Medicinal Herb
It’s the Year of the (Water) Rabbit!
Recent days seem to embody this small creature.
Milder temperatures and gentler winds are becoming more common with intermittent bunny-like energy bursts of cold snaps that last only long enough to humor the heater for a few hours.
The peaceful gray days of winter adieu are punctuated with the budding treasures of mother nature, having patiently waited their turn, now springing forth like kits from the fertile earth to hail their new greetings!
My daily bike rides, in essence, have presently become increasingly more colorful!
Where once it was a mile of evergreen to a dot of color, each mile is now hopping with an array of fresh hues imparted by cool weather blooms!
Biking trail or neighborhood
garden contingent, vibrant blooms
such as Pansies, Violets,
Daffodils, Bluebonnets, Quince,
Primrose and on...
all can be seen and, of course,
Snapdragons!
Snapdragon
(common species-Antirrhinum majus)
This early bloomer is not only a substantial contributor to the floral rainbow but is also held as a flower of luck for those born in the Year of The Rabbit.
At first, aside from its tall bunny-ear shape, this ostentatious flower appears a rather peculiar fit for such a modest and merciful creature.
Not to mention the clear distaste these sweet plant eaters have for the bitter tasting Snapdragon plant.
But a deeper look reveals the relation of elegance, beauty and strength.
These beautiful blooms with vivid green leaves are resilient and can grow upward of several feet!
The amusing Snapdragon also appeals to the tenacious and clever side of the rabbit.
And Snapdragons can be truly amusing, most aptly for children.
As their name suggests, their blooms show likeness to a “dragon” face that
“snaps” open,
resemblant to a dragon's
mouth, when pinched!
No worries on pinching either, it will only assist them in proliferating and flourishing.
It is also a fun mention for the present cony year, that these dragons too are called Bonny's or Bunny Rabbit flowers/plants!
Native to rocky landscapes of Western North American and Mediterranean areas (the Mediterranean being the origin by consensus) Snapdragon is a fragrant non-toxic herb/flowering plant of many colors (some possessing more than one shade within the same petals).
So, no surprise to see them in hare type environments, or peeking from stone walls and walkways and in crag filled terrains or near beaches.
However, much like the versatile rabbit, they can also be found in a degree of topography in between, alongside creeks or around ponds.
They are friendly sun appreciative growers that like moist but drained soils with mild acidity and usually do well if watered correctly.
They also pot well and make gorgeous floral arrangements for home or office!
Deadheading Snapdragons correctly can also bring the rabbit-regarded longevity by helping them to sustain blooming for several more months.
Perennial yet some of the genus assume themselves more of an annual.
With a genus count of over 20, these flamboyant blooms have names ranging from Madame Butterfly, La Bella, Candy Showers, Chandelier and Frosted Flames to name a few!
To further its attributes, Snapdragon also shows a known variety of uses from petal to leaf to seed. Some being;
(Any use or intake should always be accompanied by checking with your health care provider first.)
Spiritually/Magically, to potentially guard against deceit, evils and enchantments!
A Medicinal Herb/Home Remedy, to possibly help with skin issues, oral, eyes, liver, muscles, growths/abscesses, general aches and inflammation areas. It is also a noted astringent.
Now for the edible part! Are they edible? Since they’re non-toxic (for human and animal), yes, completely!
(Special note that any environmental toxicity like that from soil, exhaust from roadways etc. should be considered before munching.)
Furthermore, I must express another heed before any nibbling occurs!
(Again, make sure to check with a health provider before intake.)
Snapdragons are sweet on the eyes.
Not so much on the palate!
After one taste, it’s simple to agree with the rabbit’s unraving menu review!
Most of the flowers have a bitter (almost to the yucky face level) flavor, while some are just blah. Not to deter though, it really comes down to taste test, recipe and one’s personal preference.
Which makes understood the flower's common ornamental or garnish status.
Snapdragons can be found beautifully adorning lavish cakes, baked goods, desserts or dishes requiring a little pretty or a pop of color.
The seeds are commonly extracted of their beneficial oil for medicinal as well as culinary purposes. Though as teeny as the seeds are, I’m thinking it would take a whole lot of them to produce a good amount of cooking oil, or otherwise.
Snapdragons in total (petals, leaves, seeds etc.) can be eaten as is or added to recipes. They can be dried, fried, made into preserves, sparingly added to salads/veggies, grain, potato or assorted root vegetable dishes or into soups. Made into teas, infusions, and even candied flowers for a special treat!
From magical to healing and so forth the Snapdragon overall shows a wonderous and lengthy resume to be admired!
Like the bunny tail, at the end, the vibrant multihued and boastful Snapdragon proves a worthy fit for the modest rabbit!
And in jumping forward,
Blessings and Luck to all in this Year of
the (Water) Rabbit!
-Elise’s Adventures in Herbaland
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