Herb

In the last few years, there have been numerous studies done on turmeric and health that proved how useful it is to our diet. This herb has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and is observed as being effective against many health ailments.

The following health conditions have been treated with supplementation and tested on humans or animals. Here is some of what has been found. Take note curcumin is the main ingredient and is responsible for its healing prowess.

Turmeric for cancer prevention – There have been multiple studies done on its effectiveness against cancer cells. Lab mice with either prostate, breast or colon cancer were fed an extract of the herb on a daily basis. When they compared the mice that did not take this supplement, they found that the cancer had spread to other parts of the body. The mice that consumed the extract did not have their cancer spread. It seems that turmeric has a role in inhibiting cancer cells and keeping them from growing.

Turmeric for diabetes – There are also reports of people with diabetes lowering their blood sugar from taking this herbal extract. In type II diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and blood sugar levels remain high as a result. It seems that curcumin stimulates the production of insulin and thus allows glucose to be absorbed by the cells for energy.

Heartburn – For hundreds of years, turmeric has been used to treat stomach related illnesses. It’s been used for colitis, stomach pain, stomach infection, and indigestion. In regulated amounts it seems turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help these conditions.

Heart Disease – When it was given to mice with enlarged hearts, it was found that their heart started to return to normal size and also reverse damage that’s been done. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory combination may be the reason why such amazing healing happens. Also on human tests, people who took the extract had lowered overall cholesterol as well as LDL.

Arthritis – It also seems to help people with rheumatoid arthritis deal better with their symptoms and decrease the frequency of them. People with this condition had reported an increase in mobility, flexibility, swelling, and less pain as a result of taking turmeric over a period of a month.

As you can see, it has the ability to treat multiple health ailments. The best way to get the health benefits of turmeric is by taking a supplement with high extract of curcumin (at least 90%) and one that has enteric coating. So start taking measures against many of these health conditions and start today!

Garden Sage, or Salvia officinalis, to use its botanical name, is one of about 1,000 species of sage. Many are both fragrant and ornamental, and so of immense value as garden plants, but in addition, Garden Sage has culinary, medicinal, and other properties that aid neighboring plants to resist pests and disease.

In the Mediterranean and other dry climates, it is doubly of value because of its hardiness to drought and its capacity to thrive in the alkaline soils common to most dry climates. Despite requiring some care and attention, it is easy to grow, just requiring a good prune in the spring and after flowering, to encourage a compact and dense habit.

Herbal, Culinary, and Medicinal Benefits

Different cultures have developed varied uses of sage leaves. In Europe and North America they are used to flavor meats, gravies and sources, while in the Middle East and the Mediterranean region, they find their way in a multitude of salads.

Try putting a couple of fresh leaves in a plate of sliced, hard, white cheese, a sliced tomato, a sprinkle of lemon juice and olive oil, and salt and pepper. Take out the leaves after about 20 minutes so that the sage does not make the salad too bitter.

Many medical claims have been made for Salvia officinalis. While some of these are far-reaching and possibly far-fetched, the consensus points to the antiseptic properties of the oils contained in the plant’s leaves. A simple way to benefit from these is to immerse sage leaves for about 10 minutes in a boiling pot of tea. Garden Sage leaves are of course an essential component in aromatherapy.

A Fine Ornamental Plant

Irrespective of its herbal qualities, Salvia officinalis, more than justifies its existence as a beautiful ornamental plant, whether in a herb garden or a flowerbed. Its foliage is attractive all the year round, while its blue, purple flowers make a worthy contribution to any border. It can be listed with those perennials that “hold” a flowerbed during the seasons when many of the flowering plants are passed their best and need to be cut-down or replaced.

Furthermore, one can plant together, a number of varieties of the species, in order to create variation on a theme; always a good ploy in garden design. In addition to the species itself, with its grey-green foliage, there are varieties with purple-colored leaves, variegated foliage, and the famous variety “Tricolor”, whose grayish leaves have an irregular cream border.

Garden Sage to the Aid of Neighboring Plants!

Salvia officinalis appears to repel many pest insects from its vicinity, while attracting bees to gather the nectar from its flowers. That may explain why a border containing Garden Sage is invariably free of pathogenic insects, the odd chewed leaf here or there, notwithstanding. Some people are put-off by the thought of attracting bees to their garden, but if unmolested, they are not threatening, and perform a vital role in pollinating flowering plants, and in the general sanitation of the garden.

Although Lavender is not a culinary herb, it is still immensely popular due to its fragrance and growing popularity as an important essential oil. Lavender is a perennial that grows better in a well-drained and slightly alkaline soil. For better performing plants use a top dressing of lime in the fall. If you live in conditions where your soil is generally wet or soggy, lavender would not be a good choice for your garden.

Some varieties of Lavender, which are hardy to Zone 5, are:

· English Lavender

· Hidcote (deep purple flowers)

· Munstead (blue flowers)

· Jean Davis (pink flowered)

Lavender is a bit needy because it is a woody plant. Pruning needs to take place after you harvest the flowers in the summer. Make sure you use sharp pruners. Cut any remaining flower stalks and approximately 3-4 inches of foliage. This pruning is necessary to keep the plants from becoming spindly looking. If for some reason you could not prune in midsummer wait until the following spring and provide a more intense pruning until the plants are well shaped. Lavender grows slowly, and for this reason I recommend purchasing established plants at your local garden center.

Lavender is a famous fragrance that can be found in many perfumes, cosmetics, and potpourris of every kind. Harvesting the flowers is an easy process for the kitchen gardener. Cut the flower stalks as soon as the flowers open. Tie several stalks together and fasten them with a rubber band. Hang them upside down to dry. You can remove the flowers from the stems for use in potpourri, floral water, and linen bags. Store them in a tightly sealed plastic bag and use them within the year.

Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of the plant. This process is done primarily by steam distillation. The essential oil has a calming effect, which makes an effective remedy for the nerves and aids in treating anxiety, headaches, depression, migraines, nervous tension and emotional stress. It’s aroma increases mental activity, as well as removes nervous exhaustion. Hence, lavender is truly a calming herb.

Hi! My name is Nancy Merkle. My husband Joe and I are amateur gardeners. We live in the suburbs of Chicago. Needless to say our growing season is just six months at best. In the spring a little competition begins in the neighborhood with the neighbors. We make harmless bets as to who will have the first the tomato, the largest, and the best harvest. Tomatoes are a big thing with us suburbanites. We’ve even taken it as far as to see who can grow them longer in the fall. Of course our landscaping has become quite an important task to us also. While the men obsess over their lawns, the women have more important things on our minds, like flowers. Through the years we have accumulated and shared our gardening secrets. It is a race due to our short growing season. But so many aspects of growing veggies are the same no matter your location. Here we are passing on to you are successes and secrets of gardening. We hope you will enjoy this as much as we have creating it. We are in the process of creating a blog. We will post how the neighborhood is progressing, so watch and grow with us. We would love to have you in our cyber garden space. Please visit us at http://www.gardengroupies.com

Is it possible to never get a cold, the flu or disease again? The major illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes can be reduced if not eliminated if you can improve your immune system.

The latest health and wellness research proves that by boosting your immune system, your body will be able to stop foreign materials and bacteria from causing sickness in your body. The scientists that are studying this are proving by example that powering your immunity works.

One of the secrets is an herb that is everywhere. This herb is the tree mushroom. Tree mushrooms are ones that grow on trees not the ground like most other mushrooms. There are several specific types but here are two species of medicinal mushrooms that are generally available in your local health foods store.

REISHI MUSHROOM. These herbs will instantly increase your immunity system. These herbs rejuvenate your immunity and have been helping fight disease for hundreds of years. Take these herbs into your body and you will not only be healthier, but you will look and feel better.

CLOUD MUSHROOM (Coriolus). Coriolus PSP is a concentrate you can get at your local health food store and house high concentrate of beta glucans. Beta glucans not only boost your immunity but will benefit your outer look by giving you healthier skin, nails and hair.

Within one month of taking natural tree mushroom supplements, you will notice major benefits to your immunity. You will get sick less. Plus, you will feel more energy, have better skin and hair and you will actually experience neurological benefits such as a stronger memory and more concentration.

One of the most apparent influences modern times has brought to people is their realization of going back to the basics, to the natural, and to the organic. Although the advances brought by technology has made life easier to people, many are still looking for better organic alternatives that are proven to be more effective in their most natural of form, like Ganoderma Lucidum or commonly known as “Ganoderma.”

Believed by the Chinese as the “Miraculous King of Herbs,” Ganoderma Lucidum is highly-regarded for its medicinal properties that help improve human body’s healing ability while helping its user to maintain good physical shape. Aside from promoting longevity, Ganoderma Lucidum has unique properties that contribute much to the strengthening of the immune system. Somewhat rare in the West, Ganoderma Lucidum has been worshipped as a kind of herbal medicine the emperors of the great Japanese and Chinese dynasties drank with their special teas and mushroom concoctions to achieve greater vitality and longer life. Ganoderma Lucidum was also believed to be visible in the “elixir of eternal youth” that the ancient Taoists constantly searched for.

A fungus known by its many names like “Reishi,” “Ling zhi,” and “Mannentake,” among others, Ganoderma Lucidum, for hundreds or even thousands of years, is recognized as powerful medicinal fungi because it has properties often associated with health and healing, long life, knowledge, and happiness. In fact, during the ancient time, it is believed that the Ganoderma Lucidum in medicine was considered so promising that its medicinal value has been attested in a 2,000-year old Chinese medical text—known as an authentic textbook of Oriental medical science. For years, medicinal mushrooms such as Ganoderma Lucidum have long been included in the history of folk medicine for contributing much to curing cancers of all sorts and for showing positive effects to the development of the immune system.

Aside from contributing a lot to the treatment of various diseases, Ganoderma Lucidum has also become popular because of its promising properties that might extend life span while increasing vigor and vitality.

Mushroom miracle

The role of Ganoderma Lucidum in the medical field is quite impressive. Even if its role in the treatment of cancer doesn’t have a strong and solid medical backing yet, Ganoderma Lucidum is still recommended to prevention because of the absence of unfavorable side effects. While people from different walks of life take interests and contribute a lot in the rediscovery of herbal treatments, the popularity of Ganoderma Lucidum increases steadily.

Under the extensive research continuously done so many scholars, as well as the cooperative analysis and clinical experiments conducted by people in the hospitals, inside the colleges and universities, and even by pharmaceutical manufacturers, Ganoderma Lucidum’s potential as an effective medicine is becoming clearer and defined. And like in ancient China—where Ganoderma Lucidum is considered not just a symbol of ‘prosperity and peace’ or an ‘item of tribute’—the so-called ‘miracle herb’ is now also seen by the people in the modern world as a potential elixir for immortality.

With so many research and emerging evidence how Ganoderma Lucidum helps the body work more effectively, efficiently and optimally, the people who do these extensive and never-ending researches continues to hope that Ganoderma can bring a brighter view to humanity on its conquest for longevity.

Creating an indoor herb garden is quite an easy task as herbs are inexpensive plants that are easy to maintain and are undemanding. An indoor herb garden can be termed as an introductory course for any beginner to the art of gardening.

Depending on their use, herbs can be classified into culinary herbs, medicinal herbs and aromatic herbs. Culinary herbs include basil, rosemary, parsley and oregano. These herbs are used to add spice and flavor in food. Medicinal herbs include plants like echinacea, valerian, hypericum, gingko and garlic that are widely used in medicinal preparations. Oils from plants like lavender, rose, mint and basil are used for aromatherapies. Most of these plants are not suitable for an indoor herb garden as it is difficult to extract the medicinal parts of the plant. Ornamental herbs are those that are grown to enhance the beauty of homes.

You can start with herbs like oregano, rosemary, garlic chives, mint and thyme. You can either buy these plants at a garden center or can use stem cuttings. Containers are useful for growing herbs at home as these are easy to carry and are convenient for adjusting soil mixtures. These containers are available in different colors, thus creating an added attraction. You can also start an indoor herb garden from the seed level. Heavy clay or terra cotta pots are preferred as these pots facilitate good circulation of air and water.

You can have a beautiful indoor herb garden if you follow certain tips. Soilless mixture of vermiculite, peat and perlite ensures proper growth of seeds and seedlings. Keeping pots in the southern or western window ensures proper sunlight and air. Soil in the containers and pots should be moist but not damp. Pots should be kept in shady regions during summers. Humidity around indoor plants can be increased if they are grouped together.

Do you want a business that doesn’t take a lot of time, money and effort to start up? Do you have some space in your patio or terrace, or maybe even a garden? Do you have a creative way to market herbs whether fresh or dried, processed into oils or vinegars, made into herb wreaths or potpourri? Is it possible for you to offer it to your friends or even place it on the internet? Do you have the determination and patience that it takes for you to make that extra money?

Growing herb garden as a business venture requires only a minimal one-time investment. There are a lot of herb kits available out in the market today, but taking a trip to different herb gardens or checking out garden websites on the internet will help you save money. Herb kits are more expensive and less cost effective than buying would be some seeds, soil, fertilizer and maybe some containers. Growing herb garden is easy and there is a lot of helpful material that you can read to get started. Knowing the how to grow herbs will help you avoid mistakes and ensures that you garden will grow as bountifully as possible. At first, you may need to buy seedlings, but once you get to learn how to start growing herbs from seeds, you will be able to save money by harvesting your own seeds for the next time you will plant.

You don’t have to start up with a lot of plants right away. You can start of with a good number of plants and from these herbs you can get all you need for the next time you plant. Your initial inventory of herbs can not only double, triple, quadruple…you will be amazed how many new plants you can get from one herb plant. You will get to expand your herb garden without ever having to buy another plant.

After a few months, you can start selling the whole plant. It is also possible to create your own unique herb kits. You can get bulk orders ahead of time from you friends and deliver them freshly cut herbs.

Then you can even process the harvest that you can’t sell immediately. Dry herbs and place the in decorative jars to sell. Make a unique kind of herbal vinegar or oil to wow your friends. Make herb sachets filled with aromatic potpourri. The things that you can make will be preserved for nearly half a year and that will give you a lot of time to peddle your wares. You can even save money by giving it away as a gift. Giving your products away as a gift serves the purpose of having people sample your products. Make sure to label it properly so they know how to find you and make their orders.

So are you ready for this business venture that has enormous expansion potential? Are you sure you know how to do everything that was mentioned above? If you want to succeed having an herb business, it can be done with learning how to grow an herb garden and the many uses of herbs so that your investment can be maximized.

There are many benefits to growing your own countertop herb garden: health, physical, mental and monetary to name a few. But perhaps the one you will notice the most is the convenience of snipping off a few needed herb sprigs or leaves that grow within arms reach for your daily cooking.

Growing your own herbs at home on your countertop allows you to provide your family culinary delights without added pesticides or chemical fertilizers. You can control the soil conditions, the growing methods and ensure the healthiest solution for your family’s food. You know where your herbs have come from, who has handled them as they go from your kitchen countertop herb garden to your pot, pan or dish. After all, what is the point of trying to cook healthily when you add herbs or vegetables that have been grown with dangerous pesticides or fertilizers?

Seasoned gardeners already know the mental and physical benefits of herb gardening as well. It provides an outlet for stress with its relaxing and meditative qualities. Watching a seed go through germination, to seedling to plant and cultivating and tending the process leaves a very rewarding and accomplished feeling. Having your herb garden conveniently located on your countertop makes this process easier. When you come home from a stressful day at work you can relax by watering, pruning or harvesting and drying your countertop herbs.

Shopping for the fresh herbs you need for a new recipe can be difficult. You can’t always find what you are looking for and may have to drive to two or more stores on your quest for herbs for one night’s dinner. When you have several of the herbs you use the most and a few less popular ones for ‘sometimes’ growing right in your kitchen in your countertop herb garden you won’t have to worry about last minute shopping.

Another important benefit of growing your own countertop herb garden is the cost savings on your grocery bill. Fresh and dried herbs can be very expensive. What if you only need a few tablespoons or a quarter cup of chopped parsley or basil? The bundles grocery stores sell their herbs in are often so large that the herbs wilt and go bad before you have the chance to use them up. If you shop organic to avoid the use of pesticides on fresh herbs, the costs are even higher. When you grow your own herbs and snip only the stems or leaves you need and leave the plant to continue to grow and thrive you will always have the freshest herb possible for your food.

Using fresh, organic herbs in your cooking provides your family with many vitamins and nutrients which help the body’s metabolism and immune system. Herbs have many healing properties which aid the different body systems in becoming stronger and healthier.

With so many rewarding and beneficial reasons to grow your own herbs it makes sense to plant a countertop herb garden today. It is an inexpensive hobby and requires little time but pays off with many healthful, physical and monetary rewards.

What do cohosh and buttercups have in common? They are both members of the large plant family known as Ranunculaceae. That is, however, where their similarities end. cohosh herb has the Latin botanical name of Cimicifuga racemosa, and may also go by the common names of black bugbane or black snakeroot. Black cohos has also been used in traditional herbal medicine for many purposes.

Black cohosh, from which is made cohosh extract as well as black cohosh capsules, grows native in the East Coast states of the United States. It is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows from a rhizome, and it is the root that is typically sold by herbal merchants today. It produces large leaves and a tall stem full of white flowers summer through fall that release a sweet fragrance. The plant grows well in part-shade conditions typically found in light woodland settings, along with moist soil.

In herbal medicine, black cohosh root has been used in a variety of ways. It was used to treat painful menstruation as well as menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. It was also used to reduce inflammation in joints and cuts, as well as for treating rheumatism perhaps due to the salicylic acid it contains. It may help to reduce muscle spasms, and may have an astringent effect. It may increase urine flow and may cause perspiration. Coughing may be induced by black cohosh capsules. It may also reduce blood pressure and bring on sleep.

Black capsules as well as black cohosh extract may be available from better online dried herb suppliers in organic versions. Organic herbs, including black cohosh capsules, are grown using no synthetic chemicals including fertilizers and pesticides. The ground upon which the plants grow cannot have had chemicals used on it for several years prior to organic plant production commences. Non-organic crops must also be kept completely separate from organic ones, and the farms producing the plants need to keep an audit trail and are subject to on-site inspections by authorizing agencies. Organic products such as black cohosh extract must meet United States Department of Agriculture as well as the National Organic Program guidelines, after which they can then be certified organic by certifying agencies.

As with any herbal product, common sense is advised when taking these herbs. cohosh herb in large portions is poisonous and may cause problems with the nerves. Pregnant women should avoid black cohosh extract and other forms of the herb because it can cause abortion.

Lobelia (officially lobelia inflata), alias Indian tobacco, was a common herb prescribed by early North American doctors. Its main use was in healing respiratory ailments, such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and coughs. The plant stem, which has only a few branches, is smooth above while the lower part is rough and hairy. The lower leaves, which are about two inches in length, have stalks, while the upper, smaller ones do not. The pale green or yellowish leaves have a sharp taste and a slightly irritating odor. The sparse flowers are pale violet-blue outside and pale yellow inside.

Lobelia consists of various alkaloids, a bitter glycoside (lobelacrin), a pungent volatile oil (lobelianin), resin, gum, chelidonic acid and fats. The alkaloid lobeline is its main ingredient and namesake. Others include lobelidine, lobelanine, nor-lobelaine, lobelanidine, nor-lobelanidine, and isolobenine, as well as fourteen pyridine alkaloids.

Lobeline works much like nicotine in its effect on the central nervous system but without the addictive properties. In fact, it is a main ingredient of many quit smoking treatments. Lobeline acts as a relaxant overall and is used to treat spastic colon and muscle problems. It also dilates the bronchioles, thereby increasing respiration and helping the lungs.

Lobelia’s main use is in treating respiratory problems like bronchitis and pneumonia. It stimulates the adrenal glands to release the hormone epinephrine, which causes the airways to relax. Lobelia is a strong relaxant and clears obstructions. It relaxes the stomach (a common problem in asthmatic children) as it dilates the bronchial passages. In fact, many people have used it to stop asthma attacks in place of inhalants.

Other practical ways to use lobelia’s qualities include these. Rub lobelia tincture or extract on the shoulders of a restless child; this is an excellent way to help him go to sleep. Rub the extract on the gums of a teething baby. Take it internally to expel mucus, remove congestion from the stomach, and to encourage the flow of oxygenized blood. A poultice can be applied for ringworm, bruises, and insect bites. Catnip and lobelia enemas are good for treating mumps in males. As a sedative it is said to rank somewhere between veratrum and aconite.

Use lobelia to treat laryngitis in children and for barking coughs. Ellingwood recommended lobelia for the following pathologies: “spasmodic asthma, spasmodic croup, membranous croup, infantile convulsions, whooping cough, puerperal eclampsia, epilepsy, tetanus, hysterical paraxysms, diphtheria, hysterical convulsions, tonsillitis, pneumonia,” among others.

Lobelia is available for internal use as a dried herb, in a liquid extract form, and as tinctures. Externally, it is available in ointments, lotions, suppositories, and plasters. You can make a tea by mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the dried herb with eight ounces of water. Then let it steep for 30 to 40 minutes. Take two ounces of this four times a day but, be warned, many think it tastes awful! Take .6 to 2 ml of the tincture each day. This is based on a 150 pound adult. Adjust dosage for children proportionately.

Lobelia is considered a potentially toxic herb. Special care is advised when using it. Signs of lobelia poisoning may include weakness, heartburn, weak pulse, difficulty breathing, and collapse. People with high blood pressure, heart disease, tobacco sensitivity, paralysis, and seizure disorder should not take lobelia. Lobelia is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lobelia can be an aggressive emetic, even in relatively small doses if the system is highly toxic. The resulting nausea and vomiting, though unpleasant, will be beneficial to the patient.

Though this article has covered many of the benefits of the Lobelia herb, more are detailed on our website at More Than Alive. Visit us today and learn how bulk herbs can make a profound impact on the health of your whole body.