Officially it is Salvia sclarea, but other common names are spearmint, mint, brown mint, garden mint, Our Lady’s mint, sage of Bethlehem, menthol mint, silver mint, spiremint. There are many different kinds of mint, including catnip, peppermint, apple mint,  orange mint, lavender mint. and Scotch spearmint. We are told the US produces 70% of the world’s mint supply, and Washington and Oregon are the leading producers.

Though spearmint is not as popular as peppermint, it does have its own unique flavor. Spearmint plant has a creeping root and unequally serrated and smooth leaves. It is a herbaceous plant with branching, quadrangular, smooth stems, that grow to 2 ft. high. The leaves are the only part of the plant used.

Spearmint is native to the Mediterranean region. Its history goes back thousands of years. In 1568, herbalist John Gerard Writing wrote of ‘spere mynte’, it “rejoiceth the heart…” The Bible mentions mint twice, in Matt. 23:23 and Luke 11:42. Both spoke of religious people tithing the tiniest of leaves. In the Middle Ages spearmint is mentioned as a strewing herb. It was scattered on the floor to get rid of rodents, to give health to those in the house, and to add a beautiful scent. Spearmint made its way to America during the Colonial period. Because mint was not taxed by the English government, it soon became a popular tea substitute during the American Revolution. After the war, spearmint became a significant cash crop in Connecticut. During the American Civil War when imported black tea was hard to get, spearmint’s popularity flourished. It was used to help purify drinking water and as a cleansing tonic. They used spearmint to treat dog bites and wasps and bee stings by mixing salt and mint and applying it directly to the wound.

Spearmint contains volatile oil, the flavonoid thymonin, caffeic acid, rosmaric acid, carvone, and limonene. It also contains aromatic compounds that increase the production of digestive fluids and enzymes, relieve smooth muscle spasms, increase blood circulation, promote sweating, relieve pain and are antiseptic. Spearmint contains astringent compounds that shrink inflamed tissues. It has been used to treat indigestion, morning sickness, nausea, menstrual cramps, flatulence, muscle aches, flu, and vomiting. Ice cubes of mint tea are useful to promote healing and to soothe the pain of canker sores.

Externally the application of a strong decoction of spearmint will heal chapped skin. Spearmint can be inhaled to relieve tension headache and to revive memory. Sugary juices can be diluted with herbal teas such as mint.

Some women face a condition called hirsutism. This is excessive hair growth in areas where hair normally does not grow. Spearmint reduces the level of free testosterone in the blood through its anti-androgenic properties. At the same time it leaves total testosterone and DHEA unaffected. Women with hirsutism should drink a cup of spearmint tea in the morning and evening for the five days of the follicular period (the five days leading up to ovulation) of each menstrual cycle.

What is the recommended dosage of spearmint? For a decoction: mix 2 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water. Steep 10 min. Do not boil. Strain.  For an infusion: mix 2 tsp dried leaf in one cup water. Steep for 10 min. Do not boil. Strain. For a bath decoction: mix 3 tbsp. dried leaf in one cup water and follow the above directions. There are no known side effects to spearmint. It is safe and useful for children.  Use it for relief in colic and congestion for the gentle menthol content is warming and relaxing to the esophagus. Spearmint has a mild  anesthetic effect to the mucous membranes of the stomach and can thus ease motion sickness and help restore the appetite.

Spirulina does not have roots, leaves, or stems as most herbs do. But spirulina does contain chlorophyll and performs photosynthesis. Spirulina also creates proteins and sugars as animals do.

The Aztecs of Mexico ate it as a staple food. They dried it and spread it on tortillas. Africans of the Sahara region also use dried spirulina with grains and vegetables. Around the world, spirulina is used as a food source for animals and humans.

Spirulina contains antioxidants that enhance the immune system. It is highly nutritious and is an excellent source of protein, chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. For example, it has 26 times the calcium of milk. It also contains phosphorus, B12, iron, and is easily digested. It is a safe food with no side effects and is easy to store. In fact, it has been called the “Manna of the future.” It is used to treat anemia, cataracts, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, glaucoma, hepatitis, and physical imbalances. It also aids weight loss.

As an immune system builder, spirulina appears to increase production of interferons and interleukins, both anti-inflammatory chemicals. These may decrease or prevent some allergic responses and block the release of histamine during an allergic reaction. This in turn decreases histamine’s effects such as muscle contraction, blood vessel expansion, and stomach acid production.

Spirulina appears to block the entrance of virus cells into host cells. HIV and several other viruses are apparently killed or damaged by spirulina. Spirulina’s antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties mentioned above may aid in fighting cancer. Spirulina also helps to release something called tumor necrosis factor alpha which is a chemical in the body that attacks tumor cells.

Spirulina contains all the essential amino acids we need and most of the nonessential ones. It also is extremely high in vitamins and minerals, as noted above. Spirulina is 85% protein, compared with just 20% in beef. In short, Spirulina is an exceptionally potent nutrient. NASA officially stated, “The Nutritional value of one kg spirulina is equivalent to 1,000 kgs of assorted fruits and vegetables.”

You can purchase spirulina in tablets, capsules, and powder form. One tablespoon of spirulina powder is about 7 grams. Doses should be from one gram to ten grams a day. That is just about two teaspoons. For serious illnesses such as hepatitis four tsp per day are recommended. Consume as much as you want. It may be used as the primary source of protein. Some even like to make smoothies with Spirulina. Others just sprinkle it on their food like seasoning. Spirulina powder can be added to fruit or vegetable juices or to add nutrition to dishes. It is tasty in pasta, soups, salads, or mixed with yoghurt. Just remember this: spirulina is most nutritious uncooked.

Herbs: Vinegar, Tea and Olive Oil

Vinegar will be a great alternative you can mix it with herbs. And the preparation can be done by putting it in the normal size of jar, then cover it with apple cider vinegar. You have to shake the jar once in a day during twenty-one days. After that, you have to remove the herbs and keep the liquid for later use. Vinegar is stronger than tea, so please not to use it too much. A teaspoon is the most suitable dosage you should take, or it can be adapted with your own requirements.

Compression and fomentation are the two other ways to use these wonderful organics. Wanna choose one of those preparations? You should take a cloth that has already been dipped in herbal tea (warm) and then this cloth should be applied to your body externally.

Besides, herbs can be used by moistening or wrapping it in the clean cloth and then applied from the outside. It is also possible to choose to apply ointments in which an herbal tea or extract or mixture of vinegar is mixed with salve and again applied from the outside.

You will soon ask about is there another way to use herbs. In fact, many people use it in several different ways. In this case, everybody has their own belief that certain way will be the most suitable one for them. Another way to use herbs is by putting it in jars and covered with some olive oil and this mixture can then be put somewhere that is warm. This oil mixture can be applied externally, and you have to remember that the internal use is never acceptable. The Chinese herbs are the widely trustable as the great thing for fertility.

The next ways to use herbs are pouring it in your bath tube and also use it as syrups. It will be good to prevent the adverse reactions by taking a tiny dose usage. In this case, you have done a good anticipation to avoid the bad reaction. And then, please pay attention as well to the period of using herbs. The overuse of these plants substances over the certain period of time has been proven to be detrimental indeed, thus you have to be watchful of it.

Does that answer your question? For further explanation about herbs you can find the complete guide here!

There are two main categories natural remedies can be grouped into:

1. First there are natural healing remedies. These remedies are used for treatments for a wide range of health conditions such as problems with menopause, hypertension and back pain just to mentiion a few. In many cases these remedies will heal or at least contribute to the body’s own healing process.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t mean that you can get a guarantee that a certain remedy will work in your case. What I say is that certain remedies have proven to work for a certain number of people. You might need to try out several remedies before you find one that works well for you. That’s the only way you can know if they are something for you.

2. And the second is herbal supplements. These are remedies that have proved to contribute effectively to people’s general well-being, such as nutrients speeding up your metabolism for burning for example, burning fat, raising your energy level, strengthening your immune system as well as boosting your well-being and happiness.

Natural health remedies have a long history; many of them have actually been around for milleniums in Asia. Most of them were introduced some decades ago when New Age started to gain popularity and have now been utilized for treating numerous health conditions for quite some time now. Actually, it has grown to be a whole industry around alternative healing and herbal treatment and lots of knowledge has been collected through scientific studies and personal experience. What this means is that we can document the effects of a large number of natural remedies today.

Although alternative and natural treatment methods have not been common in our Western world very long, we have seen it used here with great success. What we also see is that more and more new natural remedies are launched in Europe and USA. Fortunately these remedies have been used in Asia for hundreds of years and many scientific studies have been conducted in Asia, thus sharing their knowledge of their working mechanism and efficiency with us. It’s good to know what already has worked successfully as healing aids for thousands of people before trying them ourself.

In the so called holistic approach to medicine, Natural health remedies have a central place, not only as healing agents but also a part of a healthy everyday life. The central philosophy of these alternative treatment approaches that natural remedies are parts of is that the way you live your life will determine your health. The remedies are help your body to mobilize it’s own healing abilities when it’s needed.

The licorice plant is obtained mainly from the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The dried plants can grow to over four feet. The plant has bluish purple and white flowers that resemble the blooms of the sweet pea. The licorice roots are cleaned, ground, and then boiled. The curdled, very strong tasting extract is dried again. This is again, along with natural flavors, dissolved in water and formed in molds.

Licorice has a long rich history. In ancient Greece and Rome, licorice was employed as a tonic and also as a remedy for colds, coughs, and sore throats. Licorice has been discovered in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, including that of Tutankhamen. The ancient Hindus believed it increased sexual vigor when prepared as a beverage with milk and sugar. As much as 3000 year ago the Chinese maintained that eating the root would give them strength and endurance and they prepared a special tea of it for use as a medicine. In North American folk medicine, licorice was used as a cough suppressant, expectorant, laxative, and treatment for various cancers. Native Americans used it to alleviate pain in difficult childbirth. Early pharmacists used it as a flavoring and sweetening agent in many of their syrups and lozenges. Today, licorice extracts are popular sweeteners in confections for diabetics and those suffering from hypoglycemia. Recently a sample of historic licorice from 756 A.D. was analyzed and found to retain its active ingredients. In Pontefract, Great Britain, they still celebrate a licorice harvest festival.

Generally, licorice is an immune system stimulant that is antibacterial. It not only has value in itself, but it causes other herbs to reach their full potential as well. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a substance that is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Glycyrrhizinic acid is more than just a sweetener though. It also seems to stop the growth of many bacteria and of viruses such as influenza A. It is especially useful for any mucous membrane infection, cancer, radiation treatment, general fatigue, or immune suppression.

Licorice extracts are used extensively as ingredients in cough drops, cough syrups, antismoking lozenges, tonics, laxatives, and other preparations. They are also used as flavoring agents to mask bad tastes in certain medicines. For this reason alone it is good to have around when children are sick.

Licorice is well known for its stimulus of estrogens, which means it helps during menopause. It is effective in dealing with both stomach and duodenal ulcers. It helps mucous membrane systems, and has a long history of use for upper respiratory infections. Licorice is effective in treating other problems such as (in alphabetical order) arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue, depression, colds and flu, coughs, dandruff, emphysema, fungal infections, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, heartburn, HIV, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, prostate enlargement, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendonitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, viral infections, and yeast infections.

Glycyrrhizin is not the only potent medication in licorice. Hundreds of other healing substances have been identified in licorice.  Some are flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). They stimulate and regulate the adrenal glands and the pancreas.  This helps control insulin. Licorice acts as a natural cortisone or as a cortisone substitute. Licorice helps injured voice muscles and improves the voice when hoarseness or throat damage occur. Licorice works for the good of the intestinal tract. It acts as a mild laxative. It also strengthens the heart and circulatory system.

Licorice makes an excellent tea and can be used as a tincture as well. Of course, it can be used in many other forms. For instance, it can easily be ground up, and used in capsules. It can also make other treatments more palatable. You can also add it to dishes in small amounts so as to add nutritional value to the dish without changing the flavor. So, if these things interest you, add licorice root to your diet and enjoy the benefits today!

In North America, Native Americans learned to use plantain to treat bites of all kinds. In fact, plantain was formerly used to heal the bites of “mad dogs, snakes, and venomous creatures.” A colonial American slave could win his freedom by teaching his master, at an urgent time, how to use plantain to cure rattlesnake bite. In 1710 an article was published, listing plantain leaf’s many benefits. The list sounded like it could have been written by a traveling medicine doctor as a promo for his elixir!

Take a few fresh leaves, crush or chew them, and see how quickly they stop the bleeding of an open wound or the pain and inflammation of bites and stings. Plantain can also be used to treat minor cuts and a wide range of skin disorders, including dandruff, eczema, or sunburn. Plantain is like a First Aid kit growing in the lawn! A cup of strong Plantain tea will calm indigestion, and the leaf will relieve the pain of a toothache. In Europe they endorse plantain as a treatment for bronchitis, sore throat, and cold symptoms.

Today, plantain has been acclaimed for its ability to relieve the effects of bee stings, insect and spider bites, and rashes caused by Poison Ivy or Stinging Nettles. Plantain, Jewelweed, and Hound’s Tongue are all called by Dr. Christopher “Nature’s erasers.” “Stand anywhere within sight of Poison Ivy, and look about. You will always see at least one of these plants, placed by the hand of God to come to your aid, if you should need it.” The fiber and mucilage from the seeds of the Plantago species are a primary source of fiber for millions of people worldwide. Plantain will also protect the body against tumors and help resist damage to the liver resulting from chemotherapy drugs.

Many commercial cosmetic creams and lotions list as an active ingredient a substance called allantoin that is found in plantain. It speeds wound healing, kills germs, and stimulates the growth of new skin cells.

Plantain heals on contact. Therefore it is essential for emergency situations such as stopping itching and/or bleeding, reducing inflammation, killing infection, etc. Along with cayenne, and comfrey, plantain should be kept close at hand in case of physical injuries.

A simple ointment, made with an olive oil, extract of fresh plantain, and a little beeswax makes a very effective treatment for skin ailments, including diaper rash. To soothe bug bites, eczema, poison ivy, or other minor skin irritations, rub fresh plantain leaves on the affected area. You can also make a soothing poultice of fresh, mashed leaves and a little cool water. Apply it to sunburns. Plantain is also available as a supplement in liquid extract and capsule form. The usual dosage for bronchial symptoms is one teaspoon of liquid extract three times a day, or up to 6,000 milligrams in capsules per day.

Plantain is both good for you and safe. Though some reaction to excessive amounts has been reported, there are no known reactions to normal use. Just remember to keep it cool or frozen to preserve its value.

There are a lot of different herbal remedies that chickweed herb is a part of. One of the most famous folk uses of chickweed was as a cure for obesity. Chickweed can help with weight loss because it acts as a diuretic and helps to keep people from feeling hungry. However, there are many other and better uses of chickweed herb besides as a weight loss aid.

One of the most useful uses for this herb is to bring down swelling and help lessen the pain a person is feeling. Many creams and ointments use this herb in order to help people suffering from a number of different skin conditions and ailments.

Chickweed can also decrease internal pain, swelling, and other conditions. If you want to try this you can either eat it as you would any other leafy green or you can make it into a tea and drink it. Chickweed herb can sometimes even stop bleeding in the stomach and the rest of the digestive system, and it will help to make an upset stomach feel better. Those with plaque or toxins in their blood could also get some help with their condition if they used this herb.

This herb might also be useful in treating or preventing a number of other illnesses, maybe even such things as cancer or heart disease. Sometimes chickweed herb can be used in place of prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs as a natural alternative. However, this should always be discussed with your doctor first because it isn’t safe to self diagnose and treat.

We shouldn’t keep overlooking this mild but effective treatment option. Also, because it is so common, it should not be difficult for one to obtain as much of it as he needs to cure whatever ails him. Another reason chickweed is overlooked is that its pollen is a common allergen. However, once chickweed is dried, it almost never causes allergy symptoms.

The disadvantages of this plant are pretty easy to get around, so it should be used more often. It is primarily a useful, natural alternative to many over-the-counter drugs for easing both external and internal pain and swelling, although it has many other applications as well.

The ancient Greeks recorded the use of St. John’s Wort over 2,000 years ago and gave the herb its name from an early Christian feast of St. John the Baptist. This feast takes place near the time when the plant blooms, in late June.

Mild-to-moderate depression and mild anxiety have been successfully treated by this star-shaped herb.

Although the herb has been used for centuries as an anti-depressant, its mood-altering qualities have been identified and researched only recently.

The active ingredient in St. John’s Wort that gives positive effects, is the reddish-purple extract located in the plant’s leaves and blooms called Hypericin. This extract can calm mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression, mild anxiety disorders, and some sleep disorders.

Recent studies have proven the functionality and success rate of St. John’s Wort. In one case, the herb gave 250% greater results than a placebo given to over 100 persons with depression. Another study showed 80% of over 3,200 people experienced significant improvement in their depression symptoms over a four-week period.

The British Medical Journal published an article in August of 1996 that analyzed 25 different studies which showed that St John’s Wort relieved symptoms just as much as many of the drugs out there without causing the side effects associated with these drugs - namely headache and vomiting.

In addition to its documented success as an anti-depressant, St. John’s Wort has also been used over the years in the remedy of fatigue, arthritis, nervousness, leg sciatica, and congestion; although specific studies have yet to be conducted to verify effectiveness.

So if you are suffering from any of the above ailments, try St. John’s Wort as a tea or as a cut herb and enjoy their life enhancing properties.

Well, you have to fix firstly where you are going to create your own herb gardens. You can create them indoors or outdoors. If you want indoors, that is okay. But if you have a big size of garden, outdoor can be a good choice to create herb gardens.

When do You Start?

The best place to begin is by taking a look around to see where herb gardens could possibly be created. If your space is small, why don’t you have more than one and make each one smaller? You can even use window boxes to grow herb gardens straight outside your kitchen window. This is ideal and has the advantage because it’s not only being close to the place where you prepare your dishes, but it also gives you an amazing aroma every time you open your kitchen window.

You can make herb gardens in common flower beds, but you should also be aware that some herbs can spread further and become more destructive than others. For instance, mint is especially persistent and should always be grown away from any other seeds. So, if you want to put it in a bed, make sure that you plant it inside a pot and sink the pot into the land first. By doing this, you will prevent it from strangling other plants and keep it inside its own little area.

Choosing Your Herbs

There are a number of varieties of choices when it comes to fix what your herb gardens are going to include. Try to do some study to see which herbs you like and which ones are the most flexible
as well.

Parsley, Chives, and Mints are fine staples that you must get in your herb gardens. They have a special flush and shape that distinguish from other herbs that likely to be all green color. That is why you must know how to mix them best, so you can see them in pretty arrangement every time. For example, it’s better for you to put Chives that are tall and straight at the back side. after all, if you have been very expert with herb gardens, you can definitely create the most beautiful herb gardens on your own.

Does that answer your question? For further explanation about herb gardens you can find the complete guide here!

Growing Herbs

Naturally, herbs are easy to plant, easy to care for, and easy to harvest. Most herbs liev like weeds, bloom even though you ignore, and nearly impossible to kill. even if you don’t have a green thumb, it is really likely that they grow. And also, herb gardening is fun!

If you are lucky to have a big enough space to plant an herb garden on, you are able to choose from fantastic varieties of herbs for your garden. You don’t require to have a very big garden plot to start herb gardening, but your plot should be in full sun for as long all day long if possible. Most herbs need full sun.

Herb Basket

If you want to have another fine alternative to start your herb gardening, you are able to strive to create an herb basket. You are able to go to herb local store or nursery and buy some varieties of fresh herbs. Take a look at the variety of herb’s height, their growth method, and their leaf flush. For example Basil that has green and purple leaves, you are able to have each one in your basket. Scratch five and nine herbs, relying on how large of your basket, in 2” or 4” pots.

Then, pick a flat-bottomed, low surface basket, and line it with a plastic shopping bag that has some slots in it for drainage. After that, fulfill the plastic-lined basket with potting soil, and put the herbs in the potting soil. Begin in the center with tall plants with a vertical habit in the center and spreading plants around the edge. Water the basket thoroughly and put it in full sun. Trim herbs as you require, and water the basket two or three times a week.

Herb Topiary

Topiary is the fine art of shaping plant material since it lives, often with the assist of a cable form. Several herbs like rosemary provide themselves particularly to apply in herb topiaries strongly. Herb gardening with topiaries is a subject position that attracts enthusiasts from entire world. Most states or county fair has contects for topiary art.

Herbs in Containers

Container herb gardening can be another fine idea to plant herbs. But, be sure that all herbs you have are obtaining enough sun. You are able to strive a south-facing window that is definitely adequate. Stay alert, since some herbs are able lose their energy when winter returns, or the daylight is over. So, strive to gain all herbs you need and need most for your herb gardening activity.

Are you still at sea of knowing more about herb gardening? Just look around and click the links your best answer herein!