At our farm in Brush Prairie, Washington we are active recyclers, composters and thrift store shoppers. We use cardboard regularly to suppress grass when starting new herb beds and weeds are hoed and pulled not sprayed. And of course we herbs daily in our cooking instead of lots of salt. But have you thought about what herbs can do for you besides flavor your food? Some of you may have taken herb usage one step further by doing some herbal healing, but herbs have such a diversity of uses from household to bath and beauty, let’s give some thought to some of those other uses as well.
Setting up new herb beds at the farm, using cardboard we saved from the recycle bins around town. Easiest way to cover up grass!
Mints are such a common herb and so useful and typically well-liked by people. Many of us even have more than one variety in our gardens. But other mammals, especially little critters like mice do not like mint. To keep mice at bay, scatter some fresh leaves in the area where they are pests, like under the utility room cupboard. Spearmint and peppermint provide the most aroma. During the winter when fresh is not available, a goodly helping of dried mints will do.
Flying critters can also be kept away with herbs. Mosquitoes and flies are deterred by catnip and/or rosemary. Make small bouquets of the fresh herbs and hang around decks and patios or campsites. You can even hang some on yourself to help frighten away those pesky bugs.
Want to cut down the bacteria on counters? Thyme is one of the best antibacterial herbs and can easily be made into a household cleaning solution. Fill a jar (pint or quart depending on your needs) with fresh (this is best but dry will do) thyme leaves and cover with hot water. Steep for a good 30 minutes and strain. Mix in a drop or two of vegetable based soap, scrub and wipe. For additional scrubbing power, sprinkle a little baking soda on the area, then using your thyme cleaner, scrub and wipe.
Flying critters can also be kept away with herbs. Mosquitoes and flies are deterred by catnip and/or rosemary. Make small bouquets of the fresh herbs and hang around decks and patios or campsites. You can even hang some on yourself to help frighten away those pesky bugs.
Want to cut down the bacteria on counters? Thyme is one of the best antibacterial herbs and can easily be made into a household cleaning solution. Fill a jar (pint or quart depending on your needs) with fresh (this is best but dry will do) thyme leaves and cover with hot water. Steep for a good 30 minutes and strain. Mix in a drop or two of vegetable based soap, scrub and wipe. For additional scrubbing power, sprinkle a little baking soda on the area, then using your thyme cleaner, scrub and wipe.
Peppermint in our hoophouse - one of the easiest of the mints to grow and one with many, many uses.
Tarragon, while tasty, can also be numbing. Really, just chew a couple of tarragon leaves and your mouth is numbed. In our experiment, we found it didn’t matter if you chewed Russian or French tarragon and the effect lasts several minutes. So for tooth aches or mouth sores, try some fresh tarragon leaves.
Seems as if everyone has dark circles and under their eyes at one time or another. Forget the cucumber, try some parsley. Parsley contains vitamin c, vitamin K and chlorophyll which reduces inflammation and tightens and lightens skin. Crush some fresh parsley to make a kind of poultice, take a 10 – 15 minute break and lie quietly with the parsley under your eyes. So soothing.
Even the family egg layers can benefit from herbs. For those of you who have chickens, herbs in nest boxes can be calming and mite deterrents. Lavender, calendula flowers and yarrow make good additions to nests. Mix the lavender buds, calendula flowers and yarrow leaves and flowers in with the nesting material. All help to deter mites, lice and prevent itching. Lavender especially has a calming effect.
Seems as if everyone has dark circles and under their eyes at one time or another. Forget the cucumber, try some parsley. Parsley contains vitamin c, vitamin K and chlorophyll which reduces inflammation and tightens and lightens skin. Crush some fresh parsley to make a kind of poultice, take a 10 – 15 minute break and lie quietly with the parsley under your eyes. So soothing.
Even the family egg layers can benefit from herbs. For those of you who have chickens, herbs in nest boxes can be calming and mite deterrents. Lavender, calendula flowers and yarrow make good additions to nests. Mix the lavender buds, calendula flowers and yarrow leaves and flowers in with the nesting material. All help to deter mites, lice and prevent itching. Lavender especially has a calming effect.
Look to another herb to help all your plants grow healthy and vigorous. Those giant comfrey leaves are full of calcium, phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium so make a great fertilizer. Fill a bucket or container of your choice, with fresh comfrey leaves. They are so large it won’t take many. Weight them down with a rock and cover them with water. Put a lid on it. Let it sit for 20 -30 days. Just be ready when you remove the lid, it will be very stinky. Strain and dilute with water to a 12:1 – 15:1 ratio prior to application on your garden plants. The leaves also make a good mulch around plants especially for winter.
Next time you get ready to sprinkle herbs on your favorite dishes, give a nod as to whether those herbs might have some other interesting uses. Most likely they do!
Next time you get ready to sprinkle herbs on your favorite dishes, give a nod as to whether those herbs might have some other interesting uses. Most likely they do!