What Can You Cook With Alkanet?

Everything You Need to Know About Alkanet

Alkanets, a hidden gem in the world of herbs and spices, are often overlooked but they harbor a myriad of uses and health benefits, especially interesting for the culinary and therapeutic enthusiasts out there. These woody plants, with their delightful purple blooms, come from the borage family and have a rich history rooted in esteemed traditions and folkloric uses.

Origins of Alkanets

Born from the shores of the Southern European countries and the Mediterranean basin, Alkanets do not limit their presence to their geographical origins. They have been lovingly adopted by parts of Asia, particularly India, and have infiltrated the English and North American gardens, thanks to their aesthetically pleasing blue flowers and their culinary and medicinal fuss-free virtues.

Alkanets are multi-named fellows, with each appellation evoking a unique aspect of this plant. Going by names of Common Bugloss, Spanish Bugloss, and Anchusa, their Arabic name “Al-Henna” alludes to a historical use of Alkanets for dyeing wool with their rich deep red roots. In cosmetics, Alkanet’s root, also called orchanet or dyer’s bugloss, was used for rouge traditionally.

Health Benefits of Alkanets

As a natural colorant, Alkanet roots are employed to give food a desirable reddish hue. But behind this culinary paint-box hides a trove of therapeutic benefits. Best known for their exceptional anti-inflammatory properties, Alkanets are often found in traditional medicinal concoctions soothing issues related to digestive tract inflammation.

Alkanets also harbour antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable ally in combatting unfriendly bacteria and yeasts. As a natural astringent, Alkanets can be applied topically to wounds or sores, promoting healing and preventing infections. They can even be an addition in a DIY face mask, inspiring skincare regimes with their natural benefits.

But the wonders of Alkanets do not stop here. Proclaimed in folk medicine as a powerful detoxifier, Alkanet root has been long consumed in various forms to cleanse blood and support liver function, being rich in antioxidants.

The Alkanet Takeaway

Let’s make no mistake, although tucked away in the beds of our gardens, or admired for their swaying vibrant purple flowers, Alkanet’s lure goes beyond its inviting aesthetics. They hold at their core incredible health benefits and historical richness that often go unnoticed. In this herb lies an unexplored world of culinary and therapeutic wonders.