Mock orange is a beautiful shrub with glossy deep green foliage, and highly fragrant little white flowers. It grows to approximately 3 metres tall and is excellent for use as a hedging plant or feature plant. Murraya will grow very well in containers. Murraya Paniculata is quite fast growing.
Mock Orange is best grown in full sun to part shade. Although very drought hardy when established best growth is achieved when watered regularly. Mock orange is highly adaptable to soil types and will grow well in most soils.
If you are using Mock Orange as a hedge, plant them approximately 1/2 metres apart. Prune in autumn and spring to encourage bushy habit and promote flowers. Fertilise regularly with a slow release fertiliser and mulch well.
Common names: Mock Orange, Orange Jessamine, Orange Jasmine.
Parsley
Like most herbs, parsley likes to be grown in a mostly sunny spot, but parsley is versatile in that it can take some shade through the day. In fact, in very hot parts of Australia, some shade during the middle of the day, or the afternoon, would be preferable.
Like most herbs, parsley likes to be grown in a mostly sunny spot, but parsley is versatile in that it can take some shade through the day. In fact, in very hot parts of Australia, some shade during the middle of the day, or the afternoon, would be preferable.
Seedling tips: if planting seedlings, water in with a Seasol solution (mixed up in a watering can, according to the directions on the label) and water again with Seasol fortnightly, until plants are growing strongly. Remember to keep on watering seedlings until well established, especially if the weather is warm.
Fertilising: once plants are growing well, fertilise monthly with a liquid plant food such as Nitrosol.
Harvesting: start picking leaves as soon as plants are established. In fact, the more you pick parsley the denser and better its growth will be.
Re-planting: parsley doesn’t last forever, but it will last from one to two years, depending on where it’s grown, so when it starts to send up seed heads, it’s time to replace the plants. However, if you let some of your parsley plants go fully to seed, there’s every chance these seeds will sprout and your parsley patch could become self-perpetuating, and you won’t have to buy any more seeds or seedlings.
Aloe Vera
Here are forty fabulous uses from this “plant of immortality,” as affectionately dubbed by the Egyptians 6,000 years ago.
That’s right; the spiky, green gem has a rich history of various cultures and personalities who used the plant’s moist middle in a plethora of practical uses. Like Cleopatra who applied the gel to her body as part of her beauty regimen, the ancient Greeks who used it to cure everything from baldness to insomnia to the Native Americans who called aloe vera the “Wand of the Heaven.”
It doesn’t hurt that aloe vera produces at least six natural antiseptics, which are able to kill mold, bacteria, funguses, and viruses. In fact, the plant is so powerful that researchers and scientists are looking into its potential as an AIDS and cancer-fighter.
From all-around health elixirs to simple beauty aids, learn about the various ways to put your little plant to maximal use after splitting the leaves lengthwise down the middle.
If you decide to take aloe vera orally, seek out commercial, certified organic juice. And as for both topical and oral applications, it’s always recommended to consult your doctor beforehand.
40 Ways To Use Aloe Vera
Topical Aloe Uses
- Pamper yourself to a soothing body rub. Slice aloe leaves lengthwise and use the inner sides as a biodegradable body scrub in the shower.
- Treat burns from minor mishaps in the kitchen—from grease splatters or hot utensils.
- For more major kitchen mishaps like a scald, mix some aloe gel and vitamin E oil into a little jar for a homemade burn healer.
- Banish black and blue bruises by swapping on the good goo.
- Soothe and heal sunburns the feel-good way. Aloe contains cooling properties similar to menthol.
- Take the sting or itch out of insect bites.
- Reduce tissue damage from frostbite.
- Alleviate mysterious rashes.
- Make feet baby soft with an exfoliating foot mask by mixing together a half cup of oatmeal, a half cup of corn meal, four tbsp. of aloe vera gel and a half cup of unscented body lotion.
- Help heal herpes outbreaks.
- Fight Athlete’s Foot.
- Swab over blisters for quick relief.
- Use as an antidote to allergic skin reactions.
- Replace creams and lotions as a general moisturizer for dry skin. Aloe is fast absorbing!
- Prevent pesky pimples and treat acne.
- Soothe Psoriasis.
- Prevent scarring and stretch marks.
- Help rid of Rosacea.
- Shrink warts.
- Reverse signs of aging skin and wrinkles. Cleopatra did!
- Help eliminate Eczema.
- Brighten skin. Aloe can decrease pigmentation and dark spots.
- Make skin new again with an exfoliating, organic sugar scrub by mixing together two tbsp. of aloe vera, 2 tbsp. of organic brown sugar and 1 tsp. of organic lemon juice.
- For rougher patches mix together an organic salt skin scrub using two cups of sea salt, one cup of aloe vera, one cup of organic coconut oil and two tbsp. of local, organic honey.
- Speed up hair growth by massaging aloe into the scalp, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and rinsing.
- Reduce hair dandruff by mixing aloe vera juice with coconut milk and wheat germ oil. Massage into scalp and rinse.
- Replace aloe with conditioner for silkier, smoother hair.
- Remove eye makeup.
- Treat minor vaginal irritations.
Oral Aloe Uses
- Drink aloe vera juice to relieve gastrointestinal disorders like indigestion.
- Sip it to aid in elimination. Many times, it’s recommended for its laxative effects.
- Take a swig to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome including bloating and discomfort.
- Take aloe orally to relieve heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain.
- Boil leaves in a pan of water and breathe in the vapor to alleviate asthma.
- Drink to lower blood sugar levels—especially for diabetics.
- Strengthen gums and promote strong, healthy teeth by taking orally or use toothpaste with aloe vera ingredients.
- Drink to help ease congestion, stomach ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections and prostate problems.
- Take orally to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides for a healthy heart.
- Sip to minimize inflammation and infection of the eye and ear.
- Toast to its general detoxifier and health boosting qualities.
Indian Curry Tree
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Uses
The leaves are highly valued as seasoning in southern and west-coast Indian cooking, and Sri Lankan cooking, much like bay leaves, and especially in curries, usually fried along with the chopped onion in the first stage of the preparation. They are also used to make thoran, vada, rasam and kadhi. In their fresh form, they have a short shelf life, and they don't keep well in the refrigerator. They are also available dried, though the aroma is largely inferior.The leaves of Murraya koenigii are also used as a herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Their properties include much value as an anti-diabetic,antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-hypercholesterolemic etc. Curry leaves are also known to be good for hair, for keeping it healthy and long.
Although most commonly used in curries, leaves from the curry tree can be used in many other dishes to add spice.
Curry leaves are used in a variety of Southeast Asian dishes, typically being toasted in oil in the cooking pan before other ingredients are added. The leaves add a distinctive aroma and flavor to the finished dish, and they are said to be beneficial for digestion in addition to being flavorful. In some regions, consumers even chew the leaves straight.
The “curry” in the name can be a bit confusing, as the curry tree does not produce leaves with a flavor like that of curry powder. The name is a reference to the Tamil word kari, which refers to any sort of stewed dish, especially one with vegetables, rather than the spicy dishes flavored with turmeric which many Westerners associate with the word “curry.”
Growing It
The curry tree is a tropical to subtropical tree native to India. As you might imagine from the name, the leaves of the curry tree are used in Southeast Asian cooking, and they are particularly popular in India and Sri Lanka. In addition for being grown as a useful culinary tree, the curry tree is also grown for its attractive foliage and aromatic flowers.
This tree is formally known as Murraya koenigii, and it is also sometimes referred to as the curry-leaf tree. In the wild, it can grow up to 20 feet (six meters) tall, with a smooth trunk, simple elongated leaves, and dainty white flowers which produce a strong aroma during the blooming season. The flowers develop into black berries, which are incidentally toxic, so they should be avoided.
Coriander/Cilantro
Coriander is an ayurvedic medicinal herb, which is widely used as a flavoring agent for its unique smell and flavour. It is used as an essential ingredient in the curries and other delicacies. It is commonly called as Dhania or Kothmir.
The name coriander actually originated from the Greek word Koris meaning bedbug. This plant is considered to be indigenously from Greece but it has become a widely used spice in most of the Asian countries. It is also used in many of the Greek dishes and Mexican dishes as a condiment. It also forms an important ingredient in many of the Thai recipes.
The leaves of this plant are smooth and the whole plant including the stem as well as the leaves is used in cookery. Only the roots are not used. Dhania adds a mouthwatering flavour to the dishes.
Importance of Coriander Seeds
Apart from the leaves and the stem, the seed of this plant is also used as an important ingredient in making curries and other dishes.
The seed is used as it is or it is ground into a powder and used. Coriander seeds also have important medicinal properties.
Coriander has many important vitamins and minerals. It provides calcium, phosphorus, iron and some other vitamins such as vitamin B and vitamin C.
Regular use of coriander helps to improve the overall health and prevents many of the vitamin deficiency diseases. Coriander is also used as a carminative.
Coriander helps to prevent digestive disorders such as indigestion, flatulence and gas. Coriander leaves helps to increase appetite and helps to stimulate hunger in anorexic patients. Coriander leaves along with hing, rock salt and cumin seed are mixed with buttermilk and taken after meals, helps to improve digestion and prevents abdominal distention.
Uses of coriander seeds
Coriander tea is recommended for patients suffering from kidney problems. For preparing coriander tea, coriander seeds are allowed to boil in water for a few minutes and the decoction is taken as a medicine. Coriander tea also helps to cure mouth ulcers and swellings. Regular intake of coriander tea also helps to lower the blood cholesterol levels. In case of Diarrhea, coriander seeds is soaked in water overnight and then taken along with buttermilk early in the morning.
The juice of coriander is also used as an ayurvedic medicine for treating nausea, and morning sickness. It is also used in the treatment of colitis and some of the liver disorders. Coriander seeds also help to reduce acid peptic disease and it is also used as ayurvedic medicine in the treatment of Dysentery. Coriander seeds also help to reduce body fever by inducing urination. Coriander is used along with other herbs such as dry ginger, helps to relieve respiratory tract infections and cough.
Some of the ayurvedic medicines also use coriander in the treatment of Typhoid fevers and in the treatment of menorrhagia, which is profuse bleeding during menses. The decoction of coriander seeds is used for this treatment. A mild decoction of coriander seed is also used as eyewash to reduce irritation and burning sensation.
Growing Coriander, also Cilantro
(coriander sativum)
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
P | P | P | P | P | P |
P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.
- Easy to grow.
- Harvest in 30-45 days.
- Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed.
- Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 25°C.
- Space plants: Thin to 45 cm
Needs full sun and mulch to prevent drying out. Keep very well watered. If they dry out, then they will bolt to seed. Plant in successions (planting new seed every few weeks) to get a continuous supply.
Culinary hints - cooking and eating Coriander
Use the leaves to flavour hot meals or add fresh to salads.The seeds can be dried and ground up for curries.
