Creativity is the heart of using medicinal plants. Even if you have never used herbs, you can learn to use them easily and with great results. Most of the herbs we are familiar with have nourishing effects, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and can be made into simple teas that we can incorporate into our daily lives.
Chamomile, oat straw, nettle, lemon balm and so many other simple herbs can be mixed and matched not only to taste great but also to load our bodies with so many health sustaining nutrients.
- Oat straw – a strong yet gentle herb that feeds and nourishes the central nervous system. The herb is rich in calcium, magnesium, and many other totally absorbable minerals. These same minerals make it the perfect base for building strong bones and teeth.
- Lemon balm – This beautiful herb has a mild sedative effect, with antibacterial and antiviral properties. Used for indigestion, to relieve cramps, fight cold sores, relax nerves, and help with insomnia, ADD and ADHD, and IBS. In addition, lemon balm smells wonderful and adds a nice flavor to your herbal preparations.
- Nettle leaf – Herbalists often say that “if you are not sure what to do for someone, give them nettle.” Long valued as a food and medicine, nettle has been used for treating coughs, arthritis, a pregnancy tonic, for anemia (one of the highest sources of iron in the plant world), allergies and hay fever, plus urinary tract infections.
- Raspberry leaf – High in calcium, iron, magnesium, and other minerals (and vitamins too), this plant strengthens and tones the reproductive systems of both men and women. The leaf is an exceptional aid in pregnancy and childbirth.
- Chamomile – If your stomach, digestion, or bowels are inflamed due to stress, it’s chamomile to the rescue. But that’s not all; she also helps rejuvenate hair and skin texture and helps with mental alertness. Use her when you cannot sleep, to calm shattered nerves, or to speed wound healing.
Keeping it simple, just mix one ounce of each of these herbs together and store in an airtight glass jar. Drink warm or iced, during the long hot days of summer.
To make delicious herbal teas: Put loose herb(s) in a pot with cold water (ratio is one rounded teaspoon herb blend per eight ounces of water). Cover tightly and bring to boil. Take off the heat and let sit on the stove overnight. In the morning, strain, and store in the refrigerator. The tea keeps for about a week. Note: You can always add a touch of honey if you have a sweet tooth.
SW Herb Shop & Gathering Place is located at 148 N. Center St. in Mesa. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. Visit SWHerb.com or call (480) 694-9931. Madalyn Johnson can also be reached at (602) 920-8973.