2

Table of Contents Page

Acknowledgements and sources............................................................................ 4 How to use this book............................................................................................. 5

PART 1: INTRODUCTION..........................................................................6

1.1 HERBS IN URBAN AREAS....................................................................................... 7

PART 2: HOW TO GROW HERBS ............................................................10

Where to get herbs .............................................................................................. 11 2.1 PROPAGATION OF HERBS ................................................................................... 11

Vegetative methods ............................................................................................. 11 Cuttings............................................................................................................... 11 Runners............................................................................................................... 13 Root division ....................................................................................................... 13 Bulbs and corms ................................................................................................. 14 Layering.............................................................................................................. 14 Air Layering........................................................................................................ 14 Seed..................................................................................................................... 15

2.2 WHERE TO PLANT HERBS................................................................................... 15 How to save space in small gardens ................................................................... 16 Shapes of beds..................................................................................................... 17 Sun traps ............................................................................................................. 17 Plant stacking ..................................................................................................... 18 Using vertical space............................................................................................ 18 Container gardening........................................................................................... 19

PART 3: USING HERBS ............................................................................21

3.1 CONTROLLING PESTS WITH HERBS.................................................................... 22 General insecticidal sprays ................................................................................ 22 Dusting powders ................................................................................................. 23 Repellent mulch .................................................................................................. 23

3.2 HERBS TO IMPROVE THE SOIL ........................................................................... 25 The comfrey pit bed............................................................................................. 25

3.3 HERBS, COOKING AND NUTRITION ................................................................... 26 Harvesting herbs................................................................................................. 27 Drying................................................................................................................. 27 Collection of herbs for remedies......................................................................... 27 Storage and labeling........................................................................................... 28

3.4 HERBS FOR BEAUTY ........................................................................................... 28 3.5. HERBS FOR SOOTHING SYMPTOMS .................................................................... 29

Preparation of remedies ..................................................................................... 29 Herb teas............................................................................................................. 29 Poultice............................................................................................................... 30 Inhalation............................................................................................................ 30

PART 4: DESCRIPTION OF THE HERBS....................................................34

Amaranthus......................................................................................................... 35 Growing method ................................................................................................. 35 African Wormwood............................................................................................. 35 How to grow ....................................................................................................... 35 Growing method ................................................................................................. 36 Blackjack,............................................................................................................ 36 Growing method ................................................................................................. 37 Bulbinella............................................................................................................ 37 Growing method ................................................................................................. 37 Garlic.................................................................................................................. 39 Ginger................................................................................................................. 40 Guava leaf........................................................................................................... 40 Lavender ............................................................................................................. 41 Lemon grass........................................................................................................ 41

3

Marjorum and Oregano...................................................................................... 42 Mexican marigold............................................................................................... 43 Milk weed............................................................................................................ 43 Mint..................................................................................................................... 44 Nettle................................................................................................................... 45 Onion .................................................................................................................. 46 Parsley ................................................................................................................ 47 Pawpaw .............................................................................................................. 47 Rosemary ............................................................................................................ 48 Sage .................................................................................................................... 49 Thyme.................................................................................................................. 49 Turmeric ............................................................................................................. 50 Yarrow ................................................................................................................ 50

REFERENCES................................................................................................................ 52

4

Acknowledgements and sources

This book has been produced as a simple reference for urban farmers and was inspired by

training offered to farmers in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, under the Cities Farming for the

Future Programme and members of the Harare Urban Agriculture Stakeholders Forum.

The Cities Farming for the Future Program is managed by Municipal Development

Partnership for Eastern and Southern Africa (MDP-ESA) and funded by the International

Development Research Center, Canada (IDRC) and Directorate-General for International

Cooperation, Netherlands (DGIS). The Cities Farming for the Future (CFF) is a global

programme that seeks to integrate agriculture into urban development.

MDP is grateful to Anna Brazier for producing the initial draft of the manual. Most of the

general information on exotic herbs comes from The Essential Margaret Roberts by

Margaret Roberts. Information on the indigenous plants comes from research done by

Christopher Chipano of the National Herbarium, Food Plants of Zimbabwe by Margaret

Tredgold and People’s Plants: A Guide to Useful Plants of Southern Africa by Ben-Erik

van Wyk and Nigel Gericke. The pest and disease control information is mainly taken

from Natural Pest & Disease Control by Henry Elwell and Anita Maas. The information on

soothing symptoms came from the proceedings of the National Herb Forum held in

Harare in 2006 organised by Linkage and The Centre with support from the Food and

Agriculture Organisation, International Development Enterprises and Kilkeal Trust UK.

The participants included international herb authorities: Andrew Chevallier: Senior

Lecturer in Herbal Medicine, Middlesex University, Nigel Gericke, a medical doctor and

ethnobotanist from South Africa and Anne Hutchings an ethnobotanist who is running a

herbal clinic for people with HIV/AIDS near Natal. There was also representation from the

Ministry of Health, the Traditional Medical Practitioners Council, AREX, The Forestry

Commission and leading NGOs and individuals who are involved with promoting herbs.

5

How to use this book

This booklet is divided into four parts. The first part gives a general introduction to herbs

and their uses. The second part discusses how to grow herbs, where to get them from,

how to propagate them and where to plant them. The third part gives information on

various uses of herbs including pest control, soil-improvement, cooking and health,

home-made beauty treatments and simple remedies for soothing symptoms. The last part

of the book describes twenty eight useful herbs for urban gardens.

6

PART 1: INTRODUCTION

7

Introduction

This booklet provides safe, useful information for people living in towns and cities who

would like to grow and use herbs. It describes how to grow, use, harvest and store a wide

range of safe herbs. In the text the word “herb” describes any useful plant which can be

used in cooking, for cosmetics, to sooth ailments or to repel pests. Many common fruit

and vegetables also have herbal properties and are mentioned in the text.

People all over the world have used herbs for thousands of years. In Zimbabwe both

indigenous and exotic herbs are used. It is important to have clear, correct information

when growing or using herbs. People who use herbs wrongly can harm their health. In

extreme cases people have died from the misuse of herbs. Anyone who wants to use

herbs must make sure that they identify the correct plant and follow the correct

instructions for use.

Promoting herbs for medicine

It is one thing to grow and use herbs for yourself and your family but it is another to give or sell them

to other people for medicinal purposes. If you want to sell or promote herbs for medicine ask yourself

the following:

• Am I going to give out clear, safe information on how to identify the plants, its action, the

condition which can treat, any side effects or contraindications, and the dosage?

• Am I sure that the condition that I am advising on does not need professional medical

advice?

• Am I prepared to take responsibility if something goes wrong and someone gets sick or dies

as the result of a mistake with herbs?

If the answer to any of the above questions is “no” then you should consider not promoting herbs.

1.1 Herbs in urban areas

Herbs have many benefits for growers in towns and

cities.

Most herbs are:

• tough plants,

• easy to grow from cuttings or seed,

• able to grow in poor soils,

• perennials (live for more than one year),

• able to grow in small spaces,

• productive (have high yields).

If you have a very small garden you can grow herbs

in containers such as pots, old oil drums, plastic

buckets or old sacks. Even flat dwellers can grow

herbs in containers on balconies.

The table below lists some useful indigenous and

exotic herbs which can be grown in urban gardens.

They have various uses including health benefits and

pest control properties

Herbs grown in urban areas

8

Table 1: Summary of some useful herbs for urban areas Names: common, local,

latin Propagation

method

Uses

Amaranthus

Bonongwe, mowa, imbuya Amaranthus hybridus and other amaranthus species

Seed Leaves and seeds can be eaten; soil

improvement.

African Wormwood Artemisia afra

Cuttings and seed Soothing tea for coughs, diarrhoea, fever and internal worms; fresh or dry leaves inhaled for

blocked nose or headache; pest repellant.

Basil / Sweet basil/ wild basil

Rukhovi, amaka Ocimum basilicum, O. minimum, O. canum

Seed Flavours cooking; soothing tea for intestinal

worms, to stimulate appetite and freshen breath; juice soothes skin conditions; perfumed hair

rinse; pest repellant; pesticide and fungicide.

Blackjack Muuwu, nhungunira, ucucuza Bidens pilosa

Seed Leaves can be cooked; tea sooths diarrhoea; pesticide.

Bulbinella Bulbine natalensis

Cuttings Soothing juice for skin conditions; poultice for

hemorrhoids.

Chilli Mhiripiri, ibelebile Capsicum annum, C. frutescens

Seed Flavours food; pesticide.

Comfrey Symphytum officinale

Root cuttings Poultice for boils, splinters and sores; soil

improvement.

Fennel Foeniculum vulgare

Seed Seeds and leaves flavour cooking; soothing tea

for nausea, vomiting, heartburn, indigestion,

cystitis, tiredness, coughs and diarrhoea; eye wash; flowers attract predatory wasps.

Garlic Allium sativum

Bulb Flavours cooking, stimulates appetite; cloves help treat flu, thrush, diarrhoea, worms, warts and

coccidiosis in livestock; pest repellant, pesticide.

Ginger Tsangamidzi Zingiber officinalis

Corm Flavours cooking, stimulates appetite; tea sooths sore throat, colds, flu, nausea, vomiting, aches

and pains; hot compress sooths coughing.

Guava

Psidium guajava Seed, cuttings and

air layering

Fruit eaten fresh, made into juice or dried;

Leaves made into tea to sooth coughs; chewed leaves sooth diarrhoea and mouth ulcers.

Lavender Lavandula officinalis

Cuttings Tea sooths headache; poultice sooths sprains;

leaves make perfumed bath; pest repellent.

Lemon grass Cymbopogon citratus

Root division Flavours cooking; tea sooths colds and flu; insect

repellent on skin; soil protection

Marjorum Origanum Origanum marjorana, Origanum vulgare

Seed and cuttings Flavours cooking; tea sooths thrush, rub sooths

bruises, sprains and strains.

Mexican marigold Mbanda, imbanje Tagetes minuta,

Seed Pest repellent; pesticide; cloth dye.

Milk weed Rurimirwemombe,

ulimilwenkhomo Sonchus oleraceus

Seed Leaves eaten; milk for pimples; plant traps aphids.

Mint

Spearmint, peppermint Mentha spp.

Root division or

cuttings

Flavours cooking; tea reduces nausea and

vomiting; leaves freshen breath.

Moringa Moringa olifera

Seed Leaves, flowers and green pods can be eaten; dried seeds used to purify water.

Nettle Urtica dioica

Seed or cuttings Leaves eaten; tea sooths skin conditions and hay

fever; powder helps nose bleeds; soil improver.

Onion

Allium fistulosum

Seed Bulbs eaten; syrup sooths coughs; bulb sooths

earache, coughs and bee stings; pest repellent; pesticide and fungicide.

Parsely Petroselinum crispum

Seed Flavours food; tea sooths cystitis and skin

irritations.

Pawpaw

Mupopo Carica papaya

Seed or cuttings Fruit eaten; facepack made from fruit; seeds

expel worms; milk treats ringworm; poultice treats boils; pesticide.

9

Names: common, local,

latin Propagation

method

Uses

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis

Cuttings Flavours food; tea gives energy, improves

appetite, eases headache, anxiety, stress and depression; hair rinse, facial wash and gargle.

Sage Salvia officinalis

Seed or cuttings Flavours food; tea sooths earache, sore throat, diarrhoea, anxiety and stress; hair rinse, facial

wash, deodorant.

Thyme Thymus vulgaris

Seed or cuttings Flavours food; tea sooths earache, thrush, shingles, herpes and coughs; facial wash,

deodorant, aftershave lotion, or mouth wash

Turmeric Curcuma longa

Corm Flavours food; sooth aches and pains, sprains

and gout; poultice for boils, pulp for leg ulcers.

Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Runners Tea to sooth nosebleed, diarrhoea, fever, fatigue and loss of energy; compost activator.

Zumbani Zumbani, mumara, usuzwane Lippia javanica

Cuttings or seed Tea to sooth fever and headache; pest repellent, pesticide.

10

PART 2: HOW TO GROW HERBS

11

Most herbs are tough plants which do not require special growing conditions, care or

attention. Many can be grown easily from cuttings or other vegetative methods. Others

take from seed.

Where to get herbs

Herb seedlings can be bought from commercial or community nurseries and some

Forestry Company nurseries. Commercial seed outlets and farm supply shops often sell

herb seeds. You can also obtain herbs from friends and neighbours by taking cuttings or

collecting seeds from their established plants.

2.1 Propagation of herbs

Once you have a healthy selection of herbs in your own garden you can start a small

nursery and propagate herbs for others. Remember to leave some of your herb plants,

especially the annuals (such as basil, milkweed, Mexican marigold, blackjack and

amaranthus) to go to seed so that you can collect and use your own seed. To protect

stored seeds or grains from weevils, mix them with dried herb leaves and wood ash.

Vegetative methods

This involves removing part of a healthy

plant such as the stem, branch, leaf or root

and either planting it in specially prepared

soil to produce roots or attaching it to

another plant as in budding or grafting.

Once it has begun growing it can be

planted out into the garden.

Cuttings

Cuttings take best during the cool, dry

season. Choose healthy plants. Cut mature,

5 cm sections from the stems with a sharp

blade. Remove some of the leaves. Dip the

lower ends of each cutting in wood ash to

reduce diseases. Plant the cuttings in

containers containing a mixture of half river

sand or sandy soil and half compost. After

planting, remove most of the leaves from the cutting. This will help prevent the plant from

loosing water. Avoid over-watering. Plant the cuttings into the garden when new leaves

begin to appear. This shows that roots are forming underground.

Herb nursery

12

Method of cuttings

Table 2. Herbs which take from cuttings: African wormwood nettle

bulbinella pawpaw

guava rosemary

lavender sage

marjorum thyme

origanum zumbani

mint

13

Runners

Yarrow takes from runners which are taken by cutting away the young plants which grow

outwards from the main plant and are joined by a piece of stem. The runners are planted

into containers. When they have established roots they are ready to be planted out.

Root division

Comfrey, lemon grass, mints and nettle take from root division. Dig up part of the parent

plant. Cut away parts of the root system containing some stem. Plant with stem upright in

sleeves.

14

Bulbs and corms

Ginger, garlic, and tumeric can be grown this way. Cut off root buds or corms from the

main plant. Plant them in containers. The stems will start to sprout after a few weeks after

which they can be planted out.

Layering

Sage can be grown this way. Choose some long stems on a large established plant. Make

a few tiny cuts in the bark of the stem with a sharp knife. Bend these stems down to the

soil and peg them in position. After some time roots will appear along the length and the

resulting plants can be cut away and replanted.

Air Layering

Trees produced by this method tend to fruit more quickly and

have more tasty fruits than those grown from seed. This is the

most effective way for guavas to be propagated. First, root

cuttings are taken from a guava tree. These are tied around

the branch of a mature guava tree to stimulate the growth of

roots on the stem. Once the roots have formed the material

can be cut off the branch and planted in a container of soil.

15

Seed

Plant seeds in containers at least 7 cm deep containing a mixture of one third river sand,

one third compost and one third red or black soil. It is a good idea to sterilise the soil the

day before planting by pouring boiling water over it.

Table 3: Herbs which grow from seed:

Herb seeds are usually small so be careful not

to plant them too deep. Sprinkle the herb

seeds on the surface of the soil in rows, then

cover with a 15mm layer of soil followed by

a thin layer of grass or leaf mulch. Most

perennial herbs take a long time to germinate

so don’t give up on them even if they have

not emerged after a few weeks.

2.2 Where to plant herbs

In urban gardens space and sunlight are usually limited resources. Some herbs can take

up a lot of space. Their position should be carefully thought out so that they do not

compete with other important plants especially vegetables.

Most herbs need a warm sunny position with light, well-drained soil. They should be

pruned regularly to encourage bushing. The pruned leaves can be made into sprays or

used as repellent mulch on beds and around fruit trees.

amaranthus milk weed

African wormwood moringa

basil nettle

blackjack onion

chilli parsely

fennel pawpaw

guava sage

marjorum thyme

origanum zumbani

Mexican marigold

16

Plant large bushy herbs such as African wormwood, rosemary, zumbani, oregano, nettle,

comfrey, lavender and fennel around the edge of the garden to help keep insects away from

your crops.

How to save space in small gardens

Small herbs such as basil, garlic, onions, parsley, thyme, sage, chives and marjorum can

be planted with vegetables in beds. These will help to repel insect pests, rats, mice and

moles. Be careful not to plant onion and garlic too close to legumes (such as beans) since

the strong smell will disrupt their soil-improving ability.

If you do not have space for a moringa tree, the plant can be grown as a bush or

vegetable in beds. Keep pruning the leaves and eating them regularly.

17

Prunned Moringa tree

Shapes of beds

You can increase the amount of space available for growing things by changing the shape

of your beds. Straight rows in rectangular beds take up a lot of space but do not provide a

lot of space for plants to grow. By making lobes or zigzag-shaped beds you can grow a lot

more plants in the same space. Reducing the numbers of paths in your garden will also

give you more space for growing plants. The illustrations below show some different

options for small gardens.

herbs around pit bed

Sun traps

Lack of space also often means lack of light. Most herbs need sunny positions. Pawpaws,

moringa, thyme, sage, basil, marjorum, oregano, rosemary and lavender do best in full

sun. To make sure that all plants in a small garden get enough light plant the taller plants

on the south side of beds and keep the north side open. If you plant small plants on the

north side all the plants should get enough light to grow.

sunlight reflected off walls

18

You can also take advantage of the light reflected off walls to plant sun-loving herbs next

to buildings.

Plant stacking

The different shapes of herbs and other vegetables can help you to use the most space in

beds. By organising your plants according to their different shapes you can make sure that

more things fit into the bed. Tall thin plants such as chives, onion and garlic can be

grown next to wide low growing plants.

Using vertical space

Another way to save space in an urban garden if you run out of space on the ground is to

go upwards by making use of walls and roofs. Many herbs can be grown in hanging

containers on walls. Stepped beds and herb spirals can also be made to save space.

herb spiral stepped tyre beds

19

hanging containers, , ,

Container gardening

Growing herbs in containers reduces the need for watering since the soil in a container

stays wet for longer. It is also easy to feed the soil in a container using mulch or liquid

manure. Sack gardens have the added advantage that weeds can be controlled. Small

holes are cut in the top of the sack so that only the herb plants have enough light to grow.

Invasive plants such as yarrow and mint should always be grown in containers otherwise

they will take over the whole garden. Containers are portable so if you are a lodger you

can move your garden if you have to move house. Containers also mean that even flat-

dwellers who have balconies can grow herbs.

Herbs on a balcony

20

Selection of container gardens – vertical and horizontal

Many vegetables also thrive in container gardens and for added pest control a repellent

herb should be planted in the container with the vegetables. Keep herb containers near

the house to help repel flies and mosquitoes. Herbs in containers can protect nursery

seedlings from pests.

21

PART 3: USING HERBS

22

Herbs can be used in cooking to flavour food, make it more appetising and provide

important vitamins and minerals. Some can be made into refreshing teas some of which

can sooth the symptoms of everyday ailments. Others can be used to make cosmetics

such as soap, shampoo and perfume. Herbs can be used in the garden to repel insect

pests or to make pesticides.

3.1 Controlling pests with herbs

Strong-smelling herbs planted around the garden help keep pests away from crops. Large

herbs can be planted in hedges around the edge of the garden or beneath fruit trees.

Smaller herbs can be intercropped with vegetables. Intercropping also reduces pest and

disease attack because it confuses insects and reduces the amount of plants which they

like to eat. This reduces pests numbers. Intercropping also reduces soil exhaustion.

Fennel and parsley flowers attract predator insects which help control pests. Milkweed

attracts aphids to it and if planted with vegetables will reduce the attack of vegetables by

aphids.

Herbs grown in containers near windows help repel flies and mosquitoes. Herbs in

containers near seedlings and in nurseries help protect young plants from pests.

Place dried herbs (especially lavender leaves or vetiver roots) at the back of food or

clothes cupboards to help repel ants and cockroaches and moths. To protect stored seeds

or grains from weevils mix them with dried herb leaves and wood ash. To repel

mosquitoes rub lavender, Mexican marigold or lemongrass leaves on the skin.

Some herbs can be used to make sprays to kill or repel insects. These sprays are described

in more detail under the specific plant headings. A summary of pests and herb remedies

that can be used to control them is given in the table below. Pruning herbs such as

rosemary, lavender and basil and using the cut leaves for mulch around crops helps to

keep away crawling insects.

General insecticidal sprays

Useful general sprays can be made by mixing chilli, garlic, Mexican marigold and onions.

(or any of these plants that may be available) Soaking the strong-smelling parts i.e. fruits,

leaves or bulbs in boiling water then diluting with water after the mixture has cooled.

Basil spray

An insecticidal and mildly fungicidal spray can be made by soaking a handful of crushed leaves in water for 24

hours. The filtered spray can be used on crops. The dried leaves can be crushed and made into a dusting powder.

Wild basil Ocimum canum (rukovhi, amakha) can also be used in the same way to control pests.

Blackjack spray

Collect quarter of a cup of mature blackjack seeds or take a whole blackjack plant and chop it up. Pour over boiling

water and soak overnight. Dilute with one litre of water add a teaspoon of soap if available. Use fresh to treat aphids,

caterpillars, crickets, mites, whitefly, ants, termites and beetles.

Chilli and garlic spray Grind up five red chillies and five cloves of garlic. Put in a container and pour over half a litre of boiling water.

Leave to soak overnight. Add a teaspoon of dishwasher/ washing powder or green soap. Spray affected parts of

plant.

Chilli spray

23

Grind two handfuls of chillies, soak in one litre of water for one day, shake well for a few minutes, filter, add 5 litres

of water and a little soap.

Garlic spray

Crush one whole garlic bulb, add to 1lire of water, mix in a little soap and use immediately. Warning: Garlic spray is

strong and can kill beneficial insects as well as pests. The smell and taste will remain on leaves for up to one month

after spraying or dusting. Do not use garlic sprays on legumes or plant garlic next to legumes.

Lantana leaf spray

Crush 1 handful of lantana leaves in 1 litre of water. Add a little soap and spray.

Tomato leaf spray

Boil 1kg of leaves in 2 litres of water. Filter. Add a little soap. Spray plants.

Mexican marigold spray

Soak one crushed plant (preferably before flowering) in two litres of water for 24 hours. Filter and spray

Onion spray

Soak 100g chopped onion bulb or leaves in a litre of water and leaving for 4-7 days. Spray affected areas.

Pawpaw leaf spray Add 1 kg of finely shredded leaves to 1 litre of water. Shake vigorously. Filter and dilute with 4 litres of water and a

little soap.

Zumbani spray

Soak crushed leaves and branches in water for 2-3 days. Filter the mixture, add a little soap and spray.

Dusting powders

These are particularly useful for treating fungal infections and other diseases. Chilli or

garlic powder can also be used to treat ants, crawling insects and some soil pests.

Powders can be used to prevent pest attack in stored grain. Useful powders can be made

from dried crushed basil leaves chilli fruit and garlic to treat fungal infections.

Repellent mulch

This is a method for controlling crawling insects

including ants, caterpillars, bugs, slugs and snails. Cut

leaves of rosemary, lavender, African wormwood,

Zumbani or lavender and mulch affected plants. The

smell released from the plant during pruning also

keeps pests away.

24

Table 4: Control of some common pests and diseases using plants: Name of pests or disease

(plus illustration) Herbal control method

Ants

Spray with Mexican marigold, chili and garlic, garlic, lantana, zumbani,

blackjack.

Intercrop with garlic.

Place garlic cloves or chopped onions in ant holes.

Dust with chilli powder at base of plants.

Aphids, mites, thrips and

whitefly

Avoid overuse of liquid fertilizer and over-watering plants. Intercrop with

garlic, chives, marigold, nasturtiums, onions and milkweed (as a trap crop).

Use onion spray, garlic spray or pawpaw spray.

Use spray from tomato leaf, lantana, Mexican marigold or zumbani.

Use blackjack spray

Army worm, Use garlic spray

Beetles

Intercrop with repellent plants,

Use chili and garlic, pawpaw or blackjack spray.

Cabbage butterfly Use onion spray

Caterpillars and grubs Use spray from blackjack, pawpaw or garlic spray.

Crickets Use blackjack spray

Cutworm

Use mulch of repellent plants.

Sprinkle chilli powder at base of plants.

Use pawpaw leaf spray

Diseases, general fungi,

bacteria, virus.

Sprinkle chilli powder at base of plants or on affected leaves.

Use green pepper juice to treat mosaic virus.

Fleas

Use Mexican marigold leaf powder to control fleas and mites inn poultry.

Flies

Use garden rue as an attractant – plant far from buildings Plant Mexican marigold, basil and lavender near the house to repel flies.

Fruit tree borer Intercrop trees with garlic.

Use garlic spray.

Fungal diseases Use basil spray or basil dusting powder.

Use garlic powder (especially for scab, mildew, bean rust and tomato blight.)

Use onion spray for damping off, late blight and tomato leaf spot. Use pawpaw spray for coffee rust, powdery mildew and rice brown leaf

spot.

Grain and seed storage

pests

Use lavender leaves in storage containers.

Line storage containers with crushed Mexican marigold plants or zumbani leafy branches. Or sprinkle Mexican marigold powder between layers of

stored grain.

Line storage containers with a layer of 3-5 cm of zumbani leafy branches.

Grasshopper Intercrop vegetables with marigolds. Use ash mulch. Make tomato leaf

spray.

Mealybug and scale

insects

Control ants which protect these insects. Wipe insects off plant by hand.

Spray plant with light oil or chilli and garlic spray.

Mice Intercrop with garlic. Use onion spray around crops.

Moles

Intercrop with garlic. Use garlic or onion spray.

Place garlic cloves or chopped onions in mole holes.

25

Moths (diamond black

moth, coddling moth) Use garlic spray.

Nematodes Intercrop with garlic, cassava, leeks, tsunga, onions, pawpaw, and

Mexican marigolds.

Use spray from garlic, Mexican marigold, pawpaw leaves or tomato

leaves watered on the soil around plants.

Crush cassava roots and dilute the juice with equal amount of water.

Spray immediately.

Red spider mite

Use spray made from blackjack, garlic or onions.

Spray with 10 drops of rubber hedge (Euphorbia tirucalii) sap in 1 litre of

water.

Scale Use onion spray.

Shield bugs and tip

wilters

Plant repellent plants around affected crops. Squash bugs on plants to

repel others. Spray plants with chilli and garlic spray.

Slugs and snails Mulch with ash or fine powder. Use chilli powder at base of plants. Spray plants with chilli and garlic spray.

Termites

Blackjack spray. Intercrop with garlic. Use garlic spray. Place garlic cloves or chopped onions in ant holes.

Spray with juice from immature pawpaws.

Thrips Use onion spray

Ticks Dip animals using garlic spray or onion spray.

Whitefly Intercrop tomatoes with basil.

Use blackjack or onion spray

3.2 Herbs to improve the soil

Many herbs can be used to improve the texture and nutrient content of the soil. Comfrey,

amaranthus and nettle can be made into strong liquid fertiliser by soaking the leaves.

These leaves may also be used to mulch plants or added to compost. Yarrow can be used

to speed-up the rate of decay of compost.

Illustration of making liquid fertiliser

The comfrey pit bed

Heavy feeder plants such as potatoes, cabbages and tomatoes can be planted around a

pit. Comfrey, nettles and other fertiliser plants can be grown near to the pit so that their

leaves can be harvested and thrown into the pit to fertilise the crops growing around it.

Liquid fertiliser Fill a plastic container with any green leaves. Add a little water. Close the container but do not tighten the lid. Leave

in a warm place for two weeks. Once the leaves have turned to a thick, strong-smelling liquid, they are ready to use.

Dilute one part liquid manure to twenty parts water. Apply to seedlings, container plants or unhealthy-looking plants.

Warning: Use liquid manure sparingly as it can cause plants to grow too quickly producing large, soft green leaves

that attract pests.

26

herbs around a pit bed

3.3 Herbs, Cooking and Nutrition

Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. Fruit and vegetables are the best source

of minerals and vitamins. Herbs can add to them in the diet but should not replace them.

Fresh or lightly cooked herbs add flavour and extra vitamins and minerals to the meal

particularly vitamin C and calcium.

Amaranthus, blackjack, nettle and moringa can be cooked like spinach and eaten as a

main dish. Fennel stems can be chopped up and eaten raw in salads or cooked as a dish.

Parsely, basil and mint can be added to garnish salads. Sage, thyme, rosemary and

oregano can be used to flavour stews, soups and roasted meat.

Some herbs are used to make refreshing flavoured teas such as mint, lemon

verbena, and lemon grass. Mint can be added to home made fruit juice to improve

the flavour

Table 5: Herbs you can eat or drink

Name Edible part Name Edible part Amaranthus Leaves and seed Lemon balm Leaves

Basil leaves Marjoram Leaves

Blackjack leaves Milk weed Leaves

Borage leaves, flowers Mint Leaves

Burnet leaves Moringa Leaves

Calendula flowers Nasturtium all parts

Chervil leaves Oregano Leaves

Chilli fruit Parsley Leaves

Chives leaves Pawpaw Fruit

Coriander leaves, seeds Rosemary Leaves

Dill leaves, seeds Rue Leaves

Fennel leaves, seeds Sage Leaves

Garlic Bulb, leaves Tansy Leaves, flowers

Guava Fruit, leaves Tarragon Leaves

Lemon grass leaves Thyme Leaves

Lemon verbena Leaves

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Harvesting herbs

When harvesting herbs to eat or drink make sure that you are picking the right plant, and

the right part of the plant, for example, leaves or seeds. It can be dangerous to use the

wrong part of a plant. Pick only plants that are healthy without insect or disease damage.

Do not pick plants growing in a polluted area

If you are harvesting wild herbs only take from where the plant is plentiful. Pick when:

• Flowers are just opening

• Leaves are fully grown

• Plants are mature

• Seeds are fully formed

Drying

Some can be dried for storage and preservation such as rosemary, marjoram, basil, chilli.

Others may be preserved in oil or vinegar such as basil, garlic and chilli.

It can be dangerous to use plant material which is not properly dried.

• Harvest herbs on a sunny, dry morning.

• Find a shaded, well ventilated area.

• If you do not have a drying rack, hang up the whole plants on shaded line. Fresh

plant material can also be chopped and laid out on clean paper (not newspaper) to

dry. In warm, dry weather, the plant material should take less than 36 hours to dry.

• Turn the drying material regularly to ensure even drying and to prevent mould.

• Throw away poorly dried plant material, such as leaves which are damaged or show

signs of disease.

• Chop or break up the dried herb material into small pieces.

Store dried herbs in clean, dry containers with lids or clean, sealed paper bags.

herbs dried and stored

Collection of herbs for remedies

When harvesting and preparing herbs for use always remember to:

• select fresh, healthy, clean plant material

• wash your hands, preferably with soap and warm water, before handling the

material

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• clean all surfaces, cloths and utensils that you are going to use to prepare the

material

• use only clean water to prepare the remedies

• protect the material you are preparing from flies and dust

• cover any wounds you may have with a bandage or a plaster

Storage and labeling

Storing herb material properly will help to keep it active for up to three months from

harvesting. Throw away the dried plants if they are not used after three months. Plants

must be carefully dried before storage. To test that the plants are dry enough, rub

between your clean, dry fingers. If they are crunchy when rubbed they are ready for

storage.

If you are not sure whether a plant is dry enough for storage then place it in a clean,

labeled, closed paper bag. If you are using glass jars for storage, sterilise them first with

boiling water and make sure that they are completely dry.

• Label the storage container clearly with the name, and part, of plant used and the

date of harvesting

• Keep the containers in a cool, dry, dark place, away from heat and direct sunlight.

• Keep out of reach of children and animals.

• Dried herb material which changes colour due to damp or disease, or has been

invaded by insects must not be used. Such material should be burnt.

3.4 Herbs for beauty

Some herbs can be used to make substances used to enhance the skin or hair. Lavender,

lemon grass, vetiver, geranium and rosemary are used for perfume. The leaves may be

soaked in boiling water to release the scented oils. Sage and thyme teas may be used as

deodorant.

To improve the skin use milkweed milk on pimples. Pawpaw flesh can be used as a face

pack and rosemary, sage and thyme teas can be cooled and used as cleansing face

washes. Thyme tea may be used as aftershave lotion. For hair use rosemary or sage tea as

a rinse after washing. To freshen breath chew mint leaves, use rosemary tea as a gargle or

thyme tea as a cleansing mouthwash.

Face pack

See part 4 for information on cosmetics for each herb.

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3.5. Herbs for soothing symptoms

Herbal remedies have been used for hundreds of years as home treatments for ailments.

Some of the medicines that we use today such as aspirin come from herbs. Remember

herbs can help to sooth symptoms (such as sore throat and loss of appetite) but they do

not cure any diseases (such as AIDS or Malaria) or conditions (such as high blood

pressure or diabetes).

Many people use herbs for medicine because they can afford to buy them or grow them.

It is dangerous to buy powdered herbs off the street since you can never be sure that the

powder is really what the seller claims it to be. Here are some questions (Q) which

people often ask about herbs and some answers (A) to these questions.

Q Is it true that herbs can cure diseases e.g. cancer, AIDs, diabetes, malaria?

A. Doctors and scientists are still investigating herbs for treating diseases but up till now

we have no proof that herbs can cure any serious diseases. Most medicinal herbs can be

used to sooth symptoms. Anyone with a serious illness needs to see a doctor not treat

their own or other people’s illness with herbs.

Q My friend told me that herbs are safe because they are natural but medicines from the

doctor or clinic are dangerous chemicals with side effects.

A. All medicines (whether from plants or from the pharmacy or clinic) are dangerous if

not taken correctly and all can have side-effects. People can overdose on herbs. Unlike

bought medicines, home-grown herbs are not tested or measured. Some herbs are like

prescription drugs - they are strong and can be dangerous if taken the wrong way.

Some herbs such as comfrey, aloe vera, wormwood, pennyroyal, moringa roots and bark.

These include: Some herb plants look very similar and are easily confused for example

pennywort, gotu kola, centella and sweet violet look very similar.

Preparation of remedies

While preparing herbs for eating or for teas avoid

• drinking, smoking and eating

• sneezing or coughing on the material

• scratching your skin

Herb teas

Teas are made by pouring boiling water over part of the herb plant and leaving it to soak

for some time. The liquid is then used and the herb is discarded. When making teas keep

to the recommended dosage. Fresh and dried herb leaves, small stems and flowers can be

prepared for tea as follows:

• Place the correct amount of fresh or dried herb material in a clean cup, teapot or

pot.

• Pour on 1 cupful (or more if required) of boiling water, stir and leave to stand for 10

minutes (if possible with a lid on top of the container)

• After 10 minutes, strain into a cup.

• Allow to cool until comfortable to drink.

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Poultice

To make a poultice take 1 teaspoon of fresh crushed leaf. The paste should be held in

place against the affected part of the body or bound in place with cloth. Be careful not to

tie the cloth too tightly.

Inhalation

To clear the head, nose, chest and throat. Place strong-smelling leaves such as African

wormwood, lavender, rosemary or thyme into a bowl of boiling water. Wait until the

steam no longer feels too hot for the skin. Hold your face over the bowl and put a towel

or cloth over your head. Breathe in the hot steam until the water has cooled.

Herb tea

Inhalation

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Table 4: Teas and other treatments

This table includes some safe common herbs, fruits and vegetables.

Condition Herb Common

name

Dosage

Soothing the digestive system Guava leaf chewed or guava leaf tea

• 1 fresh leaf chewed and the juice swallowed three times a day for max. 3 days

Or 1 – 2 teaspoon fresh or ½ dried leaf made as tea three times a day (plants growing in full sun preferred)

Yarrow tea ½ teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon fresh made as a tea three times a day

Sage tea ½ dried or 1 teaspoon fresh leaf as tea two times a day

Fennel leaf/ seeds 2 teaspoons fresh or dried leaf chewed three times a day or ½ teaspoon seeds chewed or Tea three times a day teaspoons fresh or dried leaf three times a day

Diarrhoea Also take oral rehydration solution made from half a teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoons sugar mixed in 750 ml water. Give babies under two-years ¼–½ a cup every time they pass a loose stool. Give older children with loose stools ½–1 cup. Children suffering from diarrhoea for more than 12 hours should be taken to a doctor.

Carrot and Apple pulp Pulped or grated and eaten as required

Heartburn/Indigestion Pain in the upper stomach, caused by acidity, bloating and gas.

Green Banana 2 teaspoons fresh crushed fruit in hot water three times a day max 5 days.

Cabbage 1 cup of juice pressed from grated cabbage (not red)

between meals three times a day max 5 days

Fennel 2 teaspoons fresh or dried leaf three times a day or ½

teaspoon seeds chewed or as tea three times a day

Ginger ¼ teaspoon fresh or dried root eaten directly or as tea three times a day

Mints 2 teaspoon fresh or dried leaf made as tea three times a day

Nausea and Vomiting The feeling or need to vomit caused by an infection, a fever, stress or other factors. Fennel 2 teaspoons fresh or dried leaf three times a day or ½

teaspoon seeds chewed or as tea three times a day

Rosemary ½ teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon chopped fresh leaves as tea three times a day

Amaranthus leaf powder

Add 1 dessert spoon of dried powdered leaf to food two times a day

Poor appetite and weight loss Not wanting to eat or becoming thinner due to illness, stress or medication.

Moringa leaf powder Add 1 dessert spoon of dried powdered leaf to food two times a day

Rosemary ½ teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon chopped fresh leaves as tea three times a day

Yarrow 1 teaspoon dried root made as tea two times a day

Fatigue and loss of energy. caused by illness, stress or nutritional deficiencies.

Fennel 2 teaspoons fresh or dried leaf three times a day or ½ teaspoon seeds chewed or as tea three times a day

Respiratory tract problems

Hay fever Nettle leaf tea 3 teaspoons fresh or 2 teaspoon dried leaves made as tea

three times a day

Garlic 1 crushed clove taken with water or food three times a day

Ginger 1/2teaspoon fresh root made as tea three times a day

Ginger and lemon ½ teaspoon fresh root made as tea three times a day – add a crushed clove of Garlic and lemon juice and sweeten with honey as wanted

Gum tree 3 – 4 leave as tea two times a day

Colds and flu Infections causing running or blocked nose, sneezing, sore throat. Flu symptoms include fever, aching limbs, shivering and headaches and may also include diarrhoea.

Lemon Grass 1 dessert spoon fresh or dried leaf as tea three times a day

Guava leaf 2 teaspoons fresh or dried leaf made as a tea and sweetened with honey and lemon three times a day

Onion 1 medium sized onion boiled with 4 cups of water boiled down to syrup and sugar or honey added to make a syrup; or chopped cover with brown sugar, leave to stand for 2 hours, strain - both 1 – 2teaspoons as necessary

Thyme 1/2 dried/1 teaspoon fresh leaf as tea two times a day

Dry cough A dry cough is one that does not bring up any material and is usual when someone has a cold. Warning: If you have pain in the chest or produce yellow or pinkish phlegm (indicating blood in the sputum) or if

Fennel 2 teaspoons fresh or dried leaf three times a day or ½ teaspoon seeds chewed or as tea three times a day

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there is shortness of breath you must see a doctor.

Mints (excl Pennyroyal)

2 teaspoon fresh or dried leaf made as tea three times a day.

Guava 1 fresh young leaf chewed and the juice swallowed three times a day for max. 3 days

Ginger ½ teaspoon fresh root made as tea three times a day

Lemon and honey Lemon juice and honey mixed with hot water (a pinch Chilli may be added) as required

Sore throat Pain in the throat, which may be caused by an infection, thrush or persistent coughing.

Sage 1/2 dried/1 teaspoon fresh leaf as tea two times a day

Lemongrass 1 dessert spoon of fresh or dried leaf and stalk made as a tea three times a day

Fever the body and head feel very hot. Usually caused by an infection.

Yarrow 1 teaspoon dried root made as tea two times a day

Skin Conditions

Lavender Rub fresh leaves on affected area.

Sweet Basil Apply freshly squeezed juice from the leaves

Sage Apply freshly squeezed juice from the leaves

Thyme Apply freshly squeezed juice from the leaves

Bites and stings Painful, red swollen areas of skin caused by insect

Nettle leaf 3 teaspoons fresh or 2 teaspoon dried made as tea three times a day

Burns (minor) Wounds caused by fire or hot material damaging the skin.

Bulbinella 1 dessert spoon freshly squeezed leaf applied two times a day.

Pawpaw leaf Apply 1 dessert spoon pulped leaf and bandage in place two times a day

Cabbage leaf Apply 1 dessert spoon pulped leaf and bandage in place two times a day

Boils Painful infected areas on the skin.

Turmeric 1 dessert spoon of fresh crushed root applied as a poultice and bandaged in place

Skin rash May include flaking, scaling of skin and tiny blisters . Avoid scratching. If there is no improvement see a doctor

Bulbinella 1 dessert spoon freshly squeezed leaf applied two times a day

Ringworm a skin infection causing itchy ring-like patches.

Pawpaw latex Apply fresh milk directly to affected area two times a day

Garlic Place a slice of fresh garlic on wart and bind in place overnight.

Warts small white lumps on the body caused by a virus.

Banana Make a poultice from a small piece of banana skin and bind. replace daily for 1 week – 10 days.

Stress-related conditions Sage ½ dried/1 teaspoon fresh leaf as tea two times a day

Lemon Balm ½ dried/1 teaspoon fresh leaf as tea two times a day Anxiety feeling worried or frightened

Rosemary ½ dried/1 teaspoon fresh leaf as tea two times a day

Turmeric 1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoon fresh root made as tea. Backache Ginger 1/2teaspoon fresh root made as tea three times a day

Depression feeling very sad

Rosemary ½ teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon chopped fresh leaves as tea three times a day

Rosemary ½ teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon chopped fresh leaves as tea three times a day

Headache and migraine pain in the head that could be caused by stress, neck pains, toothache, earache, eyestrain, heat stroke. If the headache persists for more than 24 hours or is very strong you must seek medical attention.

Lavender ½ teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon chopped fresh leaves as tea three times a day

Injuries Comfrey Apply poultice of 1 teaspoon fresh crushed leaf

Lavender Apply poultice of 1 teaspoon fresh crushed leaf

Sprains or bruises Damage to the tissue in the body causing swelling, stiffness, pain and discolouration.

Turmeric 1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoon fresh root made as tea two times a day

Mouth sores Mouth ulcers painfully blister-like spots on the tongue or other parts of the mouth caused by bacterial infection.

Guava leaves chew one fresh young leaf and swallow the juice three times a day for maximum of 3 days.

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Garlic 1 crushed clove taken with water or food three times a day

Bulbinella 1 dessert spoon freshly squeezed leaf gel three times a day

Thrush (mouth and throat) a fungal infection which can affect the mouth or genitals. It causes pain, itching and a white raised rash. It can be caused by a weakened immune system and sometimes after taking antibiotics.

Sweet Marjoram /Oregano

1 teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon chopped fresh leaves as tea three times a day

Other common complaints Sage 1/2 dried/1 teaspoon fresh leaf as tea two times a day

Thyme ½ teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon chopped fresh leaves as tea three times a day

Gum tree 3 – 4 leave as tea two times a day

Earache Pain in the ear caused by an infected tooth or an infection in the ear. If discharge occurs from the ear see a doctor.

Garlic ¼ teaspoon crushed garlic briefly heated in one dessert spoon Sunflower or Peanut oil and strained: 2 drops of cooled oil applied three times a day after dry mopping

Bulbinella Apply poultice of 1 teaspoon fresh crushed leaf

Comfrey Apply poultice of 1 teaspoon fresh crushed leaf

Haemorrhoids (piles) Bulging veins in the anus which can be very painful when going to the toilet.

Centella Apply poultice of 1 teaspoon fresh crushed leaf

Yarrow ½ teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon fresh made as a tea three times a day

Nosebleed Bleeding from the nose caused by injury, stress or other factors

Nettle leaf Tip of teaspoon of dried powdered leaf inhaled as a snuff three times a day max 1 day

Thrush (vaginal) A fungal infection which can affect the mouth or genitals. causing pain, itching and a white raised rash.

Thyme ½ teaspoon dried or 1 teaspoon chopped fresh leaves as tea three times a day

Garlic and basil Take one crushed clove plus 1 teaspoon fresh leaf as a tea two times a day

Pumpkin seeds 1 heaped dessert spoon of dried ground or powdered seeds (can be sweetened with honey)

Internal Worms Thread and pin worms are parasites which live in the body. They may cause itching of the anus. Fresh pawpaw seeds 10 fresh seeds chewed and swallowed two times a day

(peppery) NB not to be taken in pregnancy

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PART 4: DESCRIPTION OF THE HERBS

35

Amaranthus

bonongwe, mowa, imbuya Amaranthus hybridus and other amaranthus species

A fast growing branched annual herb of about 1m

high.

Uses

The leaves can be cooked as spinach. They are high

in iron, calcium, protein, vitamin A and vitamin C.

The seeds may also be added to food for extra

minerals and vitamins. To improve the appetite and

reduce weight loss, add 1 dessert spoon of dried

powdered amaranthus leaf to food two times a day.

The leaves can be used as liquid fertiliser.

Growing method

These plants can be grown from seed planted throughout the year although they do not

tolerate frost.

African Wormwood

Artemisia afra

A woody perennial herb of up to about 2 m

in height, strongly aromatic.

The leaves are grey-green above, grey to

whitish beneath

Uses African wormwood tea can be used to sooth

coughs, diarrhoea, fever, and to treat

internal worms. Use 1 teaspoon of the dried

herb made into tea, drunk three times a day.

To ease a blocked or runny nose, place a

handful of fresh or dry leaves in a pot of

boiling water and breathe in the steam as

required. To soothe a headache or migraine take a handful of fresh leaves, crush them

and breathe in the scent.

The plant can be grown as a repellent hedge on the edges of gardens.

How to grow

This plant can be grown from cuttings or seed sown as soon as it is ripe. Artemisia loves

both shade and full sunshine, however, some bushes requires shelter from strong winds.

36

Basil Sweet basil Ocimum basilicum, Bush basil O. minimum

An annual plant that can grow up to 30cm. The shiny green

leaves are stronng smelling.

Uses The fresh leaves can be added to flavour salads, stews, bean

and meat dishes. Leaves may be picked as required. Basil

may be dried but the flavour is not so strong as the fresh

leaves. The juice of the leaves can help to sooth insect bites

and stings. Garlic and basil tea helps to treat internal worms.

Take one crushed clove plus 1 teaspoon fresh basil leaf as a

tea two times a day. Basil tea made from a few basil leaves

steeped in boiling water for 5 minutes, helps to stimulate the appetite and freshen the

breath. The cooled tea can be used as a refreshing hair rinse.

Basil can be intercropped with vegetables in beds to repel pests and can reduce the attack

of tomatoes by whitefly. Basil can be grown in containers and placed near the house or in

the seedling nursery to help repel unwanted insects. An insecticidal and mildly fungicidal

spray can be made by soaking a handful of crushed leaves in water for 24 hours. The

filtered spray can be used on crops. The dried leaves can be crushed and made into a

dusting powder. Wild basil Ocimum canum (rukovhi, amakha) can also be used in the

same way to control pests.

Growing method

Basil likes light well-drained soil and a sunny position. It needs to be fertilised during

growth, with liquid manure or compost. The top growing shoots should be nipped off to

encourage bushing and prevent flowering. This will increase the growing period.

Blackjack,

muuwu, nhungumira, ucucuza Bidens pilosa

An annual herb, 15-60 cm tall. Usually seen as a

weed in disturbed land or crop land. The distinctive

black seed heads are well known for sticking to

clothes.

Uses The young leaves can be cooked as spinach and

mixed with peanut butter. The leaves can be dried

and stored for use in the dry season. Blackjack tea

made from 1–2 teaspoon fresh or ½ dried leaf made

as tea three times a day helps to sooth diarrhoea.

Black jack plants can also be used as liquid manure

or made into a pesticidal spray to treat aphids,

caterpillars, crickets, mites, whitefly, ants, termites

37

and beetles.

Growing method

Black jack grows easily from seed.

Bulbinella

Bulbine natalensis

A fleshy low-growing perennial reaching 15 cm. The

plant has attractive yellow flowers.

Uses

The gel squeezed from the leaves can be used to sooth

hemorrhoids and thrush (mouth and throat). The gel can

also be used to sooth rashes, minor burns including

sunburn, insect bites and stings, blisters and pimples.

For thrush apply one dessert spoon of freshly squeezed leaf gel three times a day. For

Hemorrhoids apply a poultice of 1 teaspoon fresh crushed leaf. For shingles and herpes

apply one dessert spoon of freshly squeezed leaf two times a day. For skin rashes such as

eczema, urticaraia or impetigo use one dessert spoon of freshly squeezed leaf applied two

times a day.

Growing method This tough plant grows easily from leaf cuttings. It tolerates poor soil and periods of

drought.

Chilli

Capsicum annum, C. frutescens

A branched shrubby annual growing up to 1.5m.

Green fruit are produced which eventually turn

red.

Uses The fresh or dried fruits flavour soups, stews,

curries and sauces. Dried chillies can be ground

into powder for storage and preservation. Chilli

(and other members of the family including

green peppers, and paprika) can be used to

make an insecticidal spray to target most insects, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Communities

in the Zambezi Valley use chilli dust to repel elephants from crop fields. Apply chilli

powder to the base of plants to repel ants, cutworms, slugs, snails and a wide range of soil

38

pests. Chilli spray and powder helps treat most plant diseases. The juice of green peppers

can be used to treat mosaic virus and inhibit the spread of other viruses.

Growing method Plant the seeds in seedbeds or containers. Transplant when 10 cm tall into beds or

containers. Prune the top shoots to encourage branching. Chillies like loose, rich soil.

Harvest when the fruits are green or red.

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

A fast-growing, perennial herb reaching 90cm. The plant has dark-

green hairy leaves and bulbous roots.

Uses Crushed comfrey leaves can produce an ointment for sprains,

bruises, rheumatism, arthritis and swellings. Use the leaves as a

poultice for boils, leg ulcers, abscesses and splinters. Comfrey

should not be eaten.

Comfrey leaves contain high levels of nitrogen and potassium.

Harvest the leaves for mulch, compost or to make liquid fertiliser.

Growing method Comfrey can be grown easily from root cuttings planted all year

round. To collect cuttings: water the soil around a healthy, large plant. Dig deeply around

the plant with a spade and lift the plant out with its roots. Cut the roots into sections. Plant

out the sections. Remember to plant them the same way up as they were growing. Water

regularly. Once established comfrey can tolerate dry periods. Comfrey can be grown in

sun or partial shade in most soils.

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

A tough perennial with pale feathery green leaves

reaching 60-90cm. Dill: Anethum graveolens looks

similar to fennel but grows smaller and has blue/grey

leaves. Dill is a sensitive plant and does not live as long

as fennel.

Uses

Fennel leaves, stem and bulbs can be used raw or cooked to flavour food. Roasted fennel

seeds are used in curries and in baking.

Fennel tea can be used to ease nausea and vomiting, heartburn and indigestion, cystitis

(burning pain during urination), tiredness and loss of energy, coughs and diarrhoea. The

cooled tea may be used to sooth sore, itchy or tired eyes.

39

To make fennel tea add 2 teaspoons of fresh or dried leaf to boiling water and drink the

tea three times a day. Alternatively use ½ teaspoon of seeds chewed or made into tea

three times a day.

Fennel flowers help to attract predatory wasps to the garden. These insects help to control

aphids.

Growing method Sow seed from August to February in well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position. Fennel

does not like acid conditions. Prune the plant to encourage branching.

Garlic

Allium sativum A bulbous plant with straight green leaves reaching

75cm.

Uses

Garlic contains high amounts of Vitamin C, iodine and

iron. The cloves are used cooked or raw to flavour

cooking and are said to stimulate the appetite.

Garlic can be used to sooth the following conditions: For earache gently warm ¼

teaspoon crushed garlic in one dessert spoon held over a heat source. Add a teaspoon of

clean cooking oil. Leave to cool. Apply two drops of cooled oil to the affected ear after

gentle dry mopping with cotton wool.

For flu, thrush (mouth and throat) or diarrhoea take one crushed clove with water or food

three times a day. To expel thread and pin worms take one crushed clove plus 1 teaspoon

fresh leaf as a tea two times a day. For warts place a slice of fresh garlic on wart and bind

in place overnight.

Avoid consuming garlic if you are taking anti retroviral drugs. Garlic can be fed to adult poultry to cure coccidiosis. To help reduce infection in chicks

and rabbits add a crushed garlic clove to the drinking water once per week.

Plant garlic in vegetable beds as a repellent against a wide range of insects including

aphids, fruit tree borer, mice, moles and termites. Sprays can be made which target ants,

aphids, armyworm, beetles, birds, caterpillars, diamond black moth, false coddling moth,

grubs, houseflies, mice, mites, moles, mosquitoes, nematodes, peach borer, termites,

ticks, fungi and bacterial diseases. Garlic spray can also be used to treat scab, mildew,

bean rust and tomato blight. Crushed garlic cloves repel ants.

Warning: Garlic spray can kill beneficial insects as well as pests. The smell and taste will

remain on leaves for up to one month after spraying or dusting. Do not use garlic sprays

on legumes or plant garlic next to legumes.

Growing method Plant cloves from January to March in well-drained fertile soil in full sun. Plant cloves

about 2 cm deep. Do not firm down the soil as this inhibits root growth. Feed the

40

growing plants with compost or well-rotted manure and mulch with comfrey leaves and

wood ash. Harvest the bulbs when the leaves have turned yellow. Loosen the soil and

gently lever the bulbs out then leave them on the soil surface to dry in the sun. Store by

hanging indoors in a cool dark place.

Ginger

tsangamidzi, Zingiber officinalis

A tall, perennial up to 1m with dark-green leaves.

The leaves die down

Uses The fresh or powdered root can flavour foods and is said to increase the appetite. Ginger

tea can sooth a sore throat, colds, flu, aches and pains. Soak half a teaspoon of fresh root

in boiling water and drink three times a day. For a more powerful tea add a crushed clove

of garlic and lemon juice and sweeten with honey as wanted. To reduce nausea and

vomiting use ¼ teaspoon fresh or dried root eaten directly or as tea taken three times a

day. To ease a bad cough make a hot compress with ginger and use twice a day. Boil a

tablespoon of chopped ginger in two litres of water. Soak a towel in the hot liquid.

Squeeze out the towel. When it is cool enough not to burn you, lie down for 30 minutes

with the towel on your chest. Dip the towel in the hot liquid whenever it cools down.

Growing method

Plant the sprouting corms in loose, fertile sandy-loam soil in full sun. To prevent fungal

attack: dip small pieces of the root in ash and dry for a week before planting. Ensure light

watering is especially in dry weather. Watering must stop after flowers have appeared in

the rainy season. Allow the leaves to die down. Harvest the tubers inn July. Mulch the

crop. Do not plant near members of the Solanaceae family (tomatoes, eggplants, etc.)

because the same diseases attack ginger. It can suffer from bacterial wilt, leaf spot and

root rot in humid conditions. The main pests are stem borers and nematodes in sandy

soils.

Guava leaf

Psidium guajava

Small to medium-sized fruit trees with oval leaves and

white flowers. The fruit ripen from February to May.

Uses The fruits are high in vitamin C and can be eaten fresh or

cooked or preserved through drying. The leaves can be

made into a tea to sooth coughs. For diarrhoea and mouth

ulcers, chew one fresh young leaf and swallow the juice

three times a day for maximum of 3 days.

Growing method

41

These small fast-growing trees do not make as much shade as larger fruit trees in urban

gardens and tolerate poor soils and dry conditions. Guava trees grow easily from seed.

For trees which fruit more quickly they can be grown from cuttings or by air layering (see

the growing herbs section).

Lavender

Lavandula officinalis

A bushy evergreen perennial shrub reaching 60-90cm with

strrong-smelling grey leaves and small blue flowers.

Uses To sooth a headache, make a tea from ½ teaspoon dried or 1

teaspoon chopped fresh leaves and drink three times a day.

For sprains apply poultice of 1 teaspoon fresh crushed leaf.

Lavender is a strong-smelling herb used in a variety of

cosmetics. The leaves can be added to boiling water and then

used to perfume a bath. A cleansing face wash, hair rinse or as

a deodorant and can be made by soaking lavender leaves in

boiling water and using the cooled, strained liquid.

Dried lavender leaves can be kept in cupboards to scent

clothes and to repel clothes moths. They may also be kept in

food cupboards and food storage containers to discourage

weevils and cockroaches. Dried lavender leaves may be used

to line grain and seed storage containers to repel pests.

Growing method Plant lavender cuttings in August in sleeves containing sandy soil. Tear the cutting

material away from the main stem rather than cutting. This will give the plant a heel from

which roots will quickly sprout. To prevent fungal attack and improve sprouting, dip the

cut ends of the stem in ash before planting. Be careful not to over-water. Plant out in full

sun in well-drained soil. Prune the plant regularly to encourage dense branching.

Lemon grass

Cymbopogon citratus

A bushy bunching grass up to 1m.

Uses Lemon grass is rich in calcium and vitamin C. The stems are used to

flavour tea, soups and stew. To sooth colds and flu use one dessert

spoon of fresh or dried leaf as tea taken three times a day. The leaves can

be rubbed on the skin as an insect repellant.

This tough bunch grasses can be grown for erosion control but needs

extra watering. Lemon grass can be used to edge paths and protect bare

ground around water troughs. Use the leaves as insect repellent mulch.

42

Growing method

The grass can be grown from root slips planted in warm weather with irrigation. Lemon

grass needs extra water during dry periods. Encourage growth by pruning leaves for

mulch. The grass is prone to rust.

Marjorum and Oregano

Origanum marjorana and Origanum vulgare

Marjoram is a short annual herb reaching 20cm. Oregano, Origanum majorana, is a tall

perennial herb reaching 60cm.

Uses

These related plants are both used in flavouring food and are rich in vitamins. Oregano

has a stonger flavour and is usually cooked.

Oregano steeped in cooking oil makes a soothing rub for bruises, sprains or strains. To

sooth thrush (mouth and throat) drink 1 teaspoon dried or chopped fresh leaves as tea

three times a day.

Growing method

Plant seeds in full sun in well-drained soil. Improve soil with well-rotted compost before

planting. The seed in very small so mix it with sand before sowing to help with even

distribution. Oregano and marjoram can be grown from cuttings or root divisions.

43

Mexican marigold

mbanda, imbanje

Tagetes minuta,

An erect annual from 10cm up to 250cm with small yellow

flowers.

Uses

The dried plants and used to keep pests out of grain bins. The plant should be left

growing in the garden as it is said to repel eelworm (nematodes) in the soil. Use leaves as

mulch against ants. The leaves can be rubbed on the body to repel mosquitoes and flies.

A pesticide spray can be made to treat ants, aphids, caterpillars and flies. The spray can

help to prevent fungal diseases including coffee berry disease, late blight and mildew.

Dig fresh Mexican marigold plants into the soil around plants which could be attacked by

ants, termites or nematodes. Alternatively pour the Mexican marigold spray (above) onto

the soil around plants.

Dry the leaves and crush them to make a dusting powder to control fleas.

To repel pests in grain and seed stores line storage containers with a layer of crushed

plants or place dried powdered plant between layers of stored grain.

A yellow dye can be made from the plant.

Growing method

Collect mature seeds and sow in situ.

Milk weed

Rurimirwemombe, ulimilwenkhomo Sonchus oleraceus

An annual herb 30-150cm high commonly found as a weed in

gardens. The plant produces small yellow flowers and has a milky

sap.

Uses

The leaves of this common weed can be eaten. Add young leaves

to salads. Cook leaves as spinach. The milky juice can be used for pimples. The plant

should be left in beds as it traps aphids away from other vegetables.

44

Growing method

This common weed tends to self seed in most disturbed soils. It tolerates dry periods and

poor soils.

Mint

Spearmint Peppermint

Mentha spp., Mentha viridis or spicata, M. Piperita, Avoid pennyroyal (M. pulegium)

A short, spreading perennial herb growing up to 60cm

with fresh-smelling oval leaves.

Uses

Mint can be eaten raw or cooked to add flavour to food.

Mint tea made from fresh or dried leaves can be drunk

three times a day to reduce nausea and vomiting. Mint

leaves can be chewed to freshen breath.

Growing method

Mint grows easily from root cuttings(rhizomes). It prefers

rich heavy soil and needs regular watering. Because the

plant spreads rapidly it should not be planted in beds but rather in containers.

Moringa

Moringa olifera

A fast-growing tree reaching up to 8m. The tree produces masses of white flowers and

long pods.

Uses

Moringa leaves, flowers and green pods can be eaten and are an excellent source of

vitamins and minerals especially calcium, Vitamins C and A. The roots and bark of this

tree should not be eaten. Moringa has not been proven to cure any diseases including

HIV/ AIDS. The leaves may be dried and made into a powder to sprinkle into soups and

stews. The tree can be planted along garden boundaries and pruned to avoid it shading

other crops. It can also be grown in beds as a vegetable and harvested after one year.

The dried seeds can be used to purify water. To treat 20 litres of water use 2-3 moringa

seeds. The inner white kernel of the seeds is crushed, pounded and mixed into a paste

with a little water. Add 2 cups of water and shake in a closed jar for about 5 minutes.

Pour the contents into a 20 litre bucket of dirty water and wait for 30 minutes. The mud,

bacteria and other organisms are said to sink to the bottom of the water and the clean

surface water can be scooped off.

45

Growing method

Moringa prefers hot, dry conditions and sandy soil. Give the tree extra water to ensure

leaves are produced all year round. Plant the seeds in sleeves containing well-drained

fertile soil. Give the seedlings plenty of water at first. The trees can be planted out into the

garden once they are 20cm tall. As a vegetable you can plant moringa in rows in beds

then harvest the whole plant at the end of the growing season.

Nettle

Urtica dioica

A hardy perennial shrub up to 1m with serrated,

hairy leaves, which give an unpleasant sting.

Uses

Nettle leaves are rich in vitamins A and C and can

be cooked like spinach or added to soup or stews.

To harvest the leaves wear gloves or protect the

hands with plastic bags to avoid the sting.

Nettle tea made from 3 teaspoons fresh or 2

teaspoon dried leaves can be drunk three times a

day to sooth itchy, red skin rashes and hay fever.

For nosebleeds take the tip of a teaspoon of dried,

powdered leaf inhaled as a snuff three times a day

for a maximum of one day. Nettle leaves make a

strong liquid fertiliser (see the soil improvement

section). It can also be added to compost.

Growing method

Nettle grows easily from root cuttings or seed. It can be planted in containers. Avoid

planting it on the edge of paths as the sting can be painful.

46

Onion

Allium fistulosum A bulbous annual plant reaching 75 cm.

Uses

Onions are rich in iron, iodine, potassium and vitamin C. The

bulbs are eaten cooked or raw.

To sooth a cough take one to 2 teaspoons of onion cough

mixture as needed. Use one medium sized onion with four cups

of water boiled down to a syrup. Add sugar or honey; or chop

and onion, cover with brown sugar, leave to stand for two hours,

then strain. Leaving a cut onion by your bedside when you

sleep also helps relieve the cough. Bee stings can be relieved by placing a cut onion on

the affected area. A cut onion held next to the ear can help sooth an earache.

Onions, garlic, leeks and chives planted in vegetable beds help repel pests (notably

cabbage butterfly, aphids, rats, mice, moles and other pests. However these plants can

also inhibit the action of leguminous plants so should not be planted near peas or beans.

Onion spray can be used against aphids, cabbage butterfly, mites, scale, thrips, tomato

flies, ticks and whitefly, mice and moles and fungal diseases including damping off, late

blight and tomato leaf spot.

Growing method

Sow seed directly into beds during the cool dry season in deep light, sandy soils. Avoid

application of manure or compost just before planting. The crop needs constant attention

and has a long growing season. Do not plant the seedlings too deeply as this reduces the

size of the globe. Harvesting can be done at any stage but once the leaves yellow and lie

flat, the onions may be dried off. Bending or knotting the leaves when the bulb has

reached full-size encourages this. Store dried onions in a dry, dark, well-aerated place.

The tops may be braided to produce a rope of onions which makes them easier to hang.

47

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

A short biennial herb with crinkled, bright-green leaves reaching 30 ccm.

Uses

Parsley is one of the most nutrient-rich herbs and can be eaten raw or added to most

cooked dishes. To sooth cystitis make parsley tea from one dessert spoon fresh or one

heaped teaspoon dried leaf. Take three times a day for a maximum of three days. Cooled

parsley tea can be used to sooth skin irritations.

Growing method

Sow parsley seeds in fertile well-drained soil. The seed takes at least six weeks to

germinate. Parsley does not like acid conditions so liming may be necessary. Parsley is a

biennial so seeds can be collected in the second year of cultivating the plant.

Pawpaw

Mupopo, Carica papaya

A fast-growing tree with bulbous stems reaching 15m. Fruits are produced in the rainy

season.

Uses

The fruit can be eaten fresh when ripe or cooked like squash when green. It is high in

vitamins A and C, potassium and calcium. A cleansing face pack can be made from

mashed pawpaw. To treat boils apply 1 dessert spoon pulped leaf and bandage in place

two times a day. To treat ringworm apply fresh pawpaw milk directly to affected area two

times a day. To expel intestinal worms chew10 fresh seeds and swallow two times per

day. Warning: not to be taken in pregnancy. Pawpaw seeds can also be fed to livestock to

expel internal worms.

The fruit, leaves and roots of this plant can be used in pest and disease control. Use

pawpaw spray on plants to control aphids, bugs, caterpillars and fungal diseases such as

coffee rust, powdery mildew and rice brown leaf spot. Pour thee spray on the soil around

plants to kill nematodes and cutworm. The juice from immature fruits can be used to

control termites.

48

Growing method

Pawpaws germinate easily from seed. Harvest the fresh fruit from a healthy productive

plant then remove and clean the seed. Remove the flesh from seed and soak in water to

remove germination-inhibiting chemicals. Plant this seed as soon as possible as it does

not store well. Pawpaw can also take from cuttings.

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

A bushy perennial up to 1m with strong-smelling dark green

leaves and small dark blue flowers.

Uses

Rosemary is a strong smelling herb used to flavour soups, stews

and roasted meat. Rosemary tea can be made from 1 teaspoon

dried or 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves. It can be

taken three times a day to treat headache, poor appetite and

weight loss, fatigue and loss of energy, anxiety, stress and

depression. Rosemary tea can also be used as a hair rinse, facial

wash or gargle.

Growing method

Rosemary takes easily from cuttings. These should be torn from the stem rather than cut.

This will give the plant a heel from which roots will quickly sprout. The plant needs full

sun and well-drained sandy soil.

49

Sage

Salvia officinalis

A small strong-smelling grey-leaved perennial with bright blue flowers reaching 30 cm.

Uses

Sage is a strong smelling herb used in cooking to flavour

soups, stews and roasted meat. Sage tea can be used to

sooth earache, sore throat, diarrhoea, anxiety and stress.

Use half a teaspoon of dried on 1 teaspoon fresh leaf

drunk two times per day. Sage tea can also be used as a

hair rinse, facial wash or as a deodorant.

Growing method

Sage can be grown from cuttings, layering or seed. Cuttings should be torn from the stem

rather than cut. This will give the plant a heel from which roots will quickly sprout. The

plant needs full sun and well-drained sandy soil.

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

A low-growing strong-smelling perennial groundcover upto 15cm.

Uses

This strong smelling herb used in cooking to flavour

soups, stews and roasted meat. Thyme tea can be used

to sooth earache, thrush (mouth, throat and vaginal),

shingles, herpes and coughs. Take half a teaspoon of

dried or 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped leaves made into

tea and taken three times a day. The cooled tea may

also be used as a facial wash, deodorant, aftershave

lotion, or mouth wash.

Growing method

Thyme grows from seed, stem cuttings or root division.

Cuttings should be torn from the stem to give a heel

from which roots will sprout. The plant needs full sun

and well-drained sandy soil.

50

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

A tall fast-growing perennial reaching 70—80cm with bright green leaves and attractive

pink and white flowers.

Uses

The yellow roots of turmeric are used fresh or dried and ground into powder to flavour

curries, stews, beans and rice. Turmeric tea can be used to sooth aches and pains, sprains

and gout. Use one teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh root in boiling water.

For boils use one dessert spoon of fresh crushed root applied as a poultice and bandaged

in place.

For leg ulcers, mix one to two dessert spoons of pulped fresh or ground dried root with

honey and apply two times a day.

Growing method

Break corms off from the roots of an adult plant. Plant the corms in fertile well-drained

soil. Water frequently. Turmeric tolerates light shade.

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

A low-growing (60cm) perennial ground-cover with

strong-smelling feathery leaves and attractive pink or

white flowers.

Uses Yarrow tea can be used to sooth nosebleed,

diarrhoea, fever, fatigue and loss of energy. Take half

a teaspoon of dried or 1 teaspoon of fresh yarrow

leaves in boiling water and drink as a tea three times

a day.

Yarrow is a useful groundcover and edging plant but

it can take over beds so should not be planted with vegetables.

Yarrow leaves can be used to encourage the decay of compost.

51

Growing method Yarrow can be grown from seed, but is grown more easily from runners. It can be grown

in a wide range of soils and tolerates dry periods.

Zumbani

zumbani, mumara , usuzwane

Lippia javanica

A woody shrub reaching 2m. The leaves have a lemon smell when crushed.

Uses Zumbani tea can be used to sooth fever and headache. Use 1 teaspoon fresh or dried leaf

made as tea three times a day Also for a headache inhale a handful of fresh leaves. For

scabies use one dessert spoon fresh or dried made as tea and applied to the affected areas

two times a day.

The plant can be grown as a repellent windbreak on the edges of gardens. A pesticide can

be made from the crushed leaves and branches. Burning piles of the dried leaves and

branches in fields helps to repel pests.

To repel pests in grain and seed stores line storage containers with a layer of 3-5 cm of

Zumbane leafy branches.

How to grow This is best grown from cuttings when the temperatures are high towards the rainy season.

It may also be grown from seed. Zumbani tolerates most soils but prefers well-drained

soils and full sun.

52

References

Food Plants of Zimbabwe Tredgold, M.H. Mambo Press, ISBN 0-

86922-400 X Gweru.

1990

Herbs and How to Grow Them Geoff Hamilton David Charles, ISBN 0

7153 7897, Newton

Abbot, London

1980

Herbs for Health and Beauty Margaret Roberts Lowry Publishers, ISBN

0947042 09 1

Johannesburg

1990

Improving Nutrition Through Home

Gardening: A Training Package for

Preparing Field Workers in Africa

FAO FAO, Rome. ISBN 92 5

104388 4

2001

Living Well with HIV and AIDS: A

Manual on Nutritional Care and

Support for People Living with

HIV/AIDS .

FAO FAO, Rome 2002

Natural Pest & Disease Control. Elwell, H and

Maas, A.

Natural Farming Network

Zimbabwe: Harare.

(1995)

People’s plants: A Guide to Useful

Plants of Southern Africa

Ben-Erik van Wyk

annd Nigel

Gericke

Briza Publications ISBN 1

8 7509319 2

2000

The Complete Book of herbs and

Spices

Claire Loewenfeld

and Phillipa Black

David Charles, ISBN 0

7153 7656, Newton

Abbot, London

1979

The Essential Margaret Roberts – My

100 favourite herbs

Margaret Roberts Spearhead, ISBN 086486

481 7, Claremont

2003