- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe (cultivated cross of North and South American species)
- Traditions
- Folk magic and herbal magic
Europe · Food · № 253
Fragaria × ananassa
Food · Europe
Strawberry
Fragaria × ananassa
The garden strawberry is a fruit rich in vitamin C. The leaf of the related wild strawberry was drunk as tea for mild diarrhoea; no medicinal effect is described for the garden strawberry itself.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Fresh as fruit, in jam or baking.
Use in traditions
The garden strawberry arose in 18th-century French gardens from a chance cross between a Chilean and a North American species. In folk culture the strawberry, with its heart shape and red colour, is a symbol of love; in Christian art it stands for the virtues of Mary. In herbal magic associated with love, peace and luck.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Love, peace, luck.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Fruit bowl (spring).
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Powder and kitchen