Medicinal Herbs
by Herb Enthusiast Barbara Porsch – Permian Basin Master Gardener
This week we will continue with three more herbs that are easy to grow and are good for you also.
First is Sage (Salvia officinalis) , which they say can improve your memory. Boy howdy, do I need to eat a lot of that! Studies show it is a strong antibacterial, especially against bacteria such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus.
Like most herbs, Sage is native to the Mediterranean area and will survive winters most anywhere. It wants lots of sun and good drainage. In fact, it wants sun so much that it would be a hassle to grow indoors, even with a grow light. There are quite a few varieties of the common culinary sage. It has a strong flavor, and I am always reminded of the time I put too much into the Thanksgiving dressing. (Some people call it stuffing.) A little goes a long way. You can use it with cheeses, pasta, and breads, and even make tea by steeping fresh leaves in boiling water. I have common culinary sage that has wintered over for at least 5 years. It just gets bigger each year and survived the big ice storm. Every time I think about trimming it back, it starts blooming, and then I just can’t bear to cut it away.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is the symbol of remembrance. The old herbalists recommended it “for all infirmities of the head and brain.” Europeans suggested wearing a garland of rosemary as a remedy against forgetfulness. Do you see a trend here in why I like these two herbs?
I read that students in ancient Greece would stick sprigs of rosemary in their hair while studying for exams.
It is said that an ointment can soothe the pain of rheumatism. Toss some sprigs into a hot bath to soothe aching muscles. I can attest that after a hard day in the garden, this really is nice. I've also heard that rubbing your dog with rosemary twigs will repel ticks and fleas. I do know that my dog sure did smell good after running through the shrub chasing lizards. The blossoms attract bees and birds.
A woody shrub native to the Mediterranean, rosemary spread through northern Europe with the Romans, who burned the pine-scented leaves as incense. Rosemary needs sun and, above all, good drainage. It is evergreen, so you don’t need to save and dry it. Just go out and cut a twig to use on any meat, but especially chicken or fish, and potatoes or bread. I make rosemary-flavored lemonade that seems to be a hit with everybody.
My Gorizio rosemary came through the February freeze Uri with only a few branches damaged. It has strong stems you can use when making kabobs. It started in a 4-inch pot from one of our plant sales and is planted out in full sun in my yard with no regular irrigation.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a universal seasoning and one of three basic ingredients (with bay and parsley) in bouquet garni, the traditional mix of herbs used in French cooking. However, in Europe, medical practitioners use thyme products to treat coughs, bronchitis, and even asthma. It is considered an expectorant and antibacterial.
Thyme is easy to propagate by cuttings or divisions. The seeds germinate very slowly. They need good light and, like most other herbs, good drainage. There are over 100 species of Thyme, each probably with a minute difference in flavor. Lemon Thyme is especially tasty in cooking chicken or fish. You can use thyme in soups and stews.
If you all remember the Simon and Garfunkel ballad that mentions “parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme,” then you know I just can’t quit without mentioning parsley, even though it makes one more than the six I said I would start out with.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is like a vitamin pill on your plate. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and B and is a good source of calcium, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin; a natural source of potassium and magnesium; and reportedly fights cancer. It is a great plant for pollinators, so plant extra for the caterpillars. An added bonus is that it deodorizes your breath, especially after eating garlic or onions. So, don’t leave it there: eat that parsley on your plate.
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.
