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Catnip is a highly branched perennial herb of Asiatic origin that may grow up to 3 feet tall. Renowned for the euphoria it causes in cats, Catnip has heart-shaped gray-green to green leaves with scalloped edges that are often crowded toward the top of the plant. Beshides attracting cats, Catnip has a few culinary uses. Most commonly, Catnip Tea, brewed from the leaves and flowers, may be taken for coughs and colds or as a bedtime calmative. Used sparingly, catnip is good in salads, and some people like the flowers as a garnish. Catnip is a hardy plant that will grow in sun or shade and can be sown from seed or propagated by division. It will grow best in rich slightly alkaline sol that drains well.
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Herbs encourage the body to heal itself
Herbs have been part of our lives for generations, in every country and for many different reasons. Herbs have been used for potions, lotions, salves, ceremonies and for healing for centuries. Our history books tell us of how healers used herbs from Indian medicine men to the modern herbalist who studies holistic medicine. Today because of the cost of medicines from our family doctor, many people are researching other ways to stay healthy through the use of herbs. Herbal medicine works best when practiced holistically. What that means is you want to think about good health for the whole body and work to heal the whole body as a whole. This is called having a balance both emotionally and physically, instead of just treating the symptom itself. You find this also referred to "holistic balance." Herbs are not just for cooking and eating ya know. Herbs encourage the body to heal itself!
Also See Herbal Remedies / Recipes
Cooking Herbs
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Herbs & Healing Usage
- Basil is used in perfumery for its clear, sweet and mildly spicy aroma. In aromatherapy, it is used for sharpening concentration, for its uplifting effect on depression, and to relieve headaches and migraines. Basil oil has many chemotypes and some are known to be emmenagogues and should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Black pepper has a sharp and spicy aroma. Common uses include stimulating the circulation and for muscular aches and pains. Skin application is useful for bruises, since it stimulates the circulation.
- Cayenne pepper (considered the miracle herb by many herbalists) sprinkled in food, broth or tea also promotes sweating to break a fever. Cayenne acts as a catalyst, carrying all other herbs and supplements quickly to the place in the body where they are needed and increasing their effectiveness. It is also high in vitamin C and useful in the treatment of colds, sinus problems and respiratory ailments. 1 teaspoon of cayenne in a cup of hot water is often given to people to drink when a heart attack is taking place.
- Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica/Urtica urens): Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat rheumatism (disorders of the muscles and joints), eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia, urinary tract infections, for kidney stones, for hay fever, or in compresses or creams for treating joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and insect bites.......... Stinging nettle may act as an expectorant (meaning that it can loosen and break up a cough). In folk medicine, the dried herb and fresh plant juice have been used as diuretics, astringents and blood builders, and to treat anemia. The powdered leaves or fresh leaf juice have been applied to cuts to stop bleeding or taken in tea to reduce excessive menstrual flow, as well as to treat nosebleeds and hemorrhoids. Nettle tea has been used to stimulate blood circulation and as a spring tonic for chronic skin ailments. See Stinging Nettle
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Ginkgo
Clinical studies have shown that the four Gs—ginkgo, ginseng, Siberian ginseng and gotu kola—enhance mental abilities, including concentration, aptitude, behavior, alertness and even intelligence. Ginkgo is the best known for improving memory and it boosts the brain's ability to use oxygen.
Memory Tincture
1 teaspoon each tinctures of ginkgo leaves and Siberian ginseng root-
½ teaspoon each tinctures of ginseng root and gotu kola leaves-
Combine ingredients. Take half a dropperful a few times a day. Take extra tincture an hour or so before an exam or an important office meeting, or at any time you need extra focus.
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The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.
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