Jekka's Twelve Herbs of Christmas 2021

By Caroline Anderson March 20, 2023 24 mins read 122 Views

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Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year, and it is rich in traditions where Herbs are a major part.

Jekka has reinvented the Christmas carol in order to celebrate herbs. Below are descriptions of each herb's symbolism and meaning.

Jekka's top twelve Christmas herbs are:

Bay (Laurus nobilis)
Thyme ( Thymus).
Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
Sage ( Salvia).
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Myrtle ( Myrtus).
Mints ( Mentha).
Garlic ( Allium Sativum).
Oregano (Origanum)
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Lavender (Lavandula)
Rosemary ( Salvia rosemarinus).

They form Jekka’s Christmas Herb Carol.

Jekka's Christmas Herb Carol

The First Day of Christmas

Their Love, friendship, and Bay tree.

Second Day of Christmas

Two Angelicas,
They share a friendship, love, and a Bay Tree.

Third Day of Christmas

Three sprigs with Thyme,
Two Angelicas,
and their friendship, love, and a Bay Tree.

Fourth Day of Christmas

Four leaves from Sage,
Three sprigs with Thyme,
Two Angelicas,
and their friendship, love, and a Bay Tree.

The Fifth Day of Christmas

Five pots with Parsley,
Four leaves from Sage,
Three sprigs with Thyme,
Two Angelicas,
and their friendship, love, and a Bay Tree.

The Sixth Day of Christmas

Six branches from Myrtle,
Five pots with Parsley,
Four leaves from Sage,
Three sprigs with Thyme,
Two Angelicas,
Their friendship, love, and a Bay Tree.

The Seventh Day of Christmas

Seven stems from Mint,
Six branches from Myrtle,
Five pots with Parsley,
Four leaves from Sage,
Three sprigs with Thyme,
Two Angelicas,
and their friendship, love, and a Bay Tree.

Christmas Day

Eight cloves Garlic,
Seven stems from Mint,
Six branches from Myrtle,
Five pots with Parsley,
Four leaves from Sage,
Three sprigs with Thyme,
Two Angelicas,
Their friendship, love, and a Bay Tree.

The Ninth Day of Christmas

Nine Oregano stalks,
Eight cloves Garlic,
Seven stems from Mint,
Six branches from Myrtle,
Five pots with Parsley,
Four leaves from Sage,
Three sprigs with Thyme,
Two Angelicas,
Their friendship, love, and a Bay Tree.

The Tenth Day of Christmas

Ten Fennel seeds,
Nine Oregano stalks,
Eight cloves Garlic,
Seven stems from Mint,
Six branches from Myrtle,
Five pots with Parsley,
Four leaves from Sage,
Three sprigs with Thyme,
Two Angelicas,
and their friendship, love, and a Bay Tree.

The Eleventh Day of Christmas

Eleven Lavender flowers,
Ten Fennel seeds,
Nine Oregano stalks,
Eight cloves Garlic,
Seven stems from Mint,
Six branches from Myrtle,
Five pots with Parsley,
Four leaves from Sage,
Three sprigs with Thyme,
Two Angelicas,
Their friendship, love, and a Bay Tree.

Christmas Day

Twelve Rosemary pieces,
Eleven Lavender flowers,
Ten Fennel seeds,
Nine Oregano stalks,
Eight cloves Garlic,
Seven stems from Mint,
Six branches from Myrtle,
Five pots with Parsley,
Four leaves from Sage,
Three sprigs with Thyme,
Two Angelicas,
Their friendship, love, and a Bay Tree.

Happy Herbs, all at Jekka’s

Herb symbolism

The medicinal properties of herbs are not only attractive, delicious and tasty but also have a lot of symbolism and mythology. In a previous blog, we discussed the myths, magic and folklore surrounding herbs. Below, we will examine the symbolism of herbs at Christmas.

	1. Bay (Laurus nobilis - The symbol of wisdom, glory and honor Laureate is Crowned with laurels . This is why the Poet laureate as well as the French Baccalaureate are called. Culpeper wrote in 17th-century that "neither witch nor the devil, thunder or lightening, will harm a man at the place where there is a bay tree". Want more information? Visit Jekka's blog " All About Bay".
	2. Angelica (Angelica Archangelica) is named after the Archangel Gabriel who visited the Virgin Mary. Angelica is likely a derivative of the Greek angelos, which means messenger. It was considered to be the best safeguard against evil and the plague. It is used in Gin and Trifle today. Want more information? Visit Jekka's blog " Angelica".
	3. Thyme (Thymus), - We love this story. In the Middle Ages, Thyme cordial was used as a ritual to allow one to see the Elf. It was used by the ancient Greeks to take their baths and by the Romans to cleanse their rooms. Thyme is also a natural antiseptic. Thyme is essential for making the stuffing of the turkey at Christmas. Want more information? Check out Jekka’s Guide to Thyme.
	4. Sage (Salvia). - Salvia's name derives from Latin 'Salveo, which means 'I save or heal'. All the rosmarinus and salvia officinalis have been highly valued medicinally. It was so revered that in 17th-century Holland, merchants discovered that Chinese would trade three chests of China tea for one box of Sage leaves. Sage like Thyme is both an antiseptic, and it can also be used as a preservative. Want more information? Explore Sage in Jekkapedia.
	5. Parsley *Petroselinum* ) - To discourage intoxication and counter strong odours, the Romans ate large quantities of parsley and created garlands for their banquet guests. Parsley's scent is believed to repel bad spirits. (Parsley can be found in Jekka’s Winter Herb Boxes).
	6. Myrtle (Myrtus), a symbol of constancy and love, is known as the herb that loves. It is a traditional tradition for brides to include Myrtle in their bouquets as it has been dedicated to Venus. The leaves can be substituted for Bay in cooking and used to flavor soups. Want more information? Visit Jekkapedia to learn more.
	7. Mint (Mentha - Mint is a well-known digestive. The Japanese have been growing Mint for menthol for over 2,000 years. Fresh Mint potatoes are a great choice, as is a Mint potato salad for Boxing Day. Want more information? Check out Jekka’s Guide to Mint.
	8. Garlic (Allium Sativum) – Garlic is a central Asian and Indian herb. Garlic was believed to have many uses. Medieval doctors carried a clove of Garlic in their pockets as a combination cure and protection against evil spirits. It is ideal for keeping you healthy during the Christmas season. Try Jekka’s Garlic and Lemon Elixir, a great winter tonic.
	9. Oregano (Origanum - This was used by the Greeks and Romans as a fragrance after a bath, as well as as a massage oil and disinfectant. It was also taken by the Romans as they traveled across Europe, where it became Marjoram. This has caused a lot of confusion. It is perfect for Christmas, however. Want more information? Check out Jekka’s Guide to Oregano.
	Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) - Fennel was a highly valued herb in ancient Greece. It was used as a slimming agent and to treat more than 20 illnesses. The Gladiators were fierce and rude. They mixed it with their daily meals. And the one who prevailed was subdued. A wreath of Fennel was worn by Longfellow (1808-82). Jekka's Fennel Tincture is a great choice for Christmas. It improves digestion, reduces flatulence and makes you feel more festive!
	11. Lavender (Lavandula - In Tudor times, it was said that Lavender could ease stiff joints and alleviate tiredness. Lavender was used to make the house smell delicious and as a strewing plant for its insect repellent qualities. Her Grandmother's Lavender bags were a perfect choice, as Lavender protects woollens against moths. Want more information? Check out Jekka’s Guide to Lavender.
	12. Rosemary (Salvia rosemarinus) - This flower is often associated with the Virgin Mary's flight to Egypt. She hid from soldiers by covering her cloak with a rosemary bush, and then knelt behind her. After the soldiers left, she stood up and took off the cloak. The blossoms were made blue in her honor. It was discovered by Culpeper (17th century) that it can weaken memory and increase the senses. It is now known for its ability to cure hangovers. It is the herb of the future for reducing low mood and restoring memory. This herb is very exciting and should be kept in your garden. Want more information? Check out Jekka’s Guide to Rosemary.

Do you want to learn more?

Jekka's How to grow herbs videos and Jekka’s Seasonal Tips blog series offer advice. They include what to do with your herb garden in the early, mid, and late spring as well as autumn and winter. These are the foundation of Jekka’s guide to growing herbs.

You can also visit Jekka’s herbs of month blogs: Bay, Rosemary (February), French Tarragon(March), Angelica (May), Alliums/June), Lavender [July], Basil (August], Mint (September), Szechuan Pepper (“October”) and Thyme (19 November).

You can order herb plants from our South Gloucestershire herb farm or at one our Open Days, or Herb Experiences (see events calendar). For availability, please see our Interested List. You can also use our webform to send your list to us ([email protected]). Although we no longer offer general mail ordering for our plants, we do offer limited Jekka’s Culinary Herb Boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make herbal remedies at home?

Making herbal remedies at home is easy. All you need is fresh herbs, water, salt, and sugar. You can use any herb, depending on what you want to create.

For example, choose mint, basil, chamomile, or lemon balm to make a soothing tea. If you want to make a cooling drink, try rosemary, thyme, lavender, or eucalyptus.

All you need to do is put all the ingredients into a pot and boil them until they become soft. Strain out the herbs and serve hot.

Add honey to the boiling mixture to make a tonic drink. Honey is a preservative and will keep your herbal remedy fresh for longer.

You can also combine two or three herbs to make a more potent brew. For instance, you could mix equal parts of garlic and ginger to make a powerful antiseptic. Or you can combine equal amounts of turmeric and ginger to make a potent immune booster.

Soak a clean cloth in warm water and place it over the affected area to make a compress. Leave it for 10 minutes before removing it. Do this every day until the swelling goes down.

Make sure you consult your doctor first before using herbal remedies. Some plants may interact negatively with other medications. Also, don't take large quantities of herbs because they can cause side effects.

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.

Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.

Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.

Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.

You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.

How do you make medicinal herbs?

There are many different methods to make herbs into medicinal products. The most common method is to dry the herbs in a warm, dark location before grinding them into a powder or extracting their essential oils. This can be accomplished by hanging herbs upside down in bunches, laying herbs on a drying screen, or using a food dehydrator.

Once dried and ground, herbs can be stored in airtight containers for future use. Other herbs may require special preparation, such as infusing herbs into oil or vinegar, making tinctures with alcohol, or distilling herbs to create essential oils.

Learning the correct techniques for preparing herbs can help ensure that they retain their medicinal properties and potency for optimal health benefits. Using fresh herbs is usually best, but herbs can also be grown in a pot or garden and harvested when they are mature. Herbs can be purchased at health food stores, online retailers, and specialty shops.

No matter where herbs come from, the preparation techniques remain the same; drying herbs in a warm location followed by grinding or extracting the essential oils. You can make your medicinal herbs with the right herbs and preparation techniques.

When making herbal preparations, it is essential to remember that herbs can vary in potency, so always dilute herbs before use or follow the directions on any product label. Additionally, herbs are best used fresh, as many of their beneficial components degrade over time.

Following safety guidelines and paying attention to the potency of herbs can help ensure that you get the most benefit from your herbs. With a bit of practice and preparation, anyone can make therapeutic herbs with medicinal properties. Remember that herbs should never replace any medical advice or treatments prescribed by a doctor. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before using herbs medicinally.

Which plant has antibiotic and wound-healing properties?

People often ask about plants that have medicinal uses. Some of these include aloe vera, eucalyptus, chamomile, and lavender. If you're wondering why there aren't any plants used for cleaning and disinfecting purposes, it's because most plants have toxic qualities.

The reason why we use herbs for medicine is that they contain compounds that stimulate our immune system. This means that they help us fight infections and heal wounds.

Some plants also have anti-inflammatory properties. These include ginger, turmeric, and mint.

Herbs such as basil, fennel, marigold, and oregano are great for cleansing the body.

There are even some plants that help prevent cancer. Research shows that black raspberries may reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. The same goes for broccoli. It can help prevent colon cancer.

What plant helps with infection?

There are plants out there that help fight infections. Some even contain anti-bacterial properties. One of them is mint.

Mint has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections such as cold symptoms and flu. Mint also supports digestion and relieves gas pains. You may find relief with peppermint tea if you have an upset stomach. Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties, which make it effective against germs.

Peppermint tea contains menthol, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients support healthy immune systems and provide energy to keep your body strong.

You can make peppermint tea at home by adding one teaspoon of dried mint leaves to boiling water. Let steep for five minutes and drink hot three times per day.

Or you can buy peppermint tea bags at any grocery store. Simply add two teaspoons of dried mint leaves to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink hot three times per day for best results.

Statistics

The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.
For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)

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How To

How to use herbs safely?

Many people think that herbs should only be used under medical supervision because they believe that some herbs are poisonous. However, this is not true.

Many herbs have long histories of safe use. For example, garlic has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. It's also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure.

However, if you're pregnant or nursing, avoid taking certain herbs. You should also avoid them if you suffer from allergies or sensitivities to herbs.

You can do several things to ensure you get the best results from your herbs and supplements. First, always read labels before consuming anything containing herbs or spices. Second, take the lowest dose recommended on the label. Third, don't use more than one supplement at any given time. Fourth, talk to your doctor about how to combine specific herbs and supplements. Finally, keep track of your consumption to know whether you need to adjust your dosage.