Choose Your Herbs For Growing Indoors

Author: Kevin

When choosing herbs for growing indoors, you need to take into consideration the growing climates herbs like to grow in. While most herbs will grow well in the same conditions, there are certain herbs, which will grow better in mild climates. The inside of your home is a mild climate where the air is not too humid and not too dry. The temperature in your home ranges between 68 and 78 degrees for a typical home. There are certain herbs that grow best in these conditions. Finding which ones will help you to grow the best herbs no matter what you are looking to use them for.

Chives are the best herbs for a beginning herb gardener as they can withstand many different growing conditions. The indoor garden is ideal for chives because of the germination temperatures preferred by the plant. Chives prefer a temperature of about 68 degrees when starting out. The indoor garden starts out at room temperature, which is about 72 degrees in most homes. This creates a great environment in which to get your plant started out right. Remember that chives will take over any bed they are planted in, so it is recommended you do not plant them with other herbs.

Thyme is one of the better herbs for growing indoors because of the preference for full light. This is possible by planting in an east or west-facing window. It is also recommended you install an LCD light in the window you are planting your thyme in. This will allow your thyme to get the light it desires even on rainy or cloudy days. Thyme is a Mediterranean plant, so it is no surprise it prefers conditions that are humid. If you live in coastal regions, just open a door every now and again. If you are in dry conditions, you may want to run a humidifier.

Rosemary is a hardy herb, which is a perennial. It will grow in the same bed year after year. The herb is known as a weed in the herb garden world because of how it will take over any bed it is planted in. This makes it perfectly suitable to the indoor garden because you can plant it in it's own pot. This will give the plant all the room it needs in order to grow and keep it from killing out other plants. Make sure you prune the plants often in order to generate new growth.

Basil is one of the herbs for growing indoors many people love to grow. Because of the smell of basil, you will be able to enjoy it even if you do not use it in anything. Because basil is so good for you, it is recommended to use it in fresh dishes where the basil will not be cooked. Planting your basil in a south facing window will give it the exact conditions it needs in order to be able to grow. Make sure you are pulling the bottom leaves in order to encourage new growths on the plant. The more you use, the more your plant will grow.

Once you have chosen your herbs for growing indoors, give them everything they need to grow. You will be able to enjoy them as part of your cooking or in aromatherapy uses. No matter what you are growing the herbs for, you should get some enjoyment out of simply growing them.

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Five Most Common Medicinal Plants and Herbs

Author: Samuel Quino
Plants have always played an essential role in our lives. They cleanse and give us air to breathe, beautify our surroundings, supply us with food and shelter and provide cures for our many ailments. It is best to know the value of each plant and acknowledges that most plants and herbs transcend their use in our kitchen counters and some can now be found inside medicine cabinets. Usual forms of medicinal remedies come in infusions, decoctions, tinctures, syrups, infused oils, essential oils, ointment and creams.

Medicinal plants and herbs contain substances known to modern and ancient civilizations for their healing properties. Until the development of chemistry, and particularly, of the synthesis of organic compounds in the 19th century, medicinal plants and herbs were the sole source of active principles of curing man's ills. The genetic material of old and new herbs and plants are coveted for their potential in discovering, combining, manipulating and synthesizing new medicine.

Thus, even if people are not aware of, or the pharmaceutical industry does not stress the points, medicinal plants and herbs continue to be the source of proven medicaments and of new and revolutionary drugs. Here are five of the most common herbs that pack a mean punch - basil, oregano, peppermint, rosemary and tarragon.

BASIL (Octimum basilicum)

is used to treat stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, colds, flu, headaches, whooping cough, and menstrual pains. It is also used to reduce stomach acid, making it an effective treatment for ulcers, and valuable addition to any recipe using tomatoes for those with sensitive stomachs. Externally, it can be used in other countries to eliminate worms from the intestines and the oil from basil leaves is applied directly to the skin to treat acne.

OREGANO (Origanum vulgare)

is used to promote perspiration as a treatment for colds, flue and fevers. A tea of oregano is often used to bring on menstruation and relieve associated menstrual discomfort. It is also used in baths and inhalations, and by drinking the infusion, clears lungs and bronchial passages. Internally and externally, it can help alleviate dry itching skin. The essential oil is used to treat viral infections, respiratory ailments, and muscle aches. Pregnant women would not ingest large amounts of oregano.

PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita)

has been in existence for a long time. Peppermint tea helps with indigestion and relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract. Its chief therapeutic value lies in its ability to relieve wind, flatulence, bloating and colic, though it has many of the applications. Studies have shown that peppermint relieves colon spasms and helps to cure ulcers and eases nervous headaches. Its main menthol, has antibacterial properties. Externally, the essential oil is used in balms and liniments to stimulate hot and cold nerve endings and increase local blood flow.

ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis)

is a stimulant of the circulatory system. It is used to treat bites and stings externally. Internally, it is used to treat migraines, bad breath, and to stimulate the sexual organs. It is also used to treat nervous disorders, upset stomachs, and is used to regulate the

menstrual cycle and ease cramps. Mixing the crushed leaves generously into meats, fish and potato salads prevents food poisoning while using it in antiseptic gargles relieves sore throat, gum problems and canker sores. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy as an inhalant and decongestant, and to enhance memory. Rosemary is also used in lotions to ease arthritis and muscle pain.

TARRAGON (Artermisia dracunculus)

is widely used as a herb in cooking. In France, it is sometimes known as "herbe au dragon", because of its ability to cure serpent bites. While tarragon stimulates the digestion, it is reputed to be a mild sedative and has been taken to aid sleep. With its mild menstruation-inducing properties, it is take if periods are delayed and its root has traditionally been applied to aching teeth.

Clearly, herbs have taken on a new role. They're not only used for decorating and adding spice to our food but, taken in the

appropriate dose and form, can be as effective as drugs in curing illnesses, without causing pain in your pocket.

Samuel Quino is the founder of
Garden Tips and Gardening Advise website that portrays a number of gardening helpful resources, tools, and e-books. Visit
www.gardening-tools-and-ebooks.com.

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