Interesting Old-Time Remedies
Please note that I have not tried any of the remedies on this website, and therefore cannot verify as to how well they work. Anything you try from this website is at your own risk Anyway, here’s the link: http://www.theherbalman.com/home.htm Some of the recipes look like they might be quite useful.
Why Are Dandelions Awesome?
Well, first off, they taste good! But here are some other good reasons to love this “pest”. Dandelions are a commonly overlooked resource, at least here in America. Most people just view it as a pest weed, and pay no more attention to it other than removing it from their garden, or blowing the seeds off of the bloom. However, the plant is actually very beneficial to the human body, with a very high potassium content, which current research is showing may be linked to dandelion’s diuretic properties. In 659 A.D., the Chinese wrote about the herb’s ability to help treat abscesses in the breast and intestines, appendicitis, breast inflammation, digestive disorders, and to help stimulate milk flow. In Europe, it has been used as a remedy for boils, diabetes, diarrhea, eye problems, and fevers. The Native Americans also used decoctions of the plant to treat dyspepsia, heartburn, kidney disease, swelling, and some skin problems. Today, dandelions are commonly prescribed to assist jaundice, breast or lung tumors, hepatitis, poor digestion, liver disorders, urinary tract infection, and high blood pressure[1]. Now, some of you may need to give an apology to this “pest”, and try harvesting this plant either for it medicinal uses, or it’s properties as a food :D It can be used to make wine, fritters, tea, and many other things. Here are some recipes: http://winemaking.jackkeller.net/dandelio.asp , http://www.learningherbs.com/dandelion_recipes.html , http://herbgardens.about.com/od/herbrecipes/ht/Dandelionjelly.htm . And these recipes are just for using the flower blossoms, but the whole entire plant is edible, roots, greens, and blossoms! So, what exactly is it about this plant which makes it so good for our bodies? Well, to begin with, it is packed full of potassium which can help your body maintain it’s fluid balance, nerve impulse contractions, and muscle contractions [2]. Plus, it is a good source of iron, zinc, boron, calcium and silicon. The vitamins A, B complex, C and D can also be found in this useful little weed, and studies are pointing to the possibility of dandelions having not only antimicrobial properties, but antibacterial affects, as well [1].
Sources: [1] National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine, by Steven Foster and Rebecca Johnson [2] Understanding Nutrition 12th edition, by Ellie Whitney and Sharon Rady Rolfes
Because goldenrod is so showy, it gets blamed for the allergies that the far more non-descript ragweed plants are responsible for. Don’t pull (or swear at!) goldenrod - this gorgeous native plant is an excellent food source for native pollinators, providing nectar at a crucial time of year.
I am admittedly very lazy and a well practiced at procrastinator. Consequently, at the beginning of allergy season, when I first heard about using Apple Cider Vinegar to naturally treat allergies, it took me until now to try it out.
LITERALLY WITHIN A MINUTE after drinking 2 tbsp. Apple Cider…
Bugs in Rosemallow Seed Pods
The seed pods on my rosemallows have opened, and are providing a surprising demonstration of how native bugs make use of all parts of our native plants. I have been unable to identify these guys. The first appears to be some type of orangish stinkbug. For the second, there appear to be multiple generations (or multiple species) living in large seedpod-head families, including an apparent adult generation, a midsized generation and some tiny bright red fellows. Finally, a large, juicy-looking cricket was perfectly camouflaged while taking a rest in one of the seed pod heads. If I hadn’t been examining the heads for bugs, I never would have spotted it. Even my iPhone had trouble spotting it!
Although many gardeners would cringe at this “infestation”, an increase in the diversity of bugs is one of the benefits of native plant gardening. This diversity ensures a constant supply of prey for insect predators, including birds, reptiles, amphibians and, most importantly, predator bugs. These predators, in turn, prevent single-species outbreaks, or suppress them when they do occur. Outbreaks such as the constant swarms of mosquitoes and flies that plague sterile suburban lawns.
Organic farmers use the same concept when they eschew pesticides in favor of more natural methods. Planting bug supporting natives, to support a population of predators, is good organic farming practice. These farmers accept a limited amount of damage to crops and in exchange produce healthier foods in healthier ecosystems without importing chemicals. We can do the same in our lawns, landscapes and gardens by including native plants and trees.
But enough advocacy from me! See Douglas W. Tallamy’s Bringing Nature Home for more on how native plants support a healthy insect population and ecosystem.
Do you have Dry, Acne Prone Skin?
Here’s a quick tip:
Take one of the leaves off an Aloe plant and open it, and scrape out the mushy, gelatinous insides in to a bowl.
Mix it up, and apply it to your face for 10-15 minutes and then gently wash it off. Do this every other/ever few days.
Aloe is great for reducing acne scars, acne in general, and it also helps to keep your face refreshed and hydrated
It’s a miracle plant, and when it is ingested orally, it has great benefits and is a “cure all.”
(Source: oxprettyhatemachinexo)
“Getcho Greens On!!! One of today’s green smoothies: Organic baby spinach, banana, mango, ginger root, pinch of stevia & a little water ♥ Quick, easy, delicious…and will do your body good!!! Consuming (and enjoying) an abundance of organic *raw* (as in season & local as possible) fruits, veggies, smoothies & juices daily does a body good! Getcho ORGANIC, RAW fruits & veggies on people!!! And come join me in YUMTOWN!!!” - Leija Turunen
Photo by Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram of Rawfully Organic! I want a fridge like this!
(Source: lostpassion246, via )
