Angelica

     Angelica, or Archangel, is one of the many herbs that I am eager to grow.  Its stalks and leaves are greener than spearmint, but its small, clustered flowers can be white or fusia.  This plant can grow from the size of my four-year-old brother Nat in the first year to eight feet, much taller than my dad, in the second year!  It likes to grow in places like Indiana, but some varieties are only content with Florida.  Angelica likes to grow in shady areas with moist but well-draining soil.  It also likes to have elbow room of three and a half feet between it and its neighbors.  This herb seeds in its second year, but then it dies.  Its life can be prolonged if its seed and flower heads are cut back.
    
     You can harvest Angelica during its second year, and every part of the plant is edible: flowers, stalk, leaf, and roots.  I have read that Angelica is deliciously sweet.  The stalks are usually candied with sugar and water.  I would love to try that!  It can also be boiled or steamed like asparagus.

     For those who have trouble with anemia, indegestion, stomach cramps, flatulence, and bloating, this is an awesome herb.  It also helps coughs, colds, headaches, nausea, and motion sickness.  Angelica leaf tea is a good remedy for these problems.  Otherwise, it can be eaten as a part of supper.

     Warning: "Large doses first stimulate and then paralyze the central nervous system.  The tea is not recommended for those suffering from diabetes."  (The Complete Herb Book, by Jekka McVicar pg. 37)  I guess it's really true that you can have too much of a good thing!

     I think that Angelica is such a beautiful herb that I can hardly wait to name my next milk-goat after it!:)  Next week's herb is one that I recently discovered during my research.  Its secondary names include, Burn jelly plant, Snake flower, Cat's tail, Bulbinella, Ibhucu (Zulu), and Rooiwortel (Africaans).  Hint, it's African.

Aloe Vera

      I have not grown Aloe Vera yet, but I am eager to.  My grandmother has grown it in her house for as long as I can remember.  When a plant gets too big, she divides it into several new plants.  I love to go to her house and see all of them growing in her windows.
    
     Aloe Vera is a cactus-like plant that grows in zones 8-10. In areas that are too cold, it is best grown indoors. In fact, it takes to indoor life very well, as long as it is in a sunny window.  This plant grows to about 2 feet high and 2 feet wide.  The leaves are a grayish-green color and they have little spikes or hooks along the edges.  The leaves are filled with a jelly that is medicinally beneficial.

     Aloe Vera is well known for its healing properties.  The gel that is harvested from the thick leaves is used as a soother for fresh burns(even sunburns) and cuts.  I have read that the gel actually "forms a clear protective seal and encourages skin regeneration"(pg. 29 of The Complete Herb Book, by Jekka McVicar).  It can also be used to moisturize dried or irritated skin caused by eczema and psoriasis.  Aloe Vera is a helpful plant to have on hand.  To harvest, just take a knife and cut a leaf(or stalk) off as close to the base of the plant as possible.  Then make a dorsal cut down one side of the leaf, but don't cut through to the other side.  Peel open the incision with your fingers and scrape out the gel.  It can then be used for any burns, cuts, or skin irritations. 

     According to nutritionhealthfitness.com, used internally, the juice can boost the immune system, cleanse the colon, treat constipation, and give relief for acid reflux symptons.

TID BIT: Aloe Vera is also used in cosmetics such as hand creams, suntan lotions, and shampoos.

    For those who are interested in keeping Aloe Vera in the house, the plant will be happy if it is planted in gritty and well drained soil or compost.  It does not like frost (remember it's a zone 8-10 plant) and likes sunlight.  A West or East windowsill or a sunroom is the ideal place for Aloe Vera in the house.
    
    I hope that you have enjoyed this slimy plant as much as I have.  I can't wait to share next week's herb, which has a beautiful, maybe even angelic, name!:)

Anise Hyssop

Anise Hyssop, also known as Anise mint, giant blue hyssop, and licorice mint, is a delectably scentful plant.  I've grown it for two years now; and it is a beautiful addition to any garden.
    
      This perennial grows up to 2 feet high and spreads about 1 foot wide.  Of course, the size of the plant would depend on the soil that it is planted in, the amount of moisture it receives, and how much sunlight shines on it.  It's blossoms, which are often called spikes, are a lovely soft purple color.  It's leaves are mid-green color tinged with purplish-brown.  There are several varieties of Anise Hyssop, one of which grows in the zone 8 areas(like Georgia).  However, most of the varieties are best grown in zones 4 and 5 (Indiana area).   Check out the pictures that are posted to see what a lovely plant this is.  Unfortunately, I have no pictures of my own as my plants suffered during the dry summer.

     Anise Hyssop is known for its strong Anise-like flavor of licorice.  Hence, its name, Anise mint. 

     Now, what uses does this herb have?  As of yet, I have found no medicinal purposes.  It is, however, used in cooking.

     The fresh leaves can be a flavorful addition to salads and
 can be used as a seasoning for nearly any dish, such as meats and rices.  The leaves can also be used in teas, either fresh or dried.  The flowers, having been stripped off of the stem, can be used in decorating both savory and sweet dishes, as well as being frozen in ice cubes for a colorful glass of ice tea.  I have
made tea using an interesting method.  Take a bunch of leaves and about 2 quarts of water and combine in a large mixing bowl.  Then crush, press, and twist leaves in water until the water is tea-colored.  Strain and add sugar or honey to the Anise Hyssop tea (dilution may be necessary as the flavor can be very strong) and pour over ice in a glass.  This drink has a very distinct licorice flavor and has a rather interesting texture.

     This herb, because of its strong scent, can be used in the making of potpourri.  I have recently been doing a lot of pressing and drying for making my own stationary.  I have not pressed this plant yet, but it would be beautiful pressed and then glued to the front of a card and sent to a friend.  Bunches of Anise Hyssop can be tied together, hung upside down to dry, and then used as decoration in the house.

I hope that you have enjoyed what I have shared about Anise Hyssop.  I am excitedly looking forward to next week!  I will not divulge what I have planned, but I will say that it will be just as delightful...but a lot slimier:)