Biennial or short-lived herbaceous perennial, which sometimes flowers in the first year, native to the northern Mediterranean, and some areas of north Africa and Central Asia. Seeds soaked in water produce mucilaginous eye bath which safely removes foreign particles. Vanilla balsam aroma. Has a lengthy history as a medicinal herb, and is mainly grown for its essential oil, relieving anxiety and fear, menstrual-related issues such as PMS and cramping, and helping with insomnia.