News
Herbal Gleanings
'Weeds in Your Garden' a monthly series on useful plants that you can encourage to grow in veggie or flower beds.
WHY OH WHY......
does spring gardening season arrive when we are so out-of-shape from sitting around all winter?????
Many herbs are readily available to help you ease the pain of sore muscles, without the side effects of steroids and anti-inflammatory medicines. Herbal medicine is not a 'quick fix' because good herbal medicine works slowly to heal the underlying problem, rather than to mask the pain. However, with some patience, you may find great relief.
You may want to try making a tea out of the herbs listed below. Use two tablespoons of chopped fresh herb or one tablespoon of dried herb to 1 cup of simmering water. Add the herbs, turn the heat off, and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Add honey to sweeten if you wish.
ECHINACEA
(Purple Cone Flower): The anti-inflammatory compound hyaluronic acid, found in this herb helps to 'lubricate' your joints, as well as reducing inflammation.
FEVERFEW, CHAMOMILE, LAVENDER, MARJORAM AND SAINT JOHN'S WORT:
these easily-grown herbs relieve inflammation for many people. also relieve inflammation.
SORE MUSCLE SALVE:
Want to make a nice salve to rub on your sore muscles? Coarsely chop one cup of any combination of the above fresh herbs. (If using dried herbs, use 2/3 cup of herbs.) Put these in a clear glass jar (canning jars work great for this), and add 2 cups of olive oil. Cap tightly and place the jar in a sunny window. Shake the jar daily for 3 weeks. Strain out the herbs, and you have a nice infused oil which can also be used, just as it is, to massage those sore muscles.
To thicken the oil into a salve, melt 2 ounces of beeswax into the oil. Pour into clean jars, cap tightly when cooled. Then, apply whenever you have sore muscles. Store in a cool place, and your salve should last about one year. Be sure to label the jars with the combination of herbs that you used, so you can repeat this next year!
SPRING ALLERGIES BUGGING YOU?
Try making a tea out of some natural herbal antihistimines: Chamomile, Peppermint, Anise, & Feverfew. For some extra power and zip, grate in 1/4 teaspoon fresh ginger root (or 1/8 teaspoon dried ginger). You can make up bunches of this from the dried herbs, too, and store in a clearly labeled jar. Then use 1 teaspoon of the mixture to 1 cup of simmering water. Let steep for 5 minutes (the ginger root takes longer to infuse), strain and drink. Sweeten with honey if desired.
Herbal Hydrotherapy
Cathy Manus-Gray, Herban Gardens
Anyone who has heard me speak or attended one of my classes knows that I'm a big advocate of the joys and benefits of the bath. While hydrotherapy does include baths it is any treatment that uses water as the therapeutic tool.
Baths have been used therapeutically for centuries. The ancient Egyptians used aromatic oils and fragrances in their baths. They were also the first to make soap from the soapwort plant.
The Romans also liked to bathe in scented water. Roman physicians prescribed cold-water cures and sweating treatments for illnesses.
In time, the practice of Roman bathing was considered decadent and eventually was deemed as unacceptable. Not until the 18th century did bathing become popular again.
Spas and the use of water as an aid to health brought bathing back into fashion. People sought the healing waters of hot springs such as those found in Arkansas.
Today we are fortunate to be able to create a spa in our home. Taking time out of busy lives provides the opportunity for relaxation and renewing the mind, body, and spirit. The gentle buoyancy of water relieves us of the burden of gravity, freeing us to float in that perfect protected space we knew before we were born to air. (Rituals for the Bath, Kathy Corey & Lynne Blackman).
Recipes to Relaxation
The following recipe is one that is a simple, relaxing bath for use after a long day.
1/2 cup Epsom salts
1/2 cup coarse sea salt
4 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops of clary sage essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a glass bowl. Run the bath water then add the mixture. Lavender essential oil is relaxing and used for insomnia, anxiety, tension, and fatigue. Clary sage is good for muscular fatigue, exhaustion, and insomnia. It is also calming and reduces stress. **Do not use clary sage during pregnancy.
Bath Temperatures
Cold baths, less than 75 degrees F, constrict blood vessels and used to reduce swelling.
Warm baths, 90 to 98 degrees F, are the most soothing and are best for cleansing.
Hot baths in water 100 to 104 degrees F, eliminate body toxins and muscle soreness. (From Rituals for the Bath).
Therapeutic Seaweed Bath
1/2 cup seaweed powder
1 drop rosemary, 1 drop lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon almond or sunflower cosmetic oil blended in a small glass bowl un a warm bath and add the seaweed powder and the blended oils. Soak for 20 minutes. Rinse off the residue with clean, warm water. **If you use whole seaweed, place it in cheesecloth or a piece of muslin so it does not clog the drain.
Choosing a seaweed: Bladderwrack is softening to the skin, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying; Kombu is rich in vitamin and mineral salts. It stimulates circulation, improves skin tone, and is detoxifying. (From: Bathing for Health, Beauty, and Relaxation by Eva Gizowska).
An Herbal Foot Bath
Treat your feet to a relaxing and soothing bath: Use 2 cups of fresh herbs or 1 cup of dried (for tired feet try lavender, sage, rosemary, or comfrey). Place the herbs in a 1-quart jar and pour boiling water over. Steep for 20 minutes. Then strain off the herbs and add the infusion to a foot basin or to a shallow bath in the tub. Soak feet for 10 minutes. Follow the soak by using a pumice stone to remove dry skin.
Cautions: Do not take a warm or hot bath when a fever is present. Consult a medical practitioner if varicose veins or circulatory or heart problems are an issue.
Cathy Manus-Gray is owner of Herban Gardens an oasis in the city of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. She offers workshops, classes, and presentations featuring creative uses of herbs. She writes the quarterly herbletter "Tales from Herban Gardens" that explores herbs through the seasons. For more information about Herban Gardens visit her website at
www.CathyAtHerbanGardens.com
© 2008 by Cathy Manus-Gray