Saint Johns Wort, sage, thyme, herbs beginning with S-U on gardenaire.com

HERB	SOWING	INFO	USES
SAFFRON, Crocus sativus	Outdoors April	Unlike decorative crocuses which flower in early spring these flower from September to November.	Saffron stigmas dried are used in soups, sauces and cheeses. It adds colour as well as taste and is used in rice dishes. It is useful in the treatment of eruptive diseases like measles or chicken-pox and for high temperatures.
SAFFLOWER, Carthamus tinctorius	Outdoors May	Will tolerate a poor soil.	Has the same uses as Saffron but treats jaundice successfully and also fevers.
SAGE, Salvia officinalis	Outdoors May	Enjoys a sunny position. Many different types now available, will stay green through winter, good for tubs.	Surprisingly this herb is very potent and should be used sparingly, one leaf being enough for one person. It has so many beneficial uses it is one of the best herbs. Use for the treatment of sore throats, colds, fevers, lack of appetite, constipation and to restore lack of virility. Externally as an insect repellent, hair tonic, removal of dandruff, to stimulate hair growth and allay excessive bleeding from a wound. Deter moths in your wardrobes with this herb dried and it will also work well as a deodorant for it has anti-sweating properties. Great in salads, cheese, pasta dishes and brewed as tea.
SALAD BURNET, Sanguisorba minor	Click on Salad Burnet to take you to Burnet
SAINT JOHN'S WORT, Hypericum perforatum	Outdoors May	Prefers a shady position.	The Crusader knights used an oil made with this herb because it had so many uses. It will treat wounds of all types inside and out, diarrhoea, earache, toothache, rheumatism, arthritis and general pain quelling. It acts as an insect deterrant.
SANICLE, Sanicula mariandica	Outdoors May	Prefers a shady position, preferably under trees.	The Crusader knights used to paint pictures of this herb on their shields, the promise concerning this herb is written 'to make whole and sound alle inwarde hurts and outwards woundes of man'. What more can be said other than it helps sore gums, rashes, aches in the bowels and inflammed lungs, taken as a weak tea.
SAVORY (SUMMER), Satureia hortensis	Outdoors May	Sow outdoors in a warm sunny position with good sandy soil.	Use to flavour salads, vinegars and soups. Treats diarrhoea and has an anti-inflammatory and carminative effect.
SORREL, Rumex acetosa	Outdoors May	No need for good soil usually found on wasteland.	Sorrel has a very cooling effect and is therefore good for the blood in summer. It used to be used to make junket and can be cooked like spinach. It is an old-fashioned herb used in salads but the whole plant can be used and is very beneficial. Good for the blood, liver and kidneys. A cold poultice can be used for tumours.
STRAWBERRY, Fragaris vesca	Outdoors May	One plant will give you at least ten by the end of the summer if you plant the runners.	I would not have thought of this as a herb but the whole strawberry plant has many surprising properties. The leaves and roots can be used to make tea to regulate irregular menstruation. The fruits and leaves help in the treatment of anaemia, lowered vitality, bowel and stomach disorders, fevers, and undue sweating. Externally the fruit alone for cleansing the teeth, as well as discoloration and for removing skin blemishes. When you have cured all those ailments you can then eat them with cream, yum.
SWEET CICELY, Myrrhis odorata	Outdoors Autumn	Sow outdoors in Autumn or buy a plant to start you off. It will self seed freely but watch out it can go mad.	It has a sweet aniseed flavour and grows wild in the north of our country. It can be used in sweet tarts to reduce the acidity of fruits such as rhubarb or goosberries.
TARRAGON, Artemisia dracunculus	Outdoors May	Best to buy a plant and take some cuttings.	Only the leaves are used for cooking and are ideal for flavouring oils and vinegars, very good with fish and poultry. Tarragon has a high mineral content and also contains iodine. It can be helpful as a diuretic.
THYME, Artemisia dracunculus	Sow seeds outdoors in April	Sow in a warm, dry, sunny spot.	The plant is a powerful antiseptic and general tonic well used in all sorts of cuisine. Add some leaves to salads to keep all the family fit and healthy. Especially good for asthma, sore throat, nightmares and headaches.