Growing your own herbs
Chickweed
Chickweed is a little weed that we allow to grow in the salad patch. The tops of it are nice raw in salads (it has a reputation for being a remedy for rheumatism) and it can be made into a cream for helping heal cuts and wounds and for easing itchy skin.
Coriander
Coriander is another herb that is very happy in our tunnel, winter and summer. The fresh leaves we use on salads and in food and the ripe seeds are useful for easing colic and wind.
Dill
Dill is happy inside and out: the dried seeds are good for soothing a gripey stomach if drunk in a tea. When chewed they are good for clearing up bad breath.
Echinacea
The herb that seems to appreciate being in our polytunnel the most is the native American Indian favourite, Echinacea , or purple cone-flower. This beautiful plant is a perennial so it is worth thinking about its position within the scheme of things. The plant grows to over 6 foot in height and is about 3 foot in width. Each year it is cut back during the flowering period (as late as possible as the bees and butterflies love it) to make into enough tincture for us for the winter months; for strengthening the immune system to help the body fight off colds and flu. Ones that have been grown outside invariably get slugged in their infancy or only remain small with very little to harvest. Even after the first year when it grew back again, I was able to cut off baby plants by carefully dividing the outside of the roots and shoots and replanting them a few feet away from the mother plant. A couple of flowering heads can also be saved and allowed to go to seed (if you want a tunnel full!).
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm seems to be happier in the garden outside. The fresh or dried leaves can be made into a tea and drunk to relieve stress and tension and lighten depression. It can also be used to lower blood pressure.
Marigolds
Marigolds (calendula officinal’s) work well in borders to attract beneficial insects. The petals add colour to salads and aids indigestion as well as helping to treat ulcers .As a cream it is valuable in treating slow healing wounds and for first aid treatment of minor burns and scalds.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are another useful plant that are good to add to salads, both the flowers and leaves that help keep the body strong and vital. They are also good for attracting beneficial hoverflies into the tunnel. The seeds can be pickled in vinegar and eaten with rice like capers.
Passion Flower
Passion flower that loves to climb up and around the ribs of a polytunnel is a good remedy for helping you to sleep. A few fresh leaves in a cup with boiling water added and allowed to stand for ten minutes half an hour before bedtime. Drunk during the day, or the baby leaves added to salads will help reduce tension.
Thyme
Thyme is a good herb for easing coughs and sore throats. Make an infusion with a few sprigs and leave to stand for ten minutes, honey can be added as well. Then use it as a gargle for your throat or drink it 3 x a day for coughs.