A while back I read an article
about the connection between literature and perfume, which also
included suggestions for ideal perfumes for book lovers. As someone who
has a slight perfume obsession (reigning favourite: Vanilla Extreme by
Comptoir Sud Pacifique), I was intrigued. I especially liked the idea
behind the Imaginary Authors
perfume company, whose scents are based on the fictional exploits of
made-up authors. But if perfume can be designed for fictional authors,
why not design a few for Love Lies Bleeding’s characters?
Since main character Mara works with herbs and
plants, she’s essentially steeped in their scents without needing to
wear perfume. But if I were to create a perfume for her, it would have
strong notes of sweet woodruff (which smells like vanilla and hay),
clover, and lavender flowers, with hints of smoky peat and black tea.
For human Lee, I envision something fresh and
“green.” His scent would be based on cedar, with some kind of
complementary citrus (yuzu, or maybe tangerine), and the subtlest
undertones of honey and lavender leaves.
Lastly, I think a scent heavy on whisky and tobacco notes, with
something spicy like ginger or cloves, would suit vampire nemesis Dominic.
It would be the kind of scent that’s overwhelming in the wrong hands,
but Dominic probably wouldn’t wear it anyway, as it’s one of those
luxuries he doesn’t think vampires should indulge in.
What do you think– would you wear any of these scents? What perfume
would you design for your favourite character or author? Share in the
comments…
Want to find out more about Mara, Lee, and Dominic? Get my books!
If you prefer a good paperback to an ebook, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
[This was originally posted on my official site AspasiaSBissas.com. Follow me there...]
Love Lies Bleeding‘s
readers know that main character Mara is both a vampire and a botanist.
Trained when she was still human, she continues to study plants and
have a garden. This post is tenth in a series exploring Mara’s plants.
Are you interested in botany, gardening, or plant lore? So are some
vampires…
Please note: Medicinal uses are given for informational purposes
only. Always consult a medical professional before diagnosing or
treating yourself or anyone else.
Botanical Name:Hydnellum peckii
Common Names: strawberries and cream, bleeding Hydnellum, bleeding fungus, red-juice tooth, devil’s tooth, Peck’s hydnum, bile tooth
History: Found mainly in North America and Europe,
bleeding tooth fungus forms mutually beneficial relationships with
mature coniferous trees. Its spores are “on the surface of vertical
spines or tooth-like projections that hang from the undersurface of the fruit bodies”
(1). As the fungus ages, it dries out, losing its bloody appearance and
becoming a nondescript shade of brown or black. Bleeding tooth fungus bioaccumulates
the heavy metal caesium. Although documented by humans for only about a
hundred years, bleeding tooth fungus’s roots (no pun intended) go back
hundreds of millions of years.
Language of Flowers Meaning: None
Cultivation: It prefers to grow in mature forested alpine and sub-alpine regions, so cultivating it isn’t really an option.
Uses:
Medicinal: Although scientists aren’t sure what the red substance
that oozes out of bleeding tooth fungus is exactly, they have found that
it contains a pigment with anticoagulant and antibacterial properties.
It also contains another substance that may be beneficial in treating
Alzheimer’s disease. It is currently undergoing trials to determine its
potential medical uses.
Culinary: It’s technically edible (in that it isn’t poisonous), with a
peppery and strongly bitter taste that doesn’t go away even when dried.
While it can be eaten, whether anyone actually wants to eat it is
another matter.
Dye: The dried fungus produces a beige or tan dye. It can also be combined with iron or alum for shades of blue and green.
Mara’s Uses: Mara mentions it in Love Lies Bleeding as a potentially useful plant she needs to learn more about.
If you prefer a good paperback to an ebook, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Love Lies Bleeding‘s readers know that main character Mara is both a vampire and a botanist. Trained when she was still human, she continues to study plants and have a garden. This post is ninth in a series exploring Mara’s plants. Are you interested in botany, gardening, or plant lore? So are some vampires…
Please note: Medicinal uses are given for informational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional before diagnosing or treating yourself or anyone else.
Please also note: Nettle is known as stinging nettle for a reason. See "Caution" below.
Botanical Name:Urtica dioica
Common Names: Stinging nettle, common nettle, nettle leaf, stinger, burn nettle, burn weed, burn hazel, feuille d'ortie, slender nettle, tall nettle, wild nettle. (Not to be confused with dead nettle, Lamium spp.)
History: Native to Europe, temperate Asia, and parts of northern Africa, nettle can now be found throughout the world. It grows abundantly in areas that receive regular rain, such as the Pacific Northwest, and locations that have been disturbed by humans (e.g., ditches and fields). The German idiom "sich in die Nesseln setzen," or to sit in nettles, means to get into trouble. The medical term for hives, "urticaria," comes from the Latin word for nettle: Urtica (from urere, "to burn"). It has been used as medicine, food, tea, and as a raw material for textiles since ancient times.
Language of Flowers Meaning: Rudeness, coolness, scandal, pain, slander, cruelty, protection (no two sources I found gave the same meaning).
Cultivation: Perennial. Nettle needs moist, rich soil (it's also an indicator of fertile soil wherever it grows wild). Start seeds indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date, or sow seeds directly in spring or autumn. Transplant hardened seedlings in spring, spacing plants 30 cm (12 inches) apart. Make sure to grow nettle away from high-traffic areas in your garden. The plant grows 1 to 2 m (3 to 7 ft) tall in summer and dies back in winter. Harvest leaves in early spring (don't use once the plants have flowered) and roots in autumn. Nettle spreads easily via rhizomes, so if you'd like to grow it but don't want it taking over your yard, keep it contained with a barrier around its roots (if it gets invasive, regular and persistent tilling can help get it under control; otherwise, you may need to resort to herbicides). Add nettle leaves to compost as a source of nitrogen (or make compost tea). You can also forage for nettle in green spaces and open woodland (just be sure it hasn't been sprayed with pesticides or steeped in car exhaust).
TIP: Aphids love nettle. Grow nettle to keep aphids away from other garden plants (like roses).
Uses:
Medicinal: The fresh plant is a traditional spring tonic. Fresh or dried leaves and the powdered root have been used to treat disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract, and for sore muscles, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, and gout. The leaves are also used for skin conditions, to treat anemia, and to reduce hay fever. There is some evidence that nettle lowers both blood sugar and blood pressure. Some folk practitioners still practice Urtication, or flogging with nettles, to treat arthritis and rheumatism, and to increase circulation (although this has been shown to be effective, before you try it keep in mind that Urtication has also been used as a sentence for criminals).
Hair Care: A tea made from nettle leaves can be used as a hair rinse to add strength and shine. Some people believe it also stimulates hair growth, but that is purely anecdotal.
Culinary; Nettles are rich in Vitamins A, B, and C, as well as iron, potassium, calcium, and protein. Use young plants picked in spring (plants that have flowered or gone to seed contain gritty particles that can irritate the urinary tract and kidneys). The sting can be removed by cooking or drying nettles, or by soaking them (I can confirm that cooking and drying works, but I'm hesitant to try the soaking method-- please let me know if you have, and how it went). Fresh nettle can be used like spinach or other greens, or made into chips or pesto. Dried or fresh leaves and flowers can be made into tea. You can also brew beer from young nettles.
Fun Fact: There's a World Nettle Eating Championship, where people compete to see who can eat the most fresh nettles. Those with a low pain tolerance need not apply.
Wildlife: Nettle provides food for the larvae of several species of butterflies and moths. Ladybugs (a beneficial garden insect) also prefer laying their eggs on nettle. When harvesting, watch out for eggs and caterpillars (a curled leaf can be a sign of a resident) and avoid damaging those leaves.
Textiles: Nettle has been used to make a linen-like fabric for at least 3,000 years, and unlike some plants (looking at you, cotton) nettle doesn't need pesticides. Some modern European manufacturers are starting to produce nettle fabric again.
This short video demonstrates how to make nettle fabric:
And this video shows how to make paper from nettles:
Natural Dye: Nettle produces yellow dye from its roots and a yellow-green or grey-green hue from its leaves.
Caution: The leaves of most nettle species are covered in hollow needle-like hairs that inject histamine and other irritating chemicals into the skin when touched, causing a stinging sensation and contact dermatitis (known as contact urticaria). The sting is removed when nettles are cooked or dried. Wear gloves and use caution when handling the fresh plant. Dock leaves are a traditional remedy for nettle stings, and dock often grows close to nettle (you can also use spotted jewelweed, plantain, antihistamines, or anti-itch creams).
Caution 2: Nettle has been deemed likely unsafe to take during pregnancy, as it could potentially cause a miscarriage. Although it has a history of being used to induce lactation, it is now recommended to avoid nettle while breastfeeding. Nettle can also interfere with some medications; let your doctor know if you are using it.
Mara's Uses: Mara would include nettle in tinctures and teas to help strengthen bloodletters (human volunteers used by vampires for their blood) and to prevent or treat anemia.\
If you prefer a good paperback to an ebook, order Love Lies Bleeding from Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Love Lies Bleeding‘s
readers know that main character Mara is both a vampire and a botanist.
Trained when she was still human, she continues to study plants and
have a garden. This post is eighth in a series exploring Mara’s plants.
Are you interested in botany, gardening, or plant lore? So are some
vampires…
Please note: Medicinal uses are given for informational purposes
only. Always consult a medical professional before diagnosing or
treating yourself or anyone else.
COVID-19 Note:
Read more of the WHO’s coronavirus/COVID-19 advice here.
Botanical Name:Allium sativum
Common Names: Ajo, Allium, Clove Garlic, Camphor of
the Poor, Poor Man’s Treacle, Stinking Rose, Serpent Garlic, Spanish
Garlic, Common Garlic
History: Native to Central Asia, garlic has
naturalized in many areas and can even be a weed in some places. Garlic
has been used in food, medicine, and in religious rituals for thousands
of years. Ancient Greeks left it at crossroads as an offering to the
Goddess Hekate. Medieval European folklore claims that garlic can be
used to repel demons, vampires, and werewolves. Historically, garlic has
been used to improve strength and endurance; to treat snake bites,
arthritis, and respiratory illnesses; as a cure-all; and as an
antibiotic (it was used in both World Wars to prevent gangrene in
wounds).
Victorian Language of Flowers Meaning: Courage, strength, or as a ward against illness or “evil spirits” (unwanted suitors).
Cultivation: Perennial. Hardy in Zones 4 to 9, but
can be grown in Zone 3. Prefers full sun and loose, dry, well-drained
soil high in organic matter. There are two sub-species of garlic: hard
necked and soft necked, as well as hundreds of varieties and cultivars.
Hard-neck garlic generally grows in cooler climates and produces larger
cloves; soft-neck varieties are smaller and tend to be grown in hotter
climates. Garlic can be grown year-round in milder climates. In colder
climates, plant individual cloves about 6 weeks before the ground
freezes. To plant, loosen soil to a depth of 8 inches and plant cloves
(pointy end up) 3 to 4 inches deep. Garlic can be planted close together
(as long as there’s room for the bulb to mature) and can also be grown
in pots. Cover planting area with about 6 inches of straw to help
protect the cloves over the winter. Harvest in late spring or early
summer. Garlic bulbs are susceptible to a few diseases, as well as to leek moth (AKA onion leaf miner).
Uses:
Culinary: The bulb and scapes
are edible and used in a wide variety of savoury (and some sweet)
dishes. The flowers are also edible, although they have a much milder
flavour than the bulb or scapes. Immature (or “green”) garlic can be
pulled and used like scallions. Black garlic is heat aged over several
weeks to create a subtle sweet flavour that can be slathered on bread or
added to vinaigrettes and sauces. Garlic can be dried or stored in
vinegar, but storing in oil can result in botulism poisoning (see below
for link on safely storing and preserving garlic).
Traditionally served as a sauce with fish or roast meat, skordalia is
also good as a dip with vegetables, french fries, and pita bread
triangles.
2-3 medium to large potatoes, peeled, and cut in half
10 large cloves garlic, minced or grated finely
scant 1/4 cup white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil for a milder flavour)
1/2 cup reserved cooking water (optional)
Place potatoes in medium saucepan over high heat. Add enough water to
cover. Bring to boil and lower heat to medium. Cook until potatoes are
soft (about 30 minutes). Drain potatoes, reserving cooking water. Leave
potatoes in saucepan and mash. You should have about 2 cups of mashed
potatoes. Add minced garlic to mashed potatoes. Add vinegar and salt,
stirring briefly after each addition. Add oil. Stir well. If serving as a
dip, no further additions are necessary. If serving as a sauce, add
reserved cooking liquid, a little at a time, until desired consistency
is reached. Serve at room temperature. Note: This keeps well
refrigerated for 4-5 days.
Makes 6 to 8 servings
Tip: Garlic breath can be most effectively minimized by drinking
milk with the garlic (it doesn’t work if you drink milk afterwards or
with skim milk).
Companion planting: Garlic is said to repel rabbits and moles, and to improve roses when planted near them.
Mosquito repellent: Anecdotal evidence suggests that eating garlic
makes you less attractive to mosquitoes. Research shows that garlic may
repel ticks, although not as well as commercial tick repellents.
Crafts: You can braid soft-neck garlic (see link below).
Medicinal: Garlic supplements vary widely in quality and efficacy–
make sure to buy one (preferably enteric coated to protect the
stomach) from a reputable manufacturer. Cooking garlic may remove some
of its medicinal benefits, while raw garlic can cause indigestion or
gastrointestinal distress, although black garlic retains its medicinal
benefits without causing irritation. Garlic is most commonly used to
boost immunity against infection, for lowering cholesterol, to prevent
atherosclerosis, and to both prevent and help recover from heart attacks
and other cardiovascular diseases. Research has shown that it may lower
your chances of developing some kinds of cancer.
Caution: Don’t take garlic supplements if you’re taking
anticoagulants (blood thinning medication) or have a clotting disorder.
Garlic can also interfere with some medications, including some
antibiotics and hypoglycemic drugs. Avoid taking garlic medicinally
while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Caution 2: Applying raw garlic to the skin can cause burns, especially in children.
Mara’s Uses: Mara does not use garlic in any form because it is toxic to her and other vampires (find out why in Love Lies Bleeding).
Blood from humans who take garlic supplements is unpalatable to
vampires. Blades are sometimes coated in garlic oil as a way of
exacerbating a vampire’s wounds.
If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from
Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent
bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Love Lies Bleeding‘s
readers know that main character Mara is both a vampire and a botanist.
Trained when she was still human, she continues to study plants and
have a garden. This post is seventh in a series exploring Mara’s plants.
Are you interested in botany, gardening, or plant lore? So are some
vampires…
Please note: Medicinal uses are given for informational purposes
only. Always consult a medical professional before diagnosing or
treating yourself or anyone else.
Botanical Name:Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) and Chamaemelum nobile (Roman or English chamomile).
Common Names: chamomile, camomile, German chamomile, Italian chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, wild chamomile, scented mayweed, Matricaria recutita, Roman chamomile, English chamomile, garden chamomile, Water of Youth, ground apple, mother’s daisy, whig plant, Anthemis nobilis, Anthemis, chamomilla, Flores Anthemidis, Grosse Kamille, Romische Kamile, manzanilla, sweet chamomile
History: Found near populated areas throughout
temperate parts of the world, chamomile will grow in any disturbed soil,
including along roadsides, near landfills, and in cultivated fields. It
has been used medicinally since at least Ancient Egypt, and in beer
making (and love potions!) since the Middle Ages. Roman chamomile was
thought to be the superior form, hence the use of “nobile” (noble) in
its botanical name, although research shows that German chamomile is
actually the more potent of the two. Chamomile is the national flower of
Russia.
Victorian Language of Flowers Meaning: Patience
Cultivation: Zones 3 to 9. German chamomile is an
annual that readily self seeds. Roman chamomile is a perennial.
Chamomiles like moist but well-drained soil and full sun (or part shade
in hotter climates). Start seeds six weeks before last frost. Seeds need
light to germinate, so scatter on top of potting mix, press firmly into
the mix, and keep moist. Transplant outside after risk of frost has
passed. (You can also directly sow seed outdoors in autumn.) Thin plants
to 15 to 18 inches (38 to 45 cm) apart. Blooms June and July. After
(Roman chamomile) plants flower, cut them back to soil level to ensure
strong plants next season.
Uses:
Medicinal: Whichever type of chamomile you use, make a tea from the
flowers and drink or apply externally, depending on what you’re
treating. German chamomile in particular has been found to be
antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for menstrual and
intestinal cramps, as well as coughs and colds. Chamomile is calming and
has been traditionally used to help anxiety and insomnia. Cooled tea
can be applied to skin to calm irritations and help with swelling (it
can also be used as a mouth rinse for sores or inflammation). You can
make a pot of strong tea and add it to bath water for a healing bath.
Chamomile is a mild laxative, but has also been found to help treat
diarrhea in children.
Caution: Chamomile can cause allergic reactions in anyone allergic to pollen or plants in the ragweed family. Chamomile may also negatively interact with other herbs and medicines. Avoid using if you’re taking anti-coagulants, NSAIDS, or sleep aids (including herbal kinds).
Caution 2: Pregnant and nursing women are advised to
avoid using Roman chamomile. Infants should not be given chamomile, as
(like honey) it may be contaminated with botulism spores, which a baby’s
immature immune system can’t handle.
Cosmetics: Chamomile extract or essential oil can be added to skin
creams as a soothing ingredient. Cooled chamomile tea can be used as a hair rinse to bring out blond highlights. Chamomile can also be added to homemade bath products, such as bath bombs.
Food: Home brewers can use the entire chamomile plant to add bitterness to beer. Chamomile flowers can be used in drinks (lemonade, smoothies, cocktails), in homemade popsicles, or in baking and other desserts. The flowers have a sweet apple or pineapple scent, and are worth experimenting with.
Crafts: Chamomile makes a nice addition to potpourri.
You can also scent your home by gently simmering chamomile (fresh or
dried leaves and/or flowers) in a pot of water on the stove (do not
leave unattended; keep a close eye on water levels).
Gardening: Prevent damping off in seedlings by watering them with
cooled chamomile tea. Planting chamomile near sick plants often results
in healthier plants.
Mara’s Uses: Mara orders a cup of chamomile tea in Blood Magic (download your free copy here). Chamomile would also be included in remedies she sells via her apothecary business in Love Lies Bleeding, as well as the ones she used to help her fellow passengers in Tooth & Claw (download your free copy here).
If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from
Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent
bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Love Lies Bleeding‘s
readers know that main character Mara is both a vampire and a botanist.
Trained when she was still human, she continues to study plants and
have a garden. This post is sixth in a series exploring Mara’s plants.
Are you interested in botany, gardening, or plant lore? So are some
vampires…
Please note: Medicinal uses are given for informational purposes
only. Always consult a medical professional before diagnosing or
treating yourself or anyone else.
Botanical Name:Achillea millefolium
Common Names: Common yarrow, sanguinary, bloodwort, plumajillo
(“little feather”). nosebleed plant, old man’s pepper, devil’s nettle,
milfoil, soldier’s woundwort, thousand-leaf, staunchweed, arrowroot,
field hops, woundwort. An old name for Yarrow is herba militaris.
History: Native to temperate regions of the Northern
Hemisphere, yarrow has now spread around the world, growing freely
along roadsides and coastal areas and in fields and meadows. It’s been
used medicinally since prehistoric times, including by Neanderthals.
Ancient Hellenes (Greeks) used it to stop bleeding from wounds (the name
Achillea comes from the hero Achilles, who supposedly took
yarrow into battle to treat his soldiers). Indigenous tribes throughout
North America used the herb medicinally for pain relief, fever
reduction, and as a sleep aid, among other things. In the Middle Ages it
was used along with other herbs to flavour beer before hops became
prevalent (it’s still used in beer-making in Sweden). In the Hebrides it
was believed that holding a leaf against the eyes would bestow second sight. In China the dried stalks have been used for centuries in divination.
Victorian Language of Flowers Meaning: Healing, protection
Cultivation: Perennial in Zones 2 to 8. Yarrow is
ideal for native plant gardens, drought tolerant gardens, and wildlife
gardens. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but is tolerant of many
conditions. Can grow up to 1 metre (approx. 3 feet). Seeds require
light, a moist environment, and cool temperatures to germinate, so sow
outdoors, barely covered by soil, after the last frost date; or start
indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost date and keep moist but not wet
(it might be easier simply to buy plants or propagate by division).
Spreads via rhizomes and can become invasive. Plant (or thin seedlings
to) 30 to 46 cm (12 to 18″) apart. Once plants are established they need
little watering and no fertilizing, although they can be prone to
powdery mildew (giving plants adequate space around them for good air
circulation will help prevent this). Flowers from May to July, and
sometimes into autumn. Divide plants every other year in spring. Yarrow
is considered an excellent companion plant, repelling pest insects while
attracting beneficial insects, like predatory wasps, lacewings, and
hoverflies.
Uses:
Medicinal: Astringent, anti-microbial, and anodyne.
Drink tea made from the flowers to stop bleeding, for muscle aches and
cramps, to reduce fever, for an upset stomach, or to help you sleep.
Cooled tea makes an astringent facial wash (good for oily skin and skin
infections/irritations). A salve or balm made from yarrow is useful on wounds, bruises, swelling, and various skin problems.
Fresh leaves can be crushed or bruised and applied directly to
wounds. For nosebleeds, pick a few leaves, rub between your hands to
bruise slightly, roll into a plug, and insert gently into the bleeding
nostril. Leave in place until bleeding stops.
Culinary: Yarrow leaves and flowers have a flavour reminiscent of
anise or licorice, and are somewhat bitter. Use fresh or dried as a
herbal seasoning for food, or mix with other culinary herbs like
tarragon and parsley. Can eat the greens fresh (use like sprouts or baby
salad greens). Steam or blanch leaves and enjoy like other cooked
greens. Don’t cook yarrow for long or at a high heat, as cooking
destroys its delicate flavour and brings out the bitterness (especially
when boiled). Yarrow is a nice addition to desserts, in sorbet and ice
cream, or sprinkled over fresh fruit. Yarrow is also used to make some
liquors and bitters.
Environmental: Can be planted to combat soil erosion.
Caution: Yarrow is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
Do not let them consume the plant in any form. In humans, yarrow can
cause allergic skin reactions and photosensitivity (avoid sun exposure
when using yarrow). Avoid if you’re pregnant or breast feeding.
Wildlife: Many insects feed on yarrow, including
nearly 50 species of moths. Several species of cavity-nesting birds use
yarrow to line their nests (possibly because it inhibits the growth of
parasites).
Mara’s Uses: Mara mentions Yarrow as a potential ingredient for her theoretical blood substitute: “Bloodwort, Sanguinary–that’s Achillea…” (Love Lies Bleeding, p. 156). Yarrow would also be included in the remedies she sells via her apothecary business.
If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from
Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent
bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Love Lies Bleeding‘s
readers know that main character Mara is both a vampire and a botanist.
Trained when she was still human, she continues to study plants and
have a garden. This post is fifth in a series exploring Mara’s plants.
Are you interested in botany, gardening, or plant lore? So are some
vampires…
Please note: Medicinal uses are given for informational purposes
only. Always consult a medical professional before diagnosing or
treating yourself or anyone else.
History: Native to Europe and western Asia, dock
gets the common name “yellow dock” from its large root, which is bright
yellow when cut, and the name “curly dock” from its slightly ruffled
leaves. Traditionally the leaves and seeds were eaten, while the leaves
and roots were used medicinally as a general health tonic and to improve
digestion, as well as to treat jaundice, skin diseases, and scurvy.
Although naturalized in temperate areas, it’s considered an invasive
species in the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand, and an “injurious
weed” in the UK.
Victorian Language of Flowers Meaning: Patience
Cultivation: Perennial in zones 4 to 7. Plants can
grow to 1.5 m (about 5 ft) tall. Because it can be easily found growing
wild (including in waste areas, roadsides, fields, and along shorelines)
and is invasive in many areas, consider foraging for dock rather than
cultivating it. If you’d still like to grow it (after checking to make
sure it isn’t invasive where you live), scatter seed over prepared soil
in spring, summer, or fall. Dock prefers full sun to part shade and
moist soil (but will tolerate most conditions). Dock will self-seed and
can also re-grow from a piece of root left behind. Harvest leaves before
the plant flowers, roots in autumn, and seeds after they turn brown.
Uses:
Medicinal: The root is high in iron and is used to treat anemia, often in combination with stinging nettle (Urticadioica).
The root is also mildly laxative, although it isn’t always effective.
Taken internally or applied externally, the leaves may be helpful for
skin conditions such as itching, rashes (including the stings from
nettles), and sores. It’s also used to ease pain and inflammation in
nasal passages and the respiratory tract. It can be applied to the skin
to stop bleeding.
Culinary: Leaves are high in vitamins C and A, iron, and potassium,
but are also high in oxalic acid, which can cause kidney stones and
blood mineral imbalances. Young leaves should be boiled in several
changes of water to reduce the oxalic acid (although that will also
reduce nutrients). Serve leaves like spinach (after boiling, drain, and
heat with olive oil or butter and garlic, or add to any dish you would
use spinach in). They can also be eaten raw in small amounts. Older
leaves are too bitter to be palatable. Once seeds have turned brown they
can be eaten raw or cooked. The seeds can also be roasted and used as a
coffee substitute.
Host Plant: Dock is an ideal host plant for some species of moth, which lay their eggs on the curled leaves.
Caution: Leaves are high in oxalic acid, which can
irritate the urinary tract and cause kidney stones. Dock should not be
used by people taking anti-coagulants or drugs that decrease blood
calcium, like diuretics. Avoid if you have bladder, liver, or kidney
problems, or ulcers; otherwise, consume in moderation. Limit or avoid
using while pregnant and breastfeeding, as dock can have a laxative
effect (which gets passed through breast milk). Those allergic to
ragweed may also be allergic to dock.
Caution 2: The oxalic acid in dock makes it toxic to dogs (I’m assuming to cats too). Do not let your pets eat or chew on dock.
Possible Side Effects: The leaves and root may cause
intestinal discomfort and skin irritation. Taking too much can result
in low blood levels of calcium and potassium–a serious condition that
requires immediate medical attention.
Mara’s Uses: Mara uses dock in tinctures and
capsules (along with other herbs) as an iron-rich tonic for bloodletters
(human blood donors used by vampires). Dock is among the herbs she
experiments with for her blood substitute.
If you prefer paperback, use this link to order Love Lies Bleeding from
Bookshop – a portion of each sale goes directly to independent
bookstores, as well as to myself. Thank you for supporting indie! ♥
Photo via Mary’s Heirloom SeedsLove Lies Bleeding‘s readers know that main character Mara is both a vampire and a botanist. Trained when she was still human, she continues to study plants and have a garden.
This post is part of a series exploring Mara’s plants. Are you
interested in botany, gardening, or plant lore? So are some vampires…
Please note: Medicinal uses are given for informational purposes
only. Always consult a medical professional before diagnosing or
treating yourself or anyone else.
Latin Name:Symphytum officinale
Common Names: Boneset, Bruisewort, Knitbone, Slippery Root
History: Native to Europe and parts of Asia, comfrey
has a long history (at least 2000 years) in healing. It has been used
to treat coughs and lung ailments, stop excessive bleeding, treat
stomach problems, and to ease joint pain and inflammation. Its most
common use, however, has been to heal wounds, bruises, and broken bones;
in fact, almost every name (in all languages) for comfrey refer to
knitting or mending bones or healing cuts and contusions. “Comfrey”
comes from a Latin word meaning “to grow together,” and the botanical
name “Symphytum” comes from the Greek, meaning plant that knits bones together. It was once also used as food for both people and animals.
Caution: Comfrey has been found to be toxic to the
liver when taken internally in large amounts. It’s generally safe to use
externally, but is best avoided by pregnant and nursing women, infants,
and by people with liver, kidney, or vascular disease. It’s also toxic
to animals, so be sure not to let them eat it.
Victorian Language of Flowers Meaning: Home sweet home
Cultivation: Perennial in zones 4 to 9. Easy to grow
from seed, comfrey prefers full to part sun and rich, well-drained
soil. It’s quite adaptable and can survive less-than-ideal conditions,
including drought. Sow early indoors or outside as soon as soil can be
worked. Sow just below surface of soil and tamp down–keep seeds moist
(not wet). Sow seeds or seedlings with 2 feet (60 cm) of space around
them as the plants get fairly large. Once plants are established in a
spot they can live for decades and be difficult to remove, so take care
when selecting a site. Comfrey is generally non-invasive, although it
can self sow.
Uses: Comfrey is still used externally to treat
inflammation, joint pain, and closed wounds and bruises. You can crush
fresh leaves to make a poultice, apply fresh leaves to the affected
area, use a salve, or apply oil that has had comfrey steeped in it.
Treat poison ivy blisters by rubbing a fresh leaf on them. You can also
use the chopped roots to make salves, ointments, and oils (or use a
combination of leaves and roots). Leaves are best used before the plant
blooms; roots are best harvested in late autumn or early winter.
In the garden, nitrogen- and potassium-rich comfrey leaves are used
as fertilizer, in compost, and as mulch. Avoid using stems as they can
take root and spread the plant where you don’t want it. You can also
make a compost tea with the chopped leaves by steeping them in water for
several weeks and then straining and diluting the resulting dark liquid
12:1 before applying to the garden.
Mara’s Uses: She makes a poultice of comfrey leaves
to help speed up healing of a particularly bad injury. Comfrey would be
one of the herbs used to make salves and oils for her apothecary
business.
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