medicinal
Showy Iris – Herbs For Sore Eyes
May 19, 2010 | 
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Iris pseudacorus (Iridaceae)
Herb Garden Plants – Iris.
Appearance
Iris is really a category of some two hundred and fifty-odd species of flowering plants with flamboyant blooms. Although Iris may not be generally seen as a ‘herb garden plant‘ it nevertheless fits both the definition and spirit of beneficial herbs.
It borrows its label from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide selection of blossom hues found among the numerous varieties. As well as being the scientific title,’ iris’ is also very widely used as a common label; for one thing, it refers to all Iris varieties, though a number of plants called thus fit in better with some other closely connected genera.
Throughout North America, the popular name for irises is ‘flags’. The true yellow flag bears compact, elegant, golden yellow flowers in summer, and it is a fairly widespread plant found in waterway borders and marshy terrain in Great Britain. Flowering stems and sword-like leaves reach a height of 60 to 150 cms (2 to 5 ft) and the plants can form extensive colonies. ln America this plant is known as a blue flag, the blossoms being violet azure and variegated with yellow, and the flower stems attaining 60 to 90 cms (2-3 ft) in height.
The particular name pseudacorus acknowledges its resemblance (when not in flower) to the sweet sedge or sweet flag, Acarus calamus. Nevertheless, the leaves as well as the root base of iris are typically odourless whilst sweet sedge is fragrant.
History
Two or three native European irises have been used in remedies, the best known, the yellow flag iris, is British and ended up being the type taken to America by the early settlers.
Universally known as fleur de luce, fleur de lys or fleur-de-lis, it was the heraldic logo associated with the kings of France and legends abound on that score.
Usage
- lris has long been grown in America for its roots which are applied in order to treat bumps and also bruises, and as iridin or irisin with regard to its action on the liver and bowels.
- The powdered root is an additive to snuff, and if chopped up may offer a cure for toothache.
- Culpeper extolled its use, when distilled, as a treatment for weak and tired eyes and asserted that a salve made from the flowers was beneficial for managing ulcers or even syphilitic sores.
- The flowers produce a very good yellow dye and the roots, along with the addition of an iron dye mordant, create a black dye.
Cultivation
Yellow flag can only be grown really successfully as a water plant. ln the ornamental herb garden it needs a marsh-like location where it can accompany watercress, water mints and sweet sedge. Settle the rhizomes straight into the borders of a muddy pool and, if needed, tie some rhizomes collectively in a string or wire basket which can be ballasted to avoid the clumps from sailing off.
The irises tend to be such a large family that growing conditions and garden soil needs vary substantially. Numerous types have adapted to regional conditions when transported afar. I remember visiting a long-deserted farmhouse where the only visible flowers were purple irises growing happily in hard dry soil.
For most typical irises though, position your rhizomes just below the surface of the ground with the roots well spread out below so the rhizome is within reach of the heat of the sun’s rays while the roots beneath tend to be in damp (not soggy) soil.
Work your dirt properly to a depth of 25 to 30 cm. In the event that your soil is heavy, incorporate sand so that wetness drains quickly. Irises will develop in the majority of garden soils.
Be certain to firm the earth snugly about every rhizome when planting. Follow the ordinary good gardening procedure of applying water and settling soil on newly set plants.
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Calamintha, Bees and Butterflies
Calamintha nepetoides (Labiatae)
Appearance
A small, upright, bushy little herb garden plant 30 to 60 cms (1-2 ft) tall, calamintha produces a haze of tiny bluish flowers with long purple bracts from June through to September. Flowers are studded on short spikes between the leaves in mid-summer. This may slowly spread to make a compact patch. Calamints are near cousins to the garden mint, but without the nasty spreading habit. When crushed, the oblong, dark green leaves give off a spearmint-like fragrance and the blossoms can be a magnet for bees and butterflies.
History
Despite the fact that the correct herb is C. ascendens, which is indiginous to Europe and previously the officinal plant and dubbed C. officinalis for some considerable time, the most popular plant found in the majority of herb gardens is actually C. nepetoides. The two types seem to have been used in days gone by without distinction between them.
Usage
The scented leaves are similar to the fragrance associated with thyme but with pennyroyal nuances; calamintha seemed to be primarily employed in days gone by to help relieve wind. The volatile oil, rather minty in taste, enhances a tea made from the dried leaves and which Gerard deemed to take away ‘sorrowfulness which cometh with melancholie, and maketh a man merrie and glad’.
Useful towards the front of the garden border, or in a woodland location among ferns. Also appealing in mixed containers. Eliminate any all-green shoots as soon as they are noticed, since this plants has a tendency to revert.
Culpeper referred to it as having ‘an fierce and quick fragrance’ and called it as mountain mint and recommended its use for a wide variety of complaints ranging from shortness of breath, cramp, liver and spleen problems, mixed with salt to remove worms and also as a contraceptive.
This plant should be placed where its delightfully fragrant foliage can be touched and brushed.
Cultivation
Try this lovely catmint in a warm, sunny spot in the garden, among herbs or Mediterranean-style plants. It is tolerant of hot and dry conditions.
Division of plants in early spring, cuttings in spring or propagation via seed are all ways to start calamintha in the herb garden. Select a dryish alkaline soil for the best results.
Lift and divide congested colonies in spring.
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Tags: Bees And Butterflies, calamintha, Garden Mint, herb garden plants, Little Herb Garden | 
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Beautiful Bergamot Brings Bees
Monarda didyma (Labiatae)
Appearance
The flower stalks of this aromatic herb garden plant grow to around 50 to 90 cms (1.5 to 3 ft) and flower for many months from the middle of summer . The whole flower is usually impregnated with an enchanting fragrance even when the top growth has died all the way down and the roots remain gently perfumed with a suggestion of citrus; for this reason it’s gained the name of bergamot, similar to bergamot orange. The flowers are a flamboyant red color and they are carried in crowns with red bracts in between each floret, suggesting an exploding fire flower.
Dependable cultivars can be obtained with pink, mauve and white-colored blooms, all of which maintain the aromatic characteristics that cause them to be valuable in the herb garden. A handsome plant native to South America as well as the eastern parts of North America from New York to West Virginia, bergamot is an inhabitant of swampy stream edges around hilly areas.
History
Bergamot was introduced into Europe in the 16th century and became well known by the mid-18th century, primarily for its fragrance virtues. Bergamot is currently well established as a good looking perennial, which is the offspring of numerous cultivars.The genus Monarda commemorates Nicholas Monardes – a Spanish physician who wrote about the New World flora in the 16th century.
Usage
- The aromatic leaves dry out well and keep their scent so they may be incorporated into pot pourri.
- A tisane made out of the leaves used to be drunk by the Oswego Indians – consequently the parochial title of Oswego tea. This particular infusion is endorsed as a digestive as well as being useful when you are treating instances of an abnormal or painful monthly period.
- The blossoms make a cosmetic addition in fruit cups, but need to be steeped in water first to wash the insects that hide in the little round flowerets.
- Valued by beekeepers for their ability to attract bees.
Propogation
The plant is quick to develop and forms bunches with a number of runners. Bergamot loves a moist soil or any decent gardening soil to which moisture retentive material has been added and it likes the sun. It is very adaptable to somewhat of a shaded position provided the roots stay damp. Chalky garden soil does not go down well and it dislikes damp winters since the yearly growth routine is impeded.
A portion drawn from the outer edges of an established bunch in spring will soon establish itself in any herb garden and cuttings could be obtained at the same time.
The clumps should be split up and divided every 3 or 4 years.
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Medicinal Witch Hazel – Witching Wells
Hamamelis Virginiana (Hamamelidiaceae)
Description
No description of Witch hazel would be complete without mentioning how the seeds from the American plant, In contrast to those of the European hazel, are ejected with enough force to spray passers-by – this kind of clownish quirk has acquired for it the title of snapping hazelnut.
Witch Hazel is a herb garden plant which grows to a height of 2.5 to 3.5m (9 to 12 ft). The leaves are more intensely veined than those from the European hazel, and when they have fallen in autumn the flowers show up on the naked wood within a month. These particular flowers are lovely small fluffy pods of yellow, which upon examination prove to be bundles of tiny paddle-shaped petals with a rather weak perfume. Seed matures the following summer, the nuts containing two black palatable seeds.
History
The witch hazel belonging to the woods of America’s Atlantic shore offers much in common in aspect with the European hazel – Various theories are bandied about as to why the pioneers called this plant witch hazel. Perhaps the most acceptable is that they used the twigs for water divining in much the same way that they had employed hazel in Europe for centuries – commonly described as ‘witching a well’.
Usage
As an astringent with the ability to stem hemorrhaging, and as a treatment for bruises and lumps was renowned. The Native Americans used the bark as the basis of an infusion which they applied to painful eyes. Today witch hazel still holds sway as a household treatment, as an ointment to soothe sprains and bruises and as an extract that may be acquired through drug stores for use as a skin tonic.
Both leaves and bark possess the astringent qualities for which the plant is renowned. The classic Pond’s Extract depended upon witch hazel for its usefulness as a household panacea utilized in cases of burns and bruises.
Cultivation
The appealing foliage and interesting petals will withstand the severest autumn. Propagation is by cuttings taken in spring. A herb garden plant that makes a successful inclusion in the garden in areas exempt from an early freeze.
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Herb Garden Plants – Rue – Bitter Virtues
Ruta graveolens (Rutaceae)
Appearance
Rue is a delicate bushy plant 45 to 90 cms (18″-3 ft) in height with blue-green fernlike foliage and pale greenish yellow oval flowers during the summer season. The whole plant emits a moderately unpleasant aroma and has a similarly harsh flavor caused by the volatile oil contained in the glands which are distributed beyond the the whole plant.
History
This well-known denizen of the herb border, highly regarded in old country medicine throughout Europe, is native to the drier soils of the Mediterranean regions. The Romans are credited with introducing it to The british isles first, although it was probably reintroduced in the Middle Ages. It went along to the New World with the European settlers, and was introduced in several southern states on poor soils. Herb of Grace, was one of its ancient names. ‘The many good properties whereunto Rue serveth hath I do believe in previous times caused the English name of Herbe of Grace to be given unto it’.
Holy water was sprinkled as a preliminary to the celebration associated with High Mass within the medieval Church from switches made of trimmed rue sticks. Its good reputation for the virtue of repelling contamination as well as toxin made it customary for sprigs of rue to be positioned close to the judge prior to prisoners being delivered from the pestilence-ridden prison cells.
Usage
Precisely why it was held in such excessive esteem is difficult to assess; these days its bitter taste – is dispersed through pulverizing as well as dicing and hould be added, with discretion, to egg, fish or perhaps cream cheese dishes. In European wine growing locations rue leaves are mixed with brandy to produce a liqueur. The somewhat plain little shrubs were also thought to form a great and formidable defence to protect against witches and also to give a sixth sense. Renaissance painters in Europe are reputed to have consumed significant amounts of rue teas to restore failing eyesight.
Medicinally rue is actually toxic in high dosages and should be used with great caution, particularly while pregnant, as it has an historical reputation for starting delayed periods. It is also used to treat bites and stings externally and as a cold compress applied to the forehead, it’s reputed to alleviate stress headaches.
Propogation
Raised from seed sown in early spring and thinned out to around 50 cms (1.5 ft) apart, rue can make a good herb garden hedge and its evergreen nature results in this use. Cuttings taken in summer will certainly take rather easily. Rue loves a nicely drained garden soil and enjoys a sunny sheltered location. It benefits by getting cut back in early spring in order to encourage fresh regrowth.
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Herb Garden Plants – Opium Poppy – Soul Stealer and Great Healer
Papaver somniferum (Papaveraceae)
Appearance
The flowers vary substantially in physical appearance; they are occasionally double, often single with flimsy coloured petals — occasionally white or pink. When the buds open up the petals are like crumpled tissue paper which very rapidly unfold; this is usually a feature of the flower. The plant attains perhaps 1 m (3 ft) in length, the green/greyish leaves sitting directly upon the stem and kept away from, with ragged undulating edges.
History
Opium was initially a medicine known to the Greeks and Romans and the Egyptians previous to them, and the farming associated with the poppy spread to China more than a millenium past. Poppies had been taken as seed to America by the Pilgrims.
Native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean rim countries, the bluish flowers have always been a roadside characteristic of several southern counties of England.
Usage
Although Opium is a dangerous as well as addictive toxin it remains unsurpassed as a botanical sedative administered for the purpose of the alleviation of serious pain – a result of its pair of significant alkaloids, morphine and codeine.
Once the petals fall the seed head matures into the well known smooth brownish ‘poppy head’ together with its crown of radiating ribs as well as little holes around the top via which the seeds leak out. Opium is a form of latex which oozes out of the unripe seed heads whenever they are slit. Green poppy heads were steeped to bathe inflamed and sprained joints, and a concoction made using hot barley meal as a fixing medium was used in related circumstances to alleviate suffering.
There are numerous types of poppy seed; the blue-grey little circular ones are usually used in European countries and America in order to decorate and flavour breads and confectionery, and the smaller creamy ones are used in India in curries. Poppy seed oil, though a culinary oil, is frequently created for the commercial market and in the blending of paints.
Cultivation
Propagate from seed sown in spring, although when launched straight into the your herb garden these plants will seed themselves. Lovers of sunshine, light warm soils the opium poppy ought be in every single representative collection of medicinal herbs.
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Herb Garden Plants – Milkwort for Snakebite
Polygala species (Polygalaceae)
Description
Diminutive but gorgeous little herb garden plants, milkworts are well worth the trouble involved in sourcing them, as they make a fine addition to the border of any garden; both for their size (400 to 500mm) and their impact. Milkwort forms its own little family groupings and gives a very fine showing when these are established. The purple/blue flowers (British plants) pirouette above their supporting ground level foliage, for all the world like blue bees busily at work and are at their best from latish Spring until midsummer. Roots are small and convoluted.
History
The genus is named after its supposed virtue of visibly increasing milk yield in cows when they graze on milkwort. Numerous species are extant, preferring well drained banks, grasslands, hillsides and heathland. P. vulgaris is the variety most commonly seen in British herb gardens; other varieties are grown but are rare. The variety indigenous to The United States has white flowers and is called P. senega after the Seneca Indians; these plants favour a drier, more rocky environment than their British cousins.
The Seneca Indians were observed to use the stored milkwort roots to treat rattlesnake bites. A medical doctor in Pennsylvania further observed that the symptoms of snakebite appeared similar to those experienced by people suffering from severe respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Subsequent experiments led to the American plants being introduced to Britain in the mid 18th century and being recognised as a unique member of the milkwort clan as healing herbs in their own right. Other family members were discovered to have similar virtues and their roots were successfully used in the same way as P. senega.
Usage
The roots are used in various healing potions, although their popularity is now waning. Extracts and teas are still used for a tonic, as a mild laxative and as a remedy for bronchial congestion. Note that their is some doubt regarding their reputation for increasing milk flow in nursing mothers.
Cultivation
Propagate by root division of an existing plant is the practical method, as seeds are scarce. Generally speaking a well drained alkaline soil will suit most milkworts.
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Herb Garden Plants – Lungwort – The Changeling
Pulmonaria officinalis (Boraginaceae)
Appearance
The legacy of countless healers to posterity, the flowers of these herb garden plants change colour according to their stage of development. Originally showing itself in a pink shade, the flowers turn blue after pollination takes place. Depending on the development stage of the flower, it may be pink, lilac or blue, making an interesting and attractive showing as the flowers proceed in their journey of life. These are early flowering herb garden plants which are also used in pots for culinary convenience. The hair-covered bearing stems are crowned with speckled broad leaves and grow to about 300mm. (12in.)
History
Popular as both a healing herb and for its attractive showing, these herb garden plants have been cultivated all over Europe since the dark ages. Although the upsurge of modern transport has spread these far more widely – they were certainly used by pioneers headed for the New World – the plants prefer conditions close to those of the original wild plants. Denizens of shaded woodlands, they enjoy shade and slight damp. Several mentions are made in various tomes of a family link to the American cowslip of the Midwest. No definitive relationship is obvious and I would be glad to hear from someone who can suggest a reference resource or tell me more about this and whether it is true. Perhaps I am looking in the wrong place.
Usage
With a name like lungwort, one can reasonably expect that this is where its medicinal virtue lies. And one would be correct.
Lungwort strengthens the respiratory functions by treating congestion, sore throats and coughing. It is also used to break a fever in cases of influenza and bad colds as it seems to assist in the process of ‘sweating it out’ which frequently precedes a cure.
Cultivation
Chalky, damp but well-draines soil approximates the natural conditions in which lungwort thrives. Duplicate these conditions for best results from these herb garden plants. Sow early in Spring and thin out seedlings in late Summer. Alternately, divide roots in the autumn (fall) and replant.
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Herb Garden Plants – Licorice the Sweet Root
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Leguminosae)
Appearance:
These herb garden plants have splendid dark green foliage with sprays of violet/lilac flowers. Flowering in summer the plants achieve a height of about 1.5 to 2m. The plant is grown for the roots, which are obtained from established plants from 3 to 4 years old.
History:
Well known in ancient Rome by the name of radix dulcis – sweet root – these herb garden plants spread from the Middle East via Italy throughout Europe. Still widely grown throughout southern Europe as well as the former Soviet Union. The earliest recorded cultivation in England was in the middle of the 16th century and was taken to the New World by settlers during the 17th century.
Licorice was certainly a herb garden plant known to the venerable Mr. Culpeper and was a commercially important crop in his day. Licorice was widely known as ‘Pontrefact Rock’ after the Yorkshire district where it was principally cultivated as a commercial crop.
Usage:
A liquid extract is obtained from the considerable root system of the licorice plant with its large taproots. This extract is widely used in its own right for hacking coughs, colds, catarrh, sore throats and mouth ulcers as well as a sweetener for more unpleasant tasting medicines.
Licorice herb garden plants have been cultivated for use as a mild laxative and an aid to overindulgence for over a millennium. Health shops still sell licorice in root form for its various virtues as well as for tonics.
The plastic-like strings and straps of licorice beloved of the young – and not so young – are made by reducing the root extract through lengthy boiling. Still popular to this day, it was a favorite in root form for children from about the 17th century.
Cultivation:
Separate the roots, ensuring that your cutting has a bud. Plant out about 1m apart and 125 to 150 mm deep in a slightly damp spot with a good sandy loam and good sunshine. Timing can include either spring or autumn, but avoid any periods with the danger of frost. Although no wild plants are known to exist today, remember that these highly prized herb garden plants were initially from regions of strong sunshine so site them accordingly.
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Herb Garden Plants – Lemon Verbena, Fragrance Divine
Herb Garden Plants – Lemon Verbena
Aloysia triphylla (Lippia citriodora) Verbenaceae
Appearance:
One of the lesser known but truly essential herb garden plants, lemon verbena commonly grows to about 1.5 to 2m tall with a wide spread. Our 30 year old lemon verbena now dwarfs the house and needs frequent trimming. The pale green leaves make a lovely showing and afford shade to smaller plants. Standing close to the plant will immediately reveal the origin of its name.
History:
Prized for centuries due to the pungent lemon like fragrance exuded by its leaves, lemon verbena is amongst the most fragrant of herb garden plants; it was brought from South America by the Spanish around the seventeenth century. Lemon verbena was given its name for its aroma, and it is a name that has persisted. One wonders if the citizens of South America call our lemon something like “verbena fruit” in return.
- Usage – everyday:
- Originally imported mainly for its oil, lemon verbena is prized for several other virtues:
- An aromatic addition to finger bowl water.
- The dried leaves retain their scent for a very long time and can be used in potpourri.
- Branches and fresh leaves of these herb garden plants can be put into airing cupboards and wardrobes to keep clothes and linen freshly aromatic.
- Crush lemon verbena leaves in almond oil makes an oil used for aromatherapy massage.
- Blending with other fragrant oils for handmade cosmetics.
- Add to bath water in a sachet for an aromatherapy experience.
- Hang branches in saunas to permeate the wood paneling with a wonderful fragrance.
- The leaves may be finely chopped for use in hot drinks, cakes, puddings and jellies.
- Chopped leaves work marvelously well sprinkled on fish while cooking; or add a small sprig to give bland foods like oatmeal and rice a lift.
- Lemon verbena shrubs attract butterflies to the garden and they often grown as herb garden plants for this purpose alone.
Usage – medicinal:
Leaves can be infused to make a gentle sedative tea to soothe chest and nose congestion, indigestion, flatulence, stomach cramps and nausea. Use about 10 leaves to a cup of boiling water, sweeten with honey and drink after meals.
Cultivation:
Lemon verbena loves sunshine as well as a bit of shelter. (A sunny corner is ideal.) These semi-hardy herb garden plants are grown mostly in greenhouses or indoors in colder climates. Protect outside plants with a light covering in regions susceptible to frost.
Ideal soil is sandy, tending to alkalinity and having good drainage. Lemon verbena thrives in poor soil.
To propagate, take summer cuttings with a small heel and trim off all but the topmost leaves; place these firmly into a moist sandy growing medium. Keep in a cool shaded place and keep soil slightly damp. Plant out into hessian or plastic bags when rooting has taken place and allow to grow until well established but not bursting at the seams. Plant out to between 1 and 2m. Regular pruning will encourage growth and produce a healthier plant.
Harvesting:
One of the least demanding herb garden plants, you can harvest lemon verbena leaves at will. Branches are a bit brittle and will benefit from trimming back to prevent breaking in high winds or from sheer weight.
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