I love herbs. I enjoy learning about them and finding them wild. I love to make teas and potpourris, salves and bath sprinkles.
But grow them? Ha, ha. It's a spring ritual. I have tried seeds and seedlings. I have tried all kinds of potting soil and fertilizer. I have tried them in my back yard. I have killed them all. Well, not the basil; but I don't know why.
Flowers I can grow, but not herbs. I thought at least some herbs were supposed to be hardy. Aren't some of them considered weeds? So why can I grow flowers but not weeds? Maybe basil isn't an herb?
So I'll just keep getting them from friends and from the internet.
All helpful suggestions would be welcome!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Meadowsweet – Natural Aspirin and So Much More
You might be walking in the woods and come upon a swath of it in a low, wet meadow, sporting its fern-like leaves and clusters of dainty, creamy white, aromatic flowers. Would you realize that you’re looking at a great source of headache and other pain relief? It might be Meadowsweet.
The scientific name is Filipendula ulmaria. Native to Europe and western Asia, it is now also found in North America where it has become naturalized. Other names for this lovely plant are Queen of the Meadow and Meadow Queen, Pride of the Meadow, Lady of the Meadow, Meadow Wort, Meadwort and Bridewort. It blooms from June through August or September.
Meadowsweet has a very pleasant almond-like scent and delightful flavor. Because of its strong, pleasant fragrance, it was strewn on floors with rushes and other greens to mask odors and placed around churches for weddings (thus Bridewort) and other special occasions. Queen Elizabeth I was especially fond of it for her chambers. It has long been used as a flavoring for wine and beer (like honeyed beer or mead, thus the name Meadwort), and in jams and preserved-fruit concoctions.
So what about pain relief?
Like slippery elm and willow bark, Meadowsweet contains salicylic acid, the main ingredient in aspirin. Salicylic acid has been known for hundreds of years for its ability to relieve pain and reduce fever. When Felix Hoffmann developed aspirin in 1897, he was looking for something to relieve his father’s rheumatism.
As with other natural remedies, Meadowsweet can help with many different problems. Its pain-relieving properties can alleviate headaches, arthritis, rheumatism, and other aches and pains. Cold and flu symptoms and other respiratory troubles are lessened. Ulcer pain and heartburn can be settled. It is a proven diuretic. Meadowsweet also has bacteriostatic properties and can be used to fight infection and treat skin diseases.
The whole plant can be harvested and dried to make a natural remedy; usually as a tea or tincture. But be very careful that you are choosing the right plant! If you aren’t skilled at making your own herbal remedies, Filipendula ulmaria is available in proven, safe doses in over-the-counter products such as RealHeal, available from Four Seasons Herbal Shop.
The scientific name is Filipendula ulmaria. Native to Europe and western Asia, it is now also found in North America where it has become naturalized. Other names for this lovely plant are Queen of the Meadow and Meadow Queen, Pride of the Meadow, Lady of the Meadow, Meadow Wort, Meadwort and Bridewort. It blooms from June through August or September.
Meadowsweet has a very pleasant almond-like scent and delightful flavor. Because of its strong, pleasant fragrance, it was strewn on floors with rushes and other greens to mask odors and placed around churches for weddings (thus Bridewort) and other special occasions. Queen Elizabeth I was especially fond of it for her chambers. It has long been used as a flavoring for wine and beer (like honeyed beer or mead, thus the name Meadwort), and in jams and preserved-fruit concoctions.
So what about pain relief?
Like slippery elm and willow bark, Meadowsweet contains salicylic acid, the main ingredient in aspirin. Salicylic acid has been known for hundreds of years for its ability to relieve pain and reduce fever. When Felix Hoffmann developed aspirin in 1897, he was looking for something to relieve his father’s rheumatism.
As with other natural remedies, Meadowsweet can help with many different problems. Its pain-relieving properties can alleviate headaches, arthritis, rheumatism, and other aches and pains. Cold and flu symptoms and other respiratory troubles are lessened. Ulcer pain and heartburn can be settled. It is a proven diuretic. Meadowsweet also has bacteriostatic properties and can be used to fight infection and treat skin diseases.
The whole plant can be harvested and dried to make a natural remedy; usually as a tea or tincture. But be very careful that you are choosing the right plant! If you aren’t skilled at making your own herbal remedies, Filipendula ulmaria is available in proven, safe doses in over-the-counter products such as RealHeal, available from Four Seasons Herbal Shop.
(In later articles I hope to provide do-it-yourself instructions.)
So go out for a hike – it’s good for you! Take an herbal guidebook with you, and you just might come upon an ancient remedy. And for the aches and pains from overdoing it the first time – look for Meadowsweet herbal products.
WARNINGS:
The above article is for information only. Before using any product containing Meadowsweet you should consult your physician. You should not use this information instead of seeking the advice of a physician. Your symptoms can be a warning of an underlying condition that is more serious.
If you are sensitive to salicylates, sulfites or aspirin, or if you have asthma, you should not take this remedy. You should not take Meadowsweet if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Side effects may include upset stomach.
There is no guarantee of the accuracy of this data. There is no clinical proof of the effectiveness of Meadowsweet for any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
So go out for a hike – it’s good for you! Take an herbal guidebook with you, and you just might come upon an ancient remedy. And for the aches and pains from overdoing it the first time – look for Meadowsweet herbal products.
WARNINGS:
The above article is for information only. Before using any product containing Meadowsweet you should consult your physician. You should not use this information instead of seeking the advice of a physician. Your symptoms can be a warning of an underlying condition that is more serious.
If you are sensitive to salicylates, sulfites or aspirin, or if you have asthma, you should not take this remedy. You should not take Meadowsweet if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Side effects may include upset stomach.
There is no guarantee of the accuracy of this data. There is no clinical proof of the effectiveness of Meadowsweet for any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Arnica--Natural Remedy for Bruises, Sprains and Strains
Tra-la, ‘tis Spring…
And we’re all out “springing” into activities we’ve been dying to do since January. Gardening, indoor and outdoor spring clean up, jogging, golf, biking--you name it. In our enthusiasm, sometimes we overdo things and end up with aches, strains, pains and bruises from lifting, twisting, stretching and falling.
Arnica, also known as Leopard’s Bane or Mountain Tobacco, is an old, well-respected herbal remedy for strains, sprains and bruises, sore muscles and trauma from overexertion during work or exercise.
A perennial found in the mountainous regions of Eastern Europe, Russia and North America, it has bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and is a relative of the sunflower. There are about 30 species, but those used for their healing properties are Arnica montana and Arnica chamissonis folioso. They contain a substance called Helenalin, which gives the plant its anti-inflammatory property. It improves circulation by dilating the capillaries under the skin.
Although homeopathic and naturopathic remedies that contain Arnica can be taken orally or massaged into the skin, the compound is toxic in its raw state, straight from the plant. The experts at Native Remedies, a manufacturer of natural remedies for over 12 years, assured me, “…homeopathic manufacturing methods ensure that Arnica is safe to use internally and is unparalleled in its effectiveness for post-trauma healing.”
Arnica can be used to treat shock and to speed healing after surgery and dental work. The massage oil can be used externally for a sore throat. It is also used externally for rashes, insect bites, muscle strain from coughing, muscle stiffness, and even acne. Antimicrobial, bactericidal and fungicidal properties have also been noted. There are also indications that Arnica may have anti-tumor effects.
And we’re all out “springing” into activities we’ve been dying to do since January. Gardening, indoor and outdoor spring clean up, jogging, golf, biking--you name it. In our enthusiasm, sometimes we overdo things and end up with aches, strains, pains and bruises from lifting, twisting, stretching and falling.
Arnica, also known as Leopard’s Bane or Mountain Tobacco, is an old, well-respected herbal remedy for strains, sprains and bruises, sore muscles and trauma from overexertion during work or exercise.
A perennial found in the mountainous regions of Eastern Europe, Russia and North America, it has bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and is a relative of the sunflower. There are about 30 species, but those used for their healing properties are Arnica montana and Arnica chamissonis folioso. They contain a substance called Helenalin, which gives the plant its anti-inflammatory property. It improves circulation by dilating the capillaries under the skin.
Although homeopathic and naturopathic remedies that contain Arnica can be taken orally or massaged into the skin, the compound is toxic in its raw state, straight from the plant. The experts at Native Remedies, a manufacturer of natural remedies for over 12 years, assured me, “…homeopathic manufacturing methods ensure that Arnica is safe to use internally and is unparalleled in its effectiveness for post-trauma healing.”
Arnica can be used to treat shock and to speed healing after surgery and dental work. The massage oil can be used externally for a sore throat. It is also used externally for rashes, insect bites, muscle strain from coughing, muscle stiffness, and even acne. Antimicrobial, bactericidal and fungicidal properties have also been noted. There are also indications that Arnica may have anti-tumor effects.
Four Seasons Herbal Shop offers Real Heal, a homeopathic remedy, whose main ingredient is Arnica. To increase the effectiveness of RealHeal, you can add RealHeal Massage Oil, a natural aromatherapy blend of oils that help with pain relief and speed healing.
And here’s the whole poem:
Tra-la, ‘tis Spring!
The bird is on the wing!
But that’s absurd,
I’ve always heard
The wing is on the bird!
And here’s the whole poem:
Tra-la, ‘tis Spring!
The bird is on the wing!
But that’s absurd,
I’ve always heard
The wing is on the bird!
(Frazier Thomas, Garfield Goose)
WARNINGS:
The above article is for information only. Before using any Arnica product, you should consult your physician. You should not use this information instead of seeking the advice of a physician. These symptoms can be a warning of an underlying condition that is more serious.
Because it stimulates circulation, Arnica should not be taken if you are already taking a blood thinning medication, medication for high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease. If you are allergic to daisy or sunflower plants, such as chamomile, marigolds or yarrow, you should not take this remedy. You should not take Arnica if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Side effects may include breathing problems, tightness in the throat or chest, hives or rash, stomach pain, diarrhea or vomiting.
WARNINGS:
The above article is for information only. Before using any Arnica product, you should consult your physician. You should not use this information instead of seeking the advice of a physician. These symptoms can be a warning of an underlying condition that is more serious.
Because it stimulates circulation, Arnica should not be taken if you are already taking a blood thinning medication, medication for high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease. If you are allergic to daisy or sunflower plants, such as chamomile, marigolds or yarrow, you should not take this remedy. You should not take Arnica if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Side effects may include breathing problems, tightness in the throat or chest, hives or rash, stomach pain, diarrhea or vomiting.
There is no guarantee of the accuracy of this data. There is no clinical proof of the effectiveness of Arnica for any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
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