Orach

Orach Garden Species

From the family Chenopodiaceae

The garden species of orach, Atriplex hortensis, originated in Eastern Europe and is now widely distributed in countries with temperate climates. In the past it was called mountain spinach and grown as a vegetable in its own right. The red form, Atriplex hortensis 'Rubra', is still eaten frequently in Continental Europe, particularly with game, and was used as a flavoring for breads.

The common orach, Atriplex patula, was considered a poor man's pot herb, which is a fact worth remembering when you are pulling out this invasive annual weed.

Species

Atriplex hortensis

Orach

Hardy annual. Ht 1.5m (5ft), spread 30cm (12in). Tiny greenish (boring) flowers in summer. Green triangular leaves.

Atriplex hortensis 'Rubra'

Red Orach

Hardy annual. Ht 1.2m (4tf), spread 30cm (1ft). Tiny reddish (boring) flowers in summer. Red triangular leaves.

Atriplex patula

Common Orach

Hardy annual. Ht 90cm (3ft) spread 30cm (12in). Flowers similar to orach, the leaves more spear shaped and smaller.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

If you wish to have a continuous supply of leaves, start off under protection in early spring, sowing the flat seeds directly into prepared plug trays. Cover with Perlite. When the seedlings are large enough, and after hardening off, plant out in a prepared site in the garden 25cm (10in) apart.

Pests and Diseases

In the majority of cases this herb is pest and disease free.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds.

Summer: Cut flowers before they form.

Autumn: Cut seeds off before! they are fully ripe to prevent too much self-seeding.

Winter: Dig up old plants.

Garden Cultivation

This annual herb produces the largest and most succulent leaves when the soil is rich. So prepare the site well with well rotted manure. For Red Orach choose a site with partial shade as the leaves can scorch in very hot summers. The seeds can be sown in rows 60cm (2ft) apart in spring when the soil has warmed. Thin out to 25cm (l0in) as soon as the seedlings are large enough, and replant. Water well throughout the growing season.

As this plant is a very rapid grower, it is as well to do 2 sowings to ensure a good supply of young leaves. The red varieties look very attractive grown as a hedge. Remove flowering tips as soon as they appear. This will help maintain the shape of the plant.

If seed is not required, pick the flowers off as soon as they appear. To save the seed, collect before it is fully ripe, otherwise you will have hundreds of orach babies all over your garden and next door.

Harvest

Pick voting leaves to use fresh as required. The herb does not dry or freeze particularly well.

Culinary

The young leaves can be eaten raw in salads, and the red variety looks most attractive. The old leaves of both species ought to be cooked as they become slightly tough and bitter. It can be used as a substitute for spinach or as a vegetable, served in a white sauce. It is becoming more popular in Europe, where it is used in soups.

Red Orach Soup

450g (1 lb) potatoes

225g (8oz) young red orach leaves

50g (2oz) butter

900ml (1'Apt/314 cups) chicken stock

1 clove garlic, crushed Salt and black pepper 4 tablespoons sour cream

Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick slices. Wash the orach and cut up coarsely. Cook the potatoes for 10 minutes in salted water, drain. Melt the butter in a saucepan with the crushed garlic and slowly sweeten; add the red orach leaves and gently simmer for 5-10 minutes until soft (if the leaves are truly young then 5 minutes will be sufficient). Pour in the stock, add the parboiled potatoes, and bring to the boil; simmer for a further 10 minutes. When all is soft, cool slightly then puree in a blender or liquidize. After blending, return the soup to a clean pan, add salt and pepper to taste and heat slowly (not to boiling). Stir in the sour cream, and serve.

Container growing

The red-leafed orach looks very attractive in containers, provided you don't let it get too tall. Nip out the growing tip and the plant will bush out, and do not let it flower. Use the peat, bark mix of potting soil. Keep the plant in semi-shade in high summer and water well at all times. If watering in high sun, be" careful not to splash the leaves, as they can scorch, especially the red variety.

Medicinal

This herb is no longer used medicinally. In the past it was a home remedy for sore throats, gout, and jaundice.

Tarragon

Tarragon Herb

Also knoum as Estragon. From the family Compositae.

A native of southern Europe, tarragon is now found in dry areas of North America, Southern Asia and Siberia. Dracunculus' means little dragon. Its naming could have occurred (via the Doctrine of Signatures) as a result of the shape of its roots, or because of its fiery flavor. Whatever, it was certainly believed to have considerable power to heal bites from snakes, serpents and other venomous creatures.

In ancient times the mixed juices of tarragon and fennel made a favorite drink for the Kings of India. In the reign of Henry VIII, tarragon made its way into English gardens, and the rhyme, 'There is certain people, and certain herbs, that good digestion disturbs,' could well be associated with tarragon. I love, too, the story that Henry VIII divorced Catherine of Aragon for her reckless use of tarragon.

Species

Artemisia dracunculus

French Tarragon

Half-hardy perennial. Ht 90cm (3ft) spread 45cm (1 Sin). Tiny, insignificant, yellow flower heads are borne in sprays in summer but rarely produce ripe seed sets except in warm climates. The leaves are smooth dark green, long and narrow, and have a very strong flavor.

Artemisia dracunculus dracunculoides

Russian Tarragon

Hardy perennial. Ht 1.2m (4ft) spread 45cm (18in). Tiny, insignificant, yellow flower heads in sprays in summer. The leaves are slightly coarser and green in color, their shape long and narrow. This plant originates from Siberia, so is hardy.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Only the Russian variety produces viable seed. A lot of growers are propagating and selling it to the unsuspecting public as French tarragon. If you really want Russian tarragon, sow the small seed in spring, into prepared seed or plug trays, using the bark, peat, grit compost. No extra heat required. When the young plants are large enough to handle, transfer to the garden, 60cm (24in) apart.

Cuttings

Both French and Russian tarragon can be propagated by cuttings.

Roots: Dig up the underground runners in spring when the frosts are finished, pull them apart; do not cut. You will notice growing nodules; these will reproduce in the coming season. Place a small amount of root - 8-10cm (3-4in) -each with a growing nodule, in a 8cm (3in) pot, and cover with compost. Use the bark, grit, peat mix and place in a warm, well ventilated place. Keep watering to a minimum. When well rooted, plant out in the garden after hardening off, 60cm (24in) apart. It is possible to take softwood cuttings of the growing tips in summer. You will need to keep the leaves moist, but the compost on the dry side. It works best under a misting unit with a little bottom heat 15°C (60°F).

Division

Divide established plants of either variety in the spring.

Pests and Diseases

Recently there has been a spate of rust developing on French tarragon. When buying a plant, look for tell tale signs - small rust spots on the underneath of a leaf If you have a plant with rust, dig it up, cut off all foliage carefully, and bin the leaves. Wash the roots free from soil, and pot up into fresh sterile soil. If this fails, place the dormant roots in hot water after washing off all the compost. The temperature of the water should be 40-46°C (105-115°F); over 46°C will damage the root. Leave the roots in the hot water for 5 minutes then replant in a new place in the garden.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow Russian tarragon seeds if you must. Divide established plants, fake root cuttings.

Summer: Remove flowers. Autumn: Pot up pieces of French tarragon root as insurance.

Winter: Protect French tarragon. As the plant dies back into the ground in winter it is an ideal candidate for either agricultural fleece, straw or deep mulch.

Garden Cultivation

French Tarragon has the superior flavor of the two and is the most tender. It grows best in a warm dry position, and will need protection in winter. It also dislikes humid conditions. The plant should be renewed every 3 years because the flavor deteriorates as the plant matures.

Russian tarragon is fully hardy and will grow in any conditions. There is a myth going around that it improves the longer it is grown in I place. This is untrue, it gets coarse. It is extremely tolerant of most soil types, but prefers a sunny position, 60cm (2ft) away from other plants.

Harvest

Pick sprigs of French tarragon early in the season to make vinegar. Pick leaves for fresh use throughout the growing season. For freezing it is best to pick the leaves in the midsummer months.

Container growing

French tarragon grows well in containers. Use the bark, grit mix of compost. As it produces root runners, choose a container to give it room to grow so that it will not become pot bound. At all times make sure the plant is watered, and in the daytime, not at night. It hates having wet roots. Keep feeding to a minimum; overfeeding produces fleshy leaves with a poor flavor; be mean. In winter, when the plant is dormant, do not water, keep the compost dry and the container in a cool, frost-free environment.

Culinary

Without doubt this is among the Rolls Royces of the culinary herb collection. Its flavor promotes appetite and complements so many dishes - chicken, veal, fish, stuffed tomatoes, rice dishes, and salad dressings, and of course is the main ingredient of Sauce Bernaise.

Chicken Salad with tarragon and grapes

Serves 4-6

11.3 kg (3lb) cooked chicken 150ml (5jl oz) mayonnaise 75ml (3fl oz) double cream I heaped teaspoon fresh chopped tarragon (½ teaspoon dried) 3 spring onions, finely chopped 100g (4oz) green grapes (seedless if not de-piped) I small lettuce A few sprigs water cress Salt and pepper Remove the skin from the chicken and all the chicken from the bones. Slice the meat into longish pieces and place in a bowl.

In another bowl mix the mayonnaise with the cream, the chopped tarragon, and the finely chopped spring onions. Pour this mixture over the chicken and mix carefully together. Arrange the lettuce on a dish and spoon on the chicken mixture. Arrange the grapes and the water cress around it. Serve with jacket potatoes or rice salad.

Medicinal

No modern medicinal use. Formerly used for toothache. If nothing else is available, a tea made from the leaves is said to overcome insomnia.

Wormwood

Uses of Wormwood Herb

Also known as Absinthe and Green Ginger. From the family Compositae. A native of Asia and Europe, including Britain, it was introduced into America as a cultivated plant and is now naturalized in many places. Found on waste ground, especially near the sea in warmer regions. Legend has it that as the serpent slithered out of Eden, wormwood first sprang up in the impressions on the ground left by its tail. Another story tells that in the beginning it was called 'Parthenis absinthium', but Artemis, Greek goddess of chastity, benefited so much from it that she named it after herself - 'Artemisia absinthium'. The Latin meaning of 'absinthium' is 'to desist from', which says it all.

Although it is one of the most bitter herbs known, it has for centuries been a major ingredient of aperitifs and herb wines. Both absinthe and vermouth get their names from this plant, the latter being an 18th century French variation of the German 'wermut', itself the origin of the English name Wormwood. Wormwood was hung by the door where it kept away evil spirits and deterred night-time visitations by goblins. It was also made a constituent of ink to stop mice eating old letters.

It was used as a strewing herb to prevent fleas, hence:

'White wormwood hath seed, get a handful or twain, to save against March, to make flea to refrain. Where chamber is sweeped and wormwood is streivn, no flea for his life, dare abide to be known.' This extract comes from Thomas Tusser's Five Hundred Pointes of Good Husbandrie, written in 1573. Finally, wormwood is believed to be the herb that Shakespeare had in mind when his Oberon lifted the spell from Titania with 'the juice of Dian's bud', Artemis being known to the Romans as Dian or Diana.

Species

Artemisia absinthium

Wormwood

Partial-evergreen hardy perennial. Ht lm (40in), spread 1.2m (4ft). Tiny, insignificant, yellow flower heads are borne in sprays in summer. The abundant leaves are divided, aromatic and grey/green in color.

Artemisia absinthium 'Lambrook Silver'

Evergreen hardy perennial. Ht80cm (32in), spread 50cm (20in). Tiny, insignificant, grey flowerheads are borne in long panicles in summer. The abundant leaves are finely divided, aromatic and silver/grey in color. May need protecting in exposed sites.

Artemisia pontica

Old Warrior

Evergreen hardy perennial. Hi 60cm (24in), spread 30cm (12in).Tiny, insignificant, silver/grey flower heads are borne on tall spikes in summer. The abundant, feathery, small leaves are finely divided, aromatic and silver/grey in color. This can, in the right conditions, be a vigorous grower, spreading well in excess of 30cm (12in).

Artemisia Pontica 'Powis Castle'

Evergreen hardy perennial. Ht90cm (36in), spread 1.2m (4ft). Tiny, insignificant, grayish-yellow flower heads are borne in sprays in summer. The abundant leaves are finely divided, aromatic and silver/ grey in color.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Of the species mentioned above, only wormwood is successfully grown from seed. It is extremely small and best started off under protection. Sow in spring in a prepared seed or plug tray, using the bark, peat, grit mix of compost. Cover with Perlite and propagate with heat, 15-21 °C (60-70°F). Plant out when the seedlings are large enough to handle and have had a period of hardening off.

Cuttings

Take softwood cuttings from the lush new growth in early summer; semi-hardwood in late summer. Use the bark, peat, grit mix of compost.

Division

As they are all vigorous growers division is a good idea at least every 3 to 4 years to keep the plant healthy, to stop it becoming woody and to prevent encroaching. Dig up the plant in spring or autumn, divide the toots and replant in a chosen spot.

Pests and Diseases

Wormwood can suffer from a summer attack of black fly. If it gets too bad, use a liquid horticultural soap, following manufacturer's instructions.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds. Divide established plants. Trim new growth for shape. Take softwood cuttings.

Summer: Take semi-hardwood cuttings.

Autumn: Prune back all the species mentioned to 15cm (6in) of the ground. Divide established plants.

Winter: Protect in temperatures below -5°C (23°F). Cover with agricultural fleece, straw, bark, anything that can be removed in the following spring.

Garden Cultivation

Artemisias like a light well-drained soil and sunshine, but will adapt well to ordinary soils provided some shelter is given. Planting distance depends on spread.

Wormwood is an overpoweringly flavored plant and it does impair the flavor of dill and coriander so do not plant nearby.

Harvest

Pick flowering tops just as they begin to open. Dry. Pick leaves for drying in summer.

Container growing

Artemisia absinthium 'Lambrook Silver' and Old Warrior (Artemisia pontica) look very good in terracotta containers. Use the bark, peat, grit mix of compost. Only feed in the summer; if you feed too early the leaves will lose their silvery foliage and revert to a more green look. In winter keep watering to the absolute minimum and protect from hard frosts.

Other uses

It can produce a yellow dye.

Antiseptic vinegar

This vinegar is known as the 'Four Thieves' because it is said that thieves used to rub their bodies with it before robbing plague victims.

1 tablespoon wormwood

1 tablespoon lavender

1 tablespoon rosemary

1 tablespoon sage

1.1 l (1 ¾) pints vinegar

Put the crushed herbs into an earthenware container. Pour in the vinegar. Cover the container and leave it in a warm sunny place two weeks. Strain into bottles with tight-fitting, non-metal lids. This makes a very refreshing tonic in the bath, or try sprinkling it on work surfaces in the kitchen.

Moth-Repellent

Wormwood or southernwood can be used for keeping moths and other harmful insects away from clothes. The smell is sharp and refreshing and does not cling to your clothes like camphor moth-balls.

Bug Ban Recipe

2 tablespoons dried wormwood or southernwood

2 tablespoons dried lavender

2 tablespoons dried mint

Mix the ingredients well and put into small sachets.

Medicinal

True to its name, wormwood expels worms especially round- and thread- worms.

Southernwood

Also knoivn as Lad's Love and Old Man. From the family Compositae. This lovely aromatic plant is a native of southern Europe. It has been introduced to many countries and is now naturalized widely in temperate zones. The derivation of the genus name is unclear. One suggestion is that it honors Artemisia, a famous botanist and medical researcher, sister of King Mausolus (353 BC). Another is that it was named after Artemis or Diana, the Goddess of the Hunt and Moon. In the 17th century, Culpeper recommended that the ashes of southernwood be mingled with salad oil as a remedy for baldness.

Species

Artemisia abrotanum

Southernwood

Deciduous or semi-evergreen hardy perennial. Ht and spread lm (40in). Tiny insignificant clusters of dull yellow flowers in summer. The abundant olive green feathery leaves are finely divided and carry a unique scent.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

It rarely flowers and sets seeds, except in warm climates. Cuttings Take softwood cuttings in spring from the lush new growth, or from semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Use the bark, peat, grit mix of compost. Roots well. It can be wintered as a rooted cutting, when it sheds its leaves and is dormant. Keep the cuttings on the dry side, and in early spring slowly start watering. Plant out 60cm (24in) apart after the frosts have finished.

Pests and Diseases

It is free from the majority of pests and disease.

Maintenance

Spring: Cut back to maintain shape. Take cuttings.

Summer: Take cuttings.

Autumn: Trim any flowers off as they develop.

Winter: Protect the roots in hard winters with mulch.

Garden Cultivation

Southernwood prefers a light soil containing well-rotted organic material in a sunny position. However tempted you are by its bedraggled appearance in winter (hence its name, Old Man) NEVER cut hard back as you will kill it. This growth protects its woody stems from cold winds. Cut the bush hard in spring to keep its shape, but only after the frosts have finished.

Harvest

Pick leaves during the growing season for use fresh. Pick leaves for drying in mid-summer.

Culinary

The leaves can be used in salads. They have a strong flavor, so use sparingly. It does also make a good aromatic vinegar.

Medicinal

It can be used for expelling worms and to treat coughs and bronchial catarrh. A compress helps to treat frost bite, cuts and grazes.

Other uses

The French call it Garde Robe; use it as a moth repellent. It is a good fly deterrent, too - hang bunches up in the kitchen, or rub it on the skin to deter mosquitoes.

Arnica

Also known as Mountain Tobacco, Leopards Bane, Mountain Arnica, Wolfs-bane and Mountain Daisy. From the family Composite. It is found wild in the mountainous area of Canada, North America, and in Europe, where it is a protected species. Bees love it. The name 'arnica' is said to be derived from the word 'ptarmikos', Greek for sneezing. One sniff of arnica can make you sneeze. The herb was known by Methusalus and was widely used in the 16th century in German folk medicine. Largely as a result of exaggerated claims in the 18th century by Venetian physicians, it was, for a short time, a popular medicine.

Species

Arnica montana

Arnica

Hardy perennial. Ht 30-60cm (l-2ft), spread 15cm (Gin). Large, single, scented yellow flowers throughout summer. Oval, hairy, light green leaves.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Sow the small seed in spring or late summer in either a pot, plug or seed tray, and cover with Perlite. Place trays in a cold frame as heat will inhibit germination. The seed is slow to germinate, even occasionally as long as two years! Once the seedlings are large enough, pot up and harden off in a cold frame.

You can gel a more reliable germination if you collect the seed yourself and sow no later than early autumn. After polling up, winter the voting plants under protection. They will die back in winter. Plant out in the following spring, when the soil has warmed up, 30cm (1ft) from other plants.

Division

Arnica's root produces creeping rhizomes, which are easy to divide in spring. This is much more reliable than sowing seed.

Pests and Diseases

Caterpillars and slugs sometimes eat the leaves.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds. Divide creeping rhizomes.

Summer: Dead head if necessary. Harvest plant for medicinal use.

Autumn: Collect seeds and either sow immediately or store in an airtight container for sowing in the spring.

Winter: Note the position in the garden because the plains die right back.

Garden Cultivation

Being a mountainous plant it is happiest in a sandy acid soil, rich in humus, and in a sunny position. Arnica is a highly ornamental plant with a long flowering season. Il is ideally suited for large rock gardens, or the front of a border bed.

Harvest

Pick flowers for medicinal use in summer, just before they come into full flower. Pick in lull flower, with stalks, for drying. Collect leaves for drying in summer before flowering. Dig up roots of 2nd/3rd year growth after the plant has fully died back in late autumn/early winter for drying.

Medicinal

Arnica is a famous herbal and homeopathic remedy. A tincture of flowers can be used in the treatment of sprains, wounds and bruises, and also to give relief from rheumatic pain and chilblains, if the skin is not broken. Homeopathic doses are effective against epilepsy and sea sickness, and possibly as a hair growth stimulant. It has also been shown to be effective against salmonella.

Other uses

Leaves and roots smoked as herbal tobacco, hence the name Mountain Tobacco.

Horseradish

From the family Cruciferae.

Native of Europe naturalized in Britain and North America. Originally the horseradish was cultivated as a medicinal herb. Now it is considered a flavoring herb. The common name means a coarse or strong radish, the prefix horse often being used in plant to donate a large, strong or coarse plant. In the 16th century it was known in England as Redcol or Recole. In this period the plant appears to have been more popular in Scandinavia and Germany, where they developed its potential as a fish sauce. In Britain horseradish has become strongly associated with roast beef.

Species

Armoracia rusticana (Cochlearia armoracia)

Horseradish

Hardy perennial. Ht 60- 90cm (24-35in), spread infinite! Flowers white in spring (very rare). Leaves large green oblongs. The large root, which is up to 60cm (24in) long 5cm (2in) thick and tapering, goes deep into the soil.

Armoracia rusticana 'Variegata'

Hardy perennial. Ht 60- 90cm (24-35in), spread also infinite. Flowers white in spring (rare in cool climates). Leaves large with green/cream variegation and oblong shape. Large root which goes deep into the soil. Not as good flavor as A. rusticana.

Cultivation

Propagation

Root Cuttings

In early spring cut pieces of root 15cm (6in) long. I'm them either directly into the ground, at a depth of 5cm (2in), at intervals of 30cm (12in) apart, or start them off in individual pots. These can then be planted out when the soil is manageable.

Division

If you have a perpetual clump it will need dividing; do this in the spring. Remember small pieces of root will always grow, so do it cleanly, making sure that you has collected all the little pieces of root. Replant in a well-prepared site.

Pests and Diseases

Cabbage white caterpillars may feed on the leaves during late summer. The leaves may also be affected by some fungus diseases but this should not be a problem on vigorous plants and should be simply removed and burnt.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds. Plant cuttings in garden.

Summer: Liquid feed with seaweed fertilizer.

Autumn: Dig up roots if required when mature enough.

Winter: No need for protection, fully hardy.

Garden Cultivation

Think seriously if you want this plant in your garden. It is invasive. Once you have it, you have it. It is itself a most tolerant plant, liking all but the driest of soils. But for a good crop it prefers a light, well-dug, rich, moist soil. Prepare it the autumn before with lots of well rotted manure. It likes a sunny site but will tolerate dappled shade.

If large quantities are required, horseradish should be given a patch of its own where the roots can be lifted and the soil replenished after each harvest. To produce strong, straight roots I found this method in an old gardening book. Make holes 42cm (15in) deep with a crow bar, and drop a piece of horseradish 5-8cm (2-3in) long with a crown on the top into the hole. Crown up. Fill the hole up with good rotted manure. This will produce strong straight roots in 2-3 years, some of which may be ready in the first year.

Harvest

Pick leaves young to use fresh, or to dry.

If you have a mature patch of horseradish then the root can be dug up any time for use fresh. Otherwise dig up roots in autumn. Store roots in sand and make sine von leave them in cool dark place for the winter.

Alternatively, wash, grate or slice and dry. Another method is to immerse the whole washed roots in while wine vinegar.

Companion planting

Grow near potatoes to improve their disease resistance. Be careful it does not take over.

Culinary

The reason horseradish is used in sauces, vinegars, and as an accompaniment rather than cooked as a vegetable is that the volatile flavoring oil which is released in grating evaporates rapidly and becomes nothing when cooked. Raw it's a different story. The strongest flavor is from root pulled in the autumn. The spring root is comparatively mild. Fresh root contains calcium, sodium, magnesium and vitamin C, and has antibiotic qualities useful lot preserving food.

It can be used grated in coleslaw, dips, pickled beetroot, cream cheese, mayonnaise and avocado fillings.

The young leaves can be added to salads for a bit of zip.

Make horseradish sauce to accompany roast beef, and smoked oily fish.

Avocado Pear with Horseradish Cream

Fresh horseradish root (approx. 15cm. (6in) long); preserved horseradish in vinegar can be substituted. If it is, leave out the lemon juice.

1 tablespoon butter

3 tablespoons fresh breadcrumbs

1 apple

I dessertspoon yoghurt

I teaspoon lemon juice

Pinch of salt and sugar

1 teaspoon chopped fresh chervil

½ teaspoon each of fresh chopped tarragon and dill

3-4 tablespoons double cream

2 avocado pears {ripe) cut in half with the stones removed

Medicinal

Horseradish is a powerful circulatory stimulant with antibiotic properties. As a diuretic it is effective for lung and urinary infections. It can also be taken internally for gout and rheumatism. Grate into a poultice and apply externally to chilblains, stiff muscles, sciatica, rheumatic joints, to stimulate blood flow. Its sharp pungency frequently has a dramatic effect and has been known to clear the sinuses in one breath.

Other uses

Chop finely into dog food to dispel worms and improve body tone. Make an infusion 600ml (1 pint) water, 25g (1oz) horseradish roots and dilute 4:1. Spray on apple trees to protect against brown rot.The roots and the leaves produce a yellow dye for natural dying.Slice and infuse in milk lot a lotion to improve skin clarity.Peel and grate the horseradish, melt the butter and add the breadcrumbs. Fry until brown, and add grated horseradish. Remove from heat and grate the apple into the mixture. Add yoghurt, lemon juice, salt, sugar and herbs. Put aside to cool. Chill in refrigerator.Just before serving gently fold the cream into the mixture and spoon generously into the avocado pear halves. Serve with green salad and brown toast.

Chervil

Companion Planting For Organic Vegetable & Herb Gardens

An example of this was the year the HerbFest sold "Elephant Ears" tropical plants so the heat sensitive French Tarragon, Dill, and Chervil could be planted underneath the large leaves providing shade during the hot part of the day. Companions use garden space efficiently. Vining plants cover the ground, upright plants grow up. Two plants in one patch. This is double edged use of companion and a short exception to this rule is although a vining plant is intended to "cover the ground" that may only be due to not thinking of using supports such as fencing, lattices, or overhead stringing to direct the "vining" aspect to a vertical aspect.

Example of this is cantaloupes or watermelons and having those plants trellissed up although only practical with certain watermelon varieties since the melons can get pretty heavy!

Companions prevent pest problems-Plants like onions repel some pests. Some plants repel insects, like marigolds, nasturtium, borage, thyme and oregano. Other plants can lure pests away from more desirable plants.

• African marigold releases a chemical called thiopene which is a nematode repellent and these flowers are extensively used for companion planting. Santolina, also known as green or white lavender cotton, is a good insect repellent, especially for spinach and lettuce.
• Thyme is a good protective border for the vegetable garden and repels fruit moths.
• Keep ants away? Catnip, Mint, Onion, Peppermint, Spearmint, Tansy, Wormwood. Remember though in many situations ants are not harmful to the plants but may be undesirable to the gardener.
• Slug repellent? Artemisia, Fennel, Garlic, Rosemary, Sage (Fennel is harmful to most plants especially beans, cucumbers and tomatoes) Opposite of this would be an attractant such as good ole Bud Light in a saucer. I chose Bud Light cause it's cheap and I can't stand it!!!:)
• Geraniums repel cabbage worms, Japanese beetles, and leafhoppers so if you're planting corn, grapes, peppers or cabbage, geraniums are also beneficial.

Marigolds and Garlic have a reputation for repelling a number of insect pests such as Aphids and Carrot Root Flies. The Mexican Marigold, Tagetes minuta or Muster-John-Henry, is an annual which grows to about 3 feet (that is flower tip, not total plant height ).

The roots have an insecticidal effect on nematodes and some effect on keeled slugs. Even better, furry varmints (such as deer, rabbits, woodchucks, voles, and squirrels) find them completely unpalatable, and neither insects nor diseases are a major problem.

Companions attract beneficial insects- The following plants, when sown near tomatoes are beneficial:

• Basil - Probably the most widely used companion for tomatoes, basil attracts bees to aid in pollination, as well as repels whitefly, aphids and spider mites. Basil sprays are also thought to destroy these same pests, while some gardeners also believe that tomatoes grown near basil will also produce tomatoes with a basil tinged flavor. And of course, using basil as a companion also provides plenty of this lovely herb for your kitchen.
• Nasturtiums - Thought to reduce the chances of fungal attack on your tomatoes and to also repel aphids and Green Shield beetles.
• Stinging Nettles - Scientifically proven to dramatically increase the overall yield of tomato plants as well as to deter fungal disease.
• Borage - Attracts beneficial insects.
• Lemon Balm - Attracts beneficial insects.
• 
  span">Umbilliferae - A family which includes parsley, parsnips, carrots and others that attracts hoverflies which in both mature and larvae form feed on a wide host of tomato pests.
• French Marigolds - Neither nematodes, nor whiteflies like marigolds, which makes them a wonderful companion for tomatoes, as well as others.
• Thyme, Asparagus, Foxglove, Lavender and Garlic are also good companions to be intercropped with tomatoes.

On a final note, Rosemary, Potatoes, Kohlrabi, Fennel, Strawberries, members of the Brassica family (Cabbage, Kale, etc) and Dill should NOT be planted near tomatoes for these plants often attract pests which will attack tomatoes.

Every successful garden needs plants that attract the predators of pests - humans included:).

Bob Johnson is owner/founder of Herbfest along with his wife and kids. He has served on the Board of the International Herb Association and has extensive experience in retailing by educating and informing the customer.

Angelica Herb

The Angelica Herb

Positive identification is essential, when collecting wild species, because it resembles some poisonous members of the carrot family. Originally a native of northern Europe, the Angelica herb is often grown as a garden herb. The wild American Angelica herb or {angelica atropurpurea} is similar in appearance to the above except for its purplish stems. It has similar medicinal properties and uses. Many of the reputed applications date back to Medieval times.The Angelica herb, was believed to protect against contagious diseases, ward of evil Spirits and enchantments,as well as bestow long life.

Around World War I, people chewed on the Angelica herb roots in the belief that it would protect them from the influenza epidemic. Also known as Arch Angle, this herb has been used as a remedy for stomach disorder, Heartburn, Gas, Colic, Colds and Fever,

The Angelica herb in all its applications has a warming effect, useful in treating respiratory inflammations such as asthma and bronchitis, The Angelica herb has antibacterial and anti fungal properties. One of its ingredient agents (coumarin) has been tested for these effects.

In some applications the Angelica herb is believed to increase sexual desire and aids in reducing PMS. The traditional Chinese medicine uses about 10 different Angelica herb species, the most used is the Sinensis, which in China is Dong Quai, (woman's ginseng) a blood tonic. The whole plant is aromatic, but only the roots of the Angelica herb are used in the Swiss, Austrian and German Pharmacopoeias.

The leaves of the Western Angelica herb, are prepared as a tea or tincture, to treat coughs, colds and bronchitis, the respiratory discomfort. The preparation from the leaves are gentler than those from the roots.

A tincture is a mixture of alcohol and herbs, very concentrated. A typical recipe is to take 7 oz of herbs to 2 pints of vodka, cover tightly and keep it for 14 days in a warm place, then strain it and store it in a dark bottle. Since only a small amount is necessary for treatment , it may be diluted with water.

Preparation made from the roots of the Angelica herb are used as an appetite stimulant and digestive problems. The essential oil derived from the Angelica herb is used in making perfumes, skin and hair products and for food flavoring.

A tonic from the Angelica herb root and Gentian herb taken before a meal promotes digestive secretion and better absorption of nutrients. The Angelica herb is more beneficial for a woman then a man and it is best and safest to take it in a combination of other herbs, like in the KM from Matol.

Thyroid surgery

Thyroid surgery may be indicated for one of three reasons: cancer, compression or cosmesis. There are about 40,000 new thyroid cancer cases diagnosed per year in the United States. This number has been progressively rising over the last few decades probably because of earlier detection and an actual increase in the incidence with immigrants from areas exposed to radiation. Compression refers to choking or swallowing difficulties resulting from a goiter or from extension of the thyroid to the chest. The final indication, cosmesis, refers to a patient's wish to eliminate an unsightly goiter in the neck.

Aside from anaesthetic risks, the specific risks of thyroid surgery are hemorrhage, wound infection, voice disturbance and hypocalcemia. Hemorrhage refers to bleeding during or after the procedure. It is important that all vessels supplying the thyroid gland are adequately controlled during the procedure. Hemorrhage after the procedure can be life-threatening. Wound infection is uncommon but a few patients may react to the stitch material used for the closure.

The thyroid gland overlies the larynx and trachea. The nerves supplying the vocal cords traverse the upper and deep portions of the thyroid gland. Disturbances of the voice can result from direct trauma to these nerves or cautery. These injuries can be minimized with the use of the intra-operative nerve monitor, which is akin to the monitor used during spinal surgery. By this means, the surgeon can be alerted to even minimal nerve stimulation and thus avoid any significant trauma to the nerves.

The final potential complication is hypocalcemia, which typically may arise after a total thyroidectomy, which is usually indicated for thyroid cancer or a goiter. It is important for the surgeon to identify and preserve the parathyroid glands with their intricate blood supply intact. If there is any concern, the parathyroid gland should be removed and transplanted into the neck muscles. Post-operative blood tests can show if one has parathyroid malfunction and calcium supplementation should be commenced.

Finally, it is important to discuss with your surgeon their experience in thyroid surgery. Like other surgeries requiring meticulous dissection, the greater experience is generally coupled with reduced risk. Similarly, it is important to ensure that the surgeon will be personally performing or attending the surgery at all times.