Herbalism

February marks the third month of my Year and A Day Study.  The topic for this entire month will be Herbalism.   I have been looking forward to this month, for me and my magickal path, herbs are far more important, than ingredients to add flavour while cooking.

Herbal medicine or Herbalism is the study and use of the medicinal properties of plants (sometimes this will include fungal and bee products as well as minerals, shells and animal parts). Pharmacognosy is the study of all medicines that are derived from natural sources.

Mandrake Root

Herbs and the study of herbs, has been around as long as there have been beings, on this earth.   Even the most Neanderthal hunter,  gatherer of 640,000 years ago needed an extensive knowledge of the what grew around them, as nature is not always kind.  When beings realized that animals were healing themselves, with the aid of plant life, Shamans and healers were born, and continues to this day.

You can find Shamans, Healers and Wise Women everywhere, even in pop culture. In Harry Potter, author J.K. Rowlings tells of the legend of the Mandrake, killing humans with it's screams when uprooted.   Herbalism is not exclusive to those on the magickal path, author Suzanne Collins depicts Katniss Everdeen's mother as a wise woman, in The Hunger Games Trilogy.  There are many chapters in which people turn to Mrs. Everdeen's knowledge of plants to heal their ailments.  In fact, Katniss's own knowledge of native vegetation plays a pivotal role in the series.

Herbs generally fall into these categories:

Culinary Herbs

Culinary herbs are probably the most useful to herb gardeners, having a wide range of uses in cooking. These herbs, because of their strong flavors, are generally used in small quantities to add flavor. Parsley, produced in the largest amount, is used mostly as a garnish. Next in popularity is sage -- an important flavoring in pork sausage. Other popular culinary herbs include chives, thyme, savory, marjoram, mint, and basil.

Aromatic Herbs

Aromatic herbs have some novel uses and are not as popular to grow. Most have pleasant smelling flowers or foliage. Oils from aromatic herbs can be used to produce perfumes, toilet water, and various scents. For home use, the plant parts are used intact, often to scent linens or clothing. When dried, many aromatic herbs will retain their aroma for a considerable period. Some common aromatic herbs include mint, marjoram, lovage, rosemary, and basil.

Ornamental Herbs

Ornamental herbs have brightly colored flowers and foliage. Many have whitish or light-colored flowers. Valerian has crimson blossoms while borage and chicory are blue-flowered. Such herbs as variegated thyme, mint, lavender, and chives produce variegated foliage.

Medicinal Herbs

Medicinal herbs have long been thought to have curative powers. But while present medical knowledge recognizes some herbs as having healing properties, others are highly overrated. Medicinal herbs should be used carefully. Some herbs are harmless while others can be dangerous if consumed.

Like flowers, Herbs also can be classified as annuals, biennials, and perennials. Annuals bloom one season and then die. Biennials live for two seasons, blooming the second season only. Once established, perennials overwinter and bloom each season.

A working knowledge of herbs and their properties is as important today, as it was to Neanderthal man, and with it, we can help ease the symptoms of common every day  maladies without a trip to the Pharmacy and without breaking the bank.

Credit: http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/herbs/ne208hrb.htm