Bee Balm

Bee balm or bergamot is a member of the mint family. Its vivid red, purple and pink flowers dress up your garden and attract bees and butterflies. Bergamot herb is not related to the bergamot orange from which Earl Grey tea gets its distinctive flavor, but it has a similar fragrance.

Bee balm is best known medicinally for its antiseptic, antibiotic and aromatic properties. Native Americans use it as a poultice for infections. It’s also used in sweat lodge ceremonies and as a hair rinse. Use the leaves in infusions for stomach trouble, sore throat and menstrual cramps. Breathe the steam to clear your sinuses. Try some bee balm tea in the water in your carpet steam cleaner or spray vac. Use the dried leaves and flowers in salads, spaghetti sauce, soups and stews.

If you have a bee hive in your yard, plant bee balm around it. The leaves contain thyme oil, which repels the deadly varroa mite.

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle grows wild in China, Europe and North America. Its sweet-smelling flowers are favored by bees and by butterflies, including some endangered species. It’s also been used for thousands of years by both Chinese and European herbalists to treat many illnesses.

Honeysuckle flowers and buds are used to relieve the symptoms of lung ailments including asthma. To make cough syrup, cook honeysuckle flowers and leaves with honey in water. Drink warm honeysuckle tea to relieve the symptoms of UTI and menstrual cramps. Try it as a face wash for acne.

Traditional Chinese medicine names honeysuckle as a cooling herb. It is often sold in Chinese groceries combined with equal amounts of forsythia blossoms for a tea that relieves cold and flu symptoms and stops diarrhea. Combined with chrysanthemum it is supposed to help expel toxins from the body. The stems are used in preparations for arthritis.

In the western world, doctors are experimenting with honeysuckle for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It may some day become part of a cure for AIDS.

Calendula

Calendula marigolds come from southern Europe and the Middle East but are grown just about everywhere now. An extremely hardy and versatile plant, they’re extremely easy to grow and are recommended for beginning gardeners.

Several plants are called marigold. When you think of marigolds you might imagine the small bedding plant with round orange and yellow flowers. The calendula flower looks more like a daisy, with a distinctive spicy scent that repels many garden pests. It can grow as tall as two feet high.

Calendula flowers are full of valuable nutrients. They’re used in acne and eczema treatments, sunburn ointments, baby lotions and soap. Scientists are testing calendula as a possible ingredient in a future cure for some types of cancer and AIDS.

The spicy leaves and petals make great seasoning. The petals can be used fresh or dried to make a relaxing tea that soothes stomach ailments and menstrual cramps. Use a decoction as a mouthwash for canker sores, a face wash for acne, and a poultice for injuries and insect stings. Some people are allergic to calendula, so try just a little at first.

If you don’t have these plants you can get bee balm and calendula marigold seeds and honeysuckle rootlings at any farm store or nursery.

You can also create honeysuckle rootlings by cutting a few vine ends from an existing plant. Make sure there are several leaves on each piece of vine you take. Strip the leaves off only near the cut end, leaving the rest of the leaves on the vine. Put the cut end in water and wait about two weeks, changing the water frequently. Roots should be an inch long or more before planting.

Clover

Suburbanites have tried for years to rid their lawns of anything that wasn’t grass, resorting to chemical herbicides and fertilizers that pollute the local water supply. Lately some are getting wise and planting clover. Both white and red clover provide attractive ground cover as well as nourishing the soil. Clover attracts helpful bees to your lawn and garden. And it never needs mowing!

Clover is a legume like beans. Children eat it raw, and you can too. Use the stems, leaves and blossoms. Eat them in salad or use in any recipe that calls for greens. Look for clover recipes on line.

Both types of clover have vitamins, trace minerals and lecithin. Probably the most important nutrient in clover is genistein, an isoflavone with antioxidant properties. Doctors are researching the use of genistein in cancer treatment.

In Native American traditional medicine red clover is given to people with lung trouble. Europeans know clover as a pain reliever. Clover flower tea is very relaxing. Try drinking a cup or two as a natural sleep aid. For acne, soak a washcloth in hot clover tea and put it over your face for a few minutes. Try a dilute solution as an eyewash or douche.

Peppermint

Peppermint is another back yard herb you can find on the tea shelf. It’s used in everything from toothpaste to massage oils. Altoid breath mints are made with pure peppermint extract as is Bronner peppermint soap. It’s an ingredient in desserts and coffees and is especially popular at Christmas.

Peppermint is widely used to treat nausea, headaches and muscle spasms and as a digestive aid. Drink peppermint tea freely during a cold to soothe sore throat and break up mucus. Doctors are experimenting with peppermint capsules to relieve irritable bowel syndrome. Another study shows peppermint extract added to barium sulphate might relieve discomfort during a barium enema. Some doctors think it may have antibiotic and antiviral properties.

People with gallstones, acid reflux or GERD should not take peppermint internally. Never give peppermint oil to babies. They can have mild catnip tea instead.

The peppermint plant attracts ladybugs, which eat some harmful insects and repel others with a pheromone. If you have a garden be sure to plant a big mint bed.

Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)

You are probably aware of the popular claim that echinacea cures the common cold. It doesn’t really, but it relieves symptoms and boosts the immune system. It tells the body to produce more white blood cells and interferon, two important elements that fight infection. Doctors are studying the antibiotic and antiviral properties of different types of echinacea.

Echinacea is purple coneflower, a pretty daisy-like perennial that grows everywhere. It’s a hardy plant that winters over well and attracts songbirds, bees and butterflies.

There are nine varieties of this native North American plant. The leaves, flowers and roots are used traditionally to treat colds, flu and allergies, and as a pain reliever. A decoction of echinacea applied externally relieves infections, insect stings and snake bite. Studies on its free radical scavenging properties are ongoing.

You can take some echinacea every day for its immune system effects. To use echinacea for colds or flu, start taking it at the very first signs of illness. Stay on it for ten to fourteen days, then skip a few days. Take increased doses of echinacea in high stress situations or when traveling. Echinacea should not be taken by people with autoimmune diseases.

You can buy clover and peppermint seed and echinacea seedlings at any nursery.

Next time — bee balm, honeysuckle and calendula!

Ginkgo is one of the most popular natural herbs for increasing libido for women. This herb acts as one of the most popular aphrodisiacs in the world. If you are a woman suffering from a decreased sexual drive, then this may be the perfect way to naturally increase your libido. Ginkgo has a fascinating history as an herb as well, since it comes from Ginkgo Biloba trees in China. This is one of the oldest species of trees in the world. Some scientists even think Ginkgo Biloba trees are over 3,000 years old. This means Ginkgo has acted as a worldwide aphrodisiac for ages.

Ginseng is also a popular natural herb, most notably in the United States. This is also a popular herb in Asia, where people believe that Ginseng revitalizes the mind, body, and soul. It also acts favorably for men by improving erectile dysfunction. If taken regularly, men can greatly improve their libido and sexual health with Ginseng.

Fo-Ti is another Asian herb that improves the libido of those who consume this herb. This plant is found mainly in China, Japan, and Taiwan. The name of the Fo-Ti herb has an interesting history and tradition. Traditionally, Fo-Ti actually means “black-haired Mr. He” in the Chinese language. Legend has it that a villager once was named Mr. He. Mr. He was one of the most attractive older men in the village after he consumed the Fo-Ti herb. After consuming this herb, legend has it that Mr. He was restored in his soul and was granted a gorgeous appearance.

Women can improve sexual potency by consuming the natural herb Muira Puama. This herb is very popular in Brazil especially, where the sale of this herb is a major part of the economy. This is one of the herbs that has always been traditionally used to increase sexual drive. A research study conducted by the UCLA School of Medicine also confirmed the powerful effects of Muira Puama. In the study, 262 people that experienced a lack of sexual drive were instructed to consume Muira Puama. Every day, the patients consumed a dose of Muira Puama for two weeks. After the two weeks were completed, 62% of people reported that they felt the treatment had a dynamic effect upon their libido. Furthermore, 51% of people that suffered from erection failure stated that they felt this plant helped improve their sexual drive. Throughout history, Muira Puama has proven to be a powerful natural herb in increasing libido.

As one can see by its name, Horny Goat Weed is another natural herb that can improve the sexual health of men and women. The first recorded use of Horny Goat Weed extends all the way back to 200 BCE. This plant is believed to increase sperm production for men.

One more herb that is beneficial for the sexual health of people is Sarsaparilla. This herb is cited as consistently improving the sexual performance of people.

If you have suffered from a lack of libido in your life, there are some natural ways you can solve this issue without having to go to the doctor and pay a fortune for medicines. Natural herbs can be a safe and easy way to increase one’s libido.

The Dog Digestive System

When using herbal supplements for dogs, it is important to take into consideration the weight of the dog and the difference between dog and human digestive systems. Because dog intestines are only about five percent of the length of the human intestine, they do not digest grains and fiber as easily. They also digest and absorb herbal supplements differently. The dog digestive system may more readily absorb tinctures than dried, powdered, or fresh herbs.

Herbs That Are Safe For Dogs

Alfalfa: Loaded with vitamins and minerals, alfalfa acts as an antioxidant and diuretic. Nutrients found in it are good for building strong bones. An excellent herb for older dogs with arthritis, it is also nutritious for growing puppies.
Aloe Vera: Aloe is best used only as a topical treatment for its skin soothing and wound healing properties. Anti-bacterial properties help with healing.
Burdock: The root of the burdock plant is effective for detoxification, the elimination of toxins from the body. Dogs in environments with lawn chemicals and other toxins can greatly benefit from regular ingestion of burdock. It acts as a liver tonic and helps with low functioning kidneys. Burdock has no toxicity and can be given regularly. Fresh or dried burdock root can be added directly to the dog’s food.
Calendula: The antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of calendula make it an important remedy for skin conditions. A calendula salve can be applied to fleabites, minor cuts and wounds, and skin inflammations to aid in the healing process.
Chamomile: A tincture or tea can be used as a calming agent for anxious dogs. It also relieves gas and vomiting.
Dandelion: Dried greens can be sprinkled on the dog’s food to help eliminate toxins, promote liver and kidney function, and acts as a diuretic and laxative. Both the root and leaves are used.
Flax: Flax seed supplies essential fatty acids that enhance skin, coat, and nail health. It is also important in maintaining a healthy brain, heart, liver, and immune system.
Ginger: Ginger root is useful for motion sickness and nausea. Give to dogs before a ride in the car.
Hawthorn: This herb functions as a heart tonic, improves circulation, and is an antioxidant. Good for older dogs, this herb is used to treat congestive heart failure and other heart conditions.
Milk Thistle: Long used as a liver tonic in humans, milk thistle is also beneficial to dogs. It is an effective treatment for liver problems and a detoxifier, cleansing the system of toxins.
Parsley: This is a very nutritious herb that also helps cleanse the body of toxins and treats urinary tract infections. It also helps to prevent bad breath.
Slippery Elm: The bark of this tree soothes the digestive system and can be used for diarrhea, pets that react adversely to minor changes in diet, and those with intestinal problems.
Yellow Dock: Another detoxifying herb, it can be used in combination with burdock and dandelion. Not for long-term use as it has laxative properties.

Joint Health

A variety of products are available for dogs with joint problems. Many of these supplements contain fish oil to reduce inflammation along with glucosamine and chondroitin.

Herbs are the most traditional of all medicines and what many synthetic drugs began their lives as. Aspirin, which is not suitable for children, but is found in every adult’s medicine cabinet was written of in the fifth century BCE by Hippocrates (from whom the Hippocratic Oath is derived) was willow, once upon a time, before the nineteenth century when pharmacists began experimenting with salicylic acid which ultimately produced the aspirin you take for a headache or aches and pains.

There are a few herbs that are widely considered safe for children that are easily available. Chamomile, unless your child has an allergy to ragweed, may already be in your pantry cabinet. Chamomile tea can calm an overactive child, or help a restless one sleep. Having a cup of chamomile during story-time will help send your little one off into peaceful dreams. If your child had a rough and tumble day, or has a cold, chamomile can help with some of the muscle aches and pains, as well.

Peppermint tea is another that many people already have on hand. Mint tea is wonderful for an upset tummy, for children and adults both. Drink it after a large meal or when your stomach is disagreeing with you. Mint tea with honey, or lemon and honey tea, are both very soothing for a sore throat. If your child sings, either tea should be a staple!

Ginger root can be peeled, diced, and boiled into a tea, sweetened with honey, and administered during mild or severe nausea. Ginger has even been deemed safe in cases of morning sickness (though check with your obstetrician first) and is easily available in pills, if fresh is too much trouble.

You have probably heard of echinacea, both to prevent colds, or to lessen the duration or severity of them. Children pick up colds and transmit them easily and when you have one sick child, you will also end up with a sick household. Taking echinacea as a family can help with this, though make sure the dosage is appropriate for each person.

More and more doctors are becoming open to the idea of herbs used to treat a condition or to be used in conjunction with a pharmaceutical treatment. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician and let them examine anything you are considering giving to your children. If any adverse reactions are noticed, contact a doctor immediately.

As with the directions on conventional over the counter medications, an herbal remedy for a child is usually recommended at a much lower dose than it is for an adult. Generally, the best thing to do is to start with the smallest dose possible and carefully watch for signs of a negative reaction so that you can catch it immediately and follow up with your doctor, if necessary. Negative reactions can include things like rashes, sneezing or coughing, fever, and anything that seems to be making the child worse instead of better.