Chives
Allium schoenprasum
Growing
Chives are a hardy perennial that thrives in temperate and warm to hot regions. Chives grow well in pots or on a windowsill and floursih in a window box if partially shaded. They need an enormous quantity of water and occasional liquid feed to stay green and succulant. They are a good patio plant, easy to grow, but not particularily fragrent.
Medicinal
The leaves are mildly antiseptic and when sprinkled onto food they stimulate the appetite and promote digestion.
Aloe Vera
Aloe barbadensis
Growing
The soil must be gritty and well drained. Do not over water but give it a good dowsing in the spring with some liquid fertilizer. Maintian a frost-free, light environment.
Medicinal
The gel obtained by breaking the leaves is a remarkable healer. Applied to wounds it forms a clear protective seal and encourages skin regeneration. It can be applied directly to vuts, burns, and is immediately soothing.
Lemon Verbana
Aloysia triphylla
Growing
Chose a container at least 20 cm wide and use the bark, peat, grit mix of compost. Place the container in a warm, sunny, light and airy spot. Water well throughout the growing season and feed with liquid fertilizer during flowering. Then trim the plant, and trim further during the autumn. In winter move it to a cold place and let it almostdry out.
Medicinal
a tea last thing at ngiht is refreshing and has mild sedative properties; it can also soothe bronchial and nasal congestion and ease indigestion. However, long term use may cause stomach irritation.
Chamomile
Chamaemelum nobile
Growing
I would not advise growing chamomile indoors, as they get very leggy, soft and prone to disease. But the flowers look very cheerful in a sunny window box. Use Chamomile 'Flore Pleno', which has a lovely double flowering head.
Medicinal
German chamomile's highly scented dry flower heads contain up to 1 percent of an aromatic oil the possesses powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. taken as a tea, it promotes gastric secretions and imporvs the appetite, while an infusion of the same strength can be used as an internal antiseptic. It may also be used as a douche or gargle for mouth ulcers and as an eye wash.
St John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
Growing
It can be grown in containers, but it is a bit tall so you do need a large clump for it to look effective. Use a soil based compost. Water in the summer months; only feed wiht liquid fertalizer twice during the growing season, otherwise it produces more leaf than flower.
Medicinal
Oil extracted by macerating the flowers in vegetable oil and applied externally eases neuralgia and the pin of sciatica wounds, vericose veins, ulcers, and sunburn. Only take internally under supervision.
Hyssop
Hyssopus
Growing
Hyssop is a lovely plant in containers. It is happy in plenty of sunshine and prefers a south facing wall. It also likes dry conditions and its tough leaves are not affected by the fumes of city centers, making it ideal for window-boxes. Equally, it is good on a patio as the scent is nice on a hot summers evening. Give it liquid feed only during the flowering period. Cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Medicinal
An infusion is used aminly for coughs, whoo[ing cough, asthma and bronchitius, and upper respiratory catarrh. It is also used for inflammation of the urinary tract. Externally it can be used for bruises and burns. It was once a country remedy for rheumatism.
*Warning:Hyssop should never be used in cases of nervous irritability. Strong doses, particularly those of distilled essential oil, can cause muscular spasms. This oil should not be used in aromatherapy for high-strung patients, as it can cause epileptic symptoms. Do not use for continued periods. No form of Hyssop should be taken during pregnancy.
Myrtle
Myrtus Communis
Growing
This plant, when young, is well suited to containers. Use the bark, peat, grit mix of compost. As and evergreen plant it looks attractive all year round. Place in a cold conservatory away from central heating. Water in the summer months, and allow the compost to nearly dry out in winter. Watch the watering at all times; if ever in doubt give it less than more. Feed with a liquid fertilizer during the flowering period.
Medicinal
The leaves have astringent and antiseptic properties. Rarely used medicinally, but a leaf decoction may be applied externally to bruises and haemorrhoids. Recent research has revealed a susbstance in myrtle that has a antibiotic action.
Other Uses
Every part of the shrub is highly aromatic and can be used dried in potpourris.
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Growing
It is a hardy perennial. Use the bark, peat, grit mix of compost. Only feed with liquid fertilizer in the summer, otherwise the growth will become to lush and soft, and aroma and color diminished. Water normally throughout the growing season. Allow the container to become very dry in the winter and keep the pots in a cool, protected environment.
Medicinal
Lemon Balm tea is said to relieve headaches and tensions and to restore the memory. It is also good to drink after meals to ease the digestion, flatulence and colic. Use fresh or frozen leaves in infusions because the volatile oil tends to disappear during the drying process. The isolated oil used in aromatherapy is recommended for nervousnes, depression, insomnia, and nervous headaches. It also helps eczema sufferers.
Other Uses
This is a most useful plant to keep bees happy. The flower may look boring to you but it is shear heaven to them. So plant lemon balm around beehives or orchards to attract pollinating bees.
Everything that is on this page so far is from Jekka's Complete Herb Book, Jekka McVicar, Kyle Cathie Limited, UK 1994
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