plants - Nathalie Strassburg

Snake Plant Growing Guide

SHORTCUTS: Ideal Environment, How to Plant, How to Water, Companion Planting, How to Propagate, How to Harvest, Parts Used, Preparations, Uses, Key Constituents, Key Actions, Research.

Sansevieria trifasciata, Snake Plant, Mother in law’s tongue
FAMILY ASPARAGACEAE
An evergreen perennial plant with stiff leaves that grow vertically from a base. The leaves are long and green with light greenish cross banding. The plant is said to be native to west Africa, it has several names around the world and is associated with a spirit being that holds the crossroads between our worlds and thus used for communication and in protective rituals, as well as other stories.

Ideal Environment

Mother in Law’s tongue prefers shaded areas and well drained soil. The plant can tolerate a variety of soils but is native to tropical areas so prefers warmer weather. It makes an excellent indoor plant, so you can grow one in cooler areas, it requires little light and just a little bit of water.

How to Plant

A mature plant can reach up to 1.5 meter high and will spread through a creeping rhizome, so provide enough space if planted outdoors. For indoor planting you can use any medium to large pot, depending how big you want it to get.

How to Water

These plants really do not need allot of water, if planted outside and it is warm with no rain you can water every two to three weeks, during the winter months you can water ever other month to every two months. The roots will rot if over watered.

Companion Planting

If your Sansevieria trifasciata is sharing its space with others make sure they require irregular watering and well draining soil too.

Here are the Companion Plants by group: Herbs, Flowers, Trees, Vegetables, Berries, Fruit and Mushrooms

How to Propagate

Mother in Law’s Tongue can easily be propagated by dividing the rhizome or by making cuttings.

How to Harvest

Mother in Law’s Tongue is not edible, but the strong plant fibres do get used to make bowstrings and there are reports and research for various medicinal uses.

Parts Used

The leaves and rhizome are usually used.

Preparations

The plant should not be taken internally because it is toxic. I have read recipes for warm juice that is dropped into the ear and decoctions that are used in research, but there is too little information available to make any conclusive remarks.

Uses

Mother in Law’s tongue is really a beautiful house plant with great air filtering abilities. A study by NASA found that it is one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality by passively absorbing toxins such as nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde (19).

Key Constituents

Alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, proteins, Anthocyanin, betacyanin, phytosterol, steroids and carbohydrates

Key Actions

Removes environmental toxins (19). Anti-bacterial, Anti-microbial (17), anti-diabetic and possibly more based on how it has been used in the past such as to treat shingles, ear infection etc. (17, 18).

Research

According to NASA it is an important removed of the following environmental toxins: Benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, but not ammonia (19). The results obtained in one study suggest it might be usable in fever and inflammatory disorders (18).

USEFUL LINKS: About the Growing Guides, The Medicine Garden, Companion Plants, Basic Preparations and Plant Constituents. Disclaimer. References.

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Adzuki Bean Growing Guide

SHORTCUTS: Ideal Environment, How to Plant, How to Water, Companion Planting, How to Propagate, How to Harvest, Parts Used, Preparations, Uses, Key Constituents, Key Actions, Research.

Vigna angularis
FAMILY FABACEAE
Adzuki beans are annual legumes, small dark red beans that have been cultivated since 4000 BC. They contain up to 25% protein which makes them a delicious super food that is easily digested. Adzuki beans grow on a vine, up to 60cm, with yellow flowers that form long green pods. They can be used in sweet and savory dishes, used fresh, dried (soaked before cooking) and sprouted.

Ideal Environment

Adzuki beans should be planted during frost free periods in rich, loamy and well drained soil. They enjoy sun and can tolerate cooler evenings and partial shade.

How to Plant

Beans are planted about 20mm deep. Plants should be 10cm apart in rows that are 40cm apart. Soaking the beans overnight in water prior to planting will reduce the germination time

How to Water

Water daily until the beans have emerged, then every other day until they are about 10cm tall. After that they should be watered at least once every 5 days if there is no rain. In general, be generous with water but make sure they are well drained, they do not like sitting in wet soil for prolonged periods.

Companion Planting

Like other beans, they can fix nitrogen in the soil. Their vining nature covers the ground, sheltering moisture and thus providing a humid, cooler microclimate for surrounding plants such as carrots, celery, chards, corn, eggplant, potatoes, brassicas, beets, radish, strawberry and cucumbers.

Here are the Companion Plants by group: Herbs, Flowers, Trees, Vegetables, Berries, Fruit and Mushrooms

How to Propagate

Saving some of the beans for next season is the best way to ensure a steady supply. Let some of the pods dry on the vine towards the end of the season, harvest them when they are dry or let them dry out for a week before breaking open the pods and saving the beans in a cool place in an airtight container.

How to Harvest

Adzuki beans can be harvested when they are still young or when they are mature and dry, usually about 120 days. During the growing season you can harvest the green beans when you can see the beans outlined in the pod, about once a week is sufficient.

Parts Used

The beans.

Preparations

They can be used in sweet and savory dishes, used fresh, dried (soaked before cooking) and sprouted.

Uses

Incorporate the Adzuki beans as a regular item in your diet as a mineral rich source of protein.

Key Constituents

Adzuki beans are a good source for a variety of minerals, with 1 cup of cooked beans providing an estimate of 4.5 mg of iron, 119 mg of magnesium, 1.2 g of potassium, 4 mg of zinc and 278 μg of folic acid.

Key Actions

Minerals are essential for a healthy mind-body. With up to 25% protein, Adzuki beans are a super food.

Research

According to foodnutritionresearch.net Adzuki beans have been used in a rat study as a possible treatment for obesity with success. (27)

USEFUL LINKS: About the Growing Guides, The Medicine Garden, Companion Plants, Basic Preparations and Plant Constituents. Disclaimer. References.

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Celery Growing Guide

SHORTCUTS: Ideal Environment, How to Plant, How to Water, Companion Planting, How to Propagate, How to Harvest, Parts Used, Preparations, Uses, Key Constituents, Key Actions, Research.

Apium Graveolens
FAMILY UMBELLLIFERAE
Celery is a biennial that grows about 40 cm high and is more familiar as a vegetable than medicine but it has long been used as a medicine. It is a good cleanser, diuretic, lowers blood pressure and the seeds are used for arthritic conditions (1).

Ideal Environment

Celery likes fertile soil with an abundance of organic matter, cool temperatures and constant moisture. It will not tolerate heat and can be hard to transplant. Tie growing celery stalks together to keep them from sprawling.

How to Plant

Seeds are sown in spring and covered with a thin layer of soil, 6 to 10mm. Plants 25 x 30cm apart. Soaking seeds in warm water overnight prior to planting will reduce germination time.

How to Water

Be generous with water and make sure the soil does not dry out completely.

Companion Planting

Celery is said to go well with bush beans, the cabbage family, tomatoes and onions.

Here are the Companion Plants by group: Herbs, Flowers, Trees, Vegetables, Berries, Fruit and Mushrooms

How to Propagate

Propagation is done through seeds. To save seeds let some plants go to flower and pick the stalks as they begin to dry and place them in the shade to dry completely, when ready break open the seed heads.

How to Harvest

Harvesting of the vegetable takes place midsummer to autumn, about 100 days after seeds were sown. Seeds are harvested when the stalks begin to dry.

Parts Used

The stems are eaten raw for nourishment and can be made into juice. The seeds contain volatile oil and are the main part used medicinally.

Preparations

Juice (quarter cup a day) can be used for cleansing (add the same amount of carrot juice as an option) (1). An infusion of the seeds can be used for gout and arthritis (half a cup a day), 2 tsp crushed seeds/cup, infuse 15 min (1, 3). A tincture and powder of the seeds can also be made for rheumatism. Do not take during pregnancy, breastfeeding or if you are suffering from a kidney disorder(1, 3).

Uses

Cleansing, rheumatism, gout, arthritis, reducing acid throughout the body, improve circulation, lower blood pressure, antiseptic, for cystitis, nutritious and can be combined with other medicinal plants. Can be used both topically and internally (1, 3).

Key Constituents

Volatile oil 1.5-3% containing limonene (60-70%), phthalides and beta-selinene, Butylphthalide, Coumarins, Furanocoumarins (bergapten and Flavonoids (apiin) (1).

Key Actions

Anti-rheumatic, carminative, antispasmodic, diuretic, lowers blood pressure, sedative, anti-septic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-gout, antispasmodic, stimulant, bitter, digestive tonic, uterine stimulant and urinary antiseptic (1, 3).

Research

Research in Germany and China shows that the essential oil has a calming effect on the central nervous system and lowering blood pressure. Some of its constituents have antispasmodic, sedative and anticonvulsant actions (1). Studies in animal models suggest that butylphthalide may be useful for the treatment of hypertension and may have neuroprotective effects.

USEFUL LINKS: About the Growing Guides, The Medicine Garden, Companion Plants, Basic Preparations and Plant Constituents. Disclaimer. References.

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Strawberry Growing Guide

SHORTCUTS: Ideal Environment, How to Plant, How to Water, Companion Planting, How to Propagate, How to Harvest, Parts Used, Preparations, Uses, Key Constituents, Key Actions, Research.

Fragaria × ananassa
FAMILY ROSACEAE
InformationStrawberries come in a wide assortment cultivated varieties and are delicious, juicy, sweet and known for their wonderful aroma. Strawberries are great in the garden because they are easy to grow, like a variety of soils, easy to propagate through runners and they are perennial, so you can keep them year after year, though it is recommended to replace mother plants every few years.

Ideal Environment

The best time to plant is in spring or late summer. A pH level of 6.0 to 6.5 is the best soil for growing strawberries, but a range of 5.5 to 7.0 is also acceptable. Plant in full sun or dappled shade, and in somewhat sandy soil. The addition of manure and a thin layer of straw mulch or other mulch / ground cover.

How to Plant

You can start from seed or you can buy your first plants from a nursery and then grow more from the runners yourself. If planting from seed, put a couple of seeds into each 6mm deep hole, 15cm apart or in separate containers.

How to Water

Water strawberries immediately after planting. After that water once a week, or not at all if there is at least 30mm of rain. If you are making new plants from runners keep them moist or in a party covered area so that they don’t dry out.

Companion Planting

Good companion plants for Strawberries is Borage, Garlic, Spinach, Lupin Flowers, Lettuce and Thyme.

Avoid broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale and kohlrabi.

Here are the Companion Plants by group: Herbs, Flowers, Trees, Vegetables, Berries, Fruit and Mushrooms

How to Propagate

Runners can be taken from the plant or removed to encourage more energy towards the fruit. A good way to make new plants is to place the tip of the runner in a small growing container next to the mother plant and then cutting it off as soon as they have set roots in the growing container.

How to Harvest

Strawberries should ideally be harvested at least every other day. The berries are picked with the caps still attached and with at least 1.5cm of stem left. Strawberries need to remain on the plant to fully ripen because they do not continue to ripen after being picked.

Parts Used

The berries are harvested and used. Unlike some other berries I have not found any information about the use of the leaves.

Preparations

Strawberries can be used fresh or frozen (fresh is always better) and can also be used to make a variety of preserves, fruit juice, ice cream, pies, cakes etc.

Uses

The best way to get the benefits of strawberries is to include the fruit in your diet and eating them fresh whenever possible.

Key Constituents

Flavonoids, Vitamin C, Manganese, tannins, acids, smaller amounts of other vitamins and minerals, as well as a variety of chemicals that make up the fragrance and pigment.

Key Actions

Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant and decreased cardiovascular disease risk (12).

Research

Studies show that the anticancer effects of berry bioactives are partially mediated through the ability to counteract, reduce, and also repair damage resulting from oxidative stress and inflammation(12).

USEFUL LINKS: About the Growing Guides, The Medicine Garden, Companion Plants, Basic Preparations and Plant Constituents. Disclaimer. References.

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Rooibos Growing Guide

SHORTCUTS: Ideal Environment, How to Plant, How to Water, Companion Planting, How to Propagate, How to Harvest, Parts Used, Preparations, Uses, Key Constituents, Key Actions, Research.

Aspalathus linearis
FAMILY FABACEAE
InformationRooibos (meaning Redbush) is a shrub with needle-like leaves that can grow up to 2 metres in height. The Rooibos plant is endemic to a small part of the Western Cape in South Africa, forming part of the fynbos biome. It grows in a symbiotic relationship with local micro-organisms and according apparently difficult to grow elsewhere.

Ideal Environment

The native environment for Rooibos has a unique temperature range which drops to freezing in the winter, and reaches up to 48°C in the summer, similar to a Mediterranean climate. The plant prefers deep coarse acidic sandy soil and they do not get irrigation in order to stimulate drought conditions.

How to Plant

Rooibos can be grown from seed and planted in the late summer or spring, commercial growers germinate seeds in greenhouses and plant them out into the fields after four months during autumn. Seeds need to be scarifiedby cutting the seed coat using abrasion or thermal stress to encourage germination.

How to Water

According to various sources Rooibos is not watered very often to stimulate drought conditions, the best rooibos is said to come from areas with lower rainfall. Areas where Rooibos is cultivated typically have a winter rainfall between 200 mm and 400 mm per year

Companion Planting

Look for plants that prefer similar soil and water conditions. One commercial grower uses crop rotation with oats to return nutrients to the fields.

Here are the Companion Plants by group: Herbs, Flowers, Trees, Vegetables, Berries, Fruit and Mushrooms

How to Propagate

Propagation through seed is most common although root cuttings can be done from semi-woody cuttings in early spring.

How to Harvest

Rooibos is harvested once a year during the summer but cutting the young branches, chopping them finely, watering and airing. The branches are then left to “sweat” in heaps so it develops the characteristically reddish color and sweet flavor. After sweating the tea is dried in the sun.

Parts Used

The leaves and twigs are used.

Preparations

Rooibos is taken as an infusion, a warm tea with or without milk and honey or sugar. Rooibos also makes great iced tea.

Uses

It is a popular health drink because it contains no harmful substances or caffeine. It is also used as a milk substitute for infants who are prone to colic. There is also evidence that the flavonoids contribute to a reduction in heart disease and other ailments. (21)

Key Constituents

C-glucoside dihydrochalcones aspalathin and nothofagin amongst others. (21)

Key Actions

Antispasmodic, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-ageing effects. (21)

Research

Animal studies show that rooibos has potent antioxidant, immune-modulating and chemopreventive effects. A review found no documentation of adverse side effects of consuming rooibos tea. (22)

USEFUL LINKS: About the Growing Guides, The Medicine Garden, Companion Plants, Basic Preparations and Plant Constituents. Disclaimer. References.

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Aloe Ferox Growing Guide

SHORTCUTS: Ideal Environment, How to Plant, How to Water, Companion Planting, How to Propagate, How to Harvest, Parts Used, Preparations, Uses, Key Constituents, Key Actions, Research.

Bitter Aloe, Umhlaba
FAMILY ASPHODELACEAE
Aloe Ferox is a robust plant that can grow to 3 meters high and it is indigenous to South Africa. It is one of several Aloe species used to make a purgative medication, and also yields a gel that can be used in cosmetics. The leaves are tick and fleshy with reddish-brown spines and red or orange flowers. Aloe ferox is listed on the plant list of endangered plants.

Ideal Environment

Aloe ferox prefers dry-tropical climates, open areas, sandy-loamy soils and full sun. Give each Aloe plant at least 1 meter spacing.

How to Plant

You can grow Aloe Ferox from seeds, sow just under the surface in a sandy soil. Water regularly and make sure the soil drains well. Transplant into small pots or bags once they are about 4cm high (approximately 6 months). From seed it takes about 4 to 5 years for the plants to reach the first harvest.

How to Water

Once the plant is established or from about 20 centimetres in size you can water moderately, once a week. If you are growing your Aloe in a container take care not to over water.

Companion Planting

Aloe Ferox can grow with other plants that prefer full sun, open areas and well draining sandy soil, such as other Aloes or succulent plants.

Here are the Companion Plants by group: Herbs, Flowers, Trees, Vegetables, Berries, Fruit and Mushrooms

How to Propagate

Aloe ferox plants are propagated mainly from seed and cuttings. The side branches or basal sprout are removed and the wound is allowed to dry off for some time before planting.

How to Harvest

Harvesting is done in winter by manual leaf cutting. Only the 10 to 15 lower leaves of an adult Aloe Ferox plant are harvested. The leaves are cut as close to the stem as possible and stacked in a round tower so that the yellow exudate drips into a hollow in the centre which is lined with a plastic sheet.

Parts Used

Leaves and roots. The bitter yellow juice is found just under the surface of the leaf and is tapped to form a dark brown resin which is a solid lump. Aloe gel comes from the inner fleshy part of the leaf and is often use in cosmetics.

Preparations

A small crystal about 5mm in size is taken orally as a laxative. Half the dose is taken for arthiritis. The fresh bitter sap is also instilled directly for conjunctivitis and sinusitis. (21)

Uses

The leaves and roots can be boiled and used as a laxative, for arthritis, eczema, conjunctivitis, hypertension and stress.

Key Constituents

The main purgative principle is the anthrone C-glucoside aloin (=barbaloin). The aloin content in exudate varies between 8,5 and 32%. The gel polysaccharides are binogalactan and rhamnogalacturonan types. Aloe gel is a watery mixture of pectic substances, amino acids, minerals, trace elements and organic acids amongst others. (21)

Key Actions

The wound-healing properties of aloe gel come from glycoproteins and is responsible for the hydrating, insulating and protective effects. The anthraquinone derivatives act as a laxative. (21)

Research

Aloe vera has been the subject of numerous studies with results ranging from skin and wound-healing properties, laxative, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, antimalarial and anthelmintic activities. Aloe Ferox research is something that has started more recently, for example the Aloe Council of South Africa was founded in 2006.

USEFUL LINKS: About the Growing Guides, The Medicine Garden, Companion Plants, Basic Preparations and Plant Constituents. Disclaimer. References.

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Lemon Tree Growing Guide

SHORTCUTS: Ideal Environment, How to Plant, How to Water, Companion Planting, How to Propagate, How to Harvest, Parts Used, Preparations, Uses, Key Constituents, Key Actions, Research.

Citrus Limon
FAMILY RUTACEAE
Lemons come from a beautiful evergreen tree. It is native to Asia but grown around the world for its distinctive sour taste (that comes from about 5% of citric acid). Lemons are incredibly versatile and has countless medicinal, culinary and non culinary uses.

Ideal Environment

Lemon trees like to grow in well drained soil in a sunny location and appreciate organic fertiliser every year. If your soil drainage is poor it would be better to plant the tree in a raised bed. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.

How to Plant

While you can grow them from seed it is probably best to buy a tree that has already been grafted onto a good root stock. Plant the tree in fertile soil (use compost) in a sunny spot and allow enough room for the tree to grow without being crowded, or alternatively as a hedge or in a large pot. You can plant add organic fertiliser in the spring and mulch year around.

How to Water

Water the lemon tree at least once a week if there is no rain. While the tree is young keep the soil moist without being saturated.

Companion Planting

The best companions for a Lemon (or any citrus tree) are Thyme, dill, hyssop, lemon balm, parsley, marigold, nasturtium, borage, comfrey, clover, and alfalfa. Lemon trees will grow better with enough nitrogen so plant it with comfrey.

Here are the Companion Plants by group: Herbs, Flowers, Trees, Vegetables, Berries, Fruit and Mushrooms

How to Propagate

Growing lemon trees from seed is possible but they wont be true to their parent and it will take 3 to 6 years for it to produce fruit. Its best to take a cutting from an existing tree, through air layered or purchase a tree from a nursery that has been grafted onto good root stock. There are several varieties to choose from, even some that will produce flowers and fruit throughout the year.

How to Harvest

The fruit is usually harvested in the winter when the vitamin C content is the highest. Cutting them off with pruning shears or simply full them from the stalk. Undamaged fruit can be stored for several weeks.

Parts Used

The fruit juice and peel are used, the pith and peel contain volatile oil and most of the flavonoids.

Preparations

The juice can be combined with hot water (and a pinch of cinnamon and clove of garlic) for colds and a sore throat (gargle). Drink lemon water first thing in the morning for cleansing (Do not brush your teeth immediately the citric acid can damage your enamel).

Uses

Acne and Boils, arthritis, bites and stings, chilblains, colds and flu, cold sores, sore throats, weak digestion, preventative, immune system booster.

Grated lemon and/or the peel is excellent in food.

Key Constituents

Volatile oil 2.5% of the pell, limone (up to 70%), alpha-terpinene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, citral, coumarins, Flavonoids, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C.

Key Actions

Antiseptic, Anti-rheumatic, Antibacterial, Antioxidant and reduces fever.

USEFUL LINKS: About the Growing Guides, The Medicine Garden, Companion Plants, Basic Preparations and Plant Constituents. Disclaimer. References.

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Elder Tree Growing Guide

SHORTCUTS: Ideal Environment, How to Plant, How to Water, Companion Planting, How to Propagate, How to Harvest, Parts Used, Preparations, Uses, Key Constituents, Key Actions, Research.

Sambucus nigra
FAMILY ADOXACEAE
InformationElder tree is a deciduous tree that grows up to 10 meters, with oval leaves, cream flowers and dark berries. There is allot of folklore attached to Elder tree, for example in England many people won’t cut down an Elder tree and woodcutters would apparently recite a placatory rhyme to the Elder Mother (1). Elder tree is mostly used for flu, colds, hay fever (1), diarrhea, rheumatism (3) and as food in cordials, marmalade and syrups.

Ideal Environment

Elder trees will grow in a variety of conditions including both wet and dry fertile soils, primarily in sunny locations. They can also be planted as a bush in a pot or outside in the garden. They are native to European woods and hedges (1).

How to Plant

Its easiest to buy a tree or grow your own from a cutting taking during spring. Plant in fertile soil (use compost) in a sunny or partly sunny spot and allow enough room for the tree to grow without being crowded (a few meters). You can let the tree grow large or cut down a third every year which is said to increase fruit production. You can also add organic fertiliser in the spring and mulch year around.

How to Water

Water the trees at least once a week during warmer and drier periods and every other week during the winter but ensure the ground does not dry out completely. Elder trees prefer moist areas and should be watered frequently enough if there is no rain. Mulch helps to keep weeds away and keep the moisture in the ground.

Companion Planting

Elder tree is beneficial because it attracts bees and insects when flowering and birds when the berries are ripening.

There are no specific plants but you can have other edible shrubs but remember to consider the shade given by the tree as many edible and medicinal plants prefer a sunny spot.

Here are the Companion Plants by group: Herbs, Flowers, Trees, Vegetables, Berries, Fruit and Mushrooms

How to Propagate

You can grow elder tree from seeds, sources recommend planting the seeds in trays and cover with plastic, keep them moist but not soggy, they will apparently germinate the following spring, but it can be sooner depend on how warm it is. Its easy to create cuttings in late spring or early summer when the new growth appears. Take softwood cuttings from vigorous stems, strip off the leaves from the lower third, use rooting hormone or honey and insert into a prepared pot. New growth should appear four to six weeks later.

How to Harvest

Flowers are harvested late spring and the berries are picked in early autumn. Its easiest to cut of entire clusters of flowers or berries.

The branches will start to drop when the berries are ready. You can remove the berries from the branches with a fork. Unripe berries can be separated in water, they will float.

Parts Used

The fresh flowers can be used and also dried. The berries are toxic raw and should be cooked, both the fresh and dried berries can be used.

Preparations

Infusion of the flowering tops can be used for colds (take half a cup of infusion 3 times a day), a tincture of the flowering tops works for hay fever and rheumatism / arthritis (1 tsp with water taken a few times a day), a cream can be made from the flowering tops and berries, and a decoction of the berries can be used for rheumatic aches (1).

Uses

Coughs and colds, catarrh and allergies, arthritis, acute infections with fever, headache and nausea, rhinitis, asthma, croup, hay fever, conjunctivitis, rheumatism, pharyngitis, diarrhea, tonsilitis, and stomatitis (1,3).

Key Constituents

Flowers & Berries: Flavonoids, triterpenes, volatile oil, sterols, tannins, mucilage, Minerals, vitamin A & C, iron, sambucin, anthocyanocides, pectin, sugar, fixed oils (linoleic, linolenic). Leaves: Cyanogenic glycosides and Bark: Lectins, tannins, baldrianic acid (1, 3).

Key Actions

Flowers: mild diaphoretic, mild laxative, diuretic, alterative, demulcent, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, anticatarrhal, caminative, emetic, anti-inflammatory. Berries: diaphoretic, laxative, diuretic, anti-rheumatic, emunctory stimulant (all excretory organs or ducts), anti-neuralgic, alterative, carminative, emetic (1, 3).

Research

In a placebo-controlled study from Norway, elderberry was shown to be effective for treating Influenza A and B. People using the elderberry extract recovered much faster than those only on a placebo (20).

USEFUL LINKS: About the Growing Guides, The Medicine Garden, Companion Plants, Basic Preparations and Plant Constituents. Disclaimer. References.

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Marigold Growing Guide

SHORTCUTS: Ideal Environment, How to Plant, How to Water, Companion Planting, How to Propagate, How to Harvest, Parts Used, Preparations, Uses, Key Constituents, Key Actions, Research.

Calendula officinalis
FAMILY ASTERACEAE
Marigold is an aromatic seasonal flower that grows around 60cm tall. The flowers are vibrant yellow and orange. Marigolds are now grown in most temperate areas around the world and is said to be native to southern Europe (1). There are numerous cultivars with different color and size flowers. There is some record of the flowers being used since ancient times as a medicinal herb and a dye.

Ideal Environment

Marigolds are ideal for a sunny (or partially shady) spot and are quite tolerant of average to slightly poor soils but you will get healthier plants and better flowers with rich, well draining soil. You can add compost and organic fertiliser.

How to Plant

Marigolds grow easily from seeds and can be planted during the spring and summer. Plant the seeds 1cm deep and about 20cm apart or thin them out.

How to Water

Water immediately after sowing the seeds, keep the small plants reasonably moist but not wet. After that you can water Marigolds one or twice a week during dry periods or if it has rained less than 30mm.

Companion Planting

Marigolds are really great to have in the garden (especially a vegetable garden) because the odour repels many unwanted insects and attract bees. It is said to enhance the growth of basil, cucumbers, eggplants, potatoes, squash and tomatoes. At least one or two sources say one should avoid planting them close to beans, cabbage and broccoli.

Here are the Companion Plants by group: Herbs, Flowers, Trees, Vegetables, Berries, Fruit and Mushrooms

How to Propagate

Marigolds are best planted from seeds. You can start indoors in trays if you live in a colder area, but Marigolds grow pretty quickly and can be sown directly outside as long as there is no risk of frost. Let some flowers dry on the plant, remove the dried petals and break open to remove the seeds and save them for next season.

How to Harvest

Harvest the flowers during the summer on a warm dry day and dry the whole flower heads in the shade on a rack or use immediately.

Parts Used

The flowers are used primarily, but I have seen some books that include stems in ointment recipes, but from research it appears that the most important constituents are in the flower heads. The flowers petals are also edible.

Preparations

Make an infusion for infections, infused oil (with coconut oil worked great) for inflamed skin and eczema, a tincture for internal use, an ointment or cream for cuts, burns and varicose veins.

Uses

Marigold preparations are used for athele’s foot, bites and stings, breast tenderness, digestive infections, inflamed skin or rashes, excema, varicose veins and wounds or bruises (1). Use the flower petals in salads or garnish in vegetable, fish and egg dishes. You can also make an insect repellent spray from Marigold by using an infusion.

Key Constituents

Flavonoids, triterpenoid saponins, carotenoids, resin, volatile oil (1, 3).

Key Actions

Anti-inflammatory, relieves muscle spasms, astringent, heals wounds, antiseptic, detoxifying, antiviral, antiprotozoal, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, lymphatic, phytoestrogenic (1, 3).

Research

There have been quite a few studies on Marigolds that suggest that Marigold extracts may have anti-viral, anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro (13).

USEFUL LINKS: About the Growing Guides, The Medicine Garden, Companion Plants, Basic Preparations and Plant Constituents. Disclaimer. References.

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Echinacea Growing Guide

SHORTCUTS: Ideal Environment, How to Plant, How to Water, Companion Planting, How to Propagate, How to Harvest, Parts Used, Preparations, Uses, Key Constituents, Key Actions, Research.

Echinacea purpurea
FAMILY ASTERACEAE
Echinacea, also known as coneflowers, are herbaceous perennial plants that grow up to 140cm high and grow from a short basal stem with fibrous roots. Echinacea produces beautiful composite flower heads during the summer. Other species used as medicine include E. angustifolia and E. pallida.

Ideal Environment

Echinacea will grow best in a sunny spot and even in lightly shaded areas. Provide average loamy soil with some organic matter, about a neutral pH.

How to Plant

Plants should be at least 40cm apart. When growing from seed you will get better germination rates with 4 to 6 weeks of cold stratification. Sow seeds and cover lightly with soil.

How to Water

Keep the plants moist until they have a few sets of leaves then water once a week when there is no rain. Echinacea is drought tolerant so do not over water.

Companion Planting

Grow Echinacea with other flowers, herbs and vegetables including eggplant, broccoli, brussell sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, chillies, peppers and tomatoes.

Here are the Companion Plants by group: Herbs, Flowers, Trees, Vegetables, Berries, Fruit and Mushrooms

How to Propagate

Echinacea can be grown by root division, basal cuttings and clumps can be divided, usually in the autumn or spring.

How to Harvest

Flowers are gathered in full bloom and roots of 3 to 4 year old plants are harvested in the late summer or early autumn.

Parts Used

Fresh and dried root is used primarily, the flowers are used occasionally.

Preparations

A tincture of the root (dosage is about 1.5ml in water 3 times a day), Decoction of the root (as a gargle for example) and you can make capsules with powdered root.(1)

Uses

Stimulates the immune system and improves resistance to infections. (3) Other uses include Acne and boils, allergic rhinitis, bites and stings, chilblains, cold sores, coughs and bronchitis, earache, flu, sore throat, tonsillitis, mind asthma, mouth ulcers, urinary and fungal infections.

Key Constituents

Glycosides (caffeic acid derivatives: echinacoside, isochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cichoric acid), polysaccharides (inulin), glycoproteins, aminds (alkamides), volatile oils, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, alkaloids. (3)

Key Actions

General tonic, immune stimulator, lymphatic, antimicobial (antibacterial & antiviral), anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal, detoxifer, bitter. (3)

Research

Echinacea decreased the odds of developing the common cold by 58% and the duration of a cold by 1·4 days on average. Published evidence supports echinacea’s benefit in decreasing the incidence and duration of the common cold. (24)

USEFUL LINKS: About the Growing Guides, The Medicine Garden, Companion Plants, Basic Preparations and Plant Constituents. Disclaimer. References.