PEPPERMINT & SPEARMINT – These cooling herbs are pungent and dry and have been taken as a digestive tonic. I make a tea and take a cup for nausea, indigestion, and travel sickness. Some people have taken these herbs for colic, flatulence, feverish conditions and migraines. Peppermint’s soothing quality is relaxing to the nerves and very stimulating to the circulatory system. Fresh and tasty.

Tired Feet

Soak in warm Mint or Rosemary tea for 15 to 20 minutes. Sponge bath is helpful for the elderly or bed-confined.

Working Hands

A few drops of lavender oil put in a bottle of jojoba oil near the kitchen sink works wonders after the dishes.

ROSEMARY – Helps stimulate digestion and invigorates circulation; for exhaustion, weakness and depression; used in ancient times to improve memory; a stimulating drink for fatigue or head- aches; is regarded as uplifting and energizing; made into a light tea and taken for colds, flu, indigestion and for rheumatic pains; also used as a cleansing incense; is a symbol of remembrance.

Motion-Sickness

Carry some candied Ginger with you when traveling. This snappy-zesty treat is delicious and can help digest meals, quell stomach jitters, upsets, nausea and motion sickness.

HIBISCUS – Rich in vitamin C, it adds a beautiful rosy color to tea and contains mucilage properties that can soften the skin. It’s a common drink in many places including Egypt, Sudan and Mexico. The German Commission E reports it’s use for shingles.

Rumbling Stomachs

Candied Fennel is a lovely way to freshen one’s breath, allay hunger and aid stomachs fraught with ‘the wind’. A good travel remedy on the road.

CLOVE – Can be an immediate relief for many types of pain. Besides being a pain killer it is strongly antiseptic and a stimulant to circulation. Cloves break up mucous and gets sluggish organs moving. It’s been said to soothe nausea and vomiting. Clove increases the action of others herbs in combinations.

Sore-Throat

To 1/3 C. honey add 1 T. of clove powder. (Opt. add ginger & cayenne)

Sore-Throat Gargle

To 2/3 C. of salty water add pinch of clove, ginger, cayenne and slippery elm plus a drop of clove and peppermint oil.

Tooth-aches: Chew on a clove.

GINGER – This aromatic spice is sensually delightful. She’s a carrier herb and helps to bind with other herbs to increase their activity and carry them more efficiently on their way. Ginger helps to cleanse the body of toxins. It has antiseptic, lymph cleansing, circulation-stimulating, constipation- relieving qualities. Used in a tea or the bath, Ginger runs and dances all through the night to your health.

Soothing and Healing Bath

Boil 1-2 teaspoons of Ginger powder in 3-4 cups of water for several minutes. Clean your body, rinse, then run a bath. Add the brew and 4-6 drops of Lavender oil. Let your skin revive and soak for 20 or more minutes. Good for flu, aches, pains, blues and bruises.

Sleep

A drop of Lavender oil on your wrist, pillow, bath or aroma-therapy vessel can calm and relax. Chamomile tea helps with insomnia during stress.