^№16
Sweet Cicely

Myrrhis odorata

Sacred to the Virgin Mary, and traditionally revered as a bringer of joy, confidence and self-worth. Sweet cicely was used to add vigour to sacred ceremonies such as Bealltainn (Beltaine), the Gaelic may day festival; John Gerard claims in his famous “herball, or generall historie of plantes” of 1597: “it is very good for people that are dull and without courage; it rejoiceth and comforteth the heart and increaseth their lust and strength.”

The essence of the plant is considered aphrodisiac.