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