Homestead Health
Herbs & homeopathy for a healthier life
What's happening in the Nursery?
What's happening in the Nursery?
Here at Homestead Health, we are now developing our Medicinal Herb and Edibles Micro-Nursery. We believe that
health care begins with the food we eat. With a good variety of chemical free fruit, vegetables and herbs, our need for
medical intervention is greatly reduced. All our plants are grown here at the Homestead, chemical free and rainwater
irrigated under organic conditions. We grow from seed or cuttings, avoiding invasive root stocks commonly found in
grafted plants. Although this can sometimes extend the waiting period for fruit, it results in a more vigorous longer
living tree. Over time our collection of plants will expand, if there is a plant you are specifically after, please let us
know as we may be able to source or grow it for you.
Our plants are available for pick up or local delivery only. Please feel free to contact us to make an appointment to
visit the Homestead or to request information on what plants we currently have available. Thankyou.
***Please note: this page is currently under construction
Medicinal Herbs...
Epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides)
Also known as Wormseed and Chandanbatva (Ayurvedic). The traditional Mexican folk use of Epazote leaf and seeds is as a remedy for intestinal parasites. The leaves are used as a spice and digestive aid in Mexican chilli sauces. Sprig of leaves added to beans when cooking said to render beans gas free. Leaves also used to flavour mushrooms, chicken and cheese. A strong infusion of the leaves is an effective spray for cockroaches.
Note: All parts of the plant are at least slightly toxic.
Epazote is native to central America and is adaptable to most soils and positions. Tolerates poor soils. Drought and frost resistant. Annual or perennial, depending on climate. Grows to 1.0m x 0.5m. Sown in early summer in sandy soil.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Sometimes known as Black Elderberry. In medieval England Elderberry trees were planted near a house to deter witches. Traditional use of the berries in Europe in jams, jellies and wines. Flowers and berries used as a tea.
Leaves are an insect repellant and used as a spray for aphids and caterpillars. Also added to compost. All parts of this tree have medicinal properties.
Note: Immature uncooked berries are toxic.
Elderberry is native to UK and Europe and is adaptable to any type of moist soil. Prefers shaded, protected position. Frost resistant but drought tender. Perennial, deciduous, spreading tree, growing to 10m x 3.0m
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
The root of Horseradish plant, Armoracia rusticana, is a traditional culinary spice used with meat and fish. Leaves can be used in salads. Rich in Vitamin C and minerals. An antioxidant. Approved by German Commission E as a remedy for bronchitis, coughs and urinary tract infections. Soothes mucous membranes. A folk aphrodisiac in Europe. The dried leaves produce a yellow dye.
Horseradish plant is a native of eastern Europe and prefers a rich, loose, moist soils in a open, part-shaded position. Produces clusters of tiny white flowers in the spring and summer. Drought and frost resistant. Herbaceous perennial plant growing to 0.6m
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Makes a sedative tea. The use of the roots is approved by German Commission E as a remedy for insomnia, anxiety and nervousness. A tea made from the fresh root puts one to sleep and allows them to wake refreshed and energised.
Also a valuable addition to compost; rich in phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and zinc. It is said that a Valerian plant stimulates earth worm activity in the garden. An infusion of the leaves is used as a spray to promote disease resistance.
Valerian is native to Europe and north Asia. Prefers moist, rich soils in a protected, semi-shaded position. Clusters of pink to white flowers in summer. Frost resistant but drought tender. A perennial plant, growing to 1.5m x 1.5m.
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
A calming tea for gentle bedtime sedation, stomach ache and teething babies. Also used as hair rinse for blondes and as a spray in the garden. It is the base ingredient for our "Homestead Honey and Lemon" drink, which is a traditional family remedy for cold and flu, fatigue and many other ills.
German Chamomile is native of Europe and prefers rich, well drained soils in an open sunny position. White and yellow daisy like flowers. Drought and frost resistant. An annual plant growing to 0.45m x 0.5m. Readily self-seeds. Sow from autumn to early spring.
Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium)
A tea made from the dry leaf or flower of Feverfew is valuable in the prevention from migraine headaches. This is a bitter tasting herb that has been used medicinally since the time if the Greeks as a remedy for arthritis, indigestion and stress.
In gardening, the leaves have also been used as an insecticide.
Feverfew is native to the Northern Hemisphere and is adaptable to most soils and positions. A flood of daisy like flowers appear in summer. Drought and frost resistant. A perennial plant growing to 0.6m x 0.6m.
Comfrey (Symphytun officinale)
Comfrey is traditionally used in European folk medicine to help heal broken bones, wounds and sores. The large leaves are used in salads, steamed as a vegetable, and as fritters and drinks. Also as a base for herbal tea. The leaf contains over 30% protein and is rich in Vitamin B12, potash and phosphorus.
Valuable as a mulch, in compost and as a liquid fertiliser. Animal and poultry food. An exceptionally useful culinary and medicinal plant.
Comfrey is native to Europe and Asia. It is adaptable to most soils and positions, but prefers moist areas. Frost resistant but drought tender. A perennial plant, growing to 0.9m x 1m.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
One of the bitterest herbs known. Wormwood plant is a classic vermefuge (the dried powdered flowers). The its common name a testament to it’s ability to act as a wormer in children and animals; extended use is not recommended. The oil from the leaves was used in the making of Absinthe, an alcoholic drink used in 19th century France. Absinthe is now banned in most countries.
An infusion of the leaves is used in the garden as an insect repellent and insecticide. An essential herb for the medicinal garden.
Note: potentially toxic.
Wormwood plant, Artemisia absinthium. is native to Europe and Siberia, being adaptable to most soils and conditions. Alleopathic – discourages most other plants from growing near it. Flowers are yellowish green, occurring in panicle during summer. Drought and frost tender; will tolerate a light frost. A perennial plant, growing to 1.5m x 1.5m
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Similar to peppermint only sweeter, spearmint can help alleviate symptoms of nausea, indigestion, gas, headache, toothache, cramps, and sore throat. It is also applied topically, to the skin, to help reduce swelling due to nerve or muscle pain.
Grows to 0.45m x 0.4m. Spearmint, is adaptable to any well-drained soil in a sunny to partial shaded position. Drought and frost resistant.
Siberian Motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus)
The source of Chinese medicinal remedy Yi-mu-cao. Energies blood and regulates menstruation. Excellent long lasting cut flowers. Lithe stems with red-purple racemes. The whole plant is a bitter diuretic that stimulates the circulation, lowers blood pressure, helps oedema, kidney complaints and kidney stones.
It regulates painful and excessive menstruation and postpartum bleeding. Effective against bacterial and fungal infections and clears toxins, eczema and abscesses.
Siberian Motherwort is native to Siberia, Mongolia and China. Adaptable to most soils in a sunny to part-shaded position. Frost and drought tender. An annual or biennial plant, growing to 2m x 1m.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Leaves make a stimulating digestive tea. Peppermint is cultivated, utilised and recognised worldwide.
Grows to 0.45m x 0.4m. Peppermint, is adaptable to any well-drained soil in a sunny to partial shaded position. Drought and frost resistant
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Often said to help ease stress and anxiety. The herb is also used for insomnia, cold sores, high cholesterol, indigestion, and heartburn. In essential oil form, the scent of lemon balm is used to reduce stress.
Lemon balm, balm is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family Lamiaceae and native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, Iran, and Central Asia, but now naturalized in the Americas and elsewhere. It grows to a maximum height of 70–150 cm.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Called the “living first aid plant”. The gel of Aloe Vera leaves is used for many internal and external uses, including a tonic and for the treatment of cuts, wounds, bruises, scalds, cold sores, nappy rash, dandruff, sunburn and as after shave. Also known as the Medicine Plant.
Aloe Vera plant is native of Africa and prefers light to medium, well drained soils in an open sunny position. Pale narrow leaves, yellow and purple flower. Drought resistant and tolerant of a light to medium frost. Evergreen plant, growing to 0.7m x 1.2m.
Curly Parsley (Petroselinium crispum)
Widely cultivated culinary herb. The leaves have been used as a salad herb since the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Used to enhance the flavour of soups and meat dishes. Approved by German Commission E as a remedy for bladder stone, kidney stones and urinary tract infection.
Curly Parsley is indigenous to Sardinia, Algeria, Turkey and the Lebanon. Will grow in any good garden soils in a protected, semi-shaded postion. Flowers in summer. Frost resistant but drought tender. A biennial or perennial plant, growing to 0.3m x 0.3m
Fruit and vegetables...