Herb gardens.

[2dream]

I make extract with my chocloate mint leaves. A drop or two in a cup of hot chocolate always makes me feel better on a cold winter day.

I keep saying I am going to try some in some brownies but so far have not. But I am thinking they would be good.

(Just shove the fresh leaves down into a bottle. Cover with 100 proof vodka. Shake daily for a couple of months. The more leaves the stronger the flavor.)

 

[Farmfresh]

Just the ticket! Pick the new little leaves in the spring they work the best. Then rinse and spin dry in a salad spinner.

 

[dragonlaurel]

Blackberry leaf tea is one of my favorites. Dry the leaves first - to get rid of a chemical that will make you sick to your stomach. But the tea is yummy and helps get rid of my headaches.

 

[Lady Henevere]

Hi, all. I'm resurrecting an old thread looking for some advice. I need to fill in some land with plants, and I'd like to use a lot of herbs. Can anyone recommend a good book (or other source) on the subject? Ideally, I'm looking for something that can tell me how to use herbs medicinally, as well tips and advice for growing (i.e. companion plants, etc.). Thanks very much.

 

[Farmfresh]

Some of the medicinal herbs are not only useful but beautiful to look at and good for wild life as well.

Echinacea, Bee Balm (monardia), Calendula, Yarrow, Chamomile, Oregano, Sage and Thyme are are quite lovely.

 

[sylvie]

I wish I knew of one perfect book; it would certainly free up some room. I have so many herb books.
My bible is "Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants" by Chevallier.

 

[ORChick]

Hi, all. I'm resurrecting an old thread looking for some advice. I need to fill in some land with plants, and I'd like to use a lot of herbs. Can anyone recommend a good book (or other source) on the subject? Ideally, I'm looking for something that can tell me how to use herbs medicinally, as well tips and advice for growing (i.e. companion plants, etc.). Thanks very much.

Lady Hen, I have tons of herb books (they are somewhat of a passion of mine (both the herbs and the books ), and also of my mother, so I inherited her books as well). It would be hard to recommend a specific book, but let me try. "Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs" is a good one for an overview of the choices. There are lots of other different ones out there that divide up into "history","cultivation", and "uses" (usually in the kitchen and around the home, but sometimes also simple home remedies) - take a look in the library, or a large used book store. If you have any specific questions let me know and I can look them up for you. Are you just starting out with herbs, or do you already have a basic knowledge?

 

[Lady Henevere]

Just starting out, really. I have some herbs in the garden for cooking, but I have never used them medicinally from home-made stuff (just store-bought).

 

[ORChick]

One book I particularly like having to do with herbal medicine is Penelope Ody's "Complete Medicinal Herbal". She goes herb by herb, with pictures and descriptions, saying how it is usually used, and which parts of the plant etc. It is very thorough. I like the fact that she is English, as I know that herbal medicine is more accepted there, and training more available than here.
I should add, perhaps, that most of my knowledge of medicinal herbs is theoretical - I seldom get sick, and DH wouldn't let me give him any of my "potions" .

 

[Wifezilla]

Echinacea, Bee Balm (monardia), Calendula, Yarrow, Chamomile, Oregano, Sage and Thyme are are quite lovely.

Add feverfew to that list. The flowers look like itty bitty daisies! I planted one a couple of years ago and it does great. Comes back bigger every year.