Huntington Garden Myths

The Huntington Garden is home to thousands of beautiful flowers, herbs, and art works. In this garden there are plant that have some medical benefits that can help with digestion, headaches, and even cancer. Some of these herbs have some interesting myth and folklore behind them. Lemon Balm, which has been use since the Middle Ages, does have medical benefits and folklore story behind them. Another plant that I found in the Huntington garden with many medical uses is Peppermint, which also has many folklore and myth about them. Peppermint and Lemon Balm are two very useful medical herbs to have and have very interesting myth about them. Lemon Balm has been used for hundreds of years to as to reduce stress, promote sleep, reduce anxiety

They believe that Lemon Balm was used to ward off evil and to promote good health, love, and happiness. According to the article “The Practical Herbalist” they said, “Lemon Balm sachets placed under your pillow or near the bed are reputed to provide a refreshing, relaxing sleep” (e.p1). Lemon Balm is a sleeping herb so it does make sense that people believe that putting Lemon Balm underneath a pillow will provide great sleep. Lemon Balm has even been use for spiritual reason as well. According to “Colour Energy Works” Lemon Balm “is used in rituals associated with healing, health, friendship, love and success” (e.p1). People believe that drinking tea with lemon balm can ease emotional pain, like a break up of a long-term

People have been using peppermint since 1,000 BC. In today's times people has been using them to but on food and to help people with medical problems. For example people who have indigestion problem, peppermint can help calm the muscles of the stomach to help with bile movement. It can even help to allow painful digestive gas to pass. However the main purpose that most people take peppermint is to help with their Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS. There has been many studies that shows that peppermint can help treat symptoms of IBS like pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. According to University of Maryland Medical Center they said, “One study examined 57 people with IBS who received either enteric coated peppermint capsules or placebo twice a day for 4 weeks. Of the people who took peppermint, 75% had a significant reduction of IBS symptoms” (e.p 1). There are clinical trials that support the peppermint does help with people with IBS. Peppermint leaves and stems contain menthol, which is what scientist believes is the main reason why peppermint has all these medical benefits. Peppermint can be taken by tea, or a capsules three times a day to help with