Herbal Garden Medicine Chest
Aloha and e komo mai!
After spending the better half of the morning stripping spearmint, peppermint, lemon balm and tarragon from their stem for drying, I began to think about the benefits of using fresh herbs – other than adding zest to meals!
My interest in herbs grew from a curiosity of edible wild plants and from a friend who would point out specific plants and inform me of their medicinal uses. For instance, yarrow and mullein help to relieve the symptoms of colds. Black cohosh is used in teas and tinctures and can help to tone down menopause. I have tried this and can positively state it has done wonders for me. Another herb that is widely used is mint.
Mint, whether it is spearmint, peppermint, chocolate or winter it is all good for a person. It is an herb that is very versatile as it can be used in roasting of meats and stews. It is also used in teas because it will aid in digestion and upset stomachs. Additionally spearmint and peppermints are ingredients in toothpastes and mouthwashes like Listerine.
In my garden I cultivate lemon balm for use in meat rubs, soups, sauces and teas. Lemon balm has been studied as a beneficial herb in for supporting a calm and healthy sleep. It has also been approved in supporting the gastrointestinal tract. It has also been shown in clinical trials to support healthy memory and cognitive function, as well as to increase self-reported calmness.
Hibiscus is a flower that is found on Hawaii and throughout many homes worldwide. Did you know that it is used in teas because it is naturally high in vitamin C and has high levels of anti-oxidants. It is also used in dyes, cosmetics and has become the main flavoring agent in some sodas. Hibiscus is used in our teas and rubs because of the benefits that the plant provides.
Because of the medicinal benefits associated with herbs and plants I research the ingredients that are used in our products. Additionally, if requested we create special blends for healthful uses. Below is a partial listing of plants and herbs and their benefits. For more information please visit: http://www.anniesremedy.com, or https://www.mountainroseherbs.com.
Dandelion: use roots, flowers and leaves to relieve acne, bladder infections, bruises/sprains and colds.
Fennel: the whole plant is used for weight loss, congestion, coughs, digestion and menopause.
Lavender: flowers, stems and leaves are used in teas, meat rubs and cookies. Medicinal used for headaches/migraines, acne, anxiety, hypertension, IBS and fibromyalgia.
Parsley: roots, leaves and seeds are used to help in digestion, halitosis, gout and kiney function.
Rosemary: flowers, stems and leaves are used for cellulite, circulation and colds, IBS, memory/focus and pain relieve.
Until next time - Mahalo!
