Cicely History and Uses: Myrrhis odorata

Sweet cicely combines feathery foliage with a clear anise-like scent. The plant in this profile is Myrrhis odorata, a perennial culinary herb in the carrot family. Its soft appearance suits a sheltered garden, while a small amount of young leaf can introduce a gentle aromatic note to fruit or a creamy sauce. [1]

Origins, History, and Identity

A European plant, sweet cicely has accumulated many common names, including sweet chervil and garden myrrh. Those names do not make it the same plant as culinary chervil, anise, or the resin called myrrh. Its white flower clusters develop into elongated aromatic fruits. Reliable labeling is especially useful in this family of similar-looking herbs. [1]

Culinary Uses and Flavor

Use young, correctly identified leaves sparingly and pair them with a simple base. Try a little with apples, pears, or yogurt, then decide whether you enjoy its licorice-like character. The perception of sweetness from an aroma does not make the herb a measured replacement for sugar in baking: sugar also affects structure, moisture, and browning. [2]

Traditional Uses and What the Evidence Means

Traditional digestive or cough-related claims should not be confused with demonstrated clinical benefits. Here the plant is presented as a culinary and garden herb, with no medicinal dosing instructions.

Use a labeled cultivated plant. Do not gather a wild carrot-family herb based on a sweet smell or a superficial resemblance; dangerous plants occur in the same family.

Growing and Harvesting

Choose dappled shade and moderately fertile soil that stays moist but drains well. The RHS recommends removing developing flower stems when leaf quality is the priority. Plants can be propagated by seed or divided in spring or autumn. [1]

Buying and Storage

For cooking, choose clean leaves with a lively aroma and remove damaged material. Rinse under running water and dry before chopping. Keep only a modest supply on hand so you can enjoy the flavor at its best. Label dried herbs clearly and keep them away from light, moisture, and the heat above the stove.

Two Simple Recipes to Try

These original recipe suggestions are small, approachable ways to explore the flavor. They are culinary ideas, not medicinal preparations; adjust future batches to your taste.

Apples with Sweet Cicely

Serves 2; about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped young sweet cicely leaves
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons water

Method

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the apples, sugar, water, and seasoning.
2. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, then uncover and stir. Cook for another 5–8 minutes until the fruit is tender; add a splash of water if needed.
3. Remove any whole spices before serving. Spoon over oatmeal, pancakes, or yogurt. Taste the fruit before adding extra sugar.

Sweet Cicely Lemon Yogurt

Makes about 1 cup; 10 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped young sweet cicely leaves
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• A small pinch of salt

Method

1. Wash and dry any fresh herbs, then chop them finely. Measure the remaining ingredients into a bowl.
2. Stir everything together, taste, and adjust the lemon or salt a little at a time.
3. Let stand in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then stir again before serving with vegetables, warm flatbread, or baked potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sweet cicely the same as chervil?

No. Myrrhis odorata is a perennial; culinary chervil is Anthriscus cerefolium. Their aromatic similarities do not make them identical.

Can it replace all the sugar in jam?

No. Sugar affects preservation as well as taste. Use a tested preserving recipe and do not make a safety-critical substitution.

Explore the Herb Library

Continue exploring our Herbs & Spices Educational Guide, or browse cicely in the Spirit of Wormwood store.

Have you grown this plant or encountered it in a favorite food tradition? Share your experience in the comments.

Sources and Further Reading

1. Royal Horticultural Society — Myrrhis odorata
2. RHS — culinary herbs for shade

Featured image: Spirit of Wormwood herb-library illustration; a general library image, not a botanical identification photograph.