The broad term "household" denotes a variety of possible herbal applications, including the following:

• Cosmetic and cleansing attributes of herbs were exploited through the ages and in all ancient cultures. By the time of the Renaissance, skin care had developed as a separate issue from medical disorders, and recipes for soaps, creams, and herbal waters were recorded in herbals and handed down for generations.

• The decorative value of a plant depends chiefly on its growth habit, foliage, and flowers. Many herbs bear inconspicuous or subtle flowers but possess interestingly colored or textured foliage. In addition to attractiveness in fresh arrangements, many maintain their color and form when dried, so are effective in dried crafts and arrangements.

• Pest control was a serious concern in the past due to poor sanitation and personal hygiene. Herbs were strewn on the floor of the house, releasing their scent when stepped on to freshen the room and repel mice and insects. People also hung herb sprigs in closets or placed them between layers of clothing before storage to repel moths and keep clothes fresh.

• Companion planting is based on the idea that some plants exert an effect on others in the garden. Depending upon the plant combinations, specific herbs are alleged to keep harmful insects at bay, attract beneficial insects, improve another plant's flavor, or inhibit or encourage the growth of neighboring plants.

• Plant material once constituted the primary ingredients for household products such as disinfectants, furniture wax and polish, and cleansers were once made using plant material. Similarly, all clothing and household and commercial fabrics were manufactured using natural fibers, often obtained from plants.

Artemisia abrotanum-- Southernwood (semievergreen perennial shrub)

Historical Use: Southernwood was utilized in medicinal and aphrodisiac potions and perfumes. In the courtroom, southernwood was hung to protect against "prison fever". It repelled moths from closets and ants from cupboards.

Household Use: Southernwood contains the essential oil absinthol which repels insects. The leaves, when placed in linen closets, discourage moths. When added to the bath it is fragrant and soothing. It makes attractive dried flower arrangements and herb wreaths.

Other Uses: Medicinal; Dye.

Artemisia schmidtiana cv. Nana-- Silver Mound Artemisia (perennial)

Household Use: Silver mound artemisia is used decoratively for its interesting foliage color and texture.

Lavandula officinalis-- Lavender (woody perennial)

Special Considerations: Lavender needs winter protection.

Historical Use: During the Middle Ages, lavender was credited with inducing both passion and chastity. Lavender sachets protected linens from moths and freshened sick rooms. Other applications included embalming corpses, curing animals of lice, flavoring snuff, and treating various illnesses.

Household Use: Lavender flowers in the bath or facial masks stimulate and cleanse the skin. The plant is suitable for fresh or dried flower arrangements. The leaves repel insects and make an effective household disinfectant.

Other Uses: Culinary; Fragrance; Medicinal.

Historical Use: Flax fiber is the source of linen, the oldest known fabric. Ancient Egyptians cultivated flax for fine clothing and to enshroud mummies. The Lake Dwellers, living in Switzerland from 2000 BC to 500 AD, manufactured fish nets, ropes, clothing from the fibers and flavored bread with the seeds. Flax was used similarly in medieval times.

Household Use: Flax continues to be a major agricultural crop in Russia, Canada, and parts of the US. In the US, it is grown primarily for seed to manufacture linseed oil and fibers for use in fine paper. Flax is woven into dried baskets and made into linen. Soaking the seeds in water creates a thick mucilage that can be applied to the hair as a styling gel.

Other Uses: Medicinal; Culinary.

Melissa officinalis-- Lemon Balm (perennial)

Historical Use: Lemon balm originally served to attract swarms of bees to empty nests. The Arabs remedied heart disorders and melancholy with it. Likewise, American colonists used it medicinally and for flavoring.

Household Use: At one time, lemon balm was a constituent of lemon-scented furniture polish. It repels insects if burned or rubbed on the table. It cleanses the skin; steamy lemon balm facials are recommended for people with acne.

Other Uses: Medicinal; Culinary; Fragrance.

Special Considerations: Stems allowed to persist through the winter will add winter interest. Prune back only 1/3 of the growth in the springtime.

Household Use: Russian sage works well as a decorative element in both fresh and dried arrangements.

Other Uses: Fragrance.

Special Considerations: Tansy is very invasive, so take care when disposing of old plant material. Divide it every other year to control its spread.

Historical Use: Tansy has a historical association with immortality. In Greek mythology, tansy was an ingredient in the potion that imparted immortality to Zeus' cupbearer. Also, since the flowers do not wilt easily, it was placed in coffins to repel insects. Medicinally, tansy leaves treated various disorders and acted as a digestive stimulant and a sedative. It was one of the strewing herbs of the Middle Ages.

Household Use: Tansy lotions are recommended for skin cleansing and for controlling acne. It is used in fresh and dried flower arrangements. It acts as an ant repellent.

Other Uses: Medicinal; Culinary; Dye.

Special Considerations: Soapwort is very adaptable and can become invasive if allowed to self-seed. To discourage spread, remove spent flower heads.

Historical Use: Soapwort was grown in cottage gardens before the start of commercial soap production to make soap suds for washing.

Household Use: Soapwort's merit rests in its cleansing ability. The leaf, stem, and root contain the compound saponin responsible for creating a soapy lather.

Other Uses: Medicinal; Fragrance; Culinary.