Creating a Healing Garden – 9 Healing Herbs You Can Grow Yourself

By Gaye Levy

Herbs have been used for centuries to sooth and to heal.  According to Wikipedia:

Herbs have long been used as the basis of traditional Chinese herbal medicine, with usage dating as far back as the first century CE and before. Medicinal use of herbs in Western cultures has its roots in the Hippocratic (Greek) elemental healing system, based on a quaternary elemental healing metaphor.

With such a long history of use, herbs most certainly have a place in the survival garden. With that in mind, today I offer a few suggestions to get you started in creating your own healing garden.

Healing Herbs for the Healing Garden

Basil:  People don’t usually think of basil as a healing herb and yet traditionally, it is called the “king of herbs”.  It is used medicinally as a natural anti-inflammatory and is thought to have mild antiseptic functions. Some healing uses are for flatulence, lack off appetite, nausea and cuts and scrapes.

It is also superb on spaghetti and in pesto but then you already knew that.  Basil is an annual plant so you will have to start anew each year.

German Chamomile:  Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs in the Western world.  Its flower heads are commonly used for infusions, teas and slaves.  These in turn can be used to treat indigestion, anxiety and skin inflammations.  As a tea, it serves as a mild sedative to help with sleep.

Feverfew:  This perennial is a member of the sunflower family and has been used for centuries in European folk medicine as a remedy for headaches, arthritis, and fevers. The name feverfew comes from a Latin word meaning “fever reducer.”

It’s  many uses include easing headache pains – especially migraines.  This is done by chewing on the leaves.  A tea made from the leaves and flowers is said to relieve the symptoms of arthritis.

Lemon Balm:  Lemon balm is a member of the mint family.  Considered a calming herb, it has been used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion.  Even before the Middle Ages, lemon balm was steeped in wine to lift the spirits, help heal wounds, and treat venomous insect bites and stings.

As with many other herbs in your healing garden, lemon balm promotes relaxation and a sense of calm.

Parsley:  While not one of my favorites, there is nothing like a sprig of parsley to take away bad breath.  It is no wonder that this biennial (meaning it lives for two years) is used to decorate and garnish plates in the fanciest of restaurants.

When brewed as a tea, parsley can help supplement iron in a person’s diet, particularly for those who are anemic. Drinking parsley tea also boosts energy and overall circulation of the body, and helps battle fatigue from lack of iron.  Other uses?  Parsley tea  fights gas and flatulence in the belly, kidney infections, and bladder infections.  It can also be an effective diuretic.

Sage:  Did you know that the genus name for sage is “salvia” which means “to heal”? In the first century C.E. Greek physician Dioscorides reported that sage stopped bleeding of wounds and cleaned ulcers and sores. He also recommended sage juice in warm water for hoarseness and cough.

In modern times, a sage tea is used to sooth mouth, throat and gum inflammations.  This is because sage has excellent antibacterial and astringent properties.

Thyme:  Back during medieval times, thyme was given to knights before going in to battle.  The purpose was to infuse this manly man with vigor and courage.

These days, thyme used to relieve coughs, congestion, indigestion and gas.  This perennial is rich in thymol, a strong antiseptic, making thyme highly desirable in the treatment of wounds and even fungus infections.  Thyme is a perennial that does well, even in cooler, Pacific Northwest climates.

Rosemary:  Long ago, rosemary was known as ‘the herb of remembrance.’ Even today, in places like Australia and New Zealand, it is used as a symbol of remembrance since it is known to help sharpen mental clarity and stimulate brain function. You might recall that many statues of the ancient Greeks and Romans show men wearing sprigs of rosemary on their heads – signifying mental acuity.

The needles of the delightfully fragrant rosemary plant can be used in a tea to treat digestive problems.  The same tea can also be used as an expectorant and as a relaxing beverage that is helpful for headaches.  Other healing uses include improving  memory, relieving muscle pain and spasms, stimulating hair growth, and supporting the circulatory and nervous systems.

Lavender:  I saved my personal favorite for last. Of course it helps that I have an abundant amount of fragrant lavender in my yard.

A tea made from lavender has many uses with one of the foremost being it’s ability to have a calming effect on a person’s mind and body. To that end, lavender can promote a sense of well-being and alleviate stress. It is also useful for dealing with various gastrointestinal issues such as upset stomachs and and flatulence.

Because it is a strong antiseptic, lavender tea, when applied topically, can help heal cuts, wounds and sores. It can also be used to mitigate bad breath.

How to Make an Herbal Tea

The process of making a pot of herbal tea is in itself healing.  Perhaps that has something to do with the proactive effort involved in doing something positive for one’s own self and well-being.  And luckily, brewing an herbal tea is easy.

To make an herbal tea, first bring some cool water to a boil.  While waiting for the water to boil, fetch a non-mental container that will be used to brew the tea.  A quart mason jar works nicely or this purpose.  You do not want to use a metal container since the metal may interfere with the purity and taste of the tea.

Add 2 tablespoons of fresh (or 1 tablespoon of dried herb or crushed seed) to the empty pot or jar for each cup of water.  Then, and this is the important part, add an extra 2 tablespoons of fresh (or 1 tablespoon of dried) herbs “for the pot.”  So, for example, if you are making 2 cups of hot tea, you would use 6 tablespoons of fresh herbs or 3 tablespoons of dried herbs.

Pour the boiling water over the herbs and let them steep, covered, for about 5 minutes give or take.  There is no  exact time since everyone’s strength preference is difference.  When ready, strain the herbs and pour the tea into a cup.  At this point you may want to garnish your heavenly – and healing – cup of tea with honey, citrus fruits or addition herb springs.

For iced tea, increase the quantity of herbs in the basic recipe by 1 1/2 to allow for dilution from the melting ice.

The Final Word

In reading about these herbs, you may have noticed that many are reputed to have the same or similar healing qualities.  Do they work?  I can personally vouch for Rosemary and Lavender which I have used as both a tea and as an essential oil.  I leave it up to you though, to be the final judge.

One thing that is true is that with a little time and for a nominal cost, you can grow the makings for healing teas, infusions and balms in your own garden. Add a dose of sun and some rich pitting soil and you will be set to go.  Just keep in mind that while perennial plants will flourish over the winter and will be there for you the following spring, annual plants must be reseeded or restarted every year.

If you would like to learn more about the healing properties of various herbs, the University of Maryland Medical Center has an excellent web site with a lot of useful information about herbs and other alternative medicine topics.  Click on “herbs” then scroll down the right to the particular herb you would like to learn about.

Also note this disclaimer:  I am not a doctor and anything I write should not be construed as medical advice.  If you have a serious condition, consult a physician or nurse practitioner if one is available.  And if not, consult a reliable reference such as my favorite, The Doom and Bloom Survival Medicine Handbook.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

Gaye

About the Author

Gaye Levy lives and teaches the principles of a sustainable, self-reliant and stylish lifestyle through emergency preparation and disaster planning. She does this through her website at BackdoorSurvival.com, an online preparedness blog that provides lifestyle tools, tips, and thoughts to guide you through the back door of life in the 21st century. With an emphasis on prepping and survival, she writes about and shares practical, thoughtful, and inspirational tools for survival in uncertain times.

Backdoor Survival is currently listed on the Survival Top 50. In addition, Gaye is a frequent guest on the Preparedness Radio Network and the soon to be author of a book on 21st century preparedness. Also known as SuvivalWoman, Gaye  speaks her mind and delivers her message with optimism and grace, regardless of mayhem swirling around us.

You can find Gaye through her website at Backdoor Survival, or the Backdoor Survival Page on Facebook, and as Survival Woman on Twitter.

The Benefits of Red Clover

Often times we don’t realize that much of the natural world around us offers fabulous means to cure and correct a lot of problems and conditions that are there. Understanding one of these substances like the red clover flower will really open your eyes to the possibility of natural health and well being in your life. There are many red clover benefits that you should know of. There have been much research done which has identified that this is one substance that can significantly boost your immune system and cleanses the body well. You will find that there are many benefits to this plant.

The edible flower is slightly sweet one and you can pull out petals and add them to the salad that you make. It is a nice way to add some flavor to summer iced tea. It has been traditionally used to help in cases of cancer and known to have significant benefits in strengthening the immune system. It is also effective in treating respiratory system problems and congestion in many cases. Resin in the plant is what contributes to red clover benefits in this case, which is warm, expectorating and has antimicrobial action on the body and the person.

Here are 10 Benefits of Red Clover

Red clover is a plant that grows in wild meadows, which animals graze on. It is also used for medicinal purposes because of the many reported red clover benefits. The red flowers of the red clover plant are dried and utilized as an herbal supplement due to their high concentration of chromium, niacin, thiamine, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, potassium and red clover isoflavones. This makes red clover a useful treatment for many common health conditions. If you are interested in adding a red clover supplement to your health routine, read over this list of top ten red clover benefits:

1. The isoflavones found in red clover may help to increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind).

2. Red clover is a traditional method of treatment for cough in children.

3. Because of its estrogen-like properties, red clover tea may offer relieve for symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes.

4. Blood-flow appears to be improved by red clover, which acts by thinning the blood and preventing blood clots.

5. Studies on menopausal women who take red clover show that the red clover benefits arterial strength and flexibility.

6. Red clover herb extend to the bones, too. Studies show that red clover may increase bone density and slow bone loss in menopausal women.

7. The use of red clover to reverse and/or slow cancer has a long history, and studies show supportive evidence of red clover’s effectiveness as a supplemental cancer therapy. However, because of its estrogen-like qualities, red clover should not be used in the case of breast cancer.

8. Red clover extract side effects are rare and mild, and generally do not occur in users who take it on a short term (less than one year) basis.

9. Ointments made from red clover can be spread on the skin to relieve skin rashes, inflammations and irritations.

10. Red clover comes in several forms for easy consumption.

Here is a list of our links.

• website – http://www.celestialhealing.net
• Facebook Fanpage – http://www.facebook.com/celestial.healing
  
• Healing Power Hour Youtube – http://www.youtube.com/HealingPowerHour

13 Foods that Fight Pain

While many foods taste great, they are also powerful healers in a vibrant multicolor disguise. The best healing remedies also taste fabulous (I can’t say that about any prescription medications). Plus, foods won’t cause the nasty common side effects that most drugs cause.

1. Cherries
Muraleedharan Nair, PhD, professor of natural products and chemistry at Michigan State University, found that tart cherry extract is ten times more effective than aspirin at relieving inflammation. Only two tablespoons of the concentrated juice need to be taken daily for effective results. Sweet cherries have also been found to be effective.

2. Blackberries 3. Raspberries 4. Blueberries and 5. Strawberries
Dr. Nair later found the same anti-pain compound in berries like blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries

6. Celery and Celery Seeds
James Duke, Ph.D., author of The Green Pharmacy, found more than 20 anti-inflammatory compounds in celery and celery seeds, including a substance called apigenin, which is powerful in its anti-inflammatory action. Add celery seeds to soups, stews or as a salt substitute in many recipes.

7. Ginger
Ginger reduces pain-causing prostaglandin levels in the body and has been widely used in India to treat pain and inflammation. A study by Indian researchers found that when people who were suffering from muscular pain were given ginger, they all experienced improvement. The recommended dosage of ginger is between 500 and 1,000 milligrams per day. If you’re taking medications, check with your health practitioner for possible herb-drug interactions.

8. Turmeric
Turmeric (curcuma longa) is the yellow spice commonly used in Indian curries. In research it has been shown to be a more effective anti-inflammatory than steroid medications when dealing with acute inflammation. Its main therapeutic ingredient is curcumin. Research shows that curcumin suppresses pain through a similar mechanism as drugs like COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors (without the harmful side effects). Choose a standardized extract with 1500 mg of curcumin content per day.

9. Salmon 10. Mackerel and 11. Herring
Many fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and herring also contain these valuable oils. Omega-3s convert in the body into hormone-like substances that decrease inflammation and pain. According to Dr. Alfred D. Steinberg, an arthritis expert at the National Institute of Health, fish oil is an anti-inflammatory agent. Fish oil acts directly on the immune system by suppressing 40 to 55 percent of the release of cytokines, compounds known to destroy joints. Many other studies also demonstrate that eating moderate amounts of fish or taking fish oil reduces pain and inflammation, particularly for arthritis sufferers.

12. Flax Seeds and Flax Oil
Freshly-ground flax seeds and cold-pressed flax oil, contain plentiful amounts of fatty acids known as Omega-3s. Do not cook with flax oil otherwise it will have the opposite effect-irritating the body’s tissues and causing pain.

13. Raw Walnuts and Walnut Oil
Raw walnuts and walnut oil also contain the same powerful Omega-3 fatty acids that fight pain and inflammation in the body.

When it comes to pain, food really is the best medicine.

www.healingpowerhour.com

Healing Effects Of Herbal Baths

By lavender3957

Did you know that taking a herbal bath of your choice is not only a good way to relax, but can be extremely healing? The volatile oils of the herbs are activated by the heat of the water. Which also opens your pores in your body to absorb the herbs. You also receive the affect of the aroma of the herbs (aromatherapy) which helps stimulate the effect of the healing. As you are breathing in the aroma through your nose you are passing the smell of these herbs through your nervous system to the brain. This signals the brain to a relaxing mode and boosts the mind, body and soul.

HOW TO USE HERBS FOR BATHS

You are simply going to take a handful of the herbs of your choice and place them into the center of a white handkerchief or thin cloth of your choice. I use old white bedding sheets and tear them into small strips. Place the herbs tightly in the cloth into a little knapsack and close and secure at the top. I use twist ties, yarn, or string. You are then going to fill your tub with hot water to the level you want for your bath. Toss the bundle of herbs into the tub as you are filling it with hot water. Let the water cool enough for you to sit in comfortably. You are know ready to relax in your herbal bath water.

After your bath, don’t throw away those herbs. You can reuse them again a couple of more times. Simply open the cloth and spread the herbs out to dry. They will be ready to use again for your next bath. You can also use herbal essential oils (found in health food stores) instead of the dried or fresh herbs. Carefully follow the directions on the bottle.

CAUTION:

OILS CAN CAUSE THE TUB TO BECOME DANGEROUSLY SLIPPERY. BE EXTRA CAREFUL WHEN GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE TUB. BE SURE TO CLEAN YOU TUB AFTER YOUR BATH THOROUGHLY TO PREVENT ANY OILY FILM LEFT BEHIND.

Example Of Some Healing Herbs

Lavender is used for the healing of joints and muscle pain. Relaxing in you bathtub with lavender herbs would be good for these areas.

For Sinus Headaches you would put the herbs together of Rosemary, Pine, Eucalyptus. Relax in a warm tub for 20 minuets or so.

For sore muscles in a soaking bath of healing you would use Rosemary and Ginger.

To help with dry skin and sunburns you would fill your bathwater with warm water and add the herbs of Oatmeal and Chamomile.

There a lot of remedies for healing baths for almost anything you can imagine for healing. You can find most of your relaxing herbal medications at your local health store or drugstore. Doctor’s are finding that the ancient old remedy for healing that was frowned at in modern medicine are now finding that this does help. It is a natural process without any chemicals which is better for the body. I have been using herbal bath remedies for years and find this to be better than the factory made chemical made bath treatments. It is less expensive and the herbs can be used more than once. So you are actually saving money. I am sure once you try this natural herbal bath treatment you will find other herbs for healing different symptoms when needed. Let the aroma of the herbs help you to relax as the mixture in your bath water helps to stimulate your ailments.

www.healingpowerhour.com

The Health Benefits of Rose Hips

A Rose hip is the fruit of a rose. The wild dog rose is the type of rose most often cultivated for their hips. This plant grows up to ten feet tall and bears a white, very fragrant flower. Once the flower has bloomed, and all the petals have fallen off, the hip is picked and used in a wide variety of preparations. Rose hips are the best source of vitamin C; they contain 50% more vitamin C than oranges. A single tablespoon of the pulp gives an adult more than the recommended daily allowance of 60 mg. They can be eaten raw, after being put through a blender, or soaked in water overnight and then cooked in the water for about half an hour. Because of the high vitamin C content they are an excellent immune system booster, and are often used as a supplement to prevent or treat a cold.

The fruit acids and pectin in rose hip tea is a mild diuretic and laxative. It is used to improve, and relieve the symptoms of kidney disorders, or to help in the case of mild constipation. To make the tea simply pour a cup boiling water over a tablespoon of crushed, dried hips and let steep. After straining out any pieces of the hips you can add honey and drink.

The astringent qualities of rose hip oil makes it a valuable addition in cosmetic preparations. It has the ability to help regenerate new skin cells. This can be used to treat scars, acne and burns. While it is an astringent, it does not dry out the skin; actually it helps to rehydrate it, keeping the moisture in. Drinking rose hip tea daily will also benefit your skin. Rose hips have a high vitamin A content. Vitamin A is commonly referred to as the “skin vitamin”. It helps to regenerate skin cells, healing wounds and scars. It also helps to keep the skin elastic and nourished. This will not only prevent wrinkles, but can actually help to minimize any that have already appeared.

The vitamin A is also beneficial to the immune system. It can help to prevent infections from both bacteria and viruses. It helps the immune system to fight off any infections that do occur too.

Rose Hips Health Benefits

As said above, rose hips are particularly high in vitamin C. But that’s not all. They also contain vitamins A, D and E, essential fatty acids, and high levels of antioxidant flavonoids which are known for their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergenic properties.

Here are just some of the health benefits of rose hips:

• Frequently used as a common-cold treatment (due to high concentrations of vitamin C)
• Improving immune system
• Reducing skin blemishes and irritations
• Strengthening cardio-vascular system
• Improving blood quality and circulation
• Soothing arthritis and joint inflammation
• Strengthening the digestive tract
• Calming the central nervous system
• Alleviating depression, anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders
• Assisting in treating dizziness and headaches
• Aiding in the maintenance of the skin
• and more

Rose Hips For Arthritis

Studies have shown that supplements made from rose hip extract can help reduce symptoms related to arthritis. People consuming these supplements experience joint pain relief, reduced inflammation, and reduced stiffness in the joints.

The active ingredients in rose hips may help protect and possibly rebuild damaged joint tissue. They may help produce collagen and cartilage, essential components of a healthy joint.

For a list of herbs and their benefits please visit our herbal directory here –http://www.celestialhealing.net/herbal_guide.htm