Herbal Remedies

Natural herbal remedies from the most popular herb garden herbs
June 13, 12:02 PMTampa Bay Sustainable Agriculture ExaminerRobin MontanyePrevious
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Herbs can be used in refreshing and healing teas
Image: flickr - thebittenword.comHerbal remedies have been used for centuries to provide relief for a variety of ailments. Home remedies can stop a headache, ease a stomach ache, relieve stress and help with an abundance of aches and pains all with the use of simple herbs from the garden. View the slide show below to see the beauty of herbs and to learn how to identify some of the more commonly used herbs.

In the Tampa Bay area, herb gardens can be maintained all year long and what's a better way to cool off on a summer day than a refreshing glass of peppermint tea?

Herbs and their uses


Calendula, a type of marigold, is applied externally in home remedies as salves and ointments for skin irritations. When used in tea it is used to relieve heartburn and to treat ulcers because of its ability to reduce stomach acid. Make an infused oil for use on minor skin irritations by combining 2 parts extra-virgin olive oil and 1 part dried Calendula blossoms in the top of a double boiler and simmer for 1 hour. Strain the cooled mixture before use. If stored in a cool, dark place, this oil will last for 3 to 6 months.

Chamomile is a white flower with a yellow center, very similar to a daisy, and makes a very relaxing tea. Use a tea infuser to brew the dried flowers into a tea. Chamomile can be added to bathwater to soothe fussy babies or for a great way for adults to relax before bed on a stressful day.

Echinacea, a purple coneflower, boosts the immune system. Simply brew the roots by boiling in water for 20 or 30 minutes and strain. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Garlic, although not as pretty as the others, if a very powerful and useful herb for both culinary experiences and for use in natural home remedies. Garlic is an antibacterial and anti-viral, and has cardiovascular benefits. It has also been said that garlic has cancer fighting properties. It is wise to note, that it is believed that once it is cooked garlic loses some of its antibacterial and anti-viral properties.

Ginger has been used to treat digestive difficulties for more than 25 centuries. Ginger root relieves nausea, motion sickness and indigestion and its anti-inflammatory benefits aids with rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger is cooked into foods, made into candy, used to make ginger ale, and used to make ginger tea, among a variety of other uses.

Lavender, a deep purple flower, is used for its relaxing scent and is used to treat insomnia, headaches and burns. Use lavender oil in compresses or in a bath or as a mild tea. Store dried flowers in a pillow for relaxation and to help insomnia.

Lemon Balm is a lemony scented leaf that is used as a tea or as a garnish for relieving headaches and stress. Use dried lemon balm in a tea infuser to make a refreshing lemon-favored tea.

Peppermint leaves are used to relax the muscles of the digestive tract this allows it to soothe stomach aches, and is excellent for indigestion. Use the leaves in a tea infuser or use peppermint oil.

St. John's Wort is a vivid yellow flower with deep green foliage. When infused, St. Johns' Wort makes a dark red oil. Place 2-3 ounces of dried or fresh-wilted St. John's Wort leaves in 1 pint of olive oil. Place the jar in a warm spot – a sunny windowsill works great – for 2 weeks. Gently shake the jar every 2 or 3 days to mix the oil. After the 2 week period, strain and press the oil from the st. John's wort. Allow the remaining oil to sit until any residual water separates out, then poor off the oil and store in a dark location. This oil will keep for 3 to 6 months.

Valerian grows wild in North America on plants that grow up to five feet. Valerian has long, fern-like leaves with small white to pink and lavender flowers that grow in clusters. Use one dropper full of tincture in some water at bedtime to benefit from its relaxing qualities. It is not recommended to make tea out of Valerian because of its foul odor. Many people prefer to just take it in capsule form to avoid the smell altogether. It can be used in combination with some other sweeter herbs to help disguise the taste; use with chamomile, catnip, peppermint and lemon balm as a soothing and relaxing tea or in a calming bath.