Quince-
Quince (Pyrus Cydonia, also known as Golden Apple) is now the only member of the genus Cydonia. Quince fruit was highly regarded by the Greeks and Romans, and was the ‘golden apple’ that Paris awarded to Aphrodite as a symbol of love, marriage and fertility. The Greeks obtained Quince from Cydon in Crete, from which place the fruit derived its name of "Cydonia", of which the English name Quince is a corruption (being adapted from the French coin, whence the Middle English coin: Quin, and the plural Quins, becoming corrupted to the singular Quince) The first accounts of its cultivation are from 1275 A.D.

Magickal Uses:

Quince is a countermagick herb, an herb of love, and a Green Herbe. Few fruits have such a strong history of association with the blessing of a Union (you can use the fresh fruit or its jelly can be layered into a cake). It is a very desirable fruit to bring into a Handfasting. Draw upon the Quince to repel negative energy coming from others.

Medicinal and Other Uses:

Quinces have long been used as a herbal medicine, as an infusion to treat sore throat, diarrhea and hemorrhage of the bowel. It is effective against inflammation of the mucous membranes, intestines and stomach. It is also used as a soothing astringent in conditions of gastritis, and its seeds can act as an effective laxative. Externally Quince can be used for minor burns. Quince fruit is also utilized for jelly making (Quinces contain high levels of pectin, which ensures that any jelly made with them in will set easily). Quince paste is still widely made in France (‘cotignac’) and Spain (‘membrilo’), while in Argentina and Chile a quince spread (‘dulce de membrilo’) is made. Wine and cider can also be made from the fruit. They are also used in the cosmetic industry and for medicinal cosmetics. Long used in Chinese medicine, the stembark is used as an astringent for ulcers, and the fruits used for their antivinous, astringent, carminative and peptic qualities. The seeds, soaked or boiled in water, release the mucilage from the seed coat and make a jelly-like consistency, which has been used for sore throats and eye lotions. The fruits are so fragrant that a single fruit can fill a room with its rich fruity scent; indeed, Quinces were once popular as room deodorizers. Quince leaves contain 11% tannin and can be used for tanning. Mucilage obtained from the seed coat is used as a gum arabic substitute. Quinces are more important as rootstocks than as fruiting plants, and Quince is the primary dwarfing rootstock used for pear in Europe. **WC** If you wildcraft in any rural areas that contain old abandoned "homesteads", check around them and you are likely to find a Quince growing. They will survive for years and were a popular planting at the turn of the century. (I find lots of them that way in Georgia)

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Credits:

A Compendium of Herbal Magick by Paul Beyerl

A Modern Herbal by Maud Grieve (Vol 1 & 2)

Magickal Herbalism by Scott Cunningham

Edible Wild Plants by Thomas S. Elias & Peter A. Dykeman

Indian Herbalogy by Alma R. Hutchens

Sacred Plant Medicine by Stephen Harrod Buhner

Coyote Medicine by Lewis Mehl-Madrona, M.D.

Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants by "Wildman" Steve Brill

The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal by David Hoffman

The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham

Magic and Medicine of Plants by Inge N. Dobelis

Information given on this site is not intended to be taken as a replacement for medical advice. Any person with a condition requiring medical attention should consult a medical doctor. This information is given as reference only.