It is easy to grow herbal and herb plants. But just watering these like decorative plants will not assure the nutritional benefits that we expect to get from it. Herbs are just like vegetables. They need extra care to be able to supply good health.

Organic Soil Mix

Most herbal and herb plants need a good mixture of soil to be healthy. Garden soil is loose when wet, but too tight when dry. Adding sand loosens up soil - providing aeration and also good drainage to bring out excess water.  It is important to note though that there are some herbs which prefer just sand with compost. An example of this is chamomile. But regardless of soil mix, organic fertilizer should be applied monthly so as to give the herbs, herbals and vegetables that required proper nutrition. (Visit Plant Care for more information).

Insects

Insects are part of the food chain.  Although there are beneficial insects, non-beneficial insects need to be driven away to prevent infestation for the herbs to survive.  When I water my herbs, I add crushed Oregano or any minty herb. When I pour it on the leaves, stems and soil, I often see insects flying away.  Even herbs that do not need daily watering surely wouldn't mind a little water trickling down their leaves and stem just to get rid of insects affecting them. Oregano water can also be sprayed or be squeezed out from a recycled dish washing bottle.

Insect Bites on Leaves

Insects are obvious when you see these black hairy creatures lying down on the leaves comfortably or hiding under leaves by pairs or in groups. But some insects are trickier to spot because they are too small.  When non-beneficial insects are not very visible, their presence can manifest in the reaction of the leaves. Leaves with insects and eggs tend to have a different form as compared to others. These can curl up, have a different color, or may even stick together. Some stems may even have black spots on them.

If any of the leaves or stems have insects and eggs, just remove the infected parts so that the plant will survive.  Crushed oregano may also be applied directly on the plant to prevent further infestation. Any minty herb may be used as natural pesticide.  Also, the infested stems and leaves can be soaked in water overnight to kill the pests and eggs. These may be used as mint water for the plants the next day.

According to Dr. Shinya, author of The Enzyme Factor, there is no such thing as “harmful insects” since everything in this world is interconnected. This is why I retain leaves with insect bites (as long as it has no eggs) because the insect’s body, hands and feet, while in contact with the plant, leave  an enzyme called chitin-chitosan. This enzyme is found in the hard covering of an insect’s body which is the same enzyme found in the shell of shrimps and crabs. Chitin-Chitosan enzyme is an additional nutrient for herbs and also vegetables. It is a factor that is absent in edible plants that are contaminated with chemicals and pesticides.

Gardening is challenging with the presence of insects.  But it is good to know that insects, whether helpful or termed as “harmful” have such a valuable, nutritious and delicious contribution.   

EM-EM TINASAS, MBA
The Gardener

Source:

Shinya, H. (2014). The enzyme factor: Diet for the future. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd.

Photo from: www.atlanticavenuegarden.com

Thyme originates from the Mediterranean.  Its name comes from the word thymus which means fumigate.

As a kitchen herb, it is used to flavor tomato sauces and is a great stuffing for meat, lamb and chicken.

As a herbal tea, it induces sweat and eases colds and bronchitis. It even helps heal indigestion. This is also effective for asthma since it relaxes the spasm in the airways.  It has a moistening effect that causes one to expectorate. Thyme sterilizes the lungs which makes it a front liner for respiratory infection.  Known for its bacterial and anti-fungal properties, it is an ingredient of Vicks and Listerine.

As a herbal bath, this herbs eases rheumatism and muscular aches and pains.

Thyme likes light soil and full sun for best aroma.  It needs watering every other day or when soi is already partly dry. It requires organic fertilizer monthly. (Visit Plant Care for more information.)

Get your Thyme at www.herbalandherbs.wordpress.com!

EM-EM TINASAS, MBA
The Gardener

Sources:

Harding, J. (2002). Holistic herbs: An introductory guide to the healing power of herbs. Bath: Parragon Publishing

Cammarata, J. A guide to herbal remedies: Safe and effective remedies for achieving and maintaining health. New Delhi: Goodwill Publishing House

Rosemary is a tall, woody evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3 meters.  Its scientific name is Rosmarinus officinalis. During the ancient times, rosemary was used as incense.

As a kitchen herb, it flavors chicken, lamb and red meat well.

For wellness, rosemary-infused teas help heal headaches and relieve stress. It should be taken only thrice a day like any tea. Rosemary tea should only be taken for a week maximum. It also should not taken by pregnant women.

It is a good tonic for the hair and scalp.  The tea can be mixed with shampoo. (Visit Hair Products: Shampoo, Conditioners, Dye and Green Tips.)

Rosemary needs full sun, watering every other day (or when partly dry) and organic fertilizer monthly. (Visit Plant Care for more information.)

Get your Rosemary at www.herbalandherbs.wordpress.com!

EM-EM TINASAS, MBA
The Gardener

Source:

Harding, J. (2002). Holistic herbs: An introductory guide to the healing power of herbs. Bath: Parragon Publishing

Coriander is mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus dated around 1550 BC. This is also one of the oldest spices mentioned in the Egyptian documents 1000 years ago.  Its scientific name is Coriandrum Sativum. It is also called Cilantro, Coriander, or Wansoy (Chinese parsley).

 As a kitchen herb, it can be used as a dip for fried, broiled or steamed fish or meat by its mixing leaves with onion, tomato and vinegar. It can also flavor noodles, salads, curry and Indian dishes.

For wellness, it is effective for flatulence, and nervous tension. The seeds act as digestive stimulant by increasing gastric juices. It is good for the kidney. It is a good metal detoxifier and is also referred as the “Poor Man’s Chelation” which removes aluminum, lead, mercury contamination trapped inside the body. (Visit Metals: Home Appliances and Heavy Metal Contaminationfrom Fish, Aluminum Cookers and Pans, and Coriander Detox.)

Coriander needs well-drained soil, full sun, watering every other day (or when partly dry) and organic fertilizer every month.  Its leaves also make effective pesticides. (Visit How to Care for your Herbal and Herbs for more information.)

EM-EM TINASAS, MBA
The Gardener

Source:

Harding, J. (2002). Holistic herbs: An introductory guide to the healing power of herbs. Bath: Parragon Publishing

Peppermint is a perennial plant which is a crossbreed between water mint and spearmint.  In the Philippines, it is called Herba Buena or which loosely translates as “good herb”.  Its scientific name is Mentha x piperita. Ancient Greeks and Romans used this for décor for feasts and an ingredient for sauces.

As a kitchen herb, it can be used as minty topping for salads, added to chicken, meat or fish, and for sauces.

As a herbal tea, it can soothe indigestion and colds. Fresh or dried leaves can be made into herbal tea. Fresh leaves can be eaten, or crushed on aches and pains like headache, sinusitis, arthritis, etc. to directly apply enzymes. It may be slightly placed under the fire before direct application. It can also be made into homemade oil for massage for body pains and before bath. (Check Herbal and Herbs in Personal Care for more information.)

For plant care, peppermint needs part sun exposure, daily watering and organic fertilizer monthly. (Visit Plant Care for more information.)

Get your Peppermint at www.herbalandherbs.wordpress.com!

EM-EM TINASAS, MBA
The Gardener

Source:

Harding, J. (2002). Holistic herbs: An introductory guide to healing of herbs. Bath: Parragon Publishing

Did you know that it was the Romans that brought Lavender to Britain?  Its scientific name is Lavandula Angustifolia.

As a herbal tea, the dried flowers soothe fatigue, stress and tension, while the stems and leaves are made into essential oil. You can make homemade oil. (Visit Herbal and Herbs in Personal Care for more information.)  

Lavender requires full sun and watering every other day (or when soil is partly dry). Nourish it by putting organic fertilizer monthly.  (Visit Plant Care for more information.)

EM-EM TINASAS, MBA
The Gardener

Source:

Harding, J. (2002). Holistic herbs: An introductory guide to healing of herbs. Bath: Parragon Publishing

Lemon Balm is a perennial herb which is also referred to as Melissa, the Greek word for "bee".  Its scientific name is Melissa Officinalis (Labiatae/Lamiaceae).  It is a native of South Europe and North Africa.

It has a lemony scent with a gingery taste. Crushed leaves may be added to sauces, fruit salads, jellies and cold summer drinks.

As a herbal tea, it is helpful for indigestion, nervous tension, stress, insomnia and headache.  Lemon balm and peppermint make a good combination for tea.

Lemon balm plants need full sun, daily watering and its monthly organic fertilizer. (Visit Plant Care for more information.)

Get your Lemon Balm at www.herbalandherbs.wordpress.com!

Em-em Tinasas, MBA
The Gardener

Source:

Harding, J. (2002). Holistic herbs: An introductory guide to the healing power of herbs. Bath:  Parragon Publishing