If any of you are considering growing herbs for profit, I urge you to go the certified organic route. Contact your state agencies to obtain information about the requirements for certification as an organic grower. Organic is the only way to grow anything in my opinion. There is absolutely no need to put harmful chemicals into our soils and waterways. And, we certainly do NOT need them in our bodies.

The use of chemical fertilizers is degenerating plants, animals, and people. Your soil CAN be improved and/or fertilized without them. Compost, compost, compost and mulch, mulch, mulch. That's all you need do besides planting an occasional cover crop. If your soil is healthy, your plants will be healthy, and you will be healthy. Healthy plants have fewer 'bugs' and healthy people have fewer 'bugs' too.

Keep in mind that most herbs prefer poor soil so don't be too fussy with them. Try the neglect method first and make adjustments from there. Most herbs really are VERY easy to grow.

MY FAVORITE HERBS TO GROW

Continued in alphabetical order ...

LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis) is a hardy perennial that likes full sun. It is easily propagated from seed, cuttings, or by division. In colder climates it can be over-wintered indoors. It is a sweet-smelling herb taken to lift the spirits and encourage longevity. It is used as a tonic for anxiety, mild depression, restlessness, and irritability. This herb also has an antithyroid effect useful for overactive thyroids.

LUFFA (Luffa cylindrica syn. L. aegyptica) is most commonly known as a sponge or scrubber, but not so well known are its medicinal properties. The Chinese use it to treat pain and chest congestion. The fresh young fruit can also be eaten like cucumbers or squash. The leaves and flowers are edible too. To get the best fruit for bathroom scrubbers, prune off all of the first flowers and any newly formed gourds which are deformed, pear shaped, or course. Pick the gourds when they reach 12-20 inches. Put them in an airy location until they are completely dry. Peel away the outer skin, cut them to the desired length, and remove all the seeds. Rinse them out and they are ready for use. One good vine can produce more scrubbers than any large household could possibly use in a year. And, don't forget to save a few seeds for next year.

MAIDENHAIR FERN (Adiantum capillus-veneris) a.k.a. Venus's-hair fern is gorgeous in delicate floral arrangements or pressed between glass for wall hangings, and has some impressive medicinal and cosmetic values to boot. Medicinally it is beneficial for treating coughs, bronchitis, excess mucus, sore throat, and chronic nasal congestion. Cosmetically it is useful as a hair wash to stimulate growth and prevent the hair from falling out. This fern flourishes in damp woodsy conditions, but it also does just as well indoors as Boston ferns. The trick is to never let the soil dry out completely.

MINT varieties are to numerous to note. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is probably the most common and the most beneficial medicinally. It is used primarily for digestive disorders, but can also be used to relieve topical pain and sensitivity. A peppermint bath is helpful for relieving eczema. All essential oils of mints are useful as an inhalant and chest rub for respiratory infections, but peppermint is the most effective. When growing any mint variety beware of their invasive habits. They are next to impossible to eradicate. To prevent your mints from taking over your whole garden, it is best to plant them in a container and keep them well clipped.

NASTURTIUM (Tropaeolum majus) a.k.a. Indian cress is an old favorite of old-fashioned gardeners like myself. This climbing annual has straggling stems, rounded leaves, and showy trumpet-shaped flowers. The whole plant is edible and has a spicy, yet delicately pungent flavor similar to cress. It makes an impressive salad and can be used in place of lettuce in sandwiches. The seeds have a purgative effect and make a fine snack in the winter. Gather the seed clusters when about half grown with some of the stem still attached. Put them in a jar and pour in some apple cider vinegar. Place in a sunny window for about two weeks and use as desired. Medicinally nasturtium is an expectorant with antibiotic and antibacterial properties. Topically it makes an excellent antiseptic wash. Throw the stems, leaves, and flowers into your hot bath water. Direct sow in full sun and train on a trellis for best results.

OREGANO (Origanum vulgare) is a hardy perennial propagated by seed, cuttings, or division. About six weeks after planting it should be trimmed by cutting off all shoots to within one inch from the growing center to encourage dense, bushy growth. Harvest as soon as the white flowers begin to appear and/or take clippings throughout the growing season. Oregano dries well and retains most of its aroma and flavor. Hang indoors in bundles tied with rubber bands or spread on a screen and sun dry. Aside from the many culinary uses, this herb helps to settle flatulence and stimulate the flow of bile. It is strongly antiseptic and may be taken for coughs, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and asthma. It will also promote menstruation and should not be used medicinally during pregnancy. The diluted oil is useful for relieving toothache and painful joints.

PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial which does well either in full sun or partial shade and can be grown indoors in the kitchen windowsill. The seeds germinate very slowly. To speed up germination, soak them in lukewarm water for 24 hours. Parsley also dries well or can be chopped and frozen for ready use. This herb is an excellent tonic for digestion and has the ability to mask strong odors such as garlic which is one of the reasons it gained popularity as a garnish. So ... don't brush that little garnish aside ... munch on it after your meal. It is also a highly nutritious vitamin and mineral supplement in its own right. Medicinally, parsley root is taken as a treatment for flatulence, cystitis, and rheumatic conditions. This plant will promote menstruation and relieve menstrual pain and should not be taken medicinally during pregnancy. Avoid the seeds if suffering from kidney disease.

PASSIONFLOWER (Passiflora incarnata) is one of the hardiest of the passifloras and grows wild in many parts of Central and South America. For home cultivation, it is best to purchase an established plant because propagation is a bit tricky. Once established, it takes minimal care, but should be replaced every 6-8 years. This species is useful for insomnia and pain relief. P. edulis is grown commercially for their sweet, edible fruit which is said to taste like peach, apricot, pineapple, guava, banana, lemon, and lime.

PENNYROYAL (Mentha pulegium) is a good digestive tonic that is occasionally used to treat intestinal worms. This herb powerfully stimulates the uterine muscles and encourages menstruation and should not be taken during pregnancy. It is excellent in the bath for inflamed skin disorders such as eczema. Being a member of the mint family, pennyroyal is also prone to take over the whole garden if not contained.

POT MARIGOLD (Calendula officinalis) is one of the most easily grown annuals. It likes full sun and hot weather. When the flowers go to seed, pull them apart and save the seeds or scatter them where you would like them to come up next year. It's that easy. Taken internally, an infusion of the aerial parts helps inflammatory problems of the digestive system such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, regional ileitis, and colitis. Calendula has a mild estrogenic action and the infusion makes an effective douche for yeast infections. This herb is top notch as a remedy for just about any skin problem. Toss it in your bath water anytime.

ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a perennial evergreen shrub which propagates easily by cuttings or direct sowing. Aside from its culinary uses, it makes a pleasant wreath or wall hanging to freshen the indoors. This herb has been used to treat epilepsy and vertigo. It has many medicinal uses both internally and externally. Another 'must have' in any garden.

ST. JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum perforatum) truly grows like a weed. It is a perennial that likes dry, light soil and partial sun. Propagation is by seed or division. It is recognized in the wild by its distinctive yellow flowers and black-spotted leaves. We are all becoming more familiar with this one through its recent surge in popularity. If you put St. John's wort in your garden, you can have it at your fingertips for use in infusions, tinctures, infused oils, creams, and lotions.

SWEET MARJORAM (Origanum majorana syn. Majorana hortensis) is a perennial that is grown as an annual in colder climates. It is best to start the seeds indoors and cuttings are also a practical way to propagate this herb. It makes a fine air freshener in the home and has been used as a strewing herb. Like its cousin, oregano, it is used to treat flatulence, colic, and respiratory problems and has a stronger effect on the nervous system making it helpful for relieving anxiety and insomnia. Marjoram is thought to lower the sex drive.

THYME (Thymus vulgaris) is a small, hardy perennial that grows 6-12 inches high and up to two feet wide. We like to plant it between the stepping stones and enjoy its scent as we walk through the garden. Harvest in midsummer just before the flowers begin to open. Do not harvest in late summer or early fall if you want the plant to winter over.

YARROW (Achillea millefolium) is a hardy perennial that grows wild in Europe and the US usually reaching a height of two to three feet. This herb will grow in very poor soil where ordinary lawn grass will not and may be used as a grass substitute. The aroma is effected by the type of soil ... sandy soil produces a more pleasing aroma than heavy, clay soil. It needs plenty of sun and has a tendency to become weedy if not maintained. Harvest at the peak of flowering for medicinal purposes. Dry it rapidly at 90 to 100 degrees F to prevent the plant from darkening. Achilles reputedly used yarrow to heal wounds, hence its botanical name. Its key actions are antispasmodic, astringent, bitter tonic, increases sweating, lowers blood pressure, reduces fever, mild diuretic and urinary antiseptic, stops internal bleeding, promotes menstruation, and anti-inflammatory.

RETURN TO THE RHYTHM OF NATURE

If you have drifted far from the earth's rhythm, it may be time to come back. Your soul will be at home in this rhythm and there is a peace waiting for you here. That magical place can be found right outside your door. Return to the nature that was created for you!

Our goal is to bring collective knowledge together to provide accurate herbal information, giving references whenever possible, for the purpose of being informed when choosing self-help and alternative approaches to health and lifestyle. At no time should this publication be considered prescription or treatment, nor should any information published herein be misinterpreted as such. The publishers can not be held responsible for the mishandling of information by its readers.

Please do not take herbal information lightly.
Remember our motto is ... When in doubt, don't!
Until next Monday I remain,

Herbally yours, Abby

Lynda "Abby" Trahan
Abby's Herb Company
P.O. Box 213
Round Top, TX 78954

lynda@abbysherbshop.com
www.abbysherbshop.com

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