Medicinal Herbs
by Herb Enthusiast Barbara Porsch, Permian Basin Master Gardener
A while back, I received a newsletter from motherearthliving.com talking about 6 medicinal herbs that are easy to grow. You know, I am more into the eating than the medical stuff, so I haven’t thought about that in a long time. But why not? They listed 6, so I will do 3 this week and the remaining 3 next week.
I know fresh herbs qualify as healthier because you can cut down on salt and fat in some recipes by using herbs to brighten the flavor. And growing your own is the frugal thing to do. Compare the price of a transplant that lasts all season to the few twigs or leaves that you pay big bucks for at the grocers.
1. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) supposedly brings on sleep and reduces anxiety levels. We all know we will not be healthy if we don’t sleep and worry all the time. It also soothes upset stomachs. It is an annual bushy shrub that needs lots of sun and room. You can make tea by steeping dried blossoms in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Dry the blossoms in a shady area for about a week. I saw them sold as cut flowers at a Trader Joe’s I visited recently, and I once even saw them at our HEB.
2. Oregano (Origanum spp.) is high in antioxidants, which are believed to protect against chronic diseases such as cancer. It also helps prevent inflammation, which may help protect against arthritis. Oregano is a hardy perennial that grows easily in full sun. You can grow it in pots if it has plenty of light. Those of you who have been to my house know that I use it as ground cover in the front courtyard, and it is slowly recovering from the big ice storm a few years ago. Ordinarily, it is green all year. The variety I grow in my courtyard is called “Hot and Spicy”. If any of you ever see it for sale, please let me know. It is not recovering as fast as I would like. It doesn’t get tall, so it is good as a groundcover. Oregano instantly brings to mind Italian sauces and pizza, but it is a staple in Mexican food. It is very versatile in the kitchen.
3. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) soothes stomachs, relieves chronic indigestion, and lessens the discomfort of sore throats. Its active ingredient, menthol, helps treat colds and congestion. Mints are very easy to grow; in fact, maybe too easy. It will take over if you plant it in the ground. Big pots are good. It will grow in sun to partial shade. It is used to make delicious tea, either hot or cold. You can muddle it and mix it into an adult beverage...had a Mojito lately? It is common in Thai food (think spring rolls) and Middle Eastern dishes such as tabbouleh.
Tune in again next week for three more easy-to-grow herbs which are also healthy for you.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
If you have questions, call the AgriLife office in Odessa at 498-4071 or in Midland at 686-4700. Additional information and our blog for access to past articles are available at westtexasgardening.org. Click on Resources.
