Herbs and Reproduction

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:19:35 +0000

The home herb garden does not really produce any herb that can simply and naturally increase a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant either by treating her own diminished fertility or indeed that of her partner.

Certainly anyone who is already receiving fertility treatment through their doctor or clinic should never ever consider using any herbal preparation that claims to help fertility without consulting a medical practitioner first. Do not trust any herbal consultant or retailer who would advise you differently.

There are many preparations marketed that claim to contain tested and trusted ingredients like echinacea and ginkgo biloba for example. These herbs are trusted worldwide as being health giving and invigorating and are readily available over the counter at all herbalist and health food shops.

Yet recent studies in America at the Fertility Research Foundation in New York have actually refuted these benefits and say that they would in fact harm the production of healthy sperm in men, and as they contain estrogenic substances, they will interfere with the woman’s chances of reproduction. After all birth control pills contain estrogens, and they interfere with normal hormones to stop ovulation and prevent conception.

However for a normally healthy couple who although not suffering any disability in their reproductive organs, still do not seem to be able to conceive after a long period of trying, all is not lost! There are some herbs that promote healthy reproductive organs, and are safe as long as you are not taking any prescription medicines. They are trusted and have been used by various cultures throughout the world for centuries.

Little Known Facts about Common Culinary Herbs

admin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:28:05 +0000

In your garden you will have your culinary herbs, and growing them for use in your cooking will of course provide all the herb garden delights that you are looking for. But it is a little known fact that most culinary herbs have been for centuries, or perhaps even only recently, discovered to have many beneficial medicinal uses as well.

Fennel. As a herb, fennel leaves are used in in sauces for fish and in mayonnaise and is excellent to season pork roasts and spicy sausages, and the ground seeds of fennel are used as an ingredient of Chinese Five Spices and of some curry powders. However fennel is thought to possess diuretic choleretic and anti-microbial actions. The seeds and the roots will help to open obstructions of the liver, spleen & gall bladder, and therefore useful helping with yellow jaundice, and gout. can be used as a spice as well as a herb.

Dill. Its fernlike leaves are used to flavor some fish, such as gravlax, also soups, and pickles. However it is known that dill contains carvone, which has a calming effect on your digestive system. Romans considered dill good as a tonic and historically was used as a weak tea given to babies to get rid of colic and hiccups. Dill seeds are high in calcium and said to promote lactation in nursing mothers. seed like fennel is used as a spice, and dried dill leaves are used as a culinary herb.

Ginger is typically used as flavoring in cakes, gingerbread, biscuits, ginger ale and ginger beer and of course is an important constituent of curries. But ginger has always been known for its healing powers. In medieval times it was considered as a cure for plague, whether it was really effective for that has not been proved, however test have shown that it is effective in preventing travel sickness. There has been recent research that shows taking ginger tea will prevent migraine developing, will aid arthritis and even lower cholesterol.

Oregano is very important as a culinary herb, widely used in European, and Latin American cooking and unlike a lot of herbs dried usually has more flavor than fresh. However very recent research has claimed that oregano is better than any manufactured drug in the treatment of MRSA.

The Tea Tree

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:36:54 +0000

The Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), of all herb garden delights, although difficult to propagate, is one of the best herbs to have in your garden or to grow inside if you cannot provide the semi-tropical conditions outside. The tea tree is native to hot climate and acid, well watered soil. If your garden will not provide these conditions, then the answer is to provide space in a greenhouse or even indoors.

Asking what is the tea tree useful for would take far too long to answer because its oil has such a wide variety of uses with its antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It was discovered in Australia, and used by Captain Cook, to make a tea by boiling the leaves. His crew drinking this would not be attacked by scurvy which killed sailors deprived of vegetables on long voyages. Of course long before Captain Cook arrived at Botany Bay, the indigenous Aboriginal people had known of and used the tea tree benefits for thousands of years.

Until your bush is three years old it will not be mature enough to harvest, but while you patiently wait for that you must prune it back hard in order to keep it small and nicely shaped. Most herbs do not like to sit in wet soil but your tea tree must be in soil that is always damp, but do not go too far it does not want soggy. Water it regularly and well, but never over water it.

As the bush matures it will flower, giving pretty little white rose-like flowers in late spring, and will produce seed. These seeds if collected and planted will provide new plants. You have waited patiently for three years; now the bush has flowered, the fresh leaves must be harvested frequently right through until late autumn, always pruning hard to maintain size and shape. Pruning is so important because left to grow on, a tea tree will reach 20 feet or more in height within a few years.

Your bush will stay healthy if lovingly given plenty of water and is dressed with some organic fertilizer every few weeks, and no matter how hard it is pruned and harvested the bush will very quickly recover. Being an evergreen your bush should be given fertilizer right through the year.

You may be one of the lucky ones having the right conditions for growing your tea tree in the garden, please remember though that if there is any chance of cold weather the bush will have to be moved to a warmer place to protect it. If you are not that lucky, do not despair; you can grow them in a greenhouse or indoors and it is easy and fun. Plant into the largest pot you can conveniently handle. Fill with non peat compost which must be acidic and rich in nitrogen.

The tea tree is ideal for growing as a bonsai tree because it will grow so quickly. The roots must be carefully trimmed, frequently and regularly and this will produce a small but beautiful knurled and thick miniature tree within a few years; which will provide an excellent ornamental conversation piece.

Herbs as Aphrodisiacs

admin — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:45:51 +0000

Since the dawn of humankind, the seeking and finding of herbal extracts which will enhance sexual enjoyment has been an all consuming passion of healers, medicine men, witches, and in modern times – scientists.

It certainly has without doubt been found that sex drive in both men and women can be enhanced with herbs. Not only sex drive but actual sexual function can be improved by using certain herbs as aphrodisiacs. There are many lotions, potions and foods that can be prepared using all manner of different herbs, the list is far too long to be included here, but for example just think ginseng.

Various herbs have been used worldwide for the purpose of gaining sexual favours from persons of the opposite sex, (and even same sex). In medieval times wise women – witches- were frequently consulted and asked to prepare love potions. These were natural herbal potions, and even if the witch did not understand the medical process involved, they were usually designed to heighten libido with the intention of making the object of affection more susceptible to a romantic advance or seduction.

The most well known practitioners of aphrodisiac production were the ancient Chinese and Indians, but it is also known that ancient civilisations of South America were well versed; as indeed were the indigenous peoples of North America.

There are herbs that can produce harder and longer lasting erections; and far more concentrated orgasms for men. For women some herbs can increase natural genital lubrication also much more easily obtained and more intense orgasms. All this will without any doubt at all result in more satisfactory sex for all concerned.

There is plenty of written evidence to support the efficacy of herbs as aphrodisiacs, and plenty of anecdotal evidence by happy users to support the claims. Even modern science has begun to promote the benefits of aphrodisiacs on the human libido with the production of Viagra and other drugs. Certainly a satisfactory sex life for both partners is one of the main foundations of a long and happy marital partnership.

However, care is needed when using any herb as an aphrodisiac. Certainly before any sort of self-experimentation takes place it is very important to make some research because some herbs are very potent and some can have serious implications for anyone already taking certain prescribed medicines. Great care should be taken in the choice of herb by anyone suffering from medical problems associated with heart disease, diabetes and any kind of liver or kidney malfunction.

So if you do decide to experiment; then do so at your own risk!

The Italian Herb Garden

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:39:56 +0000

Although there are so many herbs that could be included in an Italian herb garden, you really should consider which herbs you will use. Research the growing conditions each plant needs and consider whether or not you can provide them. Italian herb gardening is mainly considered for culinary uses, adding flavor to food; but they should also be looked at for much more than that. Italian herbs are able to make amazing additions to landscape design. Italian herb gardening can be made to display for color and for aroma. By planting Italian herbs amongst the other herbs n the herb garden, you will be graced with the sweet aromas straight from Italy. It will be like taking a stroll on a Italian hill side.

Probably the most used herb in Italian cuisine is garlic, and Italian herb gardening would not be complete without this useful herb. Garlic cloves can be planted and will thrive in just about any garden with very little attention. After harvesting they can be stored to be used at a later time by freezing them or pickling them, even just storing in the refrigerator will keep them fresh for several weeks.

Basil is a well know Italian herb and useful in many Italian recipes. Basil will not only add flavor to many Italian cuisines, it is useful in the garden to other plants. Planting basil next to your peppers and tomatoes will actually improve their flavor. Plus, basil will also repel flies and mosquitoes.

Like basil, rosemary is an Italian herb that is beneficial to the garden. It grows into a large shrub that spouts pretty little blue flowers. It helps the garden by attracting bees. Although it is a tough evergreen perennial, it is sensitive to frost.

Not often thought of as an Italian herb, Parsley is a relatively difficult herb plant to get started in the garden, but it is so useful not only for Italian dishes but many other types of cuisines. Many generations ago before there were breath mints it was found that eating fresh, raw parsley after a meal eradicated the bad breath left from enjoying a flavorful cuisine. The tradition developed into serving parsley on a small dish after the meal. That tradition has today become responsible for using parsley as a garnish on a variety of meals.

Oregano is as decorative as it is flavorful. When it is fully mature it will sprout pretty little purple flowers. Unlike annual herbs, Oregano is best if not be harvested until it has flowered because this is when the plant has developed most flavor.

Fennel is famous for its seeds that grace and enhance the flavor of Italian sausage. The interesting thing about fennel is that the plant looses its flavor as it matures. It is a perennial plant and must be divided and replanted every few years.

Sage is used in a variety of Italian dishes, from meats to salads. New shoots of the plant contain the most flavor so it is recommended not to let sage plants to get too woody by keeping them trim, so that new shoots will be encouraged to grow. Sage can be harvested after it blooms. Although regarded as an Italian herb,(it was spread throughout Europe by the Roman invading armies) there was a sage not unlike the Roman variety cultivated by the ancient Greeks and much valued for its medicinal properties.

When to Harvest Your Herbs

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:12:10 +0000

Generally speaking for any herbs grown for their leaves you should harvest from the herb garden before they come into flower because most herbs tend to loose their flavor or become bitter after flowering. Always pick the leaves when they are tender and contain the highest amount of oil, which gives the taste and fragrance that you want. in the herb garden how to harvest can be said to be best done, for most herbs, early in the morning just as the dew evaporates, but before the heat of the day. Aviod washing the leaves because you will lose all the aromatic oils.

Flowering herbs, like chamomile, lavender, and borage, are at best if harvested before the flowers are fully open. Herbs grown for their seeds, such as caraway, coriander, dill, and fennel, should be harvested as the seed pods begin changing color. Roots crops, like ginger, ginseng and goldenseal, should be dug up early in the fall.

Annual herbs such as basil, cilantro, chervil, and dill should be fully harvested at least once a month during the growing season. This regular pruning encourages new growth and maximizes leaf yield. Cut the stem at the third leaf node. The plant will develop two stems above the cut thus producing much more leaf. Do not allow any of these plants to flower otherwise they will bolt and be ruined.

To encourage new growth on your perennial plants prune to about half their height. You can cut back an annual even more — to just a few inches. Many culinary herbs, including basil, chives, mint, oregano and parsley, grow back quickly, benefiting from constant pruning. Harvest early and frequently

It is perfectly alright to harvest annual herbs until frost, but perennial herbs should not be touched after August, or one month before the first expected frost. This is because new growth will be stimulated which will not be hardened off before being ruined by frost.

If you were to harvest any lavender and tarragon flowers early in July and then prune the plants right down to half original height, with some luck with the weather conditions you could obtain a fresh blooming in the fall.

Finally, not so much harvesting as such, but tidying up and caring for your plants during the off season. The best time to cut back and reshape flowering herbs is right after they bloom. When your perennial herbs have naturally sent their energy back to the roots after the first frosts, cut back really hard to strengthen them and encourage new vigorous growth in the Spring. When the annuals have reached the end of their season, cut them back very hard. All this will create a tidy looking garden. This looks better in winter and being smaller plants will be easier to mulch for protection. Do not leave dead growth in the ground or even laying about. Cleaning up is a critical factor in keeping the garden disease and pest free.

Growing Garden Herbs From Cuttings

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:10:50 +0000

Not every cutting you take is going to root. The experts consider 90% success rate to be excellent. So a beginner achieving 70% would earn a good pat on the back. It is really not a difficult process, and whatever your strike rate it will be a very inexpensive way to replenish your stock of plants for growing garden herbs.

Young plants are always best in your garden, most old plants will become woody and over time will produce less essential oils and flavors so producing new stock is the way to ensure that all your herbs are young and at their best for whatever is their use.
Always use a well sterilized container that is about three inches deep. Propagation trays from garden supply stores can be used again and again so are quite economical, but any type of tray that is the right depth, sterilizable and is provided with drainage can be used for the purpose.

Light soil or a soil-less mixture can be store bought, or, you can even make up your own mixture using compost and fine grit. The addition of vermiculite is beneficial too. Whatever you use, the mixture needs to be sterile and must drain easily. Root rot is the last thing you need. Make the mixture damp, not soaking wet. One thing to avoid at all cost is soil from your yard. This could contain all sorts of diseases and insects that would multiply in the warm growing conditions that your cuttings require.

Follow these 10 Rules for Instant Success:
1.) Only take cuttings from healthy, happy plants.

2.) Always cut from a side shoot not the middle of a plant. Side shoots root faster.

3.) Select a cutting that has just enough leaves for the plant to concentrate on rooting.

4.) Do not use as a cutting any stem that has buds of flowers on it.

5.) Make a clean 45 degree slice with a razor blade or very sharp knife at a node.

6.) Immediately plunge the cut tip into rooting powder or gel.

7.) Settle your cutting stem in the growing medium but keep the leaves well above.

8.) Place the container in a warm place or provide a heat mat.

9.) Put a transparent cover over the container to retain moisture.

10.) If possible put a florescent light or grow-light above the container for some 12 hours a day to promote strong growth.

11.) Keep the growing medium moist and soon roots will appear.

12.) When strong enough transplant them to their permanent growing position.

Taking and growing on from, cuttings is such a very satisfying and pleasurable way to increase your stock for growing herb plants. You can pass any surplus new plants on to friends, or if you have been really productive even have a yard gate sale with all the surplus.

Starting Herbs from Seed

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:42:32 +0000

Bear in mind that most herbs will start from seeds, but, some, such as oregano, rosemary and mint do better if propagated as cuttings. Described here are some techniques to help you towards a good start for your herbs seeds.

Starting herb seeds indoors for your first herb garden is fairly easy when you know what you’re doing. Simply provide the right conditions and you’ll have beautiful, healthy herb seedlings in no time.

Follow these 10 rules and you should have no problems at all:

1. Maintain a record book:

Record when the herb seeds are sown, the germination date and success rate, and when herb seedlings are ready for transplanting each year. This helps to correct any failures.

2. Test a sample of the seeds to check viability

Many herb seeds if soaked for a few hours will, if alive sink to the bottom of the dish, while dead ones will float on the surface.

3. Do not overcrowd, plant seeds sparingly

Prevent excessive moisture around fragile young roots. Some herb seedlings hate being transplanted so sow the seeds in individual compost plugs.

4. Firm seeds down into direct contact with the soil

Very small herb seeds should lie directly on the surface. But whether covered with planting medium or not, each seed must be in firm contact with the moist medium.

5. Keeping seeds warm will encourage germination

A heating pad designed for plant use can be obtained from good Garden Centres. But be sure to check for moisture often. Alternatively make sure the ambient temperature is 70° (+/-5°)

6. Cover trays with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in

Secure plastic film over the sown seed pot to keep the moisture level constant. As soon as the herb seeds germinate, remove the plastic wrap.

7. Provide air flow to prevent disease

By placing a small fan near your herb seedlings you will promote good air circulation. Keep the fan on low and directed to blow across the containers at the soil level.

8. Turn containers daily to ensure upright growth

It is best to place the herb seed containers in a sunny position, but to ensure even growth give the containers a quarter turn each day.

9. Feed them, but sparingly

Herb seeds do not need any fertiliser in order to germinate. However after leaves have sprouted then use a very weak-strength liquid fertilizer just once a week.

10. Acclimatise seedlings to direct sunlight

Before transplanting to the outdoor herb garden; over a three or four day period place the herb seedlings in direct sunlight, morning only of the first day, then increase their exposure each day until strong and ready to be transplanted.

How to start a herb garden

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:52:00 +0000

Although requirements of each type of herb do vary, there are general guidelines that will suit most of them. You want to get active as quickly as possible to start the herbs for growing in your garden; but slow down a minute as you must consider the herb garden design.

First of all you should actually map out your garden on paper. This will help you with your planning because you need to determine the size of your garden by deciding the quantity of herbs for growing as well as how many different herbs you intend to grow. Usually a dozen or so will give you great variety but consider how much space they will absorb for the quantity of each that you require.

Next, before you decide where to put your herb garden, you must determine how much sunlight is needed by the herbs for growing in your garden. Most herbs enjoy sun, however, a few are better grown in partial shade If the garden is laid out properly tall sun lovers can provide partial shade for the more delicate items such as sweet cicely or angelica.

The choice of a site for herbs for growing in the garden is governed to a large extent by the other uses to which your yard is put. If priority must be given to a play area for children, or a large kitchen garden is required then of course choices are limited, but do try to find space for a site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day and is large enough to meet the needs of your herbs.

The type of soil in your yard is an important factor. Most of the herbs you will start in your herb garden will thrive best on light soil that drains well. If your soil is heavy then you must consider ways to improve it. There are exceptions to this rule of course; a few herbs do enjoy a fairly moist situation – such as angelica, lovage and mint.

The most labour intensive solution to heavy soil in your yard, but by far the best, long term, is to dig out all the soil in the plot to a depth of at least 12 inches, line the bottom of the hole with two inches of pebbles topped with an inch of pea gravel. Replace the soil mixed with an organic compost.

Herbs are usually shallow rooted and less fussy about growing conditions than most other flowers and vegetables, but still require adequate soil. For the best results you will need a soil that is close to neutral with a pH of between 6.5 and 7.0. ). Avoid using any chemical or even organic fertilizer as these will encourage your herbs to make too much growth, and will decrease the concentration of essential oils and make your culinary herbs prolific, but less flavourful.

Harvest from your Herb Garden

admin — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:28:59 +0000

How to Store Harvest from Your Herb Garden

Having planted the herbs and watched them grow and flourish, in order to use the herbs you will need to harvest the herbs from your herb garden. They are extremely useful in so many ways but, using herbs from a home herb garden requires a little bit of work first.

Timing is very important. Wind and heat can decrease the amount of the essential oils of the herbs. Choose a calm and dry morning during midsummer for harvest from herb garden as fewer oils are produced by the herb on extremely wet days. Harvest from the herb garden just after the dew has dried from the leaves and just before the flowers open is the best method. Harvesting the herb does not mean removing the entire plant, just taking a certain amount. There is no need to use all the herb that you are harvesting at once because it can be preserved to use later. Never take more then one third of the plant’s foliage at any one time as the plant does need a plenty of foliage to recover and grow on. Always inspect the plant for insects and damaged leaves before harvesting.

There are three main ways for preserving herbs for later use; drying, freezing, or storing them in a medium like salt or vinegar. Dry herbs by tying into bundles of up to twelve stems and remove any bare foliage at the base of the them then hang the bundles in a cool place away from sunlight. Dry individual leaves by placing them on a rack or a screen. They must be turned fairly often so that they dry properly. It is not really a good idea to use appliances like dehydrators, ovens or microwaves to dry herbs although many people do use them because the results are less satisfactory. Herbs can be frozen and this is an easy way to preserve them. Just chop into ¼ inch pieces, place them on a wax paper lined tray or baking sheet that fits the freezing compartment. Once the herbs are frozen, place them in bags and store them in the freezer until needed. The third way to preserve herbs is by covering herbs such as chopped mint, basil or tarragon with vinegar and they will be preserved for several months.

Of course, the best way is to use herbs is fresh right out of the garden. Remember though to clean fresh herbs before use by putting them in a bowl filled with cool water in which has been dissolved some salt – about two tablespoonfuls. This soaking will remove any insects without damaging the leaves. After removing the herbs from the water pat dry with a soft cloth or use a salad spinner.

Different types of herbs are used for many different uses. Every different type of herb has its own best instructions on how to use, harvest, and preserve. Do make some research into the specific type of herb you are using in order to be sure to use it correctly.