Effect:
aphrodisiac, skin-strengthening, desire-increasing
Areas of application:
It is not used in folk medicine.
Plant parts used:
root
Collection time:
Autumn
To find:
The sugar root or Merk is a useful plant from Eastern Europe and Asia. The wild form can be found from the Caucasus to Sieberen.
Ingredients:
Mucilage, starch, sugar, gum, vitamins, minerals
Miscellaneous:
Sugar roots are similar in culture to parsnips and were once a common food crop that was frequently grown. You can harvest from the same plant for several years if you replant the old rootstock after removing the lateral roots.
The dried and roasted root is a coffee substitute. It tastes floury and sweet.
Hildegard von Bingen: The sugar root (Gerla) is of no use and does no harm if eaten. If you have sick skin on your face, take Gerla and crush it in a mortar and then add oil. He anoints his face with it when he goes to bed until he gets well.