Useful Herbs to grow and use for better health

 Last Monday we were lucky enough to have a herbalist, Kylie, come to our farm and wander round the garden giving us tips about the herbs we already have and what else we can grow. We're interested in making salves, tinctures, unctures, drying herbs for cooking and for teas. There is such a lot you can do with herbs! And they are pretty easy to grow. I am very keen to reduce our dependence upon pharmaceuticals and produce our own medicinal and health herbal remedies. Having an expert to guide us is fantastic.

 

So, what herbs do we already have in our garden and what can they be used for? Here are the notes I took on the day:

 

 Herbs in Our Garden

 

 Plantain (Ribwort) - in the lawn as well as the paddocks! We plant it for pasture.

• ATTRIBUTES: Antimicrobial/antiseptic
  
• USES: First aid - wrap a fresh leaf around a cut finger and apply pressure. Make a tepid tea with fresh leaves to clean wounds. Make a drinking tea with fresh leaves to help with lung issues.

Mallow - 

• ATTRIBUTES: Anti-inflammatory
• USES: Sore throat - cut up leaves to make a tea. Chew on dry seeds. Roots, chopped very fine can be used to make a tincture. Dried roots need boiling for 10 minutes before being used.

Japanese Daisy - 

• ATTRIBUTES: Edible
  
• USES: Petals and leaves can be used to make a pleasant tea.

Borage - 

• ATTRIBUTES: a stimulant, boosts blood flow. Edible flowers and leaves.
  
• USES: Flowers and leaves taste like cucumber and are often used in salads. Can be used as a tea for poor circulation. (double check with your doctor as this may mean it dilates blood vessels).

Yarrow - 

• ATTRIBUTES: Coagulant (aids blood clotting) stops internal bleeding
  
• USES: Good for haemorroids. The flowering top contains lots of useful minerals. 1 tablespoon finely chopped can be made into an ointment which is applied topically (to the skin). When combined with comfrey into an ointment it is very useful. Plantain can also be added.

Dandelion -

• ATTRIBUTES: stimulates bile production and aids liver function
  
•  USES: The dandelion with a single, hollow stem differs from other types. The leaves can be chopped and used in salads. (stimulates bile production during digestion). The roots are good for the liver. Cut them fresh, dry or dehydrate them. Can be used as a coffee substitute.

Dill -

• ATTRIBUTES: Digestion calmative (rids the stomach of wind)
  
• USES: seeds can be eaten as is or used to make a tea. Leaves are a garnish in cooking for fish dishes.

Comfrey -

• ATTRIBUTES: Wound healing, promotes cell regeneration, bones, sprains
• USES: Wrap leaves (mash and put in hot water, because fine hairs can irritate). Drink as a tea. Pick flowers just before they open. Harvest leaves at this time too. Young leaves can be cooked in tempura batter. Roots can be harvested, infused in olive oil for 6 months. Drain and infuse again with the same oil. Chop flowers and infuse for 2 weeks then strain. The oil goes green its ready.

Oregano -

• ATTRIBUTES: Antimicrobial
• USES: An ointment can be made to help with infection. Delightful as a tea (harvest 10 leaves, scrunch a little and put straight into the teapot).

Wormwood - 

• ATTRIBUTES: helps with flu symptoms.
• USES: 1 or 2 leaves with oregano to make a tea. Be careful, as it may be toxic in large amounts.

Lemon Verbena -

• ATTRIBUTES: Calming
• USES: Pick 10 leaves, scrunch them and put straight into the teapot for a refreshing tea. 

Sage (Officianalis) - 

• ATTRIBUTES: Oestrogenic, night sweats, excessive water flow, astringent.
• USES: Make a mouthwash/gargle with fresh leaves. Scrunch them and pour hot water over to steep. Allow to cool. Or  make a tea.

Thyme -

• ATTRIBUTES: Antimicrobial for the lungs. Can affect blood pressure.
• USES: Combine with a sage leaf to make a tea. Make a poultice to put over the ribs. Which can be absorbed through the skin. Also can be put on the throat. Thyme essential oil is too strong for inhaling, so don't use in a diffuser.

Staccys (Lambs Ears) -

• ATTRIBUTES: Absorbant.(soaks up blood)
  
• USES: Very soft, furry leaves. Can be used on wounds, combined with yarrow underneath.

Parsley -

• ATTRIBUTES: Diuretic, kidney infection.
• USES: Use the seeds for 1 week, in a tea, once a day.

Lavender -

• ATTRIBUTES: Calmative for the nervous system
  
• USES: Harvest the flowers and leaves. Pop a few into the teapot and make a tea. Can also be used in cakes and biscuits.

Mullein -

• ATTRIBUTES: Lung support
  
• USES: Seeds can be harvested. Leaves can be used to make a tincture.