Herb Fun

As long as there have been humans and plants, we’ve not only eaten them, but also recognized plants for qualities beyond their nutritional value. Some alter perception, a few kill, but many were believed to help with common ailments. Science is still researching herbalism, so it’s important to take care before using herbs for medicine and consult your doctor. Some herbs are very safe already for everyday medicinal purposes, but there are more "medicinal" herbs for sale that require some research before you ingest them

Parsley
Nutritionist Adam Blackman claims parsley can enhance mental alertness and your immune system. The American University of Beirut demonstrated parsley has a diuretic effect that releases sodium, but retains potassium in your system. It may be this effect that caused Native Americans to believe parsley could strengthen the bladder. The high chlorophyll content in parsley is believed to kill some types of bacteria that can cause bad breath. According to herbalist Scott Cunningham in his Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, it’s this old belief that originally prompted parsley’s introduction to the dinner plate – to prevent contamination!

Basil
Known as the ‘king of herbs’ to ancient Greeks, basil has long been considered powerful. Iowa State University’s Growing and Using Basil explains that in the 1800s, basil was added to teas and bathwaters for its mild sedative effect. And while its heady perfume makes this drowsy effect seem plausible, basil was once considered so powerful that it could keep evil spirits away and help witches fly if they drank a draught of basil juice!

Mint
The high menthol content in mint is used in products from pain creams to vapor rubs. Humans have enjoyed this wonderful mix of warming and cooling for centuries. Ancients rubbed mint on their foreheads to cure a headache. Mint is often suggested today as a digestive and relaxing tea. It also has a trace amount of tryptophan, the chemical that makes you sleepy after a big turkey dinner, which may increase this calming effect.

Rue
Some herbs have fallen out of favor as culinary herbs for western palates; rue is one of them. Highly bitter, rue is almost exclusively considered a medicinal herb by American gardeners. It’s believed to relieve gas and improve appetite (one has to eat something to get the awful taste out!). Oil of rue is sometimes used externally to relieve joint pain. Some people experience severe discomfort on ingestion of rue, so be forewarned before wolfing down on a plateful.

Tansy
Another former kitchen herb once used for baked goods and desserts, tansy is rarely consumed today. A bitter tea made from tansy was used to cure worms. Tansy leaves are still used today to repel ants and rubbed on the skin as a natural insect repellant. Tansy contains high amounts of thujone, which ingested can cause convulsions, vomiting, and death. Despite its lethal punch it is an interesting and beautiful, ferny plant with yellow button flowers.

Each spring, I’m surprised by the increasing number of medicinal herbs like hyssop, artemisia, and stinging nettle finding their way into even common grocery store greenhouses. Interest in these almost forgotten plants is increasing as people find this selection is another way to make your yard, your way.