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Using
your Herbs |
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Rosemary with your roast lamb, basil with
your spaghetti, sage with your pork, there
are so many ways to use your herbs in the
kitchen. And a handful of crushed
rosemary leaves steeped in boiled water,
strained, and cooled makes a lovely rinse
for brunette hair. |
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Lavender placed amongst your sheets and
towels in the linen cupboard makes them
smell wonderful, and helps keep
insects at bay.
I once had a dog that loved rolling in my
pennyroyal mint, which used to annoy me
intensely, until someone told me that an
ingredient used in flea treatments was the
essential oils of mint! Smart dog!
He knew. He ended up with his own
mint bed to roll in, and I planted more
in a different part of the garden.
Medically,
herbs have been used for centuries, but
unless you are a qualified herbalist, do
NOT attempt to treat any medical condition
with herbs. They could react with
medication you may be taking, or you could
do yourself damage.
Always consult your doctor before attempting
any remedies. |
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| Herbal
Uses |
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Angelica
was used in medieval times to protect ones
self from evil spirits and witchcraft.
It was also used to counter spells and enchantment.
Aniseed
was
used in spiced cakes amongst the Romans
and was said to prevent indigestion.
Caraway
was said to keep lovers together and create
unity among people. This was the main ingredient
for a love potion.
Chervil
The roots of this herb were used to counteract
bites from snakes and dogs.
Coriander
Used widely by the Romans before the birth
of Christ. It was used as a stimulant and
carminative.
Fennel
Used in medieval times, fennel along with
St.Johns wort was used to prevent against
witchcraft and all evil.
Horseradish
was once used to get rid of a cough after
a bad cold.
Sweet Marjoram
was made into an ointment which rubbed on
would sooth and heal bruises and sores.
If the herb was boiled in water and then
drunk it would cure cramps, toothache and
convulsions.
Spearmint
Medicinally spearmint was used to treat
stomach complaints but now is used to add
flavour to toothpaste and sweets.
Rue
The Greeks claimed it had anti-magical qualities.
In the middle ages it would protect you
from witches. Roman carpenters, painters
and sculptures would eat rue as it was said
that it could protect and preserve their
eye-sight.
Sage
As well as being used to add flavour to
foods, it has been used to clean teeth.
Sage boiled in water to make tea was said
to strengthen gums and whiten teeth.
Savory,
Savories rubbed on wasp and bee stings gives
instant relief.
Thyme
In the 17th century it was used to counteract
dullness of sight and remove any pain.
An ointment was made from thyme to cure
hot swellings and warts.
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By Sue Welford
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