Jekka's Twelve Herbs of Christmas 2021

1. Bay (Laurus nobilis) - the symbol of wisdom and glory. The word laureate means ‘Crowned with laurels', hence Poet laureate and the French baccalaureate. Culpeper in the 17th century wrote, that ‘neither witch nor devil, thunder nor lightening, will hurt a man in the place where a bay tree is’.

Want to know more? Read Jekka’s Blog “All about Bay”.

2. Angelica (Angelica archangelica) - named after the Archangel, the Angel Gabriel that visited the Virgin Mary. Angelica probably comes from the Greek angelos meaning messenger, hence Angel. It was also considered the most effective safeguard against evil, plus the plague. Today it is synonymous with Trifle as well as being used in Gin.

Want to know more? Read Jekka’s Blog “All about Angelica”

3. Thyme (Thymus) – we love this story; in the Middle Ages drinking Thyme cordial was part of a ritual to enable one to see the elves. The ancient Greeks used it in their baths, the Romans used it to purify their rooms and it is a known as a natural antiseptic. For Christmas, Thyme is a must when making the stuffing for the turkey.

Want to know more? Read Jekka’s Guide to Thyme.

4. Sage (Salvia) - The name Salvia is derived from the Latin ‘Salveo’, meaning ‘I save’ or ‘I heal’ because all the ‘Salvia officinalis’ and now the ‘Salvia rosmarinus’ have been highly regarded medicinally. In fact, it was held in such regard in the 17th century that the Dutch merchants found that the Chinese would trade 3 chests of China tea for one chest of Sage leaves. Sage like Thyme is an antiseptic and it is also a preservative.

Want to know more? Browse Sage in Jekkapedia.

(Parsley is found in Jekka’s Winter Herb Boxes)

6. Myrtle (Myrtus) – known as the herb of love and is the symbol of constancy. Myrtle has been dedicated to Venus and it is traditional for Brides to carry it in their bouquets. As a culinary herb, the leaves can be used instead of Bay for roast vegetables and to flavour soups.

Want to know more? Browse the  Myrtaceae Herb Family in Jekkapedia.

7. Mint (Mentha) - is a renowned digestive and the Japanese have been growing Mint to obtain menthol for at least 2,000 years. There is nothing like fresh Mint on potatoes or a Mint potato salad on Boxing Day.

Want to know more? Read Jekka’s Guide to Mint.

8. Garlic (Allium sativum) - Garlic originates from central Asia and India. In medieval times doctors believed it had many uses and would carry a clove of Garlic in their bags as a combined cure and guard against evil spirits. Ideal for keeping one healthy through the Christmas period.

Try Jekka’s Garlic and lemon elixir; a really great winter tonic.

9. Oregano (Origanum) - The Greeks and Romans used it not only as a scent after taking a bath and as a massage oil, but also as a disinfectant and a preservative. The Romans took it with them as they crossed Europe where it became known as Marjoram. This has resulted in loads of confusion. But for Christmas it is great for adding to the Boxing Day left overs, especially soups (Try our recipe for Roast Tomato and Oregano Soup).

Want to know more? Read Jekka’s Guide to Oregano.

10. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) - The ancient Greeks thought very highly of Fennel and used it as a slimming aid and for treating more than 20 different illnesses. ‘So Gladiators fierce and rude, Mingled it with their daily food, And he who battled down subdued, A wreath of Fennel wore' Longfellow (1807-82).

Try Jekka’s Fennel tincture, which improves digestion and reduces flatulence - ideal for Christmas!

11. Lavender (Lavandula) - in Tudor times it was noted that Lavender eased stiff joints and relieve tiredness. It was also used as a strewing herb for its insect repellent properties and for making the whole house smell sweet. Grandmother and her Lavender bags was totally correct as Lavender is great at protecting woollens from moths.

Want to know more? Read Jekka’s Guide to Lavender.

12. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) – is associated with the Virgin Mary on her flight into Egypt when she hid from some soldiers by spreading her cloak over a rosemary bush and knelt behind it. When the soldiers had gone, she stood and removed the cloak and the blossoms turned blue in her honour. Culpeper in the 17th Century said it helps weak memory and quickens the senses. Nowadays it is known as a great hangover cure. This is the Herb of the future to relieve low mood and to help restore the memory. It is therefore, a very exciting herb and one you should definitely have in the garden.

Want to know more? Read Jekka’s Guide to Rosemary.