Five of the Most Fascinating Herbs in the Apothecary
An Overview of Each One (Looking for Pictures of Two of Them!)
“Each herb carries a whisper of the earth’s memory —
a story steeped in healing, courage, or caution.”
In the quiet corners of the herb garden, five plants stand out not for their beauty alone, but for the lore, fragrance, and lessons they bring to those who work with them. From angelic roots to blue stars of courage, these are the apothecary’s storytellers — some gentle, some strong, and one best handled only with care and gloves.
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Angelica — The Archangel’s Root
Few herbs wear such a divine name. Angelica archangelica, legend tells us, was revealed by an angel to monks during the plague as a means of protection. Its sweet, celery-like fragrance made it both a medicinal ally and a confectioner’s delight.
In Colonial America, it was prized as a tonic for digestion and to ward off fevers. Apothecaries distilled its root into aromatic waters and infused it in brandy. Even today, its candied stems appear in old English fruitcakes and European pastries — a rare bridge between medicine and dessert.
> Angelica teaches balance —
strength without harshness, sweetness without surrender.
Growing tip: Prefers rich, moist soil and partial sun. A biennial that self-seeds generously, it can reach up to six feet tall with umbrella-like flowers that bees adore.
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Borage — The Star-Flower of Courage
“I, Borage, bring courage,” wrote herbalist John Gerard in 1597. With its sky-blue, star-shaped blossoms and cucumber-flavored leaves, Borage (Borago officinalis) has lifted both spirits and salads for centuries.
Seafarers and soldiers once drank borage-infused wine before battle, believing it steadied the heart. Colonial herbalists used it as a cooling herb for fevers and melancholy, while modern gardeners plant it to attract bees to tomato and squash blossoms.
Culinary delight: The fresh flowers are edible — lovely frozen into ice cubes for summer punch or scattered over lemon tarts.
Growing tip: Full sun, well-drained soil. Re-seeds freely; allow room for its cheerful sprawl.
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Costmary — The Bible Leaf
A curious name and a charming story: Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita) earned the nickname “Bible Leaf” because early worshippers tucked its long, minty-scented leaves between the pages of their Bibles — both as a fragrant bookmark and a quiet stimulant to keep drowsiness at bay during long sermons.
In colonial apothecaries, costmary was valued for calming digestion and easing headaches. Housewives steeped it in ale or vinegar, while herbalists dried it for sachets and potpourri.
> A Bible, a leaf, and a clear head — the trifecta of the 17th-century pew.
Growing tip: Hardy perennial; plant in full sun with moderate watering. Clip often to prevent flowering and maintain its fragrance.
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Rue — The Herbalist’s Warning
Few herbs carry both reverence and risk like Rue (Ruta graveolens). In ancient Rome, it was worn as a charm against evil and placed in temples for purification. Artists of the Renaissance called it Herb of Grace — they touched it to their eyes for clarity before painting. I am struggling to find a good picture for you of our former farm’s bed of Rue. Please let us all know if you can forward a picture for us to post?
Yet Rue demands respect. The same essential oils that make it powerful can also make it perilous. Its sap contains furanocoumarins, which can cause severe blistering or burns if exposed to sunlight after skin contact.
⚠ Caution:
Always wear nitrile gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when pruning or harvesting Rue. Never handle it in bright sunlight. Wash tools and hands immediately afterward.
Despite its hazards, Rue remains a remarkable plant — a natural insect repellent, a symbol of repentance, and an evergreen accent of silvery-green leaves.
Growing tip: Loves poor, dry soil and full sun; thrives where others fail.
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Lovage — The Celery of the Ancients
Fragrant, stately, and vigorous, Lovage (Levisticum officinale) was a staple in medieval kitchen gardens and quickly found its place in colonial homesteads. Its flavor lies somewhere between celery and parsley, with a touch of spice that brightens broths, stews, and herbal vinegars. We need a picture to help us identify this celery-like herb. Have one?
The Romans used it for digestion; English herbalists swore by it as a tonic “to warm the stomach.” Colonial cooks used the roots and seeds in savory pies and cordials, and some even chewed the leaf stalks as a natural breath freshener.
> To grow lovage is to own a piece of the old kitchen garden itself.
Growing tip: Perennial; thrives in rich, moist soil and full sun. Grows tall (up to six feet), so give it space and good airflow.
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Sidebar: The Herbalist’s Caution — Handling Rue and Other Potent Herbs
Not every herb is meant for casual hands.
Rue can cause phototoxic burns.
Wormwood should be used only externally or in trace culinary quantities.
Foxglove and Lily of the Valley are ornamental but poisonous.
Always research, label, and store herbs clearly. When in doubt, wear nitrile gloves, keep herbs out of reach of children and pets, and handle them outdoors or in a well-ventilated workspace.
> A wise herbalist knows not only how to heal, but when to heed caution.
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Reflections in the Garden
Each of these herbs tells a chapter in humanity’s herbal story — of courage, comfort, protection, and prudence. To grow them is to cultivate more than fragrance or flavor; it is to tend the living pages of our botanical heritage.
Their lessons are timeless: balance strength with gentleness, curiosity with caution, and always let your garden teach you something new.
Until next time...
I am...
Phil Wilson...
And, here’s to living an Herbal Lifestyle With You!