Growing Herbs for Home Use

ardeners usually like to grow many types of , and some gardeners are particularly attracted to herbs. The simple definition of “herb” is a , but usually implies one that might be used for cooking (culinary herb) or medicine (medicinal herb). This publication describesG how to grow and use some basic herbs. A reading list is included in the last section to encourage you to find out more. In addition to reading, consulting with practicing herbalists or forming a study group are good ways to learn more about herbal use.

clients and to educate. They generally The best advice for the home herbal- What is an herbalist? take a client-centered approach to ist is to know as much as possible An herbalist is someone who respects healing, and may establish a health about the plant — its exact identity, the many gifts plants have to offer. care agreement to clarify the role of which part to use and how to use it. Home herbalists use herbs as food the healer (the client) and the helper Some plants, such as spearmint, are and medicine for themselves or their (the herbalist). easy to identify by sight or smell. families in their daily lives. Clinical Others can be confused with toxic Formal training is not necessary, but herbalists usually have some formal relatives. Growing the plant yourself home herbalists must use common training, through coursework or from a known seed or plant source is sense at all times. For example, a apprenticeships, before meeting with best for correct identification. An- home herbalist should not assume clients. Some countries do not restrict other good way to learn the plants is that a medicine that comes from a the practice of herbal medicine, while from another experienced gardener, plant is safe. Some of the most others have clear regulations. herb farmer or botanist. Just as a powerful drugs used today are vegetable gardener knows to eat the In the , some medical extracted from plants. An example is roots and not the tops of a potato doctors (M.D.s) have varying digitalis, a cardiac stimulant prepared plant, which are highly toxic, a home amounts of training in herbs and other from foxglove. On the other hand, herbalist, learning one plant at a time, forms of alternative medicine. In one should also not assume that will soon know which plants are safe some states, naturopaths (N.D.s) are because a plant is called a medicinal and how to use them. licensed to practice medicine, includ- herb, it is automatically dangerous. ing herbal therapies. Naturopaths Onion, for example, is one of the best This publication describes some of receive training similar to medical herbs for fighting bacterial infections, the safest species for home use, how doctors, but with an emphasis on and it is contained in foods we eat to grow them and how to use them. nutrition and more training in alterna- everyday. Some plants, such as tive therapies. In Kansas, naturopaths foxglove, should be avoided in home are allowed to practice in conjunction use. Others are already used as food Food as Medicine with an M.D. in a clinical setting and or tea, and still others should be used Some common foods with medicinal are registered, but not licensed by the with caution until you become value that can be grown at home Board of Healing Arts. Non-M.D. or familiar with the plant. For a few, include onions, garlic, adzuki beans N.D. herbalists in the United States “the dose makes the poison” — even and wild greens. In addition to being are not allowed to use the words common table salt can be toxic if antimicrobial, onions (Allium cepa), “diagnose,” “prescribe,” “cure,” or overdone. have been approved for use by the “patient,” but they are allowed to see Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment1 Station and Cooperative Extension Servie German Commission E for treatment tion of the skin. Rubbing a plantain herb varies from 1 teaspoon to of appetite loss, arteriosclerosis, leaf on an insect bite, burn or scrape 1⁄2 ounce to 1 cup of water, and the fevers and colds, coughs, bronchitis, will bring quick relief. These greens infusion is steeped for approximately hypertension, tendency to infection can improve health by using them in 20 minutes in a closed quart or other and the common cold. The German salad or tea, because they have jar. A decoction is a much stronger tea Commission E is a council that mineral and vitamin content several made by boiling the herb, usually reviews herbs for safety and efficacy, times higher than that of lettuce. stems, roots or bark. and its recommendations are used by Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is An excellent way to get started with physicians throughout Europe. extremely nutritious and contains the beverage teas is to try spearmint, now popular omega-3 fatty acids, Garlic (Allium sativum) has been peppermint or any other plant in the magnesium, potassium and iron. approved to treat hypertension and to mint family, including catnip. These Purslane can help many conditions. lower levels of cholesterol and lipids. can be used fresh or dry, and make a (See Table 1, page 4 for nutritional It is also used for prevention of age- stimulating drink with some medici- information). related vascular changes and arterio- nal properties. Mints (Mentha spp.), sclerosis. Adzuki beans (Vigna Herbs can help fulfill the basic USDA though sometimes hard to start from angularis) are widely used in Chinese dietary recommendation of eating seed, are easily propagated by root medicine for general body strengthen- more than five fruits and vegetables a divisions. Once you get a patch ing. Adzuki beans are small, nutty- day. The American Institute for established, it might tasting, dark-red beans that are Cancer Research has published be hard to control, so originally from Asia. Beans, in studies proving that people who put it in a border area general, can be used to treat diabetes, follow this simple guideline can of the garden where it because the soluble fiber content significantly reduce their risk of can roam. Mints are reduces the rise in blood sugar after cancer (www.aicr.org). often used for diges- meals. tive disorders or as a One of the principles of herbalists remedy for flatulence. Some foods from tropical climates, from widely differing backgrounds Mints are good in such as pineapple and ginger, are also (Chinese medicine, Indian or salad, and may be used as medicine. Pineapple (Ananas Ayurvedic medicine, as well as mixed with a pot of comosus) has been approved by western herbalism) is that herbs are beans to counteract Commission E to treat wounds and used to promote health, rather than to the flatulence- burns because it contains an enzyme cure disease. Helping the body to producing properties. that promotes wound healing. Ginger help itself, to prevent disease or Peppermint (Mentha (Zingiber officinale) is used to treat a overcome stress that causes disease, piperita) has been variety of gastrointestinal complaints, is a common thread in many books on approved by the including motion sickness. It in- herbal medicine. Commission E for creases the tone and peristalsis liver, gallbladder and stomach (normal muscular contractions) of the complaints. These and other leafy intestine, and stimulates the immune Tea, Anyone? plants can be harvested throughout system. A good way to get started as a home herbalist is by making tea, which is the growing season, but are best Wild greens, such as the common also known as an infusion. Some harvested before flowering at their dandelion, plantain, shepherd’s purse herbalists distinguish two types of tea leafiest stage, especially if the goal is and other plants mistakenly called — beverage and medicinal. A bever- to dry a supply for winter use. They weeds, also have powerful medicinal age tea is made using approximately like full sun, but can survive in a properties. Uses approved by the 1 teaspoon of dry herb (two or three shady spot. They seem to handle Commission E for dandelion (Tarax- times that for fresh herb) for each cup Kansas heat and droughts well. acum officinale) include dyspepsia of boiling water, and steeping for Catnip (Nepeta cataria), which (upset stomach), infections of the 5 minutes. Medicinal-strength tea smells minty and can be used like urinary tract, and liver and gallblad- differs from beverage tea in the mint, is in a different plant family. It der problems. Plantain (Plantago choice of herbs, the ratio of herb to often behaves like a biennial, but will lanceolata) has been approved for use water and the length of time infused. re-seed and keep growing indefinitely for the common cold, cough, bronchi- Many medicinal teas are called once it is started. tis, fevers, colds, inflammation of the infusions and are made from leaves, mouth and pharynx, and inflamma- flowers, seeds or roots. The ratio of 2 Another popular beverage tea with with an allergy to composites should childbirth. Red raspberries are rich medicinal properties is chamomile. avoid yarrow. Common garden sage in vitamins and minerals and can be German chamomile is an often-used (Salvia officinalis) also makes a taken for (Matricaria recutita) annual that is lively tea, especially when used fresh, indigestion and easily started from seed early in the and has been approved by Commis- rheumatism. spring or fall. The harvested portion sion E for loss of appetite, inflamma- For those is the blooming flower. The tea has a tion of the mouth and pharynx, and willing to naturally sweet, fragrant flavor, and is for excessive perspiration. Sage can venture into used internally for inflammatory be used as a rinse and gargle for light the woods, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract injuries, skin inflammation, bleeding gloves in hand, and irritation of mucous membranes gums, laryngitis, pharyngitis and for the common and upper respiratory tract. Exter- firming the gums. stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a nally, chamomile is used for skin and Both lemon balm and lemon verbena hardy perennial with many medici- mucous membrane inflammations make excellent beverage teas. Lemon nal properties. It increases the flow and gingivitis. English chamomile balm (Melissa officinalis) is a and volume of urine, and has been (Chamaemelum nobile) is more often perennial, hardy in zones 5-9, and is approved for use against infections used as an oil, but decoctions have used to treat nervousness and insom- of the urinary tract, kidney and also been used to treat gastrointestinal nia. Lemon verbena (Aloysia bladder stones. It is also used as a disturbances. However, English triphylla) is a shrub-like perennial supportive therapy for rheumatic chamomile has not been studied as that is propagated by runners or ailments. thoroughly as German chamomile cuttings. It is only hardy in zones 8- and should be avoided during preg- Externally, nettles have been used as 10. In Kansas it should be brought in nancy. The only caution for German a hair and scalp remedy against oily for the winter by potting or taking chamomile is for people with known hair and dandruff. The stinging cuttings. It is sometimes used to treat allergies to members of the nettle root is used for prostate digestive disorders, agitation, and Compositae or daisy family, includ- complaints and irritable bladder. insomnia, and as a flavoring in other ing feverfew, tansy, artemesia or Nettle tea and the cooked herb also medicinal teas. yarrow. contain many vitamins and minerals Red clover blossoms and red rasp- and have been used as a spring tonic Monarda, sometimes called bee berry leaves are often included in teas throughout history. Though the hairs balm, is a nice beverage tea, and is for women. Red clover (Trifolium on the plant contain formic acid, this the distinctive flavor in Earl Grey tea pratense) is a perennial often used as effect is neutralized once the plant is sold in stores. In field trials, wild a forage or cover crop by farmers, but either dried or cooked, so gloves are bergamot (Monarda fitulosa) grew tea made from flowers is used for unnecessary after that point. The better, and survived the winter in coughs and leaves are harvested in the spring, unprotected areas better than respiratory and the roots in the fall. In yield Monarda didyma “Panorama Red conditions. trials, nettles do well in full sun, Shades,” which is selected for flower Externally, it is though in the wild they are often color rather than as a tea plant. used in the found in wooded, slightly wet areas. Another interesting beverage tea is treatment of yarrow (Achilea millefolium). Many Two species of licorice are used chronic skin colors are available for garden medicinally and also as flavoring for conditions such as yarrows, a hardy perennial. The beverages, candy and even tobacco psoriasis and leaves can be plucked for tea at any products. The most common, eczema. Red stage. Flowers are sometimes used glabra, is from Europe clover also has and are available in herb shops. Wild and parts of Asia, and the other is possible estro- yarrow, with ferny leaves and small Glycyrrhiza uralensis, or Chinese genic activity. Red raspberry leaves white flowers, is common in Kansas. licorice. Licorice should not be (Rubus idaeus) have been used for Externally, yarrow has been used to taken by people with heart condi- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, stop bleeding. As a tea, it stimulates tions, high blood pressure or with a respiratory tract, cardiovascular the flow of bile and is approved by tendency to retain water. This system, mouth and throat. In folk the Commission E for loss of appe- includes licorice candy, though in medicine, the raspberry is said to tite, stomach complaints, liver and the United States, anise seed is often strengthen the uterus and facilitate gallbladder ailments. Again, anyone used as the licorice flavor, compared

3 to Europe, where the original licorice ents from an herb, while a tea prima- herbs are available commercially in is still used. Both types of licorice rily extracts compounds that are pill form, but most herbalists don’t lend a sweet flavor to tea. In Chinese water soluble. Various recipes in herb recommend these because the oxida- medicine, the Chinese licorice is one books give the proper ratio of alcohol tion of the ground plant material used of the most common ingredients in and water, and of dried or fresh herb to make the pill quickly destroys its prescribed medicinal tea, and is to liquid. Some herbalists use vodka, effectiveness. Also, some compounds associated with longevity. while others use grain alcohol, which may never make it past the gastric is a 180-proof (95 percent) alcohol. juices in the digestive system. Medicinally, licorice has many uses, Of course, use only food-grade including treatment of cough, bron- Echinacea tincture is easy to make at products for tinctures. Food-grade chitis and gastritis. It is a slightly home. The recommended dosage of glycerin or cider vinegar can also be woody perennial, listed for zones 7- this and most other herbs is more of used to make tinctures for children. 10, but in field trials it demonstrated an art than a science. Refined recipes The dosage recommendation for a excellent winter survival. Plant can be found in several herb books, tincture is 10 to 20 drops in a glass of licorice where it won’t interfere with but for the beginner, this recipe will water or under the tongue, so a little other plantings because it can spread work. bit goes a long way. several feet from it original location 1. Grow your favorite species of through underground roots. There is a The best cold and flu fighters are the Echinacea. native licorice in , herbs that boost the immune system, Glycyrrhiza lepidota, similar in such as elderberry (Sambucus 2. Wait until the fall of the first, appearance to G. glabra. It was canadensis) taken either as a wine or second or third year and harvest widely used by Native Americans for syrup, or Echinacea, which is also the roots. Dig and wash like ailments including coughs, sore known as coneflower. Three species carrots, but don’t peel. Replant throats, upset stomachs and earaches of Echinacea are often used, two of crown buds for next year’s crop. (Kindscher 1992). The tea was also which are native to Kansas. 3. Chop the raw roots the way you used to reduce fever in children, and Echinacea angustifolia, is found in chop a carrot. the root was chewed to relieve western Kansas, and E. pallida in toothache. This species is not listed in eastern Kansas. The third type, E. 4. Put the chopped roots in a jar. Use the Physicians Desk Reference for pupurea, is found throughout Kansas a pint jar if there are a few roots, a Herbal Medicines, so it has not been in flower gardens due to its large, quart jar if there are a lot. researched by the Commission E or colorful blossoms. Though the active 5. Cover with 180-proof food grade western doctors. ingredients in the plant are still being alcohol and secure with a tight- debated by biochemists, medical fitting lid. researchers agree that the plant does Herbs for the Cold stimulate the immune system and the 6. Put the jar in a cupboard with a body’s ability to fight disease. The note on the door to shake daily. and Flu Season plant also exerts anti-inflammatory, 7. Shake the jar daily by gently Several herb teas to help you get bactericidal and wound-healing turning up and down. The shaking through the cold and flu season can actions. The Commission E has does not need to be vigorous. approved the use of Echinacea for the be made at home. Many of the plants 8. In about a week, a whitish powder common cold, cough, bronchitis, described as beverage teas have some will appear in the liquid. The fevers, infections of the urinary tract, helpful medicinal properties, espe- color of the roots may fade inflammation of the mouth and cially for sore throats and coughs. In slightly. addition to tea, it is also helpful to pharynx, tendency to infection, know how to make a tincture. A wounds and burns. The tops of E. 9. In four to six weeks, the extrac tincture is the medicinal properties of purpurea have some activity, but tion should be complete. Strain an herb extracted in alcohol that is most of the active compounds are in the roots with a cloth or towel, sometimes diluted with water. The the flower buds and roots, especially and put the liquid in a brown glass advantage of a tincture is that even if harvested in the fall. Echinacea can jar with a lid. well-dried herbs have a shelf life of be made into tea, which is somewhat 10. Put a small amount in a jar approximately a year, while a tincture helpful, but the strongest form is (1 fluid ounce bottles are appro can last two or three years. Tinctures either expressed juice (available in priate) with a dropper. Dosage may also be more effective at extract- Europe) or tincture, which you can recommendations range from ing the non-aqueous active ingredi- make yourself. Echinacea and other 10 to 20 drops in a glass of water 4 or under the tongue, so this replacement plants will often come consume as much you can tolerate. tincture may last several years or up after the parent plant has been There is some evidence that fresh supply enough to share with harvested or died. A white version of onion and garlic is more effective friends. E. pupurea called “White Swan” is than cooked. Finally, remember keep available commercially, but I haven’t eating fruits and vegetables to stay Your body may adapt to the tincture, seen any studies documenting healthy at any time of year. so take it for two weeks, then stop whether this variety has medicinal taking it for two weeks. Do this in properties. cycles for continuous protection. Summary Some people only take it during times Other herbs to consider for the cold The herbs and preparations described of stress when they might get a cold. and flu season are mullein and marsh are only a tiny fraction of the knowl- Echinacea seems to be less effective mallow. They are common in the wild edge about using plants as medicines. if taken after you get the cold, but it in parts of Kansas, but are often There are an estimated 70,000 species might work if taken at the first sign, overlooked as medicinal plants. of plants used medicinally world- such as a scratchy throat. Echinacea Mullein (Verbascum densiflorum) is wide, and in some regions, 25 percent is not recommended for people a biennial, forming a rosette in the of plant species have some medicinal allergic to plants in the daisy family first year and shooting up a flower use. Plants available to you include or with autoimmune diseases because stalk in the second. Though it grows plants native to the Great Plains, this could make the condition worse. on the roadside, it is safer to grow intentionally introduced European, Even someone with an allergy to your own or to harvest only from Asian, and African species, and ragweed might want to be cautious, to areas that have not been sprayed with unintentionally introduced but evaluate the body’s response to pesticides and are relatively free of valuable species sometimes called Echinacea. dust and exhaust. Mullein can be weeds. As more herbal traditions started from seed or transplants, but Which Echinacea should you grow? merge, you might find yourself using the seed is so tiny you might wonder The species with the best reputation is a Chinese remedy for a headache, or a if it is seed at all. The leaves of E. angustifolia, which is referred to in Native American plant for your mullein are harvested young, and the herb business as “Kansas Snake stomach. More is known every year contain a high percentage of mucilage Root.” It has a positive reputation as medical research slowly begins to (up to 3 percent). It is recommended extending even to Europe, where catch up with the empirical knowl- to alleviate irritation and has an other Echinacea species are widely edge base of traditional healers. Plant expectorant effect, due to its mucin available. This species is difficult to chemists have identified many plant and saponin content. Either fresh or start from seed because about three compounds including more than dried leaves can be made into a tea or months of cold, wet stratification are 25,000 terpenes, 12,000 alkaloids and infusion, with a mild, leafy flavor. necessary for a 50 to 60 percent 10,000 phenolics. Though active Olive oil can be added to fresh germination. In yield trials, the ingredient identification is sometimes mullein flowers to make ear drops. transplanted E. angustifolia did not elusive due to interaction effects, the have great survival in the field, and Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) overall effectiveness is understood only about 55 to 65 percent of the is related to hollyhock and other more every day. Chris Kilham of plants survived the first year. Better garden plants and good for cough and Medicine Hunter, Inc. estimates that survival and yield was obtained from bronchitis. It is used for irritation of 85 percent of the world’s population, E. pallida, although the seed for this the oral and pharyngeal mucosa and or about 5.1 billion people, turn to species also requires stratification. associated dry cough. The leaves or plants as primary medicines. The E. pupurea germinates without roots may be made into a tea. To What is the best way to learn about stratification and first-year survival in make a “cold tea,” put 10 to 15 grams these 70,000 plants? The best advice the field was 80 to 90 percent. (1 to 2 teaspoons) of dried herb per from practicing herbalists is simply However, in years with high leafhop- cup of cold water and let stand for 90 “one plant at a time.” This publica- per populations, the disease aster minutes. Then warm the liquid to tion is designed to help you get yellows, which is transmitted by the drink. started on a few, relatively safe and leafhopper, can weaken, disfigure and Don’t forget the onion and garlic easy-to-use herbs that grow well in kill the E. purpurea. In a field setting during the cold and flu season, or any Kansas gardens. Books, Web sites with plants destined for market, this other time of the year. There aren’t and other resources are listed at the could be devastating. In a garden any dosage recommendations for end to help guide you toward more situation, plants re-seed easily, and onion and garlic Ð you can probably information. This publication has

5 Table 1. Nutrients in “Weeds” vs. “Crops” per 100 gram fresh weight (about 1⁄2 to1 cup of material)

Lettuce Weeds? Fruit/Veg Iceberg Leaf Romaine Dandelion Pigweed Lambsquarter Purslane Tomato Banana Water (%) 0.96 0.94 0.95 0.86 0.92 0.84 0.94 0.94 0.74 Fiber - (grams) 1.4 1.9 1.7 3.5 — 4.0 — 1.1 2.4 Calcium (mg) 19 68 36 187 215 309 65 5 6 Iron (mg) 0.5 1.4 1.1 3.1 2.3 1.2 2.0 0.5 0.3 Potassium (mg) 158 264 290 397 611 452 494 222 396 Vit C (mg) 4 18 24 35 43 80 21 26 9 Vit A (IU) 330 1,900 2,600 14,000 2,917 11,600 1,320 623 81 Vit. E (mg) 0.28 0.44 0.44 2.5 — — — 0.38 0.27

(See USDA data base at http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl .) discussed teas and touched on the Austin, TX, 78714-4345. Phone known herbalist/writer Richo Cech topic of tinctures. Other publications 512- 926-4900. Fax 512-926-2345. and his family. in the reference list also cover infused ATTRA, Appropriate Technology Johnny’s Seeds, See Web site at oils, essential oils, skin creams and Transfer for Rural Areas. P.O. Box www.Johnnyseeds.com, or contact at other topics. Read these books on 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72702. Phone 184 Foss Hill Rd, Albion, Maine, your own, or form a study group to 1-800-346-9140 or on the Web at 04901. Phone 207-437-4301. Sells read and discuss the material. http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/ vegetable seed to gardeners and Some people have a goal to learn one herblist.html where you’ll find many professional growers, good selection herb per year and to get to know that fact sheets on herbs in general, and of culinary and medicinal herb seed, plant very well. Experienced garden- also specific popular herbs. Many including some organically grown. ers may be able to speed up that other fact sheets of interest to Prairie Moon Nursery, Route 3, Box timeline, but growing, gathering and farmers looking for alternative 1633, Winona, MN 55987-9515. using the plants is the best way to crops. Phone 507- 452-1362, Fax 507-454- truly know them and realize the Kansas State University, see Web 5238, www.prairiemoonnursery.com, benefits they bring to the home site www. oznet.ksu.edu, especially [email protected]. Large selection herbalist. publication MF-2532, Economic of seeds for prairie plantings and Issues with Echinacea. Also, restoration, including medicinal Disclaimer: www.oznet.ksu.edu/kcsaac/ for hot plants from the prairie. Please consult reference texts and links to other herb Web sites. Richters Herbs, see your health care practitioner(s) before North Carolina, see Web site www. Richters.com, or phone 1-905- taking herb products to treat a medi- www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/. 640-6677, fax 1-905-640-6641. cal condition. The intent of this Check out the specialty crop fact Located in Goodwood, Ontario, publication is to provide herbal sheets for information on both Canada, the company was founded in information to gardeners, not medical culinary and medicinal herbs. 1970 to sell bedding plants and herbs. advice. Good selection and fun catalog. For more information: Seed Sources: Seedman.Com, Jim Johnson, American Botanical Council, non- Horizon Herbs, LLC, P.O. Box 69, Seedman, 3421 Bream St., Gautier, profit educational organization, Williams, OR 97544. Phone 541- MS 39553, phone 800-336-2064, fax publishes the quarterly trade maga- 846-6704, fax 541-846-6233, 228-497-5488, zine “Herbalgram,” see Web site at [email protected], [email protected], www.herbalgram.org, or contact their Web site at www. chatlink.com/ www.seedman.com/medicine.html. headquarters: P.O. Box 144345, ~herbseed/. Seeds grown by well- Carries large and varied selection of seeds from around the world. 6 insight and practical herbal remedies side effects and drug/herb interac- Associations: for everything from baldness to bad tions. breath. Dr. James Duke was a career Great Plains Herb Growers Associa- The Village Herbalist, Nancy and research scientist for the USDA in tion for those considering herb Michael Phillips. 2000. Chelsea Beltsville, Md. production on a commercial scale. Green Publisher, see One-year membership, newsletter The German Commission E Mono- www.HerbsAndApples.com for more $25. Send to Rhonda Janke, 2021 graphs, translated by Mark information. A great book. Discusses Throckmorton, KSU, Manhattan, KS Blumenthal, available through the “how” of herbalism at the home 66506. Can be added to mailing list American Botanical Council. Recom- and village scale, as well as providing to receive herb workshop mailings for mendations of a scientific council, some information about the plants. free. Contact Christy Dipman, 785- based on published research, for The focus of this book is people, 532-6173, e-mail herbal supplements that may be however. [email protected]. prescribed by physicians in Germany. The Herb Growing & Marketing Growing 101 Herbs That Heal, Books- for Network, P.O. Box 245, Silver Tammi Hartung. 2000. Storey Books, Spring, PA 17575, phone 717-393- Schoolhouse Road, Pownal, Vt. Good 3295, fax 717-393-9261, section on germination and growing Large-Scale Growers: www.herbnet.com and requirements for 100+ herbs. Herb and Spice Production Manual, herbworld.com, 1999, Connie Kehler. Produced by Handmade Medicines - Simple [email protected]. Non- the Saskatchewan Herb and Spice Recipes for Herbal Health, Christo- members can learn a lot from visiting Association, printed by Print It pher Hobbs. 1998. Interweave Press, this Web site and reading their Centre, Regina, Sask. (Available Inc. Loveland, Colo. newsletters. Member benefits include through Richters Catalog.) Web site design and hosting, listing Herbs for First Aid - Simple Home Grower’s Crop Monographs. Frontier your herb business in the Herbal Remedies for Minor Ailments and Organic Research Farm, Norway, Green Pages Online, and discounted Injuries, Penelope Ody. 1997. Keats Iowa. (Available through Frontier’s rates for product liability insurance. Publishing, Los Angeles. Web site.) Membership prices start at $40/year The Honest Herbal, Varro E. Tyler. and higher. 1993 (third edition). Haworth Press, Inc. New York. Provides some Books-General: information about using herbs, some well-researched, and some anecdotal. The Complete Book of Herbs Ð A This book is written by a skeptic, but Practical Guide to Growing and is fairly balanced. Using Herbs, Lesley Bremness. 1988. Penguin books. N.Y. Lots of informa- Medicinal Wild Plants of the Prairie, tion about growing herbs. an Ethnobotanical Guide, Kelly Kindscher. 1992. University of Complete Illustrated guide to the Kansas Press, Lawrence, Kan. Holistic Herbal, David Hoffmann. 1996. Harper Collins Publishers, Peterson Field Guides: Eastern/ London. Nice photographs, good Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs, listing of herbs. Steven Foster and James A. Duke. Second Edition. 2000. Houghton The Complete Medicinal Herbal, Mifflin Company, Boston. Penelope Ody. 1993. Dorling Kindersley, N.Y. Great photos, some Physician’s Desk Reference for history, nice reference tables in Herbal Medicines. 2000. Second second section. Edition, Medical Economics Com- pany, Montvale, N.J. The most The Green Pharmacy, by James A. thorough reference I’ve found yet for Duke. 1997. St. Martin’s Paperbacks. describing herbs, supplements St. Martin’s Press, New York, N.Y. derived from herbs, summarizing the This affordable book offers scientific known efficacy, and warning about 7 Rhonda Janke Sustainable Cropping Systems Specialist

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Contents of this publication may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Rhonda Janke, Growing Herbs for Home Use, Kansas State University, November 2003.

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