Did You Ynow... About Herbs?

Herbs make a great addition to your garden , combining attractive display with practical uses. Popular for centuries, many herbs are surrounded by myths, lore and historical fact. We`ve taken a look at a few here. One word of warning, do not try to make herbal remedies yourself. If you are interested in exploring this area, consult a professional herbalist, homeopath or naturopath. €¢ The word €˜herb` originally meant a plant that €˜lacked persistent above-ground parts`. Now its meaning is based not on how it grows but how it is used. If a plant has medicinal or culinary uses, it is described as a herb.

€¢ You can make your own herbal teas. Place the chopped up leaves of mint or lemon balm, for example, in a tea pot, pour hot water over them, and allow the infusion to steep for around five minutes before pouring.

€¢ The second part of a herb`s botanical name gives some indication of its properties or how it was used. For example, odoratus means fragrant, tinctorius refers to colouring or dyeing.

€¢ Sage (Salvia officinalis) has been cultivated since the 16th century as a herb. Research carried out at Newcastle Hospital found that it may help stimulate the memory, a property that was noted in the 18th century by John Hill.

€¢ Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) was voted Herb of the Year 2000 by the International Herb Association. It symbolizes fidelity and was often used at weddings.

€¢ Borage (Borago officinalis) is said to cure hangovers. Its leaves taste of cucumber and make a pleasant addition to summer drinks; its flowers can be added to salads and desserts. It`s also a great plant for attracting bees to your garden.

€¢ The leaves of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) are sold as a herb, its seeds as a spice. It is native to India and the Mediterranean, but the discovery of seeds in a Bronze Age hut in Kent revealed that it made its way to England several thousand years ago.

€¢ In Greece newly wed couples carried posies of marjoram (Origanum vulgare), which was thought to be a love charm. It was also grown on tombs to help the dead find peace. An old wives` tale has it that a mixture of marjoram and thyme hung in a dairy will prevent thunderstorms from turning milk sour.

€¢ In addition to making a brilliant summer display, the flowers of nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are delicious in salads (they have a peppery taste), whilst the buds, soaked in vinegar, make an excellent alternative to capers.

€¢ According to Roman myth, the nymph Mentha was turned into a low-growing plant by Proserpine, who was jealous of her husband Pluto`s interest in the girl.

€¢ Bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare €˜Purpureum`) can be used to produce coloured dyes in shades of brown, yellow and green.

€¢ Sprigs of wormwood (Artemisia) will prevent moths from eating your clothes.

€¢ The name for dill (Anethum graveolens) is thought to derive from the Norse word €˜dylla` meaning €˜lull`. Dill was an ingredient of gripe water, which was used to calm babies and small children.

€¢ A pillow of dried lavender and hops can assist sleep.

€¢ During the Great Plague in the 17th century, people carried herb pomanders in the belief that the illness could not spread through scented air.

€¢ The petals of the marigold (Calendula officinalis) flower can be used to colour rice and be eaten in salads. Planted in a vegetable patch or kitchen garden, it will deter greenfly from infesting other plants. www.greenfingers.com