Indoor Herb Garden Kits and Herbal Remedies

Pimpinella anisum

Description
Identified by its popular names of anise and aniseed, this is a dainty little annual that is native to the eastern Mediterranean location, western Asia and northern Africa. The gorgeous, delicate flowers tend to be delectable in salads and fresh fruit salads, as are the fine leaves. Keep anise seeds on hand when available. They can be very useful in numerous ways.

History
Anise was already being cultivated in Egypt more than 4 000 years ago and Pharaonic scrolls report it as being a treatment meant for intestinal colic, intestinal queasiness, unhealthy belching and symptoms of heartburn.

The Romans offered mustacae, a cake which had anise, caraway and dill seed cooked with it, right at the end of banquets, marriages and merrymaking events to counteract indigestion and colic following the lavish things eaten during the earlier 12 to 15 courses.

The ancient Greeks grew it as being a pain reliever which also allowed sufferers to breath more easily.

Usage
Warning: Do not take anise in any shape or form when pregnant; at all times consult your physician before commencing any kind of natural home treatment solution involving aniseed.

Medicinal use
In the early eras P.anisum was bought and sold in order to provide a traditional medicine and as a flavouring; its trade generally rewarding. In many countries the seeds were carried inside of a small bag affixed to the belt so that a pinch of the seeds might be chewed as a fast solution for intestinal difficulties, asthma and spasmodic hacking and coughing. Currently medical research validates these historical virtues.

Create aniseed tea by simply adding about a teaspoon of seeds – fresh or dehydrated – in a cup of boiling water, stir and let steep for five minutes. Drink slowly and also munch some of the seeds. This aniseed tea should relieve symptoms of heartburn, dissipate trapped wind, eliminate hiccups, alleviate intestinal colic, counter menstruation pains, ease whooping cough and even assist persons having difficulties with epileptic fits.

Try adding the seeds to cakes or biscuits, cornbread and berry juices.

Other uses
As a facial rejuvenation intended for enlarged pores, greasy problem skin, possibly even for acne, drink a cupful of aniseed tea daily and employ the cooled tea as a treatment, a wash as well as a spray – it’s a superb complexion remedy.

In India it is used as a breath sweetener and in Turkey, ‘raki ‘ – a popular alcoholic drink called is made from the seeds.

As aniseed is beloved by rodents, blend aniseed with coarse cooked maize porridge and employ it as bait for traps.

Propogation
The seeds germinate readily. Through early spring to mid summertime, plant where they are to mature, in richly composted damp earth in full sun. Spread the seeds sparsely straight into a shallow, well watered shallow trench. Rake over the soil and hold it hydrated at all times. The little baby plants mature easily and just about all parts associated with the plant are usually important as both food items and medicine.

Seed-stock, when dried on the plant, may be easily stashed inside airtight canisters for winter time usage.

Arnica montana (Asteraceae)

Appearance

Arnica has a deep-rooted, erect stem, typically unbranched. Furry opposing leaves sit high on the stem and a rosette of oval leaves adorns the base of the stem.

Large yellow or orange flowers are typical, these are 6-7 cm wide about a dozen radiating florets and a number of disc florets. Bracts beneath the flowerhead have long spreading hairs. The flowers boast a mildly aromatic perfume not unlike pine.

The rhizome is dark brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears brittle wiry rootlets on the under surface.

History
Arnica grows on montane to alpine meadows and pastures up to alpine level. In many European regions arnica is a protected species. Spain and Romania are important source countries of the species.

An abundant genus consisting of about 30 perennial, herbaceous species, arnica is a member of the sunflower family. It has been employed as a medicine for hundreds of years. the roots secrete a type of thymol, which are used as fungicides and preservatives and are reputed to have an anti-inflammatory virtue.

Usage
Arnica is commonly used as an important component of ointments to alleviate sports injuries and sprains. Homoeopathic compounds containing arnica are popular and widespread.

Arnica ointments used topically have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and aid natural recovery by increasing flow of blood and fluid accumulations by dilation. Beneficial after surgery to treat varicose veins.

Toxicity
Arnica contains the helenalin, which can be poisonous if large amounts are ingested. Direct contact with the plant can also cause skin irritation.

Propogation
Arnica may be propagated from root division, cuttings, or seeds, which are of short viability. Thrives in a mixture of dry loam, peat, and sand but not on limy soils.

Armoracia rusticana,
A. lapathifolia
Cochlearia armoracia

Appearance
Horseradish is a pungent perennial herb, possessing elongated fleshy roots, large coarse leaves and a garland of white-colored flowers with four petals. Leaves might have a fernlike appearance with several fingers on each side or be simply an elongated oval. They develop to about 50cm (18″) and can be used as an appealing and useful addition to any flowerbed.

History
Horseradish is botanically-known as Armoracia lapathifolia and A. rusticana, and is thought to be indigenous to Russia or Hungary. It is related to the mustard family, consequently its biting taste and aroma. The “horse” label describes the dimensions of the root as well as its pungency and was applied to tell it apart from other (unrelated) radishes. At one time, horseradish was referred to as “German mustard.”

Used for centuries, horseradish is one of the five symbolic bitter herbs commemorated in the Jewish Passover Seder.

Usage
Although the roots are normally used, young leaves give a refreshing bite to a salad.

Medicinal usage:
Horseradish is stimulating and lowers fevers by escalating perspiration, offers antibacterial properties and stimulates localized circulation.

It contains glucosinolates (mustard oil glycosides – gluconasturtin and sinigrin), which are hydrolyzed during drying to yield phenylethyl isothiocyanate and allyl isothiocyanate. The root also contains the enzyme peroxidase, coumarins and phenolic acids.

Internal use

• Horseradish is used internally for lung and urinary infections, as well as joint disease, gout pain and sciatic pain and for general weakness.
• The roots are widely-used in making a favorite condiment and the fresh leaves can be used in salads.

External use

• External application of horseradish raises circulation and is used as a poultice for infected wounds, rheumatism and bronchitis, along with pericarditis.
• It is used to soothe chilblains.
• The regenerative and anti-bacterial impact of horseradish validates its use on blemished, oily skin – also used as a hair tonic to promote growth.
• Please note that this is a robust pungent herb and may cause skin reaction.

Aromatherapy and essential oil use
The essential oil extracted from the root is classed as dangerous.

Basic safety precautions and warnings
The fresh juice may be irritating on the skin and extreme care needs to be used when applying. It is strongly recommended that a reduced concentration be used in this way.

Propogation
Pick a sunny, weed free location and balance soil pH to 6.2-6.7. Horseradish is an exceptionally vigorous plant and given a small amount of attention, will prosper in most any garden scenario. A 130cm (4ft.) row will support 5 plants. Allow for 90cm (3ft.) between rows. Excavate a trench of 30cm (12″) wide and 45 cm (18″) deep. Fill with garden compost and loose soil to allow the roots to spread easily.

My rootstock – obtained 5 years ago – consistently yields some 25 to 35 plants after splitting the mature plant. They are so prolific that everyone has their own harvesting method. Mine is to harvest soon after 2nd season shoots reach 5cm (2″.) in height. You get the developed root from season 1 and they are easily split at this stage.

Preparation
Horseradish is best used newly grated and raw.

Clean using a stiff brush and remove the dark skin before using horseradish.

In larger roots, the core might be fibrous and bitter. Remove and discard the core, along with any green spots.

Horseradish is similar to the allium family — the smaller it’s chopped or grated, the more pungent the flavor.

When grating horseradish, it’s easiest to use a food processor. Cut the peeled root into cubes and pulse to the preferred consistency. The fumes will be quite strong and may actually burn your nose as well as eyes. Make sure you open a window, remove the lid at arm’s length, and turn your head aside.

For do-it-yourself prepared horseradish, just add white vinegar and salt to taste whilst processing. Keep inside a lidded glass container inside the fridge approximately 6 weeks.

Horseradish Sauce
A.

• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp prepared hot horseradish, or to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 60 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve chilled.

B.
Fold 1 Tablespoon fresh grated horseradish into stiffly-whipped heavy cream and salt to taste for a classic horseradish sauce to accompany beef dishes. Dill weed is also a tasty addition.• If you want to retain the spicy zing of horseradish in cooked dishes, add it at the end of the cooking process, after the dish has been removed from the heat.

African potato, Star-grass, Star lily, Yellow stars, Yellow star-grass

Hypoxis hemerocallidea (previous name H. rooperii)

Appearance
Hypoxis hemerocallidea is the best known variety of the genus. Plants will grow to about 100 to 500 mm tall. Leaves clearly 3-ranked, distinctly arching in the shape of a sickle and are hairy throughout.

The name Hypoxis is coined from the Greek words hypo meaning below and oxy referring towards the pointed lower ovary or fruit.

Being geophytic herbs, Hypoxis plants overcome winter conditions in the form of an underground rootstock called the corm. Corms are hard, fleshy, mucilaginous and white or yellow-orange within. Sliced corms, when exposed to the atmosphere, turn black with oxidation.

In spring, a brand new set of leaves grows from the apex from the corm. In most species, leaves are arranged one above another in three rows that radiate outwards. In some species, leaf bases are enclosed in a sheath, forming a false stem.

Leaves range from linear to broadly lance-shaped and die back over the wintertime months. Flowering stems appear with the leaves after the first rains in spring. They’re unbranched, with 2-12 flowers per stalk. Flowers are symmetrical with 6 tepals, rarely 4 or 8, are bright yellow, giving the genus its common name “yellow stars”.

The fruit is a capsule that splits across its diameter to expose the small black seeds.

History
Widespread in the summertime rainfall region of South Africa, from the coast to the interior, extending nothwards into Botswana but with less frequency. Used for centuries in African traditional medicine and recently recognized in the alternative medicine trade because of its immune-boosting properties.

A South East African plant from the Hypoxidaceae species, the plant tuber has been used by traditional healers for it’s medicinal properties for centuries and hs been affectionately dubbed the “African Potato”.

Usage
The African Potato Tuber reportedly balances and regulates the immune system.

Arthritis is an auto-immune disease. The painful joints come from the malfunctioning of the defense mechanisms. The sterols and sterolins are the active ingredients inside a remedy originally developed from the African potato which boosts the defense mechanisms and helps fight Aids, cancer, TB, psoriasis and arthritis.

Currently the cause is treated with plant sterols and sterolins which regulate the defense mechanisms. The greatest advantage of treating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms with sterols and sterolins is that these plant fats are natural, non-toxic and don’t have any side effects.

Plant sterol and sterolins occur in all plants. In their natural state they’re associated with plant fibres, making it difficult to allow them to be absorbed through the body during digestion. This is especially the situation with seniors, whose digestive systems dwindle efficient.

Research teams have proved that sterols and sterolins boost the functioning of T-cells which control and regulate the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the malfunctioning from the sufferer’s defense mechanisms. Instead of attacking only bacteria, viruses and parasites in your body, the synoval membranes, which facilitate the movements of joints, will also be attacked. Eventually the cartilage is destroyed and the bones eroded.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms is more common one of the aged whose natureal defenses aren’t that efficient. When it happens in younger people it is almost always a result of stress or trauma.

Osteoarthritis sufferers can also enjoy the utilization of sterols and sterolins, but it may take longer to see the results. Sterols and sterolins cannot remedy the damage already caused towards the joints and bones by arthritis. They can, however, prevent further damage and relieve this, but must be used for a long time.

No hypoxis should be taken whilst on anti-coagulants such as heparin and warfarin.

Propogation
Hypoxis species are attractive for development as garden ornamentals. Species suited to garden beds are those with small corms and soft leaves like H. angustifolia and H. membranacea which spread quickly through multiplication from the rootstock to form a mass of plants.

Hardy species with large corms and strong leaves like H. hemerocallidea, H. colchicifolia, H. obtusa and H. acuminata are fairly easy to upkeep once established in a garden. Seeds of Hypoxis germinate better if sown right after maturity. Being a veldt plant subject to the vagaries of weather, hypoxis is easy to develop and will see regular watering and feeding as a bonus to growth potential.

Salad Rocket or Arugula (Eruca sativa L.)

Description
There is ongoing debate about rocket being a herb. In my book it fulfils the specification for a real herb and is thus included here.

All rocket species have a distinct, pungent taste; the pungency increases with the age of the leaf. The aroma is often described as herbal or nutty.

Rocket is an annual salad green that has leaves similar in taste and appearance to its relative, the radish. The leaves are 3-7 in (7.5 to 18 cm) long and deeply lobed, like those of dandelions. Best used as a salad green when it’s young, just 1 ft (0.3 m) or so tall. It will eventually produce stems 2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m) in height, topped with white cross-shaped flowers that are very similar to those of radish.

Several cultivars are offered in the specialty seed catalogs.

History
The rocket species are native to Central and Southern Europe. These days the distinctive flavour of rocket has become popular in European countries, the USA and around the world.

Although the herb had enjoyed considerable popularity all over temperate Europe in the Middle Ages, both for the aromatic leaves and the pungent seeds, its cultivation was neglected. Since the 18th century, rocket was practically restricted to the Mediterranean, where it grows wild. Now rocket is back in Western and Central Europe and has spread around the world. Much beloved as a flavouring for salads, where it lends an interesting note to any lettuce-based dish.

Although rocket is one of the new stars among salad lovers in the New World, it has been a popular salad green and seasoner in southern Europe for centuries.

Usage
Rockets usage is best defined as widespread. uses include:

• Seeds can serve as a sub­stitute for mustard seeds
• Chopped rocket leaves are a good garnish for many Mediterranean foods
• Rocket leaves prepared with olive oil, aceto balsamico and freshly grated Parmigiano cheese makes an excellent appetizer for any Mediterranean, especially Italian, feast.
• In Turkey, rocket leaves are popular as a garnish for meats grilled on a skewer (kebab) or on a rotating spit (doner).
• It adds a pleasant peppery flavour to fresh green salads. Larger, more mature leaves, and those grown in the hot summer, are stronger tasting, almost bitter, and used in salads with discretion.
• Toss arugula with radicchio and a mild lettuce
• It adds a nice tangy bite to potato salads.
• Arugula can be cooked like spinach or wilted in hot olive oil and garlic and served with pasta or potatoes.
• Use the older, more tangy leaves in soups and sauces.
• Add arugula to leek and potato soup near the end of the simmering.
• Use arugula in vegetable stir fry.
• The seeds of arugula are sometimes used as a flavoring substitute for mustard, and they are pressed to yield an edible oil known as jamba oil.
• Seeds are sprouted for use in salads.
• The young leaves have a distinct peppery taste so they can be used in almost any combination:

1. In salads,
2. Open sandwiches,
3. As a vegetable with roast meat or
4. With a medley of Mediterranean vegetables.

According to ancient traditions, eating rocket will bring you good luck. The oil extracted from the seeds was considered to be an aphrodisiac. Since it also tastes good, those ancients knew they were on to something. Fresh rocket leaves contain iron and vitamins. Rocket is reputed to help cleanse the body of pollutants.

A research group from Saudi Arabia studied the anti-ulcer properties of rocket.  They found that rocket extract possesses antisecretory, cytoprotective and anti-ulcer activities against experimentally-induced gastric lesions in rats.

Propogation
Propogate from seed and grow in full sun. Plant seeds thickly in rows, bands or patches in early spring and again in autumn. Grow rocket in the fall and early spring. Usable leaves should be ready in 4-6 weeks. The best leaves are from plants grown fast in cool weather.

Use nitrogen fertilizer to insure rapid growth. Pick off leaves as needed, leaving the plant to grow more. Rocket will self seed in the garden if allowed.

Provide some shade from midday sun in summer – member that it requires regular watering.

Rocket is a hardy plant found in many climate types. It is an annual that can tolerate temperatures down to 25ºF (-3.9 C). It goes quickly to seed in hot weather.

The world of today is a world of progress. We have now managed to do in two centuries of ongoing industrial revolution, what we couldn’t do in thousands and thousands of our tumultuous historical past. And yet, with all these scientific breakthroughs and synthetic materials, synthetic foodstuff plus the reign of King Plastic, many people still find the need as well as having the perception to ask themselves how individuals previously remained healthy and fit without nutritional supplements, medicines or antibiotics. Their secret was that that these people employed what Mother Nature gave them: the plants to treat themselves. Thankfully, this knowledge has not been forgotten; even though they’re not so widely used these days, plants have claimed their own place in our civilization.

The herb story starts many thousands of years back, long before the recorded historical past, when man did not know how to write or read, but knew how to follow their instincts. These people discovered by observation that specific herbal products could alleviate their discomfort, others could make a wound fade away and others could kill them by ingestion. Throughout time, societies developed herbal lore and with time discovered methods to transfer their know-how other than just orally.

5000 years ago, in Ancient China, people used rhubarb (Rheune palmatum) as a purgative without knowing anything concerning the actual active substances they contained. They also used Ephedra to treat asthma, even though the substance known as ephedrine was supposedly “discovered” much later in 1887 AD. Just about all oriental ancient civilizations acquired their skills into the fascinating arena of botany, as plants were among the few elements to which they could turn to heal themselves. The famous king Hammurabi of Babylon (18th century BC) recommended mint to cure constipation and other digestive disorders. Mesopotamian doctors considered that the best time to take a herbal medicine was at night or early in the morning, a principle which is confirmed nowadays by modern studies. The Indians had an entire system of rules, prescriptions, remedies and practices, called Ayurveda, many of which involved the use of plants. They also had strict rules about when, by whom and from where the plants should be collected

People in Ancient Egypt knew and used the castor-oil plant, wormwood, saffron and oregano to heal and disinfect wounds; they also put coriander in their tombs so that the spirit will remain healthy in the afterlife. There are written records of their use of garlic (for the workmen who built the pyramids), indigo, mint and opium. The Greek and Roman civilizations have made a major contribution to medical science. Although much of their studies stemmed from other cultures (Mesopotamian, Egyptian), they added precious information and, in time, they became more and more concerned about the diseases and cures as natural and realistic processes, rather than spiritual or magical. Physicians like Hippocrates, Dioscoride and others have recorded their discoveries; their works would enlighten the pre-medieval civilizations for many centuries after their death. Dioscorides wrote De Materia Medica (1st century AD), which contained a list of hundreds of medicinal plants, along with their description and curative qualities.

The Dark Ages met with a lack of any further recorded herbal studies; the knowledge was probably transmitted from generation to generation – parents taught children, monks, even herbalist taught apprentices. However, there lived a great Persian physician by the name of Avicenna (Abu Ali al-Husayn ibn Abd Allah Ibn Sina) who wrote one of the most famous books in the history of medical science: The Canon, which also contained information about how plants should be used and their properties.

In 1527, the Swiss scholar Paracelsus demonstrated that only a small part of the plant has an effect upon the human body (1g per 20 kg of plant), which is what we now call active substance. Later scientists developed methods to isolate these substances. However, the first complete categorization of all known medicinal plants was printed in a book called Theatrum Botanicum by John Parkinson in 1640 AD. In 1649 Nicholas Culpeper pulished A Physical Directory, which is considered one of the best herbal pharmacopoeia manuals and is still widely quoted today.

Whilst chemistry developed as a scienctific discipline, physicians began using morewidely synthetic medicines, such as aspirin, which proved to have side effects. Yet all pharmacists and drug producers confirm the fact that, unlike artificially synthesized substances, medicines extracted from plants are more accessible to the metabolism and friendlier to the human body. This is probably why herbs are still viewed with benevolence and even awe, as they are apparently so suited to the human condition through their gentle actions.