- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (Central), Europe (South), Africa (North)
- Traditions
- Folk magic and herbal magic
Asia · Herb · № 210
Tulipa spp.
Herb · Asia
Tulip
Tulipa spp.
An ornamental flower. The petals are edible; the bulbs were eaten in times of need but can cause eczema on contact ('tulip fingers'). In Persian poetry the red tulip stands for love and martyrdom.
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.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Home, kitchen and folk use: Bulbs can cause eczema and stomach complaints; do not eat them.
Preparation
No specific preparation described.
Use in traditions
In herbal magic associated with prosperity, abundance, protection, love. The tulip comes from Central Asia and was a beloved flower in the Ottoman Empire. In the Dutch tulip mania of 1637 bulbs were traded for the price of a house. In the Dutch Hunger Winter of 1944–1945 tulip bulbs were eaten.
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.
Prosperity, abundance, protection, love, luck.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Attributed effects
Eaten in times of need; tulip bulbs were boiled or ground into flour during the Hunger Winter.
Preparation and amount
Only as an ornamental flower; the petals are edible.
Caution: Bulbs can cause eczema and stomach complaints; do not eat them.