Herb lore and History: The banana is an herb.

Here are some interesting facts and lore about different herbs

1. 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.
2. Bananas are considered the worlds largest herb. They are related to the lily and orchid family
3. Dried dill was once hung from the outsides of doors and windows to protect those inside from witches.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. In the 9th century, drinking horehound tea was said to protect that person from the bites of mad dogs.
7. 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.
8. 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.

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