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The word bane has many negative connotations. It has been used as a synonym for killer, curse, poison, death, destruction and woe. Our ancestors appended the word bane to plants that are poisonous.
Just in time for Halloween.
Once upon a time when witches flew and werewolves howled, people turned to herbs to protect them from the supernatural. Herbs weren't just for the supernatural though, they were also used to protect from more ordinary threats.
Learn the history, lore and even some modern uses for the special herbs whose names end with -bane.
Caren White is a Master Gardener and member of the Herb Society of America. She manages an international culinary herb garden in Lambertville for the Herb Society. She is also a longtime volunteerat Rutgers Gardens where she is the Garden Steward for the herb garden and grows the herbs sold at the popular Spring Flower Fair, an annual fundraiser for Rutgers Gardens. Caren teaches herb classes at Home Gardeners School (sponsored by Rutgers University), the annual NOFA-NJ Winter Conference, theEARTH Center (Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County), and Rutgers Gardens.
