Inside Herb Garden Secrets

Herbs are a tremendous gift to mankind. they are a lot more than flavorings for your favorite Italian recipe. Lot's take a look inside herb garden secrets. In addition to being the catalyst that unlocks flavors of incredibly delicious foods they provide us with medicinal remedies, fragrant aromas, beverages, ornamental beauty, pest controls and industrial solutions.

The first question surrounding these plants is precisely what are they? The dictionary definition is that they are plants that do not form woody tissue and are referred to as "herbaceous." In its practical everyday usage the word herb is attributed to any plant that evidences herb qualities. This practical definition includes trees, vines, shrubs and others including mosses, fungi, ferns, algae and lichens. The product of the plant is the determining factor in whether a plant is included in the herb botanical family.

Consider this about medicinal herbs they are mother nature's pharmacy. Over 60 million people in the U.S. take some form of a herbal remedy for curative relief. In excess of 175 herbs are sold to the public in the non-prescription medicinal market. There are literally thousands of plants that provide some type of medicinal relief for injuries, illness and general health maintenance.

Another member of the herb family are the aromatics. They don't get as much attention from the herb gardener as others but they are a wonderful plant that yields the most pleasing fragrances. The aromas come form the plant's oils so it is not necessary to wait on blooms for the enjoyment as with other plants. Since the herb plant's oils carry the aroma they can be successfully preserved and used in other products and applications.

Products such as cosmetics, bath mixtures and shampoos are produced by major commercial producers using herbs that are both commercially grown and collected from natural sources. Upscale boutiques sell such items as potpourris, pillows, wreaths and sachets that incorporate aromatic herbs. Home herb gardeners can enjoy the wonderful delights of these herbs in their own homes.

Probably the biggest insider secret about herb gardening is that its so easy especially when compared to conventional vegetable or flower gardening. Herb plants are a hardy class and require little maintenance. A rosemary plant can thrive for years on a cliff side overlooking the Mediterranean Sea so growing one in your garden can be easily accomplished.

Another great thing about growing herbs is that they are very productive. The gardener can reap ample quantities of the plant's product from a small space. A mini garden in a pot can supply a family for months.

Give herb plants the two things they demand and they will grow just about anywhere in or out doors. They must have well drained soil in which to live and plenty of sunlight. Both these requirements can be easily supplied to the plants. To determine drain ability of soil put water on the proposed location and observe how rapidly it soaks into the ground. If it does not immediately disappear it is not draining sufficiently for herbs. One solution is to raise the area to planted about eighteen inches with potting soil mixed with a little coarse sand. Another is to remove eighteen inches of the topsoil and lay down a three inch layer of gravel. Combined the removed soil in a two part soil and one part sand mixture and replace it over the gravel base and you are ready to plant.

Herb plants need a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day to prosper. Ten to twelve is better so this is a prime consideration in the location of a her garden.

These are some of the inside secrets of herb gardening. Now that you know more about this wonderful group of plants it is time to start you own herb garden.

SONNY CHENOWETH is a herb expert. For more information on inside herb gardens, visit http://www.herbgardenreport.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sonny_Chenoweth

A Flower and Herb Garden

A popular combination for a garden is to plant vegetables alongside herbs. Most gardeners do this because a vegetable and herb garden makes a lot of sense in the culinary realm. So gardeners who also love to cook will probably want to plant their own vegetables alongside their herbs. Less popular, but definitely more beautiful is a flower and herb garden. Herbs can help flowers grow strong and beautiful, apart from the fact that many herbs have beautiful flowers too. Now flower lovers can combine their passion and herb plants to create a unique, edible, and beautiful garden.

A flower and herb garden will require some kind of design, theme, or idea behind the the style of the garden. The gardener will have to do research on the height and width of both the herb and flower plants in order to assess where to put each plant or how to situate them around the garden. The subject of companion planting for a garden combination of flowers and herbs should also be looked into so that all plants grow to their full and beautiful potential.

Start by choosing your favorite flowers, roses are always a popular choice, and so are the different types of hibiscus and carnations. These classic flowers will go really well with the larger herb flowers, and you can pair other more dainty flowers with herb plants that will produce dainty flowers as well. Check online for what the flowers of each plant is supposed to look like, and you can plan your flower and herb garden combinations accordingly.

Herb plants in your flower and herb garden should ideally flower. If you wish to plant an herb whose flowers are not very colorful or beautiful, the choice is yours. Some popular herbs have very unassuming flowers, and though these herbs are almost constantly used for cooking and other things, if your goal is to have a flower and herb garden you should probably scratch them off your list. Some good choices for flowering herbs are oregano, lavender, and jasmine which also all make very good teas. Oregano leaves are also often used for cooking.

Other choices include lavender hyssop, anise hyssop, borage, bergamot, clove pinks, and calendula. All these herb plants have beautiful and colorful flowers, most of which are edible while others can be used for home treatments. If you're daring enough, you may even start a flower and herb garden that is only made up of beautifully flowering herbs!

No matter which you choose to do, a flower and herb garden can be a truly unique and absolutely beautiful garden for everyone to enjoy. To look out into your garden and see dozens of colors that you can walk through, use as decoration, or use for cooking and remedies will be all the reward you will need!

Want to know more about other plant combinations? If you need to find good companion plants to your herbs or vice versa, then the knowledge you seek is now at your fingertips! Read all about plant combinations at Companion Planting In Your Herb Garden, and learn all the things you can plant alongside your herbs today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeannie_Woods

Organic Herb Seeds

Organic herb seeds are herb seeds that are or were harvested or taken from an organically grown herb plant. When an herb plant is organically grown, it means it is grown naturally or without any commercial chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers used in the growth and cultivation process of the plant. Organically grown herb plants are generally healthier for eating because they have less chemicals than that of other plants that were treated during the growth process. Having less chemicals in your herbs means less chemicals in your food, which is believed to promote good health and lessen medical problems.

Before planting organic herb seeds, you need a general understanding of what a seed is. The seed of any plant is essentially what contains the plant's DNA. Seeds have in them everything needed to start a new plant. Organic seeds are especially important because they contain the blueprint and the legacy of an organic plant, which means that the plant that will grow from the organic seed is going to be just as good as the first plant, possibly better, and will remain organic for as long as the new plant is not treated with any chemicals during its growth process. Organic herb seeds are very easy to plant, and will start their lives either inside or outside depending on the type of herb. After a three to six week germination period, the organic herb seeds will begin to sprout. After another week or so, you may transplant the plant if it was initially grown in a container.

Herb plants grown from organic herb seeds, and are maintained as organic herb plants taste good and are healthier than most commercial herbs. During their growth period, these herbs can be harvested for eating or seasoning food. Once an herb plant begins to flower, however the leaves lose its flavor, and sometimes may have a bitter taste. This is because the plant is focusing its strengths on flowering and creating new seeds. If you want to continue harvesting from your plant, you can nip the flowers at the buds. This will not change the flavor of the herb. Some herbs are used for their flowers though, and this may be what you've been waiting for in order to taste this herb. If that's the case, allow your plant to flower.

Another reason to let the flowers grow is if you want to harvest your very own organic herb seeds. Seeds fertilized in the flower, and once a flower has reached the end of its life, it's petals will fall and the seeds or seed pods will be revealed. Watch out for this closely because sometimes seeds drop or blow away in the wind as a natural form of pollination. To harvest your own organic herb seeds, allow the petals to fall, then carefully nip the branch that contains the flower. Shake this gently over a piece of paper and allow the seeds to fall onto the page. For larger seeds, you may collect them with your fingers, just be sure not to crush them. Dry your organic herb seeds out in the sun. Make sure they are completely dry before storing them away, and readying them for next planting season!

Discover the wonders of having a window herb garden. Click on the link for more info.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mitch_Garner

Caper

Caperis a biennial, evergreen, shrub belonging to the Capparaceae family, native to the Mediterranean region. The plant usually grows wild in rocky coastal areas and has oval-shaped, fleshy leaves. The plant bears small buds, closed tight as fists, that spring daily from the long shoots and eventually open into exquisite white, pale pink or pink flowers with violet pistils and stamens. The buds are the size of a maize kernel and olive green in color when ripe.

Caper buds are used extensively as a condiment or garnish in Mediterranean, Greek and Italian cuisine. They are typically pickled in oil, brine or vinegar and excess salt is drained off before using them for cooking. They go particularly well in tomato and wine based sauces and in poultry and fish recipes. Capers can also be used to substitute olives for garnishing a Martini

be beneficial in treating rheumatism. Caper roots also help in increasing blood pressure by contracting the blood vessels. Topical application of Caper roots is known to help sensitive skin and bruises. Caper bark is dried to be used as a diuretic.
The buds of this bush are also known to have laxative, expectorant and tonic properties. They are used to treat coughs, eye infections and known to prevent cataract formation. Caper decoction is also used to cure fungal infection in the vaginal area. Topical application of bruised leaves is believed to cure gout.

It can propagate from seeds as well as cuttings. It is an easy-to-grow shrub which can grow well in sandy, loamy or even heavy (clay) soils. It prefers well-drained soil rich in acids and alkaline. Adequate sunlight and watering are required for the shrub to grow at its best. Generally it takes 3-4 years to mature completely. Ensure that regular pruning is carried out to achieve higher production.

Borage

Borage an annual herb that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It grows throughout Europe, the North Africa, Mediterranean , Iran and is also cultivated in some areas of North America. Borage plant grows 2 to 3 feet in height and blooms small, blue, pink or purple-colored flowers. These beautiful flowers have five narrow triangular star-shaped petals and hence its name “Starflower”. The leaves and stems of the plant are covered with small bristle-like hairs. It produces plenty of seeds and thus continues to grow and spread prolifically.


Borage leaves and seed oil can be used to alleviate premenstrual cramps, mood swings and depression due to hormonal fluctuations in women. An infusion of Borage promotes the production of milk in breastfeeding mothers. Its tea also helps to reduce fever, relieves chest congestion and encourages a speedy recovery after an illness.
Fresh Borage leaves taste like cucumbers and adds texture and flavor to soups and salads. The attractive Borage flowers are edible and taste mildly sweet, like honey. They are used to decorate desserts such as cakes and pastries and are also frozen in ice cubes to add an extra zing to cocktails and coolers.


Borage is considered a wild, easy to grow herb and can tolerate most types of soil. Ideal growing conditions are dry soil, sunny climate and rich soil with a pH level of 6 to 7. Borage seeds should be planted around ¼ inch deep as they need air to germinate successfully. The plant needs to be protected from a variety of pests and insects like lady butterfly, woolly bear, caterpillars and tarnished plant bug. It is also vulnerable to infections such as crown rot.

Herbs – The Perfect Plant For Your Own Herb Garden

Is it possible to find a plant that is at once decorative, aromatic, flavorsome and useful as a pest-control agent? Too good to be true? If you have a herb garden or are thinking of creating one, consider planting Artemisia arborescens, as it possesses all those properties just mentioned. You may not have the perfect spouse, but at least there is such a thing as the perfect plant for a herb garden!

Artemisia is a large genus from the sage family, containing many species, including the herb Tarragon. (Artemisia dracunulus) Artemisia arborescens originates from the Mediterranean. Growing to about 1 meter, (3 ft) its foliage is a bright silvery-grey, with interesting, delicate and finely cut leaf patterns. Design-wise, it is highly suited to a dry climate garden, combining beautifully in terms of texture with delicate-leaved plants like Chrysanthemum frutescens. In terms of color, it blends well with the blues, lilacs and pinks of such plants as Lavender, Dianthus, (perennial carnations) and many species of sage.

A silvery plant of course, always functions as an accent amongst the mass of green foliage in a border. Moreover, in a herb garden, the Artemisia leaves contrast dramatically with the purple leaves of some varieties of Basil and the dark or variegated foliage of some sages.

While A. arborescens is well known for its aromatic qualities, not everyone is familiar with its herbal uses. Its leaves are excellent in tea, but ought to be removed shortly after immersion to avoid the tea becoming too bitter. The oils contained in the plant are thought to have anti-viral properties and are the subject of much scientific/medical research.

Some species of Artemisia are considered to depress the growth of neighboring plants.Having grown A. arborescens for years in gardens in Israel, I have no reason to believe that this is the case with this particular species. On the contrary; there seems to be an absence of pests wherever it grows. It is highly likely therefore that the Artemisia repels insects to a considerable degree. The one interesting exception is during the spring when the tips of its stems tend to be smothered in black aphids, while all the remaining garden species in the vicinity remain virtually untouched. Very possibly it functions as a decoy plant. The aphids cause minimal damage to the Artemisia and can be easily removed by clipping the affected parts. In any case, spring is a good time for pruning Artemisia plants. It keeps their growth dense and compact. In time, a plant can be limbed up into a mini tree, rather like Rosemary bushes.

Article Tags: Perfect Plant, Herb Garden

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Green Tea Weight Loss - Drink Your Way to a Slimmer Body

Green tea is now available everywhere. It is becoming a popular choice for more and more people every day. It is an acquired taste, although a taste which many people enjoy. Even so, the health benefits, and especially the subject of green tea weight loss, is what's really catching the attention of the western world.

Green tea originated in China, but has always been culturally associated with South East Asia, Japan and the Middle East. In the West, black tea blends have always been favored. Recently green tea has been the subject of much research. There has been some evidence to suggest that it can reduce the risk some cancer types and heart disease. As well as lowering cholesterol, and even aiding weight loss.

It is made by using the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. During ancient times it was referred to in Latin, as Thea Sinensis (Chinese Tea) and Thea Viridis (Green Tea). Each country has unique varieties, depending mostly on where and how it was grown. Traditional Chinese medicine has used green tea to treat many illnesses, including asthma, coronary disease and angina. However, in Japan, it has long been considered a weight loss aid. Researchers in Japan claim five cups a day burns around seventy five calories.

It is a stimulant, just like coffee. It has caffeine in it, just like coffee. So limiting your intake is recommended if you find yourself getting over stimulated.

Unlike it's oxidized brother, black tea, the green variety has a certain antioxidant called Epigallocatechin-3 Gallate. Antioxidants prevent free radicals, and free radicals are bad news for the body. It is believed that when free radicals oxidize within the body, that causes inflammation and ultimate tissue damage. The kind of damage which has been attributed to many serious illnesses, like cancer and heart disease.

With all these 'friendly' antioxidants, it is considered to be a protective system, literally defending the body from an free-radical attack! Many of the tea's health benefits remain scientifically inconclusive, due to lack of funding for large scale scientific studies. Even so, there has been much to suggest many of the claims are founded. While it can not be considered proven as a weight loss product at this point, its many other benefits have been talked about and experienced for centuries.

So why don't you give it a try? You may just shed a few pounds and get healthier at the same times.

Click green tea weight loss or green tea weight loss for more info.

Copyright 2009 Ron X King.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_King

How Tea Can Change Your Health For the Better

Before coffee shops all over the world sprouted like mushrooms, European countries as well as Asian countries have been craving this beverage for centuries. It is the drink made from dried leaves of various plants - the tea. Some see it as a staple drink in the afternoon while others see it as an art that should be carefully thought of and evaluated. But what is it about tea that makes people ask for it more and more?

Tea, as people around the world probably know, is not only a delectable drink. It also has lots of advantages over coffee that are beneficial to the drinker. Not only that, there is also a huge variety of teas that one can enjoy each with its own benefit! In this day and age, certain diseases are becoming more rampant due to unhealthy living. Cancer is one example of these diseases. According to numerous research and studies, the antioxidant polyphenols of tea has certain anti-cancer properties. Various studies suggest that tea's polyphenols may lower the risk of esophageal, gastric, and even skin cancer, if one consumes four to six cups of tea a day. Although there are no certain therapeutic claims by tea companies regarding this study, consumers avidly believe in this information.

One other study showed that by drinking just two cups of tea may decrease the risk of ovarian cancer in women by a huge 46 percent. That is not a simple fact that one can ignore and brush off. Another study suggested that the formerly acknowledged polyphenols help in preventing blood clots as well as in lowering one's cholesterol level. This is another important fact for this generation has been called the "fastfood" generation or the "supersize" generation. Because people are getting busier, or quite the reverse of it, we tend to have everything delivered, even our lunch and dinner. We want our food to be tasty and we want it quick so we tend to go to fastfood restaurants to quench our craving. This is where tea comes in. Due to the cholesterol lowering factor of tea, we have one less thing to worry about. But bear in mind, tea only helps in lowering the cholesterol level. It is not a magic drink that will make you fit in an instant.

A popular drink that involves tea is the green tea. Even popular coffee shops offer green tea be it served the traditional way or be it served in their own twist with cream and milk. Another study from Japan, a commonly known tea loving country, found that this well-loved drink, particularly green tea, helps reduce death rates caused by heart diseases. Remember, heart diseases are not always generative, whether you be a stock broker or an auto shipping expert or whatever your job is. Most likely, these are caused by poor lifestyle and poor diet management so drinking green tea could prove to be useful to people suffering from heart diseases.

Every year, additional researches are agreeing to the fact that tea is a healthy drink. Nowadays, ordering this healthy drink is not difficult, since there are so many convenience green tea online shops. So boil a cup of tea and enjoy the benefits!

Cinzia Branco is an expert in organic tea for at least 5 years. Due to her years of experience with this healthy beverage, Cinzia decided to open an online organic tea website for people who are interested in getting shopping online for organic tea. There are many websites regarding this wonderful and healthy beverage, that are not helpful at all, this is the reson why she decided to open her very own organic tea-dedicated website.

She has published numerous articles regarding the health benefits of organic beverage. Cinzia's blog, which is dedicated to disseminating information regarding organic tea, Lenses and Leaves, has helped numerous people with their quest for organic tea information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cinzia_Branco

Chinese Herbal Medicine - A Natural Alternative

Chinese herbal medicine is a health care system which has been around since ancient times. It is also known by the acronym CHM. As the causes of illness that afflict mankind have evolved in time, CHM has also undergone developments continuously. Along with modern medicine, state hospitals in China use herbal medicine for various ailments and diseases.

All forms of diseases can be treated by Chinese herbal medicine. The traditional view in Chinese herbal medical system is to prevent diseases before they occur.

The majority of the world population uses Chinese herbal medicine since ancient times and it still is the most extensively used medical system. In comparison to commonly produced pharmaceutical drugs, Chinese herbal medicine rarely gives an adverse reaction.

Depending upon the disease’s severity the duration of the medication is expanded to get the best results and cure. Allergies, digestive disorders, respiratory conditions pertaining to respiratory tracks, immune system disorders, pain, problems due to psychological disorders, children’s diseases and gynecological problems can be effectively treated using Chinese herbal medicines. Find more info at www.onlinepharmacyresource.info

People of all ages and constitution can take Chinese herbal medical treatment. Symptoms of current illness and previous history will be taken into consideration by the practitioner before prescribing the medicine. Even pregnant women and children can be given treatment using Chinese herbal medicines.

Traditional and modern versions of Chinese herbal medicines are available in number of formats. At first the unusual taste of the herbal medicine will be difficult to adjust to, but quickly the patients will get used to the taste. Chinese herbal treatment does not have any standard price structure. Nowadays many health insurance companies are covering herbal treatment too.

Colonic dialysis therapy is a form of treatment in Chinese herbal medicine which enables the body to eliminate toxins effectively and quickly and helps to overcome addictions.

PLA Institute of Drug Dependence Treatment and Rehabilitation is doing research to observe the effects of using colonic dialysis therapy in persons addicted to heroin and to find out whether this treatment can help them abstain from the craving for heroin.

An evaluation of an ancient Chinese remedy for dermatitis was done by doctors at the Royal Free Hospital in London. A mixture of 10 herbs was prescribed to a group of forty adult patients with longstanding and widespread atopic dermatitis in a trial which lasted 5 months. Over an eight week period each patient was randomly allocated to receive either the herbal remedy or a similar tasting placebo. This was followed by a four week wash-out period. 31 patients completed the study and showed a continued and rapid improvement in the extent of redness of skin (erythema) and surface damage during the time they were taking the prescribed Chinese herbal medicine. The research concluded that the remedy is effective in treating adult atopic dermatitis.

Lucy Bartlett is a proud contributing author. Find more articles here. For more info visit CHM [http://onlinepharmacyresource.info] or Herbal Remedies [http://onlinepharmacyresource.info/chinese-herbal-remedies.html].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_Bartlett

Organic Herb Gardening

Organic herb gardening is a wonderful way to add beauty to your landscape or to your kitchen and sun room. You can plant herbs directly into your vegetable garden or flower garden, or you can grow them in containers that you can place anywhere you wish. If you do not have the space for a full-size garden, growing your organic herbs in containers is a great way to go. Just keep in mind that most herbs will require full sun and good drainage if they are to flourish.

Organic herbs have long been used for cooking but they are also widely used for other things such as promoting health, for their calming affects, for sleeping aids, and for healing purposes. Some herbs will add a pleasant aroma to your garden or home such as basil and rosemary while others aid in deterring pests such as garlic, lavenders, mints, and rosemary.

Whether you grow perennial or annual organic herbs, you will find that most are easily cared for if you provide them with enough light and a healthy soil mixture. Annual herbs include basil, chervil, cilantro, dill, and parsley. Perennial herbs include chives, garlic, oregano, thyme, and fennel, to name just a few.

Organic herb gardening can be the perfect compliment to your organic vegetable garden. If you are growing organic vegetables, including tomatoes and cucumbers, you will also want some herbs to use when you begin harvesting your garden and using your vegetables for cooking. For your tomatoes you might want some basil, parsley and oregano to use in canning and for making sauces. For your cucumbers you might want some dill for pickling.

Use well-nourished soil for your organic herbs. You can make your own compost or purchase organic compost at your local nursery store. Place the herb containers where they will receive a minimum of 6 hours in the full sun and keep them moist, but not dripping wet. Though most herbs have few problems with pests, basil is sometimes affected by chewing insects. Rather than spraying your organic basil with insecticides, grow them in larger quantities so you will have enough unaffected plants to harvest. It is best not to use insecticides, of any type, with organic herb gardening.

When cooking with herbs, be sure to test the strength of their flavor by using small amounts at a time so you do not overwhelm the flavor of your meal with too much of one herb. You can also use the herbs for tea and other drinks. I like to add peppermint leaves to my water for a nice, but subtle flavor. Before cooking with herbs and making tea or flavoring any drinks, be sure the herb is one that can be ingested. Not all herbs are eatable and some can make you ill if ingested. Culinary herbs are those primarily used for cooking such as chives, garlic, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, basil, bay leaves and many others. Herbs often used for tea include chamomile, elderberry, lemon balm, lemon thyme, and mint.

Learn more about Organic Herb Gardening by visiting my site where you can sign up for my organic gardening tips newsletter and get a free copy of my Organic Gardening Handbook.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joanell_Hutchinson

Dill

Dill has its origin in the southern Russia. andMediterranean region This herb belonging to the Apiaceae family is also extensively grown in Germany, England, and North America. It is aromatic and normally grows around 2 feet in height. Dill leaves are wispy and fernlike and have a pleasing, sweet taste. Like Fennel, it has many yellow flowers in umbels and feather-like leaves attached to the upright stalks. Dried Dill seeds are light brown in color and oval in shape, are similar in taste to Caraway, with a fragrant, sweet and citrusy flavor with a bitter undertone.


Though Dill is renowned for its culinary uses; its leaves, seeds and oils also provide medicinal benefits. Oil of Dill has been traditionally used to make Dill water which is an effective remedy to treat colic, gas and other stomach as well as digestion problems in infants. It also alleviates intestinal spasms and cramps. Dill seeds, when chewed, can eliminate bad breath. The plant also aids in cough, cold flu, cramps and flatulence. Dill is also considered anti-bacterial and helps protect against free radicals and carcinogens.
Nursing mothers who consume it regularly can have increased breast milk production and can pass on the nutritive benefits of dill to their breastfeeding children to help prevent colic.


Dill leaves and seeds are widely used as seasoning in a number of dishes. Dill seeds in particular are used extensively in Scandinavian and German cuisine. Young Dill leaves go very well with fish, particularly salmon and trout. Dill is also used for flavoring sauces and baked goods.

Catnip

Catnip is an aromatic, perennial herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Asia and Europe is cultivated in North America. Catnip plants grow from 3 to 5 ft in height and have fuzzy, greyish-green leaves and small, white flowers that bloom in the summer. The herb is popular for its fragrance and the stimulating effect it has on all members of the feline (cat) family.

Catnip is a non-fussy herb. It grows best in well-drained, averagely rich soil and partial shade. However, it can tolerate dry, sandy soil and full sun. and it should be topped with compost. Catnip can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings or by dividing the roots. The seeds should be sown indoors, six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Catnip can be grown indoors in pots, but it requires at least 5 hours of sunlight per day.

Catnip has astringent properties and has a settling effect on the stomach. It has carminative qualities and thus acts as a remedy for flatulence, colic, and headaches due to digestive problems. It is also considered a diaphoretic and therefore its infusion helps in alleviating high body temperature caused by fever. Catnip tincture acts as an effective ointment for curing rheumatic condition, arthritis and hemorrhoids. It has also been used to cure bronchitis, asthma and eruptive diseases like measles. The herb is also known to relieve cough, muscular pain and have a sedating effect when consumed. It is known to stimulate menstruation and also works as a tonic. An infusion made from Catnip can also help in curing bruises and dark-circles. Catnip has a pleasant and appealing taste, which makes it an easy option for treatment of children’s ailments.