Healing With Herbs

My interest in natural healing is common knowledge. I believe in western medicine, but I also believe we rely too heavily on it. Western medicine (in my humble opinion) is best when used to treat chronic or severe illness. Many pharmaceuticals are really really effective in curing disease, but they also come with significant side effects. Traditional medicine is a gentler and more natural approach to staying well and has been relied on for millennia to treat the every day bumps, bruises, colds, infections, etc.

Now for the disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only and in no way substitutes for qualified medical advice or treatment. The statements regarding the herbs have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult your medical professional before using treatment, including herbs and spices for possible side effects.

I am growing a lot of herbs in my garden, many of course are for culinary uses, but many are grown for medicinal purposes. Several of the culinary herbs have medicinal properties as well. I would like to share with you some of the herbs I am growing and their uses.


Angelica: The licorice like stalk can be boiled in sugar to create soothing lozenges as well as in oil to treat canker sores.

Basil: basil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and contains a wealth of nutrients, including beta-carotene and magnesium. Simply chewing on some basil can release its restorative powers.

Dill: Dill is about the best digestive aid herb there is. Chewing the leaves or the seeds can relieve gas and bloating and aid in other digestive upsets.

Lavender: Just the scent alone relaxes me. I use an infusion of the lavender flower that I make for a bed linen spray, I put lavender flowers in with other herbs to create skin healing and relaxing baths. Lavender oil also has healing qualities to minimize surgery and other scars.

Lemon Balm: Lemon Balm can be used for a variety of ailments including fatigue, cold sores, and stomachs

Lemon Verbena: while being fragrant and delicious Lemon verbena has awesome anti fungal properties when added to oils or other treatments for fungal infections for the ladies. It has also been made into a tea, then cooled and used as a mouth rinse and gargle for those with thrush.

Peppermint: while delicious infused in vodka, made into candies, or other food products, the oil from peppermint can balance your mood. Peppermint and eucalyptus, are believed to be stimulating and uplifting. It also helps with headaches

Rosemary: While delicious as a culinary herb, the oil from rosemary was a lifesaver for my former partner. He used to suffer from debilitating migraines to the point of needing injections for relief. While reading an antique botanists journal I found that it was an effective cure for “the headache” which was the common term for a migraine associated with women’s menstruation. I followed the instructions to make a tea infusion and sweetened it with a little honey and had him drink it during his next migraine attack. The headache was completely gone in about 20 minutes and he uses this remedy to this day, no longer needing medication or injections for headache relief.

Sage: The perennial Thanksgiving favorite herb, Sage can tackle a nagging cough when made into a tea or gargle. It can also help reduce bloating due to menstruation or other causes.

Self Heal: Just what the name implies. This herb is particularly good in infused oil or directly applied to injuries as a poultice.

St. Johns Wort: this herb is associated with mood elevation and balancing. I use it combined with lemon, lavender and peppermint in a tea whenever I am feeling blue

Thyme: The primary ingredient in most cold and flu remedies is thymol, which is the primary volatile oil from the thyme plant. This can be added to cold remedy teas along with Echinacea and Ginko for a feeling of well being and speed healing! You can also combine Thyme, Oregano and rosemary into a steam for your respiratory system when you are congested!

Yarrow: This is a multi use herb, but it is mostly known for its long history as a powerful 'healing herb' used topically for wounds, cuts and abrasions.

Happy Gardening!