Herb Garden History
Before modern medicine and technology developed to where it is today, people all over the world had to make due with the things around them. They looked to environment around them to guide them on how to cure aliments anywhere from a small cold to fatal diseases. In keeping with the historical theme of the overall garden, we looked all over the world to see what types of herbs cultures have used throughout time. From the Native Americans to the Romans, herbs have been used through the ages. Along with the medicinal theme, we also looked to find our inner culinary chef when it came to searching for herbs to grow in our garden. Along with some of the classic herbs that you can find in your kitchen today, we also looked into a few other “exotic” herbs to spice things up a bit. This bed, along with the other three aloud us to experiment some and see what we could grow in our area. Below you can find a list of some of the major herbs that we used and their culinary and medicinal purposes.
Lavender:
One of the most popular medicinal herbs since ancient times, lavender has always had many different uses. A favorite when it comes to aromatherapy, it particularly is used to promote relaxation and to help ease you in a deep, restful sleep at night. It is also used an antibacterial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and as a carminative. It has been used to calm stomach gasses and even as a way to stop nausea from occurring. Used as an essential oil, it can relieve headaches, migraines, and cold sores. “In Arab medicine, it is used as an expectorant and an antispasmodic. In European folk tradition it is used as a wound herb and a worm medicine for children” (Lavender). In the roman culture, lavender was used to scent their public baths. It is still used today in perfumes, aroma therapies, and cooking
Borage:
Borage is an herb native to the Mediterranean. It grows to be around 2 meters tall and it has very bristly leaves, producing a beautiful flower from June to August. Bees are extremely attracting to borage (thus it serves two roles in our garden). It is used as an aperient (laxative affect), diaphoretic, and as a tonic. Borage tea was once used to make wince and it is said to have a cucumber like flavor. It also been reported to reduce fevers, coughs, sore throats, cold, and to act as an decongestant. Some cultures also make use of it to expel poisons that they may encounter from getting too close to a venomous snake or an insect. Some may also suggest it for pleurisy, peritonitis, adrenal glands, and even to improve the health of your over all digestive system.
Basil:
Basil is found growing wild in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, however is cultivated around the world as a common kitchen herb. Medicinally, it is used as an antipasmodic, antidepressant, antiseptic, and an stomachic among numerous other things. In ancient times, basil was introduced into Europe where there were many different views and traditions towards the herb. In India, it is an extremely sacred plant. Some cultures associate basil with “hatred and misfortune” while others view it as a love token. Haitian merchants can be found using the herb in their stores, mixed with water. It is through to chase away bad luck and attract buyers.
Mint:
Mint is an herb that most people are very familiar with. It flowers in July and August and has a very alluring scent to it when the leaves are bruised. It has a variety of uses and is a great remedy for cramps, liver, spleen, and bladder troubles, and even some forms of asthma. It can also be used to helped subdue migraines and toothaches. If you crush its leaves, it can be used a poultice for sores, tumors, swellings, and insect bites. It is also thought to be a source of longevity. A man from Sydenham, England was said to have consumed the herb for 50 years for breakfast. He lived to be 116. Mint was originally grown in Arab nations. Traders introduced it to Spain and the Benedictine monks brought it into Germany.
Marigold:
Marigold is known to be an antispasmodic, diaphoretic, astringent, and a cholagogue. It is known for the way its flowers react to sunlight: opening at 9am and closing at 4pm. This behavior was first recorded by the Romans. They also observed that they often opened on the first day of every month. Marigolds are often used in companion planting, acting as an insecticide and as a weedkiller. Marigolds can also be used as a less-expensive substitute for saffron. The leaves are often used for dying for the coloring of butters and cheeses.
Wormwood:
Wormwood is a native plant of Europe, from where it was introduced to the United States. It has properties that allow it to be used to kill intestinal worms, as an antiseptic, a tonic, as well as a carminative and aromatic. It is said to be the most bitter of all of the herbs. One of the most popular stories behind the herb is that the plant first grew on the impressions left by serpent’s tail as he left the Garden of Eden. It was also said to drive away “goblins” who came out at night. Wormwood was also a main ingredient in the popular alcoholic drink absinthe during the 19th century, which is now banned in almost every country of the world because of its harmful affects to the nervous system. It is used today as a companion plant of sorts, usually being planted as a boarder around gardens to keep curious visitors away.
Updated June 22, 2011
Crowl, Michelle A.