Herbally Yours

2010-11-29T16:03:00.002-06:00

Is That Sneeze Really The First Sign of a Cold

We are so busy, and our lives are so hectic that we rarely pay attention to what our bodies are telling us.

We’ve all seen the TV ads claiming that if you take product XYZ at that first sneeze, you can shorten the duration of a cold. Is that sneeze really the first sign of a cold? Is there a way we can tell if a cold is coming on before that first sneeze? If so, is there anything we can do to ward it off?

Listed in this article are some signs of an impending cold that occur as much as five days before that first sneeze.

Three to five days before that first sneeze:

You may experience extreme exhaustion, lack of motivation and the desire to just sleep. While this is not a sign that the cold virus has attacked your body, it is a warning that you are a prime target. An exhausted body doesn’t have the ability to ward off a viral attack.

Two to three days before that first sneeze:

Your taste buds may seem impaired. For me, coffee tastes like creosote or like it is made with chicory. Other foods just don’t taste right and I crave salty foods.

Your sense of smell may also be altered. You may smell something burning, but not be able to find what it is, or any meat products may smell rancid.

You may experience joint and muscle pain.

One or two days before that first sneeze :

You may experience headaches that feel like pressure inside your head and ears. The pressure may be so intense you feel like you head is going to explode.

The first sneeze arrives. At this point most of the previous symptoms have disappeared, but the sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes are totally exhausting. The symptoms of a cold may progress to coughing and congestion. A cold will run its course in 10 days if your body is strong enough to fight it off. It is possible that complications may set in if your immune system is compromised.

So what can you do about it?

At that first sign of exhaustion, drink a cup of chamomile tea before you go to bed at night. It will help calm you, allow you to put your hectic day aside, and rest.

Start a regimen of Vitamin C, Zink and L Lysine. These help build your immune system and give your body the nutrients it needs to combat infection

Take herbs or berries that help detoxify your body. Some suggestions are Acai Berry, Black Cherry, Red Clover, and Citrus fruits.

There’s no guarantee you won’t catch a cold, but taking these steps may mean you the colds may be fewer and less severe.

Content Source: Bukisa - Is That Sneeze Really The First Sign of a Cold

Primal Wisdom: New Study Shows Pharmacological Foundation of Chinese Herbal Medicines

2009-10-15T07:22:00.003-05:00

This is a great article on alternative medicine, particularly TCM.

Primal Wisdom: New Study Shows Pharmacological Foundation of Chinese Herbal Medicines

And here's another article on Spirit of Simples giving the advantages of using just one herb at a time.

Raspberry Leaf

2009-10-12T11:33:00.004-05:00

RASPBERRY LEAF is generally considered a "women's herb", but its uses extend far beyond the common use by pregnant women to tone the uterus, nourish the mother and infant and facilitate birth and placenta delivery.

When taken over a long period of time it helps improve visual accuity and benefits joints and tendons.

It is also useful in relieving eye lid infections and discharge by either using it as an eye wash or a compress. When used as a compress for relieving a stye it helps facilitate drainage and eases the pain.

Raspberry leaf has been used as a mild remedy for diabetes, anemia and diarrhea.

The fruit is tasty and nutritious as are the flowers and leaves.

Chicagoland Gardening Magazine ISO Young Gardeners

2009-09-18T10:33:00.001-05:00

Chicagoland Gardening Magazine ISO Young Gardeners

via Chicago Garden by Mr. Brown Thumb on 9/17/09

Are you interested in gardening and under 35? If you found an Ed Hardy t-shirt in your closet would you throw it in a compost bin before ever wearing it?* Do you and your friends use around buzzwords like "sustainability?"If you answered yes, then ChicagoLand Gardening magazine wants to talk to you. They're conducting a 35 and Under Garden Focus Group to help direct the magazine and garden dialogue in Chicagoland. You'll discuss edible gardening, ecology, sustainability, environmentalism.When: Saturday, October 17, 2009. A second meeting takes place in April of 2010.Time: 9:30 a.m to noon.Location: Chicagoland Magazine's Office. 915 Parkview BLVD., Lombard, IL 60148 (near I-355 and I-88)To volunteer for the Garden Focus Group send an Email with your Name,...

Posted via email from containerherbgardening's posterous

Dorm room gardening

2009-09-18T09:02:00.001-05:00

Dorm room gardening

via Garden Variety on 9/17/09

Photo courtesy of Matt Lehman

In my garden column in The Baltimore Sun today, I talk with Matt Lehman, a 19-year-old college sophomore who carried a garden with him when he return to college in Kansas.

Matt's family owns Lehman's, an Ohio, hardware story and catalog outlet that caters to Amish and others who do not have or use electricity.

After working in the family store all summer - and contracting a bit of cabin fever - Matt said he found refuge working outdoors in his mother's garden when his shift was over.

Attracted to Mel Bartholomew's book on square-foot gardening, he decided to build his own (1 foot X 3 feet), cart it back to college, and place it under his dorm window. With the help of some extra lighting, he is growing some fine tomatoes, beans and cukes.

Matt said his little garden gave him the same kind of pleasure working in his mother's had during the summer - something constructive and contemplative to do during down time.

Matt discovered what we all know....gardening can be a refuge.

And a good source of fresh vegetables!

Posted via email from containerherbgardening's posterous

The Obesity Gene

2009-09-13T14:31:00.004-05:00

This isn't herbal, but nevertheless health related.

Science Daily reports that University of Michigan researchers have identified a gene that acts as a master switch to control obesity in mice. Deleting the gene seems to switch off the weight gain that is result of a high fat diet and also to protect against conditions that can lead to type 2 diabetes.

But what about other harmful effects of eating a high fat diet? Weight gain and type 2 diabetes aren't the only thing we need to be protected against. What about heart disease, diminished cognition and physical endurance? Do they know that deleting the IKKE gene ONLY stops weight gain? What else might it effect in the long term?

We really need to wake up and take responsibility for our own health. The "There's a pill for that" mentality has definitely gone too far. Is this what we're calling "health reform"?

Science Direct reports that exercise can reverse the harmful effects of high fat diet. Why mess around with the genes? Are we so lazy that we'd rather alter our genetic make up than exercise? Yes, obesity is on the rise especially in children and adolescents. This may be a direct result of a high fat diet, or it may be a combination of an unbalanced diet that doesn't provide all the various nutrients the body needs and the fact that most children and adolescents seem to be glued to a TV, computer or game station and get no exercise.

Garlic

2009-09-10T10:12:00.002-05:00

Garlic has probably been used since the beginning of the history of man. At least it's use goes back to Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. It is used to treat any type of infection including Staphylococcus. Dr. Albert Schweitzer used it to treat cholera, typhoid and typhus infections.

Garlic is an immense boost to the cardiovascular system. It reduces plaque in the arteries, prevents the hardening of the arteries that lead to many heart problems and lowers blood pressure.

If you only have one medicine in your herbal medicine chest I would suggest it be garlic. Garlic it easy to grow. Just plant the bulbs in the spring in a loose well drained soil. Allow to dry out between waterings. Harvest in the fall when the tops begin to dry up.

Calendula

2009-09-03T19:34:00.003-05:00

Bright yellow blossoms of calendula keep an herb garden beautiful all summer long. Just pick them as they open. The more you pick, the more you encourage new blossoms.
Calendula has many uses. The petals are a bright sunny nutritious addition to a salad or can add a slightly nutty flavor to breads.

There is an old saying where there is calendula puss cannot stay. Calendula drives out all kinds of infections whether you drink an infusion or make a poultice or salve for external application.

Calendula is antibacterial,antiseptic, alterative, astringent and vulnerary. It has been used to sooth outbreaks of chicken pox, to clear up yeast infections, and any type of infection in or on the body.

Natural AIDSTreatment?

2009-08-29T21:04:00.003-05:00

I was watching Globetrotter this evening and of all the beauty and culture Mozambique has to offer the most fascinating thing about the show for me was a visit to an AIDS clinic. It showed many people taking a small cup maybe 1/2 cup volume of liquid. They said everyone there received the same treatment and many who came totally disabled by the disease were now able to be up and about and taking care of themselves.

When asked what the medicine was they were told it was a garlic based tea with lots of lemon and some salt. Not so tasty, but not too bad either according to one of the patients. I was totally intrigued that such a simple treatment could help so many.

I tried to look up such a remedy on the internet, but this is the closest thing I could find. In this context the tea makes sense. Garlic is highly antibacterial and disease can't live in a body that's the proper ph. Lemon raises the ph of the system. Salt helps balance the cellular fluids and continually exchanges clean fluid for toxic fluid, cleansing not only the blood and digestive system, but the cells also.

Preparing for Swine Flu

2009-08-24T15:37:00.004-05:00

EK Sommers' blog, My Herbal Notebook brings up some controversy about licensing of herbalist and patenting plant medicines. Some herbalists feel that if they were licensed they would be able to practice more freely, but there's a lot of controversy about the control the government would have over those licensed herbalists and whether they would, indeed, be "free" to practice.

In the meantime, with the swine flu scare and the admission by the government that there won't be enough vaccine to go around, many people all over the world are relying on the tried and true botanical medicines of their culture.

In India the price of Tulsi (Holy Basil)and Bel leaves has shot up almost double because the demand for them has increased so dramatically. They are both strong immune builders and also fight many different illnesses.

The leaves of Tulsi are used for many different types of fevers including dengue and malaria. It removes catarrhal matter from the lungs, and addresses all the other symptoms of flu.

The bel also known as bilva or wood apple (Aegle marmelos) has medicinal properties. Its leaves make poultice for the eyes and are good for diabetes, and the roots help reduce fever. Its fruit is a remedy for dysentery.

Here in the United States herbalists and Alternative Medicine practitioners are turning to Colloidial Silver and such mixtures as garlic, onion, horseradish, ginger and hot peppers steeped in apple cider vinegar to boost immune systems. Of course the beautiful and potent Echinacea is not loosing any ground either. In your region there may be other native plants that will provide you with some protection from and relieve symptoms if you do contract the swine flu.

Remembering to practice good hygiene, eat a good diet with a variety of raw fruits and vegetables, and get plenty of exercise is the first step to prevention.

Regional Herbs

2009-08-22T09:44:00.002-05:00

Every day I have my google bot sweeping for herbal news alerts. Every day it comes back with Chinese herbal medicine. Now don't get me wrong, Traditional Chinese Medicine is a centuries old, tried and true method of treatment, but I don't think we need exotic medicines from other countries to stay well and healthy.

I think Hannah Kroger had it right. Every region has all the herbs necessary to treat the ailments specific to that region. These herbs are "acclimated" to that region and are more likely to give you the relief that you need from the ailments commonly suffered in that area.

For instance, many people swear by uva ursa for kidney problems, but my property is teeming with dandelions. Should I buy uva ursa? I say no. The leaves of the dandelion are great for clearing and strengthening the kidneys.

Look around you. What grows in your area? Go to the library and pick up a field guide with pictures of various plants. Learn to identify what grows in your area. Join a herbal society or even a horticulture group that can help guide you. Many decorative plants are also medicinal.

The key to staying healthy naturally is education. If you're willing to take responsibility for your own health you can't stop at eating healthy and getting exercise, although those are extremely important to health. You need to educate yourself about the wild plants that grow in your area. Nature has planted them there for a reason. Learn about them, and take advantage of what nature has gifted you with.

The Roots of Our Unhealthy Nation

2009-08-06T08:23:00.003-05:00

Our nations health problem is not going away. No matter what health care reform is instituted, if we don't break the link between pharmaceutical companies, fertilizer companies and big agri-business and start producing food that is actually nutritious, using nutrition as a prevention of disease, and stop belittling people who use natural health care solutions, we will continue to produce disease and chase it with drugs. Our nations health will continue to spiral downward.

In an article "Economic Slavery: Food, Fertilizers and Pharmaceuticals" written in 2007, Nkrumah Lucien drives this truth home in a factual and somewhat startling expose of how these elements are all linked keeping us all enslaved economically to the pharmaceutical companies.

I usually don't editorialize, just print the facts, but this really has me upset. In his book "The Betrayal of Health", Joseph D. Beasley, M.D. sites case studies as far back as 1964. His studies were done on poor people who couldn't afford a wide range of foods. Their poor nutrition had led to many health problems even some resembling mental retardation. When given a proper diet, no medical treatment was necessary to restore their health.

A few medical doctors are beginning to focus on prevention through natural means, but as far as the overall health of our nation goes, the pharmaceutical companies still rule. Food can't be patented, herbs can't be patented, so they aren't profitable to big pharma and unfortunately they subsidize the medical schools. It's up to every individual to decide if they want to take care of their own health through diet and lifestyle, or if they want to take the medical treatments subsidized by the government.

Japanese Knotweed

2009-08-04T16:28:00.003-05:00

In her article "Urban Weeds Treat Urban Ailments", Melissa Sokulski points out an old folk saying that weeds grow where they're needed. This may be nothing more than coincidence, but I've always believed it to be true for the simple fact that some "weeds" grow on my side of our property and others grow on my son and daughter-in-law's side. On my side, dandelions which strengthen kidneys and liver (and do much more) are prolific and heron bill which is useful in treating respiratory ailments grow on theirs. There is only a drive way between us and given the way weeds travel, spread and proliferate it seems that all weeds should grow on both sides.

Another plant I'm finding more and more of on my side is knotweed. Studies have shown that the highly invasive, much maligned Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) is one of the higest natural sources reservatrol, an ingredient usually thought of as being found in red wine. Reservatrol supplements are being sold now in healthfood stores and it's not coming from red wine, it's coming from Japenese knotweed.

The benefits of reservatrol include antioxidant, blood thinner, benefits to the central nervous system, regulates hormones and has shown to benefit those with Alzheimer's Disease especially if it's taken with vitamins E and C. It has proven beneficial to those recovering from stroke and injuries to the spine.

Why not look around the next time you go for a walk and see what natural medicines may be disguised as "weeds" in your area?

What Do Those Veggie Lables Mean?

2009-08-03T07:45:00.003-05:00

I'm going to veer away from herbs today and write about food in general. I just learned what those numbers on those sticky labels on fruit and vegetables mean. We all hate having to peel those labels off, but did you ever read them? What do they mean? My grandson used to work in a grocery store and I learned from him that they were PLU numbers that told the cash register what the item was, but I just found out that they tell much more.

Here's a rhyme that will help you remember: 4 is a bore, 8 you should hate, 9 is fine.

The 4 means that it's commercially grown and not organic.
If the four digit number is preceded by an 8 it means it is genetically modified (GMO).
If the four digit number is preceded by a 9 it means that it is organically grown.

Now I understand the pros of GMO - millions of people who would otherwise starve are fed because GMO produce makes a more abundant crop. But many scientists are concerned about the safety of GMO foods. There haven't been any long-term studies that show the effects of GMO's on the human body. Since our processed food doesn't have to signify if it's made with GMO's we don't know how much of this is in our system, and what effect it's having on our bodies.

I can't stress enough to read labels. Learn the significance of some of those words you can't pronounce. Learn what the numbers mean (like the ones on fruit and vegetables). Be an informed shopper. Your health is your responsibility. Protect it.

Holy Basil

2009-07-11T10:07:00.001-05:00

Ocimum sanctum

Traditionally known as tulsi by Indian Ayurvedic practitioners, Holy Basil has many medicinal properties. It seems that it’s main use has been to treat respiratory disorders as it is a very effective expectorant and remedy for bronchitis, asthma, flu, cough and cold.

Holy Basil is specific for many types of fever. During the rainy season when malaria and dengue fever are prevalent the tender leaves boiled with tea help prevent these diseases. In cases of acute fever the leaves boiled with other herbs are used to bring the fever down. This is a very safe and effective treatment for children.

In more recent times Holy Basil has been used for the relief of stress as it is also a potent adaptogen and treatment for emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression as they can be brought on or aggravated by stress. *note: if you’re taking antidepressants consult with your health care practitioner before stopping your medication in favor of herbal remedies.

Holy Basil is beneficial in treating heart disorders and in lowering blood cholesterol. It is also a blood purifier which helps strengthen all internal organs and protect against common ailments.

The time tested uses listed and many more are very useful in rural areas where there is little health care, but the popularity of these alternative therapies are gaining popularity in the cities also where medical care is out of reach of the indigent, and allergies to standard medical treatments are growing more prevelant.

St. John's Wort

2009-07-09T10:38:00.005-05:00

St. John's Wort has been used to treat depression since the 1500's and now medical science is confirming what herbalists and naturopaths have known all along. A recent study published in the Cochrane Library confirms that St. John's Wort is as effective as standard antidepressants and has fewer side effects.
The hyperecium extracted from the flowers of the St. John's Wort can be found in capsules in health food stores and drug stores almost any where.

In Germany St. John's Wort is prescribed more often than any standard antidepressants such as Zoloft and Prozac.

St. John's Wort flowers can be infused in oil and applied topically to treat burns, bruises, wounds and myalgic pain. Scientific studies have shown that it is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and vulnerary (encourages new cell production).

St. John's Wort is a very invasive plant and not suitable for domestic propogation. It can be found in meadows, wastelands and along ditch banks.

If you suffer from depression, or are taking medication for depression you may want to discuss St. John's Wort with your doctor. You can print out the report from the Cochrane Library to take with you.

Ginger Ale

2009-07-04T08:57:00.003-05:00

Happy Independence Day to all my American readers. To the rest of the world, Hello and I hope you have a wonderful week end.

Holidays mean feasts, and too often feasts mean indigestion. Penny Khalad, an herbalist friend of mine, makes home made ginger ale and mixes it with other drinks because ginger is a wonderful digestive aid as well as having many other beneficial properties.

Making ginger ale is simple:

chop 1 cup full of organic ginger root.
place 1 quart cold spring water or distilled water in a stainless steal or heat resistant glass pot.
Add the ginger and bring to a boil over a medium heat.
Turn heat down and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
Add honey or stevia to sweeten if desired.
Strain, cap and refrigerate.
You can add this to sparkling mineral water for ginger ale, or add it to fruit drinks or tea to drink with your meals. It's very strong so dilute it with other drinks at least 50%. I like to mix 1/3 ginger tea, 1/3 sparkling water and 1/3 cranberry juice for a light sparkling fruit drink that is delicious and so much better for you than soda.

Ginger is a very effective analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, carminative, and has a host of other benefits.

Ginger has been found to be more effective than Dramamine for combating motion sickness. Chewing a piece of the fresh root soothes sore throat.

Ginger root is a circulatory stimulant and reduces blood platelet aggregation and inflammation. It's anti-inflammatory action may be the reason it's so effective in combating the pain of arthritis.

Colon Cleanses

2009-06-29T09:01:00.002-05:00

There is a lot of hype and hoopla going around about colon cleanse. It's important to get the truth about colon cleansing and find one that cleanses you colon without cleaning out your pocket book. Here's an article by Michael R. Taft that may help clear up some of the confusion.

Many people are confused by the conflicting information that is out there about colon cleansing. The main concern is whether or not colon cleansing is safe or not. In no uncertain terms not only is colon cleansing safe it is vitally important that you cleanse your colon.

The colon almost never stops working it is like a machine that runs twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. It is an incredibly efficient organ, but over time it can be clogged by food that could not be used or excreted from the body. As it clogs up it is less efficient and this has an impact on the entire body.

The colon absorbs nutrients and vitamins from the food that has been broken down by the stomach. It absorbs everything the body needs and excretes the rest in feces. Over time some food clings to the walls of the colon. There is now a barrier between the digested food and the wall of the colon. This means that nutrients are no longer able to be absorbed by the body.

Removing this barrier will allow the colon to function properly again. There are many herbal based supplements that are extremely efficient in removing this plaque like build up. They are all natural and sold in many health food stores as well as at online retailers.

The best of these systems are comprised of all natural herbal ingredients and are very fairly priced. They work by scrubbing the interior wall of the colon and forcing the debris out of the body.

The fact that colon cleansing is safe is not in dispute by any reputable person. Hundreds of thousands of people have colon cleansed with no ill effects being reported. In fact unless you are pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition there is no documented reason not to undergo a colon cleansing program.

By: Michelle R. Taft

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Visit the colon cleanser review forum at www.ColonCleansingForum.com today.

Also, learn more about Colonix side effects.

Ginseng

2009-06-24T11:11:00.003-05:00

Ginseng is an ancient remedy steeped in folklore and myth, but many of the claims that have been made throughout history have proven to be true.

Ginseng helps the body better utilize oxygen and speeds up recovery for those who are convalescing. It helps the adrenal glands conserve their stores of vitamin C and aids in the production of RNA and red and white blood cells. It also aids in stabilizing blood sugar and blood pressure.

Ginseng energizes those suffering from fatigue and helps calm those prone to nervous stress. It strengthens virtually all the internal organs thereby improving overall health and bolstering immunity.

Ginseng can help improve physical energy and mental alertness. It is used to improve concentration and also has been used in meditation. It appears to be an aphrodisiac for both men and women and may be useful in correcting erectile dysfunction in men.

It is used in facial creams to prevent wrinkles.

During the heat of the summer many people find their energy levels dropping because of the heat. American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a better choice to take in the summer because it is more cooling than Asian Ginsent (Panax ginseng).

Mullein

2009-06-16T12:26:00.002-05:00

MULLEIN: Latin Name: Verbascum thapsus
Mullein has numerous alternate names including Velvet Dock, Witch's Candle, Hags Taper, Jupiter's Staff, Our Lady's Flannel, Beggar's Blanket, Candlewick, Girl Scouts Toilet Paper, Lungwort.

Though some of them may be a bit humorous, they are very descriptive of the many uses for mullein.

Medicinally, mullein leaves are used primarily for sinus infections, asthma, hay fever and other respiratory ailments. Some people praise it as a remedy for chronic hay fever and sinusitis that lead to bronchitis, and say they have successfully replaced their prescription medications with it.

Flowers can be infused in oil with garlic for a topical treatment of ear infections. Oil infused with mullein flowers has been used for treatment of frostbite, ringworm, hemorrhoids, and bruises.

When using the leaves as a tea be sure to strain it through a very fine filter as the tiny hairs on the leaves can be irritating to the throat.

As with any herbal remedy, be sure to contact your health practitioner before adding mullein to any prescription regimen.

Echinacea

2009-06-11T11:47:00.004-05:00

Echinacea, the beautiful purple cone flower is a colorful addition to your flower beds, but it's medicinal properties are well known. Echinacea has been in use by the Native Americans for untold time, and it entered the formal medical world in the late 1800 where it was used until the late 1920's when antibiotics were introduced. Native Americans used its root for everything from fighting colds and flu to infections to cancer. The wild type, Echinacea angustifolia, was the most popularly used, but it's become scarce in the wild due to over-harvesting. Echinacea purpurea is the species used most in Europe and is the plant the German E Commission did all it's tests with. This species' flowers and other aerial parts are used more than the root and it is cultivated, so there's no worry about it becoming extinct.

Echinacea is still the most prescribed herb in Europe, but its use is mostly confined to fighting colds and flu, overlooking its many other benefits. The root may be chewed to alleviate tooth ache. It can be made into a salve to treat eczema, psoriasis, infectious wounds and much more.

Echinacea stimulates the production of T cells, macrophage activity and interferon production making the cells less susceptible to viral takeover.

Skullcap

2009-06-09T10:15:00.004-05:00

Skullcap is one of the most versatile pain relieving herbs I can think of. Often called the "there, there" herb in reference to it's calming quieting effect on the nerves, it's like a mother calming her frantic child. Skullcap calms the emothions, quiets overexcitability and improves motor ability and impairment of the senses. It helps stimulate the brain to produce more endorphins and enhances awareness and calmness.

When used as a pain reliever it works at the site of the pain, rather than dulling the brain and causing the sleepiness or "brain fog" that some pain relievers can cause.

I have known women who used skullcap instead of valerian to help with mood swings, to calm down in cases where anger was inexplainable and extreme.

Skullcap is a great aid in relieving acute pain. If you choose to "tough it out" when you have acute pain, many times, depending on the cause of the acute pain, it can become chronic pain.

Skullcap can be taken as a tea, tincture or capsules. I always prefer tea as it seems to work faster, but capsules are handy to carry with you "just in case". It can be used in cases of anxiety resulting from emotional trauma, or the many symptoms that result from the stress in daily living.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)

2009-06-06T08:40:00.003-05:00

The root of Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)is most commonly used for female problems including menopause and the hot flashes and mood swings that accompany it. It is often taken by women coming off birth control pills in order to establish regular menstrual cycles. Given after birth to help prevent postpartum bleeding and to build strength.

It has been tested in a small group of people to treat psoriasis and was found effective in about 66% of that small group.

It improves circulation and helps beautify the skin and foster feelings of compassion.

As with any herb, if you are on prescription or OTC medications, consult your healthcare provider for drug/herb interactions. Herbs are powerful medicines and can interact adversely with other medications.

Red Clover

2009-06-04T16:28:00.005-05:00

Red clover is a wonderful, gentle blood purifier. In cases where the lymph nodes are swollen, a cup of tea made with one nice fat blossom and a cup of water is usually all it takes to get the lymph moving again and cleanse the system.

Red clover is also an alterative. It can help improve general health. Alteratives increase blood flow to tissues, detoxify, restore body functions, aid assimilation of nutrients, stimulate metabolism and promote excretion of waste. It's also beneficial for calming coughs and reducing skin inflammations.

My red clover is in bloom now. It's time to harvest these nice plump little globes. Sometimes I have a hard time getting them to dry without turning black when the weather is humid, but that's not really a problem. I can just loosely pack them in a jar and cover them with either 100 proof vodka or Apple Cider Vinegar. Cover them tightly and place them out of the light. Shake once or twice a day for six weeks, strain and bottle. They're ready to use. You can take 35 to 70 drops of the vodka tincture in a little water, or up to a tablespoon of the vinegar in water, or mix the vinegar with oil for a vinaigrette dressing.

Asparagus

2009-06-02T09:56:00.003-05:00

Asparagus is a delicious, nutritious, vegetable high in vitamin K, potassium, tryptophan and other vitamins and minerals. It is a nourishing blood-building tonic that helps reduce arthritic conditions, kidney stones, and build the reproductive system.

To prepare Asparagus, snap off the tough woody ends. Don't cut them, just bend the stalk. It will snap above the woody section. Put the ends in a pot and gently simmer 15 minutes to make a delicious soup stock, or a nourishing tea. Steam the asparagus lightly and serve plain or with a little butter and salt and pepper.

The small stems are wonderful with eggs either in an omelet or mixed with boiled eggs. The nice fat stalks can be roasted by lightly coating with olive oil, salt and pepper and roasting in a 400 degree oven for 15 or 20 minutes.

Enjoy the asparagus now while it's in season. The best way to be sure your nutrition is balanced and you get the broad range of nutrients you need for good health is to take advantage of the fruits and vegetable that are in season at any given time.

Parsley, Spearmint and Lemon Balm

2009-05-23T10:20:00.003-05:00

Three invaluable herbs you'll want in your spice rack or on your herb shelf.

Eight or ten years ago I planted a tiny pot of lemon balm and about 20 feet away I planted a tiny pot of curley leaf parsley. I planted several herbs in between them without taking note of companion planting or what plants grew well together. Nothing I planted between the two survived more than a couple of years.

The lemon balm grew into a lush, beautiful clump, but unlike most mints, didn't spread out through runners and roots and become invasive. The parsley struggled year after year providing me with enough of a harvest to flavor a few meals but nothing more.

Four years ago I cleared out everything between the parsley and lemon balm and planted a tiny pot of spearmint which struggled bravely the first year, took a little better hold the next year, and last year provided me with a fine harvest.

I wasn't able to work much in my yard last year or the year before, but I did notice that the lemon balm was beginning to spread, and the parsley was thriving and last year I got more than enough parsley to last me through the winter.

While refreshing my memory on companion planting this spring I came across a warning not to plant parsley and mint together. They don't like each other! ??? I went out and looked over my herb bed to find parsley mingling with the spearmint on one side and lemon balm mingling with the spearmint on the other side having a PAR-TAY! Oh wait. Maybe that's a mad rush to claim territory. I pulled parsley and lemon balm out of the spearmint and pulled a little spearmint from each side of the main clump, leaving space between the three. We'll see how they do this year. I sure don't want the lemon balm and spearmint cross pollinating.

Parsley is a wonderful kidney tonic and is great for a plate garnish and for giving depth and richness to sauces, stews and soups.

Spearmint, like all mints is calming while giving clarity of mind. It's a great addition to a tall glass of lemonade or iced tea during the summer. It's also carminative and is an aid to digestive upset.

Lemon balm is a sedative and is often used to combat mild depression. It doesn't retain its medicinal properties when dried, but does retain its flavor. It's also good in lemonade and iced tea as well as adding a fine lemon flavor to desserts and sauces.

Whitehouse Herbs Part II

2009-05-21T18:18:00.001-05:00

Well, better late than never I guess. I started this series over a month ago and finally finished it. Instead of making it a three part series, I've made it only two parts in view of the time lapse. I hope you find the information on these herbs valuable.
Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the most delicious and versatile herbs to have in your garden. Whether it is upright or trailing, its needle like leaves provide a contrast to other broad-leaved plants making it great for either a focal or accent plant.
Culinary
Rosemary provides a delicious complement to most meats and vegetable dishes. It’s used in many commercial herb blends. It sturdy stems can be used individually as skewers or tied in a bundle and used as a whisk. Both uses impart a mild Rosemary flavor to the foods they’re used on.
Companion
Rosemary is a great companion to cabbage, carrots and beans. Deters cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot flies.
Medicinal
“Rosemary is for remembrance” is an old saying. Brides bouquets of long ago had sprigs of Rosemary tucked in them so the bride, who would be moving far away and may not see her family for years, would not forget her family. Rosemary has since been proven to increase circulation, especially to the brain, which may indeed affect the memory.
It is antibacterial, aromatic, anti-depressant, rejuvinative, nevine, and tonic.

Marjorum
Culinary
If you like oregano, you’ll love marjorum. It’s like oregano, but with a deeper richer flavor and never has the bitterness that oregano can sometimes have. Because it’s stronger, use it sparingly.
Companion
When grown with vegetables and other herbs, marjorum improves their flavor.
Medicinal
Great for soothing aching muscles. Add to your bath water or infuse in oil and use for a massage. Make it into a tea to sooth an upset digestive system. Marjorum is highly antibacterial and anti oxidant.

Chives
The tall slender blade like leaves of chives and their taller flower umbels make a nice backdrop for lower growing rounded plants.
Culinary
Chives make a tasty, colorful addition to raw dishes such as salads, or add them at the last minute to vegetables and/or meat dishes. Chives have a light taste without the bitterness of onion or garlic. The White House garden features both chives and garlic chives. In addition to the fabulous taste of the chives, the blossoms make a delightful vinegar to be used straight on salads or mixed with oil for a vinaigrette dressing.
Companion
Helps to keep aphids away from tomatoes, mums and sunflowers. Chives may drive away Japanese beetles and carrot rust fly. Planted among apple trees it helps prevent scab and among roses it prevents black spot. You will need patience as it takes about 3 years for plantings of chives to prevent the 2 diseases. A tea of chives may be used on cucumbers and gooseberries to prevent downy and powdery mildews. Avoid planting near beans and peas.

Chamomile
Chamomile is a beautiful, low growing plant with pretty white flowers with yellow centers. It’s name means ground apple, and it has a slightly apple aroma and flavor. Many people grow it for its beauty and durability, and history suggests it was the first plant used for a lawn in Great Briton.
Culinary/medicinal
Chamomile makes a delightfully soothing tea to help children and adults alike get a good nights sleep.
Companion
Improves flavor of cabbages, cucumbers and onions. Host to hoverflies and wasps. Accumulates calcium, potassium and sulfur, later returning them to the soil. Increases oil production from herbs. Leave some flowers unpicked and German chamomile will reseed itself. Roman chamomile is a low growing perennial that will tolerate almost any soil conditions. Both like full sun. Growing chamomile of any type is considered a tonic for anything you grow in the garden.

Dill
This light airy plant is a great backdrop for lower growing, more dense plants.
Culinary
Dill is an herb we know best as a pickling spice, but its highly aromatic fern like leaves and seeds make a wonderful seasoning for fish and vegetables.
Companion
Improves growth and health of cabbage. Do not plant near carrots, caraway or tomatoes. Best friend for lettuce. Attracts hoverflies and predatory wasps. Repels aphids and spider mites to some degree. Also may repel the dreaded squash bug! (scatter some good size dill leaves on plants that are suspect to squash bugs, like squash plants.) Dill goes well with lettuce, onions, cabbage, sweet corn and cucumbers. Dill does attract the tomato horn worm so it would be useful to plant it somewhere away from your tomato plants to keep the destructive horn worm away from them.
Medicinal
Dill is highly carminative and may aid in bacillary diarrhea as well as upset stomach. The seeds may be chewed as a breath freshener and a poultice of fresh leaves mixed with turmeric may bring a boil to a head and help heal dermal ulcers.

Cilantro
The dark foliage of cilantro adds depth to your garden. Plant in among lighter colored foliage plants for added visual appeal.
Cullinary
Cilantro is like growing two herbs in one. Its cooling leaves are a perfect compliment to Mexican, Spanish and Indian cooking. Allow some of it to go to seed for a fall harvest of coriander, which has a completely different flavor.
Medicinal
Coriander seeds may be helpful in relieving various digestive disorders including chronic diarrhea. It is also helpful for excessive menstrual flow.

Parsley
Parsley is a bright refreshing herb that grows in cool weather.
Culinary
Curly leaf or flat leaf parsley makes a delightful addition to salads and the curly leaf is a beautiful plate garnish. Don’t limit your use of parsley to these typical uses though. Parsley added to sauces, soups, stews and one dish meals really helps to blend the flavors and bring everything to life. It will be the first plant in your garden to turn green in the spring and the last to die back in the winter, although it will fade in the heat of the summer.
Companion
Allies: Asparagus, carrot, chives, onions, roses and tomato. Sprinkle the leaves on tomatoes, and asparagus. Use as a tea to ward off asparagus beetles. Attracts hoverflies. Let some go to seed to attract the tiny parasitic wasps and hoverflies. Parsley increases the fragrance of roses when planted around their base.

Medicinal.
Parsley is a great kidney toner and flusher. Its gentle action won’t make you uncomfortable, but will keep kidneys in great shape.

Mint
Mint is easy to grow, loves deep, moist, rich soil and partial shade. Be sure to plant it in containers or it will take over your garden! There are many different types of mint. If you plant more than one, be sure to separate them to keep them from cross pollinating.
Culinary
Try mint in iced tea or lemon aid. It also adds a distinctive flavor to sauces for fish or poultry.
Companion
Deters white cabbage moths, ants, rodents, flea beetles, fleas, aphids and improves the health of cabbage and tomatoes. Use cuttings as a mulch around members of the brassica family. It attracts hoverflies and predatory wasps. Earthworms are quite attracted to mint plants. Placing mint (fresh or dried) where mice are a problem is very effective in driving them off!

Medicinal.
Peppermint is useful in relieving headaches, treating breathing difficulties due to allergies, relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and aiding in mental clarity.

Natural Health Care

2009-05-05T21:22:00.006-05:00

President Obama's statements in his April 29 Town Hall meeting in Arnold, Missouri sound promising to alternative health care.
“We should do what works,” President Obama said. “I think it is pretty well documented through scientific studies that acupuncture, for example, can be very helpful in relieving certain things like migraines and other ailments – or at least as effective as more intrusive interventions.” The question eliciting the response was posed by a licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist who asked President Obama how alternative medicine would fit into his new health care system.

Read the whole story

Naturopathic Medicine Supporters Advocate For Health Care System Based On Wellness, Disease Prevention, And Natural Medicine:

More than 100 naturopathic doctors and supporters will descend on Capitol Hill Monday, May 4, to advocate for an overhaul of the nation’s health care system. Advocates from across the country will ask their Members of Congress to support H.Con.Res.58, a resolution that would transform the health care system from one that manages disease to one rooted in prevention, health promotion, and wellness. Read more

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Whitehouse Herbs Part 1

2009-03-25T08:02:00.003-05:00

Thyme:
Culinary
Thyme is a low maintenance herb and is perfect for a border plant or a container herb pot. It not only goes well with fish and chicken, but is essential for stocks, stuffing and stews or soups.
Companion Plants
Thyme is a pest repellent and tomatoes, eggplant, cabbage and potatoes especially enjoy it’s company. It has no known enemies, so feel free to tuck some in anywhere you have room.
Medicinal
Thyme is primarily antiseptic, carminative, and diuretic, and secondarily antispasmodic, expectorant and parasitacide. It warms the lungs and helps expel mucous., and aids in digestion. It can be used alone or infused with a blend of other antispasmodic herbs in a good extra virgin olive oil for a massage oil to relieve muscle aches.

Oregano
Culinary
That essential herb for Italian cooking. It goes well in spaghetti sauce, pizza and other classic Italian dishes as well as being the star of the menu when infused into butter for fish dishes. It enjoys a well drained soil and, like mint, grows best when watered regularly.
Companion Plants.
Oregano is a general pest repellent, but is especially useful for flea beatles. Cabbage likes to be planted with oregano. Be careful where you plant it. It spreads like mint. To keep it from spreading but still get its benefits, plant in a well draining pot and sink the pot into the ground.
Medicinal
Oregano can be used as a tea to reduce flatulence, bloating, headaches, cough, bronchial problems and swollen glands. The fresh or dried leaves can be pounded into a paste with a little hot water and used topically to reduce the pain of rheumatism, aching muscles and sores. Tie a handful of oregano leaves in a cheese cloth bag and float it in a bath tub of hot water to ease tired, aching muscles and joints.

Sage:
Sage is a great addition to any garden. Allowed to grow bush like it makes a great focal point and it grey-green leaves provide a great contrast.
Culinary
Sage is a wonderful addition to poultry and pork dishes and stuffing as well as adding great flavor to some vegetable dishes.
Companion
Sage deters root maggot flies and cabbage worms. Plant it near tomatoes, carrots, cabbage and strawberries. Don’t plant near cucumbers. They don’t make good neighbors. Sage flowers attract many beneficial insects to the garden
Medicinal
Ahhh Sage, the great panacea! An old saying goes “if a man has sage in his garden why should he die”. Well it’s not the fountain of youth, or life everlasting, but it has a great range of healing properties. It’s primarily antispasmodic, cardio tonic and aromatic, but has been used through the centuries to reduce fevers, combat hot flashes during menopause, and as a gargle for sore throat and tonsilitis, just to mention a few.

Whitehouse Vegetable Garden

2009-03-21T10:09:00.001-05:00

By now you’ve all heard that the White House will have a vegetable garden for the first time since the great depression when Eleanore Roosevelt’s Victory Garden inspired the nation, prompting community gardens where there wasn’t room for individual gardens, and encouraging individuals who had the space to grow their own food.

The cynical side of me says this is all hype and a ploy to gain the confidence of the working class of our nation, but the optimistic side of me says whatever their reason, a lot of people are being inspired to help themselves. The First Lady not only got out there and shoveled dirt helping a group of school children fill the raised beds, but she took the time to explain to them why growing a garden was a good thing.

Over the past 20 years or so environmentalist have been trying to educate the public and encourage this type of self sufficiency, and many people have shifted their thinking and endeavored to grow their own food. I think this “education” coming from the head of the nation will only inspire more people to “go green”.

The White House garden won’t just be growing veggies, but will also be growing a variety of herbs. My next posts will be covering those herbs and why they are a great addition to any home garden.

Not Exactly Herbal, But Pertnent

2009-03-12T10:33:00.003-05:00

Is the Wind Driving You Crazy?
For the 25 to 30 percent of humans who are weather sensitive, yes, the wind can literally drive you crazy. There is a very good scientific explanation for this. As a scientist I’d make a good puppy dog, so I’ll let you read the scientific explanation for yourself.Ionization As A Factor In Our Environment
A very detailed scientific explanation of how ionization occurs, is thrown out of balance, and how this imbalance effects our health.

To put all this in layman’s terms, positive and negative ions are necessary for the health of all biological creatures. The natural and healthy level of ions is 1,000 to 2,000 total ions per cubic centimeter, with a 5-4 ratio of pos-ions to neg-ions. When the body is bombarded with an overdose of positive ions nervousness, irritability, anxiety, depression and many other symptoms occur.

Not only can an overdose of positive ions cause these symptoms, but the reduction of total ions in the air can also be a great health hazard. Dust, pollen, and other air pollutants destroy the small ions biological bodies rely on, depleting the ions in the air and setting up an unhealthy atmosphere especially for those who are weather sensitive. This may very well be why the hot dry Santa Ana winds along the west coast of the United states, the Chinook winds in the rocky mountains, and seasonal winds in many other parts of the world have caused much misery and in some particularly sensitive people have even led to suicide.

If you’re weather sensitive you may notice aches and pains, anxiety, depression, migrains or other symptoms begin to appear before an actual weather front hits your location. The change in weather changes the ratio of positive to negative ions in the air. Our modern technology doesn’t help in all this. Our buildings are sealed and hot or cold air is pumped through ductwork to keep the building at an even temperature, but the forcing of air, whether it’s hot or cold causes friction and friction destroys ions, leaving us with an ion depleted environment.

While an overdose of positive ions can make us sick, there have been no ill effects to negative ions noted in the thousands of scientific experiments conducted.

If you’re weather sensitive and the wind’s driving you crazy, an air ionizer might be a good investment. It could very well save you money on Doctor visits and OTC medicines to treat all the various symptoms brought on by the ion depleted environment created by the wind and dust, and our own man-made technology.

Another option is a salt candle holder. The salt is warmed by the candle and releases negative ions into the air.

Content Source: Is the Wind Driving You Crazy? - Bukisa.com

Michael Moore

2009-02-24T09:44:00.002-06:00

It was a saddening blow to learn that Michael Moore of the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine, had passed away. I've learned much from his website throughout the years even though I was never able to take his classes. I live in the Southwest, and his herbalism centered largely on the regional plants that I recognize. I learned from him that Holly Hock is the "dessert" equivalent of marshmallow root, and many other informative tid bits that made herbology more understandable to me. He will be greatly missed.

The Craft

2009-01-22T11:07:00.005-06:00

I've neglected this blog for a while now. It just seems like life gets in the way of all the things I want to do.

It seems like nearly every day I receive more and more bad news for the herbal and alternative health community. With the government's attempts to comply with CODEX to have uniform supplements and herbs throughout the world, it seems that the potency of all the herbs and supplements are being reduced to the point that they are ineffective.
The Natural Solutions blog and website offer a very disturbing look at developments in our country.

From the middle ages and probably long before that people who use nature for their medicine have been persecuted. In the middle ages those who knew how to heal with those weeds growing along the ditches, in the moors and wastelands and in the forests were shunned by the common people who believed them to be witches, but medical attention was so expensive they couldn't afford it. "Witches" were burned at the stake. . .for helping people! Are we heading back into that same mentality now? Will the day come that we won't be able to even take garlic to lower our blood pressure, or echinacea to build our immune system?

This is a disquieting thought and I'm not willing to accept it. I think we must arm ourselves with knowledge and not allow the government to continue in this modern day witch hunt.

Nettle, the Little Beast with a Heart of Gold

2008-12-19T10:59:00.001-06:00

This little plant, best known for the vicious sting caused by the formic acid in its hairy leaves, and considered by many a major nuisance, is one of natures best nutraceutals. It’s wide variety of minerals and vitamins makes it a highly nutritious pot herb as well as a well known remedy for respiratory ailments. Taken long term, it has been credited with alleviating allergies.

A novel use of the nettle plant was as a counter-irritant in rheumatic cases. The afflicted person was "whipped" on the rheumatic joint with whole plants. The idea was that the pain of nettle stings would make the sufferer forget the pain of the rheumatism. A little more scientific use of nettle for rheumatism and arthritis is the drinking of tea made from either the leaves or whole plant. Nettle is an excellent diuretic which reduces and expels the uric acid that causes much of the pain of arthritis, gout and other joint afflictions. It is rich in potassium and many other minerals needed to keep the electrolytes balanced when taking a diuretic, so there’s no need for added supplements, and no danger of becoming potassium deficient.

Hyssop

2008-12-16T10:42:00.003-06:00

Though not widely used by the herbalist community, hyssop's antispasmodic action makes it an excellent herb to treat asthma, cough and bronchitis. It can be used as a gargle for sore throat, or in a bath for rheumatism or made into a salve for a chest rub to relieve congestion.

It can be blended with herbs more commonly used to treat colds, such as echinacea, elder flowers, mullein or yarrow to make these herbs more effective.

2008-11-14T09:20:00.001-06:00

Thyme: the fourth in the Scarborough Fair quartet, in addition to it’s culinary uses, has been used for centuries as a strewing herb, and to treat respiratory and gastro-intestinal ailments. Some of its properties include analgesic, expectorant, antiseptic antifungal, anti viral, and insect repellant.
Studies have proven it to be effective against many gram positive and gram negative bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

It has been used for decades for bronchitis, whooping cough, fungal infections, and has been used in toothpaste to prevent gingivitis.

In test studies thyme has been found to lower blood pressure and strengthen the heart functions in addition to it’s carminative and antispasmodic functions.

For an unrelenting cough try a cup of thyme tea sweetened with a little honey. Thyme not only will calm the cough and help expel phlegm, but will also open up the airways of the branchial tubes and lungs and is a wonderful respiratory stimulant.

To make thyme honey, loosely pack fresh or dried thyme in a jar and fill the jar with honey. Place the jar in a pan of water and allow the water to simmer for an hour. You may find it necessary to put a “grate” under the jar to prevent it from overheating. I use a canning jar ring for this purpose. Add hot water if necessary as the water simmers.

Remove the jar from the water and cap it tightly. Allow to set for 6 weeks. At this point you can either reheat the honey and strain, or leave the thyme in it. Add a spoonful of thyme honey to any herbal tea. While it is true that heating the honey will destroy some of its antibacterial properties, it will still make a wonderful addition to your herbal medicine collection.

2008-11-06T11:54:00.003-06:00

Cold and flu season is upon us. It's time to start adding more immune building herbs to your arsenal. If you're not already taking Echinacea, now is a good time to start. Other good immune builders are Astragalus, Marshmallow root, garlic and beet roots and greens.

Beets are in season now and provide a wide range of nutrients and antioxidants as well as being an immune system builder. See previous post for more information on Beets. There are many, many ways to use garlic, and the recipes calling for it are plentiful. Try to get some garlic into your diet every day.

Although citrus fruits are commonly thought of as being helpful during the cold and flu season because of their Vitamin C content, take into consideration that broccoli contains more Vitamin C than citrus fruits. Add this to your diet at least three times a week. Apples, which are also in season during the winter month are also a good addition to the diet in order to bring extra nutrients and carry toxins out of the body quickly.

Of course don't forget to wash your hands often. A disinfectant soap isn't usually necessary if your wash properly using a rubbing action and rinse well. Disinfect door knobs, telephones, and any surface touched often by multiple members of the family. The handy disinfectant wipes are a favorite with busy Moms and Dads, but apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle kills 99% of bacteria and 82% other pathogens.
Just set the nozzle on the finest spray possible and mist surfaces lightly and allow to dry without wiping.

2008-11-03T16:16:00.001-06:00

Beets aren’t an herb, but considering their powerful healing benefits they deserve a place in my healing arsenal. Beets help normalize the ph of the body and build the blood. In America and most industrialized nations the foods we eat have become so over processed that many people’s body ph is very acid which leads to not only digestive problems, but obesity and other diseases such as diabetes.

Beets have been used to treat acne, anemia, cancer, poor circulation, toxemia and a host of other diseases and afflictions. The root and greens are both powerful blood cleansers and builder. Betacyan is the property in beets that give them their deep amethyst color. Betacyan helps significantly reduce the homocysteine levels in the blood which reduces plaque buildup in the arteries and helps increase blood circulation.

Beets belong to the same family as chard and spinach and have the same bitterness as chard. They are richer in chlorophyll than most greens and are higher in nutrients than the roots. Other nutrients in beets are vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C. The greens have a higher content of iron than spinach and are also contain calcium, magnesium, copper, phosporus and sodium.

The content of iron is not high, but coupled with all the other vitamins and minerals it is more bioavailable than many other sources of natural iron. The combination of nutrients also make beets and beet greens an amazing aid in treating may ailments that are caused by our toxic environment.

2008-10-30T22:10:00.002-05:00

Echinacea, that pretty purple coneflower. A joy to behold in your flower garden, and a medicine to be used for a plethora of ailments. Echinacea angustifolia used to grow wild over much of the United States and was first used by the Native Americans. They took it internally for colds, flu, sore throat, and even scarlet fever. They applied it topically to gangrenous wounds, skin infections and even swore by it for snake bite.

More recently it has been popularized as an immune booster and infection fighter. Much of the wild Echinacea angustifolia, which can not easily be propagated in a domestic setting, has been destroyed by big pharmaceutical companies harvesting it with a bull dozer, leaving none to propagate for future harvest. Originally the root was the only part thought to be medicinal, but European studies on Echinacea purpurea showed that the flowers, leaves and seeds were very potent medicine. The root of Echinacea p. is used also, but harvesting of the ariel portions and the ease with which it can be propagated has made it the main plant used for medicinal purposes today.

Echinacea is well known for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is one of the herbs I use in a blend to relieve the symptoms and shorten the duration of common colds, flu and bronchitis. It helps boost the immune system and push toxins out of the system, is considered a blood purifier and useful for lymph node inflammation.

The roots are dug in the fall after most of the leaves have died and the plant has gone dormant. They can be scrubbed, sliced or chopped and dried for use in teas or can be tinctured in grain alcohol or vinegar.

2008-10-29T21:31:00.004-05:00

Dandelion is considered a noxious weed by most home owners. Early in the spring you will see their jagged green leaves and bright sunny blooms peeking through the still dormant grass. These greens are packed with nutrition and just what your digestive system needs to break the lull that's been created by all those high carb "comfort foods" we seem to crave during the winter. Their taste is somewhat bitter, but they are delicious cooked with a little bit of hot pepper. The blooms are edible and can be prepared in many different ways.

Late in the fall when there's just a hint of frost in the air is the time to harvest the roots. Here on the high plains of Texas we've already had one night when the temperature dropped below freezing, so now is the time to dig the dandelions. The leaves are still green and some may even have flowers on them. I like to dig the whole plant up, wash it good and scrub all the dirt off the root. Then I chop root, leaves and blossoms if there are any and fill a jar about 3/4 of the way full and fill the jar to the neck with apple cider vinegar. If the jar has a metal lid, place a piece of waxed paper or saran wrap over the jar before you put the lid on. Vinegar will react with metal and spoil your dandelion vinegar. Allow this to set out of direct sunlight for about 6 weeks, shaking every day, then strain and bottle the dandelion vinegar for later use as a tonic or to add a little zest to a vinaigrette dressing. Taking this tonic throughout the winter will help keep the kidneys and liver flushed and toned so the digestive system stays in good working order.

Dandelion is a source of potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. The leaves are a richer source of Vitamin A than carrots, and contain some amounts of Vitamins B, C, and D. The root contains bitter glycosides, tannins, triterpenes, sterols, volatile oil, choline, asparagin, and inulin.

History
Dandelions were brought to North America by the early colonists and the indigenous people quickly recognized their medicinal and nutritional value. The designation officinale indicates that it was once officially listed as a medicine. The first mention of Dandelion as a medicine is found in the works of an Arabian physician in the 10th and 11th century.

Actions
Diuretic: A diuretic helps the body with the elimination of urine. Synthetic diuretics can flush out important minerals such as potassium. Potassium and sodium help regulate muscle and nerve function. The loss of these minerals (electrolytes) can cause dangerous muscle weakness and loss of co-ordination, and even heart rhythm disturbances. Dandelion leaf’s balanced content of potassium and sodium make it a safe and effective diuretic, even in cases of edema due to heart problems.
Hepatic: The leaves and roots contain bitter compounds that increase bile production in the gall bladder and stimulate the flow of bile from the liver. Dandelion is a great tonic for people with sluggish liver due to alcohol abuse or poor diet. The increased bile flow can also help improve fat metabolism in the body. It has been used to treat hepatitis and diabetes.

2008-10-28T21:15:00.003-05:00

Rosemary is for remembrance. In ancient times, when brides were taken off to another country after they were married they were given a bouquet containing rosemary to remember their families who they would probably never see again. Sprigs of rosemary were tossed into the graves of loved ones signifying that they would be remembered.

More recently it has been discovered that rosemary can help increase circulation to the brain and has been used in treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It has also proven to be a more effective food preservative than BHA and BHT to prevent food poisoning.

A soak in a rosemary bath can help sooth sore muscles. It is often used in shampoos and hair creams and is reported to prevent graying of dark hair as well as relieving dandruff and treating premature balding. Rosemary is one of the ingredients in Queen of Hungary Water. When used on the skin it helps strengthen capillaries.

Its flavor enhances meats and vegetables, and, added to breads, it presents a delightful change from plain bread.

Its antibacterial, antifungal, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic qualities make it an invaluable addition to foods as well as being a potent medicine.

2008-10-23T13:24:00.002-05:00

Cayenne is one of the best herbs available for heart health, and many noted herbalists number it at the top of their list for benefits. It’s healing properties have been known for centuries and used in every part of the world. It increases circulation and aids in strengthening the heart muscle and the entire cardiovascular system. Cayenne is thermogenic, meaning it can rev up metabolism increasing energy and may help in weight loss. It’s also alterative meaning it can boost your immune system. It is used to treat chronic pain, sore throats and headaches. Using cayenne with other herbs increase the potency of them. As Dr. Richard Schulze put it, ”cayenne is the truck the other herbs ride in on”

By increasing blood flow cayenne increases the effeciency of the digestive system allowing the body to more fully utilize the nutrients in food.

Today cayenne is used worldwide to treat a variety of health conditions, including poor circulation, weak digestion, heart disease, chronic pain, sore throats, headaches and toothache.

Cayenne’s beneficial properties lie mostly in a chemical called capsaicin. All hot peppers contain this chemical, but the hotter the pepper, the more beneficial it is. Refer to the scoville heat scale to find which peppers are the hottest.

If you’re not used to hot, spicy foods start with the milder peppers or use just a small amount to begin with.

Spice up your menu. Warm up your heart, boost your immune system, and get the added benefits from the Vitamin C and beta carotene provided by hot peppers.

2008-10-22T11:40:00.000-05:00

Why should a man die who has sage in his garden?
This ancient proverb attests the value placed on sage as food, medicine, and preservative throughout the ages.

Sage’s history is ancient and begins before written history. It is believed to have originated in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and has one of the longest histories of use of any medicinal herb.

The Greeks and Romans both knew of it’s power to preserve meats, and prized it for its many healing properties. What these peoples knew from experience, modern science has proven by being able to isolate the herbs numerous terpene antioxidants and other chemical properties.

Sage has been known as a panacea in many cultures as its scientific name Salvia, derived from the Latin word salvere meaning to be saved denotes.

People who have inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, and atherosclerosis should increase their intake of dietary sage, as sage is a potent anti inflammatory and anti oxidant. It is also a great memory enhancer and is used in combination with other anti-oxidant herbs in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.

A gargle of sage tea with honey and lemon is a tasty way to take care of a sore throat or tonsilitis. The uses of sage medicinally are seemingly unending, and adding it to the foods you eat is a great way to boost your immune system and add trace nutrients to your diet.

2008-10-20T16:09:00.000-05:00

Parsley is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals and as such should be a part of our everyday lives. Medicinally, parsley has been used in the treatment of kidney stones, bladder infections and jaundice conditions as well as digestive problems. It is well known as a diuretic, laxative and emenagogue. Typically the roots have been used, and may be necessary in extreme conditions, but a tea made from the leaves can be very effective.

Parsley is thought to have originated along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and has been in use by the Greeks since before recorded history. It’s medicinal properties were appreciated long before it was recognized as a food. Its ability to cleanse the palate and freshen the breath led to the use of it as a plate garnish.

In culinary applications, parsley added to any dish will help bring out the flavor of a single food, or blend various herbs and seasonings into a deep, rich taste. Dried parsley can be used as effectively as fresh parsley, but a fresh leaf is the most effective to freshen the breath.

Parsley is very high in Vitamin A, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Niacin, Phosphorus, Vitamin C, Protein and Riboflavin, plus trace amounts of many other vitamins and minerals.

Pass the parsley please!

2008-10-18T14:46:00.000-05:00

Throughout history herbs have been used in every corner of the world to flavor and preserve food. Nature has provided us with many flavorful plants that not only add zest to any recipe, but they actually enhance our health and many have antibacterial properties that make them ideal for preserving foods.

Garlic is thought to have originated in Central Asia. It is mentioned in ancient writings from Egypt, India, China, Greece.

Though garlic is most usually associated with Mexican, Spanish, Greek, Italian, and Indian cooking, it is a commonly used seasoning in nearly every country in the world.

Garlic has a long history in folklore as a means of warding off disease and evil. I'm not so sure about warding off the vampires as I've never met one, but it's power over disease is legend. The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, recommended it for all infectious wounds and even for intestinal problems.

In the twelfth century garlic tea was used to abate asthma attacks, and during World War II it was widely used to treat battle wounds as it is highly antiseptic and was widely available

Modern science has found that garlic can also aid in heart health, boost the immune system, ease the congestion of colds and bronchitis and much much more. The healing properties of garlic are attributed largely to the high concentration of natural sulpher found in it's volatile oils. This same element is the source of its smell.

Garlic is most potent if juiced, eaten raw, or pickled in apple cider vinegar, but don't discount the benefits of cooking with garlic!