Thymus vulgaris
"Common Thyme"
Family: Lamiaceae
Thyme, native to the Euroasian continent, was well-known since Assyrian time (2000BC). Ancient Greeks felt complimented when told they ‘smell like thymbra’ and in Egypt it was used as part of embalming the dead.
Thyme is a classic in herb gardens. They are excellent for ground cover or garden border, and be pruned into a low hedging or a classic knot formation. Maximum essential oil potency occurs in the summer months.
Thyme enjoys a well-drained, light soil with pH of 6-8, temperature of 13°C. They are low maintenance as long as they get full sun and are protected from cold during winter.
Leaf
Shape: Ovate
Margin: Smooth
Colour: Gray-green to green
Surface: Smooth
Size: 5-10mm
Arrangement: Staggered opposing.
Cycle: Evergreen perennial
Flower
Colour/s: White - lilac
Inflorescence: Terminal spike
Scent: Similar to the leaves
Shape: ovate
Plant Category: Creeping groundcover
Growth characteristics: 30cm x 30cm.
Potential horticultural use: Culinary/herbal gardens, ornamental, potted situations.
Horticultural limitations: As they have fine roots, transplanting requires extra care, and recommended to do so in autumn, months ahead of frost. Although they are hardy to up to -10°C, in cool temperature climates they may need extra protection fro cold winds. Clumps may die in the centre of the bush after 2-3 years, usually an indication of poor growing conditions such as too much moisture or interference from fallen objects such as leaf litter from other plants.
Propagation methods: Seed; germination period 3-4weeks. Root division. Cuttings - soft-tissue cutting, semi-hardwood cutting, and layering.
Culinary: Flavouring for soft cheeses and butters. Used for flavouring in cooking or raw sprinkles. When cookbooks refer to a ‘sprig’ they usually mean half teaspoon (2.5mL)
Farmaceutical: Antisceptic and antibacterial. Coughs, digestive aid, and sooth muscle aches. Stronger infusion used for mouth rinse; disinfect mouth, gums and throat. Anti-aging properties.
Aromatic: Rudyard Kipling: “wind-bit thyme that smells like the perfume of the dawn in paradise”. Culpeper mentioned it dispelling melancholy and nightmares. Thyme essential oils are available to use in baths for rheumatism, in liniments, and in massage oils.
Folklore: Domestic virtue: “I need a compatible partner”.
Monday, May 31, 2010
What's a Farmacist?
In my plant intro sections you'll see a segment called 'farmaceuticals'. It's a section dedicated to herb's medicinal values that lists things it's been said they are good for. Some I've experienced because I've got easy access to them (like using Rosemary in my bath not only because they smell nice but because I'd like to think they're good for my scalp and skin). I get the name from Farmacists Desk Reference (FDR) by Don Tolman. I'd like to think of the name to mean Farm-assist. As in, we'll be helping the local farmers if we buy their produce! And you certainly won't find fresh fruits and veges in a pharmacist, no matter how much they try to convince you how good their pills in a bottle are.
In my personal opinion, fruits and veges are much more delicious and fun than pills in a bottle :)
While there are increasing medical research to back these up, through the analysis of the plant's chemical components, I believe subscribing to whole food signatures must come from an intuition. Like, you can take it or leave it that carrots are good for your eyes! It's been said plenty of times in folklore, when you chop a carrot horizontally it's got the exact pattern of an eye. However I can't advocate this as truth until I put the effort into refocusing my eye through the means of eating plenty of fresh carrots. And so I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that if there's an information you want to take on board from my blog, it's entirely in your hands on what you do with it.
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Since we're on the topic of Don, I have to share a side story of something I discovered today... While looking up "Don Tolman" in Google, the next option below was "Don Tolman Fraud". Curious I clicked and there were some interesting things said, from 'the concept of food telling me what it's good for is laughable' to 'he stole my $5000 (or somesuch), how can I get it back?" Don is an international jet-set speaker that makes money majorly from his courses, and more recently from turning his knowledge into a tangible thing that can be sold through a pyramid scheme. (He doesn't call it pyramid, but 2-tiered system is still a pyramid). Sometimes these things don't work out the way you want it, and most of the time sales pitches are annoying.
His head is full of years of specialised study, intensely funny to listen to live, and a real threat to the pharmaceutical industry because he asks the tough questions. It's really up to you to try his mad methods out before handing out judgments...
In my personal opinion, fruits and veges are much more delicious and fun than pills in a bottle :)
While there are increasing medical research to back these up, through the analysis of the plant's chemical components, I believe subscribing to whole food signatures must come from an intuition. Like, you can take it or leave it that carrots are good for your eyes! It's been said plenty of times in folklore, when you chop a carrot horizontally it's got the exact pattern of an eye. However I can't advocate this as truth until I put the effort into refocusing my eye through the means of eating plenty of fresh carrots. And so I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that if there's an information you want to take on board from my blog, it's entirely in your hands on what you do with it.
---
Since we're on the topic of Don, I have to share a side story of something I discovered today... While looking up "Don Tolman" in Google, the next option below was "Don Tolman Fraud". Curious I clicked and there were some interesting things said, from 'the concept of food telling me what it's good for is laughable' to 'he stole my $5000 (or somesuch), how can I get it back?" Don is an international jet-set speaker that makes money majorly from his courses, and more recently from turning his knowledge into a tangible thing that can be sold through a pyramid scheme. (He doesn't call it pyramid, but 2-tiered system is still a pyramid). Sometimes these things don't work out the way you want it, and most of the time sales pitches are annoying.
His head is full of years of specialised study, intensely funny to listen to live, and a real threat to the pharmaceutical industry because he asks the tough questions. It's really up to you to try his mad methods out before handing out judgments...
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Rosemarinas officinalis - Rosemary
Rosemarinas officinalis
"Rosemary"
Family: Laminaceae
Well known in Western Europe, rosemary was around from ancient Greco-Roman times. Native to the Mediterranean coast, Rosemarinus means ‘dew of the sea’ in Latin which associates with this coastal habitat and the appearance of the flowers.
As rosemary have an attractive vertical line, it will do well in a decorative garden situation.
Rosemary enjoys a sunny, sheltered position. Some may survive the frost .
Soil type: Sharply drained, stony soils and requires little moisture. PH 5-8. Soil temperature 13-25°C.
Maintenance requirements: Little watering, hard pruning in summer after flowering.
Leaf
Shape: lanceolate
Margin: smooth
Colour: grey-green to green
Surface: short soft fur
Size: 3cm long, 3mm wide
Arrangement:
Cycle: perennial
Flower
Colour/s: lilac to dark blue
Inflorescence: tubular
Scent: same as leaves
Shape: bilobial
Fruit: Produces small black seeds.
Plant Category: Evergreen shrub
Growth characteristics: Up to 2m tall, has woody brances and strongly aromatic needle-like leaves
Potential horticultural use: Textile and scent gardens, culinary and medicinal gardens. Can be trained into a pattern against a wall (Tudor style) or pruned into a hedge or topiary.
Horticultural limitations: Does not enjoy excess moisture and humidity.
Propagation methods: From seed, germination 15-20 days. Easily asexually propagated from soft-tissue cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, and layering
Culinary: Classic for roasts, stews and casseroles. Add to marinades, vinegar, oil and dressings. Used sparingly to add spice to cakes, biscuits, sorbets and baked/stewed apples. Advocated by lamb-lovers. Popular Italian flavour.
Farmaceutical: Antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Use for memory improvement, energiser, colds and flu, fatigue and headache. Infusions used for skin and hair care. Essential oils used for massaging rheumatic and muscular pain. *Excess in medicinal dose taken orally during pregnancy may cause abortion.
Aromatic: Dried leaves for potpourri and insect-repellents.
Folklore: Symbol of rememberance, found at weddings, funerals and Christmas decorations. Protection from the evil eye.
"Rosemary"
Family: Laminaceae
Well known in Western Europe, rosemary was around from ancient Greco-Roman times. Native to the Mediterranean coast, Rosemarinus means ‘dew of the sea’ in Latin which associates with this coastal habitat and the appearance of the flowers.
As rosemary have an attractive vertical line, it will do well in a decorative garden situation.
Rosemary enjoys a sunny, sheltered position. Some may survive the frost .
Soil type: Sharply drained, stony soils and requires little moisture. PH 5-8. Soil temperature 13-25°C.
Maintenance requirements: Little watering, hard pruning in summer after flowering.
Leaf
Shape: lanceolate
Margin: smooth
Colour: grey-green to green
Surface: short soft fur
Size: 3cm long, 3mm wide
Arrangement:
Cycle: perennial
Flower
Colour/s: lilac to dark blue
Inflorescence: tubular
Scent: same as leaves
Shape: bilobial
Fruit: Produces small black seeds.
Plant Category: Evergreen shrub
Growth characteristics: Up to 2m tall, has woody brances and strongly aromatic needle-like leaves
Potential horticultural use: Textile and scent gardens, culinary and medicinal gardens. Can be trained into a pattern against a wall (Tudor style) or pruned into a hedge or topiary.
Horticultural limitations: Does not enjoy excess moisture and humidity.
Propagation methods: From seed, germination 15-20 days. Easily asexually propagated from soft-tissue cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, and layering
Culinary: Classic for roasts, stews and casseroles. Add to marinades, vinegar, oil and dressings. Used sparingly to add spice to cakes, biscuits, sorbets and baked/stewed apples. Advocated by lamb-lovers. Popular Italian flavour.
Farmaceutical: Antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Use for memory improvement, energiser, colds and flu, fatigue and headache. Infusions used for skin and hair care. Essential oils used for massaging rheumatic and muscular pain. *Excess in medicinal dose taken orally during pregnancy may cause abortion.
Aromatic: Dried leaves for potpourri and insect-repellents.
Folklore: Symbol of rememberance, found at weddings, funerals and Christmas decorations. Protection from the evil eye.
Zingiber officinale - Ginger
Zingiber officinale
Ginger
Family: Zingiberaceae
Originating in the jungles of South-East Asia, it was imported by Greeks and Romans to the North-West, and was taken by the migrants across the islands of Pacific as far as New Zealand and Madagascar. It was thought to be so valuable that Arab traders mislead rivals as to its origin by inventing a place called ‘Troglodyticall Arabia.’
Ginger is easy to grow from fresh rhizomes, suitable as a primary industry crop or in a home garden situation for its attractive foliage while waiting for the rhizome to develop. For agricultural purposes the plant is treated as an annual for harvest.
Ginger prefers warm, humid environment, and filtered sun or partial shade. 24°C in greenhouses. Grow them in a rich, moist but well-drained soil, with pH of 4.5-7.5. They do best in tropical zones.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid strong winds and frosts.
Leaf
Shape: lanceolate
Margin: smooth
Colour: bright green
Surface: smooth
Size: 15 long, 1-3cm wide
Arrangement: alternate
Cycle: perennial.
Flower
Colour/s: Light green
Inflorescence: cones
Plant Category: Monocot with rhizome, aromatic bitter herb.
Growth characteristics: Fast-growing; up to 1m tall, 50cm wide
Potential horticultural use: attractive foliage, culinary
Horticultural limitations: does not tolerate cold well
Propagation methods: division of rhizomes
Culinary: Rhizomes used fresh, dried, cooked. Keeps well frozen.
Farmaceutical: Keeps the intestinal muscles toned. Treatment of nausea from motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy and anesthesia; vomiting, headaches, chest congestion, cholera, colds, diarrhea, stomach ache, rheumatism and nervous diseases. Prevention of migraine, osteo-arthritis, and cancer activities. Relieves symptoms of abdominal bloating, rheumatoid arthritis, and acts as thrombotic and inflammatory agent. It also has depressant, diarrhoea and strong oxidant activity. Inhibitor of prostaglandin and thromboxane formation and has strong nutrient properties similar to that of bromelain for inflammation.
Aromatic: Essential oil, flavouring.
Pagan lore: sexuality, love, courage, money, prosperity.
Ginger
Family: Zingiberaceae
Originating in the jungles of South-East Asia, it was imported by Greeks and Romans to the North-West, and was taken by the migrants across the islands of Pacific as far as New Zealand and Madagascar. It was thought to be so valuable that Arab traders mislead rivals as to its origin by inventing a place called ‘Troglodyticall Arabia.’
Ginger is easy to grow from fresh rhizomes, suitable as a primary industry crop or in a home garden situation for its attractive foliage while waiting for the rhizome to develop. For agricultural purposes the plant is treated as an annual for harvest.
Ginger prefers warm, humid environment, and filtered sun or partial shade. 24°C in greenhouses. Grow them in a rich, moist but well-drained soil, with pH of 4.5-7.5. They do best in tropical zones.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid strong winds and frosts.
Leaf
Shape: lanceolate
Margin: smooth
Colour: bright green
Surface: smooth
Size: 15 long, 1-3cm wide
Arrangement: alternate
Cycle: perennial.
Flower
Colour/s: Light green
Inflorescence: cones
Plant Category: Monocot with rhizome, aromatic bitter herb.
Growth characteristics: Fast-growing; up to 1m tall, 50cm wide
Potential horticultural use: attractive foliage, culinary
Horticultural limitations: does not tolerate cold well
Propagation methods: division of rhizomes
Culinary: Rhizomes used fresh, dried, cooked. Keeps well frozen.
Farmaceutical: Keeps the intestinal muscles toned. Treatment of nausea from motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy and anesthesia; vomiting, headaches, chest congestion, cholera, colds, diarrhea, stomach ache, rheumatism and nervous diseases. Prevention of migraine, osteo-arthritis, and cancer activities. Relieves symptoms of abdominal bloating, rheumatoid arthritis, and acts as thrombotic and inflammatory agent. It also has depressant, diarrhoea and strong oxidant activity. Inhibitor of prostaglandin and thromboxane formation and has strong nutrient properties similar to that of bromelain for inflammation.
Aromatic: Essential oil, flavouring.
Pagan lore: sexuality, love, courage, money, prosperity.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Plant ID 1
One of the classes I'm taking at TAFE is Plant ID. We are given a set list to memorise plant's appearance, Common name and Binomial name (biological name). Our assignment was to present our flower-pressings of a couple of plants we chose for ourselves and wrote up info on them. That was fun! Microwaving leaves, pressing and changing tissues for weeks, gluing them onto the herberium board for presentation.
But... Xanthostemon chrysanthus... what? It's easier to understand what it means if you know that in Greek: 'xanthos' means 'yellow', 'stemon' means 'thread' referring to the plant's stemen, 'chrysos' means 'gold', and 'anthos' is 'flower'. It's commonly known as "Golden Penda" and, guess what, they have very yellow flowers when in season from summer to autumn.
The inate knowledge of Greek or Latin linguistic origin isn't available to all people though (myself included) and sometimes a more creative association needs to be excercised. Harpullia pendula "Tulipwood" - Harp, Pully, Pendulum... can you imagine pendulums of harps and tulips hanging from a tree getting pulled? They have pendula-like small orange fruits which help with association.
Please check out LOLPlant ID for more of the bizzar and entertaining ways I get to know plants better.
But... Xanthostemon chrysanthus... what? It's easier to understand what it means if you know that in Greek: 'xanthos' means 'yellow', 'stemon' means 'thread' referring to the plant's stemen, 'chrysos' means 'gold', and 'anthos' is 'flower'. It's commonly known as "Golden Penda" and, guess what, they have very yellow flowers when in season from summer to autumn.
The inate knowledge of Greek or Latin linguistic origin isn't available to all people though (myself included) and sometimes a more creative association needs to be excercised. Harpullia pendula "Tulipwood" - Harp, Pully, Pendulum... can you imagine pendulums of harps and tulips hanging from a tree getting pulled? They have pendula-like small orange fruits which help with association.
Please check out LOLPlant ID for more of the bizzar and entertaining ways I get to know plants better.
Introduction
Hi there, how goes?
My name is Mariko and I would like to take you on a journey of discovering herbs - everything from basic biology of what they look like, historical and cultural interests, cooking tips, spells, even ideal setting to grow them in! I'll occasionally throw in fruits and vegies for a bit of variety in this very tasty salad :) I'll share with you my experiences of using and growing them, and also handy tips on remembering those funky-sounding, sometimes intimidatingly long botanical names.
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I am currently studying Horticulture through TAFE which is keeping me in one spot for now. In the past I have gone adventuring with WWOOFing in Nimbin, NSW, and will be off on another very soon at a local Strawberry Farm for 2nd year in a row. Very excited to mix with back packers again and their adventuring! On the occasion I join my father in romping around the Glasshouse Mountains, especially Tibrogargan and waiting patiently for Beerwah to reopen to the public again. In quiet times I enjoy creating art which some are displayed here: http://guardienofthepyre.deviantart.com/ and have outings with other Deviants in Brisbane.
You can follow my environmental tweets @Eco_Fire
I look forward to hear from you your feedback, suggestions and discussions :)
Love and light always :)
My name is Mariko and I would like to take you on a journey of discovering herbs - everything from basic biology of what they look like, historical and cultural interests, cooking tips, spells, even ideal setting to grow them in! I'll occasionally throw in fruits and vegies for a bit of variety in this very tasty salad :) I'll share with you my experiences of using and growing them, and also handy tips on remembering those funky-sounding, sometimes intimidatingly long botanical names.
---
I am currently studying Horticulture through TAFE which is keeping me in one spot for now. In the past I have gone adventuring with WWOOFing in Nimbin, NSW, and will be off on another very soon at a local Strawberry Farm for 2nd year in a row. Very excited to mix with back packers again and their adventuring! On the occasion I join my father in romping around the Glasshouse Mountains, especially Tibrogargan and waiting patiently for Beerwah to reopen to the public again. In quiet times I enjoy creating art which some are displayed here: http://guardienofthepyre.deviantart.com/ and have outings with other Deviants in Brisbane.
You can follow my environmental tweets @Eco_Fire
I look forward to hear from you your feedback, suggestions and discussions :)
Love and light always :)
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