Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus, before it was Carduus benedictus) gets its name because it was used as a tonic by the Benedictine monks in the 14th century. These monks grew blessed thistle in their monastery gardens. Health benefits of blessed thistle have been used for centuries. This herb was even used to treat the bubonic… Continue reading Health Benefits of Blessed Thistle can Cure it All, Even the Plague!
Health benefits of milk thistle have been known for over 2000 years. Dioscorides, a Greek botanist and physicist, was the first to record the healing properties of this herb. This species of thistle is native to the Mediterranean. Its scientific name is Silybum marianum and it is part of the Asteraceae plant family, which includes… Continue reading Health Benefits of Milk Thistle go Beyond the Liver!
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is mostly known as a wonderful culinary herb, that pairs extremely well with fish. It is often added to meals including salads, pickles, hummus, sauces, potatoes, chicken and more. This herb is quite important in the cuisines of Europe and Asia. However, there are many health benefits of dill that we will… Continue reading 15 Health Benefits of Dill, a Soothing Herb
Those that grow fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) in their garden will be rewarded with a myriad of pollinators including butterflies and bees, as well as beneficial insects like lady bugs. Fennel is native to Europe and it looks a lot like dill, which makes sense since they are related. Egyptians and Chinese used fennel medicinally. This… Continue reading Why You Should Grow Fennel (other than Attracting Bees and Butterflies)
Star anise is the fruit of a tree called Illicium verum which you can grow if you have enough space and live in a tropical climate. This spice is quite versatile and it is used in many Hindu, Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. It is also used in beverages, desserts and general dishes. However, the health… Continue reading Health Benefits of Star Anise make it the Anti Everything Spice!
Learn how to grow anise (Pimpinella anisum) which also called aniseed. This herb is plant of the Apiaceae family. Since it is native to the south of Europe and the Mediterranean, this plant needs warm weather to grow. What is Anise Plant? Anise is a beautiful ornamental herb that can be used for cooking. Its… Continue reading How to Grow Anise or Aniseed (Pimpinella Anisum)
Many gardeners choose to grow tarragon because this herb has both culinary and medicinal purposes. There are three main varieties of tarragon: French, Russian and Mexican. Tarragon is also known as estragon. These perennial herbs are native to mild European climates. You can grow tarragon in USDA zones 4 and warmer, up to zone 8,… Continue reading How to Grow Tarragon: 3 Varieties to Plant!
