Oregano - Origanum vulgare

Requires well drained soil and a sunny location, but adapts well to most any soil.  Can be propagated by seed, but cuttings or division is preferable.  Harvest from July to September.  When flower buds begin to form, cut plants back to the ground, fasten cut branches with rubber bands and hang to air dry.  Strip leaves from stems and store in tightly sealed jars.  Use as an antiviral, antiseptic, expectorant, to fix upper respiratory tract problems (as a tea or inhalant), to reduce muscle spasms, to ease digestive upsets, stomach aches, cramps.  Use as a poultice or lineament to reduce swellings and rheumatic joints.  Or, add to bath to reduce muscle aches and fight skin infection.

Sage – Salvia officinalis

Sage is very draught tolerant and likes very wells drained soil and lots of sun.  Most sages propagate best by cuttings or layering.  Cut back to 5 inches high in march and then fertilize and new growth will pop up at the base.  Gather leaves before flowering and dry away from other herbs.  Harvest a second time, 4-6 weeks later.  When leaves are brittle, rub them to a powder before usage.  Sage is astringent, antiseptic, and antibacterial, which make the infusions great as gargles or mouthwashes for sore throats, mouth ulcers, gum disease, laryngitis and tonsillitis.  Sage can be taken internally as a tonic or infusion to aid digestion and for menopausal problems and applied externally as compresses to heal wounds.  Sage tea can prevent night sweats and takes effect 2 hours after it is drunk.  It also decreases production of saliva and breath milk. 

Thyme – Thymus

Thyme can cope with almost any soil, as long as it is well drained with good air circulation.  Partial to full sun is best.  Propagate by layering in spring or cuttings in summer.  Plant is ready to be harvested during flowering, usually May to October.  T. vulgaris and T. serpyllum can both be propagated by seed.  As plants begin to form flower buds, cut buds back two inches from the soil.  Hang in bundles or spread on screens until it is brittle.  Hold the bundles over a sheet of newspaper and rub off the leaves, then store them in glass jars.  It is valued as an antiseptic, antispasmodic and expectorant.  Helps to get rid of internal parasites.  Thyme infusions are excellent for acne, scabies and wounds.  Diluted 1:10 with olive oil, it’s great for head lice.  Can be used for coughs, sinus colds, catarrhs, sore throats, laryngitis, infected gums, relaxing muscles, easing cramps, and breaking down gas.

Decoction

For Hard plant materials, such as barks and roots.  Place Herbs and water in an enamel, stainless steel or glass pan.  Bring the water slowly to a simmer and continue to simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes.  allow to cool, then strain and drink.

Infusions

When making an infusion, use 1 ounce of dried herb or 3 ounces fresh herb for every two cups of water.  Pour boiling water over the herbs, cover and allow to steep.  For thin and delicate herbs, such as chamomile, 10 minutes should be sufficient, thinker or denser herbs, such as sage, may need 30 minutes, or longer.  Strain and drink. 

Infused Oil

Gather clean fresh herb and allow it to wilt for one to three days.  Without washing it, chop the fresh herb in a food processor or mash it with a mortar and pestle, then warm it in just enough oil to cover and simmer lightly for 3 hours.  Stir occasionally and make sure not to let the mixture boil.  Squeeze the mixture through a jelly bag into a glass jar.  Allow it to stand for one week while water and impurities settle, then decant into over sterilized amber glass bottles or jars and store in the fridge.

Maceration or Cold Infusion

This is recommended for volatile herbs.  Pour warm or cold water (as specified) over the 3 ounces of fresh herb, or 1 ounce of dried herb and allow to stand for several hours, or overnight.  Strain and drink.