Parsely, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme

Parsely

Often used as garnishing as well as to flavour soups, stews and stocks, parsely leaves can be dried for making 'Parsely Tea'. Infuse 1/2 teaspoons of the parsely leaves or even its roots in a cup of near-boiling water and let it stand for about 10 minute in the covered cup. Parsely tea may help to flush out harmful toxins from the body and also in reduce flatulance problem. Can be use as a poultice - apply pounded parsley leaves on insect bites and stings to lessen its poison/pain.

Parsely grows well in most soils, must be well-drained in full sunlight or partly shaded.

Sage

Sage - its texture, colour and fragrane plus its many uses in the kitchen has become popular in "Kitchen Garden" - edible landscape , easy to grow . Sage also has medicinal properties, can be used as antiseptic and antifungal. To use sage as a tea drink or as a gargle, take 2to4 tablespoons of fresh leaves or 2 teaspoons of dried leaves in a cup of hot water. Care must be taken not to take too much for too long period because itc an cause rapid heartbeat, dizziness as it contains ' tactrine' which can cause pososibility of ulcer and liver problems.

Sage can be grown outdoors, in pots as well as hydroponic and need full sunlight.

Thyme
Thyme - Thymus vulgaris, is an aromatic herb that can be easily potted and placed on the kitchen sill/window ledge. It grows well in dry, sunny condition and lean soil because too much water can rot the plants. Can be grown from seed but growing from cuttings is much easier.

Thyme also has antiseptic an preservative properties. Thyme tea often used as a mouthwash to treat a sore throat or infected gum. Can also be used in perfumes making.


Rosemary - its Latin name , Rosemarinus officinalis - means "dew of the sea" is greatly used in the Mediterranean cooking/seasoning such as pastas, pizzas , soups and salads. A beautiful ornamental potted plant emits sweet fragrance , both leaves and the flowers can be eaten. Rosemary flowers come in shades of blue, pink and white. Can be used as an antiseptic and breath freshner. Its fragrance is said to have calming effects on the nerves. Rosemary tea is said to counter poor circulation, fights rheumatism, headaches and fever.

Can be grown from either seedlings and cuttings, which is much easier. It needs enough sun, good drainage and good air circulation.

Rosemary & Thyme

There is an English album in the 1960s titled ' Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme' by Simon & Garfunkel