Herb Gardening - Medicinal Herbs

Few places house more junk science than in the advertisements of herbal medicines. Near miraculous claims are made that haven't been tested or substantiated. Nevertheless, some herbs have, in fact, been used for thousands of years to help treat a number of conditions. Here are a few herbs that have been examined by leading research firms, along with possible benefits and side effects.

CHAMOMILE

Chamomile is an herb made from the dried flower of the same name. It's often used to make a tea that is both tasty and safe. It has a soothing effect and can be used as a mild sedative.

It's been claimed that chamomile can reduce inflammation and fever though this hasn't been proved. Some studies suggest that compounds in chamomile can inhibit certain bacteria linked to stomach ulcers. But the results are inconclusive.

Some individuals may be allergic to the pollen of this daisy-like flower, but for most the herb is safe even if not quite the miracle cure it is sometimes said to be.


ECHINACEA

Echinacea is a perrennial containing a number of substances that have been well studied. It has been used to treat upper respiratory problems produced by colds. It's sometimes thought to help the immune system. None of the claims made for it have been completely validated, however.

Some studies have suggested that it can help reduce the duration of colds and ease symptoms. Others have shown that it can reduce the frequency of catching colds. These claims are hard to prove, since there are so many factors that are operative whenever someone gets a cold, but at least the herb is generally thought to be safe. If nothing else, it might be a good placebo.

Individuals with diabetes are cautioned to seek the advice of a physician before taking Echinacea, however.


FEVERFEW

A bushy perrennial, feverfew contains active ingredients parthenolide and glycosides that it's believed may help in the treatment of inflammation and migraines. There is some support for the notions, since feverfew does tend to reduce clotting effectiveness.

But, there are some potential side effects, such as skin inflammation and mouth ulcers. Heart rate can be raised and it can interact with drugs taken for migraine. It may reduce the absorption of iron.

The jury is still out on this one.


GINSENG

An ancient herb, used in China and India for thousands of years, it's derived from the ginseng plant and used in hundreds of forms. Studies suggest it reduces blood sugar levels and increases HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the 'good' cholesterol.

Though safe, there is no evidence that it can actually enhance sexual performance. However in this area a placebo is often as good as an actual active ingredient. Sometimes, if you think you can, you can.

Ginseng has compounds similar to estrogen, though, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking it. Asthma attacks have been induced in some people by taking large quantities. Also, it can reduce blood sugar levels to unhealthily low levels.

Anyone seeking to use herbs as medicine should try to get the best information possible before risking his or her health. There is much anecdotal evidence, based on thousands of years of use, that some can be beneficial. But, it's difficult to evaluate those experiences objectively. Proceed with care.

Growing an indoor herb garden

If you are short of space in your garden try an indoor herb garden instead. There are plenty of smaller varieties and dwarf varieties of herbs that will grow quite well in small pots that can be placed on a kitchen windowsill. It makes cooking easier as you do not have to run to your outside garden to pick a few herbs. You can just simply turnaround and grab a few leaves!

Growing an indoor herb garden is easy and fun, lots of kits are available that have everything that you need to get started. There are even kits available that are fun to use and will get the kids involved. You get the same benefits that you would growing outside, but with some definite advantages.

· It is easy to monitor your plants
· Maintenance is easier
· No bugs eating the leaves
· So no nasty chemicals needed
· Easy to pick fresh leaves for cooking.


As most herbs are aromatic when you plant an indoor herb garden you get the fantastic fragrance they provide (air freshener any one?). You never now you may even get inspire whilst cooking and using the fresh leaves rather than the dried ones sitting in you cabinets will give your cooking a much better flavor.

Growing herbs indoors can also protect your outside plants as herbs by nature can be very invasive and if not controlled can take over the rest of the garden, but by growing your herbs indoors in pots this problem is overcome.

We all now that having plants in a room can make the room warm and cozy. Now by growing herbs indoors you get warmth combine with pleasant fragrance and a useful plant too.

Can I save money growing my own fruit and veg?

Can I save money growing my own fruit and veg?

The answer is yes you can by following 5 simple steps.

1. List what you and your family like to eat, e.g. apples, swedes, peppers etc.

2. Then take that list and get mark each item as either expensive, cheap or in between. For example here in the UK carrots are cheap but Chilli peppers are expensive.

3. Then take those that you have marked as expensive and look at their growing requirements an compare those to the space and climate etc you have available. Also remember to include the amount of care that is needed. It is no use deciding to grow something yourself if you are away a lot of the time and this crop needs daily watering.

4. Once you have done this you can repeat 3 if you think you would have the room to grow more.

5. If you have no option but to grow the items on the list that are marked as cheap, then pick those that take up the least amount of space and are in the ground for the shortest period of time. And wherever possible use successional sowings to extend the cropping period.


Here in the UK fruit is generally more expensive than veg so try growing things like Blueberrys and if you have space in a sunny location citrus fruits.

Always remember to pick up your windfall apples and use to make juice/puree which you can then freeze. Both eating and cooking apples can be used for this.