From the Herb Basket

. Independent studies suggest Eucalyptus oil may help with thinning hair. A gentleman mixed five drops of Eucalyptus oil with a teaspoon of almond oil, and applied it to his scalp every day. He gently rubbed it in where his hair was the thinnest. He noticed –after a trip to the barber– new growth of hair [ ...click to read more ]

Hopefully, warmer days are ahead for us and we’ll be outdoors more often, enjoying spring activities. Here are some tips for health, beauty and glowing skin: Spice things up. Flavor evening meals with oregano, basil or rosemary instead of salt. You might snore a lot less if you restrict salt intake with dinner. [ ...click to read more ]

Trichophyton rubrum grows quickly on warm and sweaty feet, leading to a condition known as athlete’s foot. Soaking ones feet in lemongrass tea can help fight this fungus. The active ingredient in lemongrass — citral — kills the fungus on contact. Simmer 2 lemongrass tea bags or 1/4 cup fresh [ ...click to read more ]

Storing Herbal Medicine: Pharmaceutical manufacturers use bottles with dark colored glass for many of their products. Light tends to speed up the degradation of such things as medicines and dried herbs. Keep them in a cool, dark place — ideally where the temperature does not exceed 80 F. When you’re using [ ...click to read more ]

Sensational Cinnamon Give your hair a boost. Mix 1/4 cup each of ground cinnamon and honey. Apply to the scalp, leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse. Cinnamon increases blood flow to the scalp and could stimulate hair growth. Make a moth repellent with 2 cinnamon sticks and 1 teaspoon each black peppercorns and [ ...click to read more ]

For a delicious and different flavor stir 1 teaspoon of apple or strawberry jelly into a piping hot cup of herbal tea. Stir until the jelly is melted. Tarragon was the favorite herb of Thomas Jefferson. Each summer he gave away dozens of cuttings to gardening friends. Here’s a tasty topping for the next casserole: [ ...click to read more ]

The angelica herb was named in honor of the archangel Raphael, who is said to have revealed to a monk that the plant could cure the plague. Sweet basil is sometimes called “the royal herb” for once long ago only royalty had access to the plants. The ancient Egyptians called the aloe  “plant of [ ...click to read more ]

Beautiful basil — it’s packed with calcium, magnesium and vitamin C. These work together to help lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Basil is also rich in vitamin K, which boosts circulation and keeps arteries clear. Use fresh basil if possible in teas, pasta dishes, salads, or for making a wonderful [ ...click to read more ]

Archaeologists digging in Syria [ ancient Mesopotamia ] discovered the remains of whole cloves in a domestic kitchen dating back to 400 B.C. During this time in history cloves were grown only on a handful of islands in the Indonesian archipelago. The cloves were found in a clay urn with a lid that fit snugly over the [ ...click to read more ]

The ancient Egyptians called the aloe “plant of immortality” and Cleopatra used the gel to help preserve her beauty and tighten sagging skin on her neck and face.                                                                       -o0o- Named [ ...click to read more ]