Cicely Uses & How to Use It (Myrrhis odorata)

Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is a perennial aromatic herb in the Apiaceae family native to Central and southern Europe. It grows as a tall graceful clump with fern-like foliage, umbels of white flowers, and a strong sweet anise scent. The leaves, seeds, and root are the parts most often used in traditional preparations.

Cicely has a long place in traditional European herb use as both a household remedy and a flavoring plant. The leaves, seeds, and root were used in teas, syrups, and kitchen preparations associated with digestion, the throat, and sweet herbal flavor.

Its naturally sweet anise-like taste made it especially useful in old gardens where herbs often served both the kitchen and the stillroom.

Cicely Benefits and Traditional Uses

Cicely has traditionally been used to support:

Traditional digestive teas
Sweet herb syrups and cordials
Household throat preparations
Flavoring fruit dishes and preserves
Anise-like herb blends

Historically, sweet cicely was valued in monastery and household gardens as a dual-purpose herb for flavor and traditional comfort. Its sweet scent and soft leaves made it useful in culinary preparations as well as simple herbal teas and syrups.

“Sweet cicely was long cherished as a pleasant garden herb whose fragrance served both the kitchen and the household apothecary.”

— Traditional European herbal reference

Cicely Preparation Methods

Cicely can be prepared in several traditional ways:

Tea

The leaves or seeds may be steeped in hot water to make a sweet aromatic herbal tea.

Part of the plant used: Leaves or seeds

Syrup

Cicely has traditionally been prepared in sweet syrups and cordial-type household preparations.

Part of the plant used: Leaves or seeds

Culinary Herb

Fresh leaves and green seeds may be used in fruit dishes, desserts, and other sweet-savory preparations.

Part of the plant used: Leaves and seeds

Growing Cicely

Cicely is a hardy perennial that enjoys a cool, slightly shaded position and naturally forms a lush clump. In favorable conditions it becomes an attractive woodland-edge or cottage-garden herb.

Prefers partial shade to light sun
Grows best in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
Needs regular moisture in warmer climates
Suitable for USDA zones 3–7 in many parts of the United States
Well suited to cottage gardens and woodland herb plantings

Cicely may self-seed in favorable sites, but it is usually easy to manage in the garden. The plant often appreciates cooler summer conditions more than intense heat.

Safety Considerations

Cicely has a long history of traditional use, however members of the carrot family should always be identified carefully.

However:

Cicely is generally treated as a mild herb, but concentrated preparations may cause digestive upset in some individuals.
Correct identification is very important because some wild Apiaceae plants are highly poisonous.
Individuals with known sensitivities to carrot-family plants should use caution.
The sweet flavor may encourage heavier use than is traditional in concentrated medicinal preparations.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a qualified healthcare professional before medicinal use.
Always consult a qualified professional before using herbs for health purposes.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

Image Disclaimer: Images are for reference only and should not be used as the sole method of identification. Always confirm identification with a qualified source.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cicely traditionally used for?

Cicely is traditionally used in digestive teas, sweet syrups, household throat preparations, and aromatic culinary recipes.

What part of cicely is used?

The leaves, seeds, and sometimes the root are used. Different parts are chosen depending on whether the preparation is culinary or herbal.

Does cicely taste like anise?

Yes. Sweet cicely has a naturally sweet anise-like flavor and fragrance, which is one of its best-known characteristics.

Can cicely be used in cooking?

Yes. Cicely has a long culinary history and is used in fruit dishes, syrups, and other recipes where a sweet herbal note is desired.

Can cicely grow in the United States?

Yes. Cicely can grow in many US gardens, especially in cooler regions or lightly shaded sites with moist fertile soil.

Are there safety concerns with cicely?

The main caution is correct identification, because carrot-family herbs can resemble poisonous wild plants. Concentrated use should also be approached thoughtfully.

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Botanical Overview

Botanical name: Myrrhis odorata
Family: Apiaceae
Plant type: Perennial herb
Native region: Central and southern Europe
Common names: Sweet cicely, garden myrrh, sweet chervil