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Alisa's Garden Works
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Herbs


Most herbs that I grow and sale are for culinary use and can also be infused into a nice healthy herbal tea. While most herbal remedies are safe, always check with your doctor to ensure that what you are consuming complements your medication and is appropriate for your health.


  • Basil
  • Mint
  • Lavender
  • Lemon Balm
  • Sorrel
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  • Basil


    Bail (Ocimum basilicum) is originally native to Iran, India and other tropical regions of Asia, having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years. As with all Basils, pick flower heads off before they bloom to ensure more leaf production.

       4" pot $3.00  Genovese Compact Basil - this is the very popular variety type used every where.
    Height - 24 - 30 inches
       4" pot $3.00  Lemon Basil - "Ocimum × citriodorum" has a has an intense lemony scent, but the flavor is surprising sweeter than the scent leads you to expect. It's wonderful lemony flavor is excellent in teas, pestos and chicken dishes.
    Height: 18 - 24 inches
       4" pot $3.00  Lettuce Leaf Basil - "Ocimum basilicum crispum" has large curly leaves that are about 4" wide by 6" long.
    Height: 12 - 24 inches



    Holy Basil "Tulsi" - Ocimum Tenuiflorum and Ocimum Sanctum
    I will have only dried leaves of the Tulsi for 2012. Will be available near the end of Summer. Please inquire if you are interested.

       TBA  Holy Green Basil - (Ocimum Tenuiflorum) is not your average basil. Holy Basil or commonly known as "Tulsi", is an important herb of Ayurvedic medicine and is used to treat an array of conditions.
       TBA  Holy Basil - (Ocimum Sanctum) is not your average basil. Holy Basil or commonly known as "Tulsi", is an important herb of Ayurvedic medicine and is used to treat an array of conditions.




    Tulsi Tea -
    1 tsp dryed Tulsi leaves to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Add honey to sweeten. Optimal time to harvest Tulsi leaves is right after first flowering when its aromatic and beneficial oils are at their peak.


    The health benefits of Holy Basil "Tulsi" include the following:
    Fever: The miraculous healing properties of Holy Basil come mainly from its essential oils and Phytonutrients. Holy Basil is an excellent anti biotic, germicidal, fungicidal and disinfectant and very efficiently protects our body from nearly all sorts of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Fever is mainly caused due to infections from protozoa (in case of malaria), bacteria (typhoid), viruses (flu) and even allergic substances and fungus. Actually, fever is not an ailment in itself. It is just a symptom which shows that our body is fighting against infections. The tremendous disinfectant, germicidal and fungicidal properties of Tulsi destroys all these pathogens discussed above and heals fever. It is an old practice in India to have decoction of Tulsi leaves and flowers in cases of fever.

    Respiratory Disorders: Tulsi, apart from curing viral, bacterial and fungal infections of the respiratory system, gives miraculous relief in congestion due to presence of components like Camphene, Eugenol and Cineole in its essential oils. It is very effective in curing nearly all types of respiratory disorders including bronchitis (chronic and acute).

    Asthma: Tulsi is very beneficial in Asthma as it relieves congestion and facilitates breathing. The Phytonutrients and the essential oils, with help from other minerals in it, helps cure the causes of asthma also.

    Lung Disorders: The compounds like vitamin-C, Camphene, Eugenol and Cineole present in the essential oils of Tulsi do not only cure the infections in lungs but also cure congestion of the lungs. They are also found effective in healing damages caused to the lungs due to smoking, tuberculosis, lung cancer etc. It also helps cure tuberculosis due to its anti biotic properties.

    Heart Diseases: The Holy Basil contains vitamin-C and other anti oxidants such as Eugenol which protect the heart from harmful effects of free radicals. In addition, Eugenol, a component in its essential oils, is very beneficial in reducing cholesterol from blood.

    Stress: Vitamin-C and other anti oxidants in Holy Basil, apart from repairing damages done by the free radicals, also minimize the stress induced by these oxidants. They soothe nerves, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and thus reduce stress. One such component is Camphene. Potassium also reduces blood pressure related stress by replacing sodium.

    Oral Care: Tulsi is an excellent mouth freshener and oral disinfectant and its freshness lasts very long in the mouth. Holy Basil destroys more than 99 percent of the germs and bacteria in the mouth and this effect lasts long. It also cures ulcer in the mouth. It is also known to help inhibit growth of oral cancer caused by chewing tobacco etc.

    Dental Care: Holy Basil destroys bacteria which are responsible for dental cavities, plaque, tartar, bad breath etc. and protects teeth. It also has astringent properties which make the gums hold the teeth tighter thereby protecting them from falling. But, Tulsi also has certain compounds mercury (having rich germicidal properties) which can be harmful for the teeth if kept in direct contact for a long. Hence it is advised to avoid chewing of these leaves (discussed in holy books and Ayurveda that chewing leaves robs them of their holiness). But it has no harm if you do not chew it or have its decoction.

    Kidney Stones: Tulsi, being detoxifier and mild diuretic in nature, help reduce uric acid level (main culprit as far as kidney stones are concerned) concentration in the blood as well as helps cleaning of the kidneys through urination. Acetic acid and certain components in its essential oils also facilitate dissolution of the stone. It also has pain-killer effects and help bear the pain from kidney stones.

    Skin Care: A daily bath with decoction of Holy Basil mixed with your bathing water, or washing your face with it or simply applying the paste of its leaves on infected area of the skin in case of skin diseases or simply consuming Tulsi leaves, keeps your skin free from all infections. You won’t believe this but rubbing basil leaves or oil extracted from it on the body keeps mosquitoes and other insects away. It cures skin disorders internally and externally, without any side effects. This property mainly comes from its essential oils which are highly anti biotic, disinfectant, anti bacterial and anti fungal in nature. External application on the skin also removes extra oil from the skin surface. Camphene in it also gives a soothing cooling effect.

    Eye Care: Just wash your eyes daily with a few leaves of basil soaked in water and you will be free from conjunctivitis, boils and many other problems of eyes which are caused due to viral, bacterial or fungal infection. It also soothes eyes and reduces stress. A regular consumption can protect your eyes from all the damages done by the free radicals, such as cataract, macular degeneration, glaucoma, vision defects, opthalmia etc. due to the high anti oxidant properties of its essential oils, vitamin-A, vitamin-C etc.

    Headache: Headaches caused due to migraine, sinus, cough and cold, high blood pressure etc. can be effectively controlled by the use of a single Tulsi. Camphene, Eugenol, Cineol, Carvacrol and Methyl-Chavicol have excellent analgesic, sedative, anti congestive and disinfectant properties.

    Anti Ageing: Vitamin-C, A, Phytonutrients and the essential oils in it are excellent anti oxidants and protects the body from nearly all the damages caused by the free radicals. In traditional Indian medicine system called Ayurveda, it is considered as a tonic to retain youth and avoid aging.

    Immunity: Holy Basil is so good for boosting up the immune system that cannot be explained in words. It protects from nearly all sorts of infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Recent studies show that it is also helpful in inhibiting growth HIV and carcinogenic cells.

    Other Benefits: It can protect from radiation poisoning and also heal up damages from it. It can be given after surgery to help heal wounds quickly and also to protect them from infections. It acts as a vaccine against pox if consumed regularly. It is anti carcinogenic and found to be effective in healing nearly all types of cancer and tumors. Being expectorant is one of the most priced properties of Holy Basil and it is very efficient in curing cough and cold. It is beneficial in reducing labor pain, destroying rabies germs, treating gastroenteritis, cholera, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rheumatism, nausea, septic, urinary and genital infections, destroying worms in stomach and its dried leaves are mixed with food grains to use as an insect-repellant.

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    Mint


    Mint has always been used medicinally to aid in digestion and relieve indigestion. If you have indigestion problems try drinking a cup of mint tea after your meal may help. The chemical compound menthol is well known for its healing properties on the chest and respiratory system.

    Mint is also said and in many cases proven to:
    * Relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome by relaxing the muscles in and around the intestine.
    * Act as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body against the formation of cancerous cells.
    * Inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria and fungus.
    * Ease and unblock the breathing and respiratory passages and airways.
    * Relieves the symptoms of colds and flu.
    * Mint can help with nasal allergies.
    * It can relieve congestion, head colds and headaches.
    * Act as a mild sedative and has calming properties.
    * Relieve minor aches and pains such as muscle cramps and sprains.
    * Combat bad breath.
    * Provides a cooling sensation to the skin and can help to treat minor burns, itching and skin irritations.
    * Mint is a very good cleanser for the blood.
    * Mint tea can help clear up skin disorders such as acne.

       4" pot $3.00  Chocolate Mint has a chocolate and peppermint fragrance that will remind you of an after-eight chocolate. You can use it fresh or dried to make a tea. Just add a little honey and enjoy it hot or cold.
       4" pot $3.00  Moroccan Mint is used to make traditional mint teas (infuses better).
       4" pot $3.00  Catnip is very well known for the euphoria it causes in cats.
       7 grams $2.00  Dry Catnip naturally cured ready for cats to enjoy. This premium catnip is made up with 100% catnip flower buds that have been harvested at the peak of perfection. Catnip is sold in a glass spice bottle so you can later reuse the bottle.
       15 grams $3.00  Dry Catnip naturally cured ready for cats to enjoy. This premium catnip is made up with 100% catnip flower buds that have been harvested at the peak of perfection. Catnip is sold in plastic baggies.



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    Lavender


    Lavender Lady is a true perennial but it does need a well-drained alkaline soil and good snow cover or a lot of mulch to survive north of Zone 6. Health benefits of lavender is that it has antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-toxic, anti-inflammatory, cytophylactic, decongestant, rubefacient, restorative, vulnerary and tonic therapeutic effects on the skin. The beneficial constituents of lavender include flavonoid, tannins, courmarines, and essential oil containing camphor, geraniol and linalool.


    To make lavender tea, simply infuse a handful of dried lavender blossoms in a pot of boiling water. Let the tea steep for about 7 to 10 minutes. Then strain and enjoy. The tea can be sipped throughout the day to ease nervous tension. Lavender also has a mildly sedating action and also is a weak antispasmodic for muscular tension, specifically relaxing the large muscles in the back.

       1 gal pots - $6.00 each   Lavender Lady, (Lavandula angustifolia) plant will grow 8-10 inches tall and has lavender-blue flowers.



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    Lemon Balm




       4" pot $3.00   Lemon Balm, (Melissa officinalis) has a long history as a medicinal herb, lemon balm has mild sedative properties and has been used to relieve gas, reduce fever, and increase perspiration. The volatile oil contains citral, citronellal, eugenol acetate and geraniol. Both oil and hot water extracts of the leaves have been shown to possess strong antibacterial and antiviral qualities.



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    Sorrel


    Will not have any available until 2013.

       4" pot $3.00   Sorrel - Red Vein (Rumex sanguineus) is a perennial with a rosette of leaves distinctively marked with deep red or purple veins. Height of plant is 30 cm (1 foot) Zone 4 - 8



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    Thank you for dropping by Alisa's Garden Works!
    For more information, please contact:

    Alisa Weaver
    Vernon, British Columbia
    250-308-4570