Although planted in numerous flower gardens worldwide, it is good to know that someone in the world appreciates this plant for more than just a cheap annual filler for flowerbeds.
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is native to the Mediterranean region and now naturalized in many areas as it is used in many gardens and can reseed freely. It is popularly used in gardens as edging due to its low growth or in containers, where it can spill over the edges.
Sweet alyssum is a low-growing, herbaceous plant with small, fragrant, white, purple, or pink flowers arranged in dense clusters. The plant features narrow, lance-shaped leaves and produces a sweet, honey-like scent that attracts pollinators.
Maybe surprisingly (at least it was to me!), it has a long history of both culinary and medicinal use. Used traditionally for the treatment of gonorrhea, the plant is known to be an astringent, antiscorbutic (to fight scurvy) and diuretic. It is also used for colds and flu, as well as abdominal pains and for supporting renal functions and edema. It also has topical uses for its soothing nature.
The young leaves, stems and flowers are edible and used sometimes as a sort of flavoring or spice in dishes to add a pungent flavor.
The plant’s multiple uses extend beyond medicine: its flowers attract beneficial insects like pollinators and natural pest controllers, enhancing garden health. It can also be used as a decorative element in small floral arrangements due to its pleasant fragrance and appealing appearance.
Through scientific investigation, Sweet Alyssum has been found to exhibit several pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, wound healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties.
An interesting study published in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” investigated the antimicrobial properties of Lobularia maritima and found that extracts from the plant exhibited significant activity against various bacterial strains, supporting its traditional medicinal use for infections. Another study highlighted its antioxidant capacity, suggesting that it may help in combating oxidative stress-related diseases.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Overused and Underappreciated
