From the vast Åland flora, the Post chose three medicinal plants to be featured in the 2016 stamp booklet issued on 9 May. Artist Jonas Wilén’s illustrations are reminiscent of old pharmacy bottle labels.
Representing nature pharmacy are the medicinal
plants henbane, foxglove and tansy that all appear in Åland to a smaller or
greater extent. Since time immemorial, herbs and spices have been used to cure
or ease various ailments. According to Nordic folklore, curative plants were
also ascribed magic powers.
Henbane (Hyoscyamus
niger) is a sticky and odorous herb that flowers from June to September with
large dingy yellow flowers. It has been grown in the North for medicinal
purposes since the Viking and Middle Ages. Highly toxic, henbane has been used
for its painkilling and sedative effect.
Foxglove (Digitalis
purpurea) is a biennial herb and flowers from July to August with purple or
white tubular flowers. Foxglove is a highly toxic plant that affects the heart.
An extract containing the glycoside digitoxin was earlier used for the
treatment of heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia.
Tancy (Tanacetum
vulgare) is an herbaceous perennial plant with clusters of yellow flowers. The
plant is slightly toxic and has been used for medicinal purposes to treat
intestinal worms and vermin. The leaves and flowers may also be used to flavour
aquavit and colour yarn and fabric.
Thank you Ella.
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