Here are some interesting facts and lore about different herbs
- Chives have been cultivated for over 5,000 years. They do not have any medicinal qualities like their cousin’s onions and garlic but they were once thought to have magical powers. A colonist in America often hung bunches of chives throughout the house to drive away disease and evil influences.
- Bananas are considered the worlds largest herb. They are related to the lily and orchid family
- Dried dill was once hung from the outsides of doors and windows to protect those inside from witches.
- Charlemagne grew feverfew in his botanical gardens. During his reign (800-814 A.D.), it was used by the Romans to reduce fevers, and as a sleep aid.
- Horehound is a perennial herb that the ancient Hebrews and Egyptians used as an antidote for poisons and a cure for respiratory illnesses and ulcers. It was even used on snakebites. Horehound is still used in the manufacture of syrups, teas and lozenges to treat sore throats.
- In the 9th century, drinking horehound tea was said to protect that person from the bites of mad dogs.
- The ancient Greeks referred to marjoram as the “Joy of the Mountains”. A tea made from this herb was used to cure asthma, rheumatism and toothaches.
- Rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme and marjoram all belong to the mint plant family.
Herbs have many useful purposes and a rich history. They are also easy to grow and add color and texture to gardens.
Note: I do not know the original source of this information. If you know please send me an email so that I can credit the source.
Tags: herb lore, history of herbs, uses of herbs lore about different herbs,
Leave a Reply