• 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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Coriander- Coriandrum sativum

Coriander is an annual 30-60cm tall, with pungent finely divided leaves- the basal ones are pinnatifid and wider than the upper ones, which are linear and feathery. Small umbels of white to mauvish flowers are followed by ridged,spherical,pale-brown fruits.

Coriander is a hardy annual, it is propagated seeds sown in spring, preferably in situ as it does not transplant well. It succeeds best grown in a well-drained,fertile soil with ample water in the early stages followed by warmth and sunshine.

Coriander leaves and seeds have digestive properties and stimulate appetite. The essential oil has fungicidal, antibacterial properties. Coriander is also helpful in lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Coriander leaves have a stronger, spicier taste than the seeds, which are milder and sweeter both are used in curries,pickles and chutneys. Leaves are added to salads, seeds used in sweet dishes, breads, cakes and to flavour liqueurs.

Coriander seeds are crshed are added to scented sachets and pot-pourri.

Coriander is also known as Cilantro.

Cinnamon- Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Cinnamon is an important aromatic spice since biblical times, Cinnamon was said to be a ingredient  of the holy ointment made by Moses.

Cinnamon is a medium-sized evergreen tree, it grows to about 9m and has brown, papery bark and ovate, leathery green leaves. Creamy-white flowers are borne in short panicles , followed by olive shaped dark blue fruits.

Cinnamon grows in sandy soils, and needs plenty of rain,sun and a minimum temperature of 15 degrees centigrade . Young trees are cut to within 30cm of the ground, stumps covered in mulch to encourage sprouting for re-harvesting within 2-3 years .Cinnamon is also propagated by seed.

Chamomile – Chamaemelum nobile

Chamomile is a evergreen perennial with finely divided, feathery leaves growing to 15cm . The white daisy like flowers with yellow disc centres, are borne singly on long stems rising to 30cm.

Chamomile prefers light, sandy soil and a sunny position. It is possible to propagate Chamaemelum nobile  from seed down in spring, but the easier and more usual method is by division of runners or offsets.

Chamomile has an antiseptic , anti-inflammatory action and is soothing and sedative . Chamomile is taken as a tea for nausea and indigestion and to help promote sound sleep and may also be helpful in relieving painful menstruation. Chamomile is made into ointments or lotions for skin irritations and insect bites. The  essential oil is very expensive and contains azulene, which gives it a deep blue color.Chamomile is also used as a steam inhilation for asthma, sinusitis or catarrh.

Chamomile flowers are infused to make a rinse to give a shine to fair hair, or a skin freshner for sensitive skin.

Chamomile is also known as Roman chamomile.

Chamomile must not be taken to excess or it may cause vomiting and vertigo.

Cedar of Lebanon – Cedrus libani

Cedar of Lebanon is a tall 30-40m coniferous tree with a dark-brown or grey, deeply ridged trunk and wide branches bearing whorls of needle-like leaves. It carries both male and female cones, which are larger. They are green initially, then they turn brown as they ripen over a two year period, when they break up to release the seeds. Cedars often reach a great age, living for several hundred years.

Cedar of Lebanon are fully hardy trees, they grow in any well drained soil with a sunny position.

The Cedar of Lebanon essential oil has antiseptic,fungicide and insect-repellent properties. It is used as a steam inhalation for bronchial and respiratory complaints, to soothe skin irritations,for alopecia, dandruff and other scalp problems. It also has a calming effect for states of anxiety.

Cedar of Lebanon oil is added to perfumes,soaps and cosmetics. The wood is used to make furniture and storage chests which , due to its aromatic properties, helps to deter moths and insects.

Sweet chestnut- Castanea sativa

Sweet chestnut trees were grown in ancient Greece and Rome.Sweet chestnut is a decidious tree, growing to 15m with dark grey, furrowed bark and narrow glossy serated-edged leaves. The small white flowers, appearing in spring , are followed by clusters of prickly green spherical fruits which contain 1-3 edible brown nuts.

Sweet chestnut grows best in well drained loam in sun or partial shade. Sweet chestnut is propgated by seed sown in autumn.

Sweet chestnut leaves are infused and taken for coughs and colds and used as gargle for sore throats. It is also helpfull for rheumatism.

Sweet chestnut are equally suited to both savoury and sweet dishes. They are a classic ingredient for stuffing for turkey,chicken and other poultry.

Sweet chestnut is also known as Spanish chestnut.

Shepherd’s Purse – Capsella bursa-pastoris

Shepherds Purse  is an annual or usually a biennial,plant with a flower stem rising to 50cm from a basal rosetter of oval,dentate leaves. It has tiny white flowers followed by triangular seed pods.

Shepherds Purse is a wild plant, it tolerates poor soil. It can be propagated from seed and self-seeds freely.

Shepherds Purse contains a glycoside,diosmin, which has blood-clotting effects and is reputed to stop internal haemorrhages and reduce heavy menstruation.

Shepherds Purse leaves are rich in vitamins A,B and C and although not very tasty, make a healthy addition to salads.

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