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Medieval Herb Gardens (and Medieval Gardening)



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The history of medieval medicine includes the use of herbs. They were often used for healing. While many of these are still in use today, they have been around for hundreds of years. People believed there were four "humours" that existed in the Middle Ages: blood (phlegm), yellow bile (black bile) and blood. If you had a serious illness, you would consult a physician to restore the balance.

Monasteries were famous for their herb gardens. They also traded with other monasteries for exotic seeds and plants. A majority of monasteries had their own gardens for medicinal plants. In 1390 C.E., the serving plan for St. Gall monastery. A garden designed for medicinal herbs. Doctors didn't practice medicine in the middle ages and many of their patients were kept in hospices. The monks of monasteries dedicated a lot of their time to the cultivation and harvesting of these herbs.


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Most of these herbs were used in teas, salves, and drinks, depending on the region. These herbs often derive their roots from pre-Christian beliefs and are therefore safe. Herbal remedies were also believed to have the ability to humour and were based upon the medieval Christian doctrine on signatures. It stated that all things have a signature that indicates their origin and purpose. The healing and miraculous effects of medicinal herbs are believed to be natural.


Many plants used in medieval medicine contained active herbs. Willow bark was an example of active herbal ingredients that were used to treat pain in medieval times. It is very similar to the salicylic acids used today to make aspirin. Psychic plants, such as echinacea, were also kept in monasteries, and many people kept them for protection. Hyssop, lavender, and thyme are just a few of the most common herbs used in medieval medicine.

The three main categories of herbs used in medieval medicine were, however, those that were only grown for their beauty were not uncommon. Herbs were used to both ornamental and medicinal purposes. The medicinal properties of these plants were not known until the 1500s. Draughts included various herbs such as mint and Echinacea. You could also get a wide range of herbal remedies from the apothecary in your village or town.


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Herbs in medieval medicine were used for treating various ailments, from fever to paralysis. Many herbs can be grown and used for both cooking and medicinal purposes. You can grow herbs for medicinal purposes in your garden or kitchen. A simple harvest is all you need. Keep them dry in a cool, dark place that has good air circulation. Some herbs can look exactly the same after being dried.


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FAQ

Which month is the best to start a vegetable gardening?

Planting vegetables in April and June is the best time. This is when the soil temperature is highest and plants grow most quickly. If you live in colder climates, you might wait until July or Aug.


How do I prepare the soil for a garden?

Preparing soil to grow vegetables is very simple. The first step is to remove any weeds that may be in the area where your vegetable garden will be planted. Add organic matter such as leaves, composted manure or grass clippings, straw, wood chips, and then water. Water well, and wait for the plants to sprout.


Can I grow vegetables indoors

Yes, it's possible to grow vegetables inside during the winter months. You will need a greenhouse or grow lighting. You should check the laws in your area before you purchase a greenhouse.


When should you plant flowers?

When the weather is milder and the soil has a good moisture content, spring is the best time to plant flowers. If you live outside of a warm climate, it is best not to plant flowers until the first frost. The ideal temperature for indoor gardening is 60 degrees Fahrenheit.


What kind of lighting works best for growing plants indoors?

Because they emit less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs, Florescent lights are ideal for indoor plant growth. They can also provide steady lighting without flickering and dimming. Fluorescent bulbs come in both compact fluorescent (CFL) and regular varieties. CFLs can use up to 75% more energy than traditional bulbs.



Statistics

  • As the price of fruit and vegetables is expected to rise by 8% after Brexit, the idea of growing your own is now better than ever. (countryliving.com)
  • 80% of residents spent a lifetime as large-scale farmers (or working on farms) using many chemicals believed to be cancerous today. (acountrygirlslife.com)
  • Most tomatoes and peppers will take 6-8 weeks to reach transplant size so plan according to your climate! - ufseeds.com
  • According to the National Gardening Association, the average family with a garden spends $70 on their crops—but they grow an estimated $600 worth of veggies! - blog.nationwide.com



External Links

planthardiness.ars.usda.gov


bonnieplants.com




How To

How to grow basil

Basil is one among the most versatile herbs you could use in your kitchen. Basil is great to add flavor to dishes, sauces or pastas. Here are some tips for growing basil indoors at home.

  1. Be careful about where you place it. Basil is an evergreen plant. If it's not located in the right area, it will only last one season. It prefers full sunshine but can tolerate some shade. If you are growing it outside, choose a spot with good air circulation.
  2. Plant the seeds. Basil seeds should be planted at least two weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in small pots filled with potting mix. Cover the pots with clear plastic wrap and keep the pots in a warm area out of direct sunlight. Germination typically takes around ten days. Once they are germinated, transfer them to a protected area where the temperatures are at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Transplant the seedlings once they're big enough to handle. The plastic wrap should be removed and the seedlings transplanted into larger containers. To drain excess moisture, fill each container with potting mixture. You can add more potting mix if necessary. Place the containers outside in direct light or in a sunny area. Mist the plants daily to prevent wilting.
  4. Once the danger of frost is over, cover the plants with a thick mulch layer. This will prevent them from frost damage and help to reduce water loss.
  5. Regularly water the plants. Basil needs regular watering to thrive. Use a rain gauge to check how much water the plants need. You can also use a timer for the irrigation system to be turned off during dry spells.
  6. Make sure to pick basil right when it is at its peak. You can encourage bushier growth by picking the leaves more often.
  7. The leaves can be dried on paper towels or screens. Keep the dried leaves in glass containers or bags in a refrigerator.




 



Medieval Herb Gardens (and Medieval Gardening)