BACH FLOWER ESSENCES

"Every single person has a life to live, a work to do, a glorious personality, a wonderful individuality"

Dr Edward Bach

DR EDWARD BACH, A BACTERIOLOGIST AND PATHOLOGIST WORKING IN WALES IN THE 1930s WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO PREPARE FLOWER ESSENCES. 

Dr Bach became convinced that human illnesses were often symptoms of basic imbalances in the personality and the emotional life. He believed that flowers had the power to ease mental stress. Initially he prepared a dozen flower essences and named them the "Twelve Healers". These were followed by a further 26 remedies, making a total of 38. 

Each essence is said to help dissipate a particular unpleasant emotion, such as worry, fear or anxiety. Bach prepared the remedies in liquid form so they would be easy to blend to create personalized treatments. [1]

Made from the blossoms of plants and trees, flower essences are prepared in water and preserved in alcohol. They are used for their possible impact on the mind and spirit, to reverse negative mental states and re-balance the emotions. Their gentle action - there are no known adverse effects - make them an ideal complement to other treatments. [1]

They are not meant to replace professional healthcare or therapy. They are rather intended to help the individual deal with underlying emotional problems. [1] Studies have found that Bach remedies are safe. Some have a small amount of alcohol, so check the label if you want to avoid it. [2] 

How to use Bach flower remedies

Approach a trained Bach flower therapist. Alternatively, take the time to think about how you feel and match your feelings to the essences. Consider investing in a reference book which gives full details about each remedy. A few drops of the Bach flower remedy within pure water  may be taken, the dosage measured according to the instructions given with the purchased remedy Checking with your general practitioner when planning to take Bach flower remedies is a sound guideline. 

Rescue remedy

Many have found the flower essence "Rescue remedy" helpful, particularly in situations where a shock has been experienced or severe anxiety undergone. A typical composition of rescue remedy is the aqueous infusion with regard to Cherry Plum, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Star of Bethlehem, as well as a small amount of alcohol. 

This blend of floral essences chosen by Dr Edward Bach was based on the following precepts:

Rock Rose for fearlessness

Impatiens for patience

Clematis for focus

Star of Bethlehem for comfort

Cherry Plum for composure [3]

The Twelve Healers

The flower essences known as the Twelve Healers originally used by Dr Bach are: 

Essence and Principal symptoms

Agrimony - Concealed anxiety

Centaury - Excessive desire to please, lack of assertiveness

Cerato - Doubting your judgment and decision-making

Chicory - Excessive interference in the concerns of others

Clematis - Absent-mindedness, dreaminess

Gentian - Despondency

Impatiens - mpatience

Mimulus - Shyness,  anxiety, everyday fears

Rock Rose - Terror

Scleranthus - Indecision, mood swings

Vervain - Extremes of energy and enthusiasm

Water violet - Excessive self-sufficiency, aloofness [4]               

The thirty-eight essences

The Bach Flower remedies thus use the gentle power of nature to help us re-balance our thoughts and emotions. 
The following is a simplified guide. For full details, visit the link at [5].

Agrimony Bach flower remedy reportedly may help to restore the ability to express one's true feelings and emotions. Those in need of Agrimony have much inner anxiety and turmoil that they cover up with a smile and a laugh when in the company of others [5]

Aspen Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who experience apprehension for which there appears to be no logical reason [5]

Beech Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who need to establish a more loving, lenient and flexible relationship with themselves and with those around them [5]

Centaury Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who have a misplaced sense of service and believe they must put the needs of others before their own, overtaxing their strength in their endeavours [5]

Cerato Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who do not have sufficient confidence in themselves to make their own decisions [5]

Cherry Plum Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who experience irrational fear [5]

Chestnut Bud Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who need to focus more fully on their current life experiences [5]

Chicory Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who tend to be possessive of those they care about [5]

Clematis Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who easily drift off into daydreams and fantasies about the future [5]

Crab Apple Bach flower remedy reportedly may aid purification on all levels [5]

Elm Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who feel overwhelmed by responsibility [5]

Gentian Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who are easily discouraged. Those who need this remedy are uncertain about their relationship with their Creator [5]

Gorse Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who suffer great uncertainty in the process of life, causing them to experience feelings of hopelessness and despair [5] 

Heather Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those whose inner sense of isolation and loneliness manifests as a compulsive need to talk about themselves [5]

Holly Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those troubled by thoughts of jealousy, envy, revenge, suspicion [5]

Honeysuckle Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who are unable to let go of the past in some way [5]

Hornbeam Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who experience a state of procrastination brought on by a state of mental weariness [5]

Impatiens Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who feel driven by an inner sense of urgency, a feeling that they need to get things done "yesterday" [5]

Larch Bach flower remedy reportedly may help to restore confidence in one's own abilities [5]

Mimulus Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who feel they need greater courage to face up to the everyday events of life [5]

Mustard Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who from time to time experience deep gloom or despair that comes and goes for no reason that is obvious [5]

Oak Bach flower remedy reportedly may help to restore the qualities of strength and endurance [5]

Olive Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who feel their reserves of energy are completely depleted and that they have nothing left to carry on with [5]

Pine Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who blame themselves and to restore a positive sense of inner self or self worth [5]

Red Chestnut Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who are fearful for the safety of others [5]

Rock Rose Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who suffer from acute fear or terrifying nightmares [5]

Rock Water Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who are hard masters towards themselves to restore the ability to become open-minded and flexible in their beliefs [5]

Scleranthus Bach flower remedy reportedly may help to restore the qualities of balance and decisiveness in the personality [5]

Star of Bethlehem Bach flower remedy reportedly may help in any situation where shock or trauma of any kind has been experienced, whether immediate or in the past [5]

Sweet Chestnut Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who feel great anguish and to restore connection to their soul's light and love [5]

Vervain Bach flower remedy reportedly may help perfectionists who tend to overwork to restore balance [5]

Vine Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those with a tendency towards domination and need to control others  to restore the principle of balanced leadership [5] 

Walnut Bach flower remedy reportedly promotes adaptability, emotional flexibility and protection during times of change [5]

Water Violet Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who often have valuable insight and wisdom to share but due to their gentle, sensitive natures find it hard to communicate this to others [5]

White Chestnut Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who suffer from a constantly busy mind  [5]

Wild Oat Bach flower remedy reportedly may help  those who suffer from a state of uncertainty [5]

Wild Rose Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who suffer from apathy and resignation to restore the qualities of enthusiasm and joy in the process of life [5]

Willow Bach flower remedy reportedly may help those who have suffered adversity or misfortune and find these difficult to accept [5]

Disclaimer: the information contained within this blog post is not meant to replace your doctor or health professional care

[1] Reader's Digest. Curing everyday ailments the natural way. 2000. The Reader's Digest Association, Southern Africa: Cape Town. ISBN:1-919750-25-8. Pages 32 to 33

[2] WebMD. What are Bach Flower Remedies? Alleged News

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/bach-flower-remedies  (Accessed 5/3/2020)

[3] The Rescue Story; Alleged News

https://www.rescueremedy.com/en-us/rescue-story

[4] Reader's Digest. Curing everyday ailments the natural way. 2000. The Reader's Digest Assocation, Southern Africa: Cape Town. ISBN:1-919750-25-8. Page 33
[5] The 38 Bach Flower Remedies, Alleged News
http://www.bach-flowers.co.uk/bach_flower_remedies.asp

With thanks to webmd.com, rescueremedy.com and bach-flowers.co.uk

HERBS AND HEALTH

THERE IS NOTHING NEW ABOUT THE USE OF HERBS TO PROMOTE RECOVERY, HEALTH AND WELLBEING. 
  Every culture has at some point used healing plants as the basis for medicine, and a basic healing flora from which relevant remedies are chosen.
  For millennia plants have proven efficacious as healing agents. Herbs are used within the Ayurvedic health system of India, and in Chinese medicine. 
  Plants form an important part of the spiritual healing ecology of North Americans. Echinacea, depended upon by many for its healing properties, are found only in central and eastern North America.
  Many of the current medications in use still trace their origin to plant material. [1]

  Europe has used herbal healing plants for centuries; lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage, basil, rose, parsley and mint are everyday aids in the search for optimum health.
  Africa has wonderful herbs; many indigenous healing agents grow bountifully in the fertile soil, such as the aloe, rooibos, African wild potato and buchu.
  Australia and New Zealand are home to the internationally known manuka honey; a monofloral honey produced from the nectar of the manuka tree. 

Holistic Medicine
'Holistic' medicine deals with the 'whole' person. This form of medicine treats the body as a whole and integrated system, not a collection of isolated systems.
  The word 'healing' has its roots in the Greek 'holos'; the same word which gives rise to the words 'whole' and 'holistic'.

  Emotions, thought-life and spiritual flow are as important to health as the state of tissues and organs of the body.
  The whole of the human being - physical, mental and spiritual - is involved in the process of healing.

  Herbal medicine realizes that herbs can work on the whole being 'synergistically'.  [2] This means that a herbal remedy's whole effect is greater than the sum of individual constituents.

Individual patterns
When people seek healing, herbal medicine can play an important part. However, medicine cannot be fully holistic until acknowledgement of the individual's patterns of thought, behavior, work and culture - that may have impact on the disease itself - is acknowledged.

An example of this is; if an employee in a fast paced and profit driven company finds him or herself struggling to fall asleep after working an eighteen hour day, the lengthy work hours with high mental stimulation may have a bearing on the difficulty.
  The simple solution would not merely to consider the prescription of a medication to assist sleep; it would be to look 'holistically' at the fact that excess working hours under less than optimum working conditions may be causing the body to beg its owner for more merciful working conditions by voicing its discomfort through sleeplessness and emotional misery.

Holistic Diagnosis
In Ayurvedic medicine, prayer and prayerful exercise form part of the prescription.
  The thinking behind prayer and forgiveness exercises is that a mind and spirit at peace with self, others and the world will be in harmony.
  This creates optimum conditions for holistic healing to occur.


Root supportive causes
The prescription of medications, herbal and otherwise, will not completely heal an ailment unless root supportive causes of the ailment are examined and dealt with.

•   Anger issues are approached by becoming aware of indulgence in excess anger, which has effect on the heart and other organs of the body.

  Ungoverned temper outbursts, nurtured anger, old grudges mulled over and not forgiven, have their effect on both body and mind.

• Unmonitored eating habits have their effect on body, mind and spirit. Excess eating leads to extra body weight. 

  Extra body weight leads to obesity, overburdening of the organs of the body, and structural overload of the knees and feet.
  Remember that unexplained weight gain may be due to parasitic infection such as tapeworm, liver flukes, 

  Pain in the knees and feet are not best treated merely with pain relieving medications or gels [analgesia].
  Tackling the root cause of the structural overload - excess weight bearing down on the lower limbs which were not constructed to carry such heavy loads, but a lighter, more realistic load - is important for full health to be maintained.
  Years of structural overload on knees can lead to possible knee replacements being found necessary. This can be avoided by timely intervention.

• Excess alcohol loads the body with sugar. A pint of cider can contain as many as five teaspoons of sugar - almost as much as the World Health Organization recommends you do not exceed per day. 

  Alcohol can also negatively alter blood sugar levels, putting those who imbibe large amounts of alcohol at risk of alcohol-related diabetes. [3]

Catherine N Whittle
Phytotherapy HAOSA [South Africa]

[1] Hoffman, David. Holistic Herbal. 1996. Great Britain; Element Books Limited.

[2] 'Synergistically' means various parts working together to produce an enhanced effect 

[3] Alcohol and sugar 
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/alcohol-and-sugar/

*Disclaimer; Please note that the information on this Herbal Post is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional  or Herbalist care

With thanks to David Hoffman, and drinkaware.co.uk

HERBAL MEDICINE - AS OLD AS HUMANITY

ARCHEOLOGISTS ARE FINDING EARLIER AND EARLIER EXAMPLES OF PLANTS USED BY PEOPLE AS MEDICINE. One of the most fascinating aspects of this is that peoples of many cultures, living under different conditions and at times without contact with one another, all found the same plant families medicinally active and useful. These same plant families are still used today.
When workmen excavating the ruins of Pompeii gathered the native medicinal plants growing there, Wilhelmina Jashemski discovered that this was another example of continuity of life under the shadow of Vesuvius.
Many of the plants used for herbal medicine around Pompeii today are the same one that ancient authorities such as Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder recommended for treating the same type of disorders. [1]

Oldest written records
The oldest written records that document the medicinal use of plants come from the ancient Sumerians who lived in Mesopotamia from 5500 BC.
They kept extensive written records on clay tablets that record the plants they used, what they used them for, the methods of preparation and the dosages.
The Babylonians and the Assyrians followed in their footsteps.
There was a huge trade in aromatic plants in the ancient world, most often in the forms of oils, gums and resins.
The highly skilled physicians of Egypt were well known for their use of fragrant plants; among them, cedar, myrrh and frankincense. [2]

Egyptian Medicine
Ancient Egyptian scrolls document natural herbs and holistic medicine that cured disease and saved lives.
Egyptian medical practice remained consistent in highly advanced methods for the time.
Surgery, bone-setting and an extensive pharmacopoeia were widely used by the skilled Egyptians.
Egyptian medical practitioners were held in the highest regard, and Homer [c 800BC] wrote in the Odyssey,
'The Egyptians were skilled in medicine more than any other art.'
Egyptian medical thought influenced later traditions, including the Greeks.

In 440BC the Greek historian Herodotus visited Egypt and wrote extensively about their medical practices.
Pliny the Elder also wrote - and most favourably - about Egyptian medical practice.
The great Hippocrates - known as the 'Father of Medicine', Herophilos, Erasistratus, and later the luminous Galen, studied at the Temple of Amenhotep. They acknowledged the contribution of ancient Egyptian medicine to Greek medicine.
[It is interesting to note that Galen invented cold cream, which is used in face masks, lip balms, to remove make-up and as a shaving cream.
This cooling cream has both healing and moisturizing properties for the skin.]

Egyptian ancient medical documents
Ancient Egyptian medical documents have enlightened us about the extent and depth of the practitioners' knowledge.
Sets of documents include the Ebers Papyrus, the Edwin Smith Papyrus, the Hearst Papyrus, the London Medical Papyrus and others date back as far as 3000BC. [3]

The Edwin Smith Papyrus is a surgical textbook, detailing observations and the examination, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of many ailments.
It is probable that this book was written about 1600BC.
Imhotep, the famous and multi-talented Chief Official of the Pharoah Djoser, is considered to have been the author of this amazing work.
Today this Papyrus is reportedly on display at the Brooklyn's Children's Museum, New York City.
The 48 medical cases described with the Edwin Smith Papyrus are;

• 27 head injuries [cases #1-27]
• 6 throat and neck injuries [cases #28-33]
• 2 clavicular injuries (collarbone injuries) [cases #34-35]
• 3 injuries to the arm [cases #36-38]
• 8 injuries to the sternum (breastbone) [cases #39-44]
• 1 tumour and 1 abscess to the breast [cases #45-46]
• 1 injury to the shoulder [case #47]
• 1 injury to the spine [case #48]    [4]

Herbs in Ancient Healing
The ancient physicians were well aware of the healing power of herbs.
The Ebers Papyrus - a scroll of 110 pages which rolls out to about 20 meters long - is a famous medicine plant 'encyclopedia'.
Egyptians consumed raw garlic and onions for endurance; to heal athsma and to deal with bronchial-pulmonary illnesses.
They often steeped their herbs in wine, and used them as medicine to be taken orally [by mouth].
The Egyptian herbs were natural, uncontaminated by pesticides or fluoridated water.
Evidence of the medicinal use of myrrh, fennel, frankincense, cassia, aloe, thyme, juniper and garlic were documented by the Egyptians.
Freshly peeled garlic cloves, mashed and macerated in vinegar and water mixture, were used as a rinse for sore throats and for toothache.

Remedies described in the Ebers Papyrus
Remedies documented in the Ebers Papyrus include the use of the following herbs in varying ways for various disorders;

• Aloe vera
• Basil
• Balsam apple
• Bayberry
• Caraway
• Colchicum
• Dill
• Fenugreek
• Frankincense
• Garlic
• Licorice
• Onion
• Parsley
• Thyme
• Poppy
• Coriander
• Pomegranate root  [5]

 
Catherine Nicolette Whittle
Phytotherapy HAOSA [South Africa]


[1] Jashemski, W. 1999. A Pompeian Herbal: Ancient and Modern Medicinal Plants. University of Texas Press, Austin

[2] Power, J. 2011. The Ancient Roots of Fragrant Medicine. A History of Aromatherapy. http://www. aromatherapy- school.com/ aromatherapy-schools/aromatherapy-articles/ history-of-aromatherapy.html

[3] Ancient Peoples.September 26. http://ancientpeoples. tumblr.com/post /32327200606/the-medicine-of-the-ancient-egyptians-is-some-of

[4] Imhotep; Wikipedia. 28 December 2015. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Imhotep

[5] Wells, SD. 2012. Ancient Egyptian Scrolls document natural herbs and holistic medicine that saved lives and cured disease.
http://www.naturalnews.com/037218_Ancient_Egypt_medicinal_herbs_disease_cures.html

Disclaimer; This post is not intended as a guide to self-medication by consumers. The reader is advised to discuss the information contained herein with their Doctor or recognized Healthcare Practitioner. The information on this herbal post is not meant to replace your Doctor of Health professional or Herbalist care.



With thanks to W. Jashemski, J. Power, ancientpeoples.tumblr.com, Wikipedia and naturalnews.com

SOIL

SOIL CAN BE CLASSIFIED AS EITHER ACID OR ALKALINE. This is known as the pH factor [potential of hydrogen]. The pH scale is a range from acid values through to alkaline values. The pH scale is from numbers 1 through to 14.
  Numbers 1 to 7 are on the acid end of the scale, while 7-14 is on the alkaline side,.
  The neutral on the pH scale is the number 7. Some plants love acid conditions; such as the Buchu and Ericas.
  If soil is too acid, lime may be added. Get advice from your herbalist or horticulturist how to do this safely and correctly.
  If the soil is too alkaline, this is usually due to a lack of organic matters.
  You can remedy this by the use of a good herbal organic compost.

Good soil 
  Remember; good soil leads to healthy, nourished plants. Healthy herbs and plants lead to healthy meals and herbal health and beauty products.
  Healthy meals and products lead to a healthy you!

Vital elements
  Three vital elements in soil are
Nitrogen [N[, Phosphorus [P] and Potassium [K]. Herbalists do not usually use fertilizers; and we never use pesticides.
  Pesticides can have side effects such as killing off butterflies and bees, field mice and the owls that eat them.
  Out of respect and care for the insect and animal world, we refrain from using substances that prove poisonous to them. It must also be remembered that pesticides on crops are often ingested by ourselves as part of the grain or fruit crop which were sprayed.

Pesticides and Cancer 
 There is a proven link between Pesticides and Cancer. Farmers who frequently use 2,4-D have a six-fold increase in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
  Scientists believe that the use of lawn chemicals such as 2,4-D has been a significant factor in the 50% rise in on-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the American population; Alleged News. [1]

Pesticides Kill Bees 
The University of Minnesota Bee Squad are looking to raise awareness of the effect of pesticides on bees.  The insecticide fipronil killed thousands of bees across Minneapolis in October 2013, Alleged News. [2]

Bees are disappearing
  Honey bees are disappearing rapidly from the US; and scientists have confirmed that pesticides are killing the honeybees, Alleged News. [3]
  New research showed in 2013 that bees exposed to common agricultural chemicals while pollinating US crops are less likely to resist a parasitical infection, Alleged News.
  Scientists from the University of Maryland and the US Department of Agriculture published a study [4] that linked chemicals, including fungicides, to the mass die-offs [5].
  Scientists had been investigating to find the cause behind the Colony Collapse Disorder [CCD] in which an estimated 10 million beehives at an average value of $200 each have been lost since 2006, Alleged News. [3]
  In the winter of 2012, the honey bee population declined by 31.1 percent, with some beekeepers reporting losses of 90 to 100 percent of their bee populations.
  Scientists are concerned that the $200 billion agriculture industry could collapse, since more than 100 US crops rely on bees to pollinate them, Alleged News. [3]

Butterflies are disappearing
  Great concern is felt as whole populations of butterflies are under threat, and in some instances are in danger of disappearing.
  The beloved monarch butterfly is under serious threat, Alleged News.
  A 2013 census found that year's population of North American monarch butterflies in Mexico to be at the lowest level ever measured, Alleged News.
  Insect ecologist Orley Taylor spoke to Yale Environment 360 about how the planting of genetically modified crops and the resulting use of herbicides has contributed to the monarchs' decline, Alleged News. [6]

Protect our planet
  Herbalists nurture bees and butterflies tenderly, as these tiny creatures are a fundamental link in our food chain.
  Besides, they are cute and fellow beings on our planet.
They have as much right to be here as we, the stars in the sky and every creature on earth have.
  Herbalists are the midwives and protectors of the earth.
Let us protect our God-given and precious land, nourish our soil with only organic and healthy substances and PROTECT OUR BEES, BUTTERFLIES, INSECTS AND BIRDS.  

[1] Pesticides and Cancer, Alleged News
http://www.toxicsinfo.org/Lawn/Pesticides%20&%20Cancer.htm

[2] Pesticides killed bees, analysis shows, Alleged News
http://www.mndaily.com/news/campus/2013/10/07/pesticides-killed-bees-analysis-shows

[3] Scientists confirm: Pesticides kill America's honeybees, Alleged News
https://www.rt.com/usa/bee-pesticide-scientist-research-600/

[4] PLOS ONE: Crop Pollination Exposes Honey Bees to Pesticides which Alters Their Susceptibility to the Gut pathogen Nosema cerenae
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0070182#authcontrib

[5] 'Beemageddon' threatens US with food disaster, Alleged News
https://www.rt.com/usa/bee-pollination-disaster-food-959/

[6] Tracking the causes of the sharp decline of Monarch butterfly, Alleged News
http://e360.yale.edu/feature/tracking_the_causes_of_sharp__decline_of_the_monarch_butterfly/2634/

Catherine Nicolette WhittlePhytotherapy HAOSA [South Africa 2001]

*Disclaimer; Please note that the information on this Herbal Post is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional  or Herbalist care,

With thanks to toxicsinfo.org, mndaily.com, rt.com, journals.plos.org and e360.yale.edu
 

WATER, TEMPERATURE AND WIND

WATER MEANS DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PLANTS. Some plants are native to  bogs and will not flower even if they survive other deprivations.
  You need to give the right amount of water to your various plants in order that they may grow properly.
  Too much water, and you can rot the roots [trust me; I know!]
Too little water, and your precious herbs will wither and die before your eyes.
  If you need assistance to know the correct amount of watering to give your plants, your local herbalist or horticulturist can give you invaluable advice.
  While considering water, do not forget the importance of temperature.
  There are different types of areas with different temperatures; such as

• hot
• humid
• desert
• dry areas
• rainy
• coastal
• frost and snow

Many plants are very adaptable and, if you give them good protection, may be cultivated outside their usual habitat.
 
Wind and temperature go together. The temperature in the area may be high, but this will be affected if there is wind.
  This is known as the wind-chill factor. In other words, the measured temperature may be quite high; but can be experienced as lower by the plant due to the wind cooling the plant.

Catherine Nicolette Whittle

Phytotherapy HAOSA [South Africa 2001]

*Disclaimer; Please note that the information on this Herbal Post is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional  or Herbalist care

HOW TO PLAN AND PLANT YOUR OWN HERB GARDEN

 HOW DO YOU GET THAT FAMOUS 'GREEN THUMB?' 
Well, if you want your plants to grow, you need five essential conditions:

• air [or atmosphere]
• light
• warmth
• moisture
• and soil

You need good, rich growing soil which contains various organic and inorganic compounds.
  All plants and herbs require light. Some plants need more light than others, while simple fungus plants often need little or no light in which to thrive.
  Remember that your plants which have large and delicately thin leaves often prefer shade.
  Plants with stiff needle like or succulent leaves and thick cuticles, prefer full sun.

Choose your plant to suit your area
  Varying temperatures are vital to keep in mind. You cannot expect desert plants to grow well in a rainy coastal area.
  In the same way, you can't expect large delicate-leaved ferns to flourish in the heat of the desert.
  Plants with large [thin] delicate leaves generally prefer shade. These include the peppermint and mint plants, chervil and angelica.
  Various plants grow in various areas; choose those that are best adapted to your area.

Choice of herbs
  When you sit down to plan your herb garden, keep in mind what you want to use your herbs for.
  If you enjoy cooking, you will want to consider having culinary herbs such as sage in your garden.
  Medicinal plants - especially for tinctures, are of importance if you have interest in their medicinal properties for healing.
  Consider studying for a qualification in herbalism/ phytotherapy, if you wish to use various herbs as medicines.
  You need to be properly trained and qualified in order to safely treat medical conditions with herbs.
  You may want to plant cosmetic herbs as they assist in the health and vitality of yourself and your family.
  If you feel and look good, you will receive a psychological boost.
Hair, mouth, face and skin care is essential for the wellbeing and health of both you and your family.

Catherine Nicolette Whittle

Phytotherapy HAOSA [South Africa 2001]

*Disclaimer; Please note that the information on this Herbal Post is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional  or Herbalist care

THE FIRST BOOK OF MOSES AND HERBS

IN THE FIRST BOOK OF MOSES - WRITTEN SOME 4,000 YEARS BEFORE THE BIRTH OF CHRIST, WE ARE TOLD HOW THE LORD GOD PLANTED THE GARDEN OF EDEN.
  This provision of the Almighty was gifted to us in order to beautify our world, and for us to enjoy.
  Gardens have ever since been a source of both creativity and inspiration.
  We use herbs to cook with; and to season our meals.
Herbs are fabulous to use in face packs and to scent bubbly baths.
  Herbs are helpful for healing.
To be a Garden Healer is a simple vocation that anyone can aspire to; this simply means that we learn the wonders of herbs, and how to use them for healthful purposes.

ANIMALS KNOW THE BEST REMEDIES
  Cats and dogs naturally cure their stomach upsets by eating certain grasses; sick sheep look for yarrow to eat. 
  Horses love young fresh dandelions of spring to purify their blood. When bears come out of hibernation, they often search for 'bear's garlic' to help cleanse their system.
  Birds of the air and beasts of the field naturally know the best herbal remedies for their ailments.
  So it came to pass that people over the centuries observed animals and birds to find out which herbs were safe to use.

NATURE'S PANTRY
  Many vitamins and mineral salts are contained in various herbs. Organic food tends to retain these original blessings in their untouched form. 
  So many of us today choose to use organic food which is pesticide free. 

*Disclaimer; Please note that the information on this Herbal Post is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional  or Herbalist care