The Herbs
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Please Read Before Proceeding
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Using herbs for healing and medicinal purposes has been a part of many cultures throughout history; many of these still use them as their primary medicine. Much of our western herbal knowledge was passed down through the ages, although a lot of this knowledge was lost in the Medieval times, and then again in the Industrial Revolution when allopathic (or modern) medicine came into the forefront.
Dissatisfaction with allopathic medicine has brought back interest in alternatives, such as medicinal plants and their uses, for our health care. There's been a resurgence in Herbalism in the last 20 years in the United States. and many people as now looking at herbal remedies as a choice for some of their medical problems or as preventative medicine.
There are many herbal products offered, mainly in health food stores, that are already prepared for use, although some people are showing interest in learning about plants, their medicinal values, how to propagate them and prepare them for use in healing. Popular preparations include herbal extracts (which are alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar based), teas, compresses, and salves.
Many medicinal herbs offer a safe and gentle action on the body systems. These tonic herbs strengthen and nourish, often times helping several body systems at the same time. Most of these herbs are easy to grow and require a minimal amount of care.
Bringing our healing into our own hands through God's natural healing herbs can be rewarding. Many times our medicine can be found right in our own little garden. There is no place where you can be closer to God than nature... it is after all His divine design.
 Nature is the living, visible garment of God - Goethe
...If you would be happy all your life, plant a garden
~ Chinese Proverb
The very act of planting a seed in the earth has in it to me something beautiful. I always do it with a joy that is largely mixed with awe. ~ Celia Thaxter
For the Infinite has sowed His name in the heavens in burning stars, but on earth He has sowed His name in tender flowers. ~ Jean Paul Richter
And the Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast
Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest. ~ Shelley
What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Agrimony HarvestingCut the flowers when the plant starts to bloom. Cut the leaves as required and hang to dry.
Medicinal Uses
In ancient times, this plant was used extensively for healing battlefield wounds. We now know that its ability to help heal wounds is due to it's high silica content. Its main medicinal action is as an astringent, and this makes it an extremely effective gargle for sore throat and also for cases of laryngitis. Its astringency makes it an excellent remedy for diarrhea, especially in the case of children, as its action is very mild. It also has a bitter tonic action on the liver and is very useful for digestive disorders and jaundice.
Other Uses
Agrimony is a decorative plant that can be used in the perennial border.
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| Aloe (Aloe vera)
 Aloe comes from tropical Africa. Related species are used as an antidote to arrow poison, but we value the plant for its healing effect on burns, wounds and insect bites.Description
Aloe is a succulent, and grows to a height of 12 to 16 inches. It has a fibrous root system producing long, tapering, stemless leaves. These light green leaves have spiky margins and are blotched with cream. The firm upright stems bear several bell-shaped, fleshy, yellow-orange flowers .
Cultivation
Propagate from small, rooted offshoots at the base of the parent plant. It may be grown from seed. It prefers a rough, gritty growing medium and a well-drained, sunny location. It will also grow in partial shade. Aloe needs temperatures above 40 degrees, and is grown indoors in cooler climates. When grown indoors the offshoots can be removed and repotted when they are a few inches tall. Do not over water.
Harvesting
Cut the leaves as required.
Medicinal Use
Keep a pot of Aloe Vera on you kitchen windowsill for handy access. The fresh juice of the leaf blades can be applied directly to ulcers, burns, sunburn, and fungal infection.
Aloe-emodin, an ingredient in aloe, is a powerful laxative and should always be used with caution. It can be combined with a tincture of caraway seed to prevent intestinal cramps and pain. Taken in small doses, it is an excellent digestive tonic.
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 Angelica(Angelica archangelica)
Be careful not to confuse this herb with Angelica pachycarpa, which is a purely ornamental plant with no medicinal or culinary value. A. archangelica has bright green basal leaves which divide into oval leaflets. A. pachycarpa has crinkled, shiny, dark green leaves.
Angelica is a perennial that flowers every two years.
Cultivation
Start from seeds directly sown or begin seeds indoors. Seeds should be sown as soon as possible after removing them from the plant. If they must be stored, seal them in a plastic container, and store the container in the refrigerator.
Plant angelica in the coolest part of the garden. The soil should be deep, rich, moist and slightly acid. Soggy soil will cause the plants to die back. Transplant seedlings when they have four to six leaves. They have long taproots, so don't delay transplanting too long.
Once the plant flowers, it will not come back the next year. You can cut the flowering stem the first two or three years, but the fourth year will probably be it's last, so let it flower.
Red Spider Mites:
These mites attack angelica when conditions are dry, so spray the underside of leaves daily during dry spells. If your plants are infested apply sulfur. The powder will stick better early in the morning when the plants are damp.
Culinary Uses
Chopped leaves may be added to fruit salads, fish dishes and cottage cheese in small amounts. Add leaves to sour fruit such as rhubarb to neutralize acidity. Boil the stems with jams to improve the flavor. Remove the stems before canning or freezing. Young stems can be used as a substitute for celery.
Medicinal Uses
Angelica tea is a stimulating tonic. Use it when an illness has left you feeling weak.
Use Angelica to ease the digestive tract. It eases colic, flatulence, and spasms. It is useful in treating anorexia nervosa, cystitis and bronchitis. Angelica helps to regulate menstruation while easing menstrual pain.
Other Uses
Use Angelica in baths and to make potpourri.
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 Basil(Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is a sun loving half-hardy annual. It makes a great kitchen windowsill plant, and is thought to help deter flies. Preserve Basil by freezing or packing into jars with olive oil.
Description
There are many types of basil, and the appearance of the leaves varies. One sure way to identify basil is by the smell. It is highly aromatic and smells something like cloves. The cut ends of the stems smell stronger than the leaves. The plant can grow to a height of 2 feet.
Cultivation
In colder zones, start basil indoors in mid-spring. Sow the seeds directly into the garden in warmer areas. Seedlings should not be set outdoors until all danger of frost has past and the plant has four true leaves. Plants can also be started from cuttings or rooted suckers.
Once plants are established, pinch out the top to encourage a bushier plant. Frequent harvesting of the outer leaves will prolong the life of the plant.
Culinary use
Basil has a warm, resinous, clove-like flavor and fragrance. The flowers and leaves are best used fresh and added only during the last few minutes of cooking. Basil works well in combination with tomatoes. Finely chopped basil stirred into mayonnaise makes a good sauce for fish. Use as a garnish for vegetables, chicken and egg dishes. Large lettuce-leaf basil can be stuffed as you would a grape leaf. Basil does not dry well for cooking.
Medicinal Use
To relieve sore gums, swish out the mouth often with a tea made from 8 basil leaves in a cup of boiling water. A basil leaf tucked into the mouth over an ulcer and kept there for as long as possible will ease the pain.
Other Uses
Basil in the bath is refreshing. Leaves and flowers can be dried for potpourri. Burn sprigs of basil on the barbecue to deter mosquitoes. A bunch of basil hung over the kitchen window or a pot of basil in the windowsill will deter flies.
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 Bay(Laurus nobilis)
Bay leaves are among the most versatile of herbs, and the plants, if regularly trimmed, make decorative shrubs. The glossy, sweetly scented leaves are indispensable in the kitchen.
Description
Bay leaves are flat, pointed oval, about 3 inches long, dark green and glossy. Both leaves and wood are strongly aromatic. In ideal conditions, the shrub will grow to 25 feet tall and up to 6 feet across. The stems are tough and woody and have a gray bark. The flowers, which appear in late spring at the base of the leaf stem, are small, yellow, and rather insignificant.
Cultivation
Take 4-6 inches long cuttings in spring when the new growth has hardened a little. The cuttings may not take readily, despite your best efforts. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and pot in a good rooting medium. Once the plants are growing well, spray with water occasionally to keep the leaves glossy. If kept closely clipped, bay will continue to do well in its container.
When transplanting outdoors, choose a sunny location. The ground should be well prepared with compost and bone meal.
Problems
Scale
Scale manifests itself as hard brown ovals, which appear on the undersides of leaves or on woody stems. If the plant is not too big, remove scale by brushing with an old toothbrush dipped in a mixture of half water and half rubbing alcohol. Spray mature trees with horticultural oil, then repeat in ten days.
Mildew
Mildew is a fungal disease that manifests itself as a grayish, downy deposit on the leaves. Plants that do not have adequate sunshine or air circulation are most often affected. Spray affected foliage with sulfur early in the morning while foliage is still moist with dew. Badly infected foliage should be cut out and destroyed.
Culinary Uses
Bay has a spicy fragrance and flavor, and the leaves are used in all types of cooking. Try them in soups, stews, casseroles, stocks, syrups, sauces and as a decorative garnish. Since the flavor is strong, use with discretion. Check leaves carefully for scale before using, and never use immature leaf tips, as they have a high acid content. Bay leaves should be removed from food before serving. Dry leaves by hanging them in bunches in a warm, dry place.
Medicinal Uses
An infusion of the leaves may be taken for flatulence.
Other Uses
Bay leaves add a strong, spicy fragrance to potpourri. To prevent silverfish damage to books or clothing, place a few leaves in drawers or on bookcases. A few leaves in the pantry shelves will keep weevils away.
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 Bergamot(Monarda didyma)
Bergamot is an American herb that was once widely used by native Americans. It was introduced to the early colonists by the Oswego Indians, and Oswego tea was made by colonists during the time of the Boston Tea Party. The dark pink, red and purple flowers smell pleasantly of oranges. They are a nice addition to the flower border and attract bees.
Cultivation
Bergamot is a perennial that grows best in soil that stays damp in the summer, however it dislikes damp winters. The plant is not suitable for chalky soils. It prefers sun but is adaptable to shade as long as the soil remains damp. The plant will benefit from the addition of bone meal. Bergamot makes a nice container plant.
Cuttings of new growth can be taken in the spring, and they quickly root and establish themselves. Clumps of the plant form a mat-like growth and become bare in the center if not divided every three or four years. When lifting the plant, discard old growth and woody stems. Lemon bergamot can be started from seed indoors and set out in late spring.
 Culinary Uses
Use fresh young leaves sparingly in salads, fruit salads and fruit drinks. Five or six large fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon dried leaves in 8 ounces of boiling water make a refreshing and relaxing tea.
Improves the flavor of pork dishes.
Other Uses
Use the leaves to make a facial steam. The leaves and flowers add color and flavor to potpourri. Lemon bergamot is a long-lasting cut flower.
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Borage (Borago officinalis) The bright blue, star-shaped flowers (which bloom most of the summer) make Borage one of the prettiest herb plants, though the dark green leaves are rather plain. The flavor of the leaves resembles that of cucumber. The plant will grow to a height of about 18 inches, and spread about 12 inches. This hardy annual has a messy, straggling habit. It is a native of northern Europe, and grows well in the temperate regions of North America.Cultivation
Borage is not a fussy plant, but the richer the soil, the bushier the plant will be. It prefers full sun, and needs protection from wind as it is easily blown over. Seeds can be sown throughout the season, and once growth is established, it will continue to seed itself. Place plants close together so they can support each other. A plant or two in an indoor pot will provide leaves all winter, but it will need lots of sun.
Borage is an excellent companion plant for tomatoes, squash and strawberries. The plant actually improves the flavor of tomatoes growing nearby.
Culinary Uses
Borage flowers and leaves are the traditional decoration for gin-based summer cocktails, and may be set in ice cubes to garnish other drinks. The flowers and young leaves may be used to garnish salads. dips, and cucumber soups. Candied Borage flowers make attractive cake decorations. Chopped leaves can be added to soups and stews during the last few minutes of cooking. The leaves can be cooked with cabbage leaves (two parts cabbage, one part Borage.) Borage does not dry well for culinary use.
Medicinal Use
Because it is a tonic plant for the adrenal glands, Borage provides an invaluable support for a stressful lifestyle. Borage is rich in minerals, especially potassium. A tea made with Borage helps to reduce fevers and ease chest colds. An infusion of Borage acts as a galactogogue, promoting the production of milk in breast feeding mothers.
Other Uses
Borage makes an excellent facial steam for improving very dry, sensitive skin.
The flowers may be dried to add color to potpourri.
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| Buchu Round (Agathosma betulina)
Oval (Agathosma crenulata)
 This woody shrub produces slender stems of small, dark green, shiny, oval or round leaves. The aroma and taste are bitter and astringent. The small, star shaped flowers are white or pink.Cultivation
This perennial herb is not readily available. Propagate either from seeds or cuttings. Grow established plants in a well-drained, sunny, hot position. Minimum care is needed. Water on very hot days, or during dry spells. Buchu benefits from compost, but the use of fertilizer is not recommended.
 HarvestingHarvest short stems of foliage before they flower. Hang to dry.
Medicinal Uses
Mainly used to treat cystitis and bladder problems. Useful as a diuretic. Sometimes used to treat rheumatism. Adds a refreshing flavor to other herbs in infusions.
Other Uses
Buchu can be used in potpourri.
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| Caraway (Carum carvi)
 DescriptionCaraway is a biennial and grows to a height of up to 2 feet with a spread of 12 inches. It has a thick, tapering root like that of a parsnip. The leaves resemble those of carrots but tend to droop more. The flowers, in umbellifer clusters, are white tinged with pink and appear in mid summer. The oval seeds are pointed at each end and are very dark brown. It takes two years for caraway to mature and bear flowers. The stems of the delicate flowers produce seed cases, each containing two seeds.
Cultivation
A slender and straggly plant, caraway has delicate clusters of white flowers and small feathery leaves. It is most effective when grown in a large clump. Seedlings do not transplant well, so sow in the garden in spring or fall. Work the soil deeply, as caraway is deep-rooted. Germination is slow. It thrives in all but the most humid warm regions and does best from fall-sown seeds. The plants should be thinned so that they are about 6 inches apart. It needs well-drained soil and plenty of sun for the best flavor.
 Harvesting Cut the young leaves when they are required. When the seed turns light brown, cut the whole plant off at ground level. Preserve seeds by drying.
Culinary use
The leaves may be used in salads and soups, the seeds in baked goods, dumplings, cream cheese and meat dishes such as goulash and pork casserole. The roots can be boiled as a vegetable and served with a white sauce.
Medicinal Use
Prepare the seed as a tincture or infusion for medicinal use. Use caraway to ease stomach cramping, flatulence, diverticulitis, menstrual pain and labor pains. It also stimulates the flow of breast milk. In combination with other herbs, it eases a cough and sooths sore throats and laryngitis (use as a gargle). See Herbal Home Remedies for a list of herbs to be used in combination with caraway for coughs.
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 Catnip(Nepeta cataria)
Catnip, renowned for the euphoria it causes in cats, also has a few human uses, both culinary and medicinal. It makes an attractive border plant if you don't mind frequent feline visitors.
Description
This perennial herb can grow to a height of up to 3 feet with a spread of 15 inches. It has a straggly habit and is likely to be flattened by cats who love to roll in it. The only way to protect it is with wire netting.
Cultivation
Catnip is easily grown from seed in spring and summer. It prefers good, fertile soil and partial shade. Soil should be well drained and slightly alkaline. Roots can be divided in spring and fall.
 Culinary UsesUse very sparingly in salads and use the flowers as a garnish.
Medicinal Uses
Catnip tea made from the leaves and flowers may be taken for coughs, colds, catarrh, and a bedtime calmative.
Other uses
The most common use for catnip is as a recreational herb for cats. Dry catnip by hanging it upside down in bags, then crumble and sew into cotton bags.
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 Cayenne(Capsicum frutescens)
Cayenne is native to Central and South America and Zanzibar. It grows as a perennial in its native tropical habitat, but in North America and Europe it is grown as an annual.
Description
Cayenne is a shrub like plant that grows to a height of 24 inches. The leaves are elliptical, slightly leathery, dark green and smooth. The flowers produce pods of flat, white, pungent seeds. These pods (peppers) range in color from green when immature to purple, red, orange or yellow when ripe. Plants grow well in containers and can be blended into the landscape.
Cultivation
Cayenne needs a sunny location and rich, well-composted soil. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before setting the plants out. Transplant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm.
Harvesting
Pick the pods when the color has developed fully and hang them up to dry until they are required. The pods may also be used fresh.
Culinary uses
Use the fresh or dried whole pods. Grind the dried pods to use as spice.
Medicinal Use
Cayenne for the Stomach
In many countries, red pepper is believed to be a stomach-settling digestive aid. Varro E. Tyler, PhD, professor of pharmacognosy at Purdue University School of Pharmacy in West Lafayette, Ind., and author of The Honest Herbal believes it works. Cayenne stimulates the flow of saliva and stomach secretions. Saliva contains enzymes that begin the breakdown of carbohydrates, and stomach secretions contain acids and other digestive substances.
Contrary to popular belief, eating hot peppers doesn't harm the stomach. In one study, researchers used a tiny video camera to examine subjects' stomach linings after both bland meals and meals liberally spiced with jalapeno peppers, another close cousin of cayenne. They concluded that eating highly spiced meals causes no damage to the stomach in people with normal gastrointestinal tracts. Eating hot peppers may not be a good idea for people who have stomach or intestinal problems.
For red pepper burns in the mouth or on the skin, milk is the best remedy. The proteins in milk wash away capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the heat.
Cayenne for Muscle Pain
For centuries, herbalists have recommended rubbing red pepper onto sore muscles and joints. Medically known as a counterirritant, this treatment causes minor superficial discomfort but distracts the person from the more severe, deeper pain. Heet, a capsaicin-based counterirritant cream, is available over the counter.
Recently, however, red pepper has been shown to provide more compelling relief for certain kinds of chronic pain. For reasons still not completely understood, capsaicin interferes with the action of substance P -- a nerve chemical that sends pain messages to the brain.
"Capsaicin has proved so effective at relieving pain that it's the active ingredient in the over-the-counter cream Zostrix," says James A. Duke, PhD, a retired botanist from the US Department of Agriculture and author of The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Doctors now recommend Zostrix for arthritis, diabetic foot pain and the pain of shingles.
Cayenne for Headaches
Research suggests that capsaicin can also help relieve cluster headaches. In one study, people with cluster headaches rubbed a capsaicin preparation inside and outside their noses on the same side of the head as the headache pain. Within five days, 75 percent reported less pain and fewer headaches. They also reported burning nostrils and runny noses, but these side effects subsided within a week.
Finally, red pepper may help the heart. "It cuts cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of the internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks," says Daniel B. Mowrey, PhD, director of the American Phytotherapy Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City, and author of The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine.
Perhaps the best way to enjoy cayenne's medicinal benefits is simply to season your food to taste. Even small amounts of red pepper can be therapeutic.
Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after using either cayenne or Zostrix. Cayenne may be kind to your stomach lining, but you definitely don't want to get any in your eyes.
To aid digestion and possibly reduce the risk of heart disease, experts recommend cayenne in capsules, available from most herbal stores. Follow the directions on the package.
Other Uses
Dried cayenne pods are attractive additions to dried arrangements and crafts. Cayenne can be made into an insect spray for the garden.
Red Pepper Spray Concentrate:
1 unpeeled onion
1 unpeeled head of garlic
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
3 pints water
 Chop onion and garlic and combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer 20 minutes. Cool and store in jars in the refrigerator for 6 weeks. Strain and store in jars. To use, dilute 1 tablespoons of concentrate with 1 pint of water. Add a little Ivory snow. Red pepper spray is a good general insect spray and is effective against caterpillars.
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 Chamomile(Chamaemilum nobile)
(Matricaria recutita)
C. nobile
This perennial is also known as Roman chamomile. It can be used as a ground cover since it grows only 4 to 12 inches in height. The foliage is feathery with an apple scent, and it is accented by white, daisy-like flowers with down-turned petals.
M. recutita
The annual form of chamomile is also called German chamomile. It grows to 20 inches and has feathery foliage with daisy-like flowers like it's cousin. The flowers are scented, but the foliage is not.
Cultivation
Roman chamomile is usually propagated by root division, while German chamomile seeds are sown directly in early spring. The soil should be sandy and slightly acid. Full sun is preferred except in hot, dry climates where midday shade is necessary. Chamomile can also be used around the edges of containers with other herbs. After flowering, cut back to the main growth.
Harvesting and Drying
Cut the flowers from the stems with scissors and spread them out on muslin covered racks to dry.
Culinary Uses
Roman chamomile foliage can be chopped and stirred into butter or sour cream that is used to top baked potatoes.
Medicinal Uses
German Chamomile is most often used for medicinal purposes, and is usually administered as a tea. It can also be administered as a compress for external healing and as a bath for babies. Here are a few uses:
Soothes and relaxes at bedtime.Relieves restlessness, teething problems, and colic in children.Relieves allergies, much as an antihistamine would.Aids digestion when taken as a tea after meals.Relieves morning sickness during pregnancy.Speeds healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or burns.Treats gastritis and ulcerative colitis.Other Uses
Makes a relaxing bath or footbath.Lightens fair hair and conditions complexion. Make a rinse by simmering 2 teaspoons dried flowers in 8 ounces of water for 15 minutes.
Potpourri (dry flowers face down.)
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| Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
 This herb is native to the Middle East, southern Russia, and the Caucasus, and was probably introduced to Europe by the Romans. It has become one of the classic herbs used in French cookery, in which it is considered indispensable.Description
Chervil is closely related to parsley. It grows to a height of 20 inches with a spread off about 8 inches. It has flat, light green and lacy leaves, which have a slightly aniseed-like aroma and turn reddish brown as the plant matures. It blooms in midsummer, producing flat umbellifers of tiny white flowers.
Cultivation
The plant is easily grown from seeds planted in spring or late summer. Plants resist transplanting, so the seeds should be sown directly in the garden. Choose a moist, shady location and keep it well watered. It won't withstand very hot summers well. A succession of sowings will produce a harvest well into winter. Chervil makes a great container plant and adapts readily to window boxes.
Culinary Use
Bits of chervil should be snipped from the outside edge of the plant with scissors and used fresh. The leaves will quickly loose their flavor and should be added to a dish just before serving. Finely chopped chervil enhances the flavor of chicken, fish, herb butter, vegetables, cottage cheese, salads and egg dishes. The whole leaves can be added to creamy soups as an aromatic garnish. This herb adds a nice flavor to white wine vinegar.
Other Uses
The leaves can be infused in water to use as a skin freshener.
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| Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
 DescriptionChives grow in clumps, with their round, hollow, grass-like leaves reaching a height of 9 inches or more. The stems are firm, straight, smooth, and, like the leaves, bright dark green. The flowers, which bloom for two months in midsummer, form round deep purple or pink globes that make an attractive garnish.
Cultivation
Divide established clumps of bulbs every third spring, and transplant clusters from the outer edges of the clumps. Alternatively, chives can be raised afresh each year from seed.
Although they thrive in any good garden loam, they show a preference for slightly acid soil and need to be kept moist throughout the growing season. Choose a place where they can enjoy some shade during the day.
Remove the flower heads to maintain a constant supply of flavorful leaves. The foliage dies down in the winter. You can encourage a few early spikes by covering some of the plants with crushed leaves or straw. Plant a clump of bulbs in containers in the fall for early spring chives. Make sure your container chives get plenty of sun. A few plants may be allowed to produce flowers, which are an attractive garnish.
 HarvestingUse as required.
Culinary Use
Chives are easier to snip with scissors than cut with a knife. The snipped chives give a hint of onion flavor to egg dishes, cheese soufflés, salads, soups, cream cheese sandwiches, and sour cream dressing for baked potatoes. Chive butter is great with grilled chops and steak.
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| Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
 Both the green feathery leaves (also known as cilantro) and the spherical seeds of coriander are indispensable in the kitchen, especially to anyone who is fond of curries. Coriander looks like flat-leaved parsley. The seed is sold both whole and ground and is the main ingredient in curry powder. It has a sweet taste reminiscent of orange peel. Description
The plant grows to a height of 2 feet with a spread of 9 inches. The bright, green leaves are fan shaped and become more feathery towards the top of the plant. The flowers, which bloom from mid- to late summer, are small and white, formed in umbel-like clusters. The pale brown roots are fibrous and tapering, shaped like a carrot.
Cultivation
Coriander will not grow well in humid climates. It needs a dry summer and a sunny location. Seeds are sown directly in the garden once all danger of frost has passed. It also does well as a container plant on a sunny porch or balcony. Stems are weak and the plant may require staking.
Harvesting
Cut the leaves as required. They do not dry well, but may be frozen.
Medicinal Use
Coriander is used to treat digestive ailments and colic.
Culinary Use
Coriander is used widely in Indian, Greek and Asian cooking.
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Dill (Anethum graveolens)  Dill is a sparse looking plant with feathery leaves and tiny yellow flowers. Stems are hollow and may require support unless grown close together. Plants will grow to a height of 2-3 feet, and will resist deer and attract butterflies. All parts of the plant are used for culinary purposes. Cultivation:
It's best to sow this annual directly into the garden, as seedlings don't transplant well. Here are a few suggestions for a healthy crop:
Dill will grow well in full sun or partial shade.Preferred pH is normal or slightly acid.Sow seeds close together. This will allow the plants, which blow over easily to support each other. Cover the seeds lightly. Germination will take a week or two. For a continuous crop, sow repeatedly from mid spring to early summer.Don't plant near caraway, fennel or angelica.Caterpillars are fond of dill, and can be handpicked off.Medicinal Uses:
To brew a stomach-soothing tea, use two teaspoons of mashed seeds per cup of boiling water. Steep for ten minutes. Drink up to three cups a day. In a tincture, take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon up to three times a day. To treat colic or gas in children under two, give small amounts of a weak tea. Many herbalists recommend combining dill and fennel to ease colic in infants.
Culinary Uses:
The taste of dill leaves resemble that of caraway, while the seeds are pungent and aromatic. Freshly cut, chopped leaves enhance the flavor of dips, herb butter, soups, salads, fish dishes, and salads. The seeds are used in pickling and can also improve the taste of roasts, stews and vegetables. Try grinding the seeds to use as a salt substitute. Both the flowering heads and seeds are used in flavored vinegar's and oils.
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English Mallow (Althea officinalis) English Mallow is a member of the hollyhock family. The leaves and roots have been used as vegetables and medicines since ancient times. The name comes from the Greek word altho which means "to heal".Description
English Mallow grows to about 36" in height. It has small but attractive pink flowers carried without stems. As the flowers fade, round, flat seed capsules called "cheeses" form.
Cultivation
This perennial can be grown from seed sown in autumn or late winter, from cuttings taken in spring, or from offsets in autumn. English Mallow needs a sunny, moist location with rich soil. When it dies back in winter, remove the old growth.
Harvesting
Cut leaves and flowers as required. Collect the green seeds when plump.
Medicinal Use
English Mallow is used primarily for its soothing properties, and a cold maceration of the root will be of help in soothing the digestive tract and ease gastric ulcers. It is also useful in chest colds and bronchitis. English mallow has been used to help heal ureters and urethra when there has been damage from kidney stones. A poultice of the leaves or powdered root can be used for boils, abscesses, ulcers and other skin conditions. An infusion of the flowers was used historically as a mouthwash.
Culinary Use
The nutty cheeses can be sprinkled in salads. The young leaves and shoots can be shredded and added to salads and soups The roots can be parboiled and then fried in butter. |
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| Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium)
(Tanacetum parthenium)
 DescriptionVarious forms of Feverfew grow to heights of between 9 inches and 2 feet. The deeply cut leaves are brightly colored and have a sharp, unpleasantly bitter taste. The flowers, which are produced from summer until mid-fall, are thick and daisy like with yellow centers.
Cultivation
Feverfew will thrive in the poorest soils. They can even make find a home in pavement cracks and walls. Full sun is a must, as the plant is susceptible to mildew in the shade. It can be grown from seed or by root division. Cuttings can be rooted in early summer.
Harvesting
Cut leaves and flowers as required. The flowers may be dried face down on a flat surface and used in potpourri.
Medicinal Uses
Tablets and tinctures are the safest form of this herb when used medicinally. It is used for the relief of migraine, to help prevent blood clots, as an anti-inflammatory for relief of arthritis, to relieve some types of menstrual problems, and as a digestive aid.
Other Uses
Grow Feverfew in the rose garden to attract aphids away from the rose bushes. Leaves and flowers act as a good moth deterrent. It also makes a nice cut flower.
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| Garlic (Allium sativum)
 The bulbs you find in the grocery store will produce a fine crop of garlic. Since the plants will do most of their growing in cool weather, it's a good idea to plant in late summer or early fall and mulch the plants over in winter.Planting and Maintenance
Break each bulb into individual cloves, then plant 3-4 inches apart, pointed end up. Give them two or three side dressings with manure or fertilizer during the season. The soil around them should be kept loose and moist.
Harvesting
When the tops fall over and die, pull up the bulbs. Let them dry in the sun for a few days, then braid the tops together or place them in a net bag. Hanging them in an airy location will help prevent rot. Peeled garlic cloves may be stored in a jar of oil. The garlic retains its flavor and the oil will add flavor to salad dressings.
Insects and Disease
Insects
Thripes are tiny insects that feed on leaves and cause white, blotchy areas. The plants weaken and the yield is reduced. Keep weeds out of the garden to eliminate alternate hosts. A blast of cold water will remove Thripes from plants. Soap sprays and diatomaceous earth may be effective.
Onion Maggot
The onion maggot is the offspring of a small fly that lays eggs near the base of the plant or on the bulb itself. The maggots kill the plant by burrowing into the stem and bulb. Pull up and destroy any plants before the maggots mature into flies. You may also try making tarpaper collars around the plants. Wood ashes, rock phosphate, or diatomaceous earth sprinkled around the base of the plant is said to be effective.
Disease
Neck rot is the most common problem. It strikes just after harvest or while the bulbs are in storage. Drying the bulbs at warm temperatures with good ventilation and storing in a cool, airy spot will help prevent the disease.
Garlic as a Companion Plant
Garlic helps deter Japanese beetles, and it makes a great companion for roses and raspberries. For more information about companions, consult the Herb Companion Chart.
Medicinal Uses
Garlic has been used throughout the ages to ward off disease, and has saved many lives in epidemics of infectious diseases. It is antibacterial and gives protection against colds and flu. Garlic improves circulation and lowers blood pressure. In clinical studies, garlic reduced cholesterol levels. Further studies indicate that garlic may have a positive role in the prevention of coronary heart disease, thrombosis and arteriosclerosis. It may even offer some degree of protection against cancer.
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 Goldenrod(Solidago virgaurea)
This many-rooted rhizome grows to a height of about 30 inches. It has a creeping, somewhat invasive habit. The leaves at the base of the plant are bright green and pointed ovals, while the leaves on the flower stem are smaller ovals. The flower stems produce spikes of simple golden yellow flowers, which have clusters of stamens.
Cultivation
Propagate by root division or from seeds. The soil should be rich and light, and the location should be sunny. Lift roots every other year and replant to prevent matting and invasive spreading. S. canadensis is an ornamental variety , suitable for the herbaceous border.
Harvesting
Cut the plant off at ground level and hang upside down to dry.
Medicinal Uses
Goldenrod has several anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and is an excellent diuretic. It can be used in conjunction with Echinacea for the treatment of nephritis and cystitis. Use it for upper respiratory infections when there is an overabundance of mucus and postnasal drip.
Goldenrod contains bioflavonoids, which strengthen the veins and is therefore indicated for varicose veins and fragile capillaries. It is also a carminative, and will ease colic and flatulence. Because of its antifungal properties, it can be used as a douche. Goldenrod is generally prepared as an infusion.
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| Hawthorne Tree (Crataegus)
 Hawthorne (Crataegus) is deciduous and a member of the rose family. The common name for hawthorne comes from haw, which is an old English word for hedge.' The tree's name simply means thorny hedge.' After the British General Enclosures Act of 1845 hawthorn was used extensively as hedgerow because of its thorny nature and quick growth, angering peasants who no longer could enter the lands they previously roamed at will. Its Latin name, Crataegus, means hardness', referring to the quality of the wood. Cultivation
The hawthorne is native to the Mediterranean region including north Africa and all of Europe and central Asia, and now grows in many areas of North America. It is a tree that rapidly changes due to hybridizing, which causes it to appear in more than a thousand different species. Most of these are very difficult to tell apart and even professional foresters place them into a group and do not try to determine the exact species. Some of the more interesting, useful and common hawthorns are reflected below. Prior to planting a hawthorne in your area, check the species and note your hardiness zone before purchasing. Although hawthorne is hardy, the hardiness range is diverse depending on the species.
Crateaegus will grow in most soils, including alkaline, in sun or partial shade. Hawthorne does not have a large root system and doesn't drain the soil of nutrients. They can live for over 400 years and have the capacity to flower twice a year, though this obviously depends on weather conditions. The alternate, simple, strongly veined, toothed leaves have deep or shallow lobes and vary radically from species to species.
Most species of the hawthorne have very prominent, long, straight, sharp thorns, ranging from 1 to 5 inches in length. There are only a few species without thorns.
The flowers of the hawthorne are interspersed with the newly opened leaves and look like tiny white balls. When they open they have five snow-white petals set around slender stamens with bright pink heads. When in bloom, the hawthorne is weighted down and has a rich scent that permeates. Hawthorne blossoms contain both male and female parts and are fertilized by insects crawling over them.
On the back of each hawthorne flower are five green, star-like sepals. Below this the stalk looks sl |