Mint
Aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, and medicinal.
Fresh or dried leaves scent sachets and
potpourris. They also are used in herbal water
to refresh and cool skin, in facials to cleanse
skin, and in lotions. Mint flavors candy, gum,
teas, mint water, vinegars, jellies, and sauces.
Young, tender leaves and stems are more
flavorful than older ones. Best used fresh, as
mint loses potency quickly.
Health Benefits of Mint
Digestion: Mint is a great appetizer or palate
cleanser, and it promotes digestion. It also
soothes stomachs in cases of indigestion or
inflammation. When you feel sick to your
stomach, drinking a cup of mint tea can give you
relief.
How to Grow Mint
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Mentha x piperita
LIGHT:
Partial Shade
SOIL TYPE:
Rich, moist well-draining soil
pH RANGE:
6.5
KNOWN PESTS: Spider mites, loopers, flea
beetles, grasshopper
KNOWN DISEASES: erticillium wilt, mint rust
Weight Loss: Mint is a stimulant, it also
stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorb
nutrients from food and consume fat and turn
it into usable energy. Therefore, by adding mint
to your diet, you are increasing the amount of
fat that is being consumed and put to use,
rather than being stored.
Nausea & Headache: Again, the strong and
refreshing aroma of mint is a quick and
effective remedy for nausea. Mint is a
naturally soothing substance, so it can alleviate
the inflammation and temperature rise that is
often associated with headaches and migraines.
Respiratory Disorders and Coughs: Unlike the
Take cuttings and place in a growth medium. inhalers that are based on aerosols, those with
Keep moist and transplant when the root
mint as the fundamental component tend to be
system is well established.
more effective and eco-friendly as well.
Thrives in partly shady locations with
plenty of moisture . Mint spreads rather
quickly by runners. Allow 12 to 18 inches
between plants.
Do not dress the soil with too much
organic matter or fresh manure, as this
will cause rust problems.
Skin Care and Pimples: While mint oil is a
good antiseptic and anti-pruritic material, mint
juice is an excellent skin cleanser. It soothes
skin, and helps to cure infections and itchiness,
as well as being a good way to reduce pimples,
and it can even relieve some of the symptoms of
acne and insect bites.
Memory : A recent study explored the effects
that mint has on alertness, retention, and
cognitive function. It found that people who
frequently use chewing gum, whose major active
ingredient is mint, had higher levels of memory
Mint is said to repel aphids, flea beetles,
and cabbage pests. Grow mint near roses to retention and mental alertness than those who
did not.
deter aphids.
Frequent cuttings or mowing of large plots
will keep mints at their prettiest.
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Lemon Grass
Health Benefits
of Lemon Grass
Obesity: Lemongrass contains citral, which
has been proven to be effective in combating
obesity. It prevents the accumulation of
abdominal fat and promotes the use of stored
energy, which helps in preventing dietinduced weight gain.
Pet Products : Lemongrass is used in the
manufacturing of shampoos and grooming
products for pets due to its repellant effects
on lice and ticks.
Stomach Disorders : Lemongrass is
beneficial in the prevention of
gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric
ulcers, constipation, ulcerative colitis,
diarrhea, nausea and stomach aches and helps
in stimulating the bowel function, and
improves digestion.
How to Grow Lemon Grass
LIGHT:
Full Sun
SOIL TYPE:
Rich, Moist, Well-drained
pH RANGE:
6.5
KNOWN PESTS/DISEASES
N/A
You may start a new lemongrass plant from
fresh stalks you purchase at the regular
grocery store. Each plant can grow to
between 3 and 6 feet high.
Water your plant regularly and don’t let it
completely dry out, especially when the
weather is very hot. Fertilize your
container plants once every 2 weeks.
Culinary Applications
Apart from folk medicines, lemongrass is
commonly used in Asian cuisines, especially
those of Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.
It is used for adding flavor to beverages
such as teas, curries and soups, and also
finds extensive use in the preparation of
pudding, meat products, candies and baked
goods.
Antiseptic: The antiseptic properties of
Lemongrass Oil make it a good application for
external and internal wounds as well as an
ingredient of antiseptic lotions and creams.
Insomnia: Lemongrass aids in calming the
muscles and nerves which helps in inducing
deep sleep. Research has shown that
lemongrass tea has sedative and hypnotic
properties which help in increasing the
duration and quality of sleep.
Infections: Lemongrass works as an
antiseptic and is effective in treating
infections such as ringworm, sores, Athlete’s
Foot, scabies, and urinary tract infections
because of its antimicrobial and anti-fungal
properties.
Aches: Lemongrass helps in alleviating the
pain and discomfort caused by headaches and
migraines due to its analgesic properties. The
phytonutrients present in lemongrass improve
the blood circulation and help in relieving
spasms, muscle cramps, sprains, and back
aches.
Type-2 Diabetes: Lemongrass has been
proven beneficial in treating Type-2 diabetes.
Studies have shown that the citral present in
lemongrass helps to maintain optimum levels
of insulin and improves the tolerance of
glucose in the body.
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Rosemary
Health Benefits
of Rosemary Leaves
Rosemary is a very good source of dietary
fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, calcium,
iron and manganese and a good source of
vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium and copper.
Digestion: Rosemary leaves are often
added to meat dishes because it is
particularly helpful in digesting meat,
particularly lamb, beef and pork.
Rosemary oil is often used for indigestion,
relieving flatulence, stomach cramps,
constipation, and bloating.
How to Grow Rosemary
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Ocimum Basilicum
LIGHT:
Full Sun
SOIL TYPE:
Rich, Moist, Well-drained
pH RANGE:
6.0
KNOWN PESTS:
Japanese Beetles
KNOWN DISEASES:
N/A
Rosemary is best started from cuttings .
Once the root system is established, plant
cuttings outside in a sunny location.
Plant rosemary next to sage because they
stimulate each other. Rosemary is said to
repel carrot flies. It also attracts honey
bees.
Many Uses of Rosemary
Rosemary has a mesmerizing aroma, which
makes rosemary essential oil an excellent
inhalant. The oil is used in room fresheners,
cosmetics, beauty aids, food, bath oil,
candles and perfumes because of its unique
and intoxicating aroma.
The leaves are used in sachets and
potpourris as well as in herbal baths, facial
steams, hair rinses, and dyes. Dried or
fresh leaves may be used to flavor poultry,
fish, lamb, beef, tomatoes, mushrooms,
cheese, eggs, potatoes, vinegars, and
herbal butters.
Furthermore, research has shown the
essential oil to be detoxifying for the liver,
and it also helps to regulate the creation and
release of bile.
It also stimulates blood flow and improves
circulation, which can benefit the absorption
of nutrients from food.
Hair care: Rosemary oil and rosemary teas
are widely used for hair care in shampoos and
lotions. Regular use of rosemary oil helps to
stimulate follicles, making hair grow longer
and stronger. It is also believed that
rosemary oil slows down premature hair loss
and greying of the hair.
Rosemary essential oil is also beneficial for
dry and flaky scalps. Regular massaging of
the scalp with rosemary oil nourishes the
scalp and removes dandruff.
Mouth care: Rosemary essential oil is a
disinfectant and is often used as a mouth
wash. It also helps in removing bad breath.
By removing oral bacteria, rosemary essential
oil can prevent gingivitis, cavities, plaque
build up, and other damaging dental
conditions.
Boosting mental activity: Rosemary essential
oil is an excellent brain and nerve tonic. It is
often used by students during exam times
because it increases concentration and helps
in studying efficiently. It stimulates mental
activity and is a good remedy for depression,
mental fatigue and forgetfulness.
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Dill
Dill is a good source of dietary fiber and an
excellent source of niacin, dietary fiber, zinc,
copper, and phosphorus, and it also has a host
of vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin
B6, riboflavin, folate, and minerals like iron,
calcium, magnesium, potassium & manganese.
This herb contains ‘Eugenol’, a volatile oil that
has potent antiseptic and anesthetic powers.
Health Benefits of Dill
Digestion: Dill itself is an appetizer and
therefore extensively used in culinary
applications. The essential oils present in dill
are stimulating and they activate the
secretion of bile and digestive juices. These
oils also stimulate peristaltic motion of the
intestine, easing the passage of bowel
movements and relieving constipation.
How to Grow Dill
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Anethum graveolens
LIGHT:
Full Sun - Wind Protected Area
SOIL TYPE: Fairly rich, well-drained, moist soil
pH RANGE:
6.0
KNOWN PESTS/DISEASES :
N/A
Direct Seed. Plant 1/4 inch deep about 10
inches apart in a prepared bed. Dill is best
started from cuttings .
Dill and cabbage plants grow well together.
Dill also helps corn, lettuce, onions, and
cucumbers.
Firm the soil down and water well. The
plants do best in a sunny, sheltered area.
Culinary Uses
Both the leaves and seeds of dill are popular
for flavoring pickles, sauerkraut, and beet
dishes. Culinary, decorative, and medicinal.
Dill is used in herbal butter and herb
vinegars.
Diabetes: Dill has long been associated with
diabetes and the management of insulin
levels. Despite the fact that research is
somewhat limited in this area, particularly on
human subjects, studies have indicated that
they can help reduce the fluctuations of
serum lipids and insulin levels in
corticosteroid-induced diabetes.
Protection Against Free Radicals and Carcinogens
The monoterpene components of dill have
been shown to activate the enzyme
glutathione-S-transferase, which helps
attach the anti-oxidant molecule glutathione
to oxidized molecules that would otherwise
do damage in the body.
An Anti-Bacterial Spice
The total volatile oil portion of dill has also
been studied for its ability to prevent
bacterial overgrowth.
A Flavorful Way to Help Prevent Bone Loss
In addition to its chemoprotective and
bacteriostatic properties, our food ranking
system qualified dill as a very good source of
calcium.
Arthritis: Dill has long been known as an
anti-inflammatory herb, meaning that it helps
to reduce the inflammation and the
associated pain of diseases such as
rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and arthritis. Dill
has been used since ancient times for
precisely this reason.
It can flavor fish, lamb, pork, poultry,
cheese, cream, eggs, vegetables, avocados,
apples, popcorn, salads, soups, sauces, and
spreads.
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Sweet Basil
Basil, Thai basil, or sweet basil, is a common
name for the culinary herb Ocimum Basilicum
of the family Lamiaceae (mints).
Basil is originally native to India, having been
cultivated there for more than 5,000 years.
It is a half-hardy annual plant, best known as
a culinary herb prominently featured in
Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in
Southeast Asian cuisines of Indonesia,
Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and the
cuisine of Taiwan.
Health Benefits
of Basil Leaves
How to Grow Basil
 SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Ocimum Basilicum
LIGHT:
Full Sun
SOIL TYPE:
Rich, Moist, Well-drained
pH RANGE:
6.0
KNOWN PESTS:
Japanese Beetles
KNOWN DISEASES:
N/A
 Basil must have warm conditions, and
prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil with
pH of 6.
 Basil can be grown from seed directly or
from stem-cutting.
 When seeding directly in the garden, be
sure to keep the very surface of the soil
moist. Water plants lightly, twice daily
with warm water until well established.
 Pick basil leaves every week, pinching
terminal buds first to stimulate
branching and encourage bushiness.
 When inter planted, basil is said to
improve the taste of tomatoes and
peppers, as well as repelling horn worms
and aphids.
 Protects Cell structures as well as
chromosomes from radiation & oxygenbased damage
 Anti-Bacterial Properties
 Anti-Inflammatory Effects
 A good source of Vitamin A
 A good source of Magnesium
 Improves Cardiovascular Health
Makes good sense to include basil in more of
your dishes especially uncooked leafy salads
toss. Fresh or dried basil is used in cooking
to flavor Italian, Mediterranean, and Thai
dishes.
Fresh leaves are used in tomato and pesto
sauces. Basil is good with veal, lamb, fish,
poultry, white beans, pasta, rice, tomatoes,
cheese, and eggs. It also is used in vinegar
and for tea.
Basil is said to have some Aromatic, cosmetic,
culinary, and medicinal qualities. Dried basil
is used for its fragrance in potpourris and
sachets. It also is used in herbal bath
mixtures and to add luster to the hair.
A study of the essential oil showed antifungal
and insect-repelling properties. A similar
study reported in 2009 has confirmed that
extracts from the plant are very toxic to
mosquitoes. However, the plant is not toxic
to rats.
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Garlic
http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Garlic
Basil, Thai basil, or sweet basil, is a common
name for the culinary herb Ocimum Basilicum
of the family Lamiaceae (mints).
Basil is originally native to India, having been
cultivated there for more than 5,000 years.
It is a half-hardy annual plant, best known as
a culinary herb prominently featured in
Italian cuisine, and also plays a major role in
Southeast Asian cuisines of Indonesia,
Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and the
cuisine of Taiwan.
Health Benefits
of Basil Leaves
How to Plant Garlic
 SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Ocimum Basilicum
LIGHT:
Full Sun
SOIL TYPE:
Rich, Moist, Well-drained
pH RANGE:
6.0
KNOWN PESTS:
Japanese Beetles
KNOWN DISEASES:
N/A
Choose a planting spot and prepare the soil. Garlic
needs a lot of full sun, but it might tolerate partial
shade provided it's not for very long during the day
or growing season. The soil must be well dug over
and crumbly. Sandy loam is best. Ensure that the
soil has good drainage. Clay-based soils are not
good for planting garlic.
Use compost and manure to add nutrients to the
soil before planting the garlic.
 Protects Cell structures as well as
chromosomes from radiation & oxygenbased damage
 Anti-Bacterial Properties
 Anti-Inflammatory Effects
 A good source of Vitamin A
 A good source of Magnesium
 Improves Cardiovascular Health
Makes good sense to include basil in more of
your dishes especially uncooked leafy salads
toss. Fresh or dried basil is used in cooking
to flavor Italian, Mediterranean, and Thai
dishes.
Fresh leaves are used in tomato and pesto
sauces. Basil is good with veal, lamb, fish,
poultry, white beans, pasta, rice, tomatoes,
cheese, and eggs. It also is used in vinegar
and for tea.
Basil is said to have some Aromatic, cosmetic,
culinary, and medicinal qualities. Dried basil
is used for its fragrance in potpourris and
sachets. It also is used in herbal bath
mixtures and to add luster to the hair.
1
Water the plants often. Newly planted garlic
needs to be kept moist to help the roots to
A study of the essential oil showed antifungal
develop. Don't overdo the water, as garlic does not and insect-repelling properties. A similar
grow well, or may even rot, if sodden during cold
study reported in 2009 has confirmed that
months. Water deeply once a week if rain has not
extracts from the plant are very toxic to
fallen. Watering garlic is not necessary unless there mosquitoes. However, the plant is not toxic
is a drought, in which case water sparingly, as
to rats.
garlic hates wet soil.
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Reduce the watering gradually
as theby
season
warms up. The garlic needs a hot, dry summer to
allow the bulbs to mature