HERB GARDEN

Please keep in mind that I have no idea how to grow herbs, other than stick 'em on the ground and see what happens.  Here are the ladies......

 

Gonna cut the chives today.  They look like they need a haircut.  Think my plan is to snip and use the herbs.  I've read about freezing them in ice cube trays for soups and drying them.  To be honest, the experiment is more fun than anything.  It's something I can say is the first time for me. 

Herbal Trivia:

• Herbs were depicted on cave paintings in France dating back between 13,000 and 25,000 BC.  Egyptian herb gardens date back some 4,000 years.  At first, they were medicinal, then culinary and then decorative.  

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  Ephedra

  Ephedra is the oldest medicinal plant, having a long history of medicinal use in China and India to treat colds, fever and headaches.  The plant contains ephedrine and is banned in the U.S.  
• The ancient Romans used bay leaf wreaths as a symbol of victory and peace.
• Saffron can be lethal in doses as low as 3/4 Tablespoon.
• Thyme has long been related to bravery.  Its name comes from the Greek word for bravery, Thymus.
• Sage was once considered the best herbal medicine. 
• Some pharmaceutical medications are based on a single active ingredient found from a plant source.
• The name basil comes from the Greek word basileus or king.  It is known as the 'King of Herbs.'
• Cedar, sage, sweet grass and tobacco are sacred to indigenous peoples across North America.  They're used for treating illnesses and are central to many ceremonial rituals.

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  Tulsi

  The herb Tulsi is sacred in India, often referred to as 'Queen of Herbs.'  It is a naturally sweet herb in the mint family, used in spiritual and medicinal practices.
• Tumeric is considered the most powerful herb, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
• Saffron is the most costly spice in the world, $500 to $5,000 per pound.  Saffron is obtained by plucking two threads from a crocus flower.
• Cilantro is the most commonly used herb in the world.  The seeds of the plant, also known as coriander, have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs.
• Alfalfa is the 'Father of all Herbs' cuz it is one of the most nutritious plants on Earth.  It's rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene, and Vitamins A, B-12, C, D, E and K, along with all eight of the essential amino acids.
• The first written record of medicinal plants was on clay tablets over 5,000 years ago by the Sumerians, in ancient Mesopotamia, today Iraq.  A dozen herbal recipes were described calling for the use of over 250 plants (Petrovska, 2012)
• Rosemary Gladstar, known as the godmother of modern herbalism, has captivated a global audience with her knowledge and passion for herbal healing. 
• The herb Rosmarinus (rosemary) comes from the Latin ros maris or 'dew of the sea.'  A dew-like appearance comes from sea spray on the plants growing close to the water.  It was later called Rose of Mary or rosemary in honor of the Virgin Mary.  Rosemary symbolizes love and remembrance. 
• One myth about the rosemary plant is that it will never grow taller than 6 feet....so as to never grow taller than Jesus.  If it outlives His 33 years, it will grow prostrate facing toward the ground instead of upright.  Another legend tells that rosemary flowers were originally white.  One day during the flight to Egypt, Mary draped her blue cloak over a rosemary bush.
• Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  In ancient times, rosemary was believed to strengthen the memory.

I remember my Gramma's second Bible, an herbalist magazine.  She sent away for remedies to help her personal ailments.  People didn't go to doctors regularly like we do today.  Us kids had to be half dead before a professional doctor was brought into the picture.  Today if a kid sneezes, it's off to the doctor we must go.  My thought is that our generation may have benefited from the carry-overs from our herbal-using ancestors.