Herb Garden Plants

Posts Tagged ‘medieval herb’

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.

Related Blogs

• Spring Design Tips: Flower and Vase Combinations | Home & Garden Blog
• best herbs to make a biggish size herb garden on an allotment.?
• Growing Herbs Outdoors Or in an Indoor Herb Garden | Cobento Home
• The Tale of The Pied Piper: A Strange Amalgam of Truth and Myth
• Will valerian root affect the efficacy of Dianette? | Tea
• Echinacea valerian | Kote.spb.su farm
• VALERIAN HERB 50 SEEDS | Smoking & Drug Information Cheap Free Discount Tobacco Smoke Stop Quit Cigarette Store

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.

Related Blogs

• Medieval book is important resource for how plants were once collected, treated and used | Smithsonian Science
• The First Amendment « Reflections by Pj
• Medicinal Herbs For Skin – An In Depth Analysis On What Works And What Doesn’t | All About Medicine
• Locating The Best Dried Medicinal Herbs For The Best Price | Menopause Notices
• Milk Thistle Medicinal Herbs Are Available Online | Herb Remedies Tips
• What flowers should I use for my medieval wedding? — Wedding Questions
• Did women go through menopause during medieval times?

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.

Related Blogs

• Growing Medicinal Herbs in Case of Illness | Cobento Home
• Great Medicinal Uses for Garden Herbs! « Greenfudge.org
• | Hell Flowers | The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
• Herb Garden Information for Personal Home Use | topherbgardensecrets.com
• Western Solomon’s Seal « Curbstone Valley
• Treating Bursitis with Solomon’s Seal « Cortesia Solomon's Seal
• Osteoporosis meds lead to broken bones « Douglass Report
• Looking for info cn red light therapy for broken bones?
• !!!BONE FRACTURE!!! (OUCH) · People Getting Hurt
• Dr. Paul Donohue: Babies’ broken bones are not always a sign of child abuse | Fat Hog

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.

Related Blogs

• Advantages Of Having Your Own Medicinal Herb Garden
• Ten Medicinal Herbs You Should Know
• Liver Cleanse & Detox from Irish Organic Herbs · ArticleMarks
• Best Tips to Grow Medicinal Herbs and Their Benefits | Agriculture Guide – For All of Your Organic Agricultural Production Needs..
• Today’s Goddess: Leshachikha « The Witching Hour Approaches Blog

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.

Related Blogs

• DrugTestStrips Articles» Blog Archive
  » How does drug affects central nervous system – rapid screen test
• Cellular Anatomy of the Nervous System « The jameswatts.co.uk Blog
• Creative-i / The Tonton Macoutes: The Central Nervous System of Haiti’s Reign of Terror
• The Rise and Fall of Alexandria: Life Birthplace of the Modern World
• There is something good in every day » Blog Archive » Frequently Asked Questions On Addiction Treatment In Arizona

Hyssopus officinalis (Labiatae)

Appearance
Popular both as sectional edging or container inmates, hyssop is an attractive, if attenuated, sweet scented evergreen. It sports minute leaves and has little lilac-blue blossoms which give a fine show from the middle of summer onwards.

History
I read recently that William Turner was cognisant of hyssop. He authored the first ever English-language book on English plants. This was circa 1558 and I quote “the brethe or vapour of Hisop driveth away the Winde that is in the ears, if they be holden over it”.

A native of the warmer parts of Europe and the Mediterranean rim, hyssop is mentioned in the bible. These popular herb garden plants started their eastern migration in the 11th century and were established in Britain around the 14th century as popular herbs. Thereafter they were taken to the New World by settlers.

Memorably aromatic, they were very important medieval herb garden plants grown for their function as one of the standard strewing herbs. Notably, oil of hyssop was used in the Chartreuse blends and was certainly as highly regarded and in demand as the better known oil of lavender.

Usage
The volatile oils extant in hyssop were well known to the American colonists as a specific remedy for catarrh and rheumatism as well as being an antiseptic. Hyssop flowers make a tea used for easing of catarrh, another delivery medium being by way of crushing and introducing into a herb-based pipe tobacco.

Apart from the traditional usage as strewing herbs through its aromatic virtues, hyssop is popular in potpourri recipes, adding a distinctive almost incense-like tinge to a potpourri. Hyssop was one of the most important herb garden plants for the earlier settlers, who were sometimes cut off from their peers and medical attention for long periods.

Cultivation
Grow hyssop through spring cuttings or seeding. After sprouting roots, plant cuttings in a peat mixture somewhere shady enough to stay moist. Deceptively hardy plants, they will nevertheless benefit from a well drained soil in their beds, window boxes or containers. These are herb garden plants that benefit from apicular pruning in autumn to bush out better in summer.

Related Blogs

• The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth …
• Israeli novel, collection of Russian poetry win prizes for best …
• Book Adoption Woes
• Translate a English book into Indonesian language by purchasers …
• Herb Garden Plants Identification | Herb Garden Plants
• Planning An Herb Garden With Culinary Herbs, Medicinal Herbs and …
• Tips On How To Identify Your Plants Inside Your Herb Garden …
• The Benefits of Growing a Windowsill Herb Garden
• Aloe Vera: Why It's A Great Plant Inside Your Herb Garden …
• my garden will kick your garden's ass « breaking out of the basement

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.

Related Blogs

• Brewing a Viking Era Ale « The Distant Mirror
• What can i do to make my homebrew lager start fermentation? | Wine …
• Ivy – Medicinal Uses, Interactions, Side Effects, Dosage
• “Common Ground,” by Alpha Unit « Robert Lindsay
• Herb Garden Plants Identification | Herb Garden Plants
• Planning An Herb Garden With Culinary Herbs, Medicinal Herbs and …
• Tips On How To Identify Your Plants Inside Your Herb Garden …
• The Benefits of Growing a Windowsill Herb Garden
• Aloe Vera: Why It's A Great Plant Inside Your Herb Garden …
• Atlanta House Painters – Painting Company ATL – Fresh Coat Painter …