Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Sneezewort/Nyserøllike

Achillea ptarmica



Sneezewort is a relative of the much commoner Yarrow. It grows in most of northern Europe and in the mountain areas in southern Europe, everywhere connected to light-open habitats in well-drained , but moist soil. It is popular as a herbaceous perrennial in the garden with white flowers in July -September. The plant is poisonous to cattle, sheep, and horses.

Medicine:
The Latin word ptarmi is from Greek ptario (sneeze) meaning that it causes sneezing. Leaves were used as a form of snuff and to cure headaches. Other names for Sneezewort are Sneezeweed, Fair-maid-of-France, Goose Tongue, Wild Tansy etc. In folklore is said that Sneezewort can be used to start a nosebleed and was once used to relieve migraine and stuffy heads, another reason for adding it to the old snuff recipes.

Witchcraft:
In Harry Potter Sneezewort is used together with Scurvy Grass and Lovage in a drink called Confusion Concoction which causes confusion in the drinker - and the plants are described as very effective when it's about infecting the brain and are often used in confusion- and intoxication drinks, where the sourcerer wishes to cause hot temper and recklessness.


photo september 2007: grethe bachmann, Høstemark Skov, Lille Vildmose, North Jutland

2 comments:

Teresa Evangeline said...

It's interesting to read of all the uses for these plants. Eerything we need is really already here.

Thyra said...

Yes, and I sometimes forget to bring some herbs home with me when I'm out. I only use them for snaps! Common Yarrow gives a fine fresh snaps.
Cheers
Grethe