Planted in your garden, parsley attracts predatory insects that will eat many pests that would otherwise target the rest of your plants. Herbs and herbal remedies have been used for centuries by many cultures in different ways for different ailments and diseases. Learn more about using and preparing herbs for healthy living.
Read the rest of this entry »Archive for the 'herbs' Category
Jun 18
Aug 09
Kitchen Cure for Sinusitis: Oregano & Rosemary
Steam is the best way to deliver the healing power of herbs to congested sinuses. Oregano and rosemary have antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. Plus, they’re bronchodilators, so they help you breathe.
Read the rest of this entry »Apr 15
PMS Bloating: Sage
If you tend to gain a pants size during your monthly cycle, banish the bloat with homemade sage tea. Common kitchen sage has drying properties that make it a terrific mild diuretic with no known side effects. As a bonus, sage tea is also an effective remedy for PMS-related moodiness. Try It: Boil 1/3 teaspoon [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Mar 15
L-Arginine plus Herbs and Vitamins to get You in the Mood
L-arginine is an amino acid that’s converted in the body to nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to dilate for healthy blood flow. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 108 women ages 22 to 73 who reported lack of sexual desire were given placebo or a combination of L-arginine, herbs (Ginkgo biloba, Korean ginseng, damiana), vitamins [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Mar 11
Maca to Get You in the Mood
Maca is a Peruvian plant (Lepidium meyenii) found in high-altitude areas of the Andes mountains and is rich in minerals, fatty acids and beneficial phytochemicals. It was used traditionally by South Americans to enhance fertility and improve sexual performance in both men and women. To test the effect of Maca on sexual desire, a 12-week [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Jan 21
Natural Winter Remedies: Licorice
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has immune-boosting and throat-soothing properties that make it an excellent addition to cough and cold formulas. How to use: For coughs, make a tea that combines mullein leaf with a pinch of licorice. Safety note: People who have high blood pressure should avoid this herb or use the deglycyrrhizinated form (look for [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Jan 18
Natural Winter Remedies: Sage
Common culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) can help to ease sore throats and dry up sinuses. How to use: For a sore throat, make a strong tea by pouring 4 ounces of water over 2 teaspoons of dried or fresh sage. Cool to room temperature. Gargle until the mixture is gone. Repeat three times daily. For [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Jan 15
Natural Winter Remedies: Yin Chiao
This centuries-old Chinese formula stars a number of immune-boosting herbs and can help ease cold symptoms such as sneezing and congestion. How to use: Use at the first sign of illness; follow package directions or consult with a TCM practitioner.
Read the rest of this entry »Jan 12
Natural Winter Remedies: Tulsi
Believed to boost overall health, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) — also known as holy basil — contains antiviral and antibacterial compounds. It may help prevent illness when used over time. How to use: Tulsi makes a delicious tea; look for it in packaged form or brew your own with loose tulsi. Aim for two to three [...]
Read the rest of this entry »Jan 09
Natural Winter Remedies: Mullein
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) has expectorant and soothing properties that make it a cough treatment supreme. How to use: For coughs, try mullein tea: Pour a cup of boiling water over a tablespoon of mullein leaves; let steep for 20 minutes and strain. Add honey and lemon to mask the bitter taste. Treat ear infections with [...]
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