Recently I became concerned about our Wooly Lamb's Ear. After doing some research I found out that very hot humid weather can affect this plant. So I immediately moved the planter to a more shaded area. There is nothing I can do about the humidity.
I have always been intrigued with Lamb's Ear. One of our Grandsons loves to feel the soft fuzzy leaves.
Many years ago I did some research and read how long ago the leaves of the plant were used in battlefields for wound care and laid over a wound as it is absorbent and has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It has many other uses but I will not post that here because there is much information available for this plant.
I have been thinking lately of moving our herbs around a bit and having them in groups such as our wound care and medicinal plants.
As our summer is wearing on, some of the plants are in great need of pruning and attention but it has just been too hot. The Aloe vera plant above has also been known for its use on burns and skin ailments but it also has other uses. I plan on dividing much of this plant as it needs more space. Last month I ran out and pinched off a leaf and placed it on a mild burn I got in the kitchen.
I plan on having our rosemary in the medicinal garden as well as the culinary garden. Rosemary has antiseptic properties. It can be boiled to yield an antiseptic solution for cleaning bathrooms. It is known to be good for aching joints and used as an antiseptic gargle and mouthwash. Rosemary has many other uses. Just do your research and you find many uses for these herbs.
Oregano (above) is well known as a culinary plant but it also has many medicinal uses. I have several Herb books and it is written that the oil from the oregano can be used for toothaches or an antiseptic poultice for swelling or the flowering tops to be infused as a tea for colds and headaches. When using herbs one must consider medications you are taking and check thoroughly the uses in a reputable book or information or your doctor.
Turmeric has many health benefits (above left) and ginger (Above right).
I just recently used the ginger for disc pain I was having and why I have not been at my computer recently to do posts. I lifted something too heavy which I should have not done but I did and not the first time.
The ginger (1/2 cup) was grated and placed in cheese cloth and simmered in a pot of water then used the ginger water for compresses. The warm ginger soaked towels were placed on my back and rotated and as they cooled down they were placed back in the pot. My husband stood by and rotated the warm cloths, dipping them in the warm ginger water and placing on my back for 20 minutes. I have given my back a good rest and I am back up moving about around the house but not quite ready for the garden.
Sage has many medicinal properties. I have read that it has antiseptic and antifungal properties and has a estrogenic effect. It is known to help cough and colds.
Basil is wonderful for mental fatigue. I love to walk out to the garden and pick basil leaves and inhale the wonderful scent of basil. Basil has many uses in aromatherapy.
Thymes can be used as an antiseptic air spray or for coughs, colds and sore throats. Of course many of these herbs have wonderful culinary uses but I thought I would just mention that growing herbs in our gardens can be very useful as living medicine cabinets
I love growing Mint. We have several types of mint in our garden. I often have a cup of warm chocolate mint tea after supper as it seems to help my digestion. Mint has many medicinal uses such as for colds, hiccups, migraines, muscular aches and more.
If you do not have a lot of space for a garden, herbs can also be grown in containers and it is wonderful to walk out and clip the herbs for either culinary or medicinal uses.
I hope this inspires you to grow at least a few herbs in your garden or on your balcony or window sill. Grandma Donna
