HERBS IN POLISH GARDENS

Herbs can be a beautiful decoration of our gardens and they also constitute a ,,pantry” of flavors and

aromas. Besides, they can also heal different ailments.

The most popular herbs in Polish gardens are:ParsleyChives

DillLovage

In this presentation we will try to describe some of the most popular herbs grown in Polish gardens.

MULLEIN It is native to Europe and Asia and it is

frequently used in herbal medicine.

Its flowers have been used in the traditional Austrian medicine internally or externally for treatment of disorders of the respiratory tract, skin, veins, gastrointestinal tract, and the locomotor system.

It is hard to miss it in the meadow or garden as it grows high especially on clay soils.

This herb also has a very beautiful English name – golden torch as it can be used as a torch when you immerse it in something flammable.

Why you should know it? Because It is a very good herb for beginners as it is difficult to be mistaken for something else besides It has a lot of interesting applications and at the same time is quite safe to use.

Flowers were used in ancient Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures as a medicinal herb as well as a dye for fabrics, foods, and cosmetics. Many of these uses persist today. They are also used to make oil that protects the skin.

It is used in case of problems with digestive system and it also acts as a relaxant.

Externally it is used in case of problems with the lymph nodes.

POT MARIGOLD

It is native to southern Europe but it can be grown easily in sunny locations in most kinds of soils.

Pot marigold florets are edible. They are often used to add color to salads or added to dishes as a garnish.

DANDELION It can be found growing in temperate regions of the

world, in lawns, on roadsides, on disturbed banks and shores of water ways, and other areas with moist soils.

It is well known for its yellow flower heads that turn into round balls of silver tufted fruits that disperse in the wind.

It is considered a weed by many gardeners and lawn owners, the plant has several culinary and medicinal uses.

The leaves can be eaten cooked or raw in various forms, such as in soup or salad. They are high in vitamin A, vitamin C and iron, carrying more iron and calcium than spinach.

ROSEMARY This pretty, aromatic herb contains compounds, such as carnosic acid, that have been shown to fight cancer cells. What's more, the smell of rosemary may even improve your memory. In a recent study from the University of Northumbria, in the UK, people performed better on various memory tasks if rosemary scent was pumped into the room.

Grow tip: Rosemary grows best with full sunshine and frequent watering.

THYME Thyme has long been used as an

herbal remedy for respiratory problems such as bronchitis, and it also has antiseptic properties. (Thymol, one of the compounds it contains, is a key ingredient in Listerine.) Even better, thyme is virtually calorie-free and provides a delicious boost of flavor to soups and salads.

Grow tip: Small but plentiful flowers make this herb a pretty option for your home. Thyme's well suited for indoor growing because it stays small in size. Just make sure it has access to plenty of sunshine.

LAVENDER Lavender isn't just a pretty

plant; it's also packed with health benefits. Its fragrance is soothing (helping you to fall asleep), and it contains antioxidants.

Grow tip: Lavender is a relatively large plant that grows best outdoors. Keep it in a sunny area that gets eight hours of light each day.

BASIL Basil is known to calm nerves,

is a good source of fiber, and has a detoxifying effect on the liver. Basil oil has also been found to help clear skin blemishes, thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory activity.

Grow tip: Basil is a hardy plant that grows easily, indoors or out. It doesn't need much care and requires watering only every other day.

PARSLEY Don't leave this common

garnish sitting on the side of your plate! Parsley is full of nutrients. It contains vitamins A and C, and just one tablespoon offers more than half of your recommended daily intake of vitamin K, a nutrient that's essential for healthy blood.

Grow tip: Parsley is easy to grow, as it doesn't need much sunlight or maintenance. Parsley does grow at a slower rate than other herbs, but it's worth the wait.

Sage

Many beauty products include sage on their ingredient lists, and it's no wonder: sage has antiseptic and antioxidant properties, which can help in the fight against early aging. Sage has also been used as a natural remedy for anxiety and fatigue, and is thought to be a memory enhancer.

Grow tip: Sage is a relatively high-maintenance herb. It needs plenty of sunlight, good soil, and a watering every other day.

Chives

This tasty herb - part of the onion family - can help boost your immune system. Multiple studies even suggest that eating allium vegetables, a category that includes garlic and scallions in addition to chives, is associated with a lower risk of developing certain cancers.Grow tip: It grows easily, can be grown indoors, and doesn’t need much light.

Dill This flavorful herb isn't just for pickles! It's a great source of antioxidants (such as beta-carotene), and is also said to cure hiccups. Next time you get the hiccups, mix a teaspoon of dill leaf with a cup of boiled water, strain out the leaves, and drink the liquid slowly.

Grow tip: Dill requires full sun and grows best in deep soil.

Mint Mint is a rich source of vitamin A, providing more than half of your recommended daily intake in just two tablespoons. In addition, mint is good for the breath, digestion, nausea, headaches, respiratory disorders, asthma, pimples and cavities. Grow tip: Watch out! This herb takes off fast and needs plenty of space. Try growing it outdoors, in a raised bed.

Lovage The leaves can be used in salads, or to make soup or season broths, and the roots can be eaten as a vegetable or grated for use in salads. Its flavor and smell is somewhat similar to celery. Lovage tea can be applied to wounds as an antiseptic, or drunk to stimulate digestion.

Grow tip: It is quite demanding in terms of cultivation and care. It likes sunny places and moderate humidity ground.

Music:

Piotr Czajkowski„Waltz of the Flowers”