4 Herbs to Grow Indoors for Your Health - Guest Post

Hi everyone!  Today we have a very special Guest Post from Marla @ Organic 4 Greenlivings

In many areas of the country the gardens have fallen prey to Winter's cold, but that doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy growing you own plants and foods. You can grow herbs right on your window sills. There are 4 that I especially find easy and extremely useful in many ways.

4 Herbs To Grow Indoors

1. Oregano --  It is great herb to cook with and is used in many Mediterranean dishes, is wonderful on roasted chicken, stews, meatloaf, great to add to popcorn and pizza. Oregano goes far beyond it culinary uses, has a soothing aroma and, has many health benefits that include, a natural antiviral and expectorant. It's works wonders to soothing stomach aches and is great to inhale to help treat upper-respiratory congestion. And when you aching from shoveling snow try added oregano to your bath water to ease your aching muscles.

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To grow Oregano indoors make sure that it is in a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Make sure you don't over water it and its best to use a container with a drainage hole.

2. Peppermint - Is one of my favorite herbs that I love for it's inviting aroma, it's many health benefits that Nature has provided in this exceptional herb. I use it in many DIY recipes for  natural non-toxic cleaning, love drinking peppermint tea for its soothing powers through the winter, and adding peppermint to many recipes such as smoothies, desserts, for it sweet, and tasty flavor. Mint has many health benefits including boosting your immune system because it is loaded with antioxidants, is a good source of Vitamins A and C.  It is filled with antibacterial properties that kills germs and helps you stay healthy and does wonders for an upset stomach and other digestive ailments.

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You can grow mint in soil or water.
If using water - Take a 6-inch long mint cutting and put in a glass jar filled 3/4 full of tepid water, add some organic liquid fertilizer to boost its growth, and make sure it gets 6 hours of light each day.  Replace water weekly.In soil - Put a mint cutting in a small pot that has good drainage after you have filled the pot with organic potting mix and leave room for about 1/2 mulch since mint likes moisture. Keep moist and mint will do best in indirect sunlight.

3. Rosemary - This herb has a piney aroma and is used many times for aromatherapy for its many healing properties. It scent is like a little piece of heaven. Rosemary can add so much flavor to meats by rubbing it on raw meat with a little olive oil before roasting. Is also great to add to many vegetables and soups too. Rosemary leaves contain certain phyto-chemical compounds that help to fight and prevent disease, has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-fungal and anti-septic properties that can add a wealth of health to your home.
To grow - Rosemary does best on a window sill that gets the morning sun since it  thrives under bright light. Just like oregano is does not tolerate overwatering and using a terracotta pots that helps with evaporation in the root zone is best.

4. Thyme - This leafy herb has a delicate aroma and almost grassy spice to any dish. It can be used in raw or cooked dishes such as roasted potatoes, carrots, apples, casseroles that are creamy and cheesy.  Fresh thyme is known to contain the highest antioxidant level among herbs, is packed with minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. Its leaves are one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, selenium, among many other important vitamins and minerals.
To grow - Growing thyme indoors requires plenty of sunshine and needs at least six hours of daylight and well drained soil.  Using a clay pot with at least one large drainage hole that will allow the plant to dry out between watering and prevent overly wet roots. Thyme is not tolerant of soggy root conditions so make sure you do not over water. Growing thyme inside is one of the easiest indoor herbs to cultivate.

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To make it extra simple you can purchase Mary's Heirloom herb garden kits that contain everything you need to have healthy plants that are sure to thrive.

Growing your own herbs is not only fun but economical and you know that you're feeding your family the best and healthiest herbs. You don't have to worry about pesticides, additives or any other unhealthy ingredients that could be added to the store-bought version. Have some fun this winter and keep your garden growing while the snowing is flying outside.

About the Author: Marla is owner of organic4greenlivings.com. Her mission is to help educate the public about Environmental & Health issues, how to live a green lifestyle, and making our world safer for all of us!

Grow Your Own Medicine: Echinacea

Have you ever considered the "medicine" available to you, grown in your own backyard (or farm).  From Basil to Coneflower and even Thyme, there are so many reported health benefits of many common (and not so common) herbs and flowers. We started with Basil as it is probably the most common herb and arguably the easiest to grow.

Echinacea, also known as coneflowers, enjoy a sunny location with fertile soil. If your soil isn't particularly fertile, work in a little compost and supplement with a good organic fertilizer.   Well-drained soil is a must.

Plant echinacea seeds in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, and when you still expect another frost or two. Sow the seeds 1/4" deep and 2" apart.

Germination: 10-20 days
Days to Harvest: 60-90 days

From Garden Guides,
"Coneflowers enjoy a sunny location with fertile soil. If your soil isn't particularly fertile, work in a little compost and supplement with a good organic fertilizer. Well-drained soil is a must. In moist areas, you might need to plant in a raised bed. New plants and seedlings will need to be watered until they are established. Once they are growing well, they will thrive on the available moisture from rain except in extremely dry areas."

From Fight Viruses with Food & Herbs,

Echinacea is a classic member of the antiviral herbs. Not only does it fight viral and bacterial infection, it also stimulates the white blood cells and is good for the immune system. Use both the leaves and the roots of this plant.

Organic dried Echinacea Root from Mary's Herbal Organix

For more information, check out our Grow Your Own "Medicine" page

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Fight Viruses with Organic Herbs

With Fall here and Winter around the corner, NOW is the time to boost your body's immune system.  Giving your body the proper nutrients to allow the body to heal naturally is the simplest way to avoid harsh and sometimes harmful pharmaceuticals.  

I am in no way implying that you throw out your prescriptions and go totally herbal.  This is not intended as medical advice but as a tool to help boost your immune system and to assist your body in the healing process.

Organic Cayenne Powder

Now, with a recent diagnosis of Ebola within the United States it is imperative that we are all proactive in a healthier lifestyle.

Powerful Herbs to Fight Viruses

ALOE

Not only is this one of the more helpful herbs for fighting viruses, this can also work as an astringent and has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Taken internally, it is good for easing the symptoms of AIDS and for digestive disorders. Use only the pulp from the inside of the succulent leaves of the aloe plant.

ASTRAGALUS

Astragalus, a mighty member of the bean family, has been shown to boost the immune system and inhibit certain viruses, such as the Cocksackie B virus. It enjoys a long history of preventing and treating colds and various other respiratory-related conditions.

BASIL and THAI HOLY BASIL

Basil, especially as an extract or oil, is known to have exceptionally powerful antioxidant properties that can protect the body from premature aging, common skin issues, age-related problems and even some types of cancer. The herb also contains the flavonoids orientin and vicenin, which are plant pigments that shield your cell structures from oxygen and radiation damage.

Both fresh basil and basil oil have strong antibacterial capabilities. In fact, basil has been shown to stop the growth of many bacteria, even some that had grown resistant to other antibiotics. Basil can be applied to wounds to help prevent bacterial infections.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Holy Basil is used as a tea or a tincture. Among its many medicinal uses are lowering cholesterol, as an immune booster, and lowering blood glucose levels

CAYENNE

Cayenne pepper's bright red color signals its high content of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Just two teaspoons of cayenne pepper provide 47% of the daily value for vitamin A. Often called the anti-infection vitamin, vitamin A is essential for healthy epithelial tissues including the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract and serve as the body's first line of defense against invading pathogens.

ECHINACEA

Echinacea is a classic member of the antiviral herbs. Not only does it fight viral and bacterial infection, it also stimulates the white blood cells and is good for the immune system. Use both the leaves and the roots of this plant.

ELDERBERRY

Black elderberry (Sambucas nigra) is another herbs to keep handy during the cold and flu season. Elderberry has antiviral activity against influenza viruses and enhances immune function. A proprietary elderberry extract (Sambucol®) significantly shortens the severity and duration of influenza.

GARLIC

Garlic (Allium sativum)has broad activity against a number of organisms and also promotes immune function. People around the globe have used the bulb as food and medicine for thousands of years. Four French thieves added to garlic’s fame by staying alive as they either robbed or interred (the story varies) victims of the plague. Their alleged secret? Internal and external use of a vinegar made of garlic and other antimicrobial herbs. This ‘vinaigre des quatre voleurs’ is still sold in France.

Garlic has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium, as well as species associated with diarrhea (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Clostridium, Klebsiella, Bacillus subtilis). Happily, though somewhat mysteriously, garlic interferes with disease-causing bacteria, rather than the “friendly” bacteria such as Lactobacillus that colonize the intestines.

Garlic also tackles fungi (Candida, Cryptococcus, Trichophyton) and parasites such as (Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica,Trypanosomes, Leishmania).

LICORICE ROOT

Genuine licorice root, not that red candy that shares the same name, has been a key ingredient in most Chinese herbal formulas for more than 3,000 years. Research indicates that licorice’s two primary ingredients-glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid–boost production of interferon. Active ingredients- hypericin and pseudohypericin, are phytochemicals that display strong antiviral properties enough to overpower herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2, certain flu viruses (influenza A and B), and EBV.

GINGER

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has scientific backing as an anti-nausea agent. It may offer other benefits to those stricken with infections diarrhea. Alcohol extracts of ginger are active against bacteria that infect the intestinal tract (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Helicobacter pylori), skin and other soft tissues (Staphylococcus aureus), and respiratory tract (Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae). Ginger has antifungal activity against the yeast Candida albicans. It also discourages intestinal worms. Because studies have shown that heat deactivates the antibacterial effect, it may be best to consume ginger raw, or in tincture or capsule form.

Organic Ginger Root

YARROW

Yarrow is one of the antiviral herbs that is also anti-inflammatory, improves blood clotting and increases perspiration. Use the entire yarrow plant except for the roots.

We have now added even more Certified Organic Herbs.  These are VERY popular and we expect to sell-out quickly.  Orders available now!  Organic Herb orders will ship within 4 business days of purchase.  Orders of 2 or more herb varieties will ship via USPS Priority Mail.

DIY Tincture Kits are also available and ship via USPS Priority Mail.

Important note: This article is not intended as a substitute for the advise of a health care professional. Some microbes are incredibly virulent. And some people are more vulnerable than others. Microbes innocuous in hardier folk can be lead to life-threatening infections in people with compromised immunity. Newborn babies are vulnerable because their immune systems are immature. Elders face declining immune function. In the face of overwhelming infection, antibiotics can save lives. In other instances, antibiotic treatment may help prevent complications. 

Sources
http://www.herbco.com/t-herbs-infection.aspx
http://www.organic-gardening-and-homesteading.com/antiviral-herbs.html
http://www.curejoy.com/content/powerful-herbs-fight-viruses-antibiotics-fail/
http://www.crazyfortea.com/antiviralherbs.html

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Growing Bee Balm from Seed

Did you get the latest announcement from Mary's Heirloom Seeds?
We've added NEW "BEE FRIENDLY" seed varieties!!!

We'll start with growing Bee Balm.  Why grow Bee Balm?

Lemon Bee Balm

#1 for the BEES! Bee balm attracts pollinating insects such as bees, and predatory insects such as beetles, centipedes, spiders, bees, and butterflies, which “will eat the herbivorous insects and parasites that eat your plants.”

#2 to repel Mosquitoes!  Bee balm’s scent is an effective mosquito repellent, but generally works best when its leaves are crushed to release the fragrant oils

#3 beneficial for Tomatoes!  Bee balm, planted in proximity to your tomato plants, will improve “both the growth and the flavor of tomatoes."

Growing Bee Balm from Seed

Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in rich, well-drained soil.  Although it will tolerate drought, bee balm will do much better if it gets adequate moisture.

Sow seeds at the surface and push gently into soil, needs light to germinate, with no more than 1/8" deep in seed starting formula. Keep evenly moist to dry- not soaked. Seedlings emerge in 14-25 days.

Bi-annual plant that blooms in the second year, with the first year devoted to root growth. Bee Balm seed does not require any cold treatment, but germination will improve with several weeks of cold stratification. Germinates in two to three weeks at a rate of 60 to 70 percent. TRANSPLANT seedlings after all danger of frost has passed, then plant out in light soil 10" apart.

Caring for Bee Balm

Every 3 or 4 years, dig up and divide the plants. Discard the old center section and replant the outer roots and shoots. Bee balm can get powdery mildew. To avoid mildew, plant where there is good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Also cut back plants in the fall, remove old stems, and clean up old mulch.

Companion Plants of Bea Balm

Bee Balm is a companion to flowering veggies that depend on bees and other pollinators.  Plant Bee Balm in the center of the garden and surround with veggies such as Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants and Squash.

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Grow Your Own Medicine: Mugwort

Have you ever considered the "medicine" available to you, grown in your own backyard (or farm). From Basil to Coneflower and even Thyme, there are so many reported health benefits of many common (and not so common) herbs and flowers.

Growing Mugwort

Mugwort seeds germinate best with a cold treatment. Some herb gardeners will sow the herb seeds directly out in the garden in the late fall for germination the next spring. Others with mix the herb seeds with dampened peat moss and place the Mugwort seeds/peat moss mixture in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 weeks before planting.  

Mugwort

If you want this one in your garden and you don't want it to take over, it's important to have deep sound borders around it. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and the leaves can be up to 2 to 4 inches long. Once they start they will grow rapidly, and can be difficult to control.

Germination: up to 21 days

Days to Maturity: 80 days or more
 

 Benefits and Uses of Mugwort

I'll let you in on a little secret...Mugwort is a smokeable herb.
While I don't smoke, I have read a lot about LEGAL smokable herbs such as Mugwort and Chamomile.

From Smokable Herbs:
In herbal medicine, this herb has been used to treat cardiovascular problems, feelings of unease, malaise, unwellness, abnormal bleeding, high-grade fever, cold, cough, purging the stomach of impurities, flatulence, bloating, intestinal parasites, indigestion, malabsorption of nutrients, epilepsy, fits, cerebral palsy, burning, chronic pain, itching, wart, rash from poison oak, loss of appetite, chronic stomach complaints, rheumatic disorder, nervous problems, spasms, sterility, asthma, abnormal menstrual bleeding and other menstrual complaints, and brain disease. It also strengthens the digestive system. It also expels pinworms in the intestine.

Mugwort has many medicinal properties such as stimulant, antibacterial, purgative, anthelmintic, nervine, antiinflammatory, hemostatic, antiseptic, expectorant, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, carminative, digestive, diaphoretic, and cholagogue properties. Because of these properties, it is also used to thin blood. Mugwort is used in the treatment called moxibustion where it is attached to acupuncture needles. It works on the affected area by releasing heat. This technique is very effective in treating breech babies to change their cephalic position during delivery.

Even though it has so many medicinal properties, it should not be used by lactating women as this herb can pass through milk to the infant. Since the leaves are bitter in taste, they are used as a bitter flavoring agent in foods to season meat, fish, and fat. It is also used on roasted goose which is done for Christmas. It is used by the Chinese and Japanese in many foods such as juices and rice cakes. It has many essential oils such as thujone, wormwood, and cineole. Mugwort also contains derivates of coumarin, triterpenes, and flavonoids. This herb has found its use as an insect repellent too to eliminate moths from fields and gardens. It is also used as a smudging herb for divination.



Available NOW at MARY'S HERBAL ORGANIX

From Back to the Basics:

Health Benefits of Mugwort 

Mugwort can be used as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, haemostatic and to promote healthy digestion. 

Mugwort can also work to relax and sooth anxiety and stress.  Additional benefits include relief of exhaustion, nervousness, and mild depression. 

For women, Mugwort can help stimulate or regulate menstruation and can be used for painful menstrual cramps.

We have DIY Mugwort Tincture Kits at Mary's Tincture Shop!

Tincture kits include:
1 - 32 ounce Glass Jar with lid, 1 - 2 ounce Amber Bottle with dropper top,
 2 customizable labels, 1 ounce of Organic Herbs (additional herbs available)
and Detailed Instructions

Disclaimer: Should not be taken if pregnant or nursing. Not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.

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Grow Your Own Medicine: Catnip

Have you ever considered the "medicine" available to you, grown in your own backyard (or farm).
From Basil to Coneflower and even Thyme, there are so many reported health benefits of many common (and not so common) herbs and flowers.

Growing Catnip

Catnip grows as a loosely branching, low perennial. In a flowerbed,

you can plant catnip in front of purple coneflower, which blooms about the same time. The plant bears tiny, white blooms that are not very showy. You can also grow it in containers.Set out transplants in the spring after the last frost. Keep plants full by pinching the growing stems and flower buds when they appear.

Germination: 7-10 days
Days to Harvest: 80 days

Our cats love dried catnip!

Benefits of Catnip

From Livestrong,
"Catnip -- Nepeta cataria -- is a strong-smelling plant of the mint family. In the 13th century, people used catnip as a medicinal cure-all, and some practitioners still take catnip today for pain, stress, flatulence, restlessness and nervousness. Medical trials involving catnip are inconclusive, but preliminary evidence suggests that small doses of catnip tea are not a health risk, according to Georgetown University Medical Center. Consult your doctor before drinking catnip tea."

Insect Repellant

Catnip effectively repels insects, according to a study published by the American Chemical Society in August 2001.The chemical nepetalactone that gives catnip its strong scent repels mosquitoes 10 times more effectively than DEET, the compound used in most commercial bug repellents. While the study researched catnip as an essential oil, catnip tea retains some of the strong aroma of the leaves, so may keep bugs away. Alternatively, use catnip essential oil as a bug repellent. Do not ingest essential oil or apply it directly to your skin.

Catnip tea is contraindicated for persons with liver and kidney disorders and pregnant women because it may induce premature labor.

We started with Basil as it is probably the most common herb and arguably the easiest to grow.  Stay tuned for more!

Anise Hyssop

Basil

Calendula

Chamomile

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Grow Your Own Medicine: Chamomile

Beautiful small flowers, German Chamomile makes a relaxing tea with a sweet fruity fragrance.

Sow seeds indoors on surface of soil. Transplant outdoors in early spring just before last frost. Chamomile prefers well-drained sandy soil and self-sows freely.
Germination: 10-14 days
Days to Harvest:  60 days

What is Chamomile?

(source)

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Chamomile is an herb that comes from a flowering plant from the daisy family. Both the fresh and dried flowers of chamomile have been used to create teas for centuries to cure a number of health problems. The active ingredient in chamomile essential oil is known as bisabolol, which has a number of anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.

What are the Benefits of Chamomile?

Chamomile can be used topically or orally to treat a number of everyday ailments, such as:

Insomnia and other sleep disorders

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Muscle twitches

Wounds, burns, and scrapes

Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, chickenpox, and diaper rash

Stomach problems such as menstrual cramps, stomach flu, and ulcers

Uses of Chamomile

Stomach Cramps

Chamomile has been found to contain fairly strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory constituents. Therefore, it has been found to be effective in treating stomach and intestinal cramps. Simply prepare a cup of Chamomile tea following the directions on the package and drink it twice a day until while symptoms are present (one cup first thing in the morning, and one in the evening).

Insomnia

Chamomile is wonderful remedy for sleep disorders such as insomnia. Simply make a chamomile tea 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed to treat sleeplessness.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Chamomile reduces cramping and pain in the bowels and also helps to relieve excessive gas and bloating in the intestines. Therefore, a simple remedy is to drink a cup of chamomile tea to help relieve irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and gastroenteritis or stomach flu.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Menstrual Cramps

Drinking chamomile tea has been found to be beneficial in treating PMS and Menstrual Cramps.

Treat Burns and Scrapes

Chamomile oil is very useful in treating bad burns. Simple rub a small amount of oil gently across the burned area once a day. For scrapes and burns you can also brew a strong concoction by adding 3 tea bags to one cup of boiling water. When the water cools, dip a cloth into it and use it as a compress on the wounded area.

Lightening Skin Using Chamomile

Chamomile has been found to be advantageous for lightening your skin tone. Simply bring two quarts of water to a boil with 2 chamomile tea bags in it. Then place your face above the steaming pot of chamomile tea. A bath in water mixed with chamomile tea works too.

Reducing Dark Circles Around Eyes

Chamomile tea has been found to help relieve eye fatigue and dark circles. A simple remedy is to dip 2 chamomile tea bags in warm water. After 5 minutes, remove the tea bags from the water and let them cool to room temperature. Then place them on your eyes at night as a compress.

What are the Side Effects of Chamomile?

As with all herbal products, moderation is the key to avoiding adverse reactions. Some of the potential side effects of chamomile include drowsiness, so use it with caution if you are driving or operating machinery. High doses of chamomile can also cause vomiting and/or skin reactions in some individuals. If you are allergic to ragweed pollen or have hayfever, you may have difficulty using chamomile.

Using chamomile during pregnancy is not recommended, since it is considered to be an abortifacient (a substance that induces abortion). Chamomile is also not recommended if you are currently taking blood thinners, since chamomile contains a substance called coumarin (which is also a blood thinner).

 

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Grow Your Own Medicine: Calendula

BEE-FRIENDLY ORGANIC SEED GIVEAWAY (thru 4/30) moved! 

Please click the link to be re-routed.  Thank you!

Have you ever considered the "medicine" available to you, grown in your own backyard (or farm).
From Basil to Coneflower and even Thyme, there are so many reported health benefits of many common (and not so common) herbs and flowers.
We started with Basil as it is probably the most common herb and arguably the easiest to grow.

Calendula

Calendula can be direct-seeded outdoors in spring, or started indoors 4-6 weeks before warm spring weather. The small seeds should be planted ¼" deep, and kept well watered while awaiting germination. 

If starting indoors, allow plants to grow to a height of 3-4" and show first leaves. When transpanting, space plants 6" apart from each other in rows 18" apart. 

Calendula likes water, so be sure that the soil doesn’t dry out.  Grows well in partial shade and full sun.

**Great for natural pest control.  Keeps soil free of bad nematodes**

Germination: 7-14 days
Days to Harvest: 55-60 days

Health benefits of Calendula

Calendula flowers have been used on injuries to reduce inflammation and as an antiseptic against infection. It has also been used as a remedy for a variety of skin problems ranging from skin ulcerations to eczema. As a tea, it has been used for relieving conjunctivitis. The salve or dilute tincture of calendula has and continues to be used in connection with bruises, sprains, pulled muscles, sores, and more.

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Grow Your Own Medicine: Anise Hyssop

Have you ever considered the "medicine" available to you, grown in your own backyard (or farm).
From Basil to Coneflower and even Thyme, there are so many reported health benefits of many common (and not so common) herbs and flowers.
We started with Basil as it is probably the most common herb and arguably the easiest to grow.

Anise Hyssop 

Anise Hyssop

Anise hyssop can be started indoors 4-6 weeks prior to the last frost of the spring. Transplant outdoors after the final frost of the season, once plants are approximately 3-4 inches tall and show their first true leaves. 
Anise will grow in partial shade as well as full sun.
The plant grows to 3 to 5 feet tall and 1 foot wide and reseeds freely.  Anise Hyssop is an excellent addition to your garden as it is bee-friendly and edible.  Attracts bees, butterflies and even hummingbirds

Germination: 10-14 days
Days to Harvest: 60

From The Herbal Resource,
"The infusion or decoction is being used to bring relief for the symptoms of lung and upper respiratory problems like the common cold, bronchitis, catarrh, and asthma, as it is antispasmodic, sweat-inducing and an expectorant (helps with the coughing up of mucus). It can also bring relief in these conditions by preparing a poultice that is placed directly on the chest or through applying of Hyssop-oil containing ointment.
As a peripheral vasodilator, it is also diaphoretic (induces sweating) and has anti-inflammatory properties. The latter effect is used to naturally treat infections of the upper respiratory tract by inhaling vapors from hyssop decoctions.
Its sweat-inducing properties may relief the symptoms in patients with fever."

From Livestrong,
"When consumed in tea form, hyssop tea functions as an expectorant. Pregnant women should not drink hyssop tea."

"In addition, hyssop has antibiotic properties resulting from the plant's volatile oils. While the antibiotic properties of the volatile oils are generally strong, they only function on shallow wounds and fungus infections."
 
As an Anti-Inflammatory, "Hyssop contains several compounds that are also conducive to positive responses in the human body. Hyssop helps reduce the swelling of a wound or the effects of illness by constricting blood vessels. This constriction also slows excessive bleeding and causes the body to produce fewer wrinkles by tightening the skin. It is also helpful to joints affected by arthritis and improves circulation to the afflicted areas."

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Grow Your Own Medicine: Basil

Have you ever considered the "medicine" available to you, grown in your own backyard (or farm).
From Basil to Coneflower and even Thyme, there are so many reported health benefits of many common (and not so common) herbs and flowers.
We're starting with Basil as it is probably the most common herb and arguably the easiest to grow.

Basil

Dark Purple Opal Basil

Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and temperature does not drop below 65°F. Can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting. Prefers rich well-drained soil.

Basil has few pests, but occasionally pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and Japanese beetles will feast upon it. I use a spray bottle of water or water with neem oil to detach aphids.
Grow in full sun (6 hours or more).

Germination: 5-7 days

Fine Verde Basil

Days to Harvest: 45-75

From The Herb Companion:

"One of the primary medicinal uses for basil is for its anti-inflammatory properties. This effect stems from eugenol, a volatile oil in basil that blocks enzymes in the body that cause swelling, making basil an ideal treatment for people with arthritis.

Basil, especially as an extract or oil, is known to have exceptionally powerful antioxidant properties that can protect the body from premature aging, common skin issues, age-related problems and even some types of cancer. The herb also contains the flavonoids orientin and vicenin, which are plant pigments that shield your cell structures from oxygen and radiation damage.

Both fresh basil and basil oil have strong antibacterial capabilities. In fact, basil has been shown to stop the growth of many bacteria, even some that had grown resistant to other antibiotics. Basil can be applied to wounds to help prevent bacterial infections. Also, by adding basil oil to your salad dressings, you can help ensure your vegetables are safe to eat.

Basil oil can be used to treat constipation, stomach cramps and indigestion as well as the cold, flu, asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis and sinus infections. It is also a great source of magnesium, an essential mineral that helps the body’s blood vessels relax, which can improve blood flow."

Thai Holy Basil
Grow the same as you would any Basil.

Thai Holy Basil

In Ayurvedic medicine, Holy Basil is used as a tea or a tincture. Among its many medicinal uses are lowering cholesterol, as an immune booster, and lowering blood glucose levels NOTE: These claims have not been substantiated by the FDA and are not intended as medical advice

DIY Tincture Kit with Thai Holy Basil

DIY Tincture kits include:
1 - 32 ounce Glass Jar with lid, 1 - 2 ounce Amber Bottle with dropper top,  2 customizable labels, 1 ounce of Organic Herbs (additional herbs available) and Detailed Instructions

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