Herbs; Harvesting, Preserving, and Storing

[Devyn-Leann]

CORIANDER - Coriandrum sativum
Other names - Coriander seed, Chinese parsley, cilantro
Plant family - umbelliferae (carrot family)
Height - up to 20 inches
Habit - Hardy annual with erect stems and moderately to finely cut aromatic leaves; flat clusters of tiny white to mauve flowers in summer, followed by round seeds
Habitat - full sun to light shade; moderately rich, well-drained soil
All zones (annual)

This pungently aromatic herb with a spicy flavor has long enjoyed popularity. Its seeds were found in an Egyptian tomb from the twenty-first dynasty, confirming that it has been used for over three thousand years. The ground seeds are also used to flavor baked goods, candy, and alcoholic beverages such as gin, and even to mask unappetizing smells or flavors in pharmaceuticals. The strongly flavored leaves, more commonly known as cilantro, have long been used in the cuisines of Southeast Asia, India, and Mexico. Crushed coriander seeds are wonderfully fragrant and make a good fixative for potpurri. The oil extracted from the seeds is used in aromatherapy.
Commission E has approved the use of coriander for indigestion and loss of appetite. It may be taken as either an infusion or a tincture of the crushed seeds.




LAVENDER - Lavandula angustifolia
Plant family  - labiatae (mint family)
Height - up to 3 1/2 feet
Habit - Hardy perrenial with narrow, aromatic, gray leaves along square stems; small clusters of tiny purple flowers in early summer.
Habitat - prefers full sun and average to dry, well-drained soil.
Zones - 5-8


Lavender's pretty cushioned form and seductive scent make it a garden favorite. The downy gray leaves contrast nicely with many other herbs and ornamental plants; in milder climates, leaves remain attractive all year.
The flowers are harvested just before they open. Esters remain active in the dried flowers used in decorations and potpurri.
Lavender's essential oil is used to perfume bath soaps and oils, among many other products. It is one of the most frequently used oils for aromatherapy. The essential oil can be dilluted in a carrier oil and massaged on the temples and nape of the neck to reduce tension, anxiety, or headaches.
Infusions made from the flowers are approved by Commission E for treating loss of appetite, nervous indigestion, and insomnia. It is also used to improve circulation.




LEMON BALM - Melissa officinalis
Other names - balm, sweet balm
Plant family - Labiatae (mint family)
Height - up to 5 ft.
Habit - Hardy perrenial with scalloped, lemon-scented leaves on square stems; small white flowers clustered in leaf axils (where leaves attach to stems) in summer
Habitat - Prefers partial shade to full sun and moist, well-drained soil
Zones - 4-9

Lemon balm is an attractive plant that produces a wonderful scent when brushed against, and more so when it is crushed. The flowers are a magnet for bees, and its genus name comes from the Greek word for bee. Like its mint relatives it creeps, forming large clumps, and it also self-sows readily. Shearing plants a couple times a season will keep them tidy and also prevent numerous volunteer seedlings. The fresh leaves make a pleasant addition to fruit salads, punches, and iced tea; they are also one of the many flavorings in Chartreuse liqueur. When dried, the leaves lose most of their flavor, so they are best as a summertime seasoning.
Lemon balm is not an herb to raise deep depression,  but many people find their spirits are lifted by lemon balm tea. Lemon balm is approved by Commission E for treating stress and insomnia.
Lemon balm repels some insects due to various components of its volatile oil, including citronella. Try rubbing the fresh plant on your skin to keep insects away when working in the garden.
For best results, (and for most aroma and flavor), make infusions from the fresh leaves. To dry for winter use, harvest the plant before it flower.
CAUTION - Lemon balm can inhibit thyroid function, so be certain to consult a medical professional before taking lemon balm if you have a thyroid condition.

[Dale Smith]

Thanks, Dale, I'm going to keep this info handly.  Did your mother ever use mustand plasters on you to break up a cough & cold?
Or, turpentine & lard?  UGH!  I can remember rubbing those on my throat and chest and then putting a warm flannel cloth over it before putting on pajamas and heading off to bed!  Also, we used camphophenic to open up nasal passages.  Well, I got off the subject a little bit, but it sorta tied back!
mlw

Oh Myrna, more than I care to even remember.  My mother is an RN, but she firmly believed in natural remedies, and allowing the body to heal itself.  None of us kids were ever given antibiotics... she didn't believe in them.  Now, I wonder if that is why the three of us are all so healthy. 

[frawin]

Very well could be, Dale.  I personally was never very sick as a child except I experience the "childhood diseases".  Now that I am old, I am having a few problems, but sure don't let it get me down!