Post by Laurasia on Apr 2, 2005 13:56:04 GMT -5
"Nine Herbs to Grow on Your Windowsill"
Did you know sage can combat carpal tunnel syndrome and oregano is a
powerful antioxidant? Many common herbs do more than add flavor to your
meals: they go into overtime to work on asthma, arthritis, and insomnia.
Here's a quick list of nine herbs that are easy to grow, followed by
advice on how to get started. Holly Shimizu, a renowned
horticulturist and garden designer, and AllHerb.com's advisor on
gardening, gives a green "thumbs up" to these.
1. Mint
Aromatic spearmint and peppermint do more than add a little zest to your
cup of tea: they are also a traditional treatment for gallstones. The
oils of these effective antioxidants ease muscle tightness, and chewing
on mint sprigs can relieve an upset stomach.
2. Rosemary
Distinguished by its narrow, spiky leaves and piney scent, rosemary
varies in color from shiny dark green to pale gray-green all over.
Known as the herb of remembrance, rosemary contains several
antioxidants that help prevent aging in cells and may work against
Alzheimer's disease.
3. Lemon balm
Also known as melissa, lemon balm relieves chronic fatigue syndrome and
can be helpful in treating migraines. A tea made with lemon balm can
also work as a sedative and a stomach soother. Its bright green
heart-shaped leaves give off a lovely lemony scent.
4. Thyme
Thyme's pungent scent comes from the oil in the small oval leaves.
Apply a compress of thyme leaves to the aching muscles in your neck,
shoulders, and back if you're prone to tension headaches. A cup of thyme
tea taken up to four times a day may be effective against bronchitis and
whooping cough.
5. Sage
Available in numerous varieties, sage is a strongly aromatic, bushy
plant with spiky purple flowers. Loaded with anti-inflammatory
compounds, sage is effective against carpal tunnel syndrome.
Steep two teaspoons of dried sage in a cup of boiling water and gargle
with it (after it has cooled) to treat mouth and throat inflammations.
6. Oregano
The robust taste of oregano comes from its soft, oval leaves that grow
in pairs along the stem. Its power punch of antioxidants can help
maintain the immune function of those who are HIV-positive. Good for
arthritis, asthma, and emphysema, oregano also contains
seven compounds that lower blood pressure.
7. Parsley
A rich source of the bone-strengthener flourine, parsley works to
prevent osteoporosis. Apply crushed parsley leaves to reduce the black
and blue colors of a bruise. Parsley comes in two varieties: curly
parsley and the taller, flat-leaf Italian parsley. Eat a sprig for a
quick breath freshener and to aid in digestion.
8. Lavender
Fragrant flowers characterize the spiky leaves and colorful blooms of
lavender. Aromatherapists routinely use oil of lavender for pain; mix a
few drops of lavender oil with a tablespoon of vegetable oil and massage
the painful area. Sprinkle a few drops on your bed
sheets to help you sleep, or relax in a warm bath scented with lavender
oil.
9. Catnip
The downy, gray-green leaves of catnip are a favorite of cats, so keep
this herb off your windowsill if you don't want your cats
playing in your plants. A member of the mint family, catnip has a mild
tranquilizing effect on most people. Try a cup of catnip
tea about 45 minutes before bedtime to induce sleep.
Note: All these herbs can grow from one to three feet tall, so keep them
trimmed. Herbs are safe moderate doses, but like any medicine, some can
be harmful when taken in frequent, large doses. Herbal oils
are intended for external use only. Keep such oils away from small
children who might be tempted to taste them.
Sincerely,
Laurasia
Did you know sage can combat carpal tunnel syndrome and oregano is a
powerful antioxidant? Many common herbs do more than add flavor to your
meals: they go into overtime to work on asthma, arthritis, and insomnia.
Here's a quick list of nine herbs that are easy to grow, followed by
advice on how to get started. Holly Shimizu, a renowned
horticulturist and garden designer, and AllHerb.com's advisor on
gardening, gives a green "thumbs up" to these.
1. Mint
Aromatic spearmint and peppermint do more than add a little zest to your
cup of tea: they are also a traditional treatment for gallstones. The
oils of these effective antioxidants ease muscle tightness, and chewing
on mint sprigs can relieve an upset stomach.
2. Rosemary
Distinguished by its narrow, spiky leaves and piney scent, rosemary
varies in color from shiny dark green to pale gray-green all over.
Known as the herb of remembrance, rosemary contains several
antioxidants that help prevent aging in cells and may work against
Alzheimer's disease.
3. Lemon balm
Also known as melissa, lemon balm relieves chronic fatigue syndrome and
can be helpful in treating migraines. A tea made with lemon balm can
also work as a sedative and a stomach soother. Its bright green
heart-shaped leaves give off a lovely lemony scent.
4. Thyme
Thyme's pungent scent comes from the oil in the small oval leaves.
Apply a compress of thyme leaves to the aching muscles in your neck,
shoulders, and back if you're prone to tension headaches. A cup of thyme
tea taken up to four times a day may be effective against bronchitis and
whooping cough.
5. Sage
Available in numerous varieties, sage is a strongly aromatic, bushy
plant with spiky purple flowers. Loaded with anti-inflammatory
compounds, sage is effective against carpal tunnel syndrome.
Steep two teaspoons of dried sage in a cup of boiling water and gargle
with it (after it has cooled) to treat mouth and throat inflammations.
6. Oregano
The robust taste of oregano comes from its soft, oval leaves that grow
in pairs along the stem. Its power punch of antioxidants can help
maintain the immune function of those who are HIV-positive. Good for
arthritis, asthma, and emphysema, oregano also contains
seven compounds that lower blood pressure.
7. Parsley
A rich source of the bone-strengthener flourine, parsley works to
prevent osteoporosis. Apply crushed parsley leaves to reduce the black
and blue colors of a bruise. Parsley comes in two varieties: curly
parsley and the taller, flat-leaf Italian parsley. Eat a sprig for a
quick breath freshener and to aid in digestion.
8. Lavender
Fragrant flowers characterize the spiky leaves and colorful blooms of
lavender. Aromatherapists routinely use oil of lavender for pain; mix a
few drops of lavender oil with a tablespoon of vegetable oil and massage
the painful area. Sprinkle a few drops on your bed
sheets to help you sleep, or relax in a warm bath scented with lavender
oil.
9. Catnip
The downy, gray-green leaves of catnip are a favorite of cats, so keep
this herb off your windowsill if you don't want your cats
playing in your plants. A member of the mint family, catnip has a mild
tranquilizing effect on most people. Try a cup of catnip
tea about 45 minutes before bedtime to induce sleep.
Note: All these herbs can grow from one to three feet tall, so keep them
trimmed. Herbs are safe moderate doses, but like any medicine, some can
be harmful when taken in frequent, large doses. Herbal oils
are intended for external use only. Keep such oils away from small
children who might be tempted to taste them.
Sincerely,
Laurasia
