Smyrnium, Alexander Black Lovage, Hipposelinum, Smyrnium, ZirnabumXiao Mei Wei Qin (TCM) Salmon, Botanologia, 1710 Smyrnium olusatrumFlora von Deutschland (27), Kohler, 1886 Smyrnium olusatrum(Photo by tato grasso) (Wikimedia) Botanical name: Smyrnium olusatrumOther related species used include S. perfoliatum, S. rotundifolium (Alexander of Candy) Parts used: Seeds; sometimes the root. The herb was eaten as a vegetable. Temperature & Taste: Very Warm, dry. Pungent, Bitter. (Root is more bitter) Classifications: Attenuating, Alterative, Carminative, Diuretic, LithontripticStomatic, Hysteric, Nephritic Uses: 1. Warms the Kidneys, Promotes Urine:-Edema-Strangury-Gravel, Stones2. Moves the Blood, Promotes Menstruation:-Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea from Cold-Promotes Labor3. Resists Poison:-Snake Bite, Rabid Dog Bite4. Warms the Stomach:-Colic-Candied Roots were used to strengthen the Stomach, promote Appetite and Digestion Dose: Powder of the Seeds: 2–4 grams;Salt: 650-1200mg (10 grains–1 scruple) Comment: Seeds are carminative, stomachic and aperient; Root is diuretic and emmenagogue. Substitutes: 1. ‘This plant is nearly similar in quality to smallage (celery), but somewhat stronger both in smell and taste’ (An Experimental History of the Materia Materia, Lewis, 1784). It was formerly eaten as a pot herb like Celery which eventually replaced it.2. Parsley seed3. Culpeper said in his time the seeds of Alexander (Smyrnium olisatrum) was usually sold as Macedonian Parsley seed by the…

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