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The mission statement of the Herb Society of America is to "promote the knowledge, use and delight of herbs through educational programs, research and sharing the experience of its members with the community".
The Society is committed to protecting our global environment for the health and well-being of humankind and all growing things. We encourage gardeners to practice environmentally sound horticulture.
The Motto of the Society is taken from the herbalist, John Parkinson: "For Use and Delight"
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Attention Members
We have a new permanent meeting place:
The Hill Country Unit meets the third Wednesday of the month, September through May, at 9:30 a.m.
at the Craft Lab in the Wimberley Village Library, 400 FM 2325, Wimberley, TX.
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Program Info
SEPTEMBER Meeting: "Herbal First Aid"
When: September 18, 2024
9:30am - Refreshments
10am - Discussion / Meeting
Craft Lab at the Wimberley Village Library
400 FM2325, Wimberley, TX 78676
Guest speaker will be Nanette Mackenroth, founder of Your Primal Life, who will do a presentation on herbal first aid. Attendees will receive a few samples to get their home herbal first aid kit started. Walk-ins are welcome.
Each month, the Hill Country Unit features guest speakers, educational programs, or hands-on activities to promote the use of herbs for health, cooking, or home care. Contact Lisa Valentine for membership or attendance information.
RSVP to Lisa Valentine at valentine_lisa@msn.com
2023-2024 Calendar of Events |
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Herb of the Month - September 2024
(Click on the image below for recipes)
Garlic (Allium sativum)
 Garlic is an herb in the lily family and is related to chives, onions and leeks.
Garlic has been used for over 5000 years and has a long history of being valued as both a medicinal and culinary herb.
Stinking rose and poor-man's treacle (or cure-all) are among the names that garlic is known by.
In addition to the bulbs, the flower scapes, bubils within the scape, and flowers are edible as well.
Divided into two types: hardneck (which has a woody stalk extending up the enter of the bulb) and softneck, which is the type most commonly found in grocery stores.
The characteristic odor comes from the presence of a sulfur compound called allicin. This compound is corelated to many health benefits. Garlic is linked to improved immunity, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular health, decreased acne, treats athlete's foot and is antibacterial.
Use the 10-minute rule when cooking with garlic. Let cut or crushed garlic sit for 10-minutes before cooking so that the allicin levels reach their maximum, giving ultimate health benefits.
Black garlic is said to contain twice the amount of antioxidants than fresh garlic.
Black garlic is heat-aged and slowly fermented which transforms both the flavor and garlic color.
Elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum var. 'Holmense') is not true garlic and is more similar to a leek.
Greek midwives hung garlic in the birthing rooms as an offering to goddess Hecate for a safe delivery.
People used to rub cloves of fresh garlic on their chimneys and windowsills to keep demons (or vampires) out.
Italian nobles looked down on
"garlic eaters" because garlic was thought to be an ingredient of the working class or peasants as it grew plentiful and was readily available.
Garlic was once used in a topical application to treat leprosy.
Brides carried garlic in their pocket on their wedding day to protect them from evil.
In the Victorian language of flowers, garlic signifies both a "charm against evil" and "I can't stand you". In Sanskrit, garlic means "slayer of monsters".
As a key component in "Four Thieves Vinegar", garlic is believed to prevent infection during the Great Plague and protected the looting thieves.
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Web Links of Interest:
Herb Society of America
Austin Herb Society
North Texas Herb Society
South Texas Herb Society
San Antonio Herb Society
Member Benefits:
Free or discounted admissions to participating gardens and arboreta nationwide though AHS Reciprocal Garden Program
Specialized district and annual meetings
Connection to fellow herb enthusiasts through the exclusive, online HSA Membership Directory
Subscription to the annual journal THE HERBARIST as well as national and district newsletters
Admission to the members-only section of HSA's website, which includes special educational programs
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