Herbal Resources
The word Herb covers a variety of plants, berries, roots, bark, flowers, and stems, or extracts that are most known for their health benefits, and their ability to add flavor, or scent, to whatever they are added to. Although they are defined in botanical terms as any annual or perennial that has a non-woody stem. Herbs can contain vitamins; minerals and trace elements that can help balance our bodily systems. They can also enhance our diet with natural healing elements. Herbs are most often used as medicine substitutes, and in cooking or making beverages, such as tea. Man has used herbs for centuries as far back in history ass the ancient Egyptians and Romans. They are used today to not only create beautiful natural gardens, but also in aromatherapy, they are added to food and drink, or used for natural healing remedies. Sweet Basil, mace, curry, mint, marjoram, and chamomile are just a few of the more recognizable names in the herb family. Herbs can be used fresh, or can be dried to use at a later time. However they are used, they are wonderful additions to our lives.
Herbal Medicine
Herbs have been used for the treatment of the ill throughout history. Ancient texts, discovered in the Middle East, speak to the early use of herbs; as do other writings from areas of Asia. Even Egyptian mummies have been found with urns of herbs and spices placed beside them like treasures. Many modern medicines use herbs or herbal extracts, around 25%, but when medicine cannot cure a disease, people often turn to truly herbal remedies. Herbs are natural and are not dangerous, if used correctly. Herbal medicine, also called botanical medicine, is characterized by medical professionals that use herbs for their medicinal properties and/or for therapy.
It is believed that early man learned which plants were good to consumed by watching what the animals ate and then trying those species of plants themselves. As time went by, man learned what was tasty, what made them feel better, and what had healing properties. As groups founded, more information was created and distributed, creating a widespread knowledge base to benefits the larger population. Wonderful discoveries have been made through experimentation with herbal remedies. For example, white willow bark, which was a natural aspirin, and morphine, which is made from the poppy plant. Herbs can alleviate allergies, calm the symptoms of the common cold, soothe the skin, help our digestion, care for a sore throat, and are used by scientists, doctors, pharmacists and parents who are looking for more natural alternatives to manufactured drugs. Teas, lozenges, ointments, salves and rubs have all been created using the herbal bases to help us through the healing process. Herbal remedies have stood the test of time and are continuously used in the medical community and in homes around the world.
Cooking With Herbs
It would be difficult to imagine cooking an Italian meal without using herbs. Oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and sage are staples to the Italian style of cooking. At home, many people from different cultures use other herbs as well, such as mint, basil, bay leaves, etc. While herbs can be found in both dried and cut forms at local grocers, some cooking and gardening enthusiasts choose to grow their own herbs. The trick to growing quality herbs in your own backyard is to learn what grows best in your climate, once you have figured that out, it is time to prepare the garden. Herbs usually prefer a semi-rich soil that is well drained. Plants, in general, need sunlight but while some like full light, others prefer to have some portion of the day that is shaded; a herb like parsley can grow in either. Oregano needs a lot of sun and the more it gets, the stronger the flavor of the herb. It also is best to plant Oregano from an existing stem cutting or from root divisions, whereas rosemary can be planted from a seed.
Some species of herbs grow like a shrub and others are seed bearing, as is the case with fennel. Fennel must be harvested as soon as it is ready, or it will drop its seeds and start new plants, which can lead to a garden that is overrun with only fennel plants, a characteristic that is common in many species of weeds. It is wise to plan a garden according to the time you have to spend on it. If you don’t have a lot of time to give it attention, go with herbs that don’t need a lot of tending to such as rosemary, which is also a hardy plant and can live in humid areas for up to thirty-years. Many herbs also do excellent in pots, so even if you don’t have a garden space, a windowsill will often suffice.
Herb Gardening
Ever thought of planting a garden that is floral, one that makes the surroundings more colorful, attractive, and fragrant, or that was useful or edible? By adding an herb garden, gardeners can reap many benefits, from utility plants to simply beautiful flowering plants. An herb garden can be as large or small as you would like it, an entire yard or a strip along side of the house. Herbs can be added around an existing flower or vegetable garden, or can be planted beautifully around a tree or alongside a walkway. An indoor herb garden is also a popular choice for gardeners looking to maintain their garden through cold winter months or poor weather conditions. They are easy to set up and maintain and as a bonus, they are usually bug free!
