health and wellness

The Echinacea medicinal herb 🌿… which is a longtime herbal remedy, it is native to North America. It can reach 4 feet in height, displaying coarse, often hairy leaves and cone-shaped heads with purple rays, or petals. Herbalist consider it a natural curative and wellness booster and utilize all of the plant- flowers, leaves, and roots, most of its chemical constituents, essential oils, insulin, flavonoids, and vitamin C– augment immunity. The herb is also used for treating colds, flu, sinusitis, strep throat, whooping cough, bowel pain, and headaches.

 Did you know? That when you feel the onset of illness or get that urge to improve the quality of your life, where can you turn to find the herbs, healing plants and supplements you require to make those healthy new choices? We’ll it would of course include  health-food stores; Asian groceries, and even specialty shops! You’ve heard all the buzzwords, whole Foods, organic crops, farm-to-table movements, and now you’re determined to follow a better diet, including all those nutritious, antioxidant  herbs. Fortunately, we live in an era of instant gratification. If you are suddenly transfixed with the notion of a healthier body you can go online and find almost any herb or natural supplement you’ve been reading about and order it in quantity. But that’s only part of the equation. When you are starting out on a new journey, it’s important to have a road map, and the same goes for any expeditions into natural, healing foods. So do your homework!

 Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum) has a long history as a curative and a garden booster. Native to the riverbanks of Europe, the plant is now found in North America and western Asia. It bears broad, hairy leaves and small bell-like flowers in cream or purple; the turnip-like root is black. Comfrey, once known as boneset, was used to treat broken bones, sprains, strains, and arthritis as well as for bronchial problems, gastric distress, and varicose ulcers. The herb contains allantoin, believed to stimulate skin-cell growth and reduce inflammation. comfrey should only be used topically as a salve or poultice, or as an essential oil. 

 Clary sage (Salvia Sclarea) is a cousin of garden sage. This perennial or biennial herb originated in the Mediterranean region and central Asia. It grows to three feet in height, with sturdy, hairy stems and clumpy purple flowers. In the middle ages, its  mucilaginous properties lead to its use as an eyewash and aid to clear sight. It has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a powerful cholesterol fighter. It also helps to treat stress and poor circulation. Among the herb’s chief chemical components are sclareol, which has shown potential for fighting leukemia. And linalyl acetate, which reduces skin irritations and rashes. 

 Matricaria chamomilla, or German chamomile, is the variety typically used by Herbalis. This daisy-like plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa; it reaches three feet in height, with green, feathery leaves and florets of small white flowers. Chamomile tea is known for its stomach-calming and sleep-inducing qualities, but the herb has also been used to treat colds, hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, migraines, menstrual  disorders, gastrointestinal issues, skin irritation, and hemorrhoids. It possesses antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and emollient qualities. It can be taken in the form of teas, tinctures, lotions, capsules, or drops. Chamaemelum nobile, known as Roman or English chamomile, also has medicinal uses, 

 Calendula (Calendula officinalis), or pot marigold, is native to Southwestern Asia, Western Europe, Micronesia, and the Mediterranean. Saint Hildegard of Bingen was likely the first to cultivate the herb, which became a mainstay of European herbal studies. With its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties, it is considered one of the best remedies for slow-healing  wounds or ulcers. It is also prescribed for abdominal cramps, constipation, women’s reproductive issues, sore throat, diaper rash, chapped lips, or split skin. In Ayurveda medicine a herb is used on minor wounds, eye irritations, and bee stings. Called Jin Shan ju in Chinese medicine, calendula is used to support healthy skin.

 Burdock (Arctium laps) is a wildflower that originated in Europe and Asia and came to America with French and English settlers. This tall, stout plant features large, wedge-shaped leaves and purple flowers that mature into thistle-like fruits. These give off notoriously clingy burrs. The dried roots of the plant has been used for centuries as a blood purifier, to treat skin infections such as boils, to clear up acne and psoriasis, and to promote circulation. The burdock-leaf poultice is excellent for treating gout. Burdock root contains a high concentration of insulin which strengthens the liver, and mucilage, soothes the GI tract. It also possesses antioxidants, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. 

 Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) also known as milkvetch, originated in Asia. It is part of the pea family, with green pinnate leaves and lipped flowers in pink and yellow. The firm, fibrous root’s  yellow core is the source of the healing herb. Known in China as huang qi, it has been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years. Western healers prescribe it to reverse the effects of aging on the immune system. As an antiviral and antibacterial agent, it is also able to ward off colds and flu, benefit the liver, lungs, and spleen, and encourage new tissue growth.

 This tropical healing herb (Arnica Montana) is a member of the large composites or sunflower, family. Native to the mountains of Europe and Siberia, it is now found in North America. It has fleecy, green leaves with daisy-like, yellow-orange blossoms. Since the fifteenth century, the flower heads have been used to make soothing creams, salves, and ointments for treating muscle aches, strains, sprains, and bruises -although it is never used on or near any open wounds. The plant contains selenium and manganese, both valuable antioxidants.

 The genus Angelica Features tall, robust, aromatic plants that likely originated in the temperate coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The plants can reach to nine feet in height, with a large bipinnate leaves with umbels made of greenish-white flowers. Angelica archangelica is probably native to Syria; the roots, leaves, and seeds are used to treat colds, urinary elements, indigestion, and anxiety. In Chinese medicine, Angelica sinensis is known as dong quai, or female ginseng. It may help to reduce pain, dilate blood vessels, stimulate or relax your uterine muscles, and enhance the immune system. The dried roots is rich and vitamin B12, zinc, thiamine, riboflavin, potassium, magnesium, and iron.

 Aloe vera is a stemless succulent that grows wild in many tropical regions. The gel has long been used by numerous cultures as a treatment for burns and skin irritations. The leaves are thick, fleshly, and spear-like; in summer the plant produces pendulous yellow blossoms on tall spikes. Its medicinal properties includes antioxidants, antimicrobial, and antibacterial. Research supports the plant’s ability to soothe first or second-degree burns and to treat genital herpes and psoriasis. Aloe juice is also an effective remedy for acid indigestion. The plant contains more than 75 active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugar, amino acids, and fatty acids.

  What Does an Herbalist Do? Herbalists attempt to find the root cause of illness. Practitioners will choose herbs based on the symptoms or ailments a patient describes during the consultation. They will also perform a clinical exam, inspecting certain areas of the body and create a personalized prescription. Patients may use just one herbal treatment or a combination of herbal supplements. Education and Training There isn't one common training or certification program for herbalists, which makes their path different from a doctor who attends medical school. Some schools offer graduate-level programs in clinical herbal medicine, where students are encouraged to combine evidence-based science and traditional herbal medicine. 

Medicinal plants have become extremely popular among doctors and patients in Germany in recent years. Around 75 percent of customers in German pharmacies reach for a natural product when they buy nonprescription medications. In 2006, so-called phytopharmaceuticals accounted for around 2 billion worth of revenue, or about a third of the total revenue in non-prescription medications. There is a high demand for these medicinal plants and their leaves, flowers, roots, and seeds, in total, 45,000 tons of medicinal plants are consumed by Germany each year, making it the market leader in Europe. According to statistics from the federal agency for nature conservation (BFN), around 1500 types of plants are traded, in Germany in larger or smaller amounts. Also throughout the world, herbs are used, and even approved by governments as medicine.

  People have used herbs for thousands of years, relying on powdered supplements, teas, tinctures, and skin creams to help treat everything from skin rashes to   mild depression.   Herbal supplements, also known as botanicals, are made from the leaves, flowers, roots, and bark of plants. A herbalist is someone who uses plants for healing. These practitioners are not medical doctors, though some practitioners are also referred to as medical herbalists.

Did you know? Essential oils are always applied externally; they are never, never swallowed! Taking them internally may be fatal. They are applied to the skin and use as an aroma, to help certain physical conditions. Purchase small bottles, since the oxygen in the bottle gradually deteriorates the oil. Make sure the label says “pure essential oils.” Some oils cannot be extracted (such as peach oil or apple blossom oil); products so advertised are not genuine.

 What is the difference between a medicinal drug and an herb? Herbs contain a variety of chemical compounds placed there by God. Over the centuries, many have been found to be very extremely useful for physical problems. Medicinal drugs are different. In order to patent them (for exclusive sales and profits), medicinal drugs cannot have the exact formulas found in herbs. Instead, they contain various man-made combinations of chemicals. Because of this, to one extent or another, they are always poisonous. Their “contraindications” paragraphs verify the fact. The liver, kidney, and other organs frequently suffer from them. 

 This flowering perennial in the pea family-the young plant resembles clover-originated in Asia, but is now grown worldwide as a forage crop. The Arabs, who fed it to their prized horses, named it alfac-facah or “father of all foods.” Traditional healers used it to treat the kidneys, bladder, and prostate, and to cleanse the bowels. The leaves offer anti-arthritic, antidiabetic, and antiasthmatic properties. Studies suggest the plant may reduce cholesterol levels and boost the immune system. Nutritionally, alfalfa contains chlorophyll; carotene; proteins; a host of minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium; all the B vitamins, and vitamins C, D, E, and K.

 This peppery – tasting aquatic plant (Nasturtium officinalis), which grows in the meandering streams, is native to Europe and Asia and is related to mustard and radish. It has hollow stems that enable it to float, scalloped bright-green leaves, and clusters of small white flowers. Greeks and Romans used it to treat respiratory ailments and to make a healthful spring tonic. It is now used to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure, support the heart, and increase bone strength, fight off infections, maintain connective tissue, and prevent iron deficiency. It reduces free radical damage to DNA and displays anticancer properties. Watercress is rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin , vitamin B6, and calcium. 

 Piquant thyme (thymus vulgaris), A cousin of oregano, originated in the Mediterranean and parts of Africa. It is a small, bushy, woody shrub that displays small, aromatic gray-green leaves and pink or purple flowers in clusters. In the kitchen, thyme is found in both a bouquet garni and herbes de provence. The Egyptians used it in the embalming process; the Greeks burned it as incense. Thyme’s main active ingredient, Thymol, acts as an antifungal and antiviral, bolstering the immune system. An impressive number of antioxidant stimulate production of red blood cells, support cardiovascular function, and lower blood pressure. Its expectorant an anti-inflammatory qualities make it ideal for treating colds and flu.

 Hot or cold, Tea is a restorative beverage with the range of health benefits. Tea comes from an evergreen shrub (Camellia sinesis), harvested from either a narrow-leaf variety that grows in the cool mountains of central China and Japan, or from a broad-leaf variety that prefers the moist, tropical climate of northeast India and west-central China. Both varieties display glossy green leaves and small white flowers. The four main teas-black, green, oolong, and white-all offer health benefits, including high levels of antioxidants, sodium, proteins, and carbohydrates. Tea has been used to treat high cholesterol, breast cancer, diarrhea, asthma, cardiovascular issues, skin irritation, and cold sores. 

 A favorite of French chefs and home cooks for its bittersweet anise-like flavor, tarragon (Artemesia dracunculus) originated in Siberia and west Asia. The shrub can reach four feet in height and display lanceolate glossy leaves, narrow woody stems, and tiny yellowish blossoms. Natural healers valued this herb for stimulating appetite and easing indigestion, flatulence, and anorexia. It was also drunk as a tea to cure insomnia. Modern research has revealed the herb’s true strength: tarragon is a powerhouse antioxidant, ridding the body of free radicals that damage RNA, DNA, and cell walls, and cause premature aging. It further support heart health, can lower bad cholesterol, and reduce tooth pain. It is also rich invaluable phytonutrients.

Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a lemony-tasting garden herb that possesses immunity-boosting benefits. Originally a popular English herb, it eventually spread to the continent. The plant reaches two feet in height, with freshly stems, arrow-shaped leaves, and whorled spikes with reddish-green flowers. Sorrel’s cooling properties were considered effective against “hot“ ailments-inflammation, malaria fevers, and violent moods. It contains healthful flavonoids, antioxidants, and anthocyanins,, and can be used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The herbs tannins clear nasal passages, and sorrel can also improve eyesight, boost immunity, strengthen bones, and slow aging. The herb is rich in vitamins C, A, and B9, and in potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium, and iron. 

 This kitchen favorite, with its lemony sent, was employed by early healers as a digestive, gargle, nerve tonic, and poultice. Salvia officinalis Is a perennial evergreen shrub in the mint family that originated in the Mediterranean. The plants reach two feet in height, with woolly leaves of gray–green and flowers of blue or cream. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and the healers of India valued it for increasing fertility, curing palsy, and as a brain tonic. It is known to have anti-bacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and astringent properties, and is used to treat diarrhea, colds, throat infections, hot flashes, and excess perspiration. It reduces outbreaks of oral or general herpes and is showing effectiveness against Alzheimer’s.

 Once valued by early healers, this popular Culinary herb is used to flavor stuffing, grilled vegetables, and meat dishes. A woodsy perennial in the mint family, Rosmarinus officinalis originated in the coastal Mediterranean regions. Plants can reach 5 feet in height and display evergreen, needle-like leaves and pale flowers. Rosemary was once used to treat memory loss, sour stomach, diarrhea, and pain. Today, its  antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties pose a threat to disease that impacts the immune system; Rosemary also combats bacterial infections such as Helicobacter pylori, which causes stomach ulcers and staph infections. Recent studies have found it stimulate brain activity in older adults, even those with advanced cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s.

Zesty, deeply aromatic oregano (Origanum vulgare) is prized by cooks and herbal healers alike. Native to Eurasia and the Mediterranean, this perennial features shade-shaped olive green leaves and spikes of small purple flowers. It is used to prepare sauces, vegetables, meat, fish, and pizza. Medicinally, it boost immunity, and treats digestive issues, skin ailments, and fatigue. Its antibacterial qualities defend the body from digestive, urinary, in skin infections, its antioxidants relieve stress, and its  fiber content eases digestion. It contains vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K, along with fiber, folate, iron, copper, magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, and omega-3 fatty acids that balance cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular inflammation. 

The genus Mentha Features a number of medicinal herbs, including two with a long curative history: Spearmint (M. Spicata) and peppermint (M. Piperita). Typically mints have square stems and green serrated leaves, and produce delicate pinkish or lavender flowers. As culinary herbs, they mix well with other salad greens and make a pleasant, soothing tea. Mints act as appetite stimulants and palate cleansers, calm indigestion and heartburn, relieves the nausea of motion sickness, and ease the pain of headaches when applied to the forehead. Their pungent odor can clear up the congestion and coughing of colds or flu; for asthmatics, mint also acts as a relaxant.

 This piney-citrus kitchen favorite also has a long tradition as a herbal curative. Marjoram (Origanum marjoram), which likely originated in north Africa and Arabia, is a delicate perennial with a downy stem, oval opposite leaves of grayish green, and tiny white or pink flowers. The herb is rich in vitamins A and C and is an important source of vitamin K. It was once used to treat stomach problems, staph infections, flu, typhoid, malaria, asthma, migraines, and body aches, and was believed to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and stimulate circulation. Recent research validates many of these uses – the herb is brimming with antioxidants and phytonutrients and displays anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. 

 This plant offers much more than a flavoring for candy. The licorice plant (Glycyrrhriza Galbraith), which is a native to Europe and parts of Asia, is a tall, perennial legume that produces purple or lavender flowers. It is from the dried root that the actual herb is extracted. Licorice was once used by ancient cultures to treat coughs and colds – due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and expectorant qualities-and recent studies indicate it may be effective for treating gastric ulcers, chronic hepatitis, and Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency). Other benefits include easing constipation and inflammation of the lungs, bowel, and skin, and bolstering immunity by raising levels of antiviral interferon

 Superfood: any food that offers high levels of vitamins, minerals, and photo chemicals. Most fruits, vegetables, and herbs fitness definition. Organic: produce grown without manmade pesticides, fertilizers, or GMO‘s, and livestock raised without unnecessary chemicals, medications, feed additives, or growth hormones. Probiotics: the term indicates that a food replenishes the natural, healthy fauna of the gut. Fermentation: when the sugar in a food or beverage has been broken down by the presence of yeast or bacteria. Gluten free: foods that contain no gluten, and mixture of proteins found in wheat and some other grains. Gluten-free foods include rice, soy, cassava, corn, potatoes, beans, spelt, buckwheat, tapioca, sourghum, and amaranth.

Did you know? That if your herb garden takes off, and you find yourself with a bumper crop of leafy green produce, never fear. It’s simple to dry excess herbs for future culinary use – or to make your own decorative sachets, potpourris, or wreaths!

 Now a staple of health-food stores, lemongrass (cymbopogon citrates) has a long history as a flavoring in Asian cooking. This native of India and southern Asia is a tall perennial grass with fragrant, sword-like leaves that repel most insects but attract  honeybees. Healers have used it to ease stomach pain, spasms, coughs, body aches, and fatigue. Studies show that lemongrass offers high levels of antioxidants and can aid digestion, lower high blood pressure, boost metabolism, burn fat, act as a tonic for skin and hair, and relieves menstrual pain. It is rich in vitamins B1, B5, and B6; in folic acid; and in the minerals potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium.

 Hops are the female seed cones (strangles) of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus), which are used to flavor and stabilize beer. This plant is a vigorous grower with climbing vines that can reach 20 feet or more. Originally cultivated in Germany in the 900s, hops have been used to ease anxiety, relieve stomach disorders, reduce menstrual cramps, and induce sleep and relaxation. A flavonoid compound, xanthohumol, may have antiviral, anti-clotting, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor activity. Hops extract is loaded and antioxidants that mimics the effects of a woman’s own estrogen. Hops can increase production of digestive acids beneficial for bladder and urinary-tract infections.

 An annual of the tropics, the hibiscus plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa) likely originated in Egypt before naturalizing in other warm climates. The culinary variety, called rosella, produces Buff flowers with maroon centers; it’s dried blossom are used in cooking or to produce teas, sweet syrups, and jams. Nutritionally, hibiscus is rich in vitamin C, thiamin, and iron. Medicinally, it offers laxative, diuretic, antibacterial, and antiscorbutic properties. It is loaded with antioxidants that supports the liver, reduce fevers, stimulate the appetite, and relieve colds and flus. It’s anti-inflammatory benefits may help reduce the effects of metabolic syndrome-high  cholesterol, high triglycerides, and high blood sugar combined with extra weight.

 Referred to as a “gifts of the gods” By some early cultures, ginger (Zingiber officials) served culinary, medicinal, and spiritual needs. It is a reed-like perennial with pinkish buds that mature to exotic yellow flowers. Ginger originated in southeast Asia and soon naturalized in China, India, and the Middle East; as far back as 3000 BC it has been used to ease indigestion. Early healers used it to treat colds, flu, toothache, joint pain, and as protection against the plague. Modern medicine hailed its stomach calming qualities and it’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It could be purchased fresh, dried, crushed, and powdered. A piece of ginger worn in an amulet is said to protect the health of the wearer!

 This cousin to the onion, known in Asia for 6000 years, is both a valued culinary staple and a versatile agent for health. (Allium Sativum), also called the “stinking rose,” grows as a bulb with two-foot stems and globular pinkish flowers. Early healers used it to treat infections, indigestion, low libido, and even plague and leprosy. Modern research indicates its usefulness for regulating blood pressure, lowering triglycerides and bad cholesterol, reducing oxidative stress to blood vessels, and preventing blood clots. High intake May lower the risk of many cancers; it’s antibacterial and antiviral properties allow garlic to fight bacterial and viral infections.

 Did you know? That even if it took humans many centuries to determine that certain plants they consumed helped cure diseases and illnesses, once the link was established, these medicinal herb soon became integrated into cultures across the globe, and remain so today!

 Did you know? That many spices are a match for herbs 🌿  when it comes to treating diseases, healing wounds, soothing irritations, and easing pain. A number of medicinal spices can be obtained as essential oils, others can be found in supplement forms.

 Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an aromatic flowering plant that originated in the Mediterranean. This licorice-flavored handy perennial features leak, sturdy stems, feathery leaves, and yellow flowers; it can reach eight feet in height. The plants beneficial volatile oils are responsible for its digestive, carminative, antiflatulent, and antioxidant properties. It has been used to relieve colic, treat ulcers and anemia, promote milk flow in nursing mothers, and expel wind. It is effective in treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Its seeds provide dietary fibers, and its flavonoid antioxidant battle free radicals. It contains vitamin A, B complex, C,  and D, as well as copper, iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, and magnesium.

Dill (Anethum graveolans) is a delicate culinary herb that has a long medicinal history. It originated in the eastern Mediterranean and is now a popular addition to soups and to fish and potato dishes. It grows well in temperature regions, producing tail, frilly stems. Healers use it for relief from insomnia, digestive complaints, diarrhea, dysentery, menstrual disorders, respiratory issues, and various types of cancers. It’s calcium content means it aids bone health, and it’s antimicrobial properties boost immunity. It is an anti-inflammatory that has been employed since ancient times to ease arthritis and gout. The seeds can also be used to freshen breath.

 The cilantro plant provides the herb’s stems and leaves, plus the seeds that are known as the spice coriander. Both are essential to Mexican, Indian, and Asian cooking. The saponins contained in the plant can sometimes smell soapy, cilantro originated in southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. It is a medium-sized herb with feathery leaves and small white or pale pink flowers. The Greeks and Romans used it medicinally, and early Britons combined it with cumin and vinegar to preserve meat. It has antiseptic properties for treating mouth ulcers and antioxidants for preventing eye diseases. The seeds exceed antibiotics by combating Salmonella-base ailments. The plant also inhibits gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and contains dietary fibers, calcium, selenium, magnesium, iron, and manganese.

 Medical use of the delicate culinary herb chervil dates back to ancient Rome, where it was valued as a diuretic. The medium- size plant, which originated in the Caucasus mountains, has curly leaves and small white flowers that form umbels. The herb is an excellent source of antioxidants, which helps to stabilize cell membranes and reduce inflammation. It is recommended as an eyewash and as a Tea ☕️ to ease menstrual cramps. Crumbled leaves can be placed on wounds, insect bites, or burns to speed healing; a warm poultice of chervil can ease joints swollen by arthritis or injury. 

 Borage officinalis is native to the Mediterranean, but it is now found worldwide. The plant can reach a height of three feet and features hairy, wrinkled leaves with blue, star shaped flowers with black anthers. Besides it’s culinary uses, Borage is raised as an agricultural crop – it’s oil rich seeds are high in nutrient, and it is the worlds leading source of beneficial gamma linolenic acid (GLA). natural healers recommend borage  to treat diabetes, stress, high blood pressure, and to decrease inflammation, ease pain, protect the heart, ensure female health, treat skin disorders, aid in weight loss, and calm hyperactivity. Its mucilage content helps ease respiratory problems. The essential oils of borage is often called Starflower.

 Herbs are among the easiest plants to grow-provided you have a sunny patch somewhere on your lawn - and can supply you with sweet or savory taste in the kitchen and a homegrown source of natural medicines. Interestingly enough that from the earliest human settlements onward, herbs have been a welcome part of the garden. Primitive cave paintings in France that feature herbs dates  back to 25,000 BC.  During the Middle Ages, herbs appeared in every cottage plot; religious order in particular Grew swaths of sweet-scented or deeply pungent  herbs – the former to nourish there cherished  honeybees the latter to make into rich ritual incense…

  Did you know? Bay leaves, either fresh or dry, are added to soups, stews, tomato sauces, and casseroles to provide an earthly flavor. The elliptical glossy green leaves grow on evergreen bay laurel trees, which also produces clusters of yellow or greenish-white star-shaped flowers. The tree, native to Asia minor, is now found throughout the Mediterranean. The leaves which are rich in immunity-boosting vitamin C, antioxidant vitamin A, folic acid, B complex, potassium, calcium, manganese, copper, and selenium. Natural healers used bay to cure stomach ulcers and flatulence. The essential oils can treat arthritis, reduce congestion, and help the body process insulin, thus lowering blood sugar.

 A mainstay of Mediterranean cuisine, basil has earned the title the “ king of herbs,” and it’s earthly, spicy-sweet flavor is today found in kitchens worldwide. It can be eaten raw, cooked, sautéed, blended into pesto, and used to make sauces, soups, and salads. This annual member of the mint family, with its spikes of small pale flowers, originated in India, Africa, and Asia. It is effective for treating stomach irritation, nausea, and flatulence. It acts as an appetite enhancer, increases the flow of bile, and helps to clear nasal passages of mucous and harmful bacteria  🦠 … Dried basil provides calcium, magnesium, and iron.

 Did you know many culinary herbs also have a long, respected history as healing or medicinal herbs? Not only does ingesting them-both in food dishes and in prescribe remedies-bolster health, some can also be applied topically for pain and swelling!

 Spices for life: another form of healing botanicals are the spices-food additives typically made from the dried leaves, stems, blooms, seeds, roots, bark, or other parts of plants. Spices originally provided strong flavorings in dishes and help to prevent food splitch. Their role was expanded once early healers realize that the seasonings-rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories-Also had curative affects on the body, mind, and spirit. They were soon being used to treat systemic diseases and infections; pain, joints, and muscle complaints; reproductive issues; anxiety and depression; wounds; and injuries. By the early middle ages, numerous spices were in such demand they became high-valued items of barter, some worth their weight and gold. It was a revival of medicinal spices that came to the fore, especially once scientific research vindicated many of  these healing spices as being genuine remedies and experts began to further understand their beneficial chemistry.

 From the earliest establish communities of humans, herbs were valued for their ability to combat disease and treat injuries. According to fossil records, ginkgo biloba dates back to Paleozoic period-and was undoubtedly a curative used by early Homo sapiens. Herbal remedies were eventually found in most ancient cultures: they were praised by the Greeks and Romans, written down in Indian holy books by ayurvedic physicians, Utilize throughout the Middle East, detailed in the journals of Chinese doctors, and valued by indigenous people everywhere, for use in their healing rituals. But with the advent of modern medicine, sophisticated new drugs nearly supplanted the time honored herbal remedies. That is, until it turned out that certain serious diseases continue to evade the search for cures, in spite of all the medical advancements. Herbs again came into the spotlight and went under the microscope. Herbal remedies offering the possibilities for treating, slowing, or even preventing modern

Did you know? Versatile Herbs not only offer culinary flavor and mood-elevating scents, they also provide a form of healing called phytomedicine, which dates back to ancient eras and has recently been revisited by the scienttific and natural health communities!

Did you know? That before commercial pharmaceuticals existed as big business, even before the dawn of Patent medicines-“cures” concocted by doctors or chemist or even quacks-there existed an agrarian culture that went back thousands of years, one that used time tested herbs and other healing plans to combat sickness and disease, treat wounds and infections and help ease pregnancy and childbirth… so going back to nature is not only beneficial but very very helpful and healing…

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