10 Zi'da 716
Tei'serin walked over to her book shelf, and selected two books she wanted to study; Local Herbs and their Uses; Ne'haer Region, and Herbs of the Western Region. Come Ashan, she really wanted to get an herb garden started since it would make her work easier if she had several of the herbs she needed most often readily at hand rather than having to go hunt for them when her supplies ran low. For that, she needed to know which herbs would flourish in a garden, and which did better in the wild. She also needed to know which herbs could be grown together, and which would need to be planted in separate gardens. And although she wouldn't be able to do much in the way of starting her herb garden until it got warmer, she wanted to do the research she needed to do now. In doing so, she would be able to plan things out so that she'd be ready to plant her garden when the time came.
Once she had the books she needed, she settled herself at her desk where she could take notes as needed. She made herself comfortable, then began to read.
There are many different kinds of mint. Many varieties have a variety of medicinal properties. Others can be used as flavoring while cooking. Mint can be found just about anywhere in the world, and it grows throughout the arc, except for Cylus.
This sounds promising. Tei'serin mused.
Mint is a very versatile herb that can be found easily in the wild, but it can also be grown in one's garden. It is an easy herb to take care of, as it will flourish just about anywhere with very little care. People who wish to grow mint in their gardens should be aware that it can be a very aggressive plant. Unless kept carefully in check, it will take over the entire garden, and can spread out to the rest of your yard as well. In order to keep this plant in check, it it best to plant mint in pots that have no bottoms, and then plant the mint in the garden, pot and all. This will keep the roots growing down rather than spreading out throughout the entire garden. But the best way of all to keep mint from growing out of control is to keep the plants in separate pots instead of planting them in the garden itself.
Some types of mint can be grown from seeds, but others cannot, due to the fact that some mint varieties are sterile. Even with the types that can be grown from seeds, this is the most unreliable means of growing mint. The seeds are highly variable, so it is entirely possible that the type of mint you end up with will not be the type you wanted to grow. As a result, it is far better to grow mint from cuttings, or to find some mint growing in the wild and transplant it into your garden.
If you choose to transplant mint found in the wild, you must dig the herb up carefully so that you do not destroy its roots. Mint grows close to the surface, so you will not have to dig very deep to get all of the roots. Some of the soil the plant was growing in should be left attached to the roots. The transplanted plants should then be planted about a foot apart in an area that is partially shaded. Then water them thoroughly. and keep the soil moist; mint usually prefers damp areas, and won't produce strongly scented leaves if grown in dry soil.
To grow mint from a cutting, you must detach a three inch long piece of stem from a parent plant. The leaves from the lowermost inch or so of the slip must then be removed before it is placed into a cup of water and placed on a window ledge. The cutting will start to grow roots of its own. After about a week, the roots will be half an inch long, and the plant will then be ready to go into the ground.
Tei'serin liked the idea of growing herbs that she could harvest for most of the arc. She also liked the idea of an herb that was easy to care for. Since this would be her first herb garden, she didn't think that she would be able to manage herbs that were difficult to grow. She jotted down a few notes about needing to use cuttings, or find some wild mint to transplant when it came time to begin her garden. It was interesting to learn that some varieties of mint were sterile, and couldn't be grown from seeds. But she supposed that those types of mint could still thrive if they were aggressive enough. It might be possible for such a plant to take over an abandoned garden, and spread from there over time.
All varieties of mint thrive near pools of water, lakes, rivers, and cool moist spots in partial shade. But mints are a hearty breed. They can tolerate a wide range of conditions, so they can also be grown in full sun. Just as mint grows all arc round, the harvesting of mint leaves can be done at any time, as well. Fresh leaves should be used immediately. Dried leaves should be stored in an airtight container placed in a cool, dark, dry area.
If mint likes partial shade, then the spot I had in mind for my herb garden will be perfect for it. she thought.
She had selected a spot along the wall of her cottage. It was far enough from her orchards and fields that the herbs wouldn't interfere with her crops, or vice versa. It got plenty of sun in the morning, but as the sun moved through the sky, the cottage would offer shade during the afternoon.
All of the different types of mint share one primary characteristic; they all have broad, green leaves that release a strong minty scent when bruised. Different types of mint can taste different, and have different uses. Mint grows all arc round, unlike many other plants.
Tei'serin jotted a few more notes down. She wondered why the book was so insistent on the fact that mint grew throughout the entire arc. This was the second time that fact had been mentioned. But since most plants only grew during the warmer seasons, perhaps it was unusual enough to be worth empathizing the fact.
Mint has a wide variety of uses. It is edible, and different types of mint can be used in different foods. Teas, and baked goods are some of the most common uses for mint in cooking, but it can also be used in sauces, and many other things. It is a medicinal herb that can treat a number of ailments that vary from one type to another. Mint can be used to freshen one's breath simply by chewing on a few leaves. A pouch of dried mint leaves can give clothes a pleasant scent if kept among them. Growing mint will attract beneficial insects such as honeybees and hoverflies because it is rich in nectar and pollen. At the same time, it will repel ants and flies. Mint has a cooling sensation when applied to the skin, so it can be used to relieve some minor forms of pain. This can be done by rubbing crushed mint leaves on the affected area, or applying a salve.
I definitely need to plant some kind of mint, then. Not only can it be used for a whole bunch of things, it will attract benificial insects to my garden, and repel ones that I don't want around. For that reason alone, it would be worth it to plant some mint. Tei'serin decided.
The rest of the section on mint discussed different kinds of mint, and their uses. Tei'serin took careful notes on the ones that interested her the most.
Peppermint is possibly the most well known variety. It is a hearty herb that gives off a minty smell when you rub its leaves. When dried, the leaves can be made into a tea, but it can also be used fresh when cooking. Both forms are good for soothing an upset stomach, freshening breath, and relieving cold symptoms.
Spearmint is another common variety of mint. It tastes great when added to salads, and can be used as a remedy for nausea.
Catnip, or catmint is particularly appealing to cats, who love to roll in its leaves. Under the influence of catnip, cats will often act as though they are drunk, something that many cat owners find amusing to watch. It can be used as either a tea, or a salve to treat a variety of conditions such as dandruff, hemorrhoids, fever, headaches, diarrhea, insect bites, and anxiety.
Lemon mint, or bergamot has a lemon odor when crushed. It is sometimes used to make a tea similar to lemonade. A tea made from either fresh or dried leaves can help with stomach aches, nausea, parasites and other digestive disorders, fevers, and headaches. But like other varieties of mint, it should not used by pregnant women because large doses of the herb can cause a miscarriage.
Lemon balm can be used to treat colds, the flu, and insomnia. It can also be used to ease some allergies. When used in cooking, it can be used as a garnish for drinks and tangy dishes to add a delicate lemon flavor. It is especially good when used with fish.
Applemint, or wooly mint is known for its bright green, fuzzy leaves. It gives off an invigorating apple scent that makes it ideal for flavoring teas, jellies and sauces. Thee are especially good when used with poultry or meat dishes. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads, or cooked as a potherb. The medicinal uses for this herb include treating upset stomachs, fevers, and insect bites.
Chocolate mint looks different from other varieties in that it has a purple stem. It tastes and smells like chocolate. It can be used fresh or dried in teas, baked goods, and as a topping on fresh fruit.
Pineapple mint has creased leaves, and the edges are the color of cream. It is one of the more attractive looking types of mint, and it has a fruity scent. This herb can be used either fresh or dried to add sweetness to teas and baked goods.
Ginger mint is very easy to grow, and smells like spearmint. Its leaves are veined with yellow, giving it a distinct look. Ginger mint has antiseptic properties, and is used to treat stomach problems. It can also be used to repel rats and other rodents.
Curly mint is known for it's unique fluted, curled leaves. It can be used as a garnish, or to add mint flavor to both hot and cold drinks, jams, jellies, sauces, and candy.
Water mint is a strongly scented herb that smells similar to peppermint. It requires a lot of moisture in order to thrive, and is known for its sphere shaped lavender flowers. Water mint leaves can be dried and used in teas that will help with digestive problems, fevers, and headaches. It can also be used as a gargle to ease sore throats. When fresh, it can be used in salads.
Wild mint is also known as field mint, or corn mint. It can be found growing in gardens, along streams, ditches, and riverbanks, as well as in fields and meadows. It is a useful plant that can be used to help repel rodents, and insects. Dried or fresh, the leaves can be used in herbal teas, and a variety of foods. This herb can be used to treat a number of conditions, including fevers, flu, pneumonia, headaches, heart issues, colds, and diarrhea.
Pennyroyal is an herb that does best in full sun, and well drained soil. It can be good for women's issues, and digestion, but it should never be used by pregnant women as too much of it can cause a miscarriage. The herb can also be used to help prevent fleas and ticks on pets, but it should never be used on cats.
Horse mint enjoys sunny areas and damp soil. It is known for its serrated leaves. The leaves can be used when fresh or dried, in teas and salads. The essential oil made from this herb can be used to add a peppermint flavor to recipes. The herb is used to treat digestive issues, and has strong antiseptic properties.
Corsican mint grows as a beautiful bright green, moss like, ground cover with tiny light purple flowers. It prefers moist soil and shady areas. The herb has an especially strong scent and taste and is known for its use in creme de menthe and other liqueurs. A tea can be made from the dried leaves of this plant that will treat digestive illness, headaches, and fever.
Of the different kinds of mint Tei'serin saw mentioned, it sounded as if wild mint was the one she would be most likely to find growing in the wild. But several of the others looked interesting too, and she decided that she would have to see if she could find a way to buy cuttings of the ones she wanted to grow.
It was still early, so Tei'serin decided to do a little more reading before it was time to get to work.
Plantain is a very common herb that be found growing just about anywhere, including places where there is very little light. It is is a clumped perennial herb which grows to roughly about 10cm in height.
Tei'serin studied the pictures of plantain plants in the book. She was certain that she had seen them before in her farm.
Plantain is edible. Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads, but as the leaves age, they become stringy and tough. They can, however, be cooked when this happens. This herb has several medical uses as well. The leaves, and the juice can be used as topical substances in poultices and lotions for treating sunburns, stings, insect bites, snakebites, poison ivy breakouts, rashes, burns, blisters, and cuts. When heated and applied topically to swollen joints, sore muscles, sprains, and sore feet, this herb can ease the pain caused by these ailments. And when drunk as a tea, it can help ease treating sore throats, and coughs, or be swished around the mouth to help with mouth sores.
Plantain is good for easing swelling when made into a poultice. This can be used on people, and animals alike. The roots can be used to relieve toothaches, and headaches, as well as healing poor gums. Plantain seeds are very rich in fiber, so they can be used as a natural laxative if someone is constipated. And teas made from the plant, can be used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal worms, and bleeding mucous membranes.
So plantain looks like another herb that can be used both for medicinal purposes, and as a source of food. Tei'serin mused.
She really liked the idea of making the most of the space she had by growing herbs that could be used for a lot of different things. Tei'serin also wanted to grow some flowers. They would be a pretty addition to the garden she wanted to have, and their scent would freshen up the cottage nicely. Perhaps there were herbs that produced pretty flowers that she could grow. That way, the flowers would be useful as well as beautiful.
But researching herbs that produced flowers would have to wait. She wanted to see if she was right about having seen plantain growing in her yard. With that thought in mind, Tei'serin gathered up her herbalist kit, and headed outside.
Tei'serin walked over to her book shelf, and selected two books she wanted to study; Local Herbs and their Uses; Ne'haer Region, and Herbs of the Western Region. Come Ashan, she really wanted to get an herb garden started since it would make her work easier if she had several of the herbs she needed most often readily at hand rather than having to go hunt for them when her supplies ran low. For that, she needed to know which herbs would flourish in a garden, and which did better in the wild. She also needed to know which herbs could be grown together, and which would need to be planted in separate gardens. And although she wouldn't be able to do much in the way of starting her herb garden until it got warmer, she wanted to do the research she needed to do now. In doing so, she would be able to plan things out so that she'd be ready to plant her garden when the time came.
Once she had the books she needed, she settled herself at her desk where she could take notes as needed. She made herself comfortable, then began to read.
There are many different kinds of mint. Many varieties have a variety of medicinal properties. Others can be used as flavoring while cooking. Mint can be found just about anywhere in the world, and it grows throughout the arc, except for Cylus.
This sounds promising. Tei'serin mused.
Mint is a very versatile herb that can be found easily in the wild, but it can also be grown in one's garden. It is an easy herb to take care of, as it will flourish just about anywhere with very little care. People who wish to grow mint in their gardens should be aware that it can be a very aggressive plant. Unless kept carefully in check, it will take over the entire garden, and can spread out to the rest of your yard as well. In order to keep this plant in check, it it best to plant mint in pots that have no bottoms, and then plant the mint in the garden, pot and all. This will keep the roots growing down rather than spreading out throughout the entire garden. But the best way of all to keep mint from growing out of control is to keep the plants in separate pots instead of planting them in the garden itself.
Some types of mint can be grown from seeds, but others cannot, due to the fact that some mint varieties are sterile. Even with the types that can be grown from seeds, this is the most unreliable means of growing mint. The seeds are highly variable, so it is entirely possible that the type of mint you end up with will not be the type you wanted to grow. As a result, it is far better to grow mint from cuttings, or to find some mint growing in the wild and transplant it into your garden.
If you choose to transplant mint found in the wild, you must dig the herb up carefully so that you do not destroy its roots. Mint grows close to the surface, so you will not have to dig very deep to get all of the roots. Some of the soil the plant was growing in should be left attached to the roots. The transplanted plants should then be planted about a foot apart in an area that is partially shaded. Then water them thoroughly. and keep the soil moist; mint usually prefers damp areas, and won't produce strongly scented leaves if grown in dry soil.
To grow mint from a cutting, you must detach a three inch long piece of stem from a parent plant. The leaves from the lowermost inch or so of the slip must then be removed before it is placed into a cup of water and placed on a window ledge. The cutting will start to grow roots of its own. After about a week, the roots will be half an inch long, and the plant will then be ready to go into the ground.
Tei'serin liked the idea of growing herbs that she could harvest for most of the arc. She also liked the idea of an herb that was easy to care for. Since this would be her first herb garden, she didn't think that she would be able to manage herbs that were difficult to grow. She jotted down a few notes about needing to use cuttings, or find some wild mint to transplant when it came time to begin her garden. It was interesting to learn that some varieties of mint were sterile, and couldn't be grown from seeds. But she supposed that those types of mint could still thrive if they were aggressive enough. It might be possible for such a plant to take over an abandoned garden, and spread from there over time.
All varieties of mint thrive near pools of water, lakes, rivers, and cool moist spots in partial shade. But mints are a hearty breed. They can tolerate a wide range of conditions, so they can also be grown in full sun. Just as mint grows all arc round, the harvesting of mint leaves can be done at any time, as well. Fresh leaves should be used immediately. Dried leaves should be stored in an airtight container placed in a cool, dark, dry area.
If mint likes partial shade, then the spot I had in mind for my herb garden will be perfect for it. she thought.
She had selected a spot along the wall of her cottage. It was far enough from her orchards and fields that the herbs wouldn't interfere with her crops, or vice versa. It got plenty of sun in the morning, but as the sun moved through the sky, the cottage would offer shade during the afternoon.
All of the different types of mint share one primary characteristic; they all have broad, green leaves that release a strong minty scent when bruised. Different types of mint can taste different, and have different uses. Mint grows all arc round, unlike many other plants.
Tei'serin jotted a few more notes down. She wondered why the book was so insistent on the fact that mint grew throughout the entire arc. This was the second time that fact had been mentioned. But since most plants only grew during the warmer seasons, perhaps it was unusual enough to be worth empathizing the fact.
Mint has a wide variety of uses. It is edible, and different types of mint can be used in different foods. Teas, and baked goods are some of the most common uses for mint in cooking, but it can also be used in sauces, and many other things. It is a medicinal herb that can treat a number of ailments that vary from one type to another. Mint can be used to freshen one's breath simply by chewing on a few leaves. A pouch of dried mint leaves can give clothes a pleasant scent if kept among them. Growing mint will attract beneficial insects such as honeybees and hoverflies because it is rich in nectar and pollen. At the same time, it will repel ants and flies. Mint has a cooling sensation when applied to the skin, so it can be used to relieve some minor forms of pain. This can be done by rubbing crushed mint leaves on the affected area, or applying a salve.
I definitely need to plant some kind of mint, then. Not only can it be used for a whole bunch of things, it will attract benificial insects to my garden, and repel ones that I don't want around. For that reason alone, it would be worth it to plant some mint. Tei'serin decided.
The rest of the section on mint discussed different kinds of mint, and their uses. Tei'serin took careful notes on the ones that interested her the most.
Peppermint is possibly the most well known variety. It is a hearty herb that gives off a minty smell when you rub its leaves. When dried, the leaves can be made into a tea, but it can also be used fresh when cooking. Both forms are good for soothing an upset stomach, freshening breath, and relieving cold symptoms.
Spearmint is another common variety of mint. It tastes great when added to salads, and can be used as a remedy for nausea.
Catnip, or catmint is particularly appealing to cats, who love to roll in its leaves. Under the influence of catnip, cats will often act as though they are drunk, something that many cat owners find amusing to watch. It can be used as either a tea, or a salve to treat a variety of conditions such as dandruff, hemorrhoids, fever, headaches, diarrhea, insect bites, and anxiety.
Lemon mint, or bergamot has a lemon odor when crushed. It is sometimes used to make a tea similar to lemonade. A tea made from either fresh or dried leaves can help with stomach aches, nausea, parasites and other digestive disorders, fevers, and headaches. But like other varieties of mint, it should not used by pregnant women because large doses of the herb can cause a miscarriage.
Lemon balm can be used to treat colds, the flu, and insomnia. It can also be used to ease some allergies. When used in cooking, it can be used as a garnish for drinks and tangy dishes to add a delicate lemon flavor. It is especially good when used with fish.
Applemint, or wooly mint is known for its bright green, fuzzy leaves. It gives off an invigorating apple scent that makes it ideal for flavoring teas, jellies and sauces. Thee are especially good when used with poultry or meat dishes. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads, or cooked as a potherb. The medicinal uses for this herb include treating upset stomachs, fevers, and insect bites.
Chocolate mint looks different from other varieties in that it has a purple stem. It tastes and smells like chocolate. It can be used fresh or dried in teas, baked goods, and as a topping on fresh fruit.
Pineapple mint has creased leaves, and the edges are the color of cream. It is one of the more attractive looking types of mint, and it has a fruity scent. This herb can be used either fresh or dried to add sweetness to teas and baked goods.
Ginger mint is very easy to grow, and smells like spearmint. Its leaves are veined with yellow, giving it a distinct look. Ginger mint has antiseptic properties, and is used to treat stomach problems. It can also be used to repel rats and other rodents.
Curly mint is known for it's unique fluted, curled leaves. It can be used as a garnish, or to add mint flavor to both hot and cold drinks, jams, jellies, sauces, and candy.
Water mint is a strongly scented herb that smells similar to peppermint. It requires a lot of moisture in order to thrive, and is known for its sphere shaped lavender flowers. Water mint leaves can be dried and used in teas that will help with digestive problems, fevers, and headaches. It can also be used as a gargle to ease sore throats. When fresh, it can be used in salads.
Wild mint is also known as field mint, or corn mint. It can be found growing in gardens, along streams, ditches, and riverbanks, as well as in fields and meadows. It is a useful plant that can be used to help repel rodents, and insects. Dried or fresh, the leaves can be used in herbal teas, and a variety of foods. This herb can be used to treat a number of conditions, including fevers, flu, pneumonia, headaches, heart issues, colds, and diarrhea.
Pennyroyal is an herb that does best in full sun, and well drained soil. It can be good for women's issues, and digestion, but it should never be used by pregnant women as too much of it can cause a miscarriage. The herb can also be used to help prevent fleas and ticks on pets, but it should never be used on cats.
Horse mint enjoys sunny areas and damp soil. It is known for its serrated leaves. The leaves can be used when fresh or dried, in teas and salads. The essential oil made from this herb can be used to add a peppermint flavor to recipes. The herb is used to treat digestive issues, and has strong antiseptic properties.
Corsican mint grows as a beautiful bright green, moss like, ground cover with tiny light purple flowers. It prefers moist soil and shady areas. The herb has an especially strong scent and taste and is known for its use in creme de menthe and other liqueurs. A tea can be made from the dried leaves of this plant that will treat digestive illness, headaches, and fever.
Of the different kinds of mint Tei'serin saw mentioned, it sounded as if wild mint was the one she would be most likely to find growing in the wild. But several of the others looked interesting too, and she decided that she would have to see if she could find a way to buy cuttings of the ones she wanted to grow.
It was still early, so Tei'serin decided to do a little more reading before it was time to get to work.
Plantain is a very common herb that be found growing just about anywhere, including places where there is very little light. It is is a clumped perennial herb which grows to roughly about 10cm in height.
Tei'serin studied the pictures of plantain plants in the book. She was certain that she had seen them before in her farm.
Plantain is edible. Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads, but as the leaves age, they become stringy and tough. They can, however, be cooked when this happens. This herb has several medical uses as well. The leaves, and the juice can be used as topical substances in poultices and lotions for treating sunburns, stings, insect bites, snakebites, poison ivy breakouts, rashes, burns, blisters, and cuts. When heated and applied topically to swollen joints, sore muscles, sprains, and sore feet, this herb can ease the pain caused by these ailments. And when drunk as a tea, it can help ease treating sore throats, and coughs, or be swished around the mouth to help with mouth sores.
Plantain is good for easing swelling when made into a poultice. This can be used on people, and animals alike. The roots can be used to relieve toothaches, and headaches, as well as healing poor gums. Plantain seeds are very rich in fiber, so they can be used as a natural laxative if someone is constipated. And teas made from the plant, can be used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal worms, and bleeding mucous membranes.
So plantain looks like another herb that can be used both for medicinal purposes, and as a source of food. Tei'serin mused.
She really liked the idea of making the most of the space she had by growing herbs that could be used for a lot of different things. Tei'serin also wanted to grow some flowers. They would be a pretty addition to the garden she wanted to have, and their scent would freshen up the cottage nicely. Perhaps there were herbs that produced pretty flowers that she could grow. That way, the flowers would be useful as well as beautiful.
But researching herbs that produced flowers would have to wait. She wanted to see if she was right about having seen plantain growing in her yard. With that thought in mind, Tei'serin gathered up her herbalist kit, and headed outside.
Still a good read regardless! PM me with any concerns or questions 
