Herbal Lore - Lavender

Lavender would have to be one the most important and versatile plants to grow in a herb garden.  This magical plant is native to the Mediterranean and has many uses including culinary and herbal.  It is widely cultivated and thrives in most temperate climates.  You can recognise Lavender by its amazing scent and spectacular array of purple flowers.
 

I have Lavender growing throughout my garden and use it almost every day in some form.  Not only does it smell divine, it has many healing properties. It is one of my favourite plants and essential oil. 

History

Lavender has a long history dating back to the Egyptians.  The Romans used it in their bathwater and to wash their clothes.  In Tudor times, young women would sip lavender tea in the hope that they would be granted a dream in which they would see their true love.  Lavender tucked under the pillows of young men was thought to encourage them to ask for a lady’s hand in marriage.  Lavender has been associated with magic and sorcery as it was thought to ward off the evil eye.  As a natural insect repellent, it was popular in the middle ages as an anti plague herb as it repelled fleas.  Folklore suggests that used in combination with Rosemary, Lavender will preserve virtue.  

Herbal Lore 

Lavender has strong antiseptic and antibacterial qualities.  It is also an antibiotic and antidepressant. Use it as a tonic to treat headaches, colds and flu.  Lavender makes an excellent sedative.  A few drops of essential oil sprinkled on your pillow at night will encourage sleep.  Added to an oil burner it will help with relaxation and stress.  It is an excellent aromatic and mixes well with other floral scents and is widely used in perfumes.  Add to bath mixtures and healing sachets.  Aids in detoxing and stimulating the immune system.  Apply essential oil to cuts and wounds to encourage healing.

Culinary 

Sweet and fragrant, Lavender can be used either as a savory or sweet herb.  Use in baking in biscuits and cakes and as a garnish.  It goes well with strawberries, blueberries, pears, lemon, orange, black pepper and chocolate.  For savoury dishes it complements Rosemary, Thyme and Sage.  It’s best to use culinary Lavender as some varieties are not suitable for cooking.  Use sparingly as it can be quite strong.

Magical Uses 

Dried lavender sticks or wands can be burnt like incense for space purification.  It is also used to clear the mind and to encourage or strengthen pure love.  Used for protection and healing.

How to Make a Smudge Stick

House cleansing is an ancient ritual that can help remove negativity and restore harmony to your home. It can also be used in any space or on objects that require cleansing (refer to my previous article How to Cleanse Your Home with Sage, 3 January 2013). Making your own smudge stick is easy and fun to do. Here is a video I made a while ago on how to make your own.

Herbal Lore - Marjoram

Marjoram is another versatile herb that can be easily grown in any garden.

When we think of herb gardens, we picture a designated area in the backyard that is dedicated solely to herbs.  Of course, that is a perfectly valid way to grow herbs.  Another idea is to just plant them in your garden along with everything else.  

This is my 'herb' garden (pictured).  Believe it or not, I planted all of this four years ago and since then everything has thrived including the herbs.  Admittedly, it is a lovely time of the year with all the flowers in bloom but it a good example of how plants and herbs can co-exist.  There are a few advantages of having herbs grow in your garden with other plants:

• There is less maintenance.  Weeds find it more difficult to grow when there is something else taking up the space.  Besides, herbs tend to grow quite large when given the space to do so.
• The other plants provide a symbiotic relationship, for example they provide shade which means the garden won't dry out as much.
• Fragrance and colour.  There is nothing better than walking past your garden filled with the scent of flowers and other herbs.

A lot of people are afraid of growing herbs thinking that they require special treatment.  The reality is herbs are very low maintenance and in good soil will grow well in any garden - just like any other plant.

Marjoram

Gender – Masculine

Planet – Mercury

Element – Air

History

In the Middle Ages, marjoram was used as a sign of everlasting love and honor.  Bridal couples wore wreaths of marjoram.  It was added to food to nurture love. Ladies carried it in their posies and sweet bags. It was strewn around houses as a deodorant. In England, it was used in snuff, and then added to beer for both preservation and taste.  If you anointed yourself with marjoram before retiring, you would dream of your future spouse. It was believed that if marjoram grew on your grave, then you had found eternal happiness. People often planted marjoram on a relative's grave to ensure their eternal peace.

Culinary Uses

Marjoram goes well with beef, fish, lamb, roasted poultry, and veal. It complements green vegetables, cauliflower, eggplant parsnips potatoes, squash and carrots. It works well in stews, marinades, dressings and herbed butters. It complements bay, garlic, onion, thyme and is used in poultry stuffing.

Herbal Lore

It has anti-oxidant and anti-fungal properties and can be used for bronchial and chest complaints, asthma, anxiety and indigestion.  As a poultice, it can used to relieve arthritis and rheumatism pain.  Gargles and teas can be made to ease sinus congestion and relieve hay fever.

Magical Uses

Used for protection, love and  healing.   Add to all love charms, place a piece in rooms for protection. Give to a grieving person to bring them happiness.

Herbal Lore - Rosemary

Rosemary

Gender – Masculine

Planet – Sun

Element - Fire

History

The Ancients were well acquainted with Rosemary, which had a reputation for strengthening the memory. On this account it became the emblem of fidelity for lovers. It holds a special position among herbs from the symbolism attached to it. Not only was it used at weddings, but also at funerals, for decking churches and banqueting halls at festivals, as incense in religious ceremonies and in magical spells.

Culinary Uses

Rosemary has a strong, distinctive flavor and is best suited to poultry, beef and fish, particularly in their roasted forms.  It can be used to enhance tomatoes, spinach, peas, mushrooms, eggs and lentils.  Its robust character works well in bouquet garnis.

Herbal Lore

Promotes wound healing and acts as an antiseptic and stimulant.  Good for treating mouth ulcers, sore throats and abdominal pain.  The oil is used for treating arthritic pain, rheumatism, depression, memory loss and headaches.  Rosemary tea is said to act as a stimulate and to aid concentration. 

Magical Uses

It is used for protection, healing and to improve memory. It is a powerful cleanser and purifier and can be burned to get rid of negativity.  Add to purification bath sachets, love incenses and protection incenses.  Placed under the pillow at night ensures a good night’s sleep.

Home Made Lavender Salve

Herbal salves are a great way to take advantage of the healing properties of the herbs. They are used to treat minor skin irritations such as dry skin, burns, bruises and rashes. As many herbs contain antibacterial and antifungal properties they make an ideal way to prevent infection in minor scrapes and cuts.

The advantage of making your own salve is that it contains no artificial ingredients, no synthetics and no petroleum products. Everything is 100% natural and organic. As an added bonus, it is inexpensive and makes a great gift.

Almost any herbs can be used to make a salve, depending on their use. You can use either fresh or dried herbs when but if using fresh herbs, crush them first in a mortar and pestle to release their oils.

For this recipe, I’m going to use lavender as it is smells wonderful and makes a great soothing salve to treat dry hands and skin. This recipe makes approximately ½ cup salve.

Lavender Salve

Ingredients
¼ cup dried lavender flowers
7 drops of lavender essential oil
6 tablespoons of shaved organic (unbleached) beeswax
½ cup (125ml) extra virgin olive oil

Tools
Metal saucepan
2 Glass measuring cups
Clean and steralised jar
Muslin/cheesecloth
Rubber band
Tea towel

1. Pour olive oil into the glass measuring cup and add lavender flowers. Stir to combine. Fill the saucepan with 2 inches of water and place the measuring cup in the water, double boiler style.
2. Bring water to the boil and allow to gently simmer for approximately 1 hour, being careful not to boil dry. When the herbs look ‘used up’, remove oil from heat and allow to cool.
3. Place cheesecloth over second measuring cup and secure with a rubber band. Strain the infused oil mixture into the measuring cup through cheesecloth, squeezing out any excess oil.
4. Place the measuring cup back into the water in the saucepan and allow water to simmer. While the oil slowly warms, add 6 tablespoons of beeswax, stirring occasionally.
5. When the beeswax has melted (approximately 10 minutes), remove from heat and stir in several drops of lavender oil.
6. Pour into clean jar(s) and allow to cool completely before putting the lid on. This recipe is for a firm salve but if you find it is too hard reheat it and add a touch more oil. If it is too soft reheat it and add a bit more beeswax. Keep out of direct sunlight.

Congratulations, you have just made your very own herbal salve! This recipe can be adapted using different herbs but if you are wild harvesting your herbs, make sure you identify them correctly before using. If you are unsure, use dried herbs purchased from your local health food store. Happy salve making!



The finished product. This is my own recipe using Lemon Balm and Lavender. I love the vibrant green colour, it shows that it’s hand made.

Herbal Lore - Thyme

Thyme

Gender – Feminine
Planet – Venus
Element - Water

History

The name comes from the Greek word thumos meaning spirit or smoke. The Greeks attributed the properties of strength and courage to thyme, and Roman soliders bathed in it before battle. Later in the middle ages, Knights would have a sprig of thyme embroidered on their scarves by their lady as a sign of bravery. Sprigs of thyme were often placed on coffins as it was thought that the spirit would take up residence in the flowers of the thyme plants.

Culinary Uses

Thyme is a fragrant herb that works well with all meats, vegetables, casseroles, soups, stuffings and marinades. Excellent for use in herb bread and flavoured butters. Lemon thyme works well with fish and chicken. It has a strong flavour so use sparingly.

Herbal Lore

Thyme has powerful antibacterial and antibiotic properties and makes an effective tonic for the immune system. Used in treating coughs, rheumatism, acne, colds and infections. As a stimulate it helps eliminate waste from the body and acts as a diuretic. Great for use as an insect repellant.

Magical Uses

Assists with sleep, promotes psychic ability and healing. Used for purification and in healing rituals. Take a magical cleansing bath in the spring of thyme and marjoram to wash away the chills of Winter and to ‘spring clean’ yourself. It can be placed under the pillow to cure nightmares. Legend has it that thyme was an essential ingredient in a magic brew that allowed the drinker to see the fairies. It was also considered an aphrodisiac.

Herbal Lore

Welcome to my ‘green’ medicine cabinet. Aside from a deep interest in essential oils, one of my greatest passions is my beloved herb garden. With the growing interest in sustainable living more people are focusing on the gifts that mother nature has to offer. Over the coming months, I will introduce some common herbs that can easily be grown in any garden and discuss their uses.

Wise men and women who knew the land and understood nature and its powers have practiced herbal lore for centuries. All herbs have both medicinal and magical properties. In fact, in ancient times herbs were used primarily for medicinal and magical purposes rather than for their culinary attributes.

I have my own extensive herb garden and use it for a range of different purposes, including cooking. Not only do herbs taste great, but their healing powers can be used and tapped into for tinctures, rituals and cleansing. Apart from anything else, they smell wonderful when you brush past them in the garden!

The first herb I would like to introduce is Sage. I have Sage growing in a few different spots in the garden as it’s so versatile and one of my favourite herbs. I use it to make my own smudge sticks (more on that later), to consecrate sacred spaces and to cleanse my Tarot cards.

Sage

Gender – Masculine
Planet - Jupiter or Venus
Element - Air

Culinary Uses

Sage works best with meats, particularly poultry. It can also be used in stuffings, with potatoes, cheeses and tomato sauces. Complementary flavourings include onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, parsley, bay leaf and rosemary. Use sparingly as it has quite a strong flavour. Fresh sage has a milder flavour than dried, 1 tablespoon of fresh sage = 1 teaspoon dried.

Herbal Lore

Considered a ‘cure all’ Sage has a long history of use as a herb for healing. Sage is often used as a remedy for respiratory infections, congestion, coughs and sore throats. It is known to be an appetite stimulant, to aid indigestion and is said to have a beneficial effect on the liver. It is also given for fever, night sweats and urinary problems. Can be used as a compress on cuts and wounds or as a tea for gargling.

Magical Uses

Sage is commonly used to purify a sacred space often in the form of a smudge stick. It can also be used in rituals, as protection and to cleanse and purify an altar or magical tools. It is associated with protection, wishes and prosperity. It is said that if you want to make your dreams come true, put Sage leaves under your pillow.

Mr G enjoying the herb garden.
Cats love herbs too!

Fennel Tea

Fennel has been used for centuries not only to add flavor in cooking but also for its many health benefits.

Fennel has a mild estrogen-like activity which inhibits spasms in the intestinal tract. It is wonderful for the treatment of gastrointestinal afflictions such as indigestion and fullness. It has also been shown to possess diuretic, pain reducing, fever reducing and antimicrobial actions. In fact, fennel was formerly an official drug in the United States and was listed as being used for indigestion.

Fennel tea is available from any health food store but it’s easy enough to make yourself. Simply buy some dried fennel seeds from the herb section in the supermarket and steep a few teaspoons in a teapot or boiling water. It will aid digestion after a meal and is particularly effective for settling an upset stomach. It has a lovely aniseed flavour and makes a delicious tea which can be enjoyed at any time.

Go Herbal

Next time you reach for a teabag, try brewing your own instead by infusing leaves or plants from your garden. Simply place a few leaves of your favourite herb in a cup of hot water or pot and allow to infuse for 10 minutes. Some suggestions are:

- mint leaves
- spearmint/peppermint leaves
- a small knob of ginger (infused in a pot)
- a slice of lemon

It tastes great and your body will thank you for it.