Ashwagandha – (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha, an herb known for its rejuvenative & calming properties, is a semi-woody, evergreen shrub with a grayish stem, oval leaves, small greenish or yellow flowers and red berries. The plant prefers full sun & fast-draining, dryish soil. Native to Africa, India, the Middle East and the Orient, Ashwagandha can be grown in Wisconsin as an annual. It is a light- dependent germinator so the seed should be scattered on top of the soil. Plant in the middle or back of a flower bed as the plants can grow anywhere from 1-6 feet tall. Plants sown in spring may be dug, to harvest the roots, after the first frost & the leaves & berries have dried out. Wash & dehydrate the roots before use.

Tulsi (Holy Basil) - (Ocimum sanctum)

 Tulsi, an Ayurvedic herb with medicinal & spiritual significance, grows to about 18 inches in height, with oval serrated leaves & small lavender-colored flowers. Native to the Indian subcontinent, it can be grown in Wisconsin as a container plant or outside as a self-seeding annual. Sow seed in the spring on the soil surface & press in. Then keep moist & in the light.

Tulsi reaches maturity in 70 days. The fresh leaves can be harvested to make a tea for stress-relief, digestive upset, and as a remedy for colds, flu & sore throat.

Gotu Kola –  (Hydrocotyle asiatica)

Gotu Kola, known as Brahmi, is valued as a rejuvenative, brain enhancer & wound healer. It grows throughout India, preferring marshlands, where it has access to fresh water. It can be grown as an annual in Wisconsin. Gotu Kola is a creeping plant with distinctive leaves that resemble open Japanese fans. It bears small white flowers and lays down roots along its stem. The plants prefer warmth, nitrogen, good drainage, regular watering, a little shade and room to spread. The light green succulent leaves make a delicious energy-boosting addition to summer salads. The dried leaves can be used to make tea.

Stevia – (Stevia rebaudiana)

Stevia , a natural sweetener, is native to Paraguay & Brazil. It can be grown in Wisconsin as an annual. Plants thrive in rich soil, full sun to part shade, high temperature & humidity and plenty of water. Sow seed on the surface & press in, keeping moist and warm. Seeds will germinate in 1-2 weeks. Harvest & dry the leaves to use to sweeten drinks and as a digestive aid.

Luffa – (Luffa cylindrica)

The luffa , resembling a gourd plant, is a climbing broad-leaved vine with golden yellow flowers. It can be grown as an annual in Wisconsin. The seeds should be soaked overnight & sown upright in warm soil. Start indoors 6 weeks before planting outdoors or sow in hills after the last frost. The seeds will not germinate in cold soil. Luffa plants prefer full sun, poor soil and a trellis to grow on. In Ayurveda, the immature luffa fruit is valued as a cooling demulcent, increasing bile flow & aiding in lactation. They can be eaten raw in salads. The mature fruit may be dried and used as a sponge.

Fenugreek – (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

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