(Artwork and description by player Regina Carey)
 

Snow Drops

Snow Drops
  Other Names: (Lacy, Little Wishes, Warrior's Blood, Ivory Petals)

Found in the plains around Explorer's Pass, Aedelfer, Rin Caad, Chihalla, Derico, Isod's Tip, and Pallahade and in the Black swamps, this is a very, very, very easy to gain herb. And this perennial is extremely resistant to pests and disease.

It grows 2 to 3 ft tall with a 2-ft spread and is littered with either little white or red flowers. Although some of the plant has both flower colours mixed in, the flowers bloom during summer and autumn. An it does not take well to being grown in a pot at all. Since growing in clumps, Snow drops have the appearance of clumps of snow, or a splatter of blood on the ground, hence the names.

The plant's leaves and flowers can be harvested for drying as it comes into flower. Dried, the flowers make beautiful decoration in dried flower arrangements. While mixing the leaves with compost will increase the rate of decomposition. Drought tolerant, it is almost impossible to destroy, and gardeners have discovered that if planted in amoung other plants, it encourages the other plant's abilities to resist disease and seems to intensify the medicinal use of other herbs. It also deepens the fragrance and flavour of other plants. And therefore is a favorite for the herbs gardens of cooks and healers.

Not only is it beneficial to other plants, the fresh leaves can be used in salads. And herbalists find it to have several medicinal uses.  Steeped in hot water and drunk, it causes sweats, which can cool a fever and expel toxins from a body. As a hot poultice, it can be applied to healing wounds, chapped skin and rashes. And can also be used as a mouthwash for inflamed gums. However, it shouldn't be taken for long periods as it can cause skin irritation. And should never be taken by pregnant women. Large doses of SnowDrops will produce headaches and vertigo. Being so wide spread, SnowDrops is easily attainable and is there for low priced.

Inch Fish with Snow drops

3 tablespoons of herb oil (extra-virgin olive oil)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3 Bitter Fruit (lemons)
6 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Snow Drop leaves, plus a few sprigs for garnish (Yarrow)
24 large Inch fish--shelled, deveined and cut almost in half lengthwise down the back (Srimp)
Salt
Chihalla pepper (Cayenne)

Preheat the oven to 450° and light the grill, if you're using one. In a small bowl, stir together the herb oil and garlic. Cut the pointed ends from the bitter fruits so they will sit flat, then halve them crosswise. Set them flesh side up in a glass or ceramic baking dish and spoon 1 tablespoon of the sugar on each half. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sugar is melted and the pulp is soft. Preheat the broiler, if using.

Sprinkle the chopped Snow Drops inside the Inch Fish and pinch closed. Brush the Inch fish with the garlic oil and season with salt and Chihalla pepper. Grill or broil the Inch fish 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until opaque. Squeeze some of the Bitter Fruit juice over the Inch fish and garnish with the Snow Drops sprigs. Serve at once with the baked Bitter fruits.