Asphodel (asphodyl). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

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Asphodel (asphodyl). Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Directory / Cultivated and wild plants

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Content

Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Asphodel (asphodyl), Asphodelus. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Asphodel (asphodyl)

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Asphodel (Asphodelus)

Family: Liliaceae (Asphodelaceae)

Origin: The genus Asphodel originates from the Mediterranean, but is also found in North Africa, Asia, and the Atlantic islands.

Area: Asphodel grows in subtropical and temperate climates, mainly on dry and stony soils. Plants of this genus can be found in various regions of the world, including the Mediterranean, the Balkans, Western Asia, Africa, and some of the Atlantic islands.

Chemical composition: Asphodel contains alkaloids, flavonoids, carotenoids, saponins and other biologically active substances. The roots and leaves of asphodel also contain healing resins and essential oils.

Economic value: Asphodel is popular in landscape design as an ornamental plant for its beautiful flowers and leaves. Asphodel roots have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including those of the digestive system and respiratory tract. In addition, asphodel was used in ancient times as a feed for livestock, as well as for the production of dyes, soaps and other products. However, some species of asphodel can be toxic to livestock, so their use as feed should be limited.

Legends, myths, symbolism: According to Greek mythology, the asphodel was associated with the underworld and represented the plant of the dead. In ancient Greek mythology, it is said that the souls of the dead lived in the field of asphodels after death. In other cultures, the asphodel also has a symbolic meaning. In the Christian tradition, it is associated with the idea of rebirth and resurrection. In a number of cultures, including ancient Greece and Rome, asphodel has been used medicinally, especially to treat colds and stomach upsets. The symbolic meaning of the asphodel may also be related to its beautiful flowers. The asphodel flower in different cultures symbolizes various qualities, such as elegance, purity, nobility and even sacrifice. In color therapy, asphodel can be used to improve mood and relieve stress due to its calming and relaxing effect.

Asphodel (asphodyl), Asphodelus. Description, illustrations of the plant

Asphodel. Legends, myths, history

Asphodel (asphodyl)

Since ancient times, asphodel has been considered a symbol of death, mourning, sorrow and the afterlife. According to ancient ideas, he served as food for the dead in the kingdom of Hades and was dedicated to the mistress of the underworld, Persephone.

According to the myths, she was the daughter of the fertility goddess Demeter. Gaia, the goddess of the earth, helped get Persephone as a wife to Hades. She raised Persephone, a magic flower, in the valley where she liked to walk. As soon as the girl plucked it, the earth opened up in front of her, and from there flew out a chariot harnessed by black horses of darkness. Hades, who ruled it, grabbed Persephone and disappeared underground.

Realizing that by force he would not snatch her consent to become his wife, Hades forced her to drink a sip of water from the underground river Lethe, which gave oblivion from all earthly joys and sorrows.

The grief of Demeter caused crop failures and famine on the earth. Then Zeus sent Hermes to Hades with the order to free Persephone.

Hades did not disobey the thunderer. He woke Persephone, but before parting, he gave her a pomegranate seed - a symbol of fertility and marriage. Hades did not tell Persephone that, having tasted these magical grains, she would never forget about the kingdom of death.

"Shadows of the dead roam the asphodel meadows," said the ancient Greeks. They also believed that asphodel was able to expel evil spirits from dwellings.

Author: Martyanova L.M.

Asphodel (asphodyl). Myths, traditions, symbolism

Asphodel (asphodyl)

A lily plant with dark green leaves and pale flowers; according to ancient legend, it grew in the meadows of the underworld and delighted the souls of the dead.

The plant was dedicated to the goddesses Demeter and Persephone; according to myths, its tubers served as food for the dead in the underworld, but if necessary, they were also eaten by the living: it was believed that they save in case of poisoning.

Pale twigs of flowers with the Latin name "hastula regia" served to decorate the images of the gods.

In the Mediterranean countries, according to the old tradition, asphodile is still a symbol of mourning today, and according to ancient ideas, it could drive out evil spirits, it was associated with the planet Saturn.

Author: Biedermann G.

Asphodel (asphodyl), Asphodelus. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Ethnoscience:

Tea from the roots of asphodel is used to treat colds, coughs and flu. To make tea, infuse 1 tablespoon of dry asphodel roots in 1 liter of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
Infusion from the leaves of asphodel is used as an antiseptic for the treatment of wounds and burns. To prepare the infusion, it is necessary to infuse 1 tablespoon of dry asphodel leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 30-40 minutes, then strain.
Compresses from the infusion of asphodel flowers is used to soften and moisturize the skin of the face. To prepare the infusion, pour 2 tablespoons of dried asphodel flowers with 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 20 minutes, strain and apply on the face for 10-15 minutes.

Cosmetology:

Mask for the face from the infusion of asphodel flowers helps to improve skin tone and moisturize it. To prepare the mask, you need to mix 2 tablespoons of infusion of asphodel flowers, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of sour cream. Apply to face for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Shampoo from asphodel root extract helps fight dandruff and itchy scalp. To prepare the shampoo, you need to insist 2-3 tablespoons of dry asphodel roots in 1 liter of boiling water for 20-30 minutes, strain and use as a regular shampoo.
Cream from asphodel leaf extract helps to moisturize and soothe irritated skin. To prepare the cream, you need to mix 2 tablespoons of asphodel leaf extract, 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Apply the cream on the skin of the face or body daily after a shower or bath.

Asphodel (asphodyl), Asphodelus. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

cultivated and wild plants. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

Asphodel (Asphodelus) can be grown both in the garden and in pots on the window.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing asphodel:

Cultivation:

Choose a well-lit area for growing asphodel. It prefers sunny places with fertile soil and good drainage.
Plant the plants in the ground at a depth of about 2-3 times the size of the bulb. Place the bulbs at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other.
Water the asphodel sparingly, keeping the soil moist, but do not flood it. Make sure the soil is well drained to avoid root rot.
During the flowering period of the asphodel, fertilize it with organic fertilizers to increase yields.
Asphodel flowering begins in May-June and lasts about a month. After flowering, flower stalks should be removed to save the plant's strength to form new bulbs.

Preparation and storage:

There are different ways to harvest asphodel for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology:

To obtain the roots of asphodel, it is necessary to dig up the bulbs in late summer or early autumn. The roots should be cleaned, cut into pieces and dried in a ventilated place.
Leaves and flowers of asphodel can be collected during the flowering period, dried and stored in a tightly closed container.
To obtain extracts and decoctions, both dry and fresh leaves and flowers can be used.
Store asphodel blanks in a cool and dry place, protected from sunlight. The shelf life depends on the harvesting method and storage conditions, usually ranging from several months to a year.

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