Month: April 2014

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Herb of the Week: Woad, Isatis tinctoria

This unassuming plant with pretty yellow flowers has a long and fasciating history!

A  member of the humble cabbage family (Brassicaceae), woad is celebrated for the blue dye extracted from its leaves. The earliest recorded example of woad dyed textiles dates to 2500BC, and woad has been traded, used in textiles and ceremonies ever since – one of the most well-known uses is that of a warpaint used by the ancient Britons.

Woad flowers

Trade in woad reached a peak in Britain in the middle ages – in the 15th century it was one of the most important imports into the country, which reflected the growth of the textile industry. Over the following centuries woad was rejected in favour of indigo, imported from India, which gave a much stronger blue colour.

Nowadays there’s renewed interest in this fascinting herb, due to its use as a biodegradeble ink and its possible cancer fighting properties.

All the plants featured in our ‘Herb of the Week’ series are available from St Kitts Herbery at the time of publishing. Please contact us to check availability at other times of the year.

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Herb of the Week: Borage, Borago officinalis

This easy to grow herb is loved by humans and bees for its blue star shaped flowers, hence it’s other name ‘star flower’.

The flowers and leaves are edible and have a mild cucumber flavor. Try adding a few leaves to a salad- use young leaves though as the older ones tend to get tough and prickly.  The flowers also make a brilliant addition to drinks, especially a classic summer Pimms!

Image by Phil Sellens

Traditionally, borage makes a good poultice and was believed to induce happiness and good humour, perhaps that’s why a common botanical used in  gin!

Prized for its healing, soothing and moisturising properties, we use borage cream as the base for most of our creams, including our Rosemary & Bergamot Hand Cream.

Rosemary & Bergamot Hand Cream

It’s easy to grow and self seeds freely, meaning just one plant could keep you supplied with borage leaves and seeds for life.

All the plants featured in our ‘Herb of the Week’ section are available from St Kitts Herbery, Camelford at the time of publication. Please phone us to check availability at other times of the year.

Borage flower image by Phill Sellens.
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Herb of the Week: Pulsatilla Vulgaris

This week’s herb of the week is particularly appropriate at this time of year- Pulsatilla, is also known as the Pasque flower or Easter flower

It’s one of the earliest flowers of spring and, like other anemones provides a welcome shot of colour after the long winter months. After the flowers have faded, the fluffy seed heads continue to provide interest.

Pulsatilla Vulgaris

Traditionally, this hardy perennial was used to make a dye used to colour eggs at Easter, and was also used to treat respiratory and digestive treatments.

All the plants featured in our ‘Herb of the Week’ section are available from St Kitts Herbery, Camelford at the time of publication. Please phone us to check availability at other times of the year.