Santolina: Uses and Culinary Safety

Santolina, often called lavender cotton or cotton lavender, is a fragrant herb with a long history of use in both cooking and medicine. However, modern guidance strongly advises against consuming it. While it was once used in the kitchen, current information indicates it is no longer considered safe for culinary purposes.

Today, santolina is primarily valued for its aromatic qualities. Its dried foliage is commonly placed in closets and drawers to repel moths and impart a fresh scent, much like southernwood. The plant’s silvery-green leaves and button-like yellow flowers also make it an attractive addition to herb gardens and dried arrangements.

If you’re looking for culinary herbs, consider alternatives like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, which offer similar Mediterranean flavors without safety concerns. Always verify the edibility of any herb before using it in food.