Nine Herbs to Grow on Your Windowsill

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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. Or 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.

 

The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.~ Albert Einstein ~

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