Herb garden plants have different purposes. This have existed since the beginning of civilization. The earliest known record of herbs being used for medicine was in 2200 BC as utilized by the Sumerian herbal concoctions. Since then, more than five hundred species of herbs are currently used around the world.

 

It has also become a well-accepted idea to arrange herb gardens. Some have plenty of plots at their backyard. Some just grow them indoors. It may be different for each herb garden and here are some of the top herb plants.

 

Basil – Ocimum basilicum

 

This is a generally annual, minimally perennial herb that is mostly grown indoors planted in pots. This herb is mostly associated with culinary purposes, especially in pesto dishes due to its strong taste and sweet smell. It has many varieties: annuals – Thai, lemon, holy; and perennials – African Blue and Holy Thai.

 

This herb has been linked with much folklore. It has symbolized different meanings for different cultures. While it is a love symbol for Italy, it signifies extreme dislike in Greece. It also has spiritual importance for several religions. Hindus have the Holy Basil or Tulsi, and as it is very much revered, most Hindu families have this herb at home. Greek, Bulgarian, Serbian and Romanian Orthodox churches use this to prepare holy water.

 

Mint – genus: Mentha

 

This perennial herb has more than twenty species and more than ten hybrids. Its most common species are spearmint, water mint and pennyroyal. Peppermint and ginger mint are its hybrids. Due to its fresh and cool-in-the-mouth taste, this is commonly used in many chewing gums, toothpastes, other breath-freshening product and several drinks, from teas to alcoholic mixes.

 

Its name origin tells of a rather bitter end. When Hades was lusting for the nymph Menthe, Queen Persephone turned her into a small plant.  Meanwhile, some Middle East cultures believe that this can be used to intensify manhood.

 

Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis

 

This is another perennial herb, popularly used in most chicken dishes and Mediterranean cuisine. It has also given way to more than nineteen cultivars, like albus, blue boy and golden rain.

 

This has also been associated with so many legends. Due to its strong smell, people in ancient times have labeled it as the symbol for remembrance. This was also a love charm during Middle Ages weddings. Some believe that having a sprig under one’s pillow will drive bad dreams away. And in the 16^th century, women have displayed rosemary sprigs to symbolize their control of their home gardens and households. However, this seemed degrading to their husbands who then uprooted the rosemary plants so their wives could no longer boast.

 

Parsley – Petroselinum crispum

 

This biennial herb has two types – curly leaf and Italian or flat leaf. The former is popularly used as a topping for pasta dishes. The other is mainly used as seasoning for soups or meat dishes.

 

There are two main beliefs with regard to this herb. The first would be its ability to prevent drunkenness.

 

Indeed, these herb garden plants have become a part of gastronomic experiences and indigenous beliefs as well.

 

 

Tags: herb, herb garden, herb garden plants

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