Sweet Cicely is a hardy, impressive plant that can tower up to six feet tall in your garden. Its stems are beautifully branched and have a soft, fuzzy texture near the leaf bases. But the real standout feature? The incredible, unmistakable scent of anise that wafts off the plant whenever you’re nearby.
How to Use It
You might know Sweet Cicely by a few other names, like Anise Chervil or Myrrh. Come May, it puts on a spectacular show with its blooms. The best part for us gardeners and cooks is that the entire plant is edible! You can use the:
- Roots
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Seeds
Because it has such a bold licorice flavor, a little goes a long way. It’s definitely an intense herb, so you’ll want to use it sparingly until you know just how much “anise punch” your dish needs.
Cooking with Sweet Cicely
The roots are surprisingly versatile—you can slice them raw into a salad for a crunchy kick or toss them into a pot of veggies. They add a wonderful depth to soups and stews. I love chopping up the fresh leaves to use as a garnish or herb base in salads. For a refreshing summer treat, try steeping the flowers in sparkling water. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even dip the flower heads in pancake batter and fry them up, just like elderberry fritters!
Don’t overlook the green seeds, either. They work beautifully in both savory and sweet recipes. Some foodies swear by pairing them with fish or even sprinkling them on a pizza for a unique twist. If you’re a smoothie fan, try blending some ground seeds or fresh leaves into your morning drink for an extra layer of flavor.
And for those who enjoy a homemade liqueur, Sweet Cicely makes a fantastic “infused” spirit. Just grind the seeds, mix them with a bit of sugar, and cover them with vodka. Let it sit for about three months, and you’ll end up with something that tastes remarkably like Greek Ouzo.
Other Great Uses
In the garden, Sweet Cicely is a sensory delight. It smells heavenly, especially when planted in clusters or as a fragrant hedge. It’s a must-have for any “scent garden,” and the flowers make a lovely, aromatic addition to bouquets. Plus, your local pollinators will thank you! Bees, bumblebees, and butterflies are magnetically drawn to the sweet scent and abundant nectar.
In traditional herbal folk medicine, Sweet Cicely has been used to help with:
- Coughs
- Asthma
- Digestive issues
- Loss of appetite
- Recovery after illness
- Blood purification
In homeopathy, you’ll often find Sweet Cicely extracts in ointments or drops used for hemorrhoids and varicose veins. And here’s a quick tip: chewing on the seeds is a great natural way to freshen your breath and keep your gums healthy!
