To this day, herbs are still being cultivated because of their medicinal prowess. So many parts of the world, especially Africa, still use herbs for treatment to this day. In the ancient times before western medicine, herbs were used as the sole means of treatment for different ailments.
And they worked just fine without so many side effects like we see today. Spices, on the other hand, are so old-fashioned like herbs because they are still being used to this day for culinary purposes.
So many intercontinental recipes that we know of today actually contain spices, so you can see the level of importance both components bring to our present day world. In this article you will be provided with different herbs and spices that start with the letter V. Stay with us.
Herbs and spices
Valerian
The valerian herb is a straight perennial plant that is capable of reaching at least four feet in height. The plant has so many long roots and only grows one stem. The plant is part of the Valeriana officinalis plant is also popularly known by its other names such as; German valerian, great wild valerian, and Vermont valerian. The origins of the herb can be traced to Europe and Asia.
The use of the valerian herb
The valerian plant has been used for its medicinal prowess for centuries. It is used in the form of a sedative to treat ailments like insomnia and other sleep problems, to calm the nervous system, and to slow down the heart rate. The roots of the herb are dried and also used for tea.
The health benefits of valerian herb
The compounds available in the valerian herb contain properties that are effective in treating and managing insomnia and different sleep disorders. They are used to calm the nerves and ease stress. The herb is also effective in treating digestive disorders, symptoms of menopause, and restless legs. The flavonoids present in the plant help it remain effective in treating the above.
Where to buy the valerian herb
The valerian herb can be gotten from grocery stores in processed versions, especially in the United States, while organic or fresh valerian herbs can be gotten from produce vendors or gardeners. This is not a hundred percent you’ll get them through these options; there’s a likelihood of you not finding them the day you decide to check for them, so the best option is to check them online via shopping platforms, place an order and get them delivered to your home; this saves time and stress.
How to cultivate the valerian herb
Light: The valerian herb is capable of coping in full sun light. Pick a place where it is possible for the afternoon sun to reach it.
Soil: Valerian herb will thrive in almost every soil texture. You just have to make sure that there is proper drainage. However, its preferred soil type is loamy soil. The plant grows mostly in wild lands and meadows.
Water: For the valerian herb to grow, it needs a consistent amount of water.
Temperature and humidity: The valerian plant will survive and still thrive in harsh weather conditions.
Harvesting
The favorite period to harvest your valerian roots is during spring or fall, as this is the time where its compounds reach their peak. After you have harvested them, ensure you wash them properly, then hang them in a place where they’ll be able to get dried. However, the root of this herb has a strong smell, so you might want to open your window while you’re at it.
Verbena
The verbena herb is a straight perennial plant that has widely branched stems and can reach a height of three to six feet. The leaves are gathered or jam packed at the top of the plant. The plant is part of the Labiatae plant family and its botanical name is Verbena officinalis. The herb is also popularly known by its other names, such as wild hyssop, American vervain, and blue vervain. The origins of the verbena herb can be traced to Brazil.
The uses of the verbena herb
The verbena herb has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb based on its health components. The herb is used to treat different ailments such as intermittent fevers, ulcers, ophthalmia, etc.
The health benefits of verbena herb
The verbena herb, especially the lemon variation, is actually a plant endowed with so many health benefits that are present in its compounds. The properties available in the plant compound are capable of reducing oxidative stress, healing or protecting against the damage of muscles, improving the overall quality of sleep, and aiding in weight loss.
Where to buy them
Generally, herbs can be bought from produce vendors or gardeners that specialize in the cultivation of herbs. They can also be gotten from grocery stores and supermarkets around you, but you’re more likely to find them in processed forms than organic. Ordering them online via online platforms like Amazon and Iherb is another quality option for getting the herbs.
How to cultivate Verbena herb
The lemon verbena herb should be planted in full sun. Pick an area where there is exposure to the sun and a proper drainage system.
Allow the yellow verbena to be dormant during the winter season. It is normal to experience the plant losing its leaves during this period, and this does not mean that the plant is dead; it simply means it is in its dormant period. Avoid overwatering the plant during this stage. Once a week is okay.
After the plant has grown, harvest the leaves regularly. The verbena herb leaves can be used for different things, like making tea out of them, making marinades, and salad dressings.
Vitex
The vitex herb is a deciduous bush that easily grows and spreads in any area it is in. The plant reaches a height of ten feet, and its leaves are somewhat five-fingered and start to grow in June. The plant is part of the Lamiaceae plant family and its botanical name is Vitex negundo. The plant is also popularly known by its other names, such as: shambalu, nirgandhu, etc.
The uses of vitex herb
The vitex herb has been widely used as a medicinal plant for years. The extracts from its fruit properties affect the activities of the pituitary glands. The herb is used to increase progesterone in women, which helps regulate menstrual cycles, reduce or lower menopause symptoms, and prevent infertility in women, which is caused by hormone imbalance.
The health benefits of vitex herb
The vitex herb is rich in compounds that have minerals and vitamins that are effective in treating and managing health problems like premenstrual syndrome, also known as PMS, sore breasts, regulation of the menstrual cycle, lowering estrogen levels, and adding up or increasing progesterone in the body system.
Where to buy them
Processed vitex herb can be bought in grocery stores close to you. They can also be gotten from produce vendors or gardeners that specialize in the cultivation of herbs. Lastly, they can be ordered online via various online shopping platforms.
How to cultivate vitex herb
The location in which you want to plant the shrub is very important. Make sure you pick a place with less wind and more exposure to sunlight. If there is no ideal location for it, then you should consider ditching outdoor planting and planting in a container indoors.
The best time to plant or sow the vitex seed is in late spring. The temperature suitable for germination is about 22–24 degrees Celsius.
When it gets to mid-May, the plants that were propagated can be planted out.
The distance between the plants should be around 80–100 cm.
By mid May, the plants should be sown upwards.
Vetiver
Vetiver oil is a natural oil that is gotten from the vetiver herb, which is a bush known to grow mostly in tropical regions. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters in height, and its leaves are normally thin and erect, while its roots are said to be dense and deep. Its flowers come out purple in color, and the plant’s origins can be traced to India.
The use of vetiver herb
Vétiver oil has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is used as a treatment measure to ease stress and emotional trauma by applying it to the skin. It is also used as a repellant as it repels lice and other insects. The oil is also used in treating arthritis and burns.
The health benefits of the vetiver herb
The vetiver herb contains compounds that have quality health benefits in them. The plant is effective in treating ailments like mental fatigue. It could help you breathe better while sleeping, may help reduce and treat anxiety, and may protect you from ticks. The plant contains quality antioxidants that help them achieve all the following effects:
Where to buy vetiver herb
The vetiver herb can be gotten from grocery stores in processed versions, especially in the United States, while organic or fresh valerian herb can be gotten from produce vendors or gardeners.
This is not a hundred percent you’ll get them through these options; there’s a likelihood of you not finding them the day you decide to check for them, so the best option is to check them online via shopping platforms, place an order and get them delivered to your home; this saves time and stress.
How to cultivate vetiver herb
If your plants are bare-rooted, put the roots in water until you plant them out. You might want to add fertilizer or not. It depends on how you want to grow it.
You can use cow manure as manure until you notice a significant change in the color of the storage water. You can leave it that way for months as the plant will continue to grow in water. You can always refresh the water by topping it off and allowing it to run off.
Take note that your vetiver might kick off fully too soon; they have to be consolidated into their new environment before real growth can begin. If you’re patient enough after the first year, you’re likely to see spontaneous growth.
Cultivate your vetiver during the hotter or warmer seasons. The vetiver herb grows mostly in heat. However, its growth will stop when it gets to 5C.
Ensure the water is up. The vetiver plant is capable of tolerating drought, but it is not advisable to starve it of water during its early planting stages. Ensure they remain moist, especially during the first year of cultivation.
Fertilizers can give your vetiver herb an added or needed boost.
Violet
The violet herb is an edible plant whose flowers and leaves can be eaten. The leaves of its flowers are considered to have an oval shape, and they are from the plant family of violacea. The botanical name of the plant is viola. The plant is also known by some of its other names, such as bush violets, Persian violets, etc. The origins of the violet flower can be traced to Europe.
The uses of the violet herb
The violet herb has been used for years as a medicinal herb. It is used for treating respiratory tract infections, sore throats, hardened coughs, and sleep problems. The herb is also used for treating joint pains, fevers, and skin problems.
The health benefits of violet herb
The compounds available in violet possess vital minerals, nutrients, and minerals that are effective in helping conditions such as easing skin inflammation both inside the body and on the skin. It can also improve and promote bodily lymphatic function. The herb can also be used to treat nervous strain, reduce or lower blood pressure levels, etc.
Where to buy them
The violet herb can be bought in grocery stores and supermarkets in its processed state. They can also be gotten from produce vendors and gardeners. Just in case you live in a country or in areas where this herb is not popular, you can easily order it online via online shopping platforms like Amazon and Iherb.
How to cultivate the violet herb
The best period to plant the herb is during the winter months. If you’re planting violet herbs that are purchased in pots or containers, then they are best planted during the fall through early spring.
If you’re planting your violet herb from seeds, sow it in a nursery from June to September.
Broadcast the seeds in the soil mix and cover them appropriately and lightly. Drizzle water on it gently every day to keep it moist. The seedlings near light, but ensure they’re not too exposed to direct sunlight.
After planting, keep a distance of about six inches between the violets.
Vanilla
The vanilla plant reaches six meters in height and has two to six leaves. The flowers are somewhat green in color, and the fruit is pod-like and has plenty of seeds inside it. The vanilla plant is part of the orchid plant family, and its botanical name is Vanilla planifiola. It is also popularly known for its other names, such as; Notylia planifolia, Notylia sylvestris, etc. The origins of the plant can be traced to Mexico.
The use of vanilla herb
The vanilla herb is used for two things: its flavor and its medicinal prowess. It is used as a flavor in ice creams and it is used in treating cases like high blood pressure, cough, and degradation of sickle cell anemia. It is also used in treating anxiety, low appetite, and digestive problems.
The health benefits of vanilla herb
Vanillas are rich in compounds that possess health-active minerals and nutrients that are vital and effective in treating different health problems like low sexual libido, gas relief, helps to calm the nerves that reduce the risk of contracting diabetes, and may also prevent the risks of heart diseases. The herb and flavor can also help in treating toothaches.
Where to get them
The vanilla plant is not a rare commodity in the United States as it is widely known. Getting or buying it won’t be that hard if you go through the proper means. If you would prefer the processed versions of the plant, however, to get organic or fresh vanilla, you will have to reach out to plant vendors and gardeners that specialize in cultivating similar plants. If you do not live, or if you are in the United States and you cannot seem to find the plant in your country or area, the best option for you is to simply scout for the herb on online shopping platforms like Amazon and Iherb, then order it from an international vendor.
How to cultivate the vanilla herb
Construct a greenhouse if where you live is not a tropical area, so there’ll be enough heat for the plant to thrive. Also, ensure that you pick a place where there’s an exposure for the morning sun to reach it. Ensure that the temperature is above sixty-five degrees Celsius, as the plant will only truly grow at such a temperature.
For planting, purchase a fifteen to twenty vanilla cutting.
Now fill a small pot with a mix of bark and peat moss. Make sure that the soil has good drainage.
Now test the soil potting medium to ensure it has a neutral ph level.
Care for the vanilla plant is also very important. Place the pot in a place where there is indirect sunlight each day. Pick an area in your green light that has bright and direct sunlight.