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- Zoy
- Aurora, Canada
- Holistic lover, enjoy biodynamic gardening, natural life style and herbal medicine.
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Source of healing and general well-being
Many hundreds of herbs are known to have medicinal qualities. Even in light of modern synthetic medicines many people are looking to herbs as a source of healing, disease prevention, and general well-being. Used correctly and wisely, herbs can provide desirable medicinal results without adverse side effects.
Many hundreds of herbs are known to have medicinal qualities. Even in light of modern synthetic medicines many people are looking to herbs as a source of healing, disease prevention, and general well-being. Used correctly and wisely, herbs can provide desirable medicinal results without adverse side effects.
Therapeutical properties of medical herbs are very useful in healing various diseases and the advantage of these medicinal plants is being 100% natural.
Nowadays people are being bombarded with thousand of unhealthy products, the level of sensibility in front of diseases is very high and that's why the use of medicinal plants can represent the best solution.
Healing with herbs is an old tradition that most of us are aware of but not all of us use. Here you will find some gentle herbs that can take the sting out of simple bug bites or soothe a aching stomach. Easy to grow, these herbs will be well worth the effort.
The most common medicinal herbs:
Astragalus
Burdock
Cayenne
Echinacea
Feverfew
German Chamomile
Lemon Balm
Milk Thistle
Peppermint
St. John's Wort
Valerian
Yarrow
Growing Herbs In Your Garden
Why would you want to grow herbs in your garden? Fresh herbs are awesome. I love just putting basil leaves on a tuna sandwich and in salads. For the culinary lovers herbs are something they need fresh. Herbs serve as a major source for seasoning in preparation of foods. Herbs have a wider range of use. Some are used for scents and cosmetics while others for medicinal purposes. Effective Ayurvedic herbs and Chinese healing herbs are indications of the ancient remedies. Some herbs are believed to have possessed Magical charms and many a story has been written about magical potions. Herbs and spices have been major sources of trade between kingdoms and countries.
Herbs of yore are being rediscovered by modern science for fragrances and curing illness. Our ancestors knew the uses for almost every wild non-poisonous plant. Some of these plants were needed in the garden more as they never had refrigerator or the modern preservatives. These herbs served in many purposes like dyeing homespun fabrics, storing with linen to prevent insects and adding fragrance, preserving or enhancing the tastes of food.
Herb Gardens were almost an essential feature of pioneer homes. Sunny corners of the house that were readily accessible to home makers were planted with seasoning herbs. Wild crafted herbs that grew wild in the country side were also grown in the garden. Gardeners are not rediscovering the value of these herbs and are taking pleasure in producing their own herbs.
Herbs can be classified according to their use: culinary, aromatic, ornamental and medical.
Culinary Herbs
These are the most useful to herb gardeners. Garnishes and flavoring is where they are used more. A common list is Parsley, Sage, Chives, Thyme, Savory, Marjoram, Mint and Basil.
Aromatic Herbs
This sweet smelling foliage has been used for producing perfumes. Flowers are mostly used but even plant parts are used. Dried herbs retain their aroma for longer periods. Some aromatic herbs are Mint, Marjoram, Lovage, Lavender, Rosemary and Basil.
Ornamental Herbs
These herbs have bright flower and foliage. Variegated Thyme, Chives, Lavender as well as Valerian with crimson blossoms and borage and chicory with blue flowers are some ornamental herbs.
Medicinal Herbs
Some plants are thought to have healing powers. Modern science has researched and recognized some herbs as true healers while others have been said to be over rated in healing powers. Some of these herbs must be consumed carefully or it could result in dangerous consequences.
Gardeners Classification
Annuals, Biennials, and perennials are so called because of the nature of blooming and life span of the herb.
• Annuals bloom one season and then die. These herbs include Anise, Basil, Chervil, Coriander, Dill, Summer Savory, etc.• Biennials live for two seasons. They bloom only in the second season. These include Caraway, Parsley, etc.
• Perennials bloom each season. These include Chives, Fennel, Lovage, Marjoram, Mint, Tarragon, Thyme, Winter Savory, etc.
Gardeners Tips for You
• If you intend to begin an herb garden then your guide to herbs for you to are Winter Savory, Rosemary, Sage, Sweet Basil, Dill, Mint, Marjory, Parsley, Chives and Summer Savory. You could choose any other herb to grow in your garden but know whether they are annuals, biennials or perennials.
• Herbs do not grow in wet soil. Good drainage is a must. Improve drainage by placing a 5 inch layer of crushed stones 15 to 18 inches below the top soil.
• Mix the soil with compost and sand to lighten the texture and increase fertility. Do not use fertilizers as highly fertile soils produce excess foliage with poor flavor.
• Almost all herbs can be grown from seeds. If possible sow seeds in shallow boxes in late winter and transplant these seedlings outdoors in spring. Anise, coriander, dill and fennel can be sown directly. Biennials should be sown in late spring directly into the ground. You could obtain an indoor herb garden kit and start of growing herbs indoors as well.
• Cutting and division is a useful method in propagating certain herbs.
• Harvesting in the form of picking the leaves is to be done when the plant has enough foliage to maintain growth. Harvest leaves before the flower buds open. This is when the flavor is at the peak . Pick seed heads when the color changes from green to brown or gray.
• Very few diseases or insects attack herbs. Rust infects mints and aphids may attack Caraway, Fennel, Dill and Anise.
• You could refrigerate or even dry herbs for later use.
http://www.herbportal.com is an attempt to make known some ancient rediscovered wisdom of herbs. The guide to herbs , indoor herb garden kit, etc. are articles that are aimed to provide comprehensive knowledge on herbs. What ever be the way you use herbs fresh or in perfumes it has a lot of benefits. Discover these and more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Norma_Maria
Pizza Herb
Also known as Pot Marjoram, Origanum vulgare is a perennial herb and a native of the Mediterranean region. Oregano plant derives its name from two Greek words meaning "the joy of the mountain." It is a hardy member of the mint family that has been used for flavouring fish, meat and sauces since ancient times. It was long referred to as wild marjoram.
Also known as Pot Marjoram, Origanum vulgare is a perennial herb and a native of the Mediterranean region. Oregano plant derives its name from two Greek words meaning "the joy of the mountain." It is a hardy member of the mint family that has been used for flavouring fish, meat and sauces since ancient times. It was long referred to as wild marjoram.
Oregano plant is often referred to as the "pizza herb." It's a natural for all types of tomato sauces but also goes well with egg and cheese dishes. Oregano herb and basil combine to create a special flavour common in the Italian cooking we know so well.
Possessing medicinal properties dating back centuries, modern herbalists promote many potential health benefits and home-grown remedies derived from this most versatile herb.Culture
Pot Size 6" wide and 10" deep container.
Growing Mix Mix two parts potting soil and one part coarse sand or perlite. Add 1 teaspoon of ground limestone per pot.
Fertilizer Oregano plant shouldn't be fertilized. Fertilizer weakens the flavor of the leaves.
Uses
Oregano herb has a strong flavour, but it doesn't hold up well to prolonged cooking, especially when used fresh. Harvest fresh leaves right before use. Pick several kinds of cooking herbs and make a culinary bouquet. Aromatic sprigs of Rosemary, Oregano, Savory, and Basil waiting close by the stove will make both the creative and digestive juices flow. Oregano chopped and mixed with garlic, salt, and olive oil makes a great marinade for pork, beef, or roasted potatoes. Or use fresh leaves as a topping for homemade pizza (this is the way Oregano was first used for pizza, not as ingredient in the sauce).Oregano is high in antioxidant activity. It is strongly sedative and should not be taken in large doses, though mild teas have a soothing effect and aid restful sleep. In the Philippines folk medicine, Oregano (Coleus aromaticus) is not commonly used for cooking but is rather considered as a primarily medicinal plant, useful for relieving children's coughs. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used oregano as an antiseptic as well as a cure for stomach and respiratory ailments.
And who have not heard of Oregano oil? Oregano essential oil is effective in treating colds and flu, hay fever, sinusitis and allergies. The benefits of oregano oil don't stop there. Fungus and yeast infections as well as viral infections have all been cured, just by introducing the oregano oil through aromatherapy.
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