Page 12 - feb 22_Neat

herb guru

Indigenous to southern africa - Pelargonium
citronellum, Lemon-scented pelargonium, is an
evergreen, bushy, strongly lemon-scented shrub. The
attractive and fragrant foliage are lovely to have in the
garden. It can be grown as a culinary herb or used as
flavouring. The citronella, which you can smell in warm
weather, has natural insecticidal properties and the plant is
commonly used as a companion plant to repel pests. It grows
easily in full sun, with moderate watering. S.C text & pics

Medicinal - Inula helenium, Elecampane, the root is used
to make medicine. Elecampane is taken for lung diseases including
asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough. It is also used to
prevent coughing, and as an expectorant to help loosen
phlegm. Because of its carminative, anti-spasmotic, anti-
inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, Elecampane can
also be used to soothe nausea, flatulence, and diarrhea. It does
well in part sun, moist and rich soil.

Edible - Cichorium intybus, Chicory with its many varieties
including Endive and Radicchio, is native to Europe. Young
chicory leaves can be added into salads. The flower buds can
be pickled and the open blooms eaten raw. The root can
be roasted and ground into chicory coffee and the mature
leaves can be used as a cooked green veggie.
It has a bitter and spicy taste, which mellows when it is
grilled or roasted. Plant in autumn or spring as it likes cooler
weather.

Flavouring - Piper nigrum; Pepper, this pungent spice is one
of the world’s most popular seasonings, and is native to India.
Black, white and green peppercorns come from the fruits of this
climbing plant. 150 flowers are produced on each flower spike,
each producing a berry-like fruit containing a single seed. Pepper
can be grown in Botswana (it is grown in Zimbabwe), however
to grow it successfully you will need a greenhouse to keep the
environment hot, humid and moist.
* * When taking herbs, one should always consult one’s health practitione for the safe and appropriate

use of that herb. ** 12