bianca's Herb Patch : Bog Asphodel
Bog Asphedel belongs to the Lily family. In Greek legend it was identified
with the dead and the underworld:
it was planted on graves and associated with Persephone.
The narcissus is the asphodel of the poets.
In the past, a tea made from the roots was drunk to provoke the menstraul flow
and boiledwith myrrh to be used as an eye strengthener.
A decoction mixed with wine was supposed to cure hernia, spasm, coughs,
ulcers, and inflamed breasts and genitals.
The mashed roots applied fresh were a sovereign remedy for poisonous
snake bites and a specific against sorcery. It is fatal to mice and
thought to preserve pigs from disease.