So, lets talk about herbs and how to use them!

Its been said we have been using herbs since we first crawled out of the primeval swamp. It’s nearly true, we have been using herbs at least since 3000BC! During that period, although we haven’t learnt much about living peacefully together, we have learnt a lot about herbs.

We know how to grow them, sell them, dry them, use them in the home, cook with them, use them for medicine, for crafts, dieing, home remedies, and many other purposes, even herbal folk magick and healing!

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There are many uses for herbs from your garden, and we will explore some of those uses now, and direct you to some further reliable sources of information.

Growing the most commonly used herbs is quite easy, except in a cold climate. Generally they are hardy plants, and like good soil and adequate water. They like at least five or six hours of sun, and most grow easily from seed. Some, like rosemary and bay, grow from cuttings quite readily. Others like garlic chives can be split into several plants. You can find herb seed and climatic growing instructions, in your local hardware or gardening shop.

Herbs like plenty of sun, and can be nestled in amongst other plants in your garden. Herbs are so easy to grow! Remember if you buy herb plants in pots, they need special attention. They may have been grown inside, and may die if transplanted into full sun. Put them under a tree to harden off before trying to plant them out in your garden. They may also be pot-bound, and may need to be replanted if you are going to leave them in a pot. Some, like coriander, are difficult to transplant.

The kitchen is probably the room where most herb use occurs. Basic cooking uses a half dozen or so different herbs, such as coriander, basil, parsley, garlic chives, rosemary, bay, basil, mint and few others. More involved recipes, or specific regional recipes, or recipes from another country, will call for a much wider selection. These recipes may require herbs such as tarragon, oregano, nutmeg, borage, carraway, and others.

To find out more about how to grow popular kitchen herbs,click below, but don't forget to come back and read the rest of this page!

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Herbs make beautiful refreshing teas. In spite of being very easy to make, brewing herb tea is often considered to be an art form. Flavors can vary whether the teapot is hot or just warm, the drawing time, how much herb is put in the pot, whether you use leaves of flowers, and so on. If you are new to herb teas, try all the recipes, and all the different methods. You will soon work out which way is best for you. In hot weather, iced herb tea is great, but you need to make it stronger to counter the ice melting.

Just put some fresh herb leaves in a pot, pour boiling water over them, leave to brew, then enjoy! Not much different to making ordinary tea! Use Lemon Balm, perhaps with a little spearmint, or cloves for added flavor. Bergamot leaves, similar in flavor to Earl Grey tea, are nice. Some folks enjoy Chamomile tea, made with dried flowers. Then there is Lemon verbina, or peppermint.

And you can mix and match! Blends of different herb teas are popular, lemon grass, rosemary and thyme; lemon verbina and borage; spearmint and lemon balm; and there are many others mixes to try. Now, while you can use sugar or honey to sweeten your herb teas, you should never add milk. It spoils the tea, and destroys the flavor of the herbs. Be a little cautious about experimenting with strange herbs, too. Some have a very strong flavor, and are only used for medicinal purposes.

Even a drinkable beer can be made from herbs!

Before we leave the subject of herbal teas, no tea party is complete without someone who can read the tea leaves! If you would like to be the life of your next tea party, click on the link below, but dont forget to come back here and read all the other beaut stuff about herbs!

Click here to learn how to read the leaves in the teacups!

Infusions are more generally taken to relieve health symptoms. Medicinal infusions and herbal remedies are prepared in a similar manner to other infusions, except they are boiled or simmered. This extracts all the oils and essences. Keep the lid on to prevent these essential oils from escaping. Bark and pieces of twig are sometimes used, then brewed and strained. Basil tea aids in the relief of indigestion and stomach upsets. Chamomile acts as a digestive and nerve calmer. Lavender treats anxiety, headaches and nausea. Marjoram relieves colds and headaches and soothes nerves. Herbs are also the basis of most commercial vitamins.

Please remember, herb infusions relieve symptoms, they may not cure you! If you are sick, see a doctor or registered alternative medicinal practitioner. Herbal, alternative, and complementary medicine is a specialised field, and has many benefits for some ailments. In all herbal health matters, please be guided by a recognised expert.

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Herbs dry easily, just hang in loose bunches in a warm room, or in front of a window. Some herbs dry more easily than others. Pressing can also be used to dry small quantities or specimens, either using a plant press, or simply leaving your herbs under a pile of books. Some herbs lose a lot through drying, others improve their flavor. Some dry up to nothing, others last for years. It’s also important to harvest at the opportune time, and that depends on the variety of herb.

Herb dyes can easily be made, and used to dye table clothes, scarves, t-shirts, or curtains. The herb is boiled in water, then strained to produce a clean dye. A mordant is added to fix the dye. Mordants include alum, cream of tartar, and tartaric acid. Chemical mordants such as copper sulphate may change the finished color. The material is dipped in, and dyed. Its worth noting that some herb dyes will fade in time. The name of the game is to experiment!

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Many fragrant oils and lotions can be made from herbs.

Pomanders, scented candles, potpourri, bath salts, perfumes, soaps, and lots more. Essential oils are also used in aromatherapy. Some people have turned their skills in these fields, from a hobby, into a profitable full time manufacturing or consulting business! More about this later.

To find out more about essential oils and where to get them

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In the home, many herbs are used as cleaners, insecticides, furniture polishers, washing, handcreams, and for many more home uses.

There are many herbal remedies and infusions which are very useful for pets.

Gardening with herbs is so easy! In many gardens, herbs are grown for the color alone. While most people assume herbs to be a small or weedy plant, some have quite spectacular flowers, and can bring a smorgasbord of color to your home garden.

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Since 1987 Mountain Rose Herbs has become the Leading Organic Supplier in not only the finest organic botanical products, but the freshest as well. From their bulk organic herbs, essential oils, and natural body care products to their entire line of bulk ingredients for those crafting their own products. The quality and integrity of what they offer is unparalleled and is guaranteed to you a smile. In fact, they firmly believe nobody can deliver a better product. They have always put an emphasis on conducting business in an ethical and ecological way, helping to pave a way for other blossoming green companies.

Mountain Rose Herbs promises to deliver pure goodness and quality products from a loving, fun, and knowledgeable staff that are always there to assist you with any questions you may have. To find out more about Mountain Rose Herbs, click on the icon below

Taking a high quality herbal supplement is becoming an increasingly important factor in maintaining daily health. To find out more about health issues, and herbal supplements, please refer to our herbal health pages!

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