Another wild flower that seems to be more abundant than usual this Spring. This was taken at Turn Hill (National Trust land) at High Ham and it has been growing in wide swathes on the southern slopes. There has been a lot more sun than usual this Spring, and I think this has intensified its aromatic scent which has been quite heady - especially when you walk through it. Apparently the early Saxons used it to clarify beer before hops were introduced.
It has also been used medicinally for all sorts of things over the years. John Gerard, a 16th Century herbalist writes "it is commended against the humming noise and ringing sound of the ears, being put into them, and for them that are hard of hearing...It also purgeth the head from rheumatic humours flowing from the brain,...half a dram of the leaves being drunk in foure ounces and a half of faire water for 40 or 50 days together is a remedy against sciatica or ache in the huckle-bone."
What's a huckle bone? Also interesting as a cure for tinnitus but somehow I don't think I'll be able to persuede my other half to partake. Beautiful flower. Must look out for it.
@hilarymeme To @gijsje @woofandweft1 - the huckle bone is the hip I'm told! As for the tinnitus remedy... I'm not sure how that would work!
@novab - thanks, it is interesting isn't it :)
@dmcoile - thanks!