Identifying Balm of Gilead (Cedronella canariensis)

Take great care when identifying wild plants and fungi, this blog is not a resource to be taken by itself and further resources will be linked. Consult other sources and double check. While foraging is an extremely rewarding and useful skill, numerous common plants and fungi can make you sick or kill you. Be absolutely sure of what you’re eating and, when gathering, ensure you leave enough not only to ensure the survival and growth of the species but also enough for others to enjoy, from the human and more-than-human communities. Also cultivate an awareness of contamination and pollution – wastewater runoff, spraying, exhaust fumes – as this should affect your decision to harvest.

The Plant

Cedronella canariensis is a flowering perennial herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family. They are native to the Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira. The name Cedronella comes from the Greek word “cedros” (cedar), alluding to the plants aromatic scent. Canariensis refers to the plant being from the Canary Islands. “Balm of Gilead” is named after the true Balm or Balsam of Gilead poplar tree which produced a rare perfume in the region of Gilead which was mentioned in the Hebrew bible. These plants are not the same but they share a similar pungent lemon and camphor-like scent.

Description

Balm of Gilead is a perennial plant which seems to pop up wild fairly often in Aotearoa gardens. The plant grow up to 1-1.5 metres tall with the stems growing very erect. The stems are square in shape and are largely hairless except for the odd hair, whilst the branchlets attached to the leaves have much more distinct hairs. The leaves are comprised of three pointed leaflets, toothed along the edges. The stems end in dense spikey clusters of flowers. The white/pink flowers are tubular with two petals. Balm of Gilead is hermaphrodite (the flowers contain both male and female parts). Their flowers attract many pollinator insects and can spread through seed dispersal.

Ecology

I have come across Cedronella canariensis frowing wild in my families garden in the Wairarapa which is fairly sunny and temperate. Balm of Gilead likes protection from full sun and cannot handle severe frosts and cold temperatures. They prefer moist and well drained soils. You can find them flowering for a short period in early summer.

Nutritional & Medicinal Information

A tea infusion of the leaves has been used to treat symptoms of colds and bronchitis and can help to clear blocked nasal passages. Steep 1 teaspoon of dried Balm of Gilead leaves in a cup of boiling water for 7 minutes and drink.

Possible Lookalikes

I do not know of any herbaceous plants that look similar to Balm of Gilead.

Interesting Facts

As Balm of Gilead’s aroma can be used as an insect repellant farmer’s can add it to the hay which goes into chicken nesting boxes. This will help to prevent mites.

Adding dried Balm of Gilead to a potpourri will lend a musky woody scent to the mix.

Balm of Gilead can be used as an insect repellant in and around your home.

Storage & Cooking

Balm of Gilead flowers are best used fresh or dried before the plant flowers, so harvest in spring ideally. You can dry the leaves in a dehydrator, oven, or hung up in bundles in brown paper bags. Seal in air tight jars.

The aromatic leaves have been traditionally used to make a strong tea called ‘Thé de Canaries’ which is a great decongestant. The plant itself is more medicinal than it is edible but as they do have a strong minty/lemony flavour which in small doses could be lovely in a salad.

Enjoy my fellow foragers!

Further Reading

iNaturalist

New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

Mudbrick Herb Cottage

Plants For A Future

Shaman’s Garden