Taking a slight detour from our pantry stocking to talk about the garden.
GARDEN can mean many things. Flowers, vegetables, fruits, herbs.
It can look vastly different depending on interest, space, experience etc too. Acres of meticulous hoed rows, raised beds, tower planters, a pot on a deck, a jar on a window sill.
I like a mix of all the things in my garden. Flowers intermingled with the tomatoes. Herbs growing alongside the squash.
I've started a dedicated herb garden since moving here last year but have not reached the level I had after 15 years gardening in the previous location. I've really been meaning to incorporate more medicinal herbs into my plot but just haven't gotten around to it.
And then it happened.
My back. UGH! It decided it needed a respite from my hunching over in our crawlspace helping to diagnose HVAC leaks. From filling dirt into the sink holes in my yard/garden areas caused by the torrential rain.
It wanted rest...and it made sure that is ALL I could do!
And that's when I remembered that medicinal herb garden I've been wanting to do and haven't yet. Something for muscle relaxation and pain would have been a nice alternative to OTC meds.
{SIGH}
What is it they say about being prepared??? Or hindsight? Or birds in the bush or hand? Whatever it is. My PLAN to have a functional medicinal garden didn't help me in my time of need, now did it?
Time to remedy that! {No pun intended...well, ok, maybe a little.}
I've pulled out my 2024 Strictly Medicinal Seeds catalog. I am starting a list. My list is divided into categories such as digestive, pain, sleep, hormones etc. I can then add the cultivars that are suitable for my growing zone/climate. I will share what I pick but keep in mind that your growing zone is probably not the same as my 3b at 4000+ ft above sea level in a high desert. Use it as a guide on ideas to look for that meet your specific needs.
Also keep in mind that herbs can be both culinary and medicinal at the same time. Many cross over.
Here's a key to my lists below:
- C = culinary
- M = medicinal
- CM = both culinary/medicinal
Herbs currently in my garden:
- Rosemary -CM Adds savory flavor to dishes; traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system, and promote hair growth.
- Thyme -CM said to be antibacterial, anti-cancer, good for respiratory and circulatory issues, good for improved eyesight and hair growth.
- Sage - CM Brings that unmistakable taste to the Thanksgiving table as a traditional flavoring in the dressing/stuffing. I love to use sage tea for sore throats. It's also stated to be high in Vit K, good for inflammation and relief of many of the symptoms of mid-life female changes.
- Chives CM
- Basil CM
- Holy Basil M
- Oregano CM
- Echinacea M
- Spearmint CM
This year I am adding:
- Wild Bergamot (bee balm) M
- Lemon Balm CM
- Peppermint CM
- Mullein M
- Hops CM
- Horseradish CM
- Moringa M
