Herbs, Flowers and Trees - Welcome to Our Temple

Caraway Caraway (Carum carvi)
To grow:
Biennial herb. It has a mound of carrot-like leaves the first year and umbrella-like
clusters of white flowers above the foliage the second year. The Plant dies after it's
seeds ripen in mid-summer. Start from seed sown in place in fall or spring. Plant in
well-drained soil in full sun. Water average. Thin seedlings to 1 1/2 feet.
Uses:
A calming herb used to ease flatulent dyspepsia and intestinal colic. Stimulates the
appetite. Increases milk flow during pregnancy, relieves period pains, helps diarrhea,
as a gargle helps laryngitis, and can be used in bronchitis and bronchial asthma.
Part used:
Seeds. Collect the flowering heads in mid-summer and leave to ripen. Shake the seeds
off when ready.
Infusion:
Pour a cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of freshly crushed seeds and leave to
infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Tincture:
Take 1-4 milliliters of the tincture three times a day.
Catnip Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
To grow:
Perennial. Grows 2-3 feet high. Downy gray-green leaves and clustered lavender or
white flowers at branch tips in June. This plant is an easy grower in light soil. Water
regularly. Reseeds itself.
Uses:
Catnip is a traditional cold and flu remedy. A Powerful diaphoretic used in many
feverish conditions. It eases stomach upsets, flatulence, dyspepsia, and colic. It has a
sedative action which relaxes the nerves. Another well known use is for cats. Sprinkle
it's dried leaves over their food or sew it into a stuffed toy.
Parts used:
Leaves and flowering tops. Collect between early summer and early fall.
Infusion: