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Herbs for Healthful Living

Living closer to nature is a necessary part of our healing, especially in a world that grows concrete and pavement. Our senses are assaulted with toxic fumes. Our peace and equilibrium is shattered by the hectic pace of modern life. Many of us are living in survival mode. Our nervous and immune systems crave for balance. How do we live closer to nature, especially if we live in a high rise in the middle of a city? Grow a " Spa Garden" ! You can enjoy nature inside your home all year long, on the balcony, or in your garden.

Herbs have been used throughout all of history. Our senses can be revitalized, our nervous system nourished and fed and our immune system strengthened by growing and using herbs. Our sense of smell is awakened by the release of oils. The aroma of lemon verbena delights and lifts the spirit and relaxes the nervous system. Five lemon verbena leaves in a cup of boiling water steeped for ten minutes makes a delicious aromatic tea, and helps us sleep. It also makes a beautiful house plant that doesn’t require a green thumb to grow.

Herbs connect us with all the elements of nature. The element of water is taken in as herbal tea, the air element through the sense of smell, the fire element through the cooking with herbs and the earth element in the chemical constituents that work synergistically to heal the body. Every aspect of our life can be filled with the joyful expression of nature. Herbs make our food more flavourful and alive. Pure oils extracted from herbs enhance our bath, soaps and cosmetics and promote health. Sleep pillows bring relaxing rest. Herbs are natural safe healers when used correctly.

Growing a spa garden is easy, inexpensive and fun. These can be planted on rooftops, in window boxes, on patios, indoors or in gardens. Herbs can be grown from seed, however, plants are readily available and offer instant results. Some herbs grow well indoors. Rosemary makes a great pot herb. It grows very well throughout the winter indoors, and then can be placed outdoors in the summer in the same container. If you have the space, grow three pots of the same plants allowing the plants to recover as you rotate their use. Here are examples of four popular and useful herbs to grow. These herbs are very safe to use, unless there is an allergy involved.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a highly scented herb. Stroke the leaves to release the oils. Smelling the aroma on the hands brings deep relaxation through the olfactory nerves and assists memory. This plant is a must in our stressed lifestyle. The leaves can be infused as a tea for colds, indigestion, nausea, fatigue, headache and rheumatic pain. Rosemary leaves steeped for 20 minutes with equal parts of nettle leaves and strained is used as a final hair rinse. This will strengthen the roots and keep hair from falling out, resulting in shinier, healthier hair.

This Mediterranean shrub is considered a tender perennial and can winter outdoors in temperatures slightly below freezing. It thrives on light, well-drained soil. Rosemary can be planted in an oversized pot, 12 inches in diameter, and brought indoors to a sunny but not overly warm location over the winter. Mist twice a week and do not over water, nor allow it to dry out completely. If you are not using the leaves regularly, prune by half before setting it outside. Protect Rosemary from pests by wiping the leaves with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol, or spray with insecticidal soap. Do not use for 24 hours.

Potatoes halved or quartered, generously sprinkled with rosemary leaves, drizzled with olive-oil and oven roasted are delicious! Rosemary compliments chicken, turkey, pork and lamb.

Peppermint

Refreshing peppermint tea is a must for any digestive disturbance including nausea. Menthol as one of its ingredients, eases muscle pain, relieves headaches, soothes itchy skin and reduces fever. Peppermint has strong properties that protect us from micro-organisms and fungal infections.

Used internally, it can relieve bowel spasms and pain such as irritable bowel syndrome. It also eases burping and relieves gas build-up. The best form used for this is the oil in an enteric coated capsule one half hour before eating, up to six capsules daily. Always start slowly and build up gradually. For freshening the breath, use one drop of pure peppermint oil on the tongue or chew on a peppermint leaf. Use the oil externally for skin irritations. The oil is delightful for a refreshing and stimulating bath and soothe sore muscles. Branches of fresh mint can be vigorously swished in a bathtub for a fragrant bath. The leaves can be added to salads, dressings and marinades. Garnish soups and stews with fresh mint leaves .

Mint is very easy to grow and there are many varieties to chose from, including lemon balm, a member of the mint family. Mint is a survivor and will take over a garden space. Grow in containers or tubs, and be sure to cut the flowers before they seed.

Lavender

Lavender has been used by ancient civilizations. Its name is derived from Latin lavare, meaning "to wash". It is a sensuous herb, filling the senses with its oil as perfume, cosmetics and potpourri. Placed in drawers it acts as a pleasant moth repellent, placed in notepaper as blossoms, it delights its recipient. Lavender oil massaged gently into the temples relieves stress, induces sleep and relieves headaches. The oil is safe to use undiluted right on the skin. It relieves burns and speeds up healing; it has antiseptic properties and protects us from infection. For gas, bloating and indigestion try lavender blossom tea. It can be added to bathes along with rosemary and peppermint. Culinary use includes lavender blossoms as a flavouring in desserts such as cookies and ice-cream and soups. If you are purchasing lavender blossoms, make sure they haven’t been treated with a toxic synthetic oil to enhance their aroma.

Lavender makes an excellent companion plant for roses. This Mediterranean plant grows well in our harsh climate as long as it is protected with mulch in the winter. Most nurseries carry hardy varieties. When in bloom, it displays stunning beauty with its silver-gray leaves and purple blossoms.

Chamomile

Roman Chamomile (Tanacetum parthenium) and German chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla L.) are the two species commonly grown in our climate. Both make a beautiful garden display of white petals with yellow button centres. The active ingredient of chamomile is azulen, the blue oil. Chamomile tea is considered the remedy for children for colds, fevers, tummy aches and diarrhea. It calms the nervous system and promotes restful sleep. Using a chamomile tea bag steeped in boiling water and cooled to room temperature and placed over the eyes reduces redness and puffiness around the eyes. Chamomile is popular in Europe, especially for eczema and psoriasis when applied topically because of its anti-inflammatory properties. The oil is used in natural cosmetics to preserve the skin and reduce wrinkles.

Chamomile grows easily by seed. Plants growing near chamomile always do better. It loves full sun and light moist soil. Use the blossoms as a tea. With dry tea, use one teaspoon per cup of boiling water and steep for 15 - 20 minutes. With fresh herbs, use up to four times the amount.

Rejuvinating Bath Mixture

Holistique - please submit any questions or comments to:  shakti1@rogers.com