ALOE VERA
Most common use: The juice from the plant is used as a topical treatment for sunburns and m
inor skin abrasions.
How to use it: Break off part of a leaf and apply the exuding gel to the affected area.
How to grow: Aloe vera is a native to tropical warm climate. However it is easy to grow and maintain in a pot and can even be kept indoors in a sunny window.
ECHINACEA
Most common use: believed to stimulate the immune system and protect against the common cold. It is also thought to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.
How to use: 2 - 3 tablespoons of dried leaves or 1 - 2 tablespoons of dried roots and steep in hot water to make tea. The leaves may be used at any time, it will take 2 - 3 years before the roots (which are more potent) will be ready to be harvested.
How to grow: the most medicinally one is Echinacea angustifolia, which has a higher concentration of chemically active compounds. Plant it in well-drained, sandy soil. The plant requires full sun and should be planted in early spring.
CHAMOMILE
Most common use: a calming herb, that is often used as mild sedative to control anxiety and insomnia. Also used for digestion problems and helps calm an upset or "nervous" stomach.
How to use: 4 - 5 tablespoons of dried flowers and steep in hot water for tea.
How to grow: plant in well-drained soil amended with compost where the plants receives morning sun. Water the plant regularly (it likes to stay moist).
LEMON BALM
Most common use: to treat insomnia, anxiety and digestive problems
Hot to use: 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in hot water for tea
How to grow: Plant seads in pots, the plants prefers moist soil, cut back regularly to keep from flowering. Full sun and afternoon shade works great for this plant.
CAYENNE PEPPER
Most common use: All types of chiles contain capsaicin, which stimulates digestion and helps absorb nutrients from food. It also stimulates circulation and blood flow and helps to relieve sinus congestion.
How to use: Head cold: make a tea with the juice from half a lemon, teaspoon of dried ginger and a pinch of dried cayenne - drink several times a day. Or just add chiles to your food.
How to grow: very easy to grow in full sun. Harvest the plants when they are fully grown (check the instructions that come with most plants). With chile-plants it really depends on the type.
ALOE VERA is really a good plant. My mother grows quite a lot at home. In China, aloe flavor of yogurt is very popular among women.
Posted by: SimpleGC | October 29, 2007 at 10:56 PM