Hollie and Anna Oakley Foundation

Medicinal and Herb Garden

A guide to the plants and herbs in our Peace Garden.

Garden Sage

Garden sage, also known as common sage or Salvia officinalis, has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. It is a staple herb in various cuisines around the world and adds a unique, slightly peppery flavor to dishes.

Medicinally, garden sage has been used as a traditional remedy to relieve cold and flu-like symptoms and has a reputation for aiding memory. Some research suggests that extracts from garden sage alone, and when combined with rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), could have positive effects on memory. It may also be helpful in Type II diabetes for lowering blood sugar levels through insulin support (although only a mild effect).

Bay Laurel Leaves

Bay Laurel leaves, also known as Bay leaves, are commonly used in cooking to flavor soups, stews, and sauces. In addition to their culinary uses, Bay leaves have been used for their potential health benefits. Some notable health benefits of Bay leaves include supporting immune system health, aiding digestion, reducing type 2 diabetes risk factors, and possibly inhibiting the growth of breast and colorectal cancer cells. Bay leaves can be used fresh or dried and are typically removed from the dish before serving because they have a bitter taste.

Bay Laurel leaves can be used medicinally in a variety of ways. One way to use them is to make a tea by steeping dried or fresh leaves in hot water. This tea can help ease bouts of upset stomach and may also help relieve sinus pressure or a stuffy nose. Bay leaves can also be ground into a powder and taken in capsule form to help lower and manage glucose levels and cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these uses and it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies

Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that is widely used in cooking, especially in Mediterranean dishes. It adds a savory flavor to soups, casseroles, salads, and stews.

In addition to its culinary uses, rosemary has been used medicinally for centuries. Some potential benefits of rosemary include improving memory and concentration, relieving muscle pain and spasm, stimulating hair growth, supporting the circulatory and nervous systems, aiding digestion, and possibly inhibiting the growth of certain cancer cells. Rosemary can be used fresh or dried and can be taken as a tea, capsule, or applied topically as an oil when appropriately diluted.

Calendula

Calendula is a marigold plant that has long been used for its skin health benefits, such as helping with wound healing.

Only calendula flowers are used in medicinal preparations, cooking, and fabric dyeing. The flowers taste peppery and tangy. You can add them to salads to make them more flavorful. The addition of flowers to the soup imparts a peppery flavor.

Calendula oil is made by infusing the flowers in carrier oils such as olive oil or coconut oil. The oil can be used on its own or as an ingredient in ointments, balms, creams, or lotions.
Calendula flowers have a peppery and tangy taste and can be used in cooking to add flavor to dishes. They can be added to salads or soups to impart a peppery flavor. The petals are also edible and can be used to color and flavor butter and broths. Calendula oil, made by infusing the flowers in carrier oils such as olive oil or coconut oil, can also be used in cooking.

Holy Basil

Holy Basil, also known as Tulasi or Tulsi, is a perennial flowering plant from the mint family called Lamiaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and may grow throughout Southeast Asia. Holy Basil has several possible health benefits and is significant in some forms of traditional medicine. Some medicinal properties of Holy Basil include antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties. The herb also reduces skin and wound infections, counteracts stress, boosts metabolism, improves the immune system, protects the liver, reduces inflammation and protects against radiation. Holy Basil has been used in recipes to reduce stress, boost immunity, promote better sleep, and enhance overall health and well-being.

Echinacea

Echinacea, also known as purple cornflower, is one of the most popular herbs worldwide. Native Americans have used it for centuries to treat various ailments. Today, it’s best known as an over-the-counter herbal remedy for the common cold or flu. However, it’s also used to treat pain, inflammation, migraines, and other health issues. Echinacea is promoted as a dietary supplement for the common cold and other infections, based on the idea that it might stimulate the immune system to more effectively fight infection. Echinacea preparations have been promoted for topical use (application to the skin) for wounds and skin problems.

Catnip

Nepata cataria, also known as Catnip, is a strong-smelling herb that belongs to the mint family. It has long been thought to have medicinal properties. Its dried leaves and white flowers are traditionally used for this purpose. Both can be used to make tea, which is sometimes used to treat conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and headaches. Catnip tea is most commonly used to treat nervousness and anxiety, along with other symptoms these conditions can cause, such as indigestion and insomnia. It may be used to treat conditions or symptoms related to gastrointestinal upset, including indigestion, cramping, and gas. A mild tea made with catnip herb is said to help improve digestion, ease morning sickness, and calm nerves. Its relaxing properties also make it beneficial to those who suffer from insomnia.

Catnip can be used for medicinal purposes in various forms such as fresh or dried leaves, tea, tincture, or capsules. One of the most common ways to use catnip for medicinal purposes is to make a tea by steeping the dried leaves or flowers in hot water. The tea can be consumed to help with conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, and headaches. Catnip tincture can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin to help with conditions such as skin irritation or wound healing. Catnip capsules can also be taken orally as a dietary supplement.

Pineapple Mint

Mint has been long known as an herbal remedy, easing queasy stomachs, calming stress and anxiety, and promoting restful sleep. Peppermint tea has long been viewed as an excellent way to ease an upset stomach, calming the digestive tract and alleviating indigestion, gas, and cramps.Using fresh mint and other herbs and spices in cooking can help a person add flavor while reducing their sodium and sugar intake. Mint is also used in many culinary dishes to add flavor and freshness. It can be used fresh or dried in salads, soups, sauces, and drinks. Mint is also commonly used to make tea or added to desserts for a refreshing taste.

Mint is a versatile herb that can be used in many culinary dishes to add flavor and freshness. It can be used fresh or dried in salads, soups, sauces, and drinks. Mint is also commonly used to make tea or added to desserts for a refreshing taste. Mint has been long known as an herbal remedy, easing queasy stomachs, calming stress and anxiety, and promoting restful sleep. Peppermint tea has long been viewed as an excellent way to ease an upset stomach, calming the digestive tract and alleviating indigestion, gas, and cramps. Mint has also been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Mint can be used for medicinal purposes in various forms such as fresh or dried leaves, tea, tincture, or capsules.

Garden Thyme

The scientific name for garden thyme is Thymus vulgaris. It is also known as common thyme or simply thyme. Garden thyme is a versatile herb that has both culinary and medicinal uses. In cooking, it is used to flavor stews, poultry, stuffing, marinades, dressings, and baked goods. It can also be used as a salt substitute to help reduce sodium intake. Medicinally, thyme has been used for its antibacterial properties to help control or neutralize some bacterial, parasitic, fungal, or viral infections and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used as a tea to improve digestion, relieve stress, lower blood pressure and increase energy. Thyme can also be crushed and used as an antiseptic remedy for cuts and scrapes.
Garden thyme is a versatile herb with an earthy flavor that can be used fresh or dried. It is commonly used in many major world cuisines, including Mediterranean, French, Middle Eastern, and Italian..

Greek Oregano

Origanum vulgare is Greek oregano, also known as rigani ,a popular herb in Greek cuisine. It is used to flavor dishes such as Greek salad, meat, and soups. Greek oregano has a strong aroma and spicy intense flavor that is prominently used in Greek, Italian, or Spanish cuisine in homemade pizzas, tomato sauces, soups, and more.
In addition to its culinary uses, Greek oregano is also valued for its medicinal properties. It has been used as an herbal remedy for respiratory ailments such as asthma, croup, coughs, and bronchitis as well as a remedy for gastrointestinal issues like heartburn and gas. Greek oregano has high concentrations of carvacrol and thymol which have powerful antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. These substances can even help lower blood pressure.
Greek oregano has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It has a beneficial effect upon the digestive and respiratory systems and is also used to promote menstruation. The oil of oregano is used for toothaches and in some cosmetics. The leaves and flowering stems are natural antiseptics because of high thymol content

Comfrey

Comfrey, or Symphytum officinale, also known as knitbone, has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. It is known for its ability to help repair broken bones and heal wounds. The roots and leaves of the comfrey plant contain chemical substances called allantoin and rosmarinic acid. Allantoin boosts the growth of new skin cells, while rosmarinic acid helps relieve pain and inflammation.
Comfrey has been used topically for treating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, gout, and thrombophlebitis, and internally for treating diarrhea. Extracts are still made from the roots and leaves and turned into ointments, creams or salves. These solutions typically have a comfrey content of 5 to 20 percent.
However, it is important to note that comfrey contains compounds that can harm your liver and may also be carcinogenic. As a result, many countries have banned the sale of oral comfrey preparations. Many experts also advise against using topical comfrey on open wounds.

Borage

Borage, also known as starflower, is an herb notable for its vibrant purple flowers and medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, borage has been used to dilate blood vessels, act as a sedative, and treat seizures1. Both the leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and commonly used as a garnish, dried herb, or vegetable in a variety of drinks and dishes. The leaves are sometimes also ground up and steeped in hot water to brew herbal tea.
Borage is especially rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is an omega-6 fatty acid that has been shown to decrease inflammation. Borage may also help treat several conditions, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and atopic dermatitis. However, it is important to note that there are some serious side effects to consider and certain groups of people should avoid this ingredient altogether.
The leaves are sometimes also ground up and steeped in hot water to brew herbal tea.
Some cooks have become very creative with borage by incorporating it into soups, sauces, pesto, and pasta filling. The young, fresh leaves have a mild cucumber taste and can be added to salads, used in stocks, soups and stews. One recipe that uses borage is Borage Lemonade which is made by combining lemon juice, sugar, water and borage leaves.

Roman Chamomile

Roman chamomile, or Chamaemelum nobile, is a plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The flowerheads are used to make medicine and are commonly used to treat various digestive disorders including indigestion, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and intestinal gas due to mental stress. Women also use it for morning sickness and painful menstrual periods.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Roman chamomile has culinary uses as well. Small springs of this herb are used for seasoning sour cream, butter and cream sauces. It is used as a flavoring agent for various confectioneries, breads, ice creams, cakes and chewing gums. The flowers of these plants are used in green salads. Fresh or dried Roman Chamomile flowers are used to make herbal tea which is highly beneficial for human health.
n addition to its medicinal uses, Roman chamomile has culinary uses as well. The flowers of these plants are used in green salads and fresh or dried Roman Chamomile flowers are used to make herbal tea which is highly beneficial for human health. One recipe that uses Roman chamomile is Chamomile Dressing which is made by combining fresh chamomile flowers, extra-virgin olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt and pepper.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle, or Urtica dioica. Stinging nettle is a plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The roots and leaves of the plant contain therapeutic compounds that have been used to treat a variety of conditions including arthritis, gout, anemia and eczema1.
In addition to its medicinal uses, stinging nettle has culinary uses as well. The dried leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a delicious herbal tea, while its leaves, stem and roots can be cooked and added to soups, stews, smoothies and stir-frys. However, avoid eating fresh leaves, as their barbs can cause irritation. Some recipes that use stinging nettle include Nettle Pesto, Nettle Cheese Biscuits or Nettle Stuffed Manicotti

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