Nine Herbs to Grow on Your Window sill

[Guest guest]

Nine Herbs to Grow on Your Windowsill

Did you know sage can combat carpal tunnel syndrome and oregano is a powerful antioxidant? Many common herbs do more than add flavor to your

meals: they go into overtime to work on asthma, arthritis, and insomnia.

 

Here's a quick list of nine herbs that are easy to grow, followed by advice on how to get started. Holly Shimizu, a renowned horticulturist and garden designer, and AllHerb.com's advisor on gardening, gives a green "thumbs up" to these.

A Healing Garden

Try these herbs:

1. Mint

2. Rosemary

3. Lemon balm

4. Thyme

5. Sage

6. Oregano

7. Parsley

8. Lavender

9. Catnip

1. Mint

Aromatic spearmint and peppermint do more than add a little zest to your cup of tea: they are also a traditional treatment for gallstones. The oils of these effective antioxidants ease muscle tightness, and chewing on mint sprigs can relieve an upset stomach.

2. Rosemary

Distinguished by its narrow, spiky leaves and piney scent, rosemary varies in color from shiny dark green to pale gray-green all over. Known as the herb of remembrance, rosemary contains several antioxidants that help prevent aging in cells and may work against Alzheimer's disease.

3. Lemon balm

Also known as melissa, lemon balm relieves chronic fatigue syndrome and can be helpful in treating migraines. A tea made with lemon balm can also work as a sedative and a stomach soother. Its bright green heart-shaped leaves give off a lovely lemony scent.

4. Thyme

Thyme's pungent scent comes from the oil in the small oval leaves. Apply a compress of thyme leaves to the aching muscles in your neck, shoulders, and back if you're prone to tension headaches. A cup of thyme tea taken up to four times a day may be effective against bronchitis and whooping cough.

5. Sage

Available in numerous varieties, sage is a strongly aromatic, bushy plant with spiky purple flowers. Loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds, sage is effective against carpal tunnel syndrome. Steep two teaspoons of dried sage in a cup of boiling water and gargle with it (after it has cooled) to treat mouth and throat inflammations.

6. Oregano

The robust taste of oregano comes from its soft, oval leaves that grow in pairs along the stem. Its power punch of antioxidants can help maintain the immune function of those who are HIV-positive. Good for arthritis, asthma, and emphysema, oregano also contains seven compounds that lower blood pressure.

7. Parsley

A rich source of the bone-strengthener flourine, parsley works to prevent osteoporosis. Apply crushed parsley leaves to reduce the black and blue colors of a bruise. Parsley comes in two varieties: curly parsley and the taller, flat-leaf Italian parsley. Eat a sprig for a quick breath freshener and to aid in digestion.

8. Lavender

Fragrant flowers characterize the spiky leaves and colorful blooms of lavender. Aromatherapists routinely use oil of lavender for pain; mix a few drops of lavender oil with a tablespoon of vegetable oil and massage the painful area. Sprinkle a few drops on your bed sheets to help you sleep, or relax in a warm bath scented with lavender oil.

9. Catnip

The downy, gray-green leaves of catnip are a favorite of cats, so keep this herb off your windowsill if you don't want your cats playing in your plants. A member of the mint family, catnip has a mild tranquilizing effect on most people. Try a cup of catnip tea about 45 minutes before bedtime to induce sleep.

Note: All these herbs can grow from one to three feet tall, so keep them trimmed. Herbs are safe moderate doses, but like any medicine, some can be harmful when taken in frequent, large doses. Herbal oils are intended for external use only. Keep such oils away from small children who might be tempted to taste them.

What you need to get started:

1. Containers

Plastic pots (inexpensive and retain moisture) or clay pots (they breathe and thus require frequent watering). A wooden planter or a terra-cotta container will also do.

2. Soil

Mix your own soil with sand, compost, lightener, and fertilizer (good for long-term growing over several seasons) or purchase a bag of potting soil (good for a few containers for one season).

3. Plants

Purchase small herb plants from your local nursery, over the Internet, or through a mail-order catalogue. Also, acquire seeds, cuttings, and root pieces from friends and gardeners.

4. A sunny windowsill, water, and a little patience.

 

“If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride, because it shows you trust in your own powers. Never bother about other people's opinions. Be humble and you will never be disturbed. Remember St. Aloysius, who said he would continue to play billiards even if he knew he was going to die. Do you play well? Sleep well? Eat well? These are duties. Nothing is small for God.”

~ Mother Theresa20th century humanitarian

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[Guest guest]

Is the sage you mention the garden sage?

Did you know you can use the leaves from sagebrush for a tea? Don't make it too strong. It will clean out your lymph system, but if you make it too strong, it will empty out your stomach (as in upchuck) I mix sage leaves, mullein leaves and yarrow leaves. I call it sinus tea. I use a third of each, but if you are not used to sage, I recommend using half the quantity that I do.

Caveat: I am not a dr and am not recommending medical treatment. I am sharing anecdotal knowledge of an herbal remedy which has worked for me, my family and friends.

Joan

 

-

Jose and Diana

Monday, March 13, 2006 7:36 PM

Nine Herbs to Grow on Your Window sill

 

 

Nine Herbs to Grow on Your Windowsill

Did you know sage can combat carpal tunnel syndrome and oregano is a powerful antioxidant? Many common herbs do more than add flavor to your

meals: they go into overtime to work on asthma, arthritis, and insomnia.

 

Here's a quick list of nine herbs that are easy to grow, followed by advice on how to get started. Holly Shimizu, a renowned horticulturist and garden designer, and AllHerb.com's advisor on gardening, gives a green "thumbs up" to these.

A Healing Garden

Try these herbs:

1. Mint

2. Rosemary

3. Lemon balm

4. Thyme

5. Sage

6. Oregano

7. Parsley

8. Lavender

9. Catnip

1. Mint

Aromatic spearmint and peppermint do more than add a little zest to your cup of tea: they are also a traditional treatment for gallstones. The oils of these effective antioxidants ease muscle tightness, and chewing on mint sprigs can relieve an upset stomach.

2. Rosemary

Distinguished by its narrow, spiky leaves and piney scent, rosemary varies in color from shiny dark green to pale gray-green all over. Known as the herb of remembrance, rosemary contains several antioxidants that help prevent aging in cells and may work against Alzheimer's disease.

3. Lemon balm

Also known as melissa, lemon balm relieves chronic fatigue syndrome and can be helpful in treating migraines. A tea made with lemon balm can also work as a sedative and a stomach soother. Its bright green heart-shaped leaves give off a lovely lemony scent.

4. Thyme

Thyme's pungent scent comes from the oil in the small oval leaves. Apply a compress of thyme leaves to the aching muscles in your neck, shoulders, and back if you're prone to tension headaches. A cup of thyme tea taken up to four times a day may be effective against bronchitis and whooping cough.

5. Sage

Available in numerous varieties, sage is a strongly aromatic, bushy plant with spiky purple flowers. Loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds, sage is effective against carpal tunnel syndrome. Steep two teaspoons of dried sage in a cup of boiling water and gargle with it (after it has cooled) to treat mouth and throat inflammations.

6. Oregano

The robust taste of oregano comes from its soft, oval leaves that grow in pairs along the stem. Its power punch of antioxidants can help maintain the immune function of those who are HIV-positive. Good for arthritis, asthma, and emphysema, oregano also contains seven compounds that lower blood pressure.

7. Parsley

A rich source of the bone-strengthener flourine, parsley works to prevent osteoporosis. Apply crushed parsley leaves to reduce the black and blue colors of a bruise. Parsley comes in two varieties: curly parsley and the taller, flat-leaf Italian parsley. Eat a sprig for a quick breath freshener and to aid in digestion.

8. Lavender

Fragrant flowers characterize the spiky leaves and colorful blooms of lavender. Aromatherapists routinely use oil of lavender for pain; mix a few drops of lavender oil with a tablespoon of vegetable oil and massage the painful area. Sprinkle a few drops on your bed sheets to help you sleep, or relax in a warm bath scented with lavender oil.

9. Catnip

The downy, gray-green leaves of catnip are a favorite of cats, so keep this herb off your windowsill if you don't want your cats playing in your plants. A member of the mint family, catnip has a mild tranquilizing effect on most people. Try a cup of catnip tea about 45 minutes before bedtime to induce sleep.

Note: All these herbs can grow from one to three feet tall, so keep them trimmed. Herbs are safe moderate doses, but like any medicine, some can be harmful when taken in frequent, large doses. Herbal oils are intended for external use only. Keep such oils away from small children who might be tempted to taste them.

What you need to get started:

1. Containers

Plastic pots (inexpensive and retain moisture) or clay pots (they breathe and thus require frequent watering). A wooden planter or a terra-cotta container will also do.

2. Soil

Mix your own soil with sand, compost, lightener, and fertilizer (good for long-term growing over several seasons) or purchase a bag of potting soil (good for a few containers for one season).

3. Plants

Purchase small herb plants from your local nursery, over the Internet, or through a mail-order catalogue. Also, acquire seeds, cuttings, and root pieces from friends and gardeners.

4. A sunny windowsill, water, and a little patience.

 

“If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride, because it shows you trust in your own powers. Never bother about other people's opinions. Be humble and you will never be disturbed. Remember St. Aloysius, who said he would continue to play billiards even if he knew he was going to die. Do you play well? Sleep well? Eat well? These are duties. Nothing is small for God.”

~ Mother Theresa20th century humanitarian

 

 

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