What is a herb
| |
I
know this seems a very strange question but it is one I have been
forced to ask my self this last week. I have mentioned before the
Eco-School project I am involved in; planting a native wild woodland
garden within the grounds of the school. This gardening project is quite
large, it covers a fair sized piece of land but now I have been asked
to take over a second, much smaller piece of land. This other piece of
land lies right next to the main entrance to the school, it’s only about
four meters by two meters and the reason I have been asked to deal with
it is; well…… no one else seems to want to take responsibility for it.
Apparently there used to be bushes and shrubs there but they were deemed
a ‘rubbish’ trap and dug up. The gardeners don’t want it grassed
because their rather large mower will not fit into such a small space. I was asked if I could ‘do’ something with it as part of Eco-Schools, well how could I
refuse? I had a bit of a think and because it is part of Eco-Schools I
thought we should be a bit more ambitious than an ordinary flower
border. This brings me to the point. We have decided this tiny plot will
make a lovely herb garden. Hence the question; ‘What is a herb?’
I must admit I didn’t think an answer to such a simple question could
be so complex or so variable. It seems as if there could be many answers
to the question. At times the term ‘HERB’ has
been limited to only a dozen or so of seasoning and a handful of
healing plants. Herbs have also been defined as plants of wisdom; plants
that could help, assist and lead you along the path of life whether it
be by healing or by an experience of becoming unwell and learning from
it
| |
To
the botanist a herb is a shortening of the word herbaceous and
describes a non-woody plant, which dies back down to the ground
annually. Botanically the term is chiefly applied to perennials,
although it can be applied to annuals as well as biennials.
The
primary definition given by dictionaries is "a seed-producing annual,
biennial, or perennial that does not develop persistent woody tissue but
dies down at the end of a growing season." But; these botanical
definitions eliminate many plants that are traditionally regarded and
used as herbs.
There are many definitions, but the one that appeals to me is direct and to the point, it is A useful plant’ .
If any part of a plant; flower, leaf, or stem is useful, or has
efficacious properties, as an ingredient for health, flavour, or
fragrance then, according to this definition, it is a herb. Using this
definition herbs can include trees, annuals, perennials, seaweed and
even funghi!
Herbs
can be used medicinally, culinarily, as pest repellents, dyes or as
aromatics. They can be used to make teas, perk up food or to add flavour
to vinegars, butters, dips, confectionary and mustards. Many herbs are
grown for their fragrance and are used in potpourris or to scent
bathwater, candles, oils or perfumes.
The
scientific / biochemical study of plants as medicine has its own
terminology Phytomedicine, Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, to name
but a few, but this is not of interest in this context.
| |
If we take the definition of ‘A useful plant’,
herbs have a variety of uses including culinary, medicinal, or in some
cases even spiritual usage. The green, leafy part of the plant is often
used, but herbal medicine makes use of the roots, flowers, seeds, root bark, inner bark (cambium), berries and sometimes the pericarp or other portions. General usage differs between culinary herbs and medicinal herbs.
A medicinal herb may be a shrub or other woody plant, whereas a
culinary herb is a non-woody plant, typically using the leaves. Any of
the parts of the plant, as well as any edible fruits or vegetables,
might be considered "herbs" in medicinal or spiritual use.
Culinary
use of the term "herb" is much more specific and narrow. Culinary use
typically distinguishes between herbs, the leafy green parts of the
plant, and spices, all the other parts of the plant, including seeds, berries, bark, root, fruit, and even occasionally leaves. Culinary herbs are distinguished from vegetables in that they are used in small amounts and provide flavor (similar to spices) rather than substance to food.
Any plant contains numerous phytochemicals
that have varying effects on the body. Even when consumed in the small
levels that typify culinary "spicing", there may be some effects, and
some herbs are toxic in larger quantities. For instance, some types of
herbal extract, such as the extract of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort), or the Piper methysticum
(kava plant) can be used for medical purposes to relieve depression and
stress. But high amounts of these herbs may lead to poisoning, and
should be used with caution.
Having
found as many definitions as I could ever possibley want my next
question is; What herbs shall we plant in our tiny herb garden? Bearing
in mind that this plot is small, aproximatly four meters by two meters
and it sits right outside the main entrance to the school, what would be
the best herbs to plant there?
I
have in mind herbs that give off a strong aromatic smell, something
that the visitor would notice as she passes through the doors and into
the school. Something that would activly welcome a visitor, that would
make a pleasant and lasting impression on anyone who passes through our
front doors. I think they would also have to fairly hardy plants, no
good having something too fragile in such a busy place, especially a
place peopled mostly buy boistrous teenagers. And my final thoughts on
the subject was to find herbs that have been traditionally
used to encourage and stimulate the intellect and facilitate learning.
If there are herbs out there that can create a tranquil oasis of peace
and harmony, a place where learning is valued and sought after, well
those are the herbs I want. Now I know this is a bit of a tall order but
any suggestions greatfully received.
14 Comments
Add a Comment
|
 |
This
was a very interesting post. I am so interested to read about herbs
and to run out and plant them as well. I think I had something in mind
until the last sentence....chamomile (sp). The minty plants mentioned
above as well as the ever minty catnip(which takes over a garden if not
tended to).Rosemary and lavendar(my favorite) are planted by my back
door....lovely scent, however I don't know that they induce me to higher
learning,just the soothing scent. You are well on the way to a
beautiful plot. Many good wishes that you find exactly what you need.
|
 |
flamingoette wrote on May 28, '08
an
herb is a weed some nut came across one day, in the woods, and thought:
self, now what IS this and....more important...can i COOK WITH IT and
not die? hence....the birth of HERBS! sorry, thats as useful as my
brain gets. but hey, lets give a moment of thanks to that
nut....without him or HER, our food surely would be bland and boring.
|
 |
veroniquemariquita wrote on May 27, '08
One
of my favorite herbal type plants is Monarda... especially the large
red flowered one. I like having it where I brush up against it or crush a
leaf as I'm working.
|
 |
forgetmenot525 wrote on May 27, '08
WOW..............thank
you, I didn't know if this would get a serious response but not only
have you responded but you did it virtually
immediatly...............THANKS NEIGHBOUR
|
 |
hedgewitch9 wrote on May 27, '08
Lovely post!
Off the top of my head, rosemary, lavender [both varieties], bay leaf, purple and white sage plants, echinacea, i would say borage but it seeds heavily and may take over! , and mint. these are all easy to grow, and very pretty too, with many delicious scents :)) |
No comments:
Post a Comment