Description
Leaves are eaten raw or cooked and is an ingredient in the mix ‘bouquet garni’. It is very nutritious and is rich in iron, iodine and magnesium, and other minerals, as well as the vitamins A, B and C.
This commonly grown culinary herb has many medicinal uses too – among other actions it is antidandruff, expectorant, antispasmodic, digestive, diuretic and tonic.
A very effective diuretic, helping with urinary tract, kidney and bladder problems, also stones, jaundice, dropsy and cystitis. A good detox herb. Note that in excess it can have toxic effect. Externally a poultice of the leaves has been applied externally to soothe bites and stings. Cosmetically it may help reduce freckles, and keep dandruff under control.
In the garden it is a good repelling companion plant and may be used as a mosquito repellent (fresh sap) or to releive the stings and bites.
