Herb of grace
The plant is a semi-shrub and grows up to 1.2 m tall. Herb of grace blooms in July and August with quadruple, yellow flowers except for the central flower at the top of the main axis which is quintuplet. The fruit is a 1 cm round box fruit. The plant copes well with heat and drought.
Herb of grace was formerly used as a medicine. The taste is very bitter. It was used to induce abortion. The oil is also used in perfumes. It has a strengthening effect on tendons, muscles, ligaments, cartilage and bones. It also improves the elasticity of blood vessels and stimulates circulation.
In northern Italy, it is used to flavour grappa, a strong drink, with digestive properties.
