What Herbs Mean?
In botanical terms, herbs are seed-producing plants with non-woody stems that wither and die annually or biannually.
In the broader spectrum, herbs have become an inevitable part of our lifestyle. Based on their usage, they are broadly classified into five categories -
Culinary and Aromatic as their fragrance adds flavor to our food and oils that can be used for various purposes. Cosmetic and Medicinal as they pharmacologically active substances that effect.
Ornamental as they can be grown as a novelty in your herb gardens because of their pleasant appearance.
What Herbs Mean to Us?
To us, herbs are the natural sources of important vitamin, minerals, etc that play vital role in maintaining and restoring our health.
What are African Herbs?
Since thousands of years, Africans have been using their indigenous herbs as medicines in their quest for survival. Still now, traditional healers cater the major health care services to a vast majority of African population in the rural areas. Some of the traditional African medicinal herbs include ubulawu, buchu, bloublom salie, kankerbos, etc.
Where to Find Fresh Herbs to Grow?
Small tender herbal plants can be found in green houses and in super markets. For growing herbs, you can consider buying herb pots. While selecting pots, you might choose terra-cota pots or heavy clay pots as they ensure enough circulation of air and water.
When to Plant Herbs?
If you are planting dill, chervil or cilantro, you might consider planting these herbs on winter, fall or early spring. This is because of their sensitivity to high temperature.
How to Harvest Herbs?
Different herbs need different times and different ways of harvesting. Most flowers can be harvested before they are completely open because this is the time when essential oils are in its concentrated state. While harvesting leaves, one can also cut off the stem and lay the leaves in a single layer on a flat surface. During summer or early fall, while harvesting for roots, one may want to keep the whole root intact so as to maintain its potency.
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