Rosemery , or Perennial , or Rosemarinus Offinalis
With thin, dark green leaves and pale blue flowers, Rosemary is a popular and attractive herb. It is an evergreen shrub that grows 3-6 feet tall.
Rosemary is a member of the mint family. It grow wild in the Mediterranean region. It is a perennial in warm areas. But, it is susceptible to frost and therefore, is grown as an annual in many parts of the country.
Young plants can be grown like houseplants until they get big. Then, move them outside to their permanent summer home. They will look and grow well in your garden, along the house, or in big containers.
Propagation
Rosemary are grown from seed. The seed is hard to start. Soak the seeds in water a few hours before planting. We recommend starting it indoors on propagation mats to improve germination success. Start them indoors six weeks before the last frost. If you want to grow and enjoy them as houseplants, start them indoors even earlier. After they sprout, place them in a warm, sunny window.
When transplanting outdoors, space plants three feet or more apart. In warm areas where there is no frost or freezes, pick a place where you want it to grow for many years.
How to Grow Rosemary Shrubs
Rosemary are very easy to grow evergreen shrubs. They prefer full sun to partial shade. They will do well in almost any soil. They tolerate dry soil conditions and drought. They should not require water during droughts, but add water if they appear to wilt. They usually do not require fertilizer.
Once your Rosemary reaches a couple of feet, don't hesitate to bring out the shears and shape it. Be creative if you dare!
Harvest leaves and use fresh, as needed, in the summer. As autumn arrives, pick leaves in the morning when the oils are at their peak. Spread leaves out to dry in a cool, well ventilated area. Or, pick and freeze immediately.
Main Cooking Uses
The leaves are used fresh, dried, or frozen in many recipes. It commonly is used on meats (beef, chicken, ribs), stews, sauces, and soups.
Brew some fresh Rosemary in tea, adding a few fresh or dried leaves.
Medicinal/Other Uses
Rosemary has been used to treat both stomach aches and headaches. It is also believed to aid in memory retention.
The oil of Rosemary is used in perfumes and cosmetics. It has also been used as a moth repellent.
Ref : www.gardenersnet.com
Garden Herbs and How to grow - Rosemary
Garden Herbs and How to grow - Mint
Mint, or Perennial, or Mentha piperita
If you are looking for a complete listing of Mint species, you won't find it here. There are over 3,500 species! So, let's focus on the two most common mints. There's no surprise here. The most common mints are Peppermint and Spearmint. And, best of all, you can grow them with ease!
Most mints are natives of the Mediterranean region. They are hardy perennial plants, and they are very easy to grow. They have bright green leaves on bushy plants. Flowers include white, blue and pink. Once planted, mints will come back year, after year, after year. They require little or no maintenance, too. They will however, take over the garden if allowed. So, some effort is required to control them from spreading. Most varieties grow 12-24 inches.
Mints are great in herb gardens, in beds along the house, or in containers. Mints can be grown indoors as houseplants.
Did you know?
The mint family includes Marjoram, Rosemary and Sage. And, approximately 3,497 more.
Propagation
Mint is grown from seed. Get an early start planting it indoors as a houseplant. Or, directly sow seeds into your garden in the spring. Space seedlings or thin plants to 12" to 18" apart
Established plants are prolific propagaters, producing suckers in the second and following years. They can also be grown from cuttings.
How to Grow Peppermint, Spearmint and other Mints
Mint is simply too easy to grow. They thrive in sun or partial shade. They will do well in average soils. Mint withstands droughts, and heat very well. Chances are, you will not have to water them during a drought. Fertilizer is not usually required, except in the poorest of soils.
Mints are aggressive growers, crowding out other plants if given the chance. Give them plenty of space away from other plants in your garden. Or, better still, put in a border edging.
Harvest leaves at any time. They can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. Pick them in the morning when the oils are strongest. Spread leaves out to dry in a cool and ventilated area.
Tip Mint has a very strong, overpowering scent. Once dried, store it in an air-tight container, away from other herbs.
Main Uses
The oils in mint are in glands in the leaves. Crushing them release the oils and the pleasant, strong, and soothing flavor.
Mints and oils of mints are used for oils, used in cookies, teas, candies, jellies, chewing gum, flavoring for medicines, toothpaste, ice cream, liqueurs, and much more.
Medicinal Uses
Mint is often used to sooth upset stomaches and on occasion, for toothaches. It has also been used for headaches.
Ref : www.gardenersnet.com
Garden Herbs and How to grow - Garlic
Garlic
Garlic is one of the more heralded vegetables and herb in your garden. Plant garlic cloves in the fall, and you will harvest garlic bulbs in late spring. Home grown, freshly harvested garlic bulbs, are much stronger than those found in stores. It can be cooked and eaten by itself as a delicious food.
Garlic is one of herb that simple and easy to grow. Anybody, make that everybody, can learn how to grow garlic. Plant it in just about any slightly rich soil, in a partly to mostly sunny location and it will thrive. And, best of all, it takes little space. It can even be grown amidst your flower garden if you are short on space.
It is most commonly used as a spice or herb. It is used in recipes around the world. Perhaps it is best known for it's use in Italian, Chinese, and Oriental cooking. It's roots can be traced to Central Asia.
Garlic does not stake it's claim to fame on cooking alone. It is also widely used in organic gardening. It's strong odor is a natural repellent to many insect pests. In addition, garlic was believed to have the power to ward off demons and vampires.
Medicinal Value
Since ancient times, Garlic has been hailed for it's medicinal value. It was used to treat a wide variety of ails. Current research suggests it aids in lowering cholesterol, reducing cardiovascular disease and even cancer prevention. Some studies suggest garlic also helps to relieve cold and flu symptoms.
Varieties
Regular Garlic : White or purple varieties
Elephant Garlic : Slightly milder in taste, but about twice the size of regular garlic. Elephant garlic is not only good for spicing up food, but can be cooked by itself. Cooked or grilled, it takes on a very mild taste. Eat it by itself, or spread it on a piece of Italian bread.
How to Grow Garlic
Garlic root forms a bulb comprising several segments called cloves. Separate the cloves, and plant them in the fall for a spring crop. They will begin to grow and take root until snow covers the ground. In the spring they will start growing again, and will be harvestable in late spring to early summer.
Garlic will not tell you when it is thirsty. Make sure to water regularly, as dry weather arrives. Add a little general purpose fertilizer in the fall ,and a couple of times in the spring.
Insects and Pests
Garlic is resistant to most pests. It's odor wards off many insects. However, on occasion, maggots will be a problem.
Try garlic near your roses to ward off aphids and Japanese Beetles.
Disease
Garlic is resistant to most forms of disease.
Harvest and Storage
Pull garlic after the tops have fallen over and dried. (Although you can begin to pick them as soon as a bulb starts to form.). Wash them off ,and leave them to dry in the sun for a day or two.
You can weave the stalks into a braid and hang them for future use. Or, you can cut the stalk off and store them in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, it will keep over the winter months.
Hardiness
Garlic is among the hardiest of plants. It is resistant to cold. It goes dormant over the winter like winter wheat or lawns, but does not die. Once spring arrives, it begins to grow with the first warm days of late winter or early spring. It is not harmed by frost, freezes or even snow.
Ref : www.gardenersnet.com
Garden Herbs and How to grow - Basil
Basil
Basil herb is among the most popular plants in the home herb garden. It is about as easy to grow as any plant can be. The Basil plant is attractive, with many varieties to choose from. Among them, are varieties stealing a bit of flavor from anise, cinnamon, lemon and licorice. There are spice varieties and sweet ones, too. Take your pick, but make sure to include one or two varieties of this popular herb.
Basil grows 10-12 inches tall It is a bushy plant with tooth edged leaves. The leaves are varying shades of green to dark green, depending upon variety. Fragrant, purplish white flowers grow on tall spikes. These attractive flowers are sometimes used in bouquets. They are popular with bees too.
In the kitchen, the many varieties of Basil finds it's way into a huge number of recipes around the world. None are more popular though, than the many Italian recipes.
Basil grows well in herb gardens, flower gardens, containers and pots. They make a good indoor plant in a sunny window. Try growing them indoors over the winter.
Propagation
Basil are grown from seed. It is popular started indoors in containers first. Started early and placed in a sunny window, many lucky gardeners will be using the Basil leaves before others have even planted them outdoors. Basil can also be directly seeded into your garden after all danger of frost.
Space seedlings or thin plants to 10" apart, in rows two feet apart. Some gardeners will grow just a few plants in clumps. They will tolerate a little crowding.
How to Grow
Basil is very easy to grow. They prefer full sun. They do well in average soils and tolerate dry soil conditions.
Water them during dry periods, at least once a week.
Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.
Harvest leaves and stems. Rinse well, then dry them in a cool, dry place. Make sure they are completely dried before storing. Or, you can freeze basil for later use.
Main Cooking Uses
Basil shines in kitchens around the world. From Thailand to the Mediterranean to the United States, there is no shortage of recipes.
Basil is a standard in pizzas, spaghetti sauces, and pestos. Basil ads flavor to cheeses, soups omelets, and salads. It is also used fresh for sliced tomatoes, as a garnish, or for flavoring meats, and cooked in stir-fries.
Ref : www.gardenersnet.com
Ground Pork Salad
One dish I prefer to eat is "Ground Pork Salad". This dish made from pork with elements of hot spicy, sour flavours and seasoning sauces.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup coarsely pork
- 1 tablespoon shallot, sliced
- 1 tablespoon coriander leaves
- 1 tablespoon mint leaves
- 3-4 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons roasted rice powder
- 1/2 tablespoon coarsely chilli
Cooking Instructions
In a boiling pan over high heat with chicken stock, add the meat and cook for 1-2 minutes, tossing often to break up the meat and cook. Then, transfer the meat to a medium bowl, leaving most of the liquid behide. Add all of the remaining ingredients into the bowl, stir to combine evering well. Test and adjust seasoning as needed. (I prefer the sour flavour.) Finally, left them into a serving plate and garnish (as pleasure).
Garden Herbs and How to grow - Anise
Anise
Those of us growing Anise Herb do so for the fresh and popular flavor of licorice. Anise is native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, where is grown as a cash crop. You can also find Anise growing wild in fields. It is related to caraway and dill.
The Anise herb plant has lacy leaves, and heads of white flowers that give way to seeds containing tasty oils. When in bloom, Anise provides a profusion of flowers. And that's good, because the flowers produce the seeds that produce the oils that tastes so good! It grows 18-24".
Propagation
Anise are grown from seed. Directly sow seeds into your garden. Sow seeds early in the season, and cover lightly with soil. Space seedlings, or thin plants to 18" apart in rows 12 inches apart.
How to Grow
Anise is easy to grow. They prefer full sun and a well drained soil. They will do well in average soils, and tolerate dry soil conditions. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.
Harvest flower heads after seeds have formed, and the flower head has died. Extract seeds and dry them in a cool, dry location.
Main Cooking Uses
The oils are extracted from the seeds.
Use leaves in salads, seeds in baking, cookies, pastries, cheese, and candies. Also used to flavor oils and liqueurs.
Leaves and flowers can also be used as a garnish.
Medicinal Applications
Anise is often used to treat stomachaches.
Ref : www.gardenersnet.com
Herbs and Aromatherapy - History
Aromatheraphy is the art and science of treating human illness with essential oils. These volatile essences of plants and flowers have been used for healing for many thousand of years, allied with touch, taste and smell. The history of Aromatheraphy is a history of humanity is relationship with the natural world and our own five senses.
What is Aromatheraphy?
Aromatheraphy is a modern name for the ancient knowledge of healing and improving health using fragrant, natural ingredients. These ingredients, called essential oils, are found in herb, plants, flowers, fruits and the bark, roots or resin of some trees.
Essential oils give the aroma to the plant, but they also contain dozens of complex chemicals that seem to do everything from beautifying skin of speeding healing to putting you to sleep or numbing a headache even if you think you have never come across these oils before, all of us are affected.
By them each day, every time you peel a pomelo, the essential oil squirts out of the tiny pockets in the peel and, because it is so volatile, instantly, evaporates into the air releasing its bittersweet, tangy, citrus smell. And whether you notice or not, the pomelo oil has a refreshing but relaxing effect.
When you take flowers to someone who is ill in hospital you are using Aromatheraphy to help them feel better. The essential oils that give the smell to a bouquet of jasmine, roses, geranium and lavender, for instance, all contain chemicals that relax the nervous system and instantly improve spirits.
When you use pure essential oils though, the beneficial properties are more concentrated, and have a greater effect on both mind and body than you get from just sniffing a bunch of flowers. So learning how you can use these essential oils with give you the means to be healthier, happier and more in control of every area of you life.
Modern History
Up until the early 1900s, essential oils were the strongest medicine available. A shift began with the development of powerful coal tar the derivatives and preparation. This was the beginning of pharmacology and allopathic medicine. The modern father of Aromatheraphy is considered to be Dr.Rene Maurice Gattefosse. He was a French chemist who worked in his family, perfume laboratory. One day
When he suffered a severe burn from an explosion in the laboratory, he was quickly thrust his injured hand into a container of lavender oil and was amazed to notice the immediate decrease in pain and subsequently observed a rapid healing with no scarring. So he was impressed by this experience that he dedicated a rapid healing with no scarring. So impressed was he by this experience that he dedicated the rest of his life to researching, discovering the therapeutic properties of essential oils on the most scientific basic. He first joined the word Aromatheraphy and published a book by that name in 1937.
A French medical doctor, Dr. Jean Valnet, was greatly influenced by Gattefosse is work. During the Second World War, he experienced success treating war injuries with antiseptic essential oil solution. In 1964, he published a book called "Aromatheraphy Treatment of Illnesses" by the Essence of plants. And he responsible for training over 1000 French Physicians currently using essentials oils in their practice. Essential oils have been accepted as valid therapy in France, and a prescription for essential oils can be filled at the local pharmacy and paid for by insurance.
Numerous experiments have proven the antiseptic qualities of essential oils (i.e. thyme is eight time more powerful than phenol). Russian researchers have verified the stimulation of liver digestive processes by rose oil Italian researchers have verified the psychological effects of essential oil. The anti-viral and anti-fungal properties create the most exciting application possibilities as medicine has little to offer for the treatment of virus. One of Dr. Valnet is students, Margaret Mallory, further developed the modern use of essential oils in massage therapy and skin care in England.
Victoria Edwards, Kust Schnaubelt and Marcelle Lavaber founded the American Aromatheraphy Association in 1987. They and Robert Tissrand are largely responsible for the spread of Aromatheraphy in the United States.
The use of Aromatheraphy continues to increase in the U.S., as people become aware of the limitation of modern medicine, the importance of self-care, and the high potency of essential oils.
From : www.thaiherbclub.com
Herbs in The Garden - Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy evergreen-shrub but will die if temperature drops below 5 degrees to 10 degrees F. It normally grows 4 to 6 feet tall and produces gray-green foliage and pale blue flowers. It grows best in dry, sunny areas.
Food application of herb
The leaves are used fresh, dried, or frozen in many recipes. It commonly is used on meats (beef, chicken, ribs), stews, sauces, and soups. Brew some fresh Rosemary in tea, adding a few fresh or dried leaves.
Medical application of herb
Rosemary has been used to treat both stomach aches and headaches. It is also believed to aid in memory retention. The oil of Rosemary is used in perfumes and cosmetics. It has also been used as a moth repellent.
Herbs in The Garden - Mint
Mint of many different kinds are grown including spearmint, peppermint and orange mint. All these mints are hardy perennials and are among the easiest and most popular garden mints. They may be started from seed but cuttings are recommended. Mints prefer sun but will withstand shade. They are true perennials but mint beds should be renewed every 3 to 4 years. Mints are harvested for their stems and leaves and the more frequent the harvest the better the plant grows. Remove stalks before they go to seed.
Food application of herb
Mints and oils of mints are used for oils, used in cookies, teas, candies, jellies, chewing gum, flavoring for medicines, toothpaste, ice cream, liqueurs, and much more.
Medical application of herb
Mint is often used to sooth upset stomaches and on occasion, for toothaches. It has also been used for headaches.
Herbs in The Garden - Garlic
Garlic is simple and easy to grow. Plant it in just about any slightly rich soil, in a partly to mostly sunny location and it will thrive. And, best of all, it takes little space. It can even be grown amidst your flower garden if you are short on space. Garlic is a perennial herb with a globose bulb containing 5 - 15 cloves, covered by white or mauve-tinged skin. The plant has flat leaves and produces an umbel of green-white to pink flowers, with a deciduous spathe, that appear in summer.
Food application of herb
Garlic is actually important ingredient in Thai food and found in every recipe prior to fry vegetables and meat. It is also unable to be missed in soup and chilli paste and as well spicy salad. This is including the pickled garlic, garlic plants and fried chopped garlic to sprinkle the food.
Medical application of herb
Since ancient times, Garlic has been hailed for it's medicinal value. It was used to treat a wide variety of ails. Current research suggests it aids in lowering cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular disease and even cancer prevention. Some studies suggest garlic also helps to relieve cold and flu symptoms.
Herbs in The Garden - Basil
Basil is an annual which grows about 2 feet tall with leafy, light-green foliage. It produces tiny white flowers often tinged in lavender. This is an easy herb to grow. Plant it in the spring after the last frost or sow it indoors and transplant it in the garden. It grows best in full sun.
Food application of herb
Basil is a standard in pizzas, spaghetti sauces, and pestos. Basil ads flavor to cheeses, soups omelets, and salads. It is also used fresh for sliced tomatoes, as a garnish, or for flavoring meats, and cooked in stir-fries.
Medical application of herb
Basil has been an herbal remedy, used for ages to treat diseases of the brain, heart, lungs, bladder or reviving vitality (when infused as a tea)
Herbs in The Garden - Anise
Anise is a slow-growing annual which flowers about 3 months after planting. It grows to a height of 2 feet and produces yellowish-white flowers in umbrella-like clusters. It will grow best in a deep, fertile soil in a sunny, warm location. It should be planted 6 to 10 inches apart in rows 2 to 3 feet apart. This herb is grown for its seeds which are ready for harvest about one month after bloom.
Food application of herb
Use leaves in salads, seeds in baking, cookies, pastries, cheese, and candies. Also used to flavor oils and liqueurs.Leaves and flowers can also be used as a garnish.
Medical application of herb
Aniseed is effective to help with colds, influenza,cough, bronchitis, sinusitis,relieving flatulence, promoting digestion, colic,relieving tension and irritation, restoring mental equilibrium, brighten the eyes and sweeten and freshen the breath
From : www.annforall.com
Herbal Teas
ASIATIC PENNYWORT or TIGER HERBAL
- refreshing tonic and cure of migrane
BAEL FRUIT
- aromatic tonic and antidiarrheic
CASSOD
- laxative and tranquilizing tea
CAT's WHISKER
- Anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive and urisolvent
GINGER
- carminative
LEMON GRASS
- anti-flatulent
LONGAN
- refreshingly sweet drink
MULBERRY GREEN TEA
- no caffeine, anti-thrombus
PANDANUS
- scented thirst-quenching tea
RINGWORM BUSH
- laxative
ROSELLE
- refreshing diuretic and expectorant tea
THUNBERGIA
- detoxicating tea
From : www.bcdherbs.com
Galangal
What is Galangal?
If you were to visit a my kitchen, you would most likely meet up with this gnarly-looking root and wonder what it could be. Though it looks a little like ginger, the skin is a different color-more red than brown. And if you were to slice it open, you would find the inside perfectly white (unlike ginger's yellow-tinted flesh). The cook of the house would tell you that the dense, but smooth-feeling root you hold in your hands is nothing other than "Galangal". Also known as Siamese Ginger, this root is an important ingredient in Asian cuisine, and also a spice with an interesting history that includes numerous medicinal properties and applications.
But first, what does galangal taste like? If you were to bite into this tuberous rhizome, you would be very surprised at the slightly sweet, "perfumy" taste and scent of it, not to mention the spiciness factor. While not exactly "hot" like a chili, galangal has a sharp pungency to it that will make you gasp and perhaps cough a little. Galangal can also be dried and powdered. When purchased in this form, it is often referred to as "Laos Powder"; however, as with most herbs, fresh is usually preferable to dried. In Thai cooking, fresh galangal adds flavor and depth to many dishes such as soups and curries as well as many other dishes. Interestingly, galangal is sometimes referred to cook as a "de-fisher", since it is known to help eliminate any unwanted "fishy" smells from shellfish and other seafood dishes.
History of Galangal
Galangal is now grown in most Southeast-Asian countries, but was first harvested for use in cooking and medicine in China and Java. But by the Middle Ages, galangal had traveled extensively, and was already in common use throughout Europe. Referred to as "the spice of life" by St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), galangal was, in fact, one of her favorite remedies. This famous herbalist used galangal to treat everything from deafness and heart disease to indigestion.
During the 13th-14th centuries, galangal was used by the Turkic peoples (who occupied much of present-day Russia) as a tea, and by the Arabs as a stimulant for their horses. It was used extensively throughout the East as a snuff for nasal infections, and in both Europe and Asia as an appetite stimulant and aphrodisiac.
Today, galangal is still in use in Russia, where it is used to make vinegars as well as liqueurs. It also has a thriving market in India, where it is not only valued as a spice but also as a perfume to make deodorants. Presently galangal remains, however, most commonly used in Southeast-Asian countries like Thailand, where the spice is not only a medicine, but has become part of the daily diet-which tells you how healthy Thai cuisine really is!
Health Benefits of Galangal
Galangal is commonly prescribed today by homeopaths, veterinarians, and other health care professionals and natural healers. It has been found effective as a remedy for the following ailments and conditions:
- indigestion and stomach complaints
- seasickness and motion sickness, including nausea
- ulcers and inflammation of the stomach
- rheumatism
- colds, flu, and fevers
- dementia
- bad breath
- diarrhea
- poor blood circulation, especially in hands and feet
- tumors (anti-tumor effect has been observed in mice)
From : www.currysimple.com
Chicken Soup with Coconut Milk and Galangal
One dish I love to eat & cook is "Chicken Soup with Coconut Milk and Galangal". It's a hot sweet soup made with milk, galangal, lemon grass and chicken. There are other versions made with seafood or tofu too. When I stayed at home, I plesure to cook "Chicken in Coconut Soup with Galangal" and "Chicken Soup with Coconut Milk, and Galangal". I love both of them !!!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup mushroom
- 1 tablespoon lemon glass, thinly sliced
- 5-7 sliced galangals
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, shredded
- 7-8 coriander leaves
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3-5 chiliess, thinly sliced
Cooking Instructions
In a boiling pot with chicken stock, pour coconut milk over a medium heat. Add galangal and lemon glass until boiling. Put chicken into them and cook. Add seasoning sauce (fish sauce and lime juice), chillies and kaffir lime leaves. Lift into a serving bowl with coriander leaves.
