Herb Of The Week - Helichrysum - The Curry Plant

[Guest guest]

Below is a snippet about helichrysum italicum from the Mountain Valley

Growers which supply certified organic herbs and perennials (check 'em

out) .

http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com

 

Note the mention about the Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Essential Oils

and the erroneous info about this plant depicted in that book

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

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http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/heltalicum.htm

 

Curry Plant looks very similar to a Lavender in its leaf stage. But, as

the picture above shows, it looks totally different in bloom. Curry

Plant likes it warm and dry. It is native to Turkey and thrives on sunny

slopes.

 

Related to the very popular dried Strawflower, Curry Plant proves once

again that the useful plants in a genus don't usually inherit the beauty

genes.

 

It seems illustrators, and even some purveyors of Curry Plant oil, tend

to confuse this Helichrysum with the Strawflower. We have found numerous

photos of Strawflowers used to represent Curry Plant. Even in the

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, (a great book for describing

oils and their benefits), there is a photo of the right leaves but a

drawing of the wrong flower. They even confuse the common names of

Immortelle and Everlasting with Curry Plant. These names apply to the

beautiful Strawflower but certainly don't describe the wispy H.

italicum.

 

Helichrysum oil has recently been reinvestigated as a medicinal herb. It

is reputed to be good for bruises and varicose veins. But, you will

probably have to make your own oil or infusion. There is very little oil

commercially available which tends to make it a bit pricey. The Home

Herbal is a great source for how to make almost any kind of medicinal

preparation from your own herbs.

 

With Curry Plant the million dollar question is, " What does it taste

like? " Why do you think we gave you the medicinal value first? While not

very tasty, Curry Plant smells strongly like Curry spices. But, Curry

Plant is not where Curry Seasoning comes from. Curry is actually a blend

of many different herbs. The herbs used in real Curry vary from region

to region. When Curry Plant is mentioned with food, it is always used

sparingly, a few leaves in a mayonnaise or a sprig tucked in a cavity of

a chicken. The flavor is not Curry but is strong. It is also difficult

to describe. However, trimming Curry Plant in the garden will leave you

pleasantly reeking like an Indian restaurant the rest of the day.

 

Cultural Information

Height: 2 Feet

Hardiness: Zone 8

Flower Color: Yellow

Characteristics: Full Sun,

Water Conserving,

Evergreen

Uses: Culinary,

Dried Flower,

Fragrant Ornamental