oil usually only the flowering tops are used

CONSTITUENTS: Essential oil – caryophyllene, methyl-2-octane, n-nonane, n-octanal, n-decanal, a-and b pinene, traces of limonene and myrcene, hypericin (photosensitizing), hyperforin, Glycosides (rutin), tannin, resin, pectin

ACTIONS: Antidepressant, sedative, nervine, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, astringent, vulnerary, diuretic

MEDICINAL USES:

Internal Use:

St. John’s Wort is a tonic for the whole body:  a gentle cleansing remedy that improves overall function and tones the vital organ systems. It improves and regulates the metabolism and tones the stomach, liver, and kidneys, thus helping the body to clear out toxins. Internally, a small amount of the oil or, better still, the expressed juice, taken on an empty stomach, has been used for treating stomach ulcers and gastritis. Freshly pressed St. John’s Wort juice also has a history of use as an astringent to stop internal bleeding, spitting of blood, and (bloody) diarrhoea.

St John’s Wort is also an excellent nervine. Its calming and sedative properties soothe the nerves, headaches and migraines and alleviate anxiety, melancholy, and irritability, especially during menopause, or PMT. Old herbals also recommend it for ‘shaking and twitching’ (Parkinson? Epilepsy?). It is considered a specific for curing bed-wetting in children, especially when caused by anxiety. For this purpose, 1 tablespoon of the infusion, given at bedtime, is said to suffice.  As a diuretic, St. John’s Wort assists the kidneys to flush waste materials and toxins from the body. The tea is effective for indigestion, stomach catarrh, and as a vermifuge. For therapeutic purposes, it is best to use the fresh herb or tincture, as the dried herb has lost much of its potency.

External Use:

In the past, the external use of St. John’s Wort was much more common. It was cherished as an excellent wound healer that could cleanse the wound and ‘knit the skin together’. It was applied to wounds and cuts, bruises, varicose veins, and burns. For this purpose, the expressed juice, or a compress made from the fresh, bruised herb was used. Modern herbalists prefer a diluted tincture. Tabernaemontana reports that the powdered dried herb can be strewn directly into ‘foul’ wounds to clean and heal them. In his days, midwives also used the herb as a fumigant to help women who encountered severe problems with their pregnancies or during childbirth.

St. John’s Wort Oil

Traditionally, the flowers were steeped in Poppy seed oil to produce a bright red oil. However, since Poppy Seed oil has become very hard to find, Olive oil can be substituted. After gathering the fresh tops, spread them out on a baking sheet and let them wilt for a few days. This will evaporate most of their water content. Fill a jar with the wilted flowering tops and cover with oil. Macerate for 4 weeks in full sun. Strain the oil, repeat the process using the same oil but adding fresh flowers. This oil is used for treating sunburn, other mild burns, neuralgia, sciatica, and rheumatic pain, as well as sprains and strains, cuts, wounds, as well as muscle aches and nerve pains. It is also said to reduce scarring. Tabernaemontana mentions an elaborate recipe for a compound oil, which, among other things, includes various gums and resins, such as frankincense, myrrh, mastic and other herbs, including Plantain leaves, Yarrow and Tormentil, which he claims, will be a superior oil, effective for treating just about any kind wound.

CAUTION:

Since St. John’s Wort contains the photosensitising agent hypericin, avoid direct sunlight after either internal and external use of St. John’s Wort. If you are taking pharmaceutical drugs, especially anti-depressants, consult with a knowledgeable doctor regarding the possibility of negative drug interactions. The efficacy of birth control pills can not be taken for granted if St. John’s Wort is used orally at the same time.

Star of Bethlehem

Star of Bethlehem

by | Jun 1, 2022 | Plant Profiles

Plant Profile: Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

 

Family: Liliacae /allium family

 

I recently took up nature journaling, and when I sat in the garden looking for a suitable motif, I suddenly noticed a Star of Bethlehem growing at my feet. I had seen them in the vineyards many times, but hadn’t noticed them moving in with me. 

Apart from giving them a friendly nod, I had never paid much attention to them. As far as I knew, they were not used for food or medicine; but hang on – didn’t Dr Bach revere this little flower and give it a prime spot as part of his Rescue Remedy formula?

I decided to take a closer look and dropped to my knees to study it in detail. I was immediately smitten by the Star’s sublime beauty and unusual features.

 

What is the Star of Bethlehem?

Star of Bethlehem is a small perennial bulbous plant of the Lily family (Asparagaceae). Its leaves die back even as it begins to flower. After flowering, its energy retreats into the underground bulb. During the ‘dormant’ period, it produces little bulbils that send up their own narrow leaves early in the following spring. The Star of Bethlehem is thermoperiodic, meaning that it needs to go through a period of low temperatures before it begins to flower. 

 

The pretty, star-like flowers appear between April and June. The white petals have a green stripe on the underside that is only visible when the flower is closed. It looks as if the petal has fused with the sepal. But in fact, botanical descriptions of the plant say that the flower is composed of three identical sepals and petals, displayed in a single whorl. It is impossible to tell the difference, so botanists call them tepals. In the centre of the flower is a little crown of what looks like six white petals tipped by the pollen-bearing anthers. They enclose what looks like a little six-pointed star, from which the pistil protrudes.

 

Where does Star of Bethlehem grow?

You can find Star of Bethlehem growing in many places throughout Europe and North Africa. It arrived in the United States as a garden plant, which has naturalized to such an extent that the USDA now considers it a pesky weed.

 

Where did the name ‘Star of Bethlehem’ come from?

The origin of the name is attributed to various stories. The most obvious explanation is its widespread distribution in the Middle East and the Mediterranean Basin. Pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem carried the dried bulbs as food. (But fresh bulbs are reported as poisonous to cattle.) Another myth claims that the flower sprung from fragments of the Star of Bethlehem.

 

Is Star of Bethlehem known by any other names?

 

Indeed, it is, but none as charming. Star of Bethlehem is also known as Sleepy Dick, Nap-at-Noon, and even ‘Dove Dung’. 

Nap-at-Noon alludes to the flower’s habit of ‘going to sleep’ in the afternoon and on cloudy days. The name ‘Dove Dung’ seems a bit insulting, apparently implying that the white ‘splash’ of the Star resembles bird doo-doo. It doesn’t, and in fact, it is not a reference to the supposed likeness. Instead, the name is a literal translation of the Latin name Ornithogalum, which means ‘bird’s milk’, a common euphemism for avian excrement. The species name ‘umbellatum’ refers to the umbel-like flower.

 

Star of Bethlehem flower

 

 

History

Gerard describes it as a type of wild onion and quotes Dioscurides, who mentioned that the bulbs are edible. Both the bulbs and the green parts are sold at markets in Turkey (Central, Bulancak) (1). Yet, they are also many sources that claim it is poisonous. So, what is the scoop?

 

Is Star of Bethlehem poisonous?

Biochemical research confirms that Star of Bethlehem contains cardioactive glycosides that are potentially toxic. But further investigation showed, that they do not survive being subjected to digestive juices, which would explain the controversy. An early study published by Arthur Vogelsang in 1961 notes that the effect of Star of Bethlehem is quite different depending on whether it is taken orally or injected. To test his hypothesis and confirm that the coating prevents the breakdown of the cardio-active compounds in the stomach. He compared Star of Bethlehem with Digitoxin and observed that its extract slowed the heart rate to a lesser degree than digitoxin while increasing the strength of the cardiac contraction and the excretion of body fluid. Star of Bethlehem also caused less nausea. Overall, Star of Bethlehem is a gentle yet highly effective heart drug that can be given to reduce blood pressure, strengthen the pulse and increase the discharge of excess fluid. It is particularly helpful for patients that do not tolerate digitoxin well.

 

Note of Caution:

The specific growing conditions, such as exposure to sunlight, water and soil type, change Star of Bethlehem’s chemical composition.

 

Is Star of Bethlehem used homeopathically?

In Homeopathy, the Star of Bethlehem is known by its Latin name, Ornithogalum umbellatum. It is used to treat persistent gastrointestinal problems, such as upper abdominal pain in the epigastric (central abdominal) region, pressure, malignant tumours of the digestive tract accompanied by depression, and feeling drained and exhausted. It is also indicated for patients suffering from a state of nervous exhaustion with high sensitivity to all types of stimuli.

 

What are the indications for Star of Bethlehem Bach Flower Remedy?

For Dr Bach, Star of Bethlehem was one of the most treasured flower remedies. He used it as a go-to Trauma remedy to buffer the effects of shock, such as unexpected bad news, the sudden loss of a loved one, an accident or other traumatic event. It can also help when facing the pain of past traumata (PTSD). It is one of the essential components of Rescue Remedy.