Midnight in the Garden of Ostara

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Herb, Mineral, Plant & Vitamin Uses

The following table presents some of the most common herbs, plants, minerals and vitamins, as well as their primary uses in alternative medicne. This is by no means a complete list, nor are are the items shown the only herbs, plants, minerals and vitamins with healthful properties.

You should find almost everything you need here. Thanks!

Herbs and Plants
Agrimony	Used as an anti-inflammatory; antibiotic; astringent; also good for digestive disorders.
Alder Buckthorn	Bark can be used as a laxative.
Alfalfa	Nutritive with high mineral and vitamin content; lowers cholesterol.
Alkanet	Has been used as an expectorant and as an emollient.
Aloe	Used for minor wounds and burns. Dried leaves can be used as a strong laxative.
Angelica	Calming digestive disturbances; stimulates the appetite; alleviates coughs.
Anise	Can be used to relieve gas pains.
Apples	Used for bladder trouble; liver; diarrhea; tooth decay; and loss of appetite.
Apricots	Detoxifies the liver and pancreas.
Asparagus	Helps with urinary problems and fatty tumors.
Beet	Excellent liver and blood cleansers and purifier; good for nerves and anemia/
Bell Peppers	Good for eyes and indigestion.
Blackberry	Good for diarrhea and colon problems.
Blueberry	Feeds the pancreas; good for sugar problems
Cabbage	For vitamin C; tissue builder; removes toxins; helps with digestion.
Celandine	Excellent liver and blood cleansers and purifier.
Cantaloupe	Good for complexion and digestion.
Carrots	For eyes, blood, lymph, skin and digestion.
Cascara Sagrada	Purgative; laxative.
Celery	Good for arthritis; heart; indigestion; colds and skin problems.
Chaste Tree	Menstrual regulator; improves circulation and tone of female organs; promotes progesterone production.
Cherries	A good blood cleanser; also used for gout.
Crab Apple	For Vertigo.
Cranberry	Good for kidneys and asthma.
Dandelion	Excellent diuretic and liver cleanser.
Dandelion	Expels excess liquids in the body; liver cleanser.
Dong Quai	Menstrual regulator.
Ginger	For indigestion and gas pain; helps in relieving morning sickness; a general stimulant.
Ginseng, American	Used as a stimulant; can be used to prevent stress; to fight colds.
Milk Thistle	Excellent liver and blood cleansers and purifier.
Mistletoe, American	Used in folk medicine to reduce blood pressure and as a sedative.
Nettles	An astringent and alkalizing diuretic; good nutritive and high mineral content.
Oregon Grape	Excellent liver and blood cleansers and purifier.
Raspberry	Relieves nausea and improves digestion; improves uterine tone and blood supply; increases milk production
Sarsaparilla	Serves as a precursor for hormone production.
Wild Yam	Antispasmodic; relieves spasm or cramping of smooth muscle; hormone precursor.
Yellow Dock	Blood cleanser; helpful in anemia.
Minerals
Calcium	Vital in the formation of strong bones and teeth; also important for muscle growth and contraction; provides energy and participates in the activation of several enzymes; aids in deterring nervousness, brittle nails, hypertension, aching joints, increased cholesterol levels, and insomnia
Chromium	Involved in the metabolism of glucose needed for energy; vital in the synthesis of cholesterol, fats and protein; maintains stable blood sugar levels through proper insulin utilization.
Copper	Aids in the formation of bone, hemoglobin, and red blood cells; works in balance with zinc and vitamin C to form elastin; involved in the healing process, energy production, hair and skin coloring, and taste sensitivity; needed for healthy nerves.
Magnesium	Plays a roll in muscle movement and the transmission of nerve impulses; helps the body fight stress and combats depression; promotes the conversion of sugar into energy and aid digestion
Potassium	Important for healthy nervous system; aid in proper muscle contraction; works with sodium to control the body's water balance; aids in maintaining blood pressure.
Selenium	Keeps body tissues young and elastic; helps protect against some forms of cancer; aids in the combat against arthritis.
Zinc	Crucial to the reproductive system; important in prostrate gland functioning; decreases cholesterol and aids in healing wounds.
Vitamins
Vitamin A	Boosts immune system; helps protect against cancer; keeps skin healthy; improves eyesight
Vitamin B's	Improves mental attitude; protects against stress; keeps muscles, the nervous system and heart functioning well; also aids in digestion; promotes growth
Vitamin C	Helps immune system fight viruses and bacteria; prevents colds; heals wounds; decreases blood cholesterol
Vitamin E	Retards Aging; prevents blood clots; helps wounds heal without scarring; lowers blood pressure; provides energy and protects against air pollution


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Recipes to Overcome Insomnia

Three Easy Recipes to Overcome Insomnia
By Françoise Rapp

Stress, anxiety or nervous tension can lead us to a night of sleepless torture, leaving us without an ounce of energy the next day. But you can overcome the most persistent insomnia simply by preparing the following aromatic recipes. Whatever the cause of your restless suffering, I offer these three delightful blends to bring you sweet dreams and make your nights worthwhile and peaceful!

Insomnia Blend #1: Stress-related

Ingredients:

9 drops Lavender

-3 drops Roman Chamomile

Add these oils to a 10-ml bottle, and fill with vegetable oil. Massage the blend onto your temples, neck and shoulders. Breathe the blend in deeply before going to bed. Pour up to 20 drops into a warm bath.

Insomnia Blend #2: Anxiety-related

Ingredients:

-4 drops Orange

-8 drops Lavender

Add these oils to a 10-ml bottle, and fill with vegetable oil. Massage into your abdomen (the second chakra), your temples and neck. Breathe the blend in deeply before going to bed. Pour up to 20 drops into a warm bath.

Insomnia Blend #3: Nervous tension-related

Ingredients:

-4 drops Rose

-2 drops Roman Chamomile

Add these oils to a 10-ml bottle, and fill with vegetable oil. Massage your solar plexus (the third chakra), your temples and neck. Breathe the blend in deeply before going to bed. Pour up to 20 drops into a warm bath.

In good health,
Francoise Rapp

Mould Cleaner and Inhibitor/Tea Tree Treasure

This spray works wonders to eradicate mould and mildew. I've used it successfully on a mouldy ceiling from a leaking roof, a musty bureau, a musty rug, and a mouldy shower curtain.

Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a long way. Unless you have frequent mold crises, this mixture can last for months.

2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas.

The strong odor will dissipate in a day or so.

Shelf Life: Indefinite

Storage: Leave in a labeled spray bottle

Tea Tree Oil:

Also good for bites, scabs, pimples - dries the offending area.

When the niggling itch of a cold sore is coming on, try tea tree oil if medication is not available. (Note: Is known to burn sensitive skin).

For sore throats, a drop to the back of the tongue helps clear this. (Note: tastes foul).

Home remedies for common ailments....

Please consult a doctor before attempting to replace any medication with an herbal remedy. I am not advising you to use any herb in place of a medically prescribed medication, doctor's advice, etc.

Anxiety:

Valerian Root - valerian has an unpleasant odor, so it is best to purchase in a liquid or pill form and add about
eight drops to an herbal tea, or take pill with water. You can add lemon or peppermint to enhance tea flavor.

You may also add drops to your bath to receive the calming effects.

Asthma:

Chamomile - add chamomile flowers to boiling water and inhale the steam to calm an asthma attack. You may place a towel over the pot to make a tent that captures the steam for you.

Chamomile tea is calming to the respiratory tract.

Back Pain:

Catnip, Chamomile, and Ginger - all can be used in a tea or taken in pill form to relieve muscle aches in the back or
other parts of the body.

Can also be added to baths to soothe and calm aching muscles.

Colds and Coughs:

Kaytlin's Homemade Cough Syrup - I've tried this and it's wonderful....

1oz Licorice root, 1 oz slippery elm bark, 1 oz boneset (leaves,
flowers), 1 oz flaxseed, 1 pint Molasses, 1/2 pound yellow D sugar

Preparation: Simmer the herbs for 20 minutes in 1 quart of water.
Strain and add the molasses and sugar, stirring the mixture
thoroughly, and bottle.

Dosage: 1 tablespoon as needed.

Avoid long term usage of large doses if you have high blood pressure or kidney disease.

Not to be taken when pregnant.

Congestion (nasal and sinus)

Pine - Boil one quart of water. Add a few drops of essence of pine, or ...

a handful of pine needles, and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.

Place the boiling water on a table in a closed room so
you can inhale the steam for ten to fifteen minutes.

Peppermint - can be used in the same fashion as pine, above.

Eucalyptus - can also be used in the same fashion as pine, above, or ...

can be added to bathwater or a herbal tea.

Depression

Cloves - added to tea, can boost spirits and liven gloomy moods.

St. John's Wort - has been proven to effectively liven spirits. Take in capsule form, as it has a nasty flavor and odor.

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