Indoor Herb Garden Kits and Herbal Remedies » medicinal herbs

Beautiful Bergamot Brings Bees

peter — Thu, 13 May 2010 12:16:04 +0000

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

peter — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:23:57 +0000

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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Valerian The Real Pied Piper

peter — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:45:11 +0000

Valeriana officilanis (Valerianaceae)

Appearance
An ideal plant for the rear of a herb garden, the flower stems achieving a height of 1.5 m (5 ft) and having attractive dark fernlike leaves at the base as well as grouped heads of pink (and sometimes white-colored) flowers in the summer.

History
The historic label was initially phu (or phew); a label that mirrored the evil smelling newly-lifted root. lt is often credited with being the enchantment which the Pied Piper of Hamelin employed to lead the rodents away.

Valerian was formerly cultivated because of its root, which was initially introduced into America in the eighteenth century. lt was grown broadly in eastern Europe, the Netherlands and in America in New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.

Usage
Valerian can be taken as a painkiller and is especially useful in soothing nervous ailments and in dealing with sleeplessness.

Cultivation
Valerian is indigenous to the temperate climate zones of Europe and parts of asia and is usually pretty indifferent to the soil and position it chooses. It is often present in dampish glens and also on dry and stony elevated fields.

When cultivated for the root, the flowering stems are taken off to promote development of the rhizome.

Propagation is achieved by splitting of roots or runners around autumn (fall) or spring. Place these in a good moisture—retentive soil to obtain luxurious decorative vegetation. ln The united states, where seed sets easily, the valerian seed can be sown in spring by just pushing it in to the ground. Most gardeners purchase their first plant, after that depend upon the seed for a continued crop.

Harvesting
Roots are removed in autumn (fall) of the second and third season and are heavy and grouped. Following washing and cleaning they should be be unravelled prior to drying out in a shady sheltered spot.

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Poison Warning Regarding Medicinal Herbs

peter — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 06:41:10 +0000

In response to various emails, please note the following:

Whilst we know that our readers are sensible people, on no account should anyone be crazy enough to try the herbal cures outlined in this herb garden blog without the strictest medical supervision.

These are ancient remedies which include deadly poisons and even the most innocuous remedies should only be administered by a qualified herbalist or under medical supervision. The published medicinal usages of the past are only intended to illustrate herb lore of the ancients. Don’t join them prematurely by messing with this stuff. If you are looking for poisons read Agatha Christie!

Many of todays remedies are derived from ancient healing lore. In many cases they have been refined or diluted for greater effectiveness, on which your health care professional can detail you. So don’t get clever and kill yourself experimenting.

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Solomons Seal for Battered Wives

peter — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:56:09 +0000

Polyganatum multiflorum (Liliaceae)

Description
Solomon’s seal is a truly splendid plant. It has a wonderful aura with its pale green stems stretching up to a height of 60 cms (2 ft) arching over beautifully at the top. Great oval leaves alternate across the top half just like wings above the dangling waxy white-colored bell-like blossoms.

History
The hybrid P. multflorumm cross odoratum is actually probably the most common representative of the genus throughout gardens, even though multiflorum is the true officinal plant and is a indigenous to European countries.

As an application for black eyes it was known to the battered spouses from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. As outlined by the venerable John Gerard writing in his typically captivating style: ‘The roots of Solomon’s seal, stamped while fresh and greene and applied taketh away in one night or two at the most, any bruise blacke or blew spots gotten by fals or womens’ wilfulness in stimbling upin their hastie husband’s fists, or such like’. According to him ‘there is not another herb to be found comparable to it’ for the knitting of broken bones.’

Usage
Solomon’s seal has been traditionally grown because of its creeper-like roots which supplied a tonic and astringent; the powdered root was applied to bruises as well as tumorous haernorrhoids to relieve pain.

The plant has for centuries been applied as a cosmetic to clear freckles in addition to being a skin tonic. In Turkey the fresh shoots, which are folded spikes of green, are generally gathered and prepared with asparagus.

Cultivation
Solomon’s seal enjoys a gently shaded spot in a bed of properly spaded light soil with a bit of clay for water retention. If happy, it will soon establish itself into sizable clumps. Generally the clumps should be split when the stalks die down in the Fall but in a moist or damp area transplanting and splitting out may be done at almost any time. Seed should be sown late in summer or in early Fall (Autumn) as soon as it is ripe and available. A top dressing of leaf mulch is advised from time to time.

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Herb Garden Plants – Rue – Bitter Virtues

peter — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 10:51:58 +0000

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

peter — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:04:26 +0000

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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Monkshood or Aconite – Beware the Pretty Blue Plant

peter — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:04:07 +0000

Aconitum napellus (Ranunculaceae)

Description
A majestic plant sporting unforgettable blue blossoms which bloom in mid summer season. This stately garden perennial achieves a height of 60 cms (2 ft) with unique green firm leaves placed horizontally and deeply separated. One of several garden cultivars really worth developing with regard to herb garden beautification is ‘Bressingham Spire’, reaching a height of 90 cms (3ft).

The specific title napellus means ‘little turnip’ and represents the particular form of the underlying tuber. Every root lasts just 12 months; a new child produced alongside the parent tuber preserves the plant. Every aspect of the plant is utilized; the top level growth is usually gathered in summer season and the root during autumn or fall.

History
A very poisonous plant native to mountainous areas throughout northern temperate areas, monkshood was grown as a therapeutic plant for many years. Monkshood provided a toxin employed for tipping arrows as well as baiting wolves around medieval Europe, therefore earning them the name of ‘Wolf’s Bane’. Afterwards it became referred to as ‘monkshood’ and also ‘helmet flower’ in recognition of its hooded blossom. Winthrop’s seed order from America in 1631 calls it ‘munkhoods’.

Usage
It’s toxicity necessitates that it always be prescribed exclusively under professional medical supervision. Homeopathic products are utilized in the treatment of sciatica as well as neuralgia since the drug acts on the central nervous system.

Cultivation
Plant the seed the moment it is ripe, while taking care not to assume impressive results since the plants tend to be sluggish to set up via seed. Separating a new child tuber and planting it out in the autumn (fall) is going to be faster and most likely more profitable.

Planting may be performed relatively late into the winter, nonetheless it needs to be done prior to the stem bud bursting into emergence – which takes place quite soon in the spring. Pick a well spaded moisture-retentive environment someplace where you can find dappled shade.

Monkshood prefers the less humid zones and it is winter season hardy, but it may require overhead shelter in low temperature locations.

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Herb Garden Plants – Lungwort – The Changeling

peter — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 06:48:29 +0000

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 – Jacobs Ladder the Perennial Debutante

peter — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:41:25 +0000

Polemonium caeruleum (Polemoniaceae)

Appearance
Nowadays Jacobs Ladder, although demoted from its high position in the medical herb garden plants hall of fame, is still popular as a decorative perennial plant. The cultivated version is around 30cm tall sporting regularly spaced leaves and flowers of a striking blue which reveal themselves in a series of blossoms for a month around midsummer. Left to its own devices, it will grow up to 60cm (2′) tall.

History
Named after Polemon of Cappadocia for a medicinal herb associated with him, the true species is common to the northern hemispere, growing best, if thinly, in the temperate regions. The so-called false jacobs ladder – Greek Valerian – is widespread in America where it roots in damp soil.

Usage
Modern medicine has largely over-shadowed the virtues for which Jacobs Ladder was previously cultivated. These once-popular herb garden plants were cultivated as recently as the 19th century for use as an astringent, an anti-syphilitic measure, as an antidote to snakebite and in the treatment of rabies. Currently popular as an addition to a cat basket as a sort of potpourri or just by rubbing over the bedding. The plant is beloved by felines, who will roll on the young herb garden plants and damage any that are not protected in some fashion.

Cultivation
Choosing a sunny spot with a damp soil – possibly laced with clay pellets – will reward you with healthy happy and attractive plants. For this is the new virtue of jacobs ladder; simply its beauty. Divide the ground creeping roots and replant as necessary. The established plants will seed themselves and reward gardeners with an ever increasing population.

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Herb Garden Plants – Ground Ivy – Invader Gets the Lead Out

peter — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:47:15 +0000

Glechoma hederacea (Labiatae)

Appearance
Ground Ivy has small lilac/pink flowers with very tiny reddish spots; they seldom exceed 120mm in height and display themselves over rather lush variegated supporting leaves which run across the ground, taking root in a wider and wider area when uncontrolled. The leaves of these herb garden plants are similar in shape and appearance to a conventional ivy – hence the name ground ivy. Not only will the ground ivy reward you with its own prettiness, but will also invite butterflies to flit about the garden.

History
A native of Northern climes, it was certainly used in Saxon times as records exist indicating its usage in clearing ales during the brewing process. Ground Ivy has, over the centuries marched across Europe and Britain yard by yard and is currently invading the United States from the East. Its virtues make it a popular addition to gardens where it is often used as an inhibitor of weeds as its dominance brooks no rivals.

Usage
The plants were fairly widely cultivated as herb garden plants for their apparent detoxification virtues. All portions of the ground ivy possess a bitter taste but lovely aroma; powdered ground ivy was included in snuff mixtures to relieve headaches and clear sinuses. Before the advent of lead free paint, American house painters cultivated ground ivy as essential herb garden plants – they used them in a tea – called gill tea after the French ‘guiller’(roughly to ferment beer). This tea was thought to be an antidote to inflamed eyes and the common malady of ‘lead colic’ experienced by painters of the time. Gill tea was a specific remedy for hacking coughs and popularly used as a blood tonic.

Cultivation
Although seeds are available, ground ivy propagates very easily from a piece of its squarish root simply pulled off the host plant; no special measues at all are required when taking cuttings from these plants. Although not fussy herb garden plants, ground ivy will thrive in heavy dampish soil with a modicum of sun.

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Herb Garden Plants – Evening Primrose As Cinderella

peter — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:17:14 +0000

Oenothera biennis (Onagraceae)

Description
Like Cinderella, this slightly tatty daytime herb garden plant transforms into an evening beauty with drooping pale yellow flowers and a heady fragrance, thus the name evening primrose. Flowers start in early summer and give a good showing until nearly mid-autumn (Fall) Over the summer/autumn transition period, flowers will display throughout the day. Thickets of evening primrose, with their red stem bases will reach up to 1.37m (4’6″) in height.

Some types will both produce fragrance and display during the day, so check with your local nurseryman.

Although its reputation as a healing herb is justifiably gaining ground, this herb garden plant is also prized for its long flowering season and intrinsic beauty.

History
Common names include moon flower, primrose tree, moths and night willow. An indigenous plant of America, known to grow from Labrador in the North to the Southern states and as far West as Colorado.

Evening primrose is reputed to have arrived in Europe around 1625 via its seed being mixed in with the ballast soil used in the sailing ships of the 17th century.

Usage
Originally, extracts from the bark, stem and leaves from this herb garden plant were used as an astringent, for nervous disorders, as sedatives and as an aid to digestive aid. Now the essential oil is extracted and has a gained a reputation as being a natural remedy for aiding nervous disorders, including multiple sclerosis.

The fatty acids in the oil are reputed to stop the inflammatory process and aid skin cell repair in persons affected by poison ivy or poison oak.

Cultivation
Sow seed either in late Spring directly into your prepared bed for flowering the following year or sow as soon as the soil has warmed in early Spring. In the latter case, transplant the seedlings for a good chance of flowers by late season the same year. The fleshy roots like to grow deep, so provide a good depth of soil.

Once established, self seeding will ensure lots of fresh evening primrose seedlings around the garden ready for transplanting in early summer.

Evening primrose is a wonderful plant and an asset to all but the tiniest gardens.