Speik

Real Speik

As Speik (also: Speick ) are principally strongly fragrant, aromatic plants, especially in the Alps .

• Usually reference is made to the real Speik ( Valeriana celtica , Alpine valerian ), whose rhizomes are used in soap production .

Sticky primrose ( Primula glutinosa )

But there are also other plants called Speik that were used for similar hygienic scented oils:

• Broad-leaved lavender ( Lavandula latifolia ), as the starting material for Spiköl or Speiköl (Spicae aetheroleum)
• Weißer Speik: bitter yarrow ( Achillea clavenae )
• Roter / Blauer Speik: Sticky primrose ( Primula glutinosa )
• Horsespeik, Gelspeik, Sauspeik: dwarf primrose ( Primula minima )
• Gelber Speik, Wilder Speik: auricle ( Primula auricula )
• Frauenspeik: Devil's Claw ( Phyteuma )
• Indian nard ( Nardostachys grandiflora v. Nardostachys jatamansi v. Valeriana jatamansi )

Especially in the eastern Alps there are many places called Speikboden or Speikkogel . This then refers to the frequent occurrence of these crops that have been systematically managed. A special center for the trade in the real Speik was Judenburg , which in Austria had the exclusive rights for trade via Venice to the Orient.

Web links

• Spike. In: JG Krünitz: Economic Encyclopedia (1773-1858).

See also

• valerian