A Garden of Helpful Herbs

Herbal remedies are found everywhere today. They can be bought in neat packaged forms from capsules to tea bags. But growing a garden of health promoting herbs can be a part of a lifestyle of getting back to more natural products, and away from unnecessary chemical additives.

Cultivating medicinal herbs can be traced back to ancient ancestors, including Romans, Greeks, Egyptians and Chinese herbalists. Being involved with this tradition promotes a better understanding of the interdependence and the interaction between plants and animals, as well as our own history of existence.

The herbs to follow are just a small sample of those used for health and well being. Excellent sources for more complete medical herb information can be found in "Earl Mindell's Herb Bible, $10.40 at Amazon.com, and online at A Modern Herbal, a herbal handbook first published in 1931.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen shrub usually tolerant down to 20-25 degrees F. Grow in pots and bring indoors in the winter if you live in a colder climate. This herb has been used to relieve stress, headache pain and to aid memory. To make tea, put two tablespoons of fresh or one tablespoon dried herb in a bowl. Crush with a spoon and put in a strainer. Steep four minutes and drink with some honey or lemon.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial white wildflower, but it also can be bought in assorted colors as hybrids. Press crushed leaves on a minor scratch or cut. Tannins in the flowers and leaves help stop bleeding, seal burns and act as a local anesthetic. As a tea, it is said to calm nerves and reduce fevers. Use one-tablespoon fresh leaves and flowers per cup boiling water.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a tender perennial with gray leaves and lavender, pink or white flowers. Its fragrance can help calm nerves and promotes alertness. Steep a few leaves in basin of hot water and inhale the vapors for a few minutes for a calming effect, or make an infusion (one teaspoon buds to one pint of boiling water) for a skin antiseptic for minor blemishes. Wait until it cools of course!

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a perennial which will take over the garden if not put in a container. It has dark green leaves and lilac or purple flowers. Menthol is the main ingredient in peppermint, which is used in many commercial cold preparations to help relieve cold symptoms. It is also used in teas for its relaxing effect. Steep one to two teaspoons to one cup boiling water.