Aromatic Gardening

There are many wonderful aromatic plants that are easy to grow either in containers or in a garden. These herbs can be used in many ways, which can include distilling hydrosols and essential oils.

We have been cultivating amazing aromatic gardens for many years. What a pleasure it has been to be so connected to the plants used for our health, beauty and vitality.

We would like to share a few of the plants that are growing and thriving in our botanical garden:

Cilantro/ Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) - Did you know that these two herbs come from the same plant? Cilantro is from the leaves and coriander is from the seeds.

Cilantro herb is a wonderful addition in soups and salads, or blended into salad dressings. It is very cleansing and beneficial to the internal organs. The essential oil however is not recommended for children or during pregnancy and nursing.

Coriander seed is used to relieve mental fatigue. It has a warming effect on the digestive and glandular systems. It is a warm and soothing essential oil and hydrosol. It also acts as a general cleanser of the body, to rid it of toxins and fluid wastes. This herb is excellent for adding the leaves to soups, Chinese food dishes, and tea.

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) - has a calming effect on the mind and body and is excellent in easing any type of inflammation.

The essential oil contains azulene, a powerful anti-inflammatory chemical component. This blue chemical is not actually present in the plant, but forms in the oil, and only a small quantity is needed to be effective. The dried flower is excellent as a nighttime tea as an insomnia remedy.

This herb is also an ingredient in “Sleepy Time Tea” from Celestial Seasonings. The hydrosol is very soothing for skincare and for use with children.

Precautions: Best to avoid during 1st trimester of pregnancy. Possible sensitivity when used undiluted on the face or sensitive skin. There may be sensitivity to chamomile if a person has a ragweed allergy. Avoid the use of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita a.k.a Matricaria chamomilla) orally and with anticoagulant medications.

Melissa a.k.a Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – has a very sedative effect that helps in cases of hysteria and panic, assists to slow the heartbeat, eases high blood pressure, and is a tonic to the heart while regulating the menstrual cycle. It also settles the digestive system and has an overall cooling effect. Melissa herb is wonderful as a tea, added to iced tea, and a very soothing hydrosol or essential oil when distilled.