Herb Garden Plants That Are Cultural Icons
Herb garden plants have different purposes. This have existed since the beginning of civilization. The earliest known record of herbs being used for medicine was in 2200 BC as utilized by the Sumerian herbal concoctions. Since then, more than five hundred species of herbs are currently used around the world.
It has also become a well-accepted idea to arrange herb gardens. Some would have plots all over the backyard. Some just grow them indoors. Each herb garden may be different, and here are some of the top herb plants.
Basil – Ocimum basilicum
This is a generally annual, minimally perennial herb that is mostly grown indoors planted in pots. This herb is mostly associated with culinary purposes, especially in pesto dishes due to its strong taste and sweet smell. It has many varieties: annuals – Thai, lemon, holy; and perennials – African Blue and Holy Thai.
This herb has been linked with much folklore. It symbolizes different things for different cultures. While it is a love symbol for Italy, it signifies extreme dislike in Greece. For several religions, it actually has a spiritual importance. Hindus have the Holy Basil or Tulsi, and as it is very much revered, most Hindu families have this herb at home. Greek, Bulgarian, Serbian and Romanian Orthodox churches will make use of this to prepare holy water.
Mint – genus: Mentha
This perennial herb has more than twenty species and more than ten hybrids. Spearmint, water mint and pennyroyal are the most common ones. Its hybrids include peppermint and ginger mint. Due to its fresh and cool-in-the-mouth taste, this is commonly used in many chewing gums, toothpastes, other breath-freshening product and several drinks, from teas to alcoholic mixes.
Its name origin tells of a rather bitter end. Queen Persephone turned the nymph Menthe into a small plant when she learned that Hades was lusting for the nymph.Meanwhile the Middle eastern cultures believe that this intensifies manhood.
Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis
This is another perennial herb, popularly used in most chicken dishes and Mediterranean cuisine. It has also given way to more than nineteen cultivars, like albus, blue boy and golden rain.
This has also been associated with so many legends. Due to its strong smell, people in ancient times have labeled it as the symbol for remembrance. It was also used as love charm in Middle Ages weddings. Some believe that by putting a sprig under one’ pillow could drive the bad dream away. And in the 16th century, women have displayed rosemary sprigs to symbolize their control of their home gardens and households. However, this seemed degrading to their husbands who then uprooted the rosemary plants so their wives could no longer boast.
Parsley – Petroselinum crispum
This biennial herb has two types – curly leaf and Italian or flat leaf. The former is usually for topping off pasta dishes. The other is mainly used as seasoning for soups or meat dishes.
There are two main beliefs with regard to this herb. The Romans would wear bunches or parsley necklaces since it could prevent drunkenness.
Indeed, these herb garden plants have become a part of gastronomic experiences and indigenous beliefs as well.
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