Posts Tagged ‘culinary herbs’
Herb Garden Plants – Rue – Bitter Virtues
March 27, 2010 | 
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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 Identification
This video shows some of the very popular culinary herbs. If you need something exotic or not included here, please use the ‘Search’ box.
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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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