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How was this Biblical plant used?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

May 13, 2002

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Frankincense and Myrrh, French Perfume Collection, Madonna Lily & more—>Click here.

Possibly the first written reference to sweet flag (Acorus calamus Linnaeus) is found in the book of Exodus. It was a directive to Moses to create anointing oil for the priests of the Ark of the Covenant. "Take thou also unto thee...pure myrrh...sweet cinnamon...sweet calamus...of cassia...and of oil olive: And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment...." (Exodus 30: 23-25).

Although known and widely used in India, the Middle East, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, the plant was unknown to much of Europe until introduced by Moslems to Poland during the Fourteenth Century. According to Mrs. Grieve (A Modern Herbal, 1931), Clusius received a root from Asia Minor, propagated and distributed the plants to other botanists in Belgium, Germany, and France. (See Plants that Changed History, April 2, 2002)

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It is believed John Gerard was the first to grow sweet flag in England in 1593. He recommended the "the root of Calamus drunk...helpeth the pain in the side, liver, spleen, and breast....The juice strained with a little honey, taketh away the dimness of the eyes, and helpeth much against poison...." Within a few years, sweet flag was common throughout Europe.

All parts of sweet flag are fragrant; the leaves were strewn in churches and homes, and used for thatching on cottages and country churches. Mrs. Grieve wrote, "In the districts of Norfolk where the plant flourishes the villagers call it 'Gladdon',...the 'Gladdon harvest' was an important episode in the country...and many small boats might be seen laden with this plant...brought to shore for marketing purposes."

The roots of sweet flag were used in candy, to treat dyspepsia, as cough lozenges, and for "hypochondriacal affections". The dried and powdered roots were sprinkled around homes to discourage fleas and ants, as a substitute for cinnamon and ginger, as a dentifrice to clean teeth and relieve toothaches, and as a powder for wigs.

The USDA has a photograph of Acorus calamus. To view the photograph, click on the link:

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ACCA4

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Red Dutch Lily

Breck's Bulbs®

Highly recommended! A cross between an Oriental and Trumpet lily, Red Dutch bears fragrant, long-lasting blooms up to 8" across. Strong plants thrive even in hot Southern gardens. Tips of the royal red petals appear to be dipped in gold! Zones 3-8. 14-16 cm bulbs. Free $25 off any order of $50 or more at Brecks Bulbs [Click here to view more fragrant Breck's Bulbs...] [New at Breck's...]

The Gift of Kings

National Geographic®

The gifts of the Magi to the infant Jesus bear a special significance during this season. Many people have heard of frankincense and myrrh, but few have ever seen them or experienced their beautiful aroma. Fragrant resins harvested from trees indigenous to the coastal plains of southern Arabia, frankincense and myrrh were used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for medicinal, religious, and cosmetics applications.

Our exclusive dome-topped wood box with intricate inlay is made in Syria. Inside you'll find a velvet pouch filled with nuggets of white frankincense and reddish myrrh, plus information on their history, legend, and for use. Enjoy some on your evening fire, or use as incense. 8'' W x 2'' D x 2'' H. NGS EXCLUSIVE Click here for price and more info... [More For the Home Products...] [All on Sale Items...]

Madonna Lily

Breck's Bulbs®

The Madonna Lily has been known throughout history as a religious symbol, a source of inspiration and an unchallenged prize in any garden. For generations, it has been a favourite, bursting into bloom each year with a virtual bouquet of 15-20 flowers per plant.

Featuring very fragrant, pristine white petals, this lily has been considered a symbol of sweetness and purity since it was first cultivated in medieval times. Excellent for cut flowers. Lilium candidum Zones 4-8. 20+ cm bulbs. Free $25 off any order of $50 or more at Brecks Bulbs

Red Crown Imperial

Breck's Bulbs®

Spectacular Crown Imperials grow up to 3' tall with a circle of cascading flowers topped with a graceful emerald crown. These rare garden treasures are easy to grow, and if mice or moles are a problem in your garden, this may be the answer. The fragrant bulbs repel pests but not people! Fritillaria imperialis Giant bulbs 20 cm and up. Zones 3-8.

Red Crown Imperial...At its top hangs a circle of brick-red bells distinctively topped by a coronet of green leaves. Free $25 off any order of $50 or more at Brecks Bulbs [Click here to view more fragrant Breck's Bulbs...] [New at Breck's...]

French Perfume Collection

Breck's Bulbs®

Sun Disc Daffodil (15), Round, full petals unfold in a sunny yellow frilled cups and a tiny green eye in the centre. Prolific, long-lasting blooms have a delightful fragrance..
Red Rocket Hyacinth (5), Breck's Dutch Bulb Experts have selected five glorious shades from the prize crops of Holland..
Stargazer Oriental Lily (3), For a summer garden full of breathtaking flowers without a lot of fuss, Lilies are the way to go..

Place these flowers near a window, perhaps in a container or window box, and they will fill your home with heavenly fragrance! These long-lasting blooms with their strong stems also make elegant cut- flower arrangements and bouquets, so it is easy to bring the beauty and perfume indoors.

Breck's French Perfume Collection includes:

15 Sun Disc Daffodils - Round, full petals unfold in a sunny yellow frilled cup with a tiny green eye in the centre. Prolific, long-lasting blooms have a delightful fragrance. Grows and multiplies anywhere. 10-12 cm. bulbs.

5 Red Rocket Giant Fragrant Hyacinths - Red Rocket...vivid red florets smother sturdy stems and bloom for weeks. These Dutch hyacinths will be the pride of your early to mid-spring garden and a source of delight to all your senses. Garden-size bulbs are easy to grow and produce 8-10" stems covered with fragrant florets that will bring compliments galore! Return annually for renewed beauty. 15-16 cm bulbs.

3 Stargazer Oriental Lilies - Breathtaking is the word to describe Stargazer. This exotic-looking Oriental produces colourful, delectably fragrant blooms in abundance for weeks in summer. Huge 6-7" upward-facing flowers bloom brightly year after year. Ideal for beds and borders, at waterside or for naturalizing at woods' edge. 16-18 cm bulbs.

23 top-quality Dutch bulbs in all! Free $25 off any order of $50 or more at Brecks Bulbs [Click here to view more fragrant Breck's Bulbs...] [New at Breck's...]