An Introduction to Herbs!

Disclaimer: The contents provided by Melwood Garden Center Blog are for educational purposes only, and is not intended to substitute for the advice of a health care professional. Please use caution and consult a healthcare professional before you use herbs for medical purposes, take herbs as a form of medication; also please be aware of possible allergic reactions and always use in moderation.

The many health benefits of herbs were at one time considered folklore. Today, the benefits and effectiveness of herbs are backed by scientific data. The use of herbs for medicinal purposes dates back many years. The Lascaux cave paintings in France depicting images of herbs are carbon dated back to between 13,000 and 25,000 B.C. And Chinese herbal medicine has been in use for the past 3500 years!

An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicines are one type of dietary supplement. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants. People use herbal medicines to try to maintain or improve their health.

Herb Classifications

• Culinary Herbs: Culinary herbs are edible parts of plants that are traditionally added to foods for their natural flavouring. Some examples are: Chives, oregano, dill, basil and parsely ( flat leaf - lots of flavor; curly - better as a garnish)
• Aromatic Herbs: Aromatic herbs have been used in the home as potpourris for many centuries, to scent a room gently or deodorize unpleasant smells. The natural antiseptic qualities of some herbs helps to protect against unwanted insects, whether they be moths, fleas or worse! Some examples are: Lavendar, lemon verbana, bergamot and scented geranium.
• Ornamental Herbs: Ornamental herbs are primarliy used for decorative purposes. The brightly colored flowers and foliage will brighten up your home and/or garden. Some examples are: Sage, bergarten and ornamental oregano.
• Medicinal Herbs: Medicinal herbs have long been thought to have curative powers. But, herbal medicines do not go through the same testing and regulatory process as prescriptive drugs. For that reason and others please use with caution. For example: some herbs, such as comfrey and ephedra, can cause serious harm. Other examples of medicinal herbs are: mint, alfalfa and burdock.

Growing Herbs

Herbs can also be classified as annuals, biennials, and perennials.

• Annuals - such as anise, basil, chervil, coriander, dill, summer savory - bloom one season and then die.
• Biennials - such as caraway, parsley - live for two seasons, blooming the second season only.
• Perennials - chives, fennel, lovage, marjoram, mint, tarragon, thyme, winter savory - overwinter and bloom each season once established.

Herbs can be grown in soil as long as you are sure to keep the soil well drained. If you choose to grow your herbs in clay soil you will be most successful growing mint, oregano, thyme and chives. You can also grow herbs in a container such as a pot, hanging basket, raised bed or windowsill.

A few tips to get you started:

1. Select plants with the same watering needs and group them together. For example, rosemary and lavendar like dry soil; whereas basil and parsely prefer moist soil. 
2. The majority of herbs are pest and disease free
3. Herbs can be used as a natural fragarence spray. Some suggesttions are rosemary, mint, thyme and cloves. 

Melwood's Horticulture Therapy program was established in 1963. Sheila Gallagher, the Manager of Horticulture Programs and Melwood's Garden Center is a Certified Professional Horticulturalist (CPH) and Registered Horticultural Therapist (HTR). Visit Melwood's Garden Center to purchase your next tropical plant! Proceeds from plant sales go towards supporting Melwood programs including horticulture therapy for individuals with disabilities. Melwood's Garden Center is open to the public Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30am-4:00pm. Please call to schedule an appointment at: 301.599.4570