herb garden plants
Vervain the Versatile Herb
November 14, 2011 | 
Author 
verbena officilanis
Appearance
Vervain is a perennial herb sporting a rectangular, stiff and erect stem, which is typically randomly branched. It is sparsely leafy in the top section, frequently with with semi-circular teeth;the diametrically opposed dull-green leaves are pinnately divided into oblong lobes, often with rounded teeth, the end lobe having a greater size than the others. The topmost leaves are smaller and sparsely divided. All parts of the plant are coarsely hairy. The small, double-lipped pale lilac flowers are displayed in elongated terminal spikes. Plants yield a foursome of nutlike burgundy coloured fruit.
History
The name, Vervain, comes from verbena, the classic Roman term for altar plants used in religious ceremonies. Vervain is native to much of Europe in sheltered spots spread around the countryside. Uncommon in Britain, where it is native, but principally in England and Wales. Vervain has a history interwoven with legends of sorcery, magic and its properties as a medicinal herb. Lovers used it in love potionsand the triumphant Roman soldiers carried it for protection.
Usage
- Vervain was once used to ward off plague.
- To this day it is a popular herbal remedy for nervous complaints.
- When worn round the head, it was believed to repel headaches and prevent poisonous bites from snakes, spiders and scorpions.
- The flowering stems are used medicinally. Their constituents include the glycosides verbenalin and verbenin, tannins, an essential oil, mucilage, saponins and mineral compounds. These substances give Vervain astringent, diuretic, stomachic, tonic, diaphoretic, antispas-modic, vulnerary, mild sedative and hypnotic properties.
- It is used internally in an infusion for various disorders associated with the stomach, liver and kidneys. It is great for stimulating the metabolism, treating general nervous exhaustion, insomnia and migraine.
- Externally Vervain is used in gargles and in compresses and bath preparations for skin disorders. An extract from the fresh plant is used in homeopathy.
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Sunflower the Versatile Crop
COMPOSITAE/ASTERACEAE Helianthus annuus
Appearance
The large, terminal showy flower heads are made up of yellow ray-florets, which are sterile, and purplish-brown, tubular disc-florets. The fruit is a slightly flattened achene, frequently streaked with white and black.
Sunflower is a large annual herb with an upright, occasionally branched hairy stem. The many leaves are sizeable and chordate, opposite below and alternate and long-stalked above.
History
Sunflowers were initially grown by American Indians some time before 1000 BC. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century yet somehow failed to emerge as a major food plant until it reached Russia, where large-scale cultivation started. Today it is grown as a field crop commercially in a great many areas of the world for oil, fodder and decoration.
There are many cultivated varieties, some with flower heads up to 40 cm wide. The popular name, Sunflower, and the generic name, Helianthus (from the Greek words helios ~ sun and anthos ~ flower), were purportedly given to the plant since it tracks the sun by day, continually turning in the direction of its direct rays.
Equally as possible an explanation is that the plant was so-named simply because the flower heads with disc and ray suggest the sun’s overall look.
The leaves and flowers were once used to attend to malaria.
Usage
- In homeopathy a tincture from the seeds is employed internally to relieve constipation and externally on cuts and bruises.
- The expressed fatty oil from the seeds contains glycerides of unsaturated lino-lenic and oleic acids (around 45 per cent) and saturated palmitic and arachic acids (about 4 per cent).
- It can be used in salves, plasters and liniments for rheumatic discomfort.
- It is also frequently used in food items as a salad and margarine oil, in soaps and as a lubricant.
- The seeds can also be roasted and eaten, employed as a coffee replacement and ground up into flour.
- The dried flower heads are also made use of medicinally in some countries. They have diuretic, carminative, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrhoeal attributes.
Growth Characteristics
Sunflower is a native of western North America. Flowers June to September
Toxic Medicinal Herbs Parents Must Avoid
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
Some herbal remedies ought not to be taken if there is a pre-existing kidney, liver or heart condition, or if an individual is diabetic. For example, Juniper should not be taken by those with inflamed kidneys and Rhubarb not by individuals with urinary conditions and kidney stones and uroliths.
Professional guidance should always be sought if there is any question about the toxicity of a plant or about the interactions of herbal remedies with other medicines that are currently being taken. Guidance should be sought if there is any doubt about the safety of a herbal treatment for a child.
Compared to synthetic drugs very few herbal remedies have been clinically screened in a scientific way for both their beneficial and potentially harmful properties. It is hence inadvisable for expecting mothers to take any herbal reme’dy aside from very mild herbal teas (for example, Chamomile) and those prescribed by a qualified medical or herbal practitioner.
The collection and processing of medicinal plants are closely supervised and the resulting medications are prescribed meticulously by qualified professional medical personnel.
Some highly toxic plants provide such important medicines (alkaloids and glycosides primarily) that they are cultivated commercially for the pharmaceutical industry (such as, Ergot Fungus, Deadly Nightshade, Foxgloves and Opium Poppy). A selection of extremely toxic medicinal plants is listed below; keep in mind we have used what we consider the best known name, but for regional and language differences have also incorporated the scientific (Latin) name.
Bittersweet solanum-dulcamara
These herbs should NEVER be collected and prepared for use in the home:
- Biting Stonecrop Sedum acre
- Bittersweet Solanum dulcamara
- Black-berried Bryony Bryonia alba
- Box Buxus sempervirens
- Bulbous Corydalis Corydalis cava
- Castor-oil Plant Ricinus communis
- Christmas Rose Helleborus niger
- Cowbane Cicuta virosa
- Crown Vetch Coronilla varia
- Deadly Nightshade Atropa belladonna
- Erect Clematis Clematis recta
- Ergot Fungus Claviceps purpurea
- False Acacia Robinia pseudoacacia
- False Helleborine Veratrum album
- Forking Larkspur Delphinium consolida (= Consolida regalis)
- Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
- Hedge Hyssop Gratiola officinalis
- Hemlock Conium maculatum
- Hemp Cannabis saliva
- Henbane Hyoscyamus niger
- Iranian Poppy Papaver bracteatum
- Ivy Hedera helix
- Laburnum Laburnum anagyroides
- Large Yellow Foxglove Digitalis grandiflora
- Lily-of-the-Valley Convallaria majalis
- Lesser Periwinkle Vinca major
- Lords-and-Ladies Arum maculatum
- Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas
- Meadow Saffron Colchicum autumnale
- Mezereon Daphne mezereum
- Monkshood Aconitum napellus
- Opium Poppy Papaver somnifertim
- Thornapple Datura stramonium
- Wild Lettuce Lactuca virosa
- Woolly Foxglove Digitalis lanata
- Yellow Pheasant’s Eye Adonis vernalis
- Yew Taxus baccata
Yellow Pheasant's Eye adonis vernalis
If plant poisoning is suspected, medical attention needs to be sought straight away.
For commercial cultivation, increased yields of the medicinally active substances are obtained by breeding varieties with a continuous, high concentration of the desired substances or by special preparation techniques.
Occasionally the poisons occur only in certain elements of the plant — the leaves, fruits or rootstock. For example, the flowers of Forking Larkspur are not poisonous, but the other parts of the plant, particularly the seeds, are very toxic.
A curious aspect of poisonous plants is that the concentration of toxic substances in them is not consistent; it varies according to such factors as the locality, the time of year, the time of day, the temperature and whether it is damp or dry, sunny or overcast.
Remember also that the everyday Potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber is normally quite harmless, as long as it is not green (when green it is poisonous), but the flowers and young leaves are toxic.
Meadowsweet – Herb for Sore Tummies
ROSACEAE Filipendula ulmaria (syn. Spiraea ulmaria)
Appearance
The small, creamy-white, fragrant flowers are arranged in a terminal corymb. The flowers have reflexed hairy sepals and numerous long stamens.
A perennial herb with a short, pink rhizome and a tough, erect, branched and leafy stem. The stem leaves are alternate, odd-pinnate, doubly serrate, dark green above and usually white-felted below; the stipules are broadly cordate and conspicuous.
The fruit, a one-seeded follicle, is spirally twisted. The scent of the leaves is quite different from that of the flowers.
History
Meadowsweet has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times and it remains popular as a herbal remedy to this day. It was in the flowerheads that salicylic acid was first discovered in 1839. It was from this substance that aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) was later synthesized.
The common name, Meadowsweet, is said to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon word medu (= mead) because the plant was once used to flavour the drink made from fermented honey.
Usage
- The flowers, and sometimes the young leaves and rhizomes, are used medicinally. All parts contain the glycosides gaultherin and spiraein, traces of an alkaloid (helio-tropine), tannins, a yellow pigment, vanillin and free salicylic acid, produced by the splitting of gaultherin and citric acid. These substances give the plant antipyretic, weak antispasmodic, astringent and antirheumatic properties.
- The flowers are used in an infusion to treat influenza, and to alleviate headache and rheumatic and arthritic pain.
- Meadowsweet is gentler on the stomach than aspirin and it is one of the most effective herbal remedies for gastritis and peptic ulcers.
- Both the leaves and flowers are also strongly diuretic and are used to treat certain bladder and kidney disorders.
- The fresh root is used in homeopathic preparations.
Growth Characteristics
Meadowsweet is common in damp woods and meadows, in fens and by riversides throughout Europe, including the British Isles.
Flowering time: June to September
Lovage – Herbal Remedy with a Sting in the Tail
UMBELLIFERAE/APIACEAE Levisticum officinale
Appearance
All of the parts of the plant are strongly fragrant. A perennial herb with a strong, hollow, angled and branched stem and substantial, long-stalked, bi- or tri-pinnate leaves with shiny dark-green leaflets. The stem leaves are less divided. The smallish greenish-yellow flowers are structured in a compound umbel. The fruit is a yellow-brown, ovoid dual achene with winged ribs.
History
Lovage is probably a native of the Mediterranean zone but it is now naturalized all over Europe in meadows and other grassy places in many regions of Europe.
Lovage was available to the classical Greeks who chewed the fruit to assist digestion and to ease flatulence; the plant has remained a preferred herbal option.
It enjoyed a reputation in a number of European states as an aphrodisiac, thus possibly its popular name. Most likely though the name Lovage is derived from an old English word loveache, from the much earlier Latin name ligusticum, after Liguria in Italy where the herb grew in abundance.
It is regularly grown as a garden herb and is commercially grown on a small scale for medicinal uses in various countries
Usage
- The roots of two- or three-year plants or the flowering stems (collected before flowering) are employed medicinally. Their ingredients incorporate an essential oil with terpineol and butyl phthalidine as its most important components, furanocoumarins, sugars, esters of organic acids and resin. These elements impart Lovage stomachic, carminative, cholagogic, diuretic, mild expectorant, antidiaphoretic and anti-rheumatic properties.
- In herbalism an infusion is used mainly to relieve flatulence, as an appetizer, for dropsy and urinary disorders, rheumatism and nervous exhaustion.
- A hot infusion can be used as an inhalant and if added to bathtub water, it possesses a cleansing and deodorizing effect on the skin.
- If taken internally in excess Lovage may cause feelings of nausea and vertigo.
ABOVE ALL, LARGE DOSES SHOULD NEVER BE TAKEN BY WOMEN WHO ARE PREGNANT OR BY INDIVIDUALS WITH KIDNEY DISEASES.
Growth Characteristics
Flowering period is July to August in the Northern hemisphere.
Daisy Has the Answers
COMPOSITAE/ASTERACEAE Bettisperennis
Appearance
The lone flowerheads contain white to pinkish, ligulate ray-florets as well as yellow, tubular disc-florets that shut in the evening. Bees find the flowers highly appealing. Ail parts of the plant are sparsely hairy. The fruit is an oval, downy achene without a pappus.
The common name, Daisy, is made up of the Anglo-Saxon name daeges eage (= day’s eye), a reference to the plant’s resemblance to a ‘small sun’ since it opens and folds mornings and evenings.
History
Daisy is very common in the wild and in home gardens around the world. The generic name, Bellis, is said to originate from the Latin word bella (= beautiful) or from a dryad called Belidis.
The plant was at one time a preferred treatment for wounds and chest ailments and is even now incorporated into various contemporary herbal handbooks.
Usage
- Young fresh leaves may be used raw in salads or perhaps put into soups.
- In herbal medicine it is usually utilised as an infusion.
- Daisy makes an appealing addition to tea mixtures.
- Externally it can be found in compresses and bathtub preparations to treat skin disorders, wounds and bruises.
- A decoction from the fresh leaves is employed for the samel purposes.
- The flowerheads are utilized medicinally. The primary ingredients are saponins, an essential oil, tannins, mucilage, flavones and a bitter compound, these all give Daisy astringent and expectorant qualities.
- It has a useful influence on gastritis, enteritis and diarrhoea, and infections of the upper respiratory system.
Growth Characteristics
The basal rosette of spathulate, bluntly serrate leaves stands up adequately to competition from other plants, such as grasses, and from spring onwards Daisy successively produces several generations of blossoms.
A perennial herb of grassland in addition to weeds in lawns.
Rosebay Willowherb, Fireweed
Epilobium angustifolium
Appearance
The rosebay willowherb is a handsome plant with pink coloured blooms that blooms throughout the middle part of summer.
A perennial herb with a creeping rhizome along with a rather tall, upright, generally unbranched leafy stalk. The leaves are alternating and lanceolate with entire or slightly toothed and undulate margins. The fruit is an extended, four-valved capsule with many plumed seeds. The rose-pink flowers are positioned in a long terminal raceme. The flowers are attractive to bees.
The generic name, Epilobium, originates from a pair of Greek words, epi (~ upon) and lobos (= a pod), and refers to a situation where the flowers stand upon the apex of the lengthy, thin fruits, – which look rather similar to the flowerstems.
History
Rosebay Willowherb grows all through most of Europe in clumps in woodland clearings, on embankments and in waste places. It is an everyday weed in the British Isles.
It was one of the first plants to colonize London’s bomb sites during the Second World War. Mostly the popular name Willowherb describes the willow-like shape of the leaves.
Usage
The young rhizome, together with the fresh leaves and young shoots, may be enjoyed as a vegetable. Young shoots of rosebay willowherb can be served much the same as asparagus. The finely chopped young leaves add variety to salads and vegetable dishes.
The leaves have been employed as a tea substitute and are still used that way in the Soviet Union.
Mainly the leaves are employed medicinally. Their ingredients incorporate tannins (as high as 20 per cent), mucilage, sugars, pectin and vitamin C. These types of substances give Rosebay Willowherb demulcent, astringent and tranquillizing properties.
The rhizomes, which contain fewer tannins and no mucilage, are recommended in a decoction or chewed fresh for stomach complaints, including diarrhoea.
A decoction or infusion is employed to treat headache and migraine. Because it is abundant in vitamin C the tea is recommended in the role of a spring tonic.
Growth Pattern
It thrives on ground which has been cleared by fire, hence one of its substitute common names, Fireweed.
Flowering time: June to August
Herbs in Pots and Herbal Teas
Once again we have to thank our new guest blogger, Camille Baxter for a different and interesting take on herbal know-how. Read all about it!
Herbs in Pots
In my part of the US, we experience blips of cold to warm before actual winter sets in. For instance, last night dipped into the 40’s, and next week we should be cruising into the 60’s (hello, southeast!) It is times like this in warmer climates, and especially in northern regions, when gardeners should consider bringing their herb plants indoors.
I will cover transplanting your garden to containers in my next installment, but those who practice container gardening have probably begun the indoor movement of their bounty. Many herbs adapt very well to container life, and in some cases, like basil and mint, do better potted than freely planted to take over your garden space. If you are bringing your plants indoors, the three key elements to keep an eye on are their:
- Light situation,
- Moisture
- Temperature
You will want to keep your plants in adequate sunlight, where southern exposure for about eight hours a day is feasible. If you do not have windows to provide sufficient sunlight, grow lights are always an option.
Maintaining moisture in dry indoor air is necessary, and misting your plants with a bit of water or placing planters in containers suspended on pebbles with water should do well in monitoring their water consumption.
If you are worried about indoor pests nibbling at your herbs, you can spray heavily diluted soap and water (no bubbles visible) on the leaves of your plants for pest control- just rinse your leaves well before consumption.
Herbal Teas
One great suggestion for the herbs that you care for over these winter months is to begin experimenting with fresh herbal teas to warm on chilly nights.
Many of the most common garden herbs have wonderful medicinal value to curb wintery illness.
But beware if you have transplanted your herb garden indoors: do not consume or brew teas from herbs that treated with pesticides.
Once you are ready to harvest your tea, gently peel off the flowers or leaves. To release the essential oils in your herbs, rub the clippings together in your palm, and then transfer to a tea ball or steeping cup in a mug. Pour hot (but not boiling) water over your loose tea leaves and allow time for steeping- around five minutes. If you have dried you herbs, about a teaspoon is adequate, while fresh herbs require about a tablespoon.
Some wonderfully flavored herbs for tea come from their flowers, such as chamomile or lavender- if you have some at home, try adding some loose violet flowers to your lavender tea for a dramatic, beautiful touch to enjoying your cuppa.
Tips for Small or Large Herb Gardens
Suggestions for Small Herb Gardens.
There are several factors to remember, the most essential being that herbs really should be grown as close to the kitchen door as possible.
The most suitable herb garden for a cook is one complete with a paving from door to the yard as well as the beds — surrounded by paving also — stone, brick or cement.
Whether the beds are set out square, spherical, oblong, or even hexagonal depends upon the location and number of herbs required. But if you start with four you are likely to soon wish that you had space for eight!
The range in shape and size for a compact herb garden is endless; so much must rely upon the room available.
Let me share a further good option for a small herb garden. Construct vertically instead of horizontally! For instance, a perfect location would be across the corner of a wall structure or hedge (though not in a shady space). Or against a bare kitchen wall surface. In this instance make sure that only the concrete rather than the soil touches the wall, so that it cannot soak up any damp. 3 tiers built up pyramid fashion will make a good and eye-catching presentation allowing for a variety of herbs to be tended conveniently.
Suggestions for Large Herb Gardens.
A herb border is a favorite way of growing herbs in a kitchen garden. I would recommend a visit any local herb gurus.
The quantity of plants of each kind must depend upon the size of the family and their taste in food, but make sure you carry at least one plant of many varieties so as to try the different fresh flavours.
When planting a variety of herbs it can help enormously to be able to see the actual crops growing. Some need a whole lot more room for bushing out than others, besides the different heights to which they grow.
To take but a few examples — Rosemary must be spaced at least three feet apart, whilst fennel needs twelve to eighteen inches. Marjoram and mint need a foot, whereas chives and the annual summer savory will need only six inches.
Herb borders are really appealing grown against a hedge. A herb itself, for instance rue or southernwood, could be grown as a hedge, but remember that nearly all herbs need sunlight.
Tips for Herbs in Pots and Window Boxes.
First off – keep the pots as near to the light and sunshine as convenient, and set them out into the rain periodically.
The number of herbs in each window box must, naturally, depend upon the size of the box and its location, but definitely offer plenty of space for the roots to spread. There are several herbs whose roots are just so widespread that they will grow all over the others in a box and smother them. In these cases, plant each in a pot and then lower the pot into the window box.
So-called window boxes, do not have to always sit upon a window ledge or a balcony. They can also decorate a rooftop garden space, however small. And they can be hung on a garage, garden, or residence wall surface to brighten up and lend interest to a normally dull expanse. There are now businesses selling composition window boxes complete with herb plants these include chives, pot marjoram, thyme, sage and tarragon.
The boxes themselves could be made of timber, a composite substance, or cement. Or pots might be installed in graceful wrought-iron containers positioned upon legs, to create a feature in any area.
Pots can be made of the regular terracotta clay or glazed and embellished pottery for a feature position.
Rectangular pots manufactured in concrete are often very effective sited outside a kitchen doorway; on a roof garden; or along the periphery of any small balcony. Concrete containers have the advantage of lasting longer than their original well-known wooden counterparts, particularly in the open, and also need no maintenance in painting or varnishing. They are also relatively straightforward to make at home
There is also yet another kind of container which can be both ornamental and great for herb growing. These are called ‘strawberry pots’ that have various pouches all around them. They are ideal for a balcony, roof garden, or just outside a kitchen door. To organize them, plant the most decorative or the most used herb at the top.
