Medicinal Uses For Herbs

Mint

>Mint is one of the herbs that has it all. It grows like a weed, is
perfectly safe for use, and is an excellent remedy for reducing symptoms related to digestion. And it tastes good going down! They don't serve after-dinner mints virtually everywhere you go for nothing. It is well known for its properties related to indigestion, stomach cramps, menstrual cramps, flatulence, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and colic in children. Make a Tea out of fresh or dried leaves for a tasty and refreshing after-dinner stomach soother. For the younger crowd, it can also be heated with milk for the same effect (and they will like it).

Mint also can be used as an appetite stimulant. It reduces hunger for a short time, but when the effects wear off the hunger returns stronger than before. For those lucky enough to need to gain a few pounds, a tea might be tried 30 minutes before a meal for appetite stimulation.

Peppermint is much more effective as a medicinal herb than Spearmint, which is mostly a culinary herb. However, use Spearmint in place of Peppermint in cases of digestive problems or colic in very small children, as Peppermint may be a bit too strong.

For a refreshing and cleansing facial wash, place a handful of bruised Mint leaves (any kind) in a quart-sized pan of cool water. Let sit for an hour or so, then chill in the refrigerator and use as desired. Mint combined with Rosemary in a vinegar is reported to help control dandruff (place the sprigs in a bottle that can be tightly sealed, and let sit for at least a week out of direct sunlight).

New research indicates that mint oil used externally in a cold compress or rubbed directly into the skin can significantly reduce pain in cases of arthritis and chronic joint pain, with few if any side effects.

Lastly, any of the mints make a good addition as far as taste when making herbal teas, and as such, having a few mint plants growing in the garden is a must for anyone serious about herbs and their medicinal uses, as a many of the other herbs have objectionable tastes that can be masked by the addition of one of the mints.

Helpful Hints In The Kitchen

Freezer Tips

Have you ever frozen a casserole in a Pyrex dish and then had a need for the glass dish to cook something else? A simple solution is to line the dish with aluminum foil before assembling the casserole. When completed, put the whole thing in the freezer for several hours. Then remove the frozen casserole from the baking dish, re wrap it, and put it back in the freezer without the dish. This gives you the use of the baking dish while the casserole is in the freezer and also frees up freezer space. When you are ready to bake the casserole simply remove the foil and put it back into its original dish to thaw.

Medicinal Uses For Herbs

Tarragon


Tarragon is a versatile herb that appears to contain preventative substances for cancer and possibly some viruses. It can be made into a Tea that is particularly effective when used with Lemon Balm for prevention of the flu or herpes. Make the tea with Lemon Balm and then add one teaspoon of dried Tarragon. Let this steep for 15 minutes or so before drinking. Take up to 3 cups per day. For herpes sores, use the Lemon Balm tea bag directly on the lesion.

Tarragon is also effective for eliminating intestinal worms in children. Follow the directions for Herbal Teas and give 2 cups per day. Teas can also be used for menstrual cramps, stomach cramps, digestive problems, fatigue, nerves, and to promote the appetite. Alternatively, Capsules can be made using dried, powdered leaves for situations where making teas is not convenient.

For toothaches, try chewing on a couple of Tarragon leaves for relief. Tarragon can also be used in place of salt for people on salt-restricted diets.

Crushed Tarragon leaves can be used on minor rashes and skin irritations for relief of the symptoms.

Helpful Hints In The Kitchen

Boiling Potatoes

We have discovered some interesting information with regard to boiling potatoes. Most recipes for boiled potatoes call for starting the potatoes in cold water so that they will come up to temperature slowly and cook evenly throughout. We thought we might be able to shorten the cooking time if we added the potatoes to water that was already boiling. This turned out not to be an option. Our taste-testers overwhelming preferred the potatoes started in cold water because they had a much creamier texture overall. What did surprise us, however, was that the cooking time for the potatoes started in cold water was less than for those started in boiling water.

Medicinal Uses For Herbs

Parsley
Parsley is a vitamin and mineral powerhouse, and as such should be part of every medicinal garden. Indoors, it adds greenery and makes an attractive, edible garnish for the kitchen shelf during the winter. Outdoors, it can be planted with other herbs or flowers, and makes a pretty, green accent.

Parsley contains a large amount of chlorophyll, and as such is a natural breath sweetener. Eat the leaves right off the plant to combat breath odors.

Throughout history, Parsley Teas have been used mainly as kidney stone, bladder infection, and jaundice medications, as well as digestive aids. The root appears to be more effective than the leaves, but leaves can also be used. Leaves can be dried, pulverized into a powder, and inserted in capsules, if desired. Pregnant women should avoid all but small quantities of Parsley because it can be irritating to the kidneys.

Externally, make an Oil of Parsley leaves and roots to repel head lice, and try making an Ointment for use on swellings. Pound the leaves into a paste and mix with a little water or tea to use on skin for easing symptoms from bug bites and stings. A little oatmeal can be added to this mixture for better consistency. Try dipping a cloth in unsweetened tea and place over closed eyes for 10 minutes to reduce fatigue and swelling of the eyes.

Medicinal Uses For Herbs

Oregano

Oregano is usually thought of as a culinary herb, but it has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Try a Tea made with Oregano for indigestion, bloating, flatulence, coughs, urinary problems, bronchial problems, headaches, swollen glands, and to promote menstruation. It has also been used in the past to relieve fevers, diarrhea, vomiting, and jaundice. Unsweetened tea can be used as a gargle or mouthwash. Alternatively, the leaves can be dried, pulverized, and made into capsule form for when it is inconvenient to make a tea. At this point in time, there have not been enough studies done to refute or to support any of the above claims, but Oregano is a safe herb for testing at home, so feel free to experiment. Externally, Oregano leaves can be pounded into a paste (add small amounts of hot water or tea to reach the desired consistency - oatmeal may also be added for consistency purposes). This paste can then be used for pain from rheumatism, swelling, itching, aching muscles, and sores. For tired joints and muscles, put a handful of Oregano leaves in a coffee filter, mesh bag, or cheesecloth bag and run steaming bath water over it. Allow it to steep in the tub with you as you relax in the warm, fragrant water. Lastly, an Oil can be made with Oregano leaves to use for toothache pain. Put a few drops on the affected tooth for relief.

Helpful Hints In The Kitchen

Shopping for Basil

Basil is an herb that can be used in a variety of recipes. When purchasing basil at the market, avoid the basil sold in plastic clam-shell boxes. We have found that it is of inconsistent quality and is usually overpriced. A bunch of fresh basil sold with its roots attached is a much better choice. Not only will the leaves of this basil be more flavorful, but the basil will also last longer if you store it upright in a glass at room temperature, with the roots submerged in an inch or two of water.

Medicinal Uses For Herbs

Garlic

Garlic is an important medicinal herb that is readily available everywhere.  .  It is one of the safest herbs, and as such can be taken often.  It does, however,  have its drawbacks, as we all know.  Bear this in mind when using remedies (especially internal ones), and cut back when family and friends start avoiding you.   Garlic does indeed have scientifically-proven medicinal properties.  It contains a substance called Allicin, which has anti-bacterial properties that are equivalent to a weak penicillin.  It appears that cooked garlic weakens the anti-bacterial effects considerably, however, so don't count on cooked garlic with meals for much in the way of a curative.   Garlic appears to have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.  The list is long when it comes to its uses as a remedy.  This list includes wounds, ulcers, skin infections, flu, athlete's foot, some viruses, strep, worms, respiratory ailments, high blood pressure, blood thinning, cancer of the stomach, colic, colds, kidney problems, bladder problems, and ear aches, to name a few.  It is believed to cure worms in both people and animals For most internal problems, eating garlic raw is probably the most potent way to take it.  However, due to the obvious lingering odors associated with this, a tincture can be made by soaking 1/4 pound of peeled and separated garlic cloves in 1/2 quart of brandy.  Seal tightly and shake every day.  Strain and bottle after two weeks of this, and take in drops - 25-30 a day, if desired.   For cough, flu, and respiratory ailments, make a cough syrup out of garlic.  Slice 1 pound of fresh garlic and pour one quart of boiling water over it.  Let sit for 12 hours, then add sugar until you reach the consistency of a syrup.  Add honey for better taste, if desired.  For sore throat, make a garlic tea by steeping several cloves of garlic in half a cup of water overnight. Hold your nose and drink it. Externally, garlic is a known anti-bacterial and anti-infection agent.  An interesting use for ear aches is to slice a garlic clove, heat briefly in a small amount of virgin olive oil, and let cool.  Then use a drop of two in the affected ear (strain the mixture beforehand, of course). Make an Ointment out of garlic (use cloves instead of leaves, stems, or flowers as described in Ointments) for wounds, cuts, athlete's foot, or any other external skin irritation, fungus, or infection.  Also, try a few drops of Oil on a toothache for pain relief.

Helpful Hints In The Kitchen

Selecting Spinach for Salads

A true spinach salad calls for a hot dressing.  Unfortunately, the tender flat-leaf and baby spinach become soft and mushy when tossed with hot dressing.  We have found that the heartier curly-leaf variety, wilted until just tender, can stand up to the heat just fine. You then have a salad that tastes better and is more appealing to the eye.