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All about- 
leafy stem. The plant is erect in habit and rough and hairy all over.
It has clusters of drooping flowers, either creamy yellow or purple growing
on short stalks.
Comfrey is
in blossom most of the summer months, the first flowers opening at the end of
April or early May.Country people formerly cultivated Comfrey in their gardens for its virtue in wound healing, and the many local names of the plant testify to its long reputation as a vulnerary herb. For instance, in the Middle Ages it was a famous remedy for broken bones. Cultivation Comfrey thrives in almost any soil or situation, but does best under the shade of trees. Propagation may be effected by division of roots in the autumn. The roots are very brittle and the least bit of root will start growing again. The plant is very easy to grow but difficult to eradicate once introduced into gardens The roots grow very deep but the plant itself is not invasive, taking only a few feet either side. Medicinal use The root and leaves are used generally, the main constituent being mucilage in great abundance. It contains a large proportion of Allantoin which is employed in the treatment of chronic wounds, burns, ulcers, etc. Comfrey leaves are much used as an external remedy for sprains, swelling and bruises, and as a poultice to severe cuts, boils, abscesses and ulcers. It is useful in any kind of inflammatory swelling.  |
 
Borage is related in a way to our friend "Comfrey.
It is indigenous to Mediterranean countries but has now been naturalised
in Northern Europe and North America. The herb's Welsh name translates as 'herb of gladness' and in Arabic it is 'the father of sweat' which we can accept due to it's known ability to promote perspiration. The Celtic word 'borrach' means 'courage', however, and in this we have an association more credible by far. Greeks and Romans The Greeks and Romans regarded Borage as both comforting and imparting courage. It was for courage too, that borage flowers were floated in stirrup cups given to the Crusaders. Records of it were found in a seed order of an American in 1631, where it was called burradge. Borage is a hardy annual growing to 24" with hollow bristly branches and spreading stems. The pretty, star shaped blue flowers are very attractive to honeybees and grow from early summer to mid-autumn. Sowing Sow seeds in the spring where the plants are to grow, it does not like being transplanted due to it's long tap root. The soil should have good drainage and preferably poor, composed of chalk or sand. The seeds germinate quickly and plants are full grown in 5-6 weeks. It will self sow easily but don't worry, it is easy to dig up and destroy if things get out of hand. Companion Growing Borage is a good companion plant. The flowers are very attractive to bees, especially well for runner beans and strawberries. Another plus point is the fact that borage attracts black fly to itself so leaving the other plants alone. Equally if planted near tomatoes it can control tomato worm. Medicinal In the 1980's borage was found to contain GLA, gamma linoleic acid, an even more valuable substance than Evening Primrose Oil. More medicinal research is continuing. Administration
Seed-oil capsules
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Peppermint   Peppermint is a perennial Herb that is a hybrid of Spearmint and Water Mint and is distinguished from Spearmint by the greater length of its leaf stalks. Botanical Name:Mentha piperita from the Mint (Labiatae) family. Parts used:Leaves, Flowering Tops This well known Herb has many health Benefits which include:
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