I'd like to grow some medicinal herbs (from seed). The legal type, of course!
Has anybody got any suggestions for where a complete novice should start? I'd be most interested in herbs useful for mundane things like sore throats, rather than exotic ailments...
I thank you.
(S'funny - I always thought Premtal was male - like an old wizard living in Edinburgh or something. Strange the impression you get of people on the internet.)
Anyway, forget that silly old purslane Wardy! Ever tried Viper's-Bugloss??
This should help you on your way ...
A huge list ...
http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbRemedies.htm
There is a warning on the site ...
QuoteIf you are pregnant, nursing, or attempting to become pregnant, do your homework and be sure you know what you are doing, or don't use herbal remedies. Very little study has been done on pregnancy and herbs.
If you are ill or are already on medications, consult your doctor for contraindications and advice.
Be careful if you have hay fever or are allergic to some plants. Plants have large families, many of which are unrecognizable as parts of those families, except to an experienced herbalist.
Don't give herbal remedies to small babies.
Don't use herbal remedies in excess
and this is the main Herb page
http://www.gardensablaze.com/Herbs.htm
If you want something for sore throats, take up beekeeping. Threre's nothing better than untreated honey and propolis.
As well aws a variety of books i also use http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.html as a historiual reference - the reassuring thing is that most things are still the same. Modern books, or bloody good advice, are still the best though.