From soothing aloe to spicy horseradish, subtle-sweet marjoram to savory thyme, discover the exceptional flavors and gentle healing capabilities of more than 40 of the plant kingdom’s finest here in the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Directory of Culinary and Medicinal Herbs. Our tour of the herb world is your one-stop shop for reliable information on cultivating, cooking and healing with these special plants.
Grow Your Herb Garden
Drying and Storing Herbs
Herbal Healing Basics
An A-to-Z Guide to Culinary and Medicinal Herbs
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Cinnamon Basil Massage Oil Recipe
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Pork Sausages With Bergamot and Apples Recipe
Black Cohosh
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Borage
Grow: The Cooling Borage Herb
Heal: Natural Stress Relief: Herbs for Anxiety, Headaches and More
Calendula
Grow: Grow Calendula for Your Organic Garden
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Chamomile
Grow: How to Grow, Use and Identify the Chamomile Herb
Cook: Calming Chamomile Smoothie Recipe
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Chervil
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Cook: Lemon-Butter Sauce With Chervil Recipe
Heal: Chervil-Mint Toner Recipe
Chives
The smallest and mildest-tasting member of the onion family, chives are perfect for stews, casseroles, egg dishes, soups, potatoes, salads, dressings, dips, and herbal butters and salts (and probably several other things we’re forgetting!).
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Cilantro
When you grow cilantro, you grow two herbs in one! The leaves impart a musky, citrus-like flavor to Chinese, Mexican and Thai cooking. The seeds, called coriander, taste of sage and lemon or orange peel, and season many traditional Indian dishes.
Grow: How to Grow Cilantro and Harvest Coriander Seeds
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Comfrey
Grow: Growing and Using Comfrey Leaves
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Dandelion
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The Benefits of Dandelion Greens
Dill
You grow your own cucumbers — why not grow the other ingredient that makes your dill pickles pleasantly, well, dill pickle-y? This beloved herb also shines with seafood, and a pinch in cottage cheese or potato salad will lift these dishes out of the ordinary and into the realm of gourmet treats. Learn how to cultivate your own feathery, flavorful dill, here.
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Heal: 30 Digestive Herbs
Echinacea
Grow: The Health Benefits of Echinacea
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Elderberry
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Eucalyptus
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Take an Herbal Bath: Recommended Plants and Their Properties
Fennel
Grow: All About Fennel
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Fenugreek
Cook: Fenugreek Beans Recipe
Heal: Strategies to Help Prevent Diabetes
Feverfew
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Garlic
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Ginger
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Ginseng
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Hibiscus tea is a safe, effective and delicious way to manage high blood pressure, and tropical hibiscus plants can in fact be grown in much of the United States. Check out the evidence backing this beautiful botanical’s health benefits, plus find out how to grow your own.
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Asparagus With Horseradish Sauce Recipe
Pimento Cheese With Horseradish Recipe
Individual Pear Crisps With Horseradish Recipe
Shrimp Salad With Creamy Horseradish Dressing Recipe
Baked Carrots With Horseradish Recipe
Horseradish Bagel Spread Recipe
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Ancient and aromatic, lavender once adorned the sacrificial altars of the early Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Today, lavender is one of the most widely used and versatile herbs, starring in everything from potpourri to herb jellies to sleep pillows. Learn how to grow this storied plant yourself.
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The daintiest of the oregano tribe, marjoram has a minty, sweet flavor with savory undertones that sets it apart from its more strongly flavored oregano cousins. Try adding it to cream-based soups or sauces and tomato-based dishes such as pasta or pizza.
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Mint has such a multitude of uses — medicinal, culinary, aromatic, decorative, and even as an insect repellent — that we can say with confidence that you’re missing out if you’re not growing some of your own!
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Growing Peppermint in Your Herb Garden
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Mint Pesto Recipe
Wild Mint Tea and Wine Recipe
Local Tabbouleh Recipe
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Outstanding Oreganos and Mild-Mannered Marjoram
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Brilliantly green, nutrition-packed parsley is a deserving addition to the well-rounded garden. Uses for this cheerful little plant run the gamut from old-time folk remedies to pretty, piquant garnishes.
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Have you sampled sorrel? This zesty, lemony, easy-to-grow herb is perennial, so you can count on it for early spring dishes — where it shines alongside eggs, greens and milder herbs — as well as your heartiest fall fare.
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Grow Tarragon for Your Kitchen Herb Garden
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Slightly peppery thyme brightens the flavors of many favorite fall dishes (we’re looking at you, any and all roasted veggies out there!). Isn’t it about time you grew some of your own? Here’s everything you need to know to cultivate this pretty, palate-pleasing herb.
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Herbal Garden Plants and Shrubs
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Natural Remedies: Plants That Relieve Common Health Conditions
Licorice, Ginger and Yarrow Tea Recipe
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