HERBAL REMEDIES

For centuries herbs have been used medicinally, only more recently have we experimented with them for culinary pleasure. The parsley that garnishes our dinner plates today was originally intended to be eaten before the meal to stimulate the appetite and digestive juices. The after dinner mint too was to aid digestion. Except it was not a sweet treat, but, a leaf or two of peppermint. As time advanced so did our knowledge and we began studying the properties of herbs and synthesizing them and making medicines from these synthesized products. 

Today we can still look to our gardens for help for simple things like the cold, cough, headache or stomachache. Many herbs grow quite well here in Florida however some do not. For instance, goldenseal and ginseng require more cold hours than our climate can afford them. Therefore they are not good choices for us to grow for home remedies. The following outline will share many herbs that grow well in Florida and ways to use them.

Important Notice: 
Please understand that the Seminole Springs Antique Rose & Herb Farm and its employees provide this information for educational purposes only and it should not be used to diagnose and/or treat diseases. If you have a serious health problem, consult a competent health practitioner. 

Decoction: 
Boiling or simmering method used for any herb, which consists of woody part of the herb. Roots, bark, seeds and rhizomes are often used in this manner. Generally add about 1 oz. of the herbal mixture to each 6 oz. of water. Preferably use a glass pan, always avoiding aluminum. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes, cooling for a short period. Strain and squeezing herbs to extract beneficial juices. Since some herbs lose their effect by boiling one may prefer to simmer the herbs in hot water after it has come to a boil and been removed from heat. Leaves are generally only steeped in water removed from heat.

Tincture: 
Most often this means an herbal solution in alcohol. Many herbal supply sources offer tinctures. It is recommended that only trained herbalists make them at home as the process is lengthy and must be performed precisely.

Poultices: 
A paste made from the desired herbs and applied directly to the affected area. Generally used on wounds such as cuts, abrasions, abscesses and sprains.

Compresses: 
Clean bandages of cotton or gauze soaked in an infusion or decoction and applied to the affected area. 

Syrups: 
Made by combining a tincture or herbal combination with a sugar syrup. This method is often used to convince children to take herbs. Make syrup by combining 1 1/4 pints of boiling water with 2 lbs. of sugar in a pan. Bring to a boil once again, stirring continuously. Mix 3 parts syrup with one part required tincture. Syrups may be kept in the refrigerator for short periods of time. 

Baths: 
Bathing in herbs can prove very therapeutic. Children (and adults) are known to absorb herbs quickly by foot baths. Hang fresh or dried herbs in a gauze bag under hot running faucet or add about 8oz. of decoction to bath water. When preparing a foot bath a less diluted bath is more beneficial.

Burns: 
Aloe peeled and applied topically to burned area will soothe. Strawberries in the bath help to soothe sunburns.

Colds: 
To help clear a stuffy head steep 1 oz each leaves from lemon verbena, thyme, and sage. While steam is rising, place head over pot with a towel over head and pot. Breathe in the steam. This remedy is good for mild sinus headaches and opening a stuffy head. This may also be drunk as a tea to soothe the throat.

To dry up a runny nose drink warm decoctions made from peppermint, yarrow and marshmallow.

Coughs: 
Combine ginger, lemon and honey and drink as a tea to help move mucous coughs.

Earaches: 
Warm 1 tsp of olive oil over heat and add sliced fresh garlic and Cuban oregano. Leave for 1 hour. Strain, warm oil again put drops into sore ear and insert cotton.

Headaches: 
Herbal baths made from passion-flower, lavender and valerian root often prove helpful. 
Place sachet of lavender, passion-flower and valerian root under pillow.
Fever few (a chrysanthemum) leaves and flowers made into an infusion help to combat migraines.

Indigestion: 
Fennel seeds, peppermint, and cardamom brewed into a tea help settle the stomach after eating.
Chamomile, rosemary and lemon balm tea may be drunk to help nervous stomach.
Papaya fruit is especially helpful in improving digestion. Purchase papaya-mint tablets to eat after dinner.

Insomnia: 
Tea made of catnip helps to relax and promote sleep. Other plants rumored to aid sleep are tilo and chamomile.

Nausea: 
A safe tea even for children and pregnant mothers is made from ginger, chamomile, fennel and peppermint. Slowly sip warm tea.

Sore Throat: 
Gargle with sage leaves simmered in water to ease pain. This may be drunk as a tea as well.
Marshmallow may be made into a liquid to gargle or drink as a tea to help soothe the throat.

Wounds and sprains: 
Comfrey has proven an excellent choice for a poultice. Bruise leaves, flowers or root and apply to wound or sprain. 

Herbs to avoid during pregnancy include aloe, golden seal, pennyroyal, sage, rue, southernwood, tansy and wormwood. These herbs may stimulate the uterus and cause a miscarriage.