This annual plant grows on crop land throughout Eurasia and northern Africa, mainly in fields of cereals, giving them a red tinge. It probably came to Europe from Asia in very ancient times mixed with wheat grain. The infusion or liquid extract of its red petals, due to their anthocyanin content, calms children and helps them sleep, and also soothes stomach upsets. Its fruit contain mucilages, anthocyanins and alkaloids, particularly rhoeadine which is good for any ailment of the respiratory tract such as coughs, pharyngitis and bronchitis. Its seeds are tiny but very abundant and contain fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, and also oleic, palmitic and stearic acids. The seeds are often used nowadays in bread making. It was also used to colour cheese. Its tender leaves are eaten in salads and added to stews and pasta dishes. Dioscorides mentions that this extremely common plant, applied as a poultice, is a remedy for inflammations and its cooking water induces sleep.
Ramón Morales Valverde Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid (Extract from the commentary volume of Mattioli's Dioscorides illustrated by Cibo)
This annual plant grows on crop land throughout Eurasia and northern Africa, mainly in fields of cereals, giving them a red tinge. It probably came to Europe from Asia in very ancient times mixed with wheat grain. The infusion or liquid extract of its red petals, due to their anthocyanin content, calms children and helps them sleep, and also soothes stomach upsets. Its fruit contain mucilages, anthocyanins and alkaloids, particularly rhoeadine which is good for any ailment of the respiratory tract such as coughs, pharyngitis and bronchitis. Its seeds are tiny but very abundant and contain fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, and also oleic, palmitic and stearic acids. The seeds are often used nowadays in bread making. It was also used to colour cheese. Its tender leaves are eaten in salads and added to stews and pasta dishes. Dioscorides mentions that this extremely common plant, applied as a poultice, is a remedy for inflammations and its cooking water induces sleep.
Ramón Morales Valverde Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid (Extract from the commentary volume of Mattioli's Dioscorides illustrated by Cibo)
Cookie preferences
We use cookies and third-party cookies to improve our services by analyzing your browsing habits. For more information you can read our cookie policy. You can accept all cookies by clicking the Accept button or configure or reject their use by clicking HERE.
