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Herb |
Uses |
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Marjoram |
Similar to oregano, dried marjoram leaves are used in cooking. As an antiseptic it was strewn over church floors at funerals and placed in sick chambers. It is an ingredient in Sneezing Powder. |
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Rue |
A bitter but important housekeeping herb. It was strewn on the floor to discourage bugs. Along with rosemary, sage, mint and wormwood, it is an ingredient in Vinegar of the Four Thieves which housewives sprinkled about to freshen damp rooms. It repels cats. Poor kitty! |
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Tansy |
This is a dangerous herb which is deemed to be poisonous and a plague to cattle ranchers. It was rubbed on raw meat to keep flies away and to prevent decay, and it was put inside coffins at funerals. Flowers keep their color when used in “winter posies.” Photo from Web of Species |
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Thyme |
Probably the most versatile of the culinary herbs, thyme flavors eggs, meat, sauces. Thyme nectar makes the sweetest honey. In ancient times, thyme was synonymous with graceful elegance; “to smell of Thyme” was an expression of praise.5 |
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Tobacco |
An untidy plant, tobacco originally was smoked as a medicinal narcotic. An infusion made from leaves was used for rheumatic pains; distilled oil was used for toothache; and smoke for the recovery of persons apparently drowned. Powdered leaves kill lice and other vermin. |
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A Victorian Herb Garden
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