Dumont's Lexicon of Herbs: Growing - Cuisine - Cosmetics - Health Effects

Language: EnglishPages: 307 (Throughout Color Illustrations) . IntroductionTHE HISTORY OF GROWING HERBS The knowledge and study of herbs and spices is nearly as old as mankind itself. Many cuttings and seeds from Mediterranean plants were transported across the Alps by the Romans and missionary monks, enriching their herb gardens. Later, many new variants emerged, thanks to crossbreeding. This involved not only Charlemague but also people such as the Abbess Hildegard of Bingen, who amassed a treasure trove of plants in convent gardens and applied the knowledge of how to grow them. Their knowledge endured and was added to by successive generations. However, due to the technical revolution and therapies of the 20th century, the preparation and use of herbs dwindled in popularity. Nowadays, people long for a return to healthful, natural foods and therapies. What could be more healthful and natural than treating oneself with herbal aromas and therapeutic plants? We have described in detail the most important spices and herbs so that you can grow and harvest them successfully. Besides information regarding treatment with herbs (herbalism) , you can also find several recipes that show you how many uses each herb and spice has. WHAT SHOULD AN HERB GARDEN LOOK LIKE? You may set up your herb garden in any way that pleases you. It does not matter if it is a full-sized herb bed for the whole family, a small garden on your balcony, or even a small garden on your window ledge. The advantage of growing herbs in small pots indoors is that you can preserve plants that are affected by cold weather, such as basil and summer savory. Perennial herbs such as thyme and hyssop can be easily integrated into other groups of perennials. A spiral of herbs can be very practical in that you can grow many plants in a small space. It