Are you going to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (Plant a Herb Pot)
Ranked #15,770 in Home & Garden, #220,065 overall | Donates to Save the Children
Scarborough Fair
"Scarborough Fair" was a traditional English fair, and is a traditional English ballad. During the late Middle Ages the seaside town of Scarborough was an important venue for tradesmen from all over England. The song tells the tale of a young man, who tells the listener to ask his former lover to perform for him a series of impossible tasks, such as making him a shirt without a seam and then washing it in a dry well, adding that if she completes these tasks he will take her back. Often the song is sung as a duet, with the woman then giving her lover a series of equally impossible tasks, promising to give him his seamless shirt once he has finished.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme may also refer to the pagan belief that together these four spices can be a love charm.
The arrangement made famous by Simon & Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" originated in the mid-20th century.
The song is also considered a ballad towards the black plague. With Parsely, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme being four spices used to ward off the smell of the dead or dying. It was popular belief in Medieval times that the smell of the plague(s) was responsible for infecting somebody and that herbs could be used to cleanse air. Additionally, in one of the lines the singer asks for "a cambric shirt... without a seam" or a death cloth to cover the singer once he/she dies.
(Source: Wikipedia)
This Lens is devoted to growing these special herbs PARSLEY, SAGE, ROSEMARY AND THYME and includes information on their place in folklore, as a medicinal aid, a beauty aid and their use in cooking.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme may also refer to the pagan belief that together these four spices can be a love charm.
The arrangement made famous by Simon & Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" originated in the mid-20th century.
The song is also considered a ballad towards the black plague. With Parsely, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme being four spices used to ward off the smell of the dead or dying. It was popular belief in Medieval times that the smell of the plague(s) was responsible for infecting somebody and that herbs could be used to cleanse air. Additionally, in one of the lines the singer asks for "a cambric shirt... without a seam" or a death cloth to cover the singer once he/she dies.
(Source: Wikipedia)
This Lens is devoted to growing these special herbs PARSLEY, SAGE, ROSEMARY AND THYME and includes information on their place in folklore, as a medicinal aid, a beauty aid and their use in cooking.
Simon and Garfunkel
Simon and Garfunkel Classic Music
Parsley Folklore
As parsley takes a long time to germinate, it is said that the devil takes a tithe of all seeds shown, taking them seven times to hell before growing. Other legends state that they should only be planted on Good Friday and that if Parsley grows very well, the wife is master of the house.Other Tales:
It was once believed that only witches and pregnant women could grow this herb--Sow parsley, sow babes, was an old expression. The herb has been associated with witchcraft in England and also with death since ancient times. But more importantly, it is said to provoke lust and love.
Growing Parsley
GROWING INDOORS
Sow February to June in trays, moisten but do not overwater.
Grow in a temperature between 5-21 degrees celsius.
Once seedlings are large enough, thin out into pots and harden off outside when all risk of frost has passed.
Plant into your herb bed or containers outside.
SUMMER SUPPLY
Sow seeds outside in May or June
Soak the seeds first to speed up the germination process
Mix the seeds with a handful of dry sand and plant in drills 6mm deep. Cover with sieved soil, water and cover with polythene.
WINTER SUPPLY
Sow outside in July or August and protect plants with a cloche.
Lift a few seedings and grow them on the kitchen window ledge.
IN THE SECOND YEAR
Remove its flowers as soon as they appear or leaf production will be reduced.
Sow February to June in trays, moisten but do not overwater.
Grow in a temperature between 5-21 degrees celsius.
Once seedlings are large enough, thin out into pots and harden off outside when all risk of frost has passed.
Plant into your herb bed or containers outside.
SUMMER SUPPLY
Sow seeds outside in May or June
Soak the seeds first to speed up the germination process
Mix the seeds with a handful of dry sand and plant in drills 6mm deep. Cover with sieved soil, water and cover with polythene.
WINTER SUPPLY
Sow outside in July or August and protect plants with a cloche.
Lift a few seedings and grow them on the kitchen window ledge.
IN THE SECOND YEAR
Remove its flowers as soon as they appear or leaf production will be reduced.
How to grow Parsley
Culinary Uses of Parsley
Parsley is great for garnishing and seasoning food. It is rich in Iron, calcium and Vitamin A B & C.
Chop fresh green parsley and apply to potatoes, soups and salads.
Parsley can also be used in rice dishes and with fish and meat stews
Dried Parsley can also be used as a tea infusion
HOW TO COOK WITH PARSLEY
Chop fresh green parsley and apply to potatoes, soups and salads.
Parsley can also be used in rice dishes and with fish and meat stews
Dried Parsley can also be used as a tea infusion
HOW TO COOK WITH PARSLEY
Medicinal Uses of Parsley
Parsley is a natural diuretic, encouraging the elimination of water and salt from the body. It is important to note though, that potassium which is neede for optimum heart function may also be lost at the same time, so it is vital that this is replaced by eating foods high in potassium, such as bananas or potatoes when using parsley as a diuretic.
* Crushed parsley leaves and seeds can be used to soothe and disinfect insect stings, bruises and wounds in general.
* High in Vitamin C
* Drink parsley tea to help combat flatulence, kidney and bladder infections.
* You can also drink parsley tea to help relieve painful menstruation and cystitis.
* Parsley is also a valuable addition to the diet of diabetics, although you should not drink parsley tea for more than 5 days consecutively.
* As parsley has a strong iron content, it is ideal to be taken as an additional supplement if you suffer from anaemia. In this regard parsley can also be taken if you are suffering from rickets, jaundice and arthritis.
* Parsley can be given as a supplement to anyone suffering from a lack of appetite as it acts as a stimulant.
* Some people are also finding parsley tea relieves some of their rheumatic pain.
* Breastfeeding mothers may find relief of sore breasts by applying crushed parsley leaves.
Please note - it is not recommended that the parsley seeds be taken internally.
NOT RECOMMENDED DURING PREGNANCy
PARSLEY OIL MAY CAUSE AN ALLERGIC REACTION WITH SENSITIVE SKIN
Please consult your doctor or homeopath before attempting any home remedies.
* Crushed parsley leaves and seeds can be used to soothe and disinfect insect stings, bruises and wounds in general.
* High in Vitamin C
* Drink parsley tea to help combat flatulence, kidney and bladder infections.
* You can also drink parsley tea to help relieve painful menstruation and cystitis.
* Parsley is also a valuable addition to the diet of diabetics, although you should not drink parsley tea for more than 5 days consecutively.
* As parsley has a strong iron content, it is ideal to be taken as an additional supplement if you suffer from anaemia. In this regard parsley can also be taken if you are suffering from rickets, jaundice and arthritis.
* Parsley can be given as a supplement to anyone suffering from a lack of appetite as it acts as a stimulant.
* Some people are also finding parsley tea relieves some of their rheumatic pain.
* Breastfeeding mothers may find relief of sore breasts by applying crushed parsley leaves.
Please note - it is not recommended that the parsley seeds be taken internally.
NOT RECOMMENDED DURING PREGNANCy
PARSLEY OIL MAY CAUSE AN ALLERGIC REACTION WITH SENSITIVE SKIN
Please consult your doctor or homeopath before attempting any home remedies.
Parsley as a beauty aid
The ancient romans were know to chew on parsley to cleanse their breath
Good Breath - Parsley Seed/Sunflower Seed Oils - 60 Gelcaps
Amazon Price: $4.22 (as of 06/03/2012)
Parsley Bath for water retention
Using essential oils of herbs that have been distilled from seeds, to a warm bath add:* 2 drops of parsley
* 3 drops of geranium
* 3 drops of fennel
THEN SOAK AND ENJOY
Parsley products
Parsley Italiano Art Print
Growing Sage
Sage is a short lived shrub, growing to about 2 ft in height.
Although Sage can be grown from seeds, it is best raised from cuttings.
Grow in full sun and trim in the spring to keep the plant dense and bushy.
Do not cut back the old wood but snip the plant back 5-7.5cm of it.
Take 7.5-10cm cuttings in June or July and root them in gritty compost in a cold frame.
Pot up cuttings before September and plant out in spring.
Although Sage can be grown from seeds, it is best raised from cuttings.
Grow in full sun and trim in the spring to keep the plant dense and bushy.
Do not cut back the old wood but snip the plant back 5-7.5cm of it.
Take 7.5-10cm cuttings in June or July and root them in gritty compost in a cold frame.
Pot up cuttings before September and plant out in spring.
How to grow Sage
powered by Youtube
Sage Folklore
Hence the country saying 'He that would live for aye, must eat sage in May'
Sage symbolizes domestic virtue, wisdom, skill, esteem, long life, good health, mitigates grief, and increases psychic powers.
Sage will also grow well or fail depending on whether the household's business prospers or fails.
Other Tales:
Sage was once used to help childless couples conceive, and is associated with wisdom and longevity in plant lore. It was also used magically to honor weddings and to ensure domestic harmony.
Culinary Uses of Sage
Sage contains natural estrogens and is used in cooking for seasoning.
Sage is best with poultry, lamb and vegetables.
Mixed with soft cheese it makes a wonderful flavouring.
COOKING WITH SAGE
Sage is best with poultry, lamb and vegetables.
Mixed with soft cheese it makes a wonderful flavouring.
COOKING WITH SAGE
Medicinal Uses of Sage
Sage herb is supposedly beneficial for its astringent, stimulant, nervine, diuretic, expectorant, memory boosting, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant effects.Sage tea can be made by pouring boiling water onto a teaspoon of dried leaves or a desertspoonful of fresh leaves. The tea can aid digestion, calm indigestion and can be used as a gargle to ease sore throats
Other conditions that are reputed benefits of drinking sage tea:
Depression
Post viral fatigue
Anxiety and confusion in the elderly
Excessive sweating
Recurrent coughs and allergies
Hot flushes
Menstrual cramps
Sore throats, laryngitis, tonsillitis, mouth ulcers and tender gums.
More information can be found at HOLISTIC USES
PLEASE NOTE IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED THAT YOU USE SAGE IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO ASPIRIN
Sage and Vinegar Poultice
A warm poultice can be made from sage leaves and cider vinegar for the relief of bruises, swellings and stings.Method:
Bruise a handful of sage leaves by flattening them. Simmer in a pan with cider vinegar until the leaves are soft. Wrap the leaves in a cloth and apply WARM not hot to the affected area until relief is felt.
Always seek medical advice for chronic complaints and
AVOID USING SAGE IF ALLERGIC TO ASPIRIN!
Sage as a beauty aid
* Rubbing sage leaves on the teeth can whiten them by removing stains.
* Sage can be used as a hair conditioner to prevent greying
* Added to facial tonics, the astringent quality of sage can help tone the skin
* As an oil, sage can help with dry skin conditions
NOTE: DO NOT USE SAGE OIL IF PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING
* Sage can be used as a hair conditioner to prevent greying
* Added to facial tonics, the astringent quality of sage can help tone the skin
* As an oil, sage can help with dry skin conditions
NOTE: DO NOT USE SAGE OIL IF PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING
Sage Oil
NOW Foods Sage Oil, 1 ounce
Amazon Price: $6.47 (as of 06/03/2012)
SAGE PRODUCTS
Vintage Herbs, Sage
Growing Rosemary
Rosemary makes an attractive hedge. It has fragrant evergreen foliage with blue flowers in spring and summer.It grows best in full sun in chalky, dry soil.
Rosemary seeds are difficult to germinate, so it is better to start from a nursery grown plant.
Indoors - Rosemary can be grown in containers where they are protected from the cold winter, but repot once a year.
How to grow Rosemary
powered by Youtube
Rosemary Folklore
Rosemary is for remembrance. From ancient times, rosemary was was associated with death and was thought to assist with the entrance of the deceased into the land of the dead
Carrying on with the remembrance theme, rosemary had many associations with weddings and love. Several centuries ago both bride and groom would carry rosemary to the wedding ceremony. It would be woven into the bride's bouquet or head-wreath.
In the 14th century people's belief in the powers of rosemary to ward of bad things was so great that they placed on the door of a house, to prevent them from catching the black plague
FOR MORE FASCINATING TALES - GO HERE
Carrying on with the remembrance theme, rosemary had many associations with weddings and love. Several centuries ago both bride and groom would carry rosemary to the wedding ceremony. It would be woven into the bride's bouquet or head-wreath.
In the 14th century people's belief in the powers of rosemary to ward of bad things was so great that they placed on the door of a house, to prevent them from catching the black plague
FOR MORE FASCINATING TALES - GO HERE
Culinary uses of Rosemary
Rosemary pairs itself nicely with poultry dishes. Ideas include adding fresh rosemary to baked chicken or turkey, either in whole portions or in cut up pieces. Add rosemary to the pan, sprinkle on top or slip the herb under the skin to flavor the meat. Rosemary is also added to many poultry stuffing recipes, in both the dried and fresh forms.MORE INFORMATION
Medicinal Uses of Rosemary
use as a tonic, a digestive aid, to treat depression, headaches, and muscle spasms, and as an expectorant, promoter of menstrual flow, and stimulant for production of bile. Externally, its oil made into an ointment has been said to treat rheumatism, sores, eczema, bruises, and wounds. Rosemary taken internally as a medicine can be an irritant to the stomach, intestines, and kidneys, so use it sparingly.
SOURCE
SOURCE
ROSEMARY PLANTS AND SEEDS
Vintage Herbs, Rosemary Art Print
The Herb Quarterly Magazine
CELEBRATING ITS 30TH YEAR IN PUBLICATION! The Herb Quarterly brings readers the joy of herbs with each new season. Each issue introduces new herbs, provides tips on hard to grow varieties and brings you the latest info on medicinal herbs and remedies. Founded in 1978 and published four times a year, The Herb Quarterly brings readers the joy of herbs with each new season. Each issue introduces readers to new herbs and fascinating herbal lore; provides tips on hard to grow varieties and medicinal; showcases gardens from around the world; and tempts the palate with seasonal menus and tantalizing recipes built around herbs and edible flowers.
Herb Quarterly (1-year auto-renewal)
Amazon Price: $19.97 (as of 06/03/2012)
Growing Thyme
Thyme grows in well drained poor soil, in full sun.
It is an evergreen herb, which can be hung up to dry just before the flower buds open in summer.
GROWING INDOORS
Sow February to June in trays, moisten but do not overwater.
Grow in a temperature between 5-21 degrees celsius.
Once seedlings are large enough, thin out into pots and harden off outside when all risk of frost has passed.
Plant into your herb bed or containers outside.
SUMMER SUPPLY
Sow seeds outside in May or June
Soak the seeds first to speed up the germination process
Mix the seeds with a handful of dry sand and plant in drills 6mm deep. Cover with sieved soil, water and cover with polythene.
WINTER SUPPLY
Sow outside in July or August and protect plants with a cloche.
Lift a few seedings and grow them on the kitchen window ledge.
It is an evergreen herb, which can be hung up to dry just before the flower buds open in summer.
GROWING INDOORS
Sow February to June in trays, moisten but do not overwater.
Grow in a temperature between 5-21 degrees celsius.
Once seedlings are large enough, thin out into pots and harden off outside when all risk of frost has passed.
Plant into your herb bed or containers outside.
SUMMER SUPPLY
Sow seeds outside in May or June
Soak the seeds first to speed up the germination process
Mix the seeds with a handful of dry sand and plant in drills 6mm deep. Cover with sieved soil, water and cover with polythene.
WINTER SUPPLY
Sow outside in July or August and protect plants with a cloche.
Lift a few seedings and grow them on the kitchen window ledge.
HOW TO GROW THYME
powered by Youtube
Thyme Folklore
The Elizabethan herbalist John Gerard claims that ' it helpeth against the bitings of of any venomous beast, either taken in drink or outwardly applied'.
Banks of wild Thyme were the abode of fairies and that is why country folk would not bring the plant into their homes.
Women would give knights and warriors sprigs of thyme for courage in battle.
FROM THYME FOLKLORE
The name Thyme is derived from from the Latin thymus, which goes back to Greek thymós "spirit", originally meaning "smoke".
The name thyme, has also been attributed to Theophrastus, the Third Century B.C. philosopher and naturalist, though it was well known and well used prior to his naming it. Thyme has been given several beneficial properties by the Greeks which include its use to restore strength and clarity to the mind, and its ability to clear the air of illnesses and diseases.
Thyme was burned as a religious incense, and also to give courage in difficult circumstances. It was one of the chief ingredients in ritual altar fires, purifying the animal sacrifices to make them acceptable to the gods, and also to season them.
Thyme was also used to mark the key human events - at funerals, placed in the coffins of the dead. It was thought that the souls of the dead took up residence in the flowers of the thyme plant
Banks of wild Thyme were the abode of fairies and that is why country folk would not bring the plant into their homes.
Women would give knights and warriors sprigs of thyme for courage in battle.
FROM THYME FOLKLORE
The name Thyme is derived from from the Latin thymus, which goes back to Greek thymós "spirit", originally meaning "smoke".
The name thyme, has also been attributed to Theophrastus, the Third Century B.C. philosopher and naturalist, though it was well known and well used prior to his naming it. Thyme has been given several beneficial properties by the Greeks which include its use to restore strength and clarity to the mind, and its ability to clear the air of illnesses and diseases.
Thyme was burned as a religious incense, and also to give courage in difficult circumstances. It was one of the chief ingredients in ritual altar fires, purifying the animal sacrifices to make them acceptable to the gods, and also to season them.
Thyme was also used to mark the key human events - at funerals, placed in the coffins of the dead. It was thought that the souls of the dead took up residence in the flowers of the thyme plant
Medicinal uses of Thyme
Thyme has antiseptic properties, and can be used as a mouthwash, skin cleanser, anti-fungal agent for athlete's foot and as an anti-parasitic for lice, scabies, and crabs. For skin inflammations and sores, make a poultice by mashing the leaves into a paste.THYMUS VULGARIS
Culinary Uses of Thyme
You will find thyme a welcome flavor in salads, soups, chowders, sauces, breads, vegetable and meat dishes, and even jellies and desserts.
COOKING RECIPES
COOKING RECIPES
Thyme Seeds
Thyme Products
Thyme Art Print
Herb Gift Basket
Herb Garden in Decorative Gift Basket - Edible Herbs - Green Gift that Ships Via 2-Day Air!
Amazon Price: $45.95 (as of 06/03/2012)
Fun Animal Planters
Perfect for your Herbs
GO HERE
Healthy Herbs
Healthy Herbs: Your Everyday Guide to Medicinal Herbs and Their Use
Amazon Price: $11.95 (as of 06/03/2012)
Master herbalist Linda Woolven and Natural Path publisher Ted Snider have assembled a completely up-to-date guide to medicinal herbs that is comprehensive and immensely practical. Healthy Herbs brings a refreshing simplicity to an enormous body of medicinal herbal knowledge. The book identifies which herb is best for what condition while providing:
Clear instruction on the safe and effective use of each herb
Only herbs that are readily available in North America
Up-to-date information on herbal science in straightforward, jargon-free language
Authoritative home-use instruction
Teas, tinctures, infusions, decoctions, pills, and liquids
Growing herbs
- Herbs - The natural alternative
- Over 100 pages of factual, fresh content - compiled into an informative and valuable reference for all those who want the very best and safest remedies for themselves and their families.
- Healthy happy herbs
- For a lot of beginners, caring for an herb garden can be an intimidating prospect. It was like that for me, too, when I first considered herb gardening. I didn't think of myself as particularly having a green thumb, and it was an exciting and anxious time for me during my first few years.
- Herb Academy
- Studying herbs can be a challenge. Especially when required to do so on your own. Our ever expanding collection of distance learning courses and e-learning programs presents you with the best practical ways to make herbs work in your life..
We currently feature 6 different online courses ranging between 4 and 26 weeks in duration and most only require 2 to 4 hours per week to complete. And because your study material is delivered via the internet these courses are extremely affordable. - Organic Vegetable Gardening
- Are you an experienced gardener who wants to start putting some organic methods into practice?
HERBS IN PRINT
Herb garden 2012 calendars
News from Amateur Gardener Weekly
Parsley the friendly lion
Parsley the Lion is a favourite old British Childrens programme - Enjoy him
powered by Youtube
My Lenses
Lens Love Widget
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
New Guestbook
-
-
MrsPotts
Jan 30, 2012 @ 6:39 pm | delete
- Terrific! I particularly like the history given for each herb. Hope you'll be adding more! :-)
-
-
-
WriterBuzz
Nov 3, 2010 @ 3:05 am | delete
- Nice lens. I gave you a thumbs up, and hope that you continue to build lenses. I just made one Migraine Headaches that might interest you. Leave me a comment if you surf on by....
-
-
-
WordCustard
Jun 15, 2010 @ 7:46 am | delete
- This is very nicely done and full of interesting information too! I think a lot of people are starting to grow their own herbs and also to consider natural alternatives in medicine.
-
-
-
GonnaFly
May 11, 2010 @ 2:56 am | delete
- Great lens. I'm going to have to come back and explore some more! 5*
-
by jmurphy
I am British,living in Lancashire, England. I work in Education,supporting students with their studies and love gardening, arts and crafts, psychology,... more »
- 37 featured lenses
- Winner of 11 trophies!
- Top lens » FREE gardening ebooks to download now
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- 10 reasons to grow herbs 10 reasons to grow herbs
- How to grow and use fresh herbs from your herb garden How to grow and use fresh herbs from your herb garden
- Remember Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme? Remember Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme?
- Rosemary - Cultivation and Medicinal Uses Rosemary - Cultivation and Medicinal Uses
- Ways To Help Your Herbs Stay Fresher Longer Ways To Help Your Herbs Stay Fresher Longer
- The Best Herb tips on Squidoo The Best Herb tips on Squidoo
