by Stalter, D
When the petals of the flowers flatten out and start to fall away from the center, they are ready to pick. Snip the flowers off the plant and dry them away from sunlight. You’ll know when they are dry by crushing a couple flowers. If it easily crumbles, it is dry. Store your whole flower buds in a glass jar away from sunlight.
While you can make a tea with fresh chamomile flowers, you will have to use twice as much so keep dried flowers on hand. To make Chamomile Tea, use a teaspoon dried chamomile per cup. Chamomile tea is great warm or cold.
Properties:
Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation or swelling
Antimicrobial - kills or inhibits microorganism growth
Antispasmodic - suppresses muscle spasms
Antidiarrheal - provides symptomatic relief for diarrhea
Cinnamon (Use store bought – or yes, you can grow your own)
Cinnamon has been used for a variety of health disorders including respiratory problems, diarrhea, arthritis, menstrual cramps, skin infections, yeast infections, colds, flu, and digestive problems.
Often used for: constipation, exhaustion, flatulence, lice, low blood pressure, rheumatism, stress.
Yes, you can grow your own cinnamon. I have to admit -> I don't. I have a friend who has a cinnamon tree. She's had it about ten years (you don't start harvesting until it is three or four years old). It's almost five feet tall and it sits in the corner of her living room. If planted outside (where temperatures never get below 60º), they often grow thirty to forty feet.
The trick to growing your own cinnamon is to keep the soil slightly dry. Use at least a 12 in pot, and give them plenty of sun. Do not let the temperature drop below 60º. Give them what they need and they can produce for over forty years!
It's the inner bark that is used.
Do not try to harvest before the tree is at least two years old. Then, harvest and/or prune to keep your plant from becoming too tall (or wide). Do not overwater. Cinnamon doesn't like wet feet.
When your plant is two years old (or three if you are very patient), you can begin harvesting. You can harvest young whips or mature shoots. The young whips are much easier to peel. For either, simply cut your whip or shoot into three - four-inch sections.
For whips, score the bark from top to bottom being careful not to cut too deep. All you want to do is loosen the bark. Dry in a warm, airy place.
If you are harvesting mature wood, cut your stem into the three or four-inch sections. Slice each section lengthwise, but do not go all the way through the section. Scrape out the core and inner lining, (these are not edible) then dry the bark like you did with the whip.
If you can't get the bark peeled, try soaking the section in a couple inches warm water. This will loosen the inner bark and make it easier to peel.
Store in a cool, dry place.
Properties:
Analgesic - a type of medication that alleviates pain without loss of consciousness
Antibacterial - used specifically against bacteria. They kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria
Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation or swelling
Antiseptic - discourages the growth microorganisms
Antispasmodic - suppresses muscle spasms
Carminative - prevents or relieves flatulence
Insecticide - kills insects
Stimulant - increases alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration
Stomachic - strengthens or stimulates the stomach
Scented Geranium
Scented Geranium relieves tension. It boosts the immune system and helps speed up the healing of cuts and wounds. Sweating actually releases the pleasant aroma of geranium. Many people use geranium as a deodorant.
Often used for: Acne, dull skin, lice, menopause, oily skin.
There are many varieties of scented geraniums, but I’ve only used Rose Scented Geraniums. If you choose a different kind of scented geranium, please research it to make sure it is edible. (I’ve heard that lemon or mint are good choices)
Geraniums are often grown from cuttings. They like a bright, sunny window. You’ll want to pinch off growth occasionally so that it doesn’t get too leggy. Leaves can be harvested whenever you need them. They can be dried or used fresh. Do not eat the stems.
If you want o make a sweet tea, choose young flowers. Fill a cup about half way with the flowers and fill the cup with boiling water. Let steep for 7 or 8 minutes, then strain and drink.
Since one of the properties is insecticide, I you get a bug bite, you can pick a leaf, bruise it, and place it on the bite for some relief.
Properties:
Analgesic - alleviates pain without loss of consciousness
Antibacterial - used specifically against bacteria. They kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria
Antidepressant - used to relieve or prevent depression in a person
Antidiabetic - helps control level of glucose (sugar) in the blood
Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation or swelling
Antiseptic - discourages the growth microorganisms
Astringent - shrinks or constricts body tissues
Cicatrizant - promote the healing of wounds and keep them antiseptic. Prevents formation of scar tissue.
Deodorant - prevent body odor caused by the bacterial breakdown of perspiration
Diuretic - promotes the production of urine
Emmenagogue - stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus
Hepatic - associated with the liver
Insecticide - kills insects
Regenerative - restores, renews or revitalizes
Rubefacient - dilates capillaries and increases in blood flow. Helpful when pain or stiffness is present
Sedative - calms, eases agitation and permits sleep
Styptic - stops the local bleeding
Tonic - gives a feeling of vigor or well-being
Vasoconstrictor - causes a narrowing of an opening of a blood vessel
Vermifuge - destroys or expels parasitic worms
Vulnerary - promotes the healing of wounds
Ginger
In addition to treating nausea, ginger is a popular oil for headache and sinus infection relief. If you have allergies, give ginger a try.
Often used for: Aching muscles, arthritis, nausea, poor circulation.
I finally succeeded in growing ginger on my third try. Each of my failed attempts ended with me tossing the pot out after about three months waiting for it to sprout. The third time was a charm – but I almost threw that plant out also. My mistake? I just wasn’t patient enough.
After three months, I had nothing and I knew I’d failed again. But, it was nasty out (middle of May… muddy, yucky mess outside). I just left that pot sitting in the windowsill and ignored it. When I’d water my other herbs, I passed that pot up. Several weeks later, I got the ‘garden fever’ and was ready to clean out everything that needed cleaning. I picked up that pot – and there were two little green shoots coming up.
Three months later, there were six shoots. Two of them were four foot tall! So, be patient. Give it a chance.
Ginger needs to be watered consistently, but does not like over watering. Make sure you have good drainage. Do not let the soil temperature dip below 50º.
You’ll want to harvest baby ginger about four months after it sprouts. Baby ginger is more tender, there’s no skin to peel, and it has a milder taste. The rhizomes (root bulb) should be cream colored with pink scales when ready to harvest. Baby ginger can be chopped, sliced, or kept whole. If frozen, it keeps well. If not frozen, you can store it up to two weeks,
You will harvest mature ginger when the plant dies back in the fall. Simply dig up the roots. Mature ginger will be ready to harvest about ten or eleven months after it sprouts. You can either harvest the whole ginger rhizome or cut off what you want and replant.
Properties:
Analgesic - alleviates pain without loss of consciousness
Antibacterial - used specifically against bacteria. They kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria
Anticlotting - they inhibit the clotting of blood
Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation or swelling
Antioxidant - may prevent or delay some types of cell damage
Antiseptic - discourages the growth microorganisms
Antispasmodic - suppresses muscle spasms
Aperitive - opens the bowels
Aphrodisiac - increases sexual desire
Astringent - shrinks or constricts body tissues
Carminative - prevents or relieves flatulence
Cephalic - ability to both clear and stimulate the mind simultaneously. Improve memory, increase alertness, aide concentration and enhance mental clarity
Cholagogue - increases the flow of bile which aids digestion
Diaphoretic - causes increased perspiration
Digestive - helps with problems such as constipation, diarrhea, diverticulitis, indigestion, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomachs and nausea
Diuretic - promotes the production of urine
Expectorant - helps bring up mucus and other material from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea
Febrifuge - dispels or reduces fever
Laxative - loosen stools and increase bowel movements
Stimulant - increases alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration
Stomachic - strengthens or stimulates the stomach
Tonic - gives a feeling of vigor or well-being
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is often used to treat insect bites and allergies. Related to mint, it is also used for asthma, bronchitis, coughs, colds, and flu. You can put Lemon Balm in a pan of steaming water for anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervous tension, and shock.
Often used for: Anxiety, depression, hypertension, insomnia, migraine, menstrual cramping, indigestion, nausea, asthma, bronchitis, coughing, insect repellent, eczema, perfumes.
Lemon Balm is a perennial shrub. You can easily grow this on a sunny window sill. You’ll want a pot that is at least eight inches deep and wide.
It’s considered a cool weather plant. It can be hard to grow from seeds so root divisions are a good choice. You can also start from cuttings. Just plant them in moist sand.
Lemon Balm needs regular watering but very little extra care.
To harvest, just pinch off leaves and stems as you want them. If you are planning on drying, harvest just before the plant flowers. (The bottom leaves will start to turn yellow just before flowering.) Then cut back the entire plant and wait for it to regrow.
Properties:
Antibacterial - used specifically against bacteria. They kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria
Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation or swelling
Antiseptic - discourages the growth microorganisms
Antispasmodic - suppresses muscle spasms
Antiviral - inhibits the development or multiplication of a virus
Carminative - prevents or relieves flatulence
Diaphoretic - causes increased perspiration
Digestive - helps with problems such as constipation, diarrhea, diverticulitis, indigestion, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomachs and nausea
Emmenagogue - stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus
Febrifuge - dispels or reduces fever
Nervine - directly act upon the nervous system
Sedative - calms, eases agitation and permits sleep
Tonic - gives a feeling of vigor or well-being
Oregano
Oregano is often used to treat wounds and to combat bacterial infections. It can reduce redness and irritation. It can also relieve pain associated with arthritis.
Oregano can be grown on a sunny windowsill. You will need a pot at least 12 inches in diameter. If you are growing from seed, cover them very lightly as the seeds need light to grow.
Once the plant is four or five inches tall, you can start cutting leaves for use. (Flowers are also edible.) You’ll find that the leaves retain their flavor better in cooking when you wait to add them toward the end of cooking time. If left in heat for too long, they taste bitter.
When using fresh oregano for cooking, you’ll want to use more than if you were using dried oregano. Fresh is not as strong as dried.
Like most herbs, the plant will have the best flavor if you harvest just before it flowers. Cutting stems all the way back to the dirt will encourage a fuller plant. The easiest way to strip the leaves from the stem is to hold the stem from the top and slid your fingers toward the cut end.
Properties:
Analgesic - alleviates pain without loss of consciousness
Anthelmintic - acts against infections caused by parasitic worms
Antibacterial - used specifically against bacteria. They kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria
Antifungal - limits or prevents the growth of yeasts and other fungal organisms
Antimicrobial - kills or inhibits microorganism growth
Antiseptic - discourages the growth microorganisms
Antispasmodic - suppresses muscle spasms
Carminative - prevents or relieves flatulence
Cholagogue - increases the flow of bile which aids digestion
Diuretic - promotes the production of urine
Emmenagogue - stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus
Expectorant - helps bring up mucus and other material from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea
Fungicidal - kills or inhibits fungi or fungal spores
Tonic - gives a feeling of vigor or well-being
Parsley
Parsley is useful for infections, rheumatism and arthritis, and digestive issues.
Parsley is a biennial. It will live for two years, then flower and produce seeds. It’s a member of the dill family.
I’ve found that soaking the seeds overnight will help them germinate better. Be patient, it can take three weeks for the seeds to germinate. Do not let the seeds dry out while they are germinating. Once they sprout, water regularly.
Once the leaf stems have three segments, you can harvest. Cut leaves from the outer edges of the plant, leaving the center of the plant to mature.
After harvest, you can keep them in the refrigerator by putting the stalks in water. If you want to dry your parsley, cut the stems at the base and hang in a well-ventilated, warm, shady spot.
Properties:
Antimicrobial - kills or inhibits microorganism growth
Antiseptic - discourages the growth microorganisms
Astringent - shrinks or constricts body tissues
Carminative - prevents or relieves flatulence
Depurative - helps cleanse waste products and toxins from our body
Emmenagogue - stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus
Febrifuge - dispels or reduces fever
Laxative - loosen stools and increases bowel movements
Stimulant - increases alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration
Stomachic - strengthens or stimulates the stomach
Tonic - gives a feeling of vigor or well-being
Peppermint
Peppermint is used to soothe nausea and other stomach issues, perk up the mind, and cool overworked muscles. It is known to stimulate blood flow and cell growth.
Often used for: Asthma, colic, exhaustion, fever, flatulence, headache, nausea, sinusitis, vertigo.
Peppermint (most mints, actually) are easily propagated by setting a cutting into a glass of water. When roots form, and are at least a couple inches long, plant in a pot. You’ll want a fairly large pot – at least 10 inches in diameter and depth. Choose a good quality potting mix and remind yourself to fertilize every three or four months. Water regularly. Divide your plant every few years. Just cut the soil into sections and place each section into a new pot. Note: Your
plant must be divided occasionally. If you do not, the plant will suffer.
Properties:
Analgesic - alleviates pain without loss of consciousness
Antibacterial - used specifically against bacteria. They kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria
Antifungal - limits or prevents the growth of yeasts and other fungal organisms
Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation or swelling
Antimicrobial - kills or inhibits microorganism growth
Antiseptic - discourages the growth microorganisms
Antispasmodic - suppresses muscle spasms
Astringent - shrinks or constricts body tissues
Carminative - prevents or relieves flatulence
Cholagogue - increases the flow of bile which aids digestion
Digestive - helps with problems such as constipation, diarrhea, diverticulitis, indigestion, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomachs and nausea
Emmenagogue - stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus
Expectorant - helps bring up mucus and other material from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea
Febrifuge - dispels or reduces fever
Insecticide - kills insects
Nervine - directly act upon the nervous system
Sedative - calms, eases agitation and permits sleep
Stimulant - increases alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration
Stomachic - strengthens or stimulates the stomach
Vasoconstrictor - causes a narrowing of an opening of a blood vessel
Vermifuge - destroys or expels parasitic worms
And, here are a few of my often-used remedies:
Anxiety Tamer
I like to put a teaspoon or so of each dried herb in a pan of boiling water on the stove. The scent itself is enough to tame anxiety (or you can make a tea).
1 teaspoon Basil
2 teaspoons Lemon
3 teaspoons Geranium
Headache relief
Again, I find that putting a couple teaspoons of each in boiling water on the stove will usually knock a headache out. (or you can make a tea).