Cough Relief?

I confess I purchased my first nonherbal cough medicine the other day. Some store brand expectorant. I can't say why I took this plunge when I truly believe in the power of herbal expectorants. Here is a long list of those plants including some which I currently have in stock at home: Cedarwood oil, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Garlic, and Red Root. I have been drinking this tea of ginger, garlic, red root, osha, echinacea and lemon everyday for a week. The garlic has been great as an antimicrobial for all that mucus in my lungs. I've honestly never seen red root before until I started looking at images online. It has a very pretty flower.

[Image taken from anniesremedy.com]

 

 

Perhaps the reason why it's been so difficult for me to get over this cold/flu is because I don't have enough information. I realized this after reviewing these articles by Rosalee de la Foret. There are many ways of approaching the treatment of coughs that I hadn't considered. Such as the distinction between stimulating and relaxing expectorants. I have been taking a lot of ginger but I've had a dry, unproductive cough. Oh well.

 

The best part is what I will do next time. I've never made my own syrup or cough drops before and I shall try that. Something to look forward to.



What To Do With Dill Seed

I just cleared out a bunch of arugula plants from June and noticed the dill is going to seed. The plant is very large and so there will be a good harvest. I will probably harvest dill weed while I'm at it. What shall I do with all the abundance?

Dill, in the carrot family Apiaceae along with parsley, asafoetida, fennel and queen anne's lace (wild carrot) is carminative - helps relieve gas. These are known as being aromatic plants with hollow stems. Somehow this information makes dill pickling seem that much more cool. This wikipedia entry offers many recipe ideas for using dill among different cultures. I must try making Holy Ghost Soup soon, some kind of vegan version.

I like this website's little bits of anecdote. Dill pillows were placed in cribs to lull babies. A pouch of dill worn could lull one's heart and clear the mind. The plant outside our fence functions to protect our slumhouse, of course. According to herb-magic.com, if I soak the seeds for 3 days then take a dill bath with them I will improve the state of my love affairs. Hmmm...

In addition to being carminative, dill seed is said to be mildly antibacterial due to its volatile oils, and is compared to garlic. I do not believe I've seen dill seed essential oil sold in stores though. Dill seeds also contain antioxidant compounds, calcium and iron. A good plant source of iron is important to know. Here is more information about iron for vegan diets. Plenty of necessity in this plant.

What To Do With Dill Seed

I just cleared out a bunch of arugula plants from June and noticed the dill is going to seed. The plant is very large and so there will be a good harvest. I will probably harvest dill weed while I'm at it. What shall I do with all the abundance?

Dill, in the carrot family Apiaceae along with parsley, asafoetida, fennel and queen anne's lace (wild carrot) is carminative - helps relieve gas. These are known as being aromatic plants with hollow stems. Somehow this information makes dill pickling seem that much more cool. This wikipedia entry offers many recipe ideas for using dill among different cultures. I must try making Holy Ghost Soup soon, some kind of vegan version.

I like this website's little bits of anecdote. Dill pillows were placed in cribs to lull babies. A pouch of dill worn could lull one's heart and clear the mind. The plant outside our fence functions to protect our slumhouse, of course. According to herb-magic.com, if I soak the seeds for 3 days then take a dill bath with them I will improve the state of my love affairs. Hmmm...

In addition to being carminative, dill seed is said to be mildly antibacterial due to its volatile oils, and is compared to garlic. I do not believe I've seen dill seed essential oil sold in stores though. Dill seeds also contain antioxidant compounds, calcium and iron. A good plant source of iron is important to know. Here is more information about iron for vegan diets. Plenty of necessity in this plant.

Herbal Care for Depression

Many women in my family, and friends I know have been dealing with seasonal or chronic depression for some time. Most people are familiar with St Johns Wort as a supreme herbal treatment for depression. AltMedicine on About.com says studies show the plant works better than a placebo. My friend recently stated St Johns Wort is off limits to her because it can't mix with her pharmaceutical meds. So I was like, I'm gonna look into that. This website talks a little about those potential complications: http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/herbs-for-depression.html (though it doesn't say exactly why, however, this website lists these side-effects: increased sensitivity to sunlight, dryness of mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, confusion and sedation.)
Of course there are so many products available in herb stores. But consider concocting your own tea based on these herbs (satisfy your unique composition of tastes and smells!) - listed on herbal-supplement-resource

• False Unicorn - (Chamaelirium luteum)
• Thyme - (Thymus vulgaris)
• Mugwort - (Artemisia vulgaris)
• Fennel - (Foeniculum vulgare)
• Yerba Mate - (Ilex paraguariensis)
• Yellow Dock - (Rumex crispus)
• Vervain - (vervain-herbs.html)
• Wormwood - (Artemisia absinthium)
• Self Heal - (Prunella vulgaris)
• Borage - (Borago officinalis)
• Sweet Orange - (Citrus sinensis)
• Sweet Basil - (Ocimum basilicum)
• Blessed Thistle - (Cnicus benedictus)
• Bergamot - (Citrus bergamia)
• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
• Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)
• Skullcap (Scutilaria lateriflora)

Many of those herbs are also available in essential oil form, which is a strong way to infuse yourself in your bedroom. Some herbs are pricey-er than others. Thyme or Sweet Orange are relatively budget-friendly. Grow Thyme, Fennel and Borage in your garden!!! (We have some volunteer Borage plants in the community center garden right now)

Other websites recently sent my way:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/30604-care-loved-ones-anxiety-/
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/living_depressed_person.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00016/NSECTIONGROUP=2
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/how-to-help-a-stressed-or-depressed-loved-one/