ecobites.com

Making your life greener - one bite at a time.

Through the ages herbs have been used in cooking for their flavor, in medicine for their healing properties and for their fragrance and cosmetic properties. However little has been written about their value to the organic grower.

Specific herbs may have one or many uses to the organic gardener. They can act as insect repellants, compost activators, DIY organic liquid fertilizers and good companion plants which strengthen those grown near them. They can also impart valuable nutrients into compost and enrich soil.

His first gods were flowers and dieties of fertility. Herbs gave food, fibres, ropes, dyes, colourings, perfumes and magic.

They healed his illnesses and wounds. They have been used from the beginning in John Gerard's words, "for meate and medicine". We have available today all the herbs and flowers of other ages.

For a quick effective mosquito repellent, simply crush a handful of lemon balm leaves in your hand and rub them on exposed skin. Grow the plants near the backdoor or in the garden, where the leaves will be handy when you need them.

Sunburn destroys skin cells, most tans are the end result of a series of slow burns which dry out the skin and leave it tough and leathery. 

They are infused with life force which imparts and extra factor missing in synthetic vitamins and drugs. On the whole, herbal remedies are inexpensive, readily available and can be prepared at home or by 'cottage industry'.

Herbs contain naturally balanced levels of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, alkaloids and other active constituents, which all work together harmoniously in a potent but balanced way.