Although Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is 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 filler for flowerbeds.
Surprisingly, it has a long history of both culinary and medicinal use. 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.
It is also known in traditional medicine to be an astringent, antiscorbutic (to fight scurvy) and diuretic. It is also currently used in Spain for colds and flu, as well as abdominal pains. Other uses include for supporting renal functions and edema.
So next time you are making a salad and want a little pepper, consider some Sweet Alyssum flowers!
#ethnobotany #ethnopharm #gardening #edibleflower #medicinalplant #spain
Photo by Carlos Molina