A Place to Start
Wild Ginseng: Coveted Like Gold
The high market price for wild American ginseng root (Panax
quinquefolius)–as much as $600 a pound–might lead to its
extinction.
Officials in the Northeastern United States, where the wild herb
grows, say that the price encourages poachers and some landowners
to take the wild roots before they have a chance to reach
seed-bearing age, a practice that could lead to the end of P.
quinquefolius. It once grew freely in cool wetlands from Quebec to
Manitoba and as far south as Florida.
The market for wild American ginseng root lies largely in the
East, where Asians believe it possesses more therapeutic value than
its cultivated counterpart (grown mainly in Wisconsin and British
Columbia). But experts also attribute its popularity to a growing
interest in ginseng in the West. It has been officially listed as a
threatened species in more than half of the 50 United States and is
one of United Plant Savers’ “At-Risk” herbs. Fortunately, organic
cultivated American ginseng is available.
Avoid These Hazards for Good Health
According to herbalist and acupuncturist Lesley Tierra, there
are several health hazards we should try to avoid, as they might
weaken the body and predispose us to illness:
• Refined foods, such as white flour, white sugar and white
pasta
• Chemicals and preservatives in food
• Frequent indulgence in junk foods
• Polluted air and water
• Proximity to major electrical wiring, or living close to power
plants
• Stress-causing situations
• Job stress or incompatibility
• Relationship problems
• Frequent use of antibiotics
• Living near toxic waste dumps
• Side effects from prescription drugs
Source: Tierra, Lesley. The Herbs of Life. Freedom, California:
The Crossing Press, 1992.
Mix Up a Batch of Multi-Herb Pesto
Take advantage of summer’s bounty with a delicious pesto that’s
made with a variety of herbs. This pesto will keep in the freezer
for about six months, so you can enjoy the taste of fresh herbs
into the winter months.
MULTI-HERB PESTO
MAKES ABOUT 3 CUPS
1 cup watercress leaves
1 cup Italian parsley leaves
1 cup basil leaves
¼ cup thyme leaves
½ cup oregano leaves
½ cup chopped nuts (such as macadamia nuts, almonds, walnuts or
pine nuts)
4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup olive oil
Black pepper, to taste
Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender, and
process until combined but still fairly coarse.
Source: Ruben, Richard. The Farmer’s Market Cookbook. Guilford,
Connecticut: The Lyons Press, 2006.
Dill: A Tasty, Potent Stomach Soother
Common names: Dill
Latin name: Anethum graveolens
Family: Apiaceae
Part used: Seeds; leaves (in cooking)
Medicinal uses: Dill is an effective digestive
aid. Studies show the herb helps relax the smooth muscles of the
digestive tract. It also prevents gas and has antibacterial
properties. Dill is one of the best herbs for treating colic in
babies, and it stimulates milk production in nursing mothers.
Forms commonly used: Fresh herb, tea, tincture,
pills
Side effects: Like most culinary herbs, dill is
very safe when used in reasonable amounts. Never ingest the
essential oil of dill seed, which can be toxic.
Notes: A natural food preservative, dill also
has been used in herbal healing since the beginning of Egyptian
civilization. Archeologists found records showing the herb’s use as
a digestive aid in 3,000-year-old Egyptian tombs. The herb also was
used by ancient Greek, Roman and Chinese civilizations.
The plant’s name comes from the Norse word dylla, which means
“to soothe.”
To make a pleasant-tasting tea, place 2 teaspoons of crushed
dill seeds in a teapot. Add 1 cup of boiling water, steep for 10
minutes, and strain. Drink up to 3 cups daily.
Dill seeds are a good remedy for combating bad breath. Chew ½
teaspoon of seeds as often as desired.
Native to southern Europe and central and southern Asia, dill is
now widely cultivated, particularly in Europe and North America.
Dill is a tall herb with yellow flowers and makes an attractive
garden plant. The annual plant self-sows, and the leaves can be
harvested as soon as the plants are established.
