Seeking more types of non invasive annual herbs to help prolong our lives and health.

Good morning friends! I'm looking for more types of annual herbs that will not only prolong long lasting great health, but also help us inherit a longer life without ever taking pharmaceuticals or other types of modern medicine created by modern society. I'm also looking for ones that are non invasive to the native ecosystem and help local pollinators and other critters in the short term, but also in the long run which is a win for the native ecosystems around us. Please share me some stuff that would help us in these complex times so they can carry us through and overcome. Take care!

Good afternoon! I suspect that without further information, you're only going to get the most general of suggestions, therefore I have questions!

When you say "more types," which ones do you already grow and love? That will help other permies suggest plants to complement your current grows.

Also, can you share the general area where you live? The "native ecosystem" might look very different where you live than where I do. I also just think it's nice to pay attention to the ethnobotany of a region and use what people have used there for centuries.

In very general terms for right now, I really love alliums - any onion, garlic, chive. Annuals are fine but I'm trying to encourage perennial and wild types. I also think thyme is pretty amazing!

Greatest of luck in your quest for more herbs and info!
-C

Greetings! I'm from the Midwest in Chicago and I'm looking for short term herbs, annuals being grown by early European settlers. I've already grown nodding wild onion, pale purple coneflower, wild bergamot, common yarrow, wild garlic, common milkweed, mountain mint, wild strawberry, Black Eye Susan, goldenrod, asters, Joe Pye weed, sweet grass and jewelweed all native plants used by Native Americans and early settlers in my area. I'm looking for annual herbs being grown by Dutch, German, Swedish, Irish and French settlers from the late 1600s to the 1870s. My community's immigrants consist of Germans, Swedes, British and Irish, while the rest of my region was predominant by the Dutch, all happened in the 1840s to 1900. The French were the first non indigenous people in my region before the British and Americans came. I'll welcome any extra help on herbs of the European settlers in the Midwest. I'm between in zones five and six in my community and region. Thanks!

Ooh, yay, much more to work with! Okay...
As a child of many German immigrants to the midwest myself, one thing that leapt to the front of my mind is *horseradish*. I admit it's perennial and can be invasive, but it stands out as a food-medicine in much of Europe and now here. It could be worth growing in controlled areas, space permitting.
Caraway seeds are another at top of mind, in rye bread or elsewhere; borage, chamomile, savory, sorrel, chervil, chives, dill(!), fennel, hops (perennial, but worth mention), feverfew, tarragon...

C. Lee! Good to see you! Any non invasive annual herbs in mind besides dill? And could we plant horseradish in our pots or other growing containers?

I'd like to add my concerns about horseradish - whilst it is edible and commonly eaten here in the UK (the root diced and mixed with cream to make a sauce for meat, usually), it is invasive here and where I see it wild it is taking over. I wouldn't plant it in the soil but, as you suggest, a large container would work. It has a large root system (1-2 ft or more, thick tubers in the right conditions).

I think you should add comfrey and mugwort to your list of herbs. Both are contentious and, with improper use, can be toxic (as with all medicines, the key is the dose) but have a long history of being used for tonics and cures here in Britain.

You could also add sage, thyme, rosemary and bay. They are primarily culinary herbs but they also have effects and benefits of their own.

Lavender is another useful herb that can be eaten or used to sooth the nerves and sore muscles. It also makes amazing honey if you forage bees nearby.

I love Hops, they offer several potential health benefits when consumed in moderation. Here are some of the health benefits associated with hops:

Sleep Aid: Hops have traditionally been used as a natural remedy for insomnia and sleep disorders. They contain a compound called methylbutenol, which may have sedative effects, promoting better sleep.

Anxiety and Stress Reduction: Some research suggests that hops may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and calming effects, potentially helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Hops contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various chronic diseases.

Menopausal Symptom Relief: Hops are sometimes used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, due to their phytoestrogenic properties.

Digestive Health: Hops may have digestive benefits, including promoting healthy digestion and potentially helping to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.

Antioxidant Properties: Hops contain antioxidants, such as xanthohumol, which may help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Bone Health: Some studies suggest that hops may have potential benefits for bone health, including supporting bone density and potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

It's important to note that while hops offer potential health benefits, they should be consumed in moderation, and individual responses may vary. Additionally, if you have specific health concerns or conditions, it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using hops or any other herbal remedies.

Top Hop Seller in December - CTZ Hops
Schmidt Hop Farm - Hop Yard Supplies
UpState Hops - NY Grown Hops

Happy Saturday folks! How's everyone? Wanna find out if the hops are a native Midwest plant used for medicine and sometimes beer. Is it a vine and do it grow in full sun?

Blake Lenoir wrote: Happy Saturday folks! How's everyone? Wanna find out if the hops are a native Midwest plant used for medicine and sometimes beer. Is it a vine and do it grow in full sun?

Hello Blake,  Hops are believed to have originated in Europe and western Asia. They have been cultivated for centuries for various purposes, including brewing beer, herbal medicine, and dietary supplements.

However, hops have been introduced and cultivated in many parts of the world, including the USA, where they are an essential crop for the brewing industry. In the USA, hops are primarily grown in states such as Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, which have favorable climate conditions for hop cultivation.

While hops are not native to the USA, they have become an integral part of the American brewing tradition and economy, with the USA being one of the leading producers of hops globally.

Top Hop Seller in December - CTZ Hops
Schmidt Hop Farm - HopYard Supplies (Coir / W-Clips)
UpState Hops - NY Hops

My bad. Any other plants similar to the hops that are truly native to the Midwest? I'm trying to create a native Midwest ethnobotanical garden not only with wild plants, but also with cultivated plants from tribes and settlers. Thanks!