Tanria Elementals

Image via: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanacet...

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a plant in the daisy family, and really looks the part! It’s spread around the world, and some consider it a weed. This week we’ll learn how this flower has been beloved for ages to help improve our lives and surroundings!

“Beautiful feverfew, chamomile’s tall and lacy cousin. Magical pain relieving herb makes, a bitter tasting tea.Honey and lemon make it a palatable blessing.”

- M. L. Kiser

Image and Recipe via: greekfoodalchemist.com/anise-cake/#...

Anise is commonly used in baked goods as it brings a rich and aromatic flavor. This week’s recipe is simple, but really showcases the flavor that the seed can bring to a dish. The texture of this cake is important, and this is easy to make gluten free!

Image via: www.romanobritain.org/2-arl_food/a...

The seeds of the Anise plant were used in Ancient Rome to make a cake called mustaceoe, which was served after meals as a digestive aid. This treat was often broken over the head of a new bride at Roman weddings and is thought to be the inspiration for the cakes we now serve.

Image via: theherbalacademy.com/blog/anise-m...

Anise will grow in Florida as an annual if well cared for. It will appreciate full sun, well drained soils, and lots of water until established. They do make a taproot, so leave room if potted. Harvest the leaves and seeds for food and medicine, and of course to replant next season!

Image via: theherbalacademy.com/blog/anise-m...

Known for its use for digestive concerns, Anise is a great stimulant herb. It also acts as an expectorant and can aid respiratory issues. It may also benefit people dealing with hormonal imbalances like perimenopause. Topically, it's also a great skin healer for inflammation.

Image via: sowrightseeds.com/blogs/plante...

With a long history of use for luck, protection, and fortune, the Anise plant is well known as an enhancer. It can be added to most spells to enhance their power, and is small enough to add to any pocket charm. It also increases psychic ability and dreamwork.

Image via: www.britannica.com/plant/anise

Did you Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is part of the Parsley family? It spread from the Mediterranean in ancient times and is now used all around the world. It has a distinctive flavor reminiscent of licorice, and lots of uses outside the kitchen. Let’s learn more!

“From ancient lullabies to savory feasts, anise seed has whispered its licorice allure for centuries.”

- R'Chel Plank

Image and Recipe via: foodcrumbles.com/making-marsh...

Marsh Mallow became famous in Ancient times as a remedy plant. By the 19th century the French were using its mucilaginous qualities to create a confectionary treat with egg whites and sugar that we all now love! Modern marshmallows use gelatin, but here’s a taste of the original.

Image via: www.adventuresintasteandtime.com/blog/stay-pu...

Marsh Mallow has little folklore but there is a more recent myth about the way Ancient Egyptians consumed it. They did use the plant, but there’s not much real evidence that they created the first marshmallow confectionary treats. It’s all in good fun, though. More on that tomorrow!

Image via: blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/202...

Marsh Mallow is naturalized in Central Florida and grows very well here, as a lot of mallows do. It likes moist, well draining soil and partial shade. It will die back some during the hottest part of the year, so treat it like a perennial and you’ll be satisfied with your harvests!

Image via: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Althaea...

Marsh Mallow is a demulcent herb, meaning it contains a substance that when extracted, protects and soothes mucus membranes. This makes it a powerful internal tissue healer for various body tracts as well as the skin. Simply applying the leaves to the skin will provide relief.

Image via: Tanria Elementals via the Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra and Candis Cantin

Associations to the Moon and Aphrodite make Marsh Mallow a plant used often in love, healing, and protection magic. The connection to the Water Element makes it perfect for soothing emotions and increasing intuitive abilities. Place some under your pillow to enhance dreamwork.

Image via: www.learningherbs.com/blog/marshma...

The plant known as Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis) has a vast history of use among cultures. A perennial with beautiful flowers, it’s well known as an ornamental along with its use for herbalism and culinary purposes. This week, let's meet the plant whose name means “to heal”.

“Pliny saith, that whosoever takes a spoonful of any of the Mallows, shall that day be free from all diseases that may come unto him.”

- Nicholas Culpeper

Image via: www.positivelyprobiotic.com/the-bacteria...