Get ready for the cold

Basil

Plant it now 

Rosemary

During the summer there is so much to do outside in the sunshine.  The grass is green, the flowers are blooming and we work, for some, to have the perfect yard.  Why should it stop when the weather gets colder.  Having fresh herbs in the house during the winter time can bring spice into your life and can help keep you in a positive frame of mind.

Right now, you may get herbs at a reduce price at your local gardening center.  Last fall I went found some great deals on many of the herbs that we can use every day.  There can also be some of the pots, potting mixes and gravel or pea pebbles (for drainage in some of the closed bottomed containers).  Take a trip to the resale shops as well for the nicer containers to decorate your home with a little more flare.  It can be fun and very fulfilling to enjoy that little bit of green around your home.

For many years in human history plants have been very helpful not just for spices but certain types of homeopathic remedies to help the body heal from certain ailments.  Many medications that we now use in today's medicine had some association with a plant based product.  Many herbs are seed producing plants that die at the end of their growing season.  They can be used for their scents to help ailments and/or medicinal qualities within their leaves but how ever you use them always check and double check what they are and how they are used.  There are many great books out there and many can be found at discounted places such as a thrift store or the bargain book area of your local book store.  

You don't need just herbs, any plant will do

Herbal remedies, sometimes called botanical have been around for quite a long time.  In ancient India, about 10,000 B.C. to present old clay tablets were discovered in the area known now as the Middle East that mentions plants that had healing qualities.  Early writings called the Vedas were 4 books describing and identifying individual herbs that would correspond to the physiological action they had on an individual.  This was the start of the Ayurvedic medicine that Hindu religion developed into.

Further into history the ancient Asian cultures arose, from 5000 B.C. to present, that embraced the idea that one should seek balance with the natural forces around them to better ones life.  This worked with Chinese Taoism and bipolar medical systems, the opposing actions yin and yang. 

Since the month of October starts getting wet and cooler we will check out some great teas and a little extra info that have been used through the ages.

Dangerous types 

Always remember to go to a reputable store that sells herbal supplements and get educated before you start mixing some ingredients together.  Always check with your doctor to make sure no medications you are on will give you a  problem with your current health issues.  If you have never used herbal products before start slowly and make sure you do not have any reactions to them.  

St. Johns Wart can interfere with Beta blockers

Licorice root should not be used if you have high blood pressure

Dandelion or Ragweed - you could have an allergic reaction to this herb

Echinacea - using too often can cause skin irritations, itching or rash

Rosemary - may cause epileptic type fits or too much could cause poisoning

Remember to always:

• Check with your doctor
• Check with your pharmacist 
• Look for scientific research finding regarding what you want to try
• Always make sure that you understand whom the manufacturer is for the product.  There are many that can be made out of country.  Double check the contents and their reputability.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding there could be complications, so refer to the first point
• If you are younger than 18 or older than 65 there may be specific reasons that you should not use certain herbs.

Colds

Have some ginger tea or a ginger tonic wine. Use the tea if you have any problems with wine or the fermentation processing of it.

Ginger Tea

Hot water
Slices of ginger from the ginger root

• Add the ginger root to the hot water
• Seep for a little bit

Ginger Tonic wine 

Inexpensive white or red table wine
2 inch piece of ginger root

• Pour off about one to two ounces of wine from the bottle.
• Wash and cut 2 in pieces of ginger root into the wine
• Re-cork the bottle
• Place it in a dark place for about a week to 10 days
• Strain after it sits and clearly label the bottle

Drink it at first signs of a cold.

Fennel Tea & honey

This combination had been used by the ancient Egyptians to help shorten a cold.  Sometimes they would add one of the following: caraway seeds, anise seeds, cinnamon sticks or cloves.
The ancients Egyptians also would use garlic to help maintain good health.  Garlic was thought to be a vital antibacterial for a number of infections.

Sore Throats

One of the oldest know remedies
 for a sore throat remedies is the use of salt mixed with water.

1 teaspoon of salt

8 oz  glass of water

Rosemary

Rosemary is one of the easiest to get and grow in your home.  This herb is very durable for those of use that don't have a green thumb.  Here are a few tips to help you thought this hectic time of season.

There is so much going on at the beginning of the school year so sit back and enjoy a treat with some Rosemary tea.  This can help comfort your thoughts and help to refresh your memory.

Basil

This herb is pretty great for many culinary dishes.  Warm spaghetti is very helpful during the crisp days of fall.  As well as comfort food, basil can be used as a tea to help with pain from an insect stings and could help with insect repellent.

References:
Herbal supplements: What to know before buying them - Mayo Clinic Staff

Buchman, Dian Dincin. Ancient Healing Secrets: Practical Cures from Egypt, China, India, South America, Russia, Scandinavia, and More. New York: Black Dog & Leventhal, 2005. Print.  

Buchman, Dian Dincin. Herbal Medicine: The Natural Way to Get Well and Stay Well. London: Herb Society/Rider, 1983. Print. 

Davis, Patricia. Aromatherapy: An A-Z. Saffron Walden: C.W. Daniel, 2000. Print.