Colonial Herb Gardens
To early American colonists, herbs were an important part of daily life. Colonists planted kitchen gardens near the home, making herbs easily available for a variety of household and medicinal uses. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Bringing with them garden designs and seeds, New World immigrants planted gardens designed for economy of space and practicality. Colonists grew vegetables and herbs together, quickly incorporating native herbs into the garden. According to the New England Herb Society of America, gardens were typically arranged in geometrically shaped raised beds, intersected by narrow paths of stone or crushed seashells.
Household Use
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Colonial gardens often contained basil, thyme, fennel and dill for seasoning foods. Colonists chewed peppermint to freshen breath and used herbs to create dyes, cosmetics and insect repellents. Housewives spread fragrant herbs such as lavender and pennyroyal about the house to freshen the air.
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Medicinal Use
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With no doctors available, colonial housewives used herbs to prepare tonics, poultices and teas for a variety of medicinal purposes. According to the Chadd's Ford Historical Society, chamomile, mint and lemon balm teas relieved indigestion, while poultices made from comfrey and St. John's wort soothed wounds and burns. Colonists used feverfew to treat headaches and menstrual complaints and chewed yarrow to relieve toothache.
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References
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