Innholdsfortegnelse for The Healing Garden i The Healing Garden

Hidden in our gardens within humble fruits, vegetables and herbs are many life-enhancing ingredients. With interest in DIY experiencing a revival, we thought it time to assist you in tapping into this natural healing resource through the art of creating your own remedies. A natural expansion on growing food and self-sufficiency, it encompasses philosophies of interest to many of us today: natural health, thrift, homesteading, DIY, organic and friendly for the environment. Making our own hand-made products also fulfills our desire to be proactive and frugal in uncertain times. There’s great joy in finding positivity and resilience in the small things we’re able to do for ourselves. Within our backyard, balcony and container gardens lies a pantry of restorative ingredients. Many of you will know of them. This beginner’s guide…

Appraise and maximise your space Consider what space you have available for growing herbs and other therapeutic plants and how you might structure your plantings. You might prefer a dedicated section for a traditional herb bed, parterre or spiral, or scattered throughout the garden, a communal space, balcony or, alternatively, a sunny area indoors. Remember, it’s quality not quantity that counts, and to supply effectively for your needs you don’t need a huge space. Use vertical space and whatever you have. Those with larger areas can choose from formal designs featuring circular, oval or geometric beds and neatly defined paths and hedging to informal plantings on hillsides or slopes. A walled, enclosed garden is another concept. Assess what’s already there Already hidden within your garden there are likely many fruits,…

Essential equipment • Funnels (for pouring liquids into the small openings of containers without making a mess)• Measuring cups and cylinders• Measuring jug• Measuring spoons• Mixing bowls• Stirring devices (such as wooden spoons)• Spatula• Sieves and strainers (for straining)• Kitchen scales Electronic coffee grinder (for powdering small amounts of dried herbs) or a mortar and pestle using old-fashioned hand labour• Double boiler (allows you to more gently heat liquids and oils)• Saucepans• Jars and bottles (for storing your concoctions). These should preferably be amber to block out light• Kitchen thermometer• Fine-weave cloth such as muslin (for fine straining)• Labels Optional but useful • Vitamix juicer or blender (for powdering and blending)• Cold press juicer (for pressing fresh juices)• Wine, herb or juice press (assists in pressing out plant tinctures and…

Leaves and aerial parts When to harvest: Harvest mid-morning after the dew has evaporated. Leaves are usually at their best in the early stage of plant flowering.  How: Using sharp cutters, cut off bunches of leaves, leaving a portion of stem. Do not strip the leaves. Very large leaves, however, such as comfrey, can be cut and dried in a singular fashion. Collect, bundle and carry the cuttings in a sheet or basket. Avoid letting the harvested plant materials touch the ground. Preparation: Use either the bunch method to dry or lay the mat erials thinly on a drying rack. For tough leaves and aerial parts, as mentioned, it’s possible to also dry them in an empty vase or basket. Once dry, you can separate the leaves from the stems…

Labelling Labelling your concoctions is important for future identification and ensuring you use them before their shelf life and vitality diminishes. Your label should be affixed to the container body, not the lid – we all know how easy it is for lids to be switched or go missing! Your label should ideally include the following information: ■ The name of the product or remedy, eg, Calendula Cream, Wormwood Tincture.■ The name of the plant or plants used.■ A full list of the ingredients used within the remedy (recommended, given the incidence of allergies and s ensitivities).■ The source of the plants/herbs (eg, Austral herbs, Bruny Island, Australia)■ Directions/instructions for using the remedy (optional, but useful).■ The date of manufacture.■ A use-by date.■ Storage requirements (relevant if you’re giving the…

Infused oils use oils to extract fatsoluble ingredients from plants. Therapeutic infused oils are used externally on the body by rubbing into the skin – and like anything applied to the skin, they’re absorbed into the body. They’re great for aches and pains, wound healing and to stimulate circulation, promote relaxation and more. Infused oils are often incorrectly confused with essential oils. However, these are not the same thing. Essential oils are volatile oils (those that evaporate easily) in plants extracted by steam distillation and other methods. Recipe Create your own infused oils with the ‘folk method’ Ingredients you’ll need • A fixed cold-pressed oil (Olive is the most stable and easily available option. Sesame, almond, grapeseed, apricot and avocado are also possible.) • Dried or fresh herb Essential equipment…

Part of plant used The fleshy leaves Plant origin Tropical Africa Description & identification Aloe vera is a perennial, droughttolerant succulent and member of the lily family related to onions and asparagus. Individual plants grow to around 60cm tall and wide. The narrow, thick, serrated leaves are green to greygreen, often with white mottling. In summer, the plants have flower spikes of yellow bells. Growing information Aloe vera enjoys dry, warm, sunny climates and sandy soils and dislikes frost. Grow it in full sun or light shade. Easy to grow, it readily produces “pups”, or small offsets. Just one plant can quickly lead to having many to share. Propagate by breaking off the pups and replanting the small rooted plantlets. Aloe vera grows well in pots in a coarse potting…

Part of plant used Flower Plant origin Southern Europe Description & identification More commonly known as marigold, calendula is well known for its cheery, long-blooming bright orange or yellow daisy-like flowers. The low growing annual or biennial, is often confused with French or African marigold (Tagetes), a different species. Tagetes has a pinnate leaf (leaflets arranged on either side of the stem). The leaf of calendula is more spatula-shaped. Growing information One of the most easy to grow, unfussy, fast growing and popular flowers, calendula is a good choice for new gardeners. It prefers cool or temperate climates with mild summers. Plant it in full or part sun in a well-drained site. Calendula likes moderate soil fertility; in rich soil it may produce fewer flowers. It’s best grown from seed…

Part of plant used Flower Plant origin Europe, North Africa and northern Asia Description & identification An annual with pretty little daisy flowers, chamomile comes in different species, which confuses many. The common types will flower most times of the year except winter and their leaves have a characteristic apple scent. In fact, its name, which comes from Greek via Latin and French, means “earth apple”, a reference to the fragrance of the foliage. The two main types used for medicinal purposes are German chamomile (Matricaria recutita, also Matricaria chamomilla), a taller, bushier annual about 40–70cm; and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), a low-growing perennial. German is grown more commonly, though the flowers of Roman are sweeter. Roman may be grown as a groundcover or filler between pavers or rocks. Growing…

Part of plant used Leaves/aerial parts (Traditionally) the root Plant origin Europe and Asia Description & identification Also known as knitbone, the word comfrey comes from the Latin con firma (meaning ‘grow together’ or ‘make firm’). A perennial growing to about 1m, comfrey has thick, long, lance-like leaves covered with thin hairs. The small bell-like, yellowish-white or pink-mauve flowers appear from November to April. Comfrey dies back temporarily in winter and reappears spring. Growing information One of the easiest-care plants, comfrey can grow in most soils and situations and is frost-resistant. However, it prefers a moist environment, a sunny position and well-drained soil. The plant is generally propagated by root division. In fact, any part of the root left in the ground will shoot so be wary where you plant…

Part of plant used Root (considered the most potent and active part) Seed Aerial parts Plant origin North-eastern North America. * Echinacea (also known as purple coneflower) is often confused with the Rudbeckia species, which has no known medicinal merit. Description & identification Echinacea has pinkish purple, downward-growing petals off a central spiny cone and dark-green leaves. A perennial, it grows to a stately 150cm – although there are shorter and taller forms. Echinacea comes in broad-leaf (Echinacea purpurea) and narrow-leaf (Echinacea angustifolia) varieties and a third variety, Echinacea pallida (considered the least potent). Angustifolia is said to be the most potent, but purpurea is easier to grow. Growing information A popular, reasonably drought-tolerant, cottage garden border plant, it can thrive in a wide range of climates. It performs best…

Part of plant used The rhizome Plant origin Native to tropical Asia Description & identification Ginger is a beloved perennial herb growing to about a metre tall and from the same plant family as cardamon and turmeric. The smooth stems are reedlike and covered with light green leaves. Ginger produces spike-like white or yellow flowers with many bracts. The fresh rhizome tends to have a pungent, slight lemony aroma which diminishes with storage. Growing information Ginger thrives in tropical areas and likes rich, moist soil in a semi-shaded position. The plant is intolerant of drought and frost. New plants are grown from division of the rhizomes. You can also allow store-purchased ginger to shoot and plant it out. Therapeutic ingredients & actions2 • Anti-inflammatory• Warming circulation stimulant• Inhibits prostaglandin production…

Part of plant used Leaves Juice Flowers/buds Essential oil Plant origin Native to Georgia (in Eastern Europe and western Asia), China, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan Description & identification Most gardeners are familiar with the sweet, musky scent of the white flowers of this perennial climbing vine – delightful in late spring or early summer. Considered an invasive species, jasmine can spread 4.5m and overtake other plants if not restrained. Mostly grown for its fragrance and cultivated commercially for perfumery, jasmine is actually a member of the Oleaceae (olive) family. The genus, Jasminum, includes over 200 varieties. Jasminum officinale is the most commonly grown. Many false jasmines abound too, such as Gardenia jasminoides. Growing information Mainly native to warm and tropical regions, most jasmines like…

Part of plant used Leaf/aerial parts Plant origin Temperate regions of Europe and Asia Description & identification Most of us are familiar with nettle in a negative sense – the memory of encountering its vicious sting (designed to protect the plant from predators). Thus, nettle is rarely grown as a garden plant. However, it’s worth cultivating (in its own secluded spot with warnings, of course!). The nettle most of us are familiar with growing as a weed in high rainfall areas of the bush, and around roadsides and streams, is actually Urtica urens, also known as lesser nettle or it’s the native nettle (Utica incisa). The nettle associated with herbal medicine is Urtica dioica (greater nettle). How do you distinguish it from the others? Greater nettle grows from 80–180 cm…

Part of plant used Leaves Plant origin Europe and Asia, typically growing wild in the woods of mountainous places Description & identification Typically, raspberry is a sprawling, shrubby, spreading berry, with thorny, vine-like or biennial canes. There are a few cultivars that are thornless. The berries grow on strong, upright canes that will bear fruit biennially or in the year of growth. These canes are renewed each year from sucker growth from the root system. Raspberry typically fruits from November to February. There are summer fruiting and autumn fruiting varieties. Growing information Raspberry prefers a cool climate. Some species and cultivars will perform moderately well in subtropical climates due to their lesser need for chilling hours. Most raspberries like fertile soil and moisture but the soil must be free-draining, as…

Research snippets Turmeric has been extensively studied by modern science. Studies show curcumin, the powerful antioxidant in turmeric, can reduce the risk of colon, skin, oral and intestinal cancer. Part of plant used Rhizomes Plant origin Native to India and Southeast Asia Description & identification Like its cousin ginger, turmeric is a perennial flowering plant that produces a rhizome crucial to Asian cuisine. While its deep golden-yellow powder has also been used as a fabric dye, turmeric has been prized for centuries for the peppery, mustardy flavour it imparts to spicy dishes. The plant has a lovely flower, so you’ll enjoy growing it even just as an ornamental. It grows taller than ginger and has finger-like rhizomes – the parts used in cooking and medicinally. Growing information Turmeric is easy…

Part of plant used Leaves / aerial parts Plant origin Watercress is native to the Mediterranean, Europe and Asia Description & identification Originally an aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial plant, watercress is a member of the Brassicaceae family, closely related to broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard, horseradish, kale and garden cress. While most people think of it as a salad vegetable, it’s also a very important herb. The term officinale refers to its inclusion in a list of the most important medicinal herbs. Watercress has a distinctive, potent, peppery, mustard taste. Unfortunately, it has a lot of lookalikes. These include the aptly named fool’s watercress, land cress, garden cress, nasturtium and pea shoots. Confusing matters further, some of these have a similar taste and flowers. What sets watercress apart from this…

Part of plant used Leaves/Aerial parts Plant origin Europe and western Asia Description & identification With its feathery foliage and clouds of frothy flowers, yarrow looks good as a cut flower, fresh or dried, and is often used in floristry. While ornamental varieties come in colours such as pink, cerise and yellow, the white-flowering common yarrow is the preferred one for medicinal uses. History factoids Yarrow leaves were used on the battlefield to treat the wounds of injured soldiers, earning it the nickname “soldier’s woundwort”. Apparently, Alexander the Great was a fan. Achillea is a reference to Achilles, the Greek hero thought to have carried the plant to treat soldiers’ wounds during the Trojan wars. Growing information Yarrow likes a moderately rich, moist soil and full sun, though it will…

Imagine going out into your garden to obtain all the remedies you need for minor ills, aches and pains – and, potentially, even more serious complaints too! Far from fantasy, many humble fruits and vegetables have potent, unrecognised powers to heal our maladies. And, many common herbs remain overlooked and underutilised. Learning about nature’s pharmacopeia and cultivating your own plants to use for simple and everyday complaints can be deeply satisfying. Here are some of the advantages to be gained, big and small. 13 benefits of growing and making your own remedies 1 The personal satisfaction of selfsufficiency.2 $$ savings.3 Sense of plentitude and security.4 Convenience and freshness. Leaves and other plant part s can literally be picked and eaten fresh from your own garden for many complaints such as…

Create a medicinal hedge • Rosemary• Wormwood• Barberry• Citrus• Cranberry• Oregon grape Carpet the ground • Chamomile• Groundcover thymes• Prostrate rosemary• Chickweed • Wintergreen• Purslane• Oregano• Mints• Wild strawberry• Red clover• Sweet violet/heartsease• Lady’s mantle• Gentian Grow medicinal shrubs • Elder• Witch hazel• Rose• Juniper • Kangaroo apple• Hawthorn• Chaste tree • Siberian ginseng• Paeony Include medicinal trees • Lemon and lime• Eucalyptus• Tea tree • Gingko• Cinnamon• Mulberry • Apple• Walnut• Willow Grow vertically with vines and creepers • Raspberry• Hops• Passionflower• Cucumber• Morning glory• Honeysuckle• Dioscorea (wild yam)• Gymnema• Morinda Pot them • Cayenne• Calendula• Basil• Mint• Parsley • Aloe vera• Yarrow• Thyme• Rosemary• Sage • Fennel• Radish• Strawberry Create a medicinal flower border • Sage• Borage• Echinacea• Poppy• Valerian • Lavender• Feverfew• Hyssop• Meadowsweet• Angelica• Bergamot…

When to harvest: Most, but not all, roots and rhizomes are best harvested in autumn when the aerial parts of the plant are dormant. At such time many plants put more energy into storing reserves in their roots.  How: Loosen the soil and dig out the roots using a garden fork or spade. Preparation: Remove dirt by shaking out and thorough washing. Pat dry. Using a chopping board, slice the roots into small pieces. It’s best to do this while they’re still fresh and easier to cut. Line a tray with paper and lay the root slices on it. Dry in a slow oven for about two to three hours (four to six hours for large roots). Move to a dry, warm room for further drying. Alternatively, use a food…

TIP To enhance the healing experience, choose a beautiful cup to enjoy your tea in and a relaxing space to sip your brew in peace, slowly and mindfully. Visualise the benefits spreading through your body. Tea infusions The main difference between making a beverage tea and a more healing-orientated one is simply our intention and the length of time we leave it to steep. When preparing a tea for therapeutic purposes, allow it to steep in hot water for 10 to 20 minutes (the longer it’s left, the more strength it will have). If you can’t be bothered timing, just leave it to cool, then drink. If your tea gets too cold for enjoyment, simply reheat it a little or top up with hot water. Medicinal teas (and teas generally)…

We’re all familiar with the supermarket or chemist lozenge – usually used to ease a sore throat, cough or cold. Using the same concept, these homemade versions can be conjured up with your own plant ingredients for motion sickness, blocked sinuses, sore throats and more. A lozenge is essentially a sweet tablet you suck, which dissolves slowly in your mouth. Their advantage: they’re easily transported and popped in the mouth, and because they’re more palatable are also appealing to children. A pastille or jelly is a similar concept, but with a base of gelatine. It has a softer texture and is usually chewed rather than sucked. Add plant ingredients to a lozenge or pastille in the form of a strong decoction, extract or powder. You can also use a few…

Part of plant used Aerial parts including the leaves and flowers Plant origin Indigenous to California in western North America and is the state flower of California Description & identification A member of the poppy family, California poppy has large, bright, satiny orange or gold flowers and fine, feathery, fern-like leaves. The shortlived yet profuse flowers open only on sunny days and are enjoyed by bees. Depending on the climate, this popular garden plant can behave like an annual or perennial. It grows to about 60cm. Red, cream and pink varieties are also available. Growing information The ultimate in minimal care plant, this drought-tolerant beauty thrives in dry, sandy sites and naturalises easily in gardens, empty lots and roadways. Plant in full sun in well-drained, sandy soil. It thrives on…

Part of plant used The inner silky fronds beneath the outer leaves of the corn cob (botanically known as the ‘styles’ and ‘stamens’) Plant origin Corn (also known as maize) is native to the Andes and Central America, but thought to have originated in Peru Description & identification Most of us are familiar with the corn cob. Less known is the fact the silk beneath the sheaths has a medicinal value. Traditionally, it’s used in relieving urinary tract infections. While technically a grass, this valuable food plant is regarded as a vegetable and staple grain. But botanically it’s a fruit. While yellow is the most common colour in sweet corn varieties, there are many other colours and even combinations on the same cob, including blue or purple kernels. The silk…

Part of plant used Flowers Berries Plant origin Native to Europe Description & identification A deciduous shrub or tree, the genus Sambucus contains about 30 different flowering species (including an Australian variety), all commonly called elder. It’s the flowers and berries of the European variety, Sambucus nigra, and the North American, S. canadensis, that are commonly used for culinary and medicinal purposes. The flowers, which are fragrant, frothy clusters of lacy white or cream, appear in spring and flower through summer. In late summer, these become clusters of small, ripe black berries. Make sure you get a variety that produces edible flowers and berries. Growing information A very fast grower, elder thrives in almost any kind of soil, even heavy clay. It likes full sun but will also grow well…

Part of plant used Foliage Flowers Plant origin Feverfew originated in southeastern Europe and can grow in a wide range of climates Description Feverfew is a delightful, short-lived, aromatic perennial growing to 60–100cm and often featured in cottage-style gardens. Its brightgreen foliage is deeply lobed and feathery in appearance with a pungent odour. The flowers appear as terminal clusters of small, white, yellow-centred, daisy-like flowers. There’s also a double white-flowering and a golden-foliaged form. The flowers bloom from November to June. The pungent leaves of feverfew appear to have an insect-deterring effect, rendering the plant virtually pest-free. The flowers attract a wide and varied host of beneficial insects but on the flipside, can act as a fly deterrent. These attributes make feverfew a practical companion plant for the edible and…

Part of plant used Leaves Plant origin China Description & identification Commonly known as the maidenhair tree, this ancient deciduous tree can reach 40m in height. In autumn the leaves turn a stunning golden colour. The fan-shaped leaves typically have two lobes (a cleft in the centre). Ginkgo comes as either a male or female version. Most commercial varieties will be male plants – the female has big, foul-smelling, bulbous fruits. The flowers appear in spring with the new leaves; on the male plants they are small and catkin-like. Growing information A slow-grower, ginkgo thrives in temperate regions and is extremely cold tolerant. Therapeutic ingredients & actions • Vasodilator (opens up peripheral blood vessels increasing circulation)• Enhances cognition• Protective to nerve cells and the brain• Improves circulation to the brain•…

Part of plant used The flowers Essential oil of the flowers Plant origin The western Mediterranean region Description & identification Well known and loved by gardeners across the world, lavender is an evergreen, aromatic perennial shrub with narrow grey-green leaves and purple flower spikes. There are cultivars in various shades of pink, violet and white. The flowers appear from around late November over summer. With so many species of lavender it can be hard to differentiate one from another. The leaves of English lavender are long and narrower with a smooth edge, whereas other species have a toothed, frilled or shorter leaf. English lavender is the favoured species used in commercial lavender oil. Growing information Lavender thrives in areas with winter cold and dry summers. It can be grown successfully…

Part of plant used Leaves Plant origin Tropical and subtropical regions of Australia Description & identification Lemon myrtle is an attractive evergreen tree with its fragrant, glossy leaves and pretty, fluffy clusters of small white flowers in autumn. As it’s very low branching, it’s a good plant for screening or hedging – but keep it well pruned, it can grow from three to 20m tall. The lovely lemony fragrance of the leaves of this rainforest tree is unmistakable, especially when crushed. Lemon myrtle essential oil is said to have a stronger lemon fragrance than any other oil – why it’s used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food industries. Growing information Lemon myrtle thrives best in full sun in fertile, pH-neutral, well-drained soils. Though a subtropical native endemic to coastal rainforest…

Part of plant used Leaf Plant origin The mint species (there are about 25) originated in Eurasia, North America, southern Africa and Australia Description & identification A garden mainstay, mints are one the most popular herb families on earth. The Mentha genus belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes other popular fragrant herbs such as bergamot, catnip, sage, rosemary and basil, plus the ever-popular flowering salvias. A hybrid of watermint (M. aquatica) and spearmint (M. spicata), peppermint is the one most associated historically with therapeutic use. An aromatic perennial plant to about a metre high, peppermint has green serrated leaves and purple flowers that bloom in summer. Growing information Mint likes to grow in a sunny to semi shaded spot with ample moisture. It will grow in a wide range…

Part of plant used Leaves Plant origin Native to the Mediterranean Description & identification Hardy and long-lived, Rosmarinus officinalis is a perennial shrub with a woody stem and fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves. Since 2017 it has also been known as Salvia rosmarinus — Salvia being the largest genus in the Lamiaceae or mint family, which includes the likes of sage, lavender, oregano and basil. In warmer climes it blooms most of the year in a range of colours, depending on the species, making it a magnet for bees. Rosemary flowers come in white as well as pink, blue, mauve or purple. Growing information As a Mediterranean native, it tolerates hot and dry conditions; the occasional squirt of water is all it needs to thrive. The bushy upright variety is an…

Part of plant used Leaves Plant origin Northern NSW and Queensland, Australia Description & identification An evergreen tree or shrub, tea tree ranges from two to metres tall depending on the species. It has tough, pointy leaves and fragrant apple-blossom white flower spikes that appear in early spring. In some species, the flowers may be yellow, greenish, pink or red. The bark of the tree is typically papery and flaky. When crushed, the leaves have a strong but refreshing and very pleasant lemony menthol, eucalyptus-like aroma. Growing information An easy-care plant – it’s both drought tolerant and unbothered by pests and diseases – tea tree thrives in full or part sun, in well-drained sandy or loamy, acidic soils. It’s great in coastal and rock gardens and can be grown in…

Part of plant used Root and rhizome Plant origin Europe and Asia Description & identification Valerian is a potent, less-grown perennial herb growing to about 180cm in height. The small, sweet smelling white or pink flowers appear in an umbel form in summer and are loved by bees. Valerian, which is also known as ‘all heal’, is frequently confused with Red Valerian (Centranthus rubber). An easy way to identify the medicinal valerian is by its repulsive, fetid, ’old socks’ odour. Cats and rats, however, are attracted to the scent. The plant can be propagated from seed (in spring) or by division of the roots and rhizomes (in autumn). Growing information Valerian enjoys a cool climate. However there are varieties that can manage warmer climates, given plenty of watering and TLC.…

Part of plant used Leaves/aerial parts Plant origin Artemisia species are native to temperate arid regions of Europe, Asia and North Africa Description & identification Absinthium means without sweetness, and this woody perennial is truly one of the most bitter of plants. But, with its feathery grey foliage and small yellow flowers (late summer to autumn), wormwood is not an unattractive plant. In winter it dies back to the ground and reshoots in spring. It can reach 100cm and spread 60cm, so give it space in the garden. There are around 500 different species of Artemisia, causing much confusion for gardeners wanting to locate a particular one. Most have medicinal qualities. Notably, Artemisia annua (Chinese wormwood) is effective against malaria. Growing information While suitable for most areas, hardy and easy…

Eight simple DIY drying methods Modern gizmos mean there are more options for drying plant materials than in our grandmothers’ day. Find the method that suits you and your space. 01 Bunches This method best suits plants with woody stems (like rosemary and lavender) or tough, dry leaves (such as bay). Tie plants in bunches and hang in a well-aired, warm spot out of direct sunlight. This method is particularly useful if you don’t have much horizontal space. Larger volumes can be dried on a clotheshorse, a ladder hanging from the ceiling or upright, hooks, above a fire or mantelpiece or elsewhere. 02 Tiered mesh/fabric hanging dry rack These resemble those mesh clothing, toy and shoe racks people hang in their wardrobes. They can be purchased inexpensively over the internet…

Bark When to harvest: According to some herbalists, bark is best harvested in autumn. Others recommend early spring when the sap is flowing and the bark is easier to remove.  How: Use a bristle brush to remove any moss or lichen. Use a knife to pry off the bark or shave some off. Where it’s crumbling off, try and remove whole sections or sheets. For thick, tough bark, use an axe to chip or whack off a section. Any dead bark should be shaved off and discarded. Preparation: Wipe the bark, removing insects, dirt, grit and other extraneous matt er. Break it into small pieces about 2–5cm. Lay on a tray or rack somewhere warm and dry. Avoid: Never ringbark a tree unless you want to kill it. Inst ead,…

Don’t be put off by the word. Decoction is just a fancy technical term for a boiled tea. Nothing more. Favoured by the Chinese, this method is particularly useful for tougher and coarser plant materials like roots, twigs and bark that don’t so easily yield their ingredients to a tea infusion. However, it can also be used for stems, leaves, fruits and other parts of plants. Recipe Decoction What you’ll need • Spring or filtered water To make • Put your ingredients into a saucepan and simmer for 10 to 20 minutes.• Cool, then drink.• As per a tea infusion, drink one to four cups a day. Which is best? Fresh or dried ingredients? Dried Fresh herbs contain a higher percentage of water – about 80 per cent of the…

A more refined, though dilute option to crude and blunt alcohol extraction is wine. While the advantages of a wine menstruum are obvious, it’s important to note that humanity’s favourite liquor also features alcohol, sugar, preservatives and other less ideal substances. Okay, yes, those antioxidants. Moving on, it’s possible to use any of the wine products stemming from Vitus (the grape). Traditionally, herbalists favoured sherry, port, madeira and claret for their brews, according to James Green, author of The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook. You can also make a medicinal wine using mead (fermented honey and water) or apple cider, he reveals. Recipe Medicinal wine Use the same ‘folk method’ discussed in the section on tinctures. Ingredients you’ll need • Dried plant materials• Wine such as port, sherry, madeira or claret, mead…

Powders Many dried plant materials including seeds, fruit and leaves can be ground into powders using a mortar and pestle or with electric appliances like coffee grinders and blenders. Powders can be added to smoothies and other drinks or to food dishes, made into capsules or swallowed in water, honey or a sweet elixir. An example is dandelion root, commonly ground down into a coarse powder and drunk as a delicious coffee-tasting beverage. Powders also form the basis of capsules, balls, pills and lozenges. Their smaller particle size is easier for the body to digest. On the downside, this leaves them more vulnerable to oxidisation. Recipe Plant powder Ingredients you’ll need Dried plant materials such as leaves, roots, seeds, peel, fruit Essential equipment • Mortar and pestle or a spice…

Identification matters Be extremely careful with identifying herbs correctly. There are many lookalikes. You must use not only the correct plant, but the correct part. Monitor Note any effects, how your body responds to anything you administer. Adjust accordingly. Regularity counts As a general rule, you need to take healing foods regularly and in significant qualities to produce results. Another way of saying this: you need to take the correct dosage for an impact. For long-term problems Herbs generally need to be taken three times daily or more over long periods to have effect. Fresh is best It’s better to make small amounts of remedies and use before they lose their vitality. Kitchen materials can contaminate Pay attention to the utensils you use to make your remedies and the containers…

Part of plant used The stems Seeds (most potent part) Plant origin Britain and other European countries Description Celery is a biennial plant with smooth, ridged stems, growing to about 50cm. Growing information Celery grows best in full sun and favours cool to mild conditions. It needs plenty of moisture so water it regularly. ‘Green Crunch’, ‘Stringless’, ‘Tall Utah’ and ‘Dorata D’Asti’ are some good varieties for the home garden. Celery seed is very small and fiddly to work with, so it’s easier to plant as seedlings or sow direct. As well as its high demand for water, celery needs feeding, liquid-feed fortnightly. If you let your plants suffer water or nutrient stress, the stalks may become bitter and stringy. Mulch well to reduce moisture loss. Research snippets One American…

Part of plant used Corm/bulb Plant origin Garlic was first cultivated in Central Asia Description A member of the lily family, there are many different varieties of garlic including Russian and Elephant garlic. Technically, a perennial plant, dark green, strappy leaves sprout from the clove and grow up to 30cm. Most garlic species develop an umbel of flowers on a central stem. To promote the growth of the bulb it’s best to cut this out if you see it developing. Growing information Garlic grows in a range of climates, but produces best in those that are dry and hot mid to late spring. The plant is propagated by division of the crown (the seeds of the flower don’t produce new plants). Plant out individual cloves in autumn in a sunny…

Part of plant used The fruit Plant origin South America Description & identification Everyone knows a pineapple. It is a delicious edible fruit from a tropical plant – the most economically significant plant of the bromeliad family. What’s less known is it’s packed with healing powers. The pineapple plant is actually a herbaceous perennial which, when it flowers with up to 200 flowers per plant, the fruit of these flowers join together to create the “multiple fruit” that we call the pineapple. This fruit is organised into two interlocking spirals – eight in one direction and 13 in the other – a perfect example of Fibonacci numbers. Growing information Pineapple can be grown in subtropical to warm, temperate frost-free areas. While most people assume the fruits grow on trees, pineapple…

Part of plant used Leaves Plant origin Modern thyme originates from the wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) native to southern Europe Description & identification Most gardeners are familiar with the pleasant aroma of thyme’s tiny grey green leaves. The small shrub with fine woody stems comes in many varieties with different leaf colours, flowers, growth habits and flavours – including lemon and orange! The blooms (small, many-flowered terminal heads) range from white or pinkish to lilac. Growing information Unfussy, frost resistant, drought tolerant and easy to grow, thyme can found in a range of climates – from Siberia to South Africa. However, it enjoys light chalk soils and sunny, warm, moderately dry conditions reminiscent of the Mediterranean. Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil. Thyme can be propagated from seed…