Fennel, Alchemy Plant

Woodcut of fennel plant, 1568. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a plant species in the genus Foeniculum. It is a member of the family Apiaceae (formerly the Umbelliferae). It is a hardy, perennial, umbelliferous herb, with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. It is indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean, but has become widely naturalized in many parts of the world. It is a highly aromatic and flavorful herb with culinary and medicinal uses. fennel has many uses in folklore and magic. Roman soldiers chewed the seeds before battle and it is also said to build confidence and courage. Farmers rubbed a mixture of fennel seeds, soap, and salt on the blade of their plow to strengthen the land and encourage better harvests. For protection, fennel was hung over the doorway on Midsummer Eve to keep away evil and the seeds put into keyholes to keep out ghosts. Fennel is said to improve the memory. Uses in witchcraft and magic include: courage, fertility spells, protection spells, magical mastery and a mercury herb

Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom

1568 Alchemic Alchemy Apiaceae Courage Culinary Fennel Fertility Foeniculum Herb Herbaceous Magical Mastery Medicinal Mercury Midsummer Perennial Plantae Spells Umbelliferae Vulgare Witchcraft Woodblock

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