• The Herb Handbook

  If you’ve ever entertained the thought of growing your own herbs for cooking and/or improved health.
  
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  • Clove tree – Syzygium aromaticum
  • Chickweed – Stellaria media
  • Milk thistle- Silybum marianum
  • Purslane – Portulaca oleracea
  • Evening Primose – Oenothera biennis
  • Lemon Balm – Melissa officinalis
  • Tea tree – Melaleuca alternifolia
  • Lavender- Lavandula
  • Elecampane – Inula helenium
  • Hops- Humulus lupulus
  • Ginkgo – Ginkgo biloba
  • Sweet woodruff – Galium odoratum syn Asperula odorata
  • Goat’s rue – Galega officinalis
  • Meadowsweet – Filipendula ulmaria
  • Fig – Ficus carica
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Cardamom – Elettaria cardamomum

Cardamom is a large perennial 2-2.4m tall with a clump of long lanceolate leaves growing from a fleshy rhizome. Flowers arise from the base of the plant, followed by pale green capsules, which dry to a pale yellow containg many small pungent black seeds.

Cardamom needs a minimum temperature of 18 degrees centigrade, well drained , rich soil , partial shade, plenty of rain and high humidity. It is propagated by seed or by division of rhizomes.

Cardamom is a warm stimulation herb , it acts as a tonic and has antidepressant properties.It is also used as a digestive and an infusion of the seeds is said to relieve hiccups . Seeds are chewed to freshen the breath.

Cardamom is a major curry spice, the seeds are also used to flavour hot wine punches,sweet milky rice puddings and egg custards.

Cardamom is a pleasant-smelling essential oil  used in perfumes.

Purple coneflower – Echinacea purpurea

Purple coneflower is a tall hardy perennial 1.2m high with a rhizomatous rootstock and ovatelanceolate leaves. The purplish pink daisy like flowers have raised conical centres, made up of prickly brown scales, reminiscent of hedgehods.

Purple coneflower prefers well drained, humush rich soil and a sunny position or partial shade. Cut back the stems as the flowers fade to encourage second blooming . It it propagated by seed sown in spring under glass at a temperature of 13 degrees centigade or division of roots in late spring or autumn.

Echinacea has a beneficial effect on the immune system and stimulates the production of white blood cells and has been used in treating AIDS. It has antiviral,antifungal and antibacterial properties and is taken internally in the form of capsules or tinctures for respiratory tract infections, kidney infections, skin diseases, boils , abscesses and slow-healing woundsl. A decoction of the roots is applied externally as a wash for infected wounds and skin complaints.

Globe artichoke – Cynara cardunculus Scolymus

Globe artichoke is a large perennial growing to 2m with long, greeny grey, deeply cut leaves, downy on the undersides, ridged stems and large thistle like flowe heads with purple florets and a fleshy receptacle.

Globe artichoke tolerates some frost, but does not grow well in cold climates, where temperatures are regularly less than 15 degrees centigrade. Globe artichoke needs humus-rich, well drained soil and a sunny positions.It is propagated from seeds sown in spring or by the division of sideshoots in spring or autumn.

Globe artichoke has a beneficial effect on gall bladder and liver function, stimulating its detoxifying action and lowers blood cholesterol levels. it is also though to counteract the undersirable side effects of treatments with antibiotic drugs.

Uonopened Globe artichoke flower heads are boiled and the tips of the scales eaten,dipped in melted butter or sauce. The receptacle are eaten raw ,baked or fried.

Cumin – Cuminum cyminum

Cumin is a half hardy annual with finely divided, feathery leaves and umbels of very small white flowers. The fruits are yellowish-brown and ovoid in shape with a distinctive,warm and spicy lingering aroma. The plant  is a little like caraway inappearance and is occasionally confused with it but quite different in taste.

Cumin grows in a well drained soil, propagated from seed and should be sowen under glass in cool temperate regions and transplanted after all frosts.

Cumin decoctions or infusions of the seeds are taken for digestives disorders,diarrhoea,colds and feverish illnesses. It is also used to treat piles and renal colic in Ayurvedic medicine. The essential oil has antiseptic and antibacterial propeties and is applied externally (diluted) for boils and insect bites.

Cumin is widely used in Indian and Middle Eastern Cookery to flavour curries,soups,meat and vegetable dishes, breads biscuits and cheese.

Saffron crocus – Crocus sativus

Saffron crocus is a perennial, it has linear leaves growing from the rounded corm. Fragant,lilac flowers, with deeper purple veins and yellow anthers,appear in autumn. The saffron spice is produced from the three branched red style.

Saffron crocus needs well drained soil,sun and warm summers in order to flower. Plants are sterile and can be propagated only by offsets.

Saffron crocus has digestive properties,improves circulation and helps to reduce high blood pressure. It is also the richest known source of Vitamin B2. saffron crocus is applied externally as a paste for inflamed skin and sores.

Saffron crocus is widely used as a flavouring and colorant in middle eastern and northern indian cooking.It is also used in sweets and cakes such  as the tradional saffron cake.

Hawthorn- Crataegus laevigata

A deciduous shrub or small tree, growing to 8m, with thorny branches and small dark-green,lobed ovate leaves. It is densely covered with clusters of white scented flowers with red anthers in spring, followed by red globe-shaped fruit in autumn.

Hawthorn is a traditional hedging plant, which grows in any soil in sun or partial shade.Propagated from seed,sown in early spring stratification is necessary for germination.

Hawthorn acts on the circulatory system, strengthens the heart, regulates its rhythm and lowers blood pressure. It is said to be gradual in effect and well tolerated by the body.

Hawthorn is also known by the following names: May, Mayblossom, quickset and quickthorn.

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