A Garden of Helpful Herbs
Feverfew (tanacetum parthenium) is a perennial with medium green leaves and daisy-like flowers. It is said to ease migraine headache pain and reduce fevers. For headaches, eat one leaf up to three times a day. Caution: some people report mouth irritation from the leaves.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), also called "purple coneflower", is a perennial wildflower, now gaining in popularity in flower gardening. It has large pointed leaves and the flowers are large, daisy like in colors of purple, pink, white and green. It is included in many German commercial preparations used to stimulate the immune system and treat infections. In the US, scientific research had revealed two active chemicals, one that acts as an antiviral agent and the other an antibacterial agent. It is also used topically as a minor wound treatment. The root and flower heads have health promoting properties. Save the flowers refrigerated in a wide mouth jar until it is filled (can be refrigerated up to two weeks). Pour on cider vinegar to cover and let stand on a sunny windowsill two weeks, shaking the jar daily. Then strain and bottle liquid and store in the refrigerator. This extract can also be purchased. Standard use is 25-30 drops in water or tea twice a day.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial with green leaves with slender flower stalks with pink, lilac or white flowers. It is widely used for migraine headaches, and as an herbal sedative. A tea can be made of two teaspoons of powdered root steeped ten to fifteen minutes in a cup of boiling water. Have the honey ready, as this is extremely bitter!
Comfrey (symphytum officinale) is a perennial that dies back every winter. The leaves are large and can be used crushed as an external poultice for minor cuts and bruises. Use alone or combine with yarrow. Do not take internally.
Rosehips Grow 'Rosa rugosa' (shrub rose) for the best rose hips. Make an infusion from dried crushed rose hips and drink one cup up to three times a day to treat colds and flu symptoms.
Aloe vera is a tender succulent. Break off a leaf and rub on scalds, burns, sunburn, blisters, scrapes and acne to promote healing. Do not take internally.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an annual, small in size with tiny daisy like flowers. It has been traditionally used as a gentle tranquilizer or a digestive aid in tea form. Do not drink if allergic to ragweed.
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