Elderberries Enhance Night Vision and More
July 29, 2008
Elderberry bushes, or elder trees, grow small dark berries called elderberries. The European Elder is a hardy plant found across Europe and North America, growing in moist soil along streams and roadways.
A fast growing plant, the elderberry produces tiny white flowers in the spring and clusters of berries in the late summer. The most popular species is the European elderberry which produces a dark blue berry. However, some say the American Elder is slightly sweeter. The latter may be found in abundance east of the Rocky Mountains. Some are known to live 80 to 100 years!
Even the Greek philosophers believed in the medicinal value of elderberry. For example, Hippocrates called it his “medicine chest.” It was used for centuries on those suffering from constipation, the common cold, arthritis, and asthma.
Elderberries are a rich source of vitamin C and potassium, and have shown to be effective in strengthening the immune system.
Elderberries also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by keeping platelets from adhering to the blood vessel walls. This reduces risks caused by bad cholesterol. But perhaps its most famous benefit is providing the body with anthocyanins. These are antioxidants that protect the body cells from damage caused by stress, poor diet, or environmental toxins.
We all have heard that carrots help us see better. Elderberries actually help us see better at night. They aid the body in producing rhodopsin, or visual purple, a substance in the rods of the retina that aid in seeing in reduced light.
Even the elderberry flowers are beneficial. The white flowers have been stirred into muffin or cake mixes to give a light, sweet flavor. They have also been battered and fried, or pressed into tonics. Elderberry may be purchased as a dietary supplement or as a juice. The normal dosage is about 400 mg per day.
The ripe berries, cleaned and cooked, can be made into many things: extracts, syrups, pies, jams, or used as garnish, dye, or flavoring. Some eat them uncooked but they do contain toxins and it is better to be safe by washing and cooking them before eating. Also, elderberries are bitter and need sweetener to be palatable. Many like to cook them with other fruit like apples or pears to sweeten them. The tiny seeds in the berry leave a gritty taste, even after cooking, but the seeds are safe.
Discard the roots, stems, twigs, and leaves of the elderberry, as well as any unripe fruit. These are all poisonous. Also avoid red elderberries. Evidence shows these to be high in certain toxins, even when cooked. Stick with the purple, black, and blue berries.
Medieval Herbs Are Still Useful Today
July 29, 2008
For millenniums, in all different cultures throughout the world, cultivating and reaping herbs has been performed. It was even considered a high art in medieval Europe. With the Greeks lacking medical know-how and technology, the Middle Ages relied heavily on Medieval herbs for medicines. The practice they used mixed knowledge through experience with balderdash, but they did know much that was well-grounded.
The Medieval herb garden was both beautiful and functional, providing herbs for medicinal purposes and cooking as well as a setting for calm reflection. These gardens have been reincarnated in New York’s Cloisters. Constructed in the 1930’s, it was carefully planned based on its Medieval predecessor. The result of the planners’ attention to detail resulted in a stunning accomplishment of that goal.
The herb garden is prominently featured among The Cloisters’ numerous sections. Despite the various types of New York weather that occur throughout the year, over 250 species are able to be grown.
These historical herb gardens were very original and had raised garden beds, wattle fences and a central wellhead along with the Medieval herbs. These gardens served as a magnificent centerpiece and were often surrounded by lush orchards and other pretty plants.
In the winter, many are placed inside pots that are similar to ones found in the period. This helps the fragile ones survive in the cold, harsh climate.
Medieval herbs were often used to keep evil spirits away or thought to have possessed magic powers, which was the case with dill. Rosemary was believed to prevent the plague, and sage was used to help epileptics.
The herb garden is arranged in nine sections. They are grouped according to their use in medieval times. One group is for household plants such as Thistles and Absinthe, next those used for healing or medicinal purposes like Liquorice and St. John’s Wort, and the third for such aromatics as Lemon Balm and Lavender.
Caraway and Fennel, Parsley and Borage were used for cooking. Other herbs like Meadow Rue were used for questionable reasons and there were herbs that were thought to be magical like Herb Robert.
Herbs were widely used in the middle ages, more so than today. But the same Medieval herbs remain available to modern herbalists. New research continues to identify medicinal properties of these herbs, often confirming that they are effective for the purposes they were used for centuries ago.
An Herbal Gardening How To Guide
July 29, 2008
rbs have been around for a very long time and served different kinds of purposes. They have been used to treat sickness and season cooking as well as being used in many craft projects. Interested in starting your own herb garden? Here are a few ideas on how to begin an herb garden.
Make your garden plan. Think about the type of herbs you want to plant. TConsider their kinds available. Would you like annuals, biennials or perennials? What are the purpose of the herbs that you are interested in?
Time to research some specific information on those plants. How big will they be full grown? What are their sunshine and soil requirements? You can get a book at the library or gardening catalog of some type that will list those variables for you.
Time to draw out your plan on paper. Some suggestions would be to separate the annuals from the perennials. The reason for this is at the end of the season you can easily pull up the annuals without disturbing the perennials and make planting annuals next season easier. Sometimes you can plant the perennials on the perimeter of the garden, or in a section by their lonesome.
Another factor to consider is to plant the tall ones towards the back and the shorter ones in front. Give your plants plenty of space to grow and also find out their sunlight requirements and make adjustments accordingly. Properly positioning will help you in this department.
If you would not put your herbs in your garden you could grow them in container pots. These are large pots with three or more outlets. Fill the container to the first outlet and plant it before filling the second outlet, and continue that process until finished. It’s preferable that the herb that requires the most water is planted in the bottom outlet, while the variety that needs the least, goes in the top one. Use a good quality potting soil and ensure that it has proper drainage.
You can design your garden in a creative manner. Try using a wooden ladder or wagon wheel and lay on top of the garden. Then plant your plants in between the sections for a square or circular division and interesting look.
Of course, different plants have different needs, but many of them require alkaline soil. This is the reason why you have to determine the herbs you want to plant in the planning stage. This can help you find out how you should care for your plants. If you germinate your herbs from seeds, remember to follow the directions on the packet for soil, watering and temperature.
Herbs can be very easy to grow on your own. Give each plant it’s basic requirements in regards to sunlight, proper drainage, moisture and fertile soil and you’re bound to get a great harvest.
Think about harvest time as well. What will you do with them? Eat or cook them fresh? Freeze or otherwise preserve them? You’ll discover after your first year which ones you really liked and were useful to you, and which didn’t work out as you would have liked. So next year your herb garden can be even better with more experience under your belt.
Improved Immunity and Other Advantages of Kelp
July 29, 2008
Though it is commonly called seaweed, the official name for this algae is kelp. Kelp may be found in kelp forests, in shallow, clear parts of the ocean. The water needs to be below 68 degrees F. Kelp multiples and spreads easily, growing 20 inches or more in a single day, and at times reaching over 200 feet long!
Most kelp it made up of a body or thallus that are actually leaf-like structure called blades. Blades come from stipes which are long stem-like structures. The holdfast is a type of root that anchors the plant to the ocean floor. The American variety contains gas-filled bladders at the base of the blades that keep the leaves close to the surface.
Kelp may be purchased as a capsule, as a powder, or as the dried plant. It can be used as flavoring in drinks or as a substitute for salt. Many people add kelp to their stir fries, beans, soups, stews, or cook it with grains.
Wikipedia says that 100 grams of kelp will normally contain 1.3 grams of fiber, 1.7 grams of protein, 9.6 grams of carbohydrates, .6 grams of fat, and .6 grams of sugars. They claim that kelp contains from 3% to 45% of the minimum personal requirements of 13 other vitamins and minerals. In all kelp has over 70 minerals, growth hormones, trace elements, enzymes, vitamins, and this includes potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and especially iodine.
Let’s examine a few of the many health benefits of kelp. Kelp can increase energy in the body and help it fight disease. Kelp helps the body fight heart disease, some types of cancer, and it suppresses AIDS. It has helped improve the function of the liver and relieve the pain of arthritis.
Kelp is used to help control body weight because of its ability to stimulate metabolism. The iodine in kelp is a great help to those with hypothyroid problems. It also aids in problems with poor digestion, constipation, and bowel gas.
Kelp helps to lower cholesterol levels and to maintain mucous membranes. It kills the herpes virus and is even used to reduce hair loss. Kelp ash can be used in soap and glass production. Alginate, a carbohydrate coming from kelp, is used as a thickener for such things as ice cream, jelly, salad dressing, and toothpaste, and is used as an ingredient in exotic dog food.
Kelp is also used frequently in fertilizer and as such is known as vraic. Some types of kelp are also considered a delicacy in the far east.
You will help keep your body regulated by daily ingesting a small amount of kelp in powder or capsule form. This will provide you with needed vitamins and minerals and may ward off health problems you never knew you would have faced.
Popular Aromatic Herbs
July 28, 2008
Herbs typically bring to mind seasonings to make foods taste better or home remedies to heal what ails you. Few people associate herbs with the sensational dried leaves of potpourri or the sweet aromas drifting up their nostrils on a walk through a garden. Oils found in aromatic herbs make them popular in cooking. The same oil that the recipe calls for can fill your house with luscious scents. Even herbs that may never see the kitchen can reward a nearby nose.
Lavender, a Mediterranean native herb, is a beautiful herb with small purple blossoms and has an amazing aroma. It attracts Black Swallowtail butterflies and humans alike. Its fragrance is perfect when used in perfumed sachets.
Sage produces an amazing aroma when the leaves of the plant are rubbed between the thumb and forefinger. The senses will be delighted by its dynamic fragrance. Sage is a member of the mint family and originated in Asia Minor. Fortunately, it can be grown all over the world making it a perfect addition to any herb garden.
Caraway-Scented Thyme is a member of the mint family. It blooms in early summer with beautiful pink blossoms. This small bush attracts butterflies and bees with its bright blossoms and spicy aroma. It makes a wonderful addition to any garden.
Sweet Marjoram is a member of the mint family and this aromatic herb has been very popular for years. Do not confuse it with its close relative, Origanum Vulgare which is Oregano. Sweet Marjoram has a slight spicy odor making it a perfect compliment in perfumed soaps and potpourri bowls.
Preserving herbs for their aroma is an easy task. One way to preserve for a short term is to put fresh stems in a jar of very cold water and store in your refrigerator. This should preserve the herbs for about a week. A longer way of preserving the herbs is to store them in a jar of oil. This should preserve the herbs for two to three months.
Freezing is an option when you wish to store them for longer periods of time. Wash them, then dry them. Then, you should put them in a plastic bag that is safe for freezer storage, or you can chop them into smaller pieces and put them into an ice cube tray. Kept away from air, they should last for at least four months. To keep them fresh for up to a year, however, wash and dry, and then place them in a jar of vinegar.
Dried herbs are best for potpourri. Hang them in a cool dark place. Remember though that the oils are what produce the scent. If you leave the herbs exposed to air for too long, the oil will evaporate and remove the scent.
Aromatic herbs can be stored in airtight bags for longer periods of time. The airtight bag keeps the oils in the plant. It is the oils that make the plant fragrant. These herbs are great for potpourri jars or sachet bags.
Of the aromatic herbs, marjoram, thyme, mint and sage all keep their aroma very well when they are dried. When done correctly, they will give off a pleasant scent for weeks.
Herb Gardening Tips That Will Give Anyone A Green Thumb
July 28, 2008
Herbs are a wonderful start for a novice gardener because they do well even in poor soil, require little or no fertilizer, and tend to be quite forgiving of a beginner’s mistakes. Many herbs are resistant to insect infestations, and do not require heavy maintenance such as pruning. Here are some basic herb gardening tips that will get you off to a good start:
Having the right tools once you plan what types of herbs you will grow is very important. Many times a small shovel or spade will do just fine. Cuttings from herbs do not require a large hole, and seeds should be kept near the surface. New seeds using compacted soil can take just a fork or spike to aerate. Soil with good drainage is a must as most herbs do not like soil that is too wet.
If you do not have a pair of nice pruning shears then you should invest in a pair for your herb garden. Ordinary scissors are not an alternative for pruning shears. Occasionally, herbs need to be pruned and pruning shears are the only thing that can cut through thick stems.
A watering can is a good choice to irrigate your container garden; some have a single spout, and others a sort of sprinkler head over the nozzle. One of our basic herb gardening tips is that herbs require less water than most plants and root rot is a common result of over watering.
For a container garden a watering can is adequate, but if you possess a larger plot of earth it is a good idea to purchase some kind of watering system, preferably an automatic one. A simple drip or soaker system is relatively inexpensive, although your climate may require replacement occasionally, and is easy to set up and maintain.
Soaker hoses are a convenient tool that can be spread across even larger areas (say 20′ x 30′) in under an hour; simply create an arrangement snug to the plants and anchor it to the ground with plastic or metal spikes. When winter arrives, be sure to store your hoses. Harsh cold weather elements will clog and rot hoses after just a few seasons.
Wheelbarrows are very helpful garden tools. They help you transport seedlings to your garden that need to be transplanted. Many people put the weeds that they pull into a wheel barrow because this is easier than picking up all those pulled weeds off of the ground and makes it easier to cart them away.
In order to help reduce the need for weeding, as well as improve the soil composition of your garden, place a 3-4 inch layer of much after planting. Any or all of the following combined will make a suitable mulch: wood chips, bark, gravel, or shredded newspaper. When spreading the mulch, be sure to allow approximately one inch of open space around the base of the plant. This will assure that too much moisture and heat do not build up, as these factors can can harm plants.
As you can see, these basic herb gardening tips are not difficult at all. Purchasing some good quality tools to use as well as some seeds is a fine beginning point. Then you’ll need to find a spot of nice soil and start planting!
Growing Culinary Herbs Gives Your Cooking A Fresh Taste
July 28, 2008
For thousands of years, people have been growing culinary herbs to aid in cooking. If you’d like to have fresh herbs for cooking, growing them is a great way to do it. There are herbs to suit every recipe, from spicy to tangy to salty to simply delicious.
Parsley is a versatile herb that’s good for much more than just a sprig of decoration for sake of appearance. It’s great in dishes from chicken and lamb to cheese, and who hasn’t used a bit when preparing a fish dinner? It’s also a good addition to soups and salads.
One popular herb is thyme, the leaves of a small woody-stemmed plant. Thyme works well in meat sauces, delicate soups, or hearty everyday dishes such as tuna casserole. Whether grilled meats or gourmet cheeses, nearly every imaginable food can benefit from a little added thyme.
When you’re eating Italian food chances are you are enjoying basil. It is added to many dishes for improved flavor.
Use aniseed for a spicy kick. Aniseed is related to Tarragon. The narrow leaves of the herb leave a delightfully spicy flavor to fish and mayo. Anise oil has a licorice-like flavor that compliments many dishes and is used to make artificial licorice.
Growing culinary herbs is surprisingly easy. All they require is sun, water, and soil. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, your herbs can thrive. They are very sturdy and resistant against disease. So what are you waiting for?
Another popular favorite is coriander seeds, which are derived from the cilantro plant. Porks and curries taste fantastic with a little zing from the citrusy coriander seed. Their mild and sweet zest creates delicious chutney, as well. Another herb with a bit of kick is dill. It lends itself perfectly to dressing up a plain old salad or for use in pickling. Added to chutney in combination with olive oil, it can’t be beat.
Cooking makes heavy use of all the herbs that are derived from mint. Sage is one of the most popularly found in American kitchens, followed by rosemary. Peppermint is also great to add a zesty smell and taste to any dish. Any type of mint is a great complement to veal and potato dishes, soups, and even jellies and jams!
It’s less common for people to grow saffron, but anybody with a sense of adventure should try it. Its tangy, honey-like flavor is a delightful departure from the more “traditional” herbs. Turkish people add saffron to rice pudding, but it can also be used in chicken or fish dishes.
No matter what your tastes are, chances are you will love adding herbs to your recipes. Which is why growing culinary herbs is a wonderful way to get the best of gardening and cooking. Try them once and you will use them again and again to transform every day dishes into culinary art.
