On Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:11:52 GMT, Merry wrote:

I was just wondering what your definition of 'herb' was - it is actually
quite a debate in the herbalist world.
Merry - Chartered Herbalist

How did my definition fit in with this debate? Was my definition
accurate according to a herbalist?



So- what do you classify as 'herb' ?

A herb is any plant which has a useful purpose outside of being
ornamental. A plant which either produces essential oils, has
medicinal properties, a plant to be used to make teas, infusions,
poltice or to cure or help symptoms of ill health.

A zinnia, for example, is not a herb. It is an ornamental annual.
That I know of, it has no other useful purpose other than to
butterflies and bees.

One of the best reference books is "A Modern Herbal." It used to be
in two volumes and is now in one volume full of fascinating
information.