LAVENDER

Hello! Today, I want to cover what is possibly the world's favorite healing herb: LAVENDER! I really don't think this one needs any introduction; so I will start right in!

LAVENDER lavandula officinalis
Family/Class: Labiatae (mint)
Habitat: The Alps, Arabia, Europe (in general).
Flavor: Pungent/Bitter
Parts Used: Flower, leaves.
How To Grow It: According to Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs, lavender flourishes in Zones 5 through 8. It loves a sunny, warm bed and well-drained soil. If you're planning on growing several lavender plants like I am, be sure to space each plant at least 12 - 24 inches apart.
Method Of Medicine: Lavender can be infused in oils, teas, and baths (just for starters), aromatherapy via essential oils, made into a tincture, used as a poultice, and even powdered down and put in pill form! Lavender can be used in so many forms because it's quite a safe herb to consume, whether internally or externally. One note of caution from Gladstar, however, was for those who are pregnant to avoid using lavender internally in large amounts.

And, now, the good part!
Lavender's Healing Properties:

• Antibiotic
• Antidepressant
• Antifungal
• Calms the nerves
• Calms the body
• Helps respiratory problems
• Cleans and speeds healing of small wounds (poultice)
• Headache/Migraine relief (combined with feverfew)
• Essential oil (of lavender) rubbed on the feet and/or back of mothers in labor provides calming and, consequentially, strength to keep going.

I use lavender essential oil almost every day--usually in the shower because it smells great once the water's hot enough to steam, and then I smell great once I get out of the shower! Like everyone knows, lavender is super relaxing and can calm some of the worst anxieties. I'm a little prone to panic attacks, which is why I bought lavender essential oil in the first place, and because of my regular lavender showers, I haven't had a full attack for over a year. I've also noticed that it helps to smudge a bit under my nose anytime I start to freak--that and meditation. I love my lavender essential oil and recommend that everyone keeps a bottle next to their shower!
Another solution I've found for impending panic attacks is lavender, chamomile tea. My favorite coffee house serves the best lavender, chamomile tea; so I like to go and get my fix whenever I'm feeling a little bit edgy (also brings me down from that damn coffee panic attack that always happens when I drink it too fast). Try it with a bit of honey when you need something comforting and calming before continuing your day.

TURMERIC

For my first entry back, I've decided to cover one of my favorite plants/spices to cook with: TURMERIC! I mix a bit of this golden powder in with nearly every dish I make, especially stir-fries. Because it's virtually tasteless, it's easy to add to anything--just as long as you're ok with your food having a slightly yellow tint.

When I went to research this particular plant, I found that there are many different types of plants that can go by the name turmeric; so I referenced the book where I originally read about it--Medicinal Herbs, A Beginner's Guide by Rosemary Gladstar (highly recommended)--and found that what I'm looking to research goes by the name curcuma longa.

Turmeric is native to Indonesia and southern India, which means it may be a difficult plant to nurture in colder climates. Gladstar, however, says that turmeric can thrive in a potted situation, so long as the pot is a large one. Be sure to keep the growing turmeric in a sunny window, shallowly buried in rich, moist soil.

Health benefits found in TURMERIC include (but are not limited to):

• Remedy for jaundice and other liver problems
• Eases gallbladder disorders
• Powerful anti-inflammatory
• Stronger acting than hydrocortisone, according to Medicinal Herbs
• Protects against Alzheimer's disease
• Prevents and can put a halt to cancers:
• Colon (with the help of onions)
• Prostate (with the help of cauliflower)
• Leukemia in children
• Regulates blood pressure
• Keeps a person regular (personal findings)

Eating foods with turmeric cooked into them is an absolute joy. My body can always feel it when I feed it something this nourishing!

You can find TURMERIC in the spice aisle of any grocery store, though I'm sure there are more potent options over others. As always, be sure to do your research before seeking out more potent options, as they may have a more dramatic effect on your body. Turmeric, however, is considered a reliably safe spice to ingest (just don't eat copious amounts of it in one sitting).

If I've missed something or you have a question, please feel free to contact me, either through the comments section below or facebook. I'm always happy to continue the discussion! I will, of course, be adding to this as I learn more. Have a great night!

I'm Back!

Hello, everyone!

I have been slacking quite badly on adding to this blog, and I apologize for that. A lot has changed in my life since I started this blog. It's taken some time to regain my comfort in my present situation. Anyway, I plan on posting a lot more in the coming weeks. Every Tuesday, I have planned a different herb to cover. I really want to buckle down on this so I can really start grasping how herbs work and how I can use them--and, of course, share all my findings with you, my readers!

I'm also planning on starting a garden this spring, so I'll be adding my progress (and possibly pictures) as I plan it out, choose which plants I want to grow, and slowly learn to grow them (I'm learning how to have a green thumb, right now).

Finally, I have also been making my own cleaning and beauty products with natural ingredients. I plan on sharing recipes that I find work well and are as inexpensive as possible (we love inexpensive in my house!).

So, you will hear from me again tomorrow! Until then, have a great day!