|
Fennel has become known as the ‘slimmer’s herb’ because it is a superb diuretic, flushing toxins out of the body. |
 |
Fennel is native to the Mediterranean region and is an important medicinal herb. Both the leaves and seeds were used by the early Anglo Saxons for the treatment of jaundice and biliousness; as well as a gentle laxative. Fennel is still used today in gripe water to sooth colicky babies; and is reputed to help with weight loss in adults. The leaves are said to repel fleas and bed-bugs if placed underneath mattresses; and are a safer alternative to used in dog kennels.
The attractive feathery, blue-green leaves of fennel have a fern-like appearance and look lovely if mixed with flowering annuals in the mixed flower or perennial border. The beautiful umbels of golden yellow flowers appear in mid-summer attracting bees and butterflies to the garden; they are followed by a profusion of seeds.
|
|
|
Dill is rich in minerals, potassium, sulfur and sodium |
|
Picture Hendrik Karlsson
|
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is native to western Asia and is now often found growing in the wild in Britain, northern Europe, America and Australia. Dill is mentioned in a 5 000 year old Egyptian medical treatise and continues to be used in medicine today. In very old herbals it was listed as being most effective for hiccups. The old Norse name for Dill meant ‘to lull’ and an oil from the the seeds contain a gentle sedative. Dill water is a great digestive and relieves flatulence. It has been used for centuries to calm colicky babies and is a key ingredient in gripe water. It is also drunk by nursing mothers to stimulate the appetite and encourage milk production.
|
 Miltoniopsis |
Orchids are steeped in myths and great mystery and have fascinated mankind for thousands of years. The Chinese thought they had special powers and have been breeding them for centuries and during Victorian times they captured the imagination of the Western world.
Since the 1700s tens of thousands of hybrids have been registered. The number of orchid species equals about four times the number of mammal and bird species together. It also encompasses about 6–11% of all seed plants. With the introduction of tropical species in the 19th century, horticulturalists have more than 100,000 hybrids and cultivars, with about 800 new orchid species added each year.
|
|
The kitchen and garden medicine chest |
 |
Blackstrap molasses and its health benefits.
I've recently been reading about the health benefits of blackstrap molasses and I must say I am pretty intrigued; it must be one of one of the best home remedies to have around the house. Blackstrap molasses is a sweetener that is actually good for you; unlike refined white sugar and corn syrup, which are stripped of virtually all nutrients except simple carbohydrates; or artificial sweeteners like saccharine or aspartame, which provide no useful nutrients and can cause health problems; blackstrap molasses is a healthful sweetener that contains significant amounts of a variety of minerals that promote health. Not only is blackstrap molasses a great source of iron and calcium, but it's also a good source of potassium, magnesium, copper, and manganese. Other important nutrients found in blackstrap molasses include manganese, selenium, and vitamin B6.
|
Picture courtesy Leonora Enking |
Allamanda is a genus of tropical shrubs or vines which are native to South and Central America, and belong to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). The genus contains 12 species of evergreen shrubs, including both semi-climbing and upright types. In the wild they can befound growing in areas with adequate rainfall; alongside lowland streams and other open sunny areas like the edges of forests; and often close to the coast. These luxuriant, colourful, and flamboyant plants are the epitome of a tropical shrub and are popular for ornamental use in tropical and sub-tropical gardens around the world. In cooler climates they can be grown in sheltered areas or conservatories. Allamandas have glossy deep greenleaves that provide the perfect foil for the flamboyant flowers, which bloom almost all summer and autumn. The trumpet-shaped flowers are usually golden yellow in colour, or rose-purple; but hybrids have been bred in various shades of yellow, creamy yellow, light peach, rose and pinkish-purple. The flowers have a delicate fruity scent.
|
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > End >>
|
|
Page 1 of 12 |
| | | |
