Wednesday, January 1, 2014

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Sunday, January 4, 2009

Curry Bush

CURRY BUSH (Helichrysum angustifolium syn. H.
italicum 'Curry Plant')

(Everlasting Flower)

Cultivation - Light, well drained soil in full
sun. Cut back to within 2.5cm of previous year's
growth in Spring

Propagation - Seed sown in Spring. Semi-ripe
cuttings in Summer

Flowers - appear early in Summer

Harvest - Sprigs are picked in Summer

Dimensions - 40cm high. 75cm wide.

USES

Culinary - Sprigs can be added to rice,
vegetables and egg dishes. The more you cook this
herb the less flavour it will impart

Magical - None found

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY

This plant should not be confused with the Curry Leaf
Plant or Curry Plant (Murraya koenigii) as this is the
plant which is used to create true Curry. As a
garnish though it can be used as a mild substitute and
it really does smell divine on a hot summer night
wafting through the garden. This plant belongs to the
Helichrysum family which produce 'everlasting'
flowers. One thing to note with the Curry Bush though
is that the flowers do not fully open until they are
cut from the bush. The name originated from the Greek
words 'helios' meaning sun and 'chrysos' meaning
golden, referring to the flower colour.

Sources:

The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia
of Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN
0751333867) Published by DK


Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used effectively for mild ailments but
medical advice should be consulted first to rule out
major illnesses.

Costmary

COSTMARY (Chrysanthemum balsamita syn. Tanacetum
balsamita)
(Alecost, Bibleleaf)

Cultivation - Well drained to dry, stony soil in the
Sun. This plant can be invasive

Propagation - Seed sown in Spring. Division in
Spring or Autumn. Basal cuttings in Spring.
Semi-ripe cuttings in Summer

Harvest - Whole plants are cut when flowering.
Leaves are picked as required

Dimensions - 90cm high. 60cm wide.

USES

Medicinal

Internal - This herb is obselete today but was once
used internally as a liver and gall bladder remedy

External - Insect stings

Culinary - Fresh leaves are used sparingly in
salads, dressings, meat and vegetable dishes. Dry
leaves can be used in herbal teas

Magical - None found

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY

This herb while rarely used these days was used in the
Middle Ages to flavour beer, hence the other name of
Alecost given to it. This herb can be used to scent
rinsing water for the hair or to scent the bath water.
It has digestive properties so can be used sparingly
as a culinary herb. The leaves of this plant were
once used as fragrant bookmarks (hence the name
Bibleleaf). The word 'cost' comes from the Sanskrit
'kustha' which translates to 'an aromatic plant'.
While 'mary' refers to the fact that this plant was
once dedicated to the Virgin Mary

Sources:

The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia
of Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN
0751333867) Published by DK

The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs
in Australia) by Gilian Painter (ISBN 1854290455)
Published by Millennium Books

The Complete New Herbal by Richard Mabey (ISBN
0140126821) Published by Penguin Books


Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used effectively for mild ailments but
medical advice should be consulted first to rule out
major illnesses.

Parsley, Continental

CONTINENTAL PARSLEY syn. 'Italian' (Petroselinum
crispum var. neapolitanum)
(Flat Parsley, Italian Parsley, Plain leafed
Parsley, Fern Leafed Parsley)

Cultivation - Rich, well drained soil in sun or
partial shade

Propagation - Seed sown from Spring to late Summer.
Soak seeds overnight in warm water to speed
germination (otherwise germination will take 3 to 6
weeks). This herb will self seed freely if allowed

Flowers - appear from Spring through to the end of
Summer

Harvest - Leaves are picked before flowering. Roots
are lifted in late Autumn of first year or Spring of
second year. Seeds are collected when ripe. Oil can
be distilled from the leaves and seeds

Dimensions - 90cm high. 60cm wide.

USES

Medicinal

Internal - Menstrual complaints, oedema, cystitis,
prostatis, kidney stones, indegestion colic,
anorexia, anaemia, arthritis, rheumatism, promotes
lactation and uterus contraction after delivery

**Excess causes abortion, liver and kidney damage,
nerve inflammation and gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
Contraindicated during pregnancy and when kidney
disease is present. Excess can be toxic, although it
is perfectly safe to eat in the amounts required in
cooking recipes


Culinary - Leaves used as a garnish, to flavour
sauces, butter, dressings, stuffings and savoury
dishes. Parsley is used in such dishes as: Salsa
Verde (Mexico), Tabouleh (Middle East), Chimichurri
(Argentina), Persillade (France) and Gremolata
(Italy)

Magical - The same as for Petroselinum sativum
(common parsley) Lust, Protection, Purification

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY

You can eat this herb to promote love but never cut
the plant when you are in love or you will also cut
the love. Romans used to tuck a piece of Parsley into
their togas for protection. Parsley placed on a plate
of food was used to guard it from contamination or
poison (and you can still see this in practise today
when you visit the butchers or go to a restaurant). A
wreath of parsley was also said to prevent or delay
inebriation. This plant is a native of the
Mediterranean region and was used widely by the Greeks
for hero's garlands and at funerals. Parsley contains
calcium, vitamin A, B1, and C (infact, aproximately
four times as much as the equal weight in oranges),
protein and iron. So while the herb can be toxic in
enormous doses, it is still regarded as a herb to be
used everyday to promote good health.


Sources:

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by
ScottCunningham (ISBN 0875421229) Published by
Llewellyn Publications

The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia
of Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN
0751333867) Published by DK

The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs in
Australia) by Gilian Painter (ISBN 1854290455)
Published by Millennium Books


Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used effectively for mild ailments but
medical advice should be consulted first to rule out
major illnesses.

Coltsfoot

COLTSFOOT (Tussilago farfara)
(Ass's Foot, British Tobacco, Bull's Foot,
Butterbur, Coughwort)

Cultivation - Moist soil in sun or partial shade.
This plant is invasive so it is best kept in a pot

Propagation - Seed sown in Spring. Division in
Spring or Autumn

Harvest - Leaves are cut when fully grown. Flowers
are picked as they bud or when they first open

Dimensions - 30cm high. Indefinate width.

USES

Medicinal

Internal - Coughs, asthma, whooping cough,
catarrh, bronchitis and laryngitis

External - Ulcers, sores, eczema, insect bites
and skin inflammations

**The use of the leaf should be restricted to 3-4
week treatments. Contraindicated during pregnancy and
lactation

Culinary - Young leaves, flower buds and newly
opened flowers can be used raw in salads, soups and
teas and imparts a slightly salty taste. Flowers have
been used traditionally in country wine making

Magical - Love, Visions

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY

This herb can be added to love satchets and spells
involving peace and tranquility. The leaves when
smoked can cause visions. In the 19th century, there
was known to be a variegated cultivar, but this has
been since lost to cultivation. Tussilago is from the
Latin word 'tussis' which translates to 'cough',
hence its use for many coughing illnesses. Pliny
(AD23-79) suggested that this herb be thrown over
cypress charcoal and the resultant smoke swallowed
instead of inhaled for the relief of coughs.


Sources:

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott
Cunningham (ISBN 0875421229) Published by Llewellyn Publications

The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of
Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK

The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs
in Australia) by Gilian Painter (ISBN 1854290455)
Published by Millennium Books


Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice
should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.

Chives

CHIVES (Allium schoenoprasum)


Cultivation - Rich, well drained soil in full Sun

Propagation - Seed sown in Spring. Bulbs planted in
Autumn or Spring

Flowers - are produced in Spring through to late
Summer

Harvest - Cut as required

Dimensions - 10-60cm high. 30cm wide

USES

Culinary - Use with potatoes and eggs. Use also in
soups, salads, soft cheeses, omelettes, sauces and
anything else you would use onion in

Magical - None found for Chives but see below for
related species

Garlic (A. sativum) - Protection, Healing, Exorcism,
Lust, Anti-Theft
Leek (Allium spp.) - Love, Protection, Exorcism
Onion (A. cepa) - Protection, Exorcism, Healing,
Money, Prophetic Dreams, Lust
Shallot (Allium spp.) - Purification

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY

The Allium family originate from South Africa. The
typical smell from this plant comes from the sulphur
compounds in the plant which depending on its levels
can be beneficial to circulation, digestion and the
respiratory system.


Sources:

The Complete New Herbal by Richard Mabey (ISBN
0140126821) Published by Penguin

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham (ISBN
0875421229) Published by Llewellyn Publications

The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of
Herbs and Their Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK

The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs
in Australia) by Gilian Painter (ISBN 1854290455)
Published by Millennium Books


Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice
should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.

Chamomile, Roman

CHAMOMILE, ROMAN (Chamaemelum nobile, syn. Anthemis
nobilis)
(Camomyle, Chamaimelon, Ground Apple, Maythen,
Roman Camomile, Whig Plant)

Cultivation - Light, well drained soil in full Sun

Propagation - Seed sown in Spring or Autumn. Division
in Spring

Flowers - are produced in early Summer

Harvest - Flowers are gathered in Summer. Dried
flowers keep for one year only

Dimensions - 10-30cm high. 45cm wide

USES

Medicinal

Internal - Digestive problems (incl. colic,
diverticulitis, morning sickness and stress induced
dyspepsia), painful menstruation, insomnia,
feverish illnesses, hyperactivity and temper tantrums
in children

External - Irritated or sore skin, nappy rash

**Handling may cause dermatitis in susceptible people.
The essential oil is only to be used by qualified
practitioners

Culinary - Flowers can be used in herbal teas and
Sherry (Manzanilla, a Spanish drink). Small amounts
of chopped leaves can be used to flavour cream dishes

Magical - Money, Sleep, Love, Purification

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY

Chamaemelum comes from the Greek work chamaimelon
which means 'apple of the ground', due to the scent
the leaves release when disturbed. This is the plant
that is used to make lawns although in order to do
this, the area must be weed free and must stay this
way. A handwash made of Chamomile is used by gamblers
to attract money. This herb can be sprinkled around
the house to break curses and spells cast against you.
Chamomile is an excellent nursemaid to sick plants.
And if you are thinking of planting this next to a
sick plant, make sure Chamomile is planted on both
sides otherwise you will get a lopsided plant (I can
say this from experience). Chamomile tea was made
immortalised in Beatrix Potter's Tale of Peter Rabbit.


Sources:

The Complete New Herbal by Richard Mabey (ISBN
0140126821) Published
by Penguin

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott
Cunningham (ISBN
0875421229) Published by Llewellyn Publications

The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of
Herbs and Their
Uses by Deni Bown (ISBN 0751333867) Published by DK

The Essential Herb Garden (Growing and Using Herbs in
Australia) by Gilian Painter (ISBN 1854290455)
Published by Millennium Books


Disclaimer: This is for reference guide only.
Herbs can be used
effectively for mild ailments but medical advice
should be consulted
first to rule out major illnesses.