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Posted: Apr/29/2007 4:02 PM PST
I am giving another presentation at work next weekend...here is what I have come up with. This is the long version with some of the interesting tidbits included. For the handout I will scale it down to 3 pages. Culinary and Medicinal Herbs Anise Annual, Height: 18 to 24 inches Width: about 12 inches Light: full sun Anise may be used for its aromatic qualities in oil and potpourris. Crushed seeds are added to sachets. The licorice flavor complements eggs, fruit, cheese, pastries, cakes, and cookies. The leaves are used in salads or as a garnish and dried for teas. The seed is used whole or ground. Anise is native to the Middle East. The plant itself is associated with health and is thought to aid digestion. Anise enjoys considerable reputation as a medicine in coughs and pectoral affections. In hard, dry coughs where expectoration is difficult, it is of much value. It is greatly used in the form of lozenges. The volatile oil, mixed with spirits of wine forms the liqueur Anisette, which has a beneficial action on the bronchial tubes, and for bronchitis and spasmodic asthma. Anise oil is a good antiseptic. Oil of Anise is used also against insects especially when mixed with oil of Sassafras and Carbolic oil. Apple Mint Perennial Hardiness: Hardiness zone 5-9. Height: 2 feet Width: varies, spreads aggressively Light: Full sun to partial shade For culinary use as a flavoring. Use in vinegars. Grows well in containers. Use for tea or for drying. Mint is considered a sign of hospitality. All mint can spread rather quickly by runners. Either contain it in pots that are buried or give it a large area it may take over. Frequent cuttings or mowing of large plots will keep mints at their prettiest. In late fall cut back to the ground and mulch if winters are severe. Companion planting: Mint improves the growth and flavor of cabbage, broccoli, peas and tomatoes. Uses: It is used mainly for culinary purposes and its milder taste makes it ideal for use in fruit salads and fruit cups and punches. Dried apple mint leaves retain their scent and make excellent pot pourri. Medicinal: Mint leaves are said to relive the pain caused by bee and wasp stings. Basil, Sweet Annual, Height: 12 to 24 inches Width: 12 inches Dried basil is used for its fragrance in potpourris and sachets. It also is used in herbal bath mixtures and to add luster to the hair. Fresh or dried basil is used in cooking to flavor Italian, Mediterranean, and Thai dishes. Fresh leaves are used in tomato and pesto sauces. Basil is good with veal, lamb, fish, poultry, white beans, pasta, rice, tomatoes, cheese, and eggs. Basil must have warm conditions. For best results, sow in late spring or early summer. It is susceptible to cold and frost, and to drastic temperature change. Pinch the centers as the plants grow to ensure bushiness. Basil can be grown in pots but does not survive indoors. Companion planting: Basil attracts butterflies and insects to the garden. It stimulates the growth of companion plants, especially tomatoes and peppers. It is said to repel white flies. Bay, sweet The fragrant oil is added to bath water to sooth the skin. Culinary use is mainly in soups, stews, and tomato sauces. Bay leaf also flavors shellfish boils, pickling brines, game meats, and herbal teas. Remember to remove bay leaf before serving. The branches can be used in fresh or dry herbal wreaths and to add fragrance to potpourris. Oil of Bays is used externally for sprains, bruises, etc., and sometimes dropped into the ears to relieve pain. Borage Height: 12 to 24 inches Width: 12 inches A hardy annual with a crisp cucumber flavor is great in salads. Leaves can be eaten raw or sauteed like spinach. They are used in teas and to flavor wine cups. The candied leaves or stems can be used with cheese, fish, poultry, most vegetables, green salads, iced beverages, pickles, and salad dressing. The flowers are used for garnish or in salads. The plants attract bees and butterflies, and the blue flowers are very attractive. Borage can be grown in containers indoors. Known as the 'Herb of Gladness' for its exhilarating effect. Borage originated in the Middle East and was associated with bravery. The ancient Celtic warriors drank borage-flavored wine to give them courage. Herbalists believed that borage imparted a sense of well-being. Calendula Annual: Height: 18 - 20 inches Width: 10 inches Light: Full sun Avoid use during pregnancy. Leaves may be eaten. They are very rich in vitamins and minerals. Fresh petals can be chopped and added to salads. The dried petals have a more concentrated flavour and are used as a seasoning in soups, cakes etc. They are high in vitamins A and C. They may be used as a saffron substitute to colour and flavour rice, soups. It is also used as a hair rinse, adding golden tints to brown or auburn hair. It is a remedy for skin problems and is applied externally to bites and stings, sprains, wounds, sore eyes, varicose veins. It is also a cleansing and detoxifying herb and is taken internally in treating fevers and chronic infections. An application of the crushed stems to corns and warts will soon render them easily removable. Calendula is said to speed the healing of wounds. Chamomile Perennial: Hardiness zones 3 to 4. Height: 9 inches Width: spreads quickly. Chamomile also is used for soothing baths and skin lotions. It adds golden highlights to blonde hair. Fresh flower heads can decorate and flavor fresh salads. Dried leaves are used in tea and mixed with half mineral water for a refreshing beverage. It is used in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and nervous tension, the relief of migraine. This herb is particularly suited to digestive problems such as colic. The herb also helps relieve inflammatory conditions of the upper digestive tract. Chamomilla also makes an effective lotion for eczema, a mouthwash or eyewash. Chamomilla has a reputation as a ‘female’ herb and has been used to relieve morning sickness, menopausal symptoms, and hysteria. Chamomilla has a traditional use on the Continent in the treatment of asthma and hayfever, probably due to the herb’s action on the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. It is thought to reduce the reaction to allergens such as pollen or dust in sensitive individuals Chive Perennial: Hardiness zone 3. Height: 18 inches Width: 10 to 14 inches. Fresh leaves are excellent for making herbal butters and vinegars. They also may be used in salads, soups, and soft cheese and on grilled meats. A good source of calcium, chives are believed to strengthen nails and teeth when consumed. The plants are grown for their attractive flowers and can be planted in containers. There is some evidence that chives can improve digestion and reduce high blood pressure. The oil has antibacterial properties. Chive grown near the roots of apple trees helps prevent apple scab. It also helps prevent black spot in roses. Coriander, Cilantro Annual: Height: 12 to 36 inches Width: about 6 to 8 inches The leaves, seeds, and roots are used in cooking salsas and curries or as a garnish. Coriander combines well with onion, sausage, clams, oysters, and potatoes. Whole ground seeds are used in salad dressing, cheese, eggs, chili sauces, and guacamole. Medically, coriander is not one of the more potent herbs. Mostly used to settle the stomach, its warm, fragrant taste does make it preferable to some of the more pungent, powerful herbs like savory. Coriander is often used commercially as an ingredient to make medications more palatable. Dill Annual: Height: 36 inches Width: 24 inches Dill is used in herbal butter and herb vinegars. It can flavor fish, lamb, pork, poultry, cheese, cream, eggs, vegetables, avocados, apples, popcorn, salads, soups, sauces, and spreads. The foliage and flowers dry nicely and add an airy touch to plant arrangements. Dill also can be grown in containers with some success. Medically, it is extremel |
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Posted: Apr/29/2007 4:03 PM PST
wait and let me figure out how to give you the whole presentation as an attachment |
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