Aesculus Glabra

AKA: Horsechestnut

Planting: Rich moist soil in sun, fully hardy perennial tree, 30’

Propagation Zone 6/7:

Medicinal/Culinary: Also known as the “Ohio Buckeye” the horse chestnut is mentioned by Rumi, thought by many people in the eastern and southern United States to be a sure preventive of rheumatism, arthritis, or headache. Used for swelling and pain due to varicose veins and chronic circulation problems. It has also been used for reducing the swelling of hemorrhoids or veins (phlebitis). Indians would leach out the high tannins, and then eat it as a good source of protein. The Indians would do this by slow-roasting the nuts (which would have rendered the saponins harmless) and then cutting them into thin slices, putting them into a cloth bag and rinsing them in a stream for 2 - 5 days. In China, seeds are dried, powdered, and eaten as a gruel. Saponins in the seed are used as a soap substitute. The saponins can be easily obtained by chopping the seed into small pieces and infusing them in hot water. This water can then be used for washing the body, clothes etc. Its main drawback is a lingering odor of horse chestnuts.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Transplant Fall 2008 in A2

Links: Wiki

Vitis Riparia

AKA: Grape

Planting: Deep, moist humus rich soil in sun, fully hardy, deciduous vining perennial.

Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Perennial

Harvest: Leaves and stems are collected in early summer and used fresh.

Culinary: Blanched fresh leaves, or leaves preserved in brine, are used to parcel fillings, such as minced meat, fish, and rice. Fruits are eaten raw, juiced or jellied. Grape seeds are used to coat cheeses, and are pressed for oil.

Medicinal: Stems yield drops of liquid that are used directly as an eyewash and diuretic. Used internally for varicose veins. A sour astringent cooling diuretic herb, that reduces inflammation, controls bleeding, improves circulation, and clears toxins.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Spring 2009 in B6, transplant F8

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Leonurus Sibericus

AKA: Chinese Motherwort, Honeyweed

Planting: Well drained moist soil in sun or partial shade, fully hardy perennial, 4’.

Harvest: Plants are cut when flowering, but before the seeds are set, and dried for infusions, extracts, and tinctures, decoctions, pills, powder, and poultices. Seeds are collected when ripe in autumn by drying the whole plant, and threshing and sifting it to remove seeds.

Culinary: Young foliage is eaten as a vegetable. Roots are cooked with meat.

Medicinal: A bitter diuretic herb that stimulates the circulation and uterus, lowers blood pressure, regulates menstruation, and clears toxins. It is also effective against bacterial and fungal infections. Seeds are slightly sweet and have similar actions but are less effective medicinally. Used internally for eye problems related to the liver meridian (seeds); painful and excessive menstruation, and more.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: 2008 in A3; 2009 in A3

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Brassica Juncea

AKA: Magna Mustard, Osaka Purple Mustard, Bau Sin Mustard, Crispifolia (Mizuna).

Planting: Rich well drained soil in full sun, hardy self seeding annual, 3’-4’.

Harvest: Leaves and flowers are picked when young and used fresh.

Culinary: Young leaves are eaten raw, pickled or cooked as vegetable. Seeds are ground and used as mustard! Sprouted seeds are added to salads.

Medicinal: A warming stimulant herb with antibiotic effects.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Spring 2009 in C8, garden, F2

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Chrysanthemum Coronarium

AKA: Edible Chrysanthemum, Garland chrysanthemum, Leucanthemum coronarium, Chrysanthemum Greens.

Planting: Rich well drained soil in sunny sheltered spot, half hardy reseeding annual, 3’-4’.

Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Self-sowing

Harvest: Leaves are picked as needed, flowers gathered when fully open.

Culinary: Leaves are used for tea, or made into fritters. Flowers are cooked or pickled, Petals are used to make tea or to flavour China tea. Flowers and petals are added to soup. Used fresh or dried.

Medicinal: A bitter aromatic herb that lowers fevers, soothes inflammation, dilates the coronary artery (increasing blood flow to the heart) and inhibits the growth of pathogens. Used internally for hypertension, coronary artery disease, angina, feverish colds, and liver-related disorder.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Spring 2009 in F8

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Cynara Cardunculus

AKA: Cardoon, Globe artichoke

Planting: Deep rich well drained soil in sun, fully hardy perennial, 4’.

Harvest: Leaves are cut just before flowering, and roots are harvested in winter, for use fresh or dried in extracts.

Culinary: Unopened flower heads are boiled and the fleshy bases are eaten hot, with sauce. Hearts are baked, fried or marinated. Baby artichokes are eaten whole. Young leafstalks, known as artichoke chard, are blanched and eaten as a vegetable (remove the spines first).

Medicinal: A bitter, slightly salty herb that detoxifies and regenerates liver tissues, stimulates the gall bladder, and reduces blood lipids, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Spring 2009 in B6

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Levisticum Officinale

AKA: Lovage

Planting: Deep, rich moist soil in sun or partial shade. Fully hardy perennial, 6”.

Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Perennial

Harvest: Leaves are picked before flowering and dried for use in infusions. Stems are cut in spring, when tender and succulent. Roots are lifted in the third year and used fresh, or dried for decoctions, liquid extracts, tinctures, and oil. Seeds are collected when ripe and dried for use in decoctions.

Culinary: Dried leaves are made into herb tea; young shoots and leafstalks are blanched and eaten as a vegetable. Seeds are added to soups, bread, and biscuits. Leaves are added to salads, soups, stews, and savory dishes.

Medicinal: A bitter sweet sedative herb, pungently aromatic, that benefits the digestion, relaxes spasms, increases perspiration and acts as a diuretic and expectorant. Used internally for indigestion, colic, flatulence, poor appetite, and more.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: 2008 in A4; Spring 2009 in F6

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Galium Aparine

AKA: Cleavers, Goosegrass

Planting: Moist well-drained soil in shade, hardy annual self seeding, 4’.

Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Self-sowing

Harvest: Whole plant and seeds harvested when flowering and dried for infusions, extracts, and tablets.

Culinary: Eaten as a vegetable or added to soups, with reputed slimming effects. Dried seeds are roasted as a coffee substitute.

Medicinal: Herb has mild laxative, diuretic and astringent effects. It lowers blood pressure, promotes healing, and is alterative.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Spring 2009 in A4

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Daucus Carota

AKA: Queen Anne’s Lace, wild carrot, bird's nest, bishop's lace

Planting: Well drained fertile soil in sun or partial shade, self seeding biennial, fully hardy, 1’-2’.

Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Self-sowing

Harvest: Whole plant is cut in summer and dried for use in infusions and extracts.

Culinary: Fresh roots are eaten raw in salads, cooked as a vegetable

Medicinal: An aromatic herb that acts as a diuretic, soothes the digestive tract, and stimulates the uterus. A rich source of antioxidants. Used internally for urinary stones, cystitis, gout and much more.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Spring 2009, 7F

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Daucus Carota Sativus

AKA: Carrot (Scarlet Keeper, Oxheart)

Planting: Well drained fertile soil in sun or partial shade, self seeding biennial, fully hardy, 1’-2’.

Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Self-sowing

Harvest: Whole plant is cut in summer and dried for use in infusions and extracts.

Culinary: Fresh roots are eaten raw in salads, cooked as a vegetable

Medicinal: An aromatic herb that acts as a diuretic, soothes the digestive tract, and stimulates the uterus. A rich source of antioxidants. Used internally for urinary stones, cystitis, gout and much more.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Spring 2009, B6

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Solanum Tuberosum

AKA: Potato (All Blue, Yukon Gold, Banana Fingerling, Red Sangre)

Planting: Moist well drained soil in sun, fully hardy perennial, 18". Plant in early spring. Dig a trench 3-4" mounding the earth on the sides. Cut tubers so that there is 2-3 eyes in each piece, and place them in the trench about 6" apart. Cover with about 1" of soil. As the greens emerge, continue to cover with soil.

Harvest: Potatoes are ready for harvesting when the green tops die back. They can be left in the ground and dug as needed until before the ground freezes. Store in paper bags in the cellar.

Culinary: Any which way.

Medicinal: See below.

Nutrition: Nutritionally, potatoes are best known for their carbohydrate content (approximately 26 grams in a medium potato). The predominant form of this carbohydrate is starch. A small but significant portion of this starch is resistant to digestion by enzymes in the stomach and small intestine, and so reaches the large intestine essentially intact. This resistant starch is considered to have similar physiological effects and health benefits as fiber: it provides bulk, offers protection against colon cancer, improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, lowers plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, increases satiety, and possibly even reduces fat storage (Cummings et al. 1996; Hylla et al. 1998; Raban et al. 1994). The amount of resistant starch in potatoes depends much on preparation methods. Cooking and then cooling potatoes significantly increases resistant starch. For example, cooked potato starch contains about 7% resistant starch, which increases to about 13% upon cooling (Englyst et al. 1992).

Potatoes contain vitamins and minerals that have been identified as vital to human nutrition. Humans can subsist healthily on a diet of potatoes and milk; the latter supplies Vitamin A and Vitamin D.[22]A medium potato (150g/5.3 oz) with the skin provides 27 mg of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value (DV)), 620 mg of potassium (18% of DV), 0.2 mg vitamin B6 (10% of DV) and trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Moreover, the fiber content of a potato with skin (2 grams) equals that of many whole grain breads, pastas, and cereals. Potatoes also contain an assortment of phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and polyphenols. The notion that "all of the potato's nutrients" are found in the skin is an urban legend. While the skin does contain approximately half of the total dietary fiber, more than 50% of the nutrients are found within the potato itself. The cooking method used can significantly impact the nutrient availability of the potato.

Almost all the protein content of a potato is contained in a thin layer just under its skin.[citation needed] This is evident when the skin of a boiled potato is carefully peeled; it appears as a yellowish film. For maximum utilisation of this small, but valuable dietary source of protein, potatoes should be consumed whole, or peeled after cooking.

Potatoes are often broadly classified as high on the glycemic index (GI) and so are often excluded from the diets of individuals trying to follow a "low GI" eating regimen. In fact, the GI of potatoes can vary considerably depending on type (such as red, russet, white, or Prince Edward), origin (where it was grown), preparation methods (i.e., cooking method, whether it is eaten hot or cold, whether it is mashed or cubed or consumed whole, etc), and with what it is consumed (i.e., the addition of various high fat or high protein toppings) (Fernandes et al. 2006). (Source: Wiki)

Toxicity: Potatoes contain glycoalkaloids, toxic compounds, of which the most prevalent are solanine and chaconine. Solanine is also found in other plants, mainly in the mostly deadly nightshade family, which includes a minority of edible plants including the potato and the tomato, and other typically more dangerous plants like tobacco. This poison affects the nervous system causing weakness and confusion.

These compounds, which protect the plant from its predators, are generally concentrated in its leaves, stems, sprouts, and fruits.[31] Exposure to light, physical damage, and age increase glycoalkaloid content within the tuber;[32] the highest concentrations occur just underneath the skin. Cooking at high temperatures (over 170 °C or 340 °F) partly destroys these. The concentration of glycoalkaloid in wild potatoes suffices to produce toxic effects in humans. Glycoalkaloids may cause headaches, diarrhea, cramps and in severe cases coma and death; however, poisoning from potatoes occurs very rarely. Light exposure causes greening(chlorophyll synthesis), thus giving a visual clue as to areas of the tuber that may have become more toxic; however, this does not provide a definitive guide, as greening and glycoalkaloid accumulation can occur independently of each other. Some varieties of potato contain greater glycoalkaloid concentrations than others; breeders developing new varieties test for this, and sometimes have to discard an otherwise promising cultivar.
The toxic fruits produced by mature potato plants

Breeders try to keep solanine levels below 200 mg/kg (200 ppmw). However, when these commercial varieties turn green, even they can approach concentrations of solanine of 1000 mg/kg (1000 ppmw). In normal potatoes, analysis has shown solanine levels may be as little as 3.5% of the breeders' maximum, with 7–187 mg/kg being found.[33]

The US National Toxicology Program suggests that the average American consumes at most 12.5 mg/day of solanine from potatoes (the toxic dose is actually several times this, depending on body weight). Dr. Douglas L. Holt, the State Extension Specialist for Food Safety at the University of Missouri, notes that no reported cases of potato-source solanine poisoning have occurred in the U.S. in the last 50 years and most cases involved eating green potatoes or drinking potato-leaf tea. (Source:Wiki)

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Tubers planted Spring 2009, 3 patches in garden

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

AKA: Milk Thistle, Blessed Thistle

Planting: Well drained soil in sun, fully hardy annual or biennial, 4-5’.

Harvest: As a vegetable, young leaves, flower buds, and roots are harvested when tender and used fresh. For medicinal use, plants are cut when flowering and seeds are collected when ripe. All parts are dried for use in infusions and tinctures, or for extraction of silymarin.

Culinary: Young leaves, with spines removed, are eaten raw or cooked as a spinach like vegetable. Flower buds can be eaten like mini artichokes. Tender roots of first year plants are similar to salsify.

Medicinal: A bitter, diuretic, tonic herb that regenerates liver cels, stimulates bile flow, increases milk production, and relaxes spasm. Used internally for liver and gall bladder diseases, jaundice, hepatitis, liver damage, cirrhosis, and poisoning (especially by alcohol, drugs, and chemicals), It also minimizes side effects from cancer chemotherapy.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Fall 2008 in A2, E6; transplanted spring 2009 in B6

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Coriandrus

AKA: Coriander, Cilantro, Chinese Parsley

Planting: Well drained fertile soil in sun, hardy annual, 1’-2’. Plants grown for leaves are more productive if grown in partial shade, as it tends to bolt if too dry or overcrowded.

Harvest: Leaves are gathered when young and used fresh. Seeds are harvested when ripe and are used whole or ground for culinary purposes. Roots, leaves, seeds and oil are used.

Culinary: Roots are used in Thai cuisine. Leaves and leafstalks are used to flavour soups, salads, beans, and curries.

Medicinal: . Leaves and seeds are rich in volatile oils that act mainly on the digestive system, stimulating the appetites, and relieving irritation. They are also expectorant. Oil is fungicidal and bactericidal. Used internally for minor digestive problems. Used externally for hemorrhoids and painful joints (seeds).

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Spring 2009 in E3

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Abelmoschus Esculentus

AKA: Okra (Star of David)

Planting: Well drained soil in sun, 40 degree annual, 3’-6”. In the Hibiscus family. Save seed.

Harvest: Fruits are harvested when immature and eaten as a vegetable. Leaves eaten raw or cooked.

Culinary: Fruits are harvested when immature and eaten as a vegetable. Leaves eaten raw or cooked. The products of the plant are mucilaginous, resulting in the characteristic "goo" when the seed pods are cooked. In order to avoid this effect, okra pods are often stir fried, so the moisture is cooked away, or paired with slightly acidic ingredients, such as citrus or tomatoes. The cooked leaves are also a powerful soup thickener. To retain most of okra's nutrients and self-digesting enzymes, it should be cooked as little as possible, e.g. with low heat or lightly steamed. Some eat it raw.

Medicinal: The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract. Okra's mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver. Okra helps lubricate the large intestines due to its bulk laxative qualities. The okra fiber absorbs water and ensures bulk in stools. This helps prevent and improve constipation. Unlike harsh wheat bran, which can irritate or injure the intestinal tract, okra's mucilage soothes, and okra facilitates elimination more comfortably by its slippery characteristic. Okra binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids). These, if not evacuated, will cause numerous health problems. Okra also assures easy passage out of waste from the body. Okra is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming, has no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and is economically within reach of most unlike the OTC drugs. Okra fiber is excellent for feeding the good bacteria (probiotics). This contributes to the health of the intestinal tract.

Okra is a supreme vegetable for those feeling weak, exhausted, and suffering from depression.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Spring 2009 in B6

Links: Wiki

Sources:
Holisticonline.com

Helianthus Annua

AKA: Sunflower

Planting: Well drained soil in sun, hardy annual, 1’-12’.

Harvest: Whole plants are cut as flowering begins and used fresh for liquid extracts or tinctures. Seeds are collected in autumn and used fresh, pressed for oil, or roasted

Culinary: Seeds are eaten fresh or roasted; Seeds are sprouted and fermented to make seed yogurt and cheese. Seedlings are eaten in salads, Oil is used for cooking and salads.

Medicinal: A nutritious herb that lowers cholesterol levels and soothes irritated tissues. Used internally for bronchial infections, tuberculosis, and malaria. Used externally as a base for massage oils and liniments used for rheumatic complaints and muscular aches.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Fall 2008 in Taijo A2&B7, Teddy Bear in C5&C7, Spring 2009 Taijo in B7, Fall 2008 Ice cream in B8&C7

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Momordica Charantia

AKA: Bitter Melon, Balsam Pear, Karela

Planting: Rich well drained soil in full sun, 60 degrees hardy, by seed in spring, annual tendril climber.

Propagation Zone 6/7: Save seed

Culinary: Unripe green fruits can be added to curries, eaten raw, boiled or fried after parboiling or soaking in saltwater to remove bitterness. Young leaves and shoots are cooked as a vegetable. Cucurbitaceae (cucumber) family.

Medicinal: A Laxative diuretic herb that soothes irritated tissues, lowers fever, kills parasites, and cleanses toxins from the system. Used externally for hemorrhoids, chapped skin, and burns (fruit).

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Spring 2009 in A2

Links: Wiki

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Arctium Lappa

AKA: Burdock, Beggar’s Buttons, Lappa, Gobo

Planting: Moist soil in sun or light shade, robust fully hardy biennial, self-sowing, 5’.

Harvest: Young leaf stalks are cut in spring, roots are lifted in autumn, seeds harvested as needed.

Culinary: Leaf stalks are scraped and cooked like celery. Roots are eaten fresh raw in salads, or cooked like carrots, or added to stir fries. Used extensively in Japanese and Korean cuisine. “This is a burdock root. I prepared it especially for you so you would find it a replacement for tasty bread, potatoes, and carrots. ..Try it, not to worry. In times past people used it to make a great many tasty and healthful dishes. Try just a small bite first. I have been keeping it in milk to soften it”. (Anastasia 4 “Cocreation”, p85.)

Medicinal: An alterative herb, with bitter foloiage and sweet mucilaginous roots, that reduces inflammation and controls bacterial infection. Used internally for skin diseases and inflammatory conditions owing to chronic tosicity, like eczema, psoriasis, rheumatism, gout, boils, and sores. Seeds are used for similar purposes and to treat colds, pheumonia, and throat infections.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Fall 2008, A3, A5

Sources:
Wiki
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)

Phaseolus Vulgaris

AKA: Bean (black-seeded blue lake snap pole bean; Kentucky wonder pole bean; Dry Soup Tiger’s Eye bush Bean; Hutterite Soup Bean)

Planting: fertile rich well drained soil in sun, direct seed after frost danger, half hardy annual, vining to 6’.

Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Save

Harvest: Pick long beans when young and tender.

Culinary: Eat whole fruit as vegetable, raw or cooked. Beans can be dried and eaten later, or stored for next season.

Medicinal:

Third Eye Vision: Large seeds are full of power. Pods offer ruffage and cleanse the digestive system from top to bottom. Starch increases in seeds as they age, offering an excellent winter food.

Seeded: Spring 2009

Phaseolus Multiflorus

AKA: Bean (Jack and the Beanstalk Snap Pole Bean)

Planting: Fertile rich well drained soil in sun, direct seed after frost danger, tender annual, vining to 20’.

Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Save

Harvest: Pick long beans when young and tender.

Culinary: Eat whole fruit as vegetable, raw or cooked. Beans can be dried and eaten later, or stored for next season.

Medicinal:

Third Eye Vision: Large seeds are full of power. Pods offer ruffage and cleanse the digestive system from top to bottom. Starch increases in seeds as they age, offering an excellent winter food.

Seeded: Spring 2009

Platycodon Grandiflorus

AKA: Balloon Flower, Chinese Bellflower

Planting: Rich moist well drained sandy soil in sun, Fully hardy perennial, 16”-36”.

Harvest: Roots lifted in spring or autumn, eaten raw in salads, added to soups.

Medicinal: A bitter pungent warming herb that dilates the bronchial vessels. It is expectorant and effective against a number of disease causing organisms. Internally used for coughs with phlegm, colds, bronchitis, pleurisy and throat infections.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Spring 2009 in F1

Links:
Balloon Flower

Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)