Organic Gardening

From Down Under

"Kay's Herbs"

by Kay Heaton.

up-dated 06/02/02

Herbs are a delight to grow. Whether you use them for cooking or cosmetics, pot pourris or teas, or you just love to touch and to smell them as they grow in your garden, they are special.

Try some, but be warned, you may become hooked !

They do not require any special care. A good garden soil, sunshine and regular watering are all they need. Plant some around your garden. Because they are so aromatic they are good companions to other plants. They repel many of the less desirable insects, while their flowers encourage bees.

You can fill a tub or two with a kitchen herb garden or you can spoil yourself with a garden of aromas - lemon, licorice, cinnamon, spearmint, clove and aniseed, to name a few.

These pages briefly outline the basic herbs and some others of interest. Should you become interested there are many excellent books on the market that explain growing and using herbs in detail.

N.B. The medicinal use of herbs should be approached with caution. Some herbs are quite potent and their content should be understood before being put into medicinal use.

IN YOUR GARDEN.

There is a huge range of "herbs" ; they cover all sizes, all growing conditions, rate of growth and life spans. Any plant which has any specific use to man can be defined as a herb. Thus a Eucalyptus could be a herb and also vegetables, fruit trees and many so called weeds.

Herbs can be integrated into your garden. However, as with any plant or tree, be aware of its growth requirements. If you do not make allowances for these you will be sorry later. Fast growing plants will cover and kill off plants planted too close. Tall plants will shade sun lovers and they will not thrive.

Most herbs can be grown in containers. If you have a sunny patio or pergola, a small garden, or only require a few herbs, this may suit you best. An old laundry tub or a wheelbarrow with drainage holes, make great herb beds. Otherwise use one fairly large pot per herb (giving it room to grow without competition) and arrange the pots in clusters in a sunny spot.

Arranging them this way helps to prevent the pots drying out. Use a good potting mix. Do not stand in saucers. Many herbs cannot abide "wet feet" or even having wet foliage for any length of time - especially lavender, rosemary, thymes, sage and oregano. Mints, chives, watercress (of course) and lemon balm are more tolerant of damp. Move the pots around regularly to avoid the larger herbs growing into the ground. Should a pot become completely dried out, immerse it in water up to the soil line. This eliminates all air pockets. If you pour water onto a dried out pot plant, the water runs through the air spaces and does not soak the soil.

If you have the room you can have a whole garden bed, full of herbs.

It should be situated in a sunny spot. Morning sun is the preferable choice. Ideally, the bed should be raised to allow good drainage. Plan the layout taking notice of eventual height and life span of each plant.

It is a good idea to plant out long lasting plants, spaced to allow annuals in between. This way the garden is always 'full' and looking good.

e.g. At the front - thyme, oregano, lemon balm and marjoram as base plants, with chervil, parsley cresses etc. planted in between.

In the middle - chives, sorrel, sage and Winter tarragon, with basil planted in between. Plant permanent large plants at the back. e.g. Rosemary, Lavender, lemongrass (this needs dividing every two years) and a Bay tree (very slow growing) If you plant too many too close together you will not get the full benefit of most. If you have only a small area then be selective. It might be wise to start small but make allowance to expand the area.

A 'herb spiral' can be very practical and attractive.

If you can afford to buy two or three metres of good garden soil (or can gather enough from your garden and compost heap) then a herb spiral is ideal. Choose a sunny area. Perhaps you can spare part of the lawn. ( We, have no lawns in our back yard. We established a "bush garden" at the back of our garden with a small pond in it and now have five species of frogs, resident possums, koalas and have even been visited by an echidna and a brush turkey. The rest of the yard is thoroughly planted in vegetables, herbs, and shrubs - mostly natives)

If you choose a lawn area first mark the outside of the circle/oval with thick newspaper (no need to dig up the grass)

Then pile in your soil. Retain around the outer perimeter with logs, planks, tiles, rocks - whatever does the job (or whatever you can afford) Leave an inch or two of newspaper showing to prevent the grass invading inside the spiral. Now mark out your spiral and use rocks etc. to retain where necessary. Remember when planting out your herbs that their requirements differ. A spiral garden helps cater for these differences in a compact area.

N.B. Some herbs can be very invasive. The worst offenders are mints, which are very hard to get rid of; the smallest root left will grow.

Others, such as dill, fennel, rocket and chervil seed readily but any excess can be weeded out.

USING HERBS

In The Kitchen: - Basil, chervil, chillies, chives, coriander, garlic, marjoram, mints, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme are the most commonly used in cooking. If you have not used herbs before try only a little to start with, and increase to suit your personal taste. Follow recipes.

In Teas: - Lemon Grass, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Peppermint, Bergamot, Sage, Rosemary & Lemon Verbena are the most popular. They are very refreshing and beneficial (e.g. Sage for sore throats. Lemon drinks for colds and fevers, Chamomile soothes)

Use about one loosely chopped teaspoon of fresh herb(s) per person.

Cover with boiling water and allow to stand for a few minutes. The tea may be diluted to taste or sweetened with honey or sugar, but NO milk. Milk not only spoils the flavour but lessens the benefits.

Herb Salt. A basic recipe can be made from 4 cups of parsley, 2 cups of celery tops and two teaspoons each of any other herbs ( oregano, thyme, garlic, coriander & dill seed etc.) Good quality fresh, dry leaves should be picked and dried either in a slow oven or a few seconds in the microwave (Microwaving retains colour better but watch out - parsley explodes in the microwave) Pound & store in airtight jars out of sunlight.

Herb Butter Make up small quantities at a time. Chop herbs of your choice and mix with an equal volume of butter. It keeps for about a week and certainly picks up that cheese sandwich!

Herb Oils Gently bruise and suspend good quality sprigs of herbs in a light oil. Leave in warm sunny spot, turning gently now and again, for a few days or more. Replace sprigs and repeat if a stronger brew is required. Filter if necessary. (Thyme, lemon thyme, rosemary, basil)

Herb Vinegars Soak herbs in good quality cider or wine vinegar for 2/3 weeks. Strain, Bottle, Cork & LABEL.( tarragon, basil, mint, bruised garlic, horseradish, thyme, chervil, dill.)

In Pot Pourri: - Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Scented Geraniums, Rose petals, Pineapple Sage, Eucalyptus, Bay and Jasmine flowers are some of the herbs you can use. The mix is up to you. A fixative, usually orris root powder & gum benzoin should be used and the perfume may be increased by adding oils. See ' Storing Herbs'.

As Insect repellents.

Most aromatic herbs repel insects (but not bees). Some examples; Marigolds, chives and garlic repel nematodes and soil pests. Tansy, basil, chamomile, rue, lavender, thyme repel flies. Pennyroyal and fennel repel fleas and mosquitoes. Fresh pennyroyal rubbed on the skin stops mozzies biting, but must be repeated often.

Mints, sage, lavender, rosemary, wormwood and santolina repel moths. (Dried lavender can be used in clothes storage areas and dried wormwood in the larder - both contain a lot of oils and last a while)

As Companion Plants.

Planting herbs amongst your vegetables, fruit trees etc. helps prevent insect attack. (It also helps not planting like vegetables in rows - e.g. instead of planting 6 cabbages in a row, plant cabbage and lettuce alternately.) Tomatoes love basil & parsley growing near by.

Fruit trees and roses are helped by chives and garlic as companions.

Exceptions: Peas & Beans do not like any member of the onion family.

And nothing likes Rue!!

STORING HERBS

To dry fresh leaves and flowers cut when they are dry (no dew etc.) and at their best. Hang in loose bunches, or spread on racks, in an airy and dry situation out of the sun. When they are ready, usually only a few days, pack loosely in airtight containers and store out of the light.

Culinary herbs are better fresh but bay leaves, mint, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage and savoury dry well. The more delicate herbs such as basil, chervil, tarragon and dill are better frozen. Just pack loose leaves into small freezer bags and freeze. All stored herbs should be used within six months. Remember to label everything !

ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS

If you have never done ANY gardening WHATSOEVER but would really like to be able to use your own fresh herbs in your cooking, why hesitate?

The absolute basic herbs are: Rosemary, Basil, Mint, Parsley & Chives.

The next are: Oregano, Thyme, Coriander and Sage.

Rosemary is a small shrub. It will grow in a tub but makes a good garden plant. Find a sunny spot that has good drainage. Dig out a hole larger than the pot. Run the hose into the hole. If it fills up with water and doesn't drain away find another spot. Otherwise plant it, fill in around and water daily for 2-3 weeks. Oregano, Thyme and Sage are smaller, low growing perennials but have the same requirements as Rosemary.Basil and Coriander (annuals) and Parsley (biennial) grow like vegies. Good rich soil, sunshine and regular watering and they produce abundantly.Onion Chives and Garlic Chives are very hardy. They will grow almost anywhere but will grow much bigger in rich soil. Well fed mint is a fast invasive grower and so is best kept under control in a large pot or a polystyrene box. If you decide to start by growing everything in pots, use the biggest pots you can or polystyrene boxes (free from the supermarket/fruit shop) Give each herb room to grow! Use GOOD SOIL and water often (daily in hot weather) but don’t waterlog. Feed every 6 months. In the ground, water daily for a week or two until you can see new growth, then once a week or as necessary.

COMMON HERBS.

AGRIMONY -Agrimonia eupatoria P - d,m.

A tall upright herb with many traditional medicinal uses, yellow dye from leaves & flowers.

ALOE VERA -Aloe barbanensis P - b,m.

Best grown in filtered light or shady spot. Fleshy leaves contain a healing gel. Contains aloin which is a 20% Sunscreen. Many cosmetic & medicinal uses (burns & skin problems -bites etc.)

ANGELICA -Angelica archangelica B - c,m.

Stems candied. Roots used in medicine and in vermouth.

ANISE -Pimpinella anisum A - a,c,m.

Delicate plant with aniseed fragrance. Seeds used in baking and leaves in salad. Used in cough and indigestion remedies.

ANISE HYSSOP -Agastache foeniculum P - m,t.

Member of mint family. Refreshing licorice/mint flavoured tea either hot or cold. Attracts bees. Dies back over Winter.

BASIL -Ocimum basilicum BUSH, CAMPHOR, CINNAMON, DARK OPAL, FINO VERDE, GENOVESE, GREEK, MINI GREEK, LEMON, LICORICE, NAPOLETANO, SACRED, SPICY GLOBE A -c,cp,i,m,p,t.

Over 200 varieties of basil. Loves full sun (frost tender). A must for any herb garden. Lives from about 8 months to two years depending on variety but because it is easy to grow and propagate, frost free areas can have a variety of basils in full production all the time. Used in sauces and salads, fish and meat, pasta and tomato dishes. Used in medicine to reduce fever, fight infection, relieve indigestion and side effects of other medicines.

Used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and fatigue.

PESTO 1.5 cups fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves garlic, .25 cup walnuts (or pine), .75 cup parmesan, .75 cup olive oil. In a blender chop basil, then add nuts and garlic blend to a puree, then add cheese. Blend. Lastly slowly add oil. pack tightly into a container, cover with a little oil. Will store up to two months in a refrigerator. Use as a spread, with pasta, on potatoes or as a soup flavouring.

BAY Laurus nobilis P - a,b,c,m, Slow growing evergreen tree. Leaves used in soups stews and meat dishes. Bay oil used in cosmetics.

BERGAMOT -Monarda didyma P - c,m,t.

Use with mints & citrus peel for a refreshing tea. Used in commercial tea blends. Needs watering often if in the full sun in Summer. Medicinally used as inhalant for sinus and congestion.

BORAGE -Borago officinalis A - cp,m.

Large bushy herb with hundreds of blue flowers which the bees love. Ideal close to your strawberry patch. (not too close)

CARAWAY -Carum carvi B - b,c,m.

Mainly grown for its seed which flavours bread, biscuits, dips, potatoes and cabbage.

CATMINT -Nepata faassenii P - a,m.

Low, soft groundcover, used as Catnip.

CATNIP -Nepata cataria P - a,m.

Upright shrubby bush. Used medicinally as a tea to reduce fever and relax. Best known for its attraction to cats (not all). Catnip mice are made of a strong fabric stuffed with dried catnip leaves.

CAYENNE -Capsicum annum A - c,m.

A small attractive bush. Seed pods used in curries, Tabasco sauce - most "hot" dishes. Medicinally used as a metabolic stimulant, to clear the head, to induce sweating.

CHAMOMILE -Matricaria recutita A - a,b,cp,m,t.

Tea from the flowers help to calm and soothe, also helps ease muscular pain. Oil used in aromatherapy to relieve depression. Used in face creams and shampoos. Good companion plant throughout the garden. Repels flies and mosquitoes.

CHERVIL -Anthriscus cerefolium A - b,c,m.

Dainty herb, annual but one that readily regenerates. Mild parsley flavour with a hint of licorice. One of the French "fines herbes" Used in Bearnaise Sauce. Used in cheese, egg and salad dishes and as a garnish. A tea of chervil used as a face wash is said to slow aging of the skin.

CHILLI -Capsicum ssp. A/B - c,m.

See Cayenne.

CHIVES Onion -Allium schoenoprasum P - c,cp,m.

Easy to grow. Likes rich soil. Flavours salads, coleslaws, soups, breads & herb butters.

CHIVES Garlic -Allium tuberosum P - c,cp,m.

As onion chives. Leaves are flat and plant a little more robust.

CILANTRO (LEAF CORIANDER) Coriandum satvium

A - a,c,m,p. Leaves & seed in Thai cooking. Delicate white flowers, v. fragrant herb.

COLEUS- CANINUS P - i (dogs)

Pungent, fleshy leaves, hardy plant. Said to repel dogs.

COMFREY -Symphytum officinale P - m.

Used to be known as boneset, helps repair of bone & muscle damage (poulticed). Comfrey "tea" used for wide variety of skin infections. Comfrey is also an excellent fertiliser being high in essential NPK and trace elements; use as liquid fertiliser (diluted down well for seedlings or tender plants), in mulch, trenching and compost making.

CUMIN -Cuminum cyminum A - c,m.

Seed used to flavour curry, bean & cheese dishes. Delicate plant, best sown directly.

CURRY PLANT- Helichrysum augustifolia P - a,c.

Small sturdy silver foliaged shrub with aromatic curry flavoured leaves. Open well drained position,

DANDELION -Taraxacum officinale P - c,m,t.

Young leaves rich in vitamins A,B,C,D, potassium and iron. Blood purifier and mild natural anti -biotic. ( True dandelion has serrated leaves and a single flower per stem. Often catsears, which has blunter serrations and multi-flowered stems is mistaken for dandelion. Catsear is edible)

DILL -Anethum graveolens A - a,c,m

Leaves and seeds used for flavouring soups, sauces, dips, potato salads, herb breads, pickles etc. Helps improve digestion. Best sown direct in sunny position.

ELDERBERRY -Sambucus nigra P - b,c,d,m,t.

Large white flowering shrub suitable for hedges. Flowers can be frittered. Berries can be made into jam or wine. Elderflower and peppermint leaf tea is a remedy for colds. Berries produce dark blue dye.

ECHINACEA

Purple Coneflower. Grown for its many medicinal uses. Slow growth after germination, then full growth and flowering

EVENING PRIMROSE -Oenothera lamarckiana B - m.

All parts of the plant are edible. Research into Evening Primrose Oil continues. It is already used in treating and preventing heart disease, PMT, skin disorders, MS, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and damage from alcohol abuse. Tall primrose flower spikes in second year.

FEVERFEW -Tanacetum parthenium A - i,m.

Research into feverfew has shown that two or three leaves eaten each day reduces high blood pressure and in 25% of test cases relieved migraines.

FRENCH MARIGOLD -Tagetes ssp. A - i,m.

Apart from being an attractive flowering annual, the roots of the marigold exude substances that eliminate insects pests like eelworm for a diameter of one metre from the plant.

GERANIUMS (scented) Pelargonium ssp P - a,c,i,m.p.

The scented geraniums range from small trailing border plants to vigorous bushy shrubs. They are very hardy and an asset to any garden. For year round perfume you can chose from apple, rose, lemon, orange, peppermint, camphor, lime, musk and many more. Leaves dry well for pot pourri.

GINGER- Zingiber officinale P - a,c,m.

Root used in cakes, breads, biscuits, curries and chutneys. Very good for nausea especially travel sickness. Improves performance of medicine.

GOTU KOLA -Centella asiatica P - m.

Further research being undertaken for its medicinal properties including treatment of arthritis.( 2 leaves per day, takes a while to work) Also known as Swamp Pennywort.

HOREHOUND -Marrubium vulgare P - c,m.

Used in horehound beer, and in cough medicines.

HORSERADISH -Armoracia rusticana P - c,m.

Minced root used in hot sauce. Helps in digestion of fatty foods.

HYSSOP -Hyssopus officinalis P - a,m.

Hardy blue flowering rockery plant. Flowers and leaves used in cough medicines and as a gargle.

LAVENDER -Lavandula spp. P - a,b,f,i,m,p.

There are many varieties of Lavender. It is one of the most popular fragrant garden shrubs. They require good drainage and sun. Some varieties are adversely affected in long spells of humidity.

LEMON BALM -Melissa officinalis P - a,c,m,p,t.

Sweet smelling low growing herb. Used in teas and fruit punches. The tea is a mild tranquilliser and is also helpful in the treatment of cold and flu symptoms.

LEMONGRASS -Cymbopogon citratus P - a,c,i,m,p,t.

Grows densely in large sharp bladed clumps. Used in fish, chicken & oriental cooking. Makes superb tea. Should be used fresh.

LEMON VERBENA-Aloysia citriodora P - a,f,i,m,p,t.

Dries extremely well and retains perfume. Hot tea reduces fever. This shrub prefers a sheltered position and needs to be pruned back in Winter.

LOVAGE-Levisticum officinale P - c,cp,m,t.

Tall growing herb used to flavour soups and stews. Good herb salt ingredient.

MALLOW-Malva ssp A & P - b,c,m.

Variety of mallows used in confectionery, as a vegetable and in medicine.

MARJORAM -Origanum majorana P - a,c,m.

Very aromatic, scented baths very relaxing (dont go to sleep) Used as oregano but sweeter.

INMAUDL -Achilles ageratum P - cp,f,mt,p.

Known as Sweet Yarrow. Has tall spikes of white flowers.

MINTS -Mentha ssp. Apple, Eau de Cologne, Garden, Peppermint, Spearmint. Lemon. Basil,

Ginger, Japanese Menthol P-a,c,m,p,t.

Mints grow well in good damp garden soil. They have vigorous root systems and grow rampantly in these conditions.(especially garden, menthol & Eau de Cologne) Mints are the most used herbs. As well as their uses in the kitchen they are extensively used in medical preparations and as flavourings.

MONEYWORT -Lysimachia nummularia P - m.

Groundcover with green and gold varieties. Used as a salve for bites and scratches.

MUGWORT -Artemisia dracunculus P -i, m.

Poultice used for treatment of arthritis, wounds and bruising. Moth repellent.

MULLEIN -Verbascum thapsus B - d,m.

Yellow dye plant. (Tea can be used as rinse for blonde hair highlights) Medicinal uses are for lung problems and to reduce pain and inflammation.

NASTURTIUM -Tropaeolum majus A - c,f,m,

The whole plant is edible. Good for salads, dips and herb butter. Bright orange flowers make an interesting addition to a tossed salad.

OREGANO -Oreganum vulgare P - a,c,m.

The Pizza herb. Use in cheese, egg, tomato dishes, to flavour stews and in herb breads. Oregano is a low growing hardy ground cover. The Golden variety is softer and milder in flavour.

PARSLEY -Petroselinum crispum B - c,d,m.

Rich in vitamins. Likes an open sunny spot and good soil. Use in soups, stews, tomato dishes, egg dishes, sauces, herb breads and garnishes. Helps purify the blood. Aids digestion. Freshens breath.

PENNYROYAL Mentha pulegium P - a,d,i,m.

Dense ground cover, will thrive in shady and filtered light and survive in harsh conditions (not drought). Good for insect bites and to prevent insects biting. Tea used as repellent wash for pets.

PINEAPPLE SAGE -Salvia ssp. P - a,c,p.

Shrubby plant with sweet pineapple scented leaves. Can be used in fruit punches and dries well for pot pourri. Flowers most of the year. Keep pruned for compact growth.

PYRETHRUM -Chrysanthemum cinerarifolium P - f.i.

Source of pyrethrin, a natural insecticide that is harmless to animals. Pink/red daisy like flowers. Do not fertilise.

ROCKET -Eruca sativa A - c.

Leaves have a peanut-chilli flavour. Try adding one or two chopped leaves to a salad or coleslaw - really good.

ROSEMARY -Rosemarinus officinalis P - a,b,c,i,m,p.

All time favourite. Used with meats and baked vegetables, oils, vinegars and sauces. Helps digestion of fats. Said to improve memory. "Rosemary for Remembrance" Hardy when it has sunshine and good drainage.

RUE Ruta graveolens P - i,m.

Herb of Grace. Said to give luck to a household where it is given as a gift. Attractive silver foliage. Grows well in open sunny position. Not a good companion plant.

SAGE -Salvia ssp. P - a,b,c,m,t.

Used in soups, casseroles. stuffings, herb breads, teas etc. Also used medicinally. It has antibiotic and soothing qualities useful in gargles and as a hot tea. Likes open sunny position. Does not like roots disturbed. Keep tidy by trimming.

SALAD BURNET -Sanguisorba minor P - c,m.

Delicate leaves with nutty cucumber flavour. Used in salads and sauces.

SALAD MALLOW -Corchorius olitorius A - c.

Nutritious salad addition, high in vitamins & minerals. Grow as a vegetable.

SANTOLINA -Santolina chamaecyparissus P - a,m,i.

Attractive small growing bushy shrub ( can be used as hedging) Mainly used as an insect repellent. Silver & green Varieties are available.

SAVOURY SUMMER -Satureja hortensis A - c,m.

Peppery leaves used to flavour vegetable, especially beans, cabbage and cauliflower. Called "Bean Herb" in Europe.

SAVOURY WINTER -Satureja montana P - c,m.

Small peppery leaves.

SELF HEAL WOUNDWORT -Prunella vulgaris P - m.

Hardy dense groundcover, leaves used on scratches, bites etc.

SNEEZEWORT -Achillea ptarmica P - cp,f,mt.

White flowering Yarrow. Ground & dried root once used for snuff.

SOAPWORT -Saponaria officinalis P-ext.med.poisonous

Attractive flowering border perennial. Leaves & root used as cleanser. (not edible)

SOUTHERNWOOD -Artemesia abrotanum P - a,d,f,i,m.

Hardy shrubby plant with delicate fern like foliage. Repels insects.Hang a spray or two in kitchen cupboards.

SORREL -Rumex acetosa P - c,m.

Leafy clumping plant. Tangy leaves can be added to salads and steamed vegetables.

ST. JOHNS WORT -Hypericum perforatum P - d,m.

Upright and creeping varieties with medicinal uses.

TANSY -Tanacetum vulgare P - c,cp,d,f,i,m.

Hardy clumping plant with fernlike leaves. Good insect repellent and companion plant. A tub of yarrow by the back door helps repel flies.

TARRAGON -Artemesia ssp. P - c,m.

Used in oils and vinegars and in cooking. Dies back in Winter.

A variety of sweet Marigold which is usually called "Winter Tarragon" is often used as a substitute. This is strong flavoured (rather than subtle) but is a more attractive plant to grow.

THREE IN ONE -Coleus amboinicus P - c.

Fleshy leaved, extremely hardy. use with restraint in stuffings, casseroles etc. Good rockery plant.

THYME -Thymus ssp. P - a,c,i,m.

Small leaved, hardy herb given a sunny spot and good drainage. Forms small clumps, ideal for rockeries and slopes. Many varieties of this peppery herb including a delightful lemon thyme. Has a wide range of culinary uses.

VALERIAN -Valeriana officinalis P - m.

Thick rooted clumping plant. The roots are used medicinally as a sedative.

VANILLA GRASS Anthozanthium oratorum P-p

Aromatic when dry and useful in pot pourri. Forms small neat clumps and is not invasive.

VIETNAMESE MINT ‘Rau Rau’ Polygonium spp P-c

Hot and aromatic. Used in Asian cooking. Not a very invasive mint.

WATERCRESS Nasturtium officinale P-c

Grows vigorously in rich moist soil. Mustard flavour adds bite to salads, sandwiches soups. Loves Winter, in Summer requires shade.

WOAD. Isatis tinctoria B-d

Blue dye plant, inedible. Used by ancient Britons as warpaint.

WORMWOOD. Artemesis vulgaris P-i.p.

Attractive silver foliage, hardy. A good insect repellent.Also said to repel snakes from the garden.

YARROW. Achillea millefolium P-cp,f,m

There are many varieties of Yarrows with tall spikes of flowers.(pink, yellow, white) Hardy. Mostly used in medicine but also a good companion plant and compost activator

Did You Know ?

Scientists have evidence that stone age man used herbs.

The earliest writings found mention thyme and saffron.

At one time the value of herbs was enormous. You could buy a cow for two grammes of saffron.

Many of our explorers were looking for herbs.

Roman soldiers carried lemon balm to staunch wounds.

60% of todays medicines are derived from herbs and researchers are discovering new useful plants all the time.

Aspirin is derived from willow bark. Thymol comes from thyme

Salycylic comes from meadowsweet. Foxglove contains digitalis.

Mints are used in many preparations, not just to flavour, they have anti-bacterial qualities. The list is endless.

Rosemary aids the digestion of lamb.

Cranberries aid the digestion of poultry.

Agricultural methods of growing vegetables to-day ( artificial fertilisers, chemical sprays and forced growing) can reduce the vitamin and mineral contents of your food up to 70%. A few organically grown fresh herbs, or herbs added at the end of you cooking can replace most of these lost nutrients.

Fennel and chillies speed up your metabolism and can be used to aid weight loss.

A "herbalist" might well have been classed a "witch" in our less enlightened past. A comprehensive knowledge of the herbs and their uses would have made "witches" very powerful. Not only could they help cure people, hasten the healing of wounds and relieve pain, they could also drug them, cause abortions and even kill.

HAPPY HERB GARDENING !

Write to Kay

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