Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata): Uses, Benefits & How to Use It
Seen a plant that smells like anise or licorice and wondered what it is? That’s often sweet cicely. People use its leaves, stems and seeds in kitchens and home remedies because it tastes sweet and mild. This page gives clear, useful tips on how to use sweet cicely, how to grow it, and what safety checks to do first.
How to use sweet cicely in the kitchen and home remedies
Leaves: Young leaves add a mild anise flavor to salads, soups and herb butters. Tear a few leaves into a green salad or mix chopped leaves into yogurt for a quick dip.
Stems: The stems can be used like celery or candied as a natural sweet snack. Peel the stems, simmer in simple syrup for 10–15 minutes, then cool and use in desserts or cocktails.
Seeds: Crush a small pinch of seeds (about 1/4–1/2 tsp) into baked goods or spice blends. They work well in shortbread, muffins or with apples and pears.
Tea: Use 1 tsp dried leaves or a handful of fresh leaves per cup. Pour 200–250 ml hot water, steep 5–10 minutes, then strain. The tea is warming and mild; drink one to two cups a day if you like the flavor.
Syrup and tincture: Make a simple herb syrup by simmering 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water and a handful of stems or seeds until dissolved. Strain and use on pancakes, in cocktails or to sweeten herbal tea. For a tincture, steep chopped leaves in vodka for 4–6 weeks, strain, and use small amounts for flavoring (not as medical treatment).
Growing, harvesting, and safety notes
Growing: Sweet cicely prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil. Sow seeds in spring or autumn. Thin seedlings so plants sit 30–40 cm apart. Leaves are best harvested before the plant flowers; seeds are ready in late summer or early autumn.
Storage: Fresh leaves keep a few days in the fridge wrapped in paper towel. Dry leaves or seeds in a cool, dark place in airtight jars for several months.
Safety: Sweet cicely is generally safe as a culinary herb. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medicines (especially blood thinners), or have liver issues, check with a healthcare professional before using it regularly. Start with small amounts to test for allergic reactions. Don’t rely on sweet cicely for treating illnesses—use it as flavoring and traditional support, not a replacement for medical care.
Want to try it? Start simple: add a few chopped leaves to an apple crumble, or brew a cup of the tea. If you grow your own, it’s an easy herb that rewards a little attention. Have questions about recipes or growing tips? Ask away and I’ll help you get started.
Sweet Cicely: The Ultimate Plant-Based Dietary Supplement for a Healthier Lifestyle
In my recent exploration of plant-based dietary supplements, I've discovered Sweet Cicely, a powerhouse of natural goodness. This plant is not just a fragrant herb, but it's a hidden gem that can promote a healthier lifestyle. Its leaves are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, which can aid digestion, boost the immune system, and even help manage diabetes. Plus, it's a natural sweetener, making it a healthier alternative to sugar. If you're looking for a natural way to enhance your diet, Sweet Cicely is worth considering.
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