A close friend of mine gave me an herbal remedy book, published in 1936, that had belonged to her grandmother. She knows that I’m not too keen on Western medicine and that it would be appreciated and added to my already growing collection. Don’t get me wrong, I realize that Western medicine has its place as I have a physical every year along with my annual Well Woman checkup and corresponding smash my boobs between two very cold sterile metal plates otherwise known as a mammogram. I’m very in tune with my body and most of the time am aware that something is out of whack before obvious symptoms present themselves. I also prefer to try and treat any illness or sickness naturally. When I’m forced to resort to Western medicine then at the very least I help it along with natural healing properties, like rest, plenty of water and exercise along with doing some research and eating herbs that will help. Both my General Practitioner and my OBGYN are cool with and open-minded to my approach as long as I discuss with them what steps I’m going to take on my own. This is very reasonable so that there isn’t an adverse reaction to any medicine that’s been prescribed. My OBGYN even has a midwife that works in his practice in case you want to take that approach when giving birth. I did opt for a hospital stay when giving birth, but didn’t take any pain medication (this isn’t for everyone). I also dropped my cholesterol from 310 to 200 in 4 weeks by diet and exercise alone several years ago and it’s now at 170.

I’m not talking about popping a pill, but consuming them in their natural state added to the food I already plan on eating. Either purchased from the grocery store or grown in my own backyard. We don’t use pesticides or chemicals in our yard due to having children who like to go outside barefoot and pets whom we haven’t been able to get to wear shoes either. When my niece’s and nephews come over they like to go outside and smush the herb leaves between their fingers, smell them and guess what they are. Rosemary is their favorite, they think it smells like Vicks, and it is an evergreen plant (great on roasted chicken). Herbs also make amazing pots and can be grown inside in your windowsill during the colder months. They will add a fresh smell to your kitchen and did you know that oregano produces the cutest little flowers as well. Kinda a bonus in my book as flowers are always welcome here.

I’m not making any recommendations here except that you do your own research and check with your Doctor before trying any natural remedies. Here is a list of some herbs and their properties that I found in the book as well as what I generally grow.

Aloe Vera – Good for sunburns and other minor burns as well as poison ivy. Extremely powerful laxative. I keep my plant indoors year round as this is a tropical plant. Break off a shoot, squeeze some of the gooey stuff on your fingers, do a pretend (or real) sneeze in your hand then wipe on some unsuspecting person. Their reaction is hilarious as the gooey stuff feels like snot – great joke to play on nieces and nephews or friends of your children. Hummmm, wonder if this is why oldest needs psychotherapist???

Cayenne – Improves blood circulation, increases perspiration, improves digestion, strengthens and energizes a particular body organ or the entire body system, stimulates secretion of saliva, increases superficial circulation, which often lessens localized pain from arthritis, inflammation, etc., antiseptic.  Actually pepper plants are very decorative and there is quite a variety you can grow depending on how hot you like it. 

Dill – Used to relieve flatulence and upset stomachs, helps increase mother milk.  If you ever use fresh dill in a dish, then you won't ever want to use the dried stuff again.  This make a pretty addition to your garden as it has a feathery look, but grow it in the back as it can get quite tall.