Over the years, I've expanded our herbal garden not only to improve the tinctures and salves I create but also to delight the local birds, squirrels, and deer.
You don't need a large yard to create a medicinal garden; a few pots, some space, quality soil, sunlight, and water are sufficient.
Your garden can evolve into a space that's both medicinal and herbal and because many herbs can serve as remedies, it's wise to plant extra!
It's important to understand that not all plants and herbs are beneficial for our bodies. Learning to distinguish between safe and potentially harmful varieties is vital for anyone tending a garden.
Many plants look alike yet have subtle differences. For instance, Queen Anne's Lace and Poison Hemlock can be confused. Poison Hemlock has multiple flower clusters, while Queen Anne's Lace typically has a single flower. The stem of Queen Anne's Lace is hairy, whereas Poison Hemlock's stem is smooth. While one part of a plant may be safe, another part of the same plant can be harmful.
Additionally, it's important to note that not all mushrooms are edible.
My goal is not to frighten but to lessen the anxiety and cheer on your enthusiasm!
I have a collection of books that I find quite useful. My most recent addition is "The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies" by Dr. Nicole Apelian, who also sells a set of seeds (which I have purchased). Other significant titles include "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs," "Culpeper's Complete Herbal" for holistic medicine, and for those who enjoy medieval murder mysteries. "Brother Cadfael's Herb Garden: Medicinal Plants and Their Uses" Moreover, there are many online resources for additional research.
Remember, you can harvest petals from certain flowers to make tea, such as chamomile, dandelion, and echinacea. Additionally, many vegetables serve medicinal purposes, including cabbage, mint, lemongrass, and turkey tail mushrooms, among others.
Gardening is therapeutic for the mind, and simply being out in the sunshine can boost your system with additional vitamins C and D!
So Go Forth and Garden!!
Blessings Heidi and Jane!
Add comment
Comments