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Showing posts with label Gardening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gardening. Show all posts

Monday, July 22, 2013

Top Medicinal Herbs Listing - Most Popular Herbs



                  
Common NameBotanical NameOther Names
Aloe Vera Gel Aloe Vera Gel Aloe vera
Tender Perennial succulent : The leaf juices of the aloe plant have important medicinal uses, making aloe one of the most respected medicinal plants found in many gels, creams and lotions....
Apple Apple Malus domestica Apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar
Fruit Tree : In addition to the fruit of the apple tree, its bark, flowers, and leaves all have healthy properties. Apples contain malic and tartaric acids, and salts of potassium, sodium, magnesium, and iron. Apple cider vinegar can even lower cholesterol ...
Bitter Melon Bitter Melon Momordica charantia balsam pear, bitter gourd
Gourd : The gourd-like fruit has a long history as a treatment for diabetes. Bitter melon improves the body's ability to use blood sugar and improves glucose tolerances...
Black Seed oil Black Seed oil Nigella sativa Kalonjii, Black cumin, black caraway, Roman-coriander, fennel-flower
Annual Herb : Black cumin seed oil is used as a healthy dietary supplement. Black seed oil contains fatty acids, vitamins and minerals in a unique cell structure. Native to Western Asia, black seed oil has long been valued for it's health benefits...
California Poppy California Poppy Eschscholzia californica Gold Poppy
Tender Perennial : The above ground parts and roots of this wildflower show promise in the treatment of insomnia without the side effects and dependency risks of sleep aids...
Catuaba Catuaba Erythroxylum catuaba caramuru, catagu, catigu, catigua, chuchuhuasha, pau de reposta, or tatuaba
tree : Catuaba is the most famous of the Brazilian aphrodisiac plants, noted for it's ability to strengthen male stamina...
Cinnamon Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia Cassia Bark, Sweet cinnamon
Evergreen Tropical Tree : Cinnamon is recommended for treating weak digestion, low appetite and stomach upsets. It has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and may help lower blood sugar...
Coconut oil Coconut oil Cocos nucifera
Tropical tree : Coconut oil works wonders for dry and damaged skin, cuts, bruises, and speeds the healing while it fights infection. Coconut oil is different from other saturated fats because it is composed of medium-chain fatty acids, MCFAs...
Comfrey Comfrey Symphytum officinale
Perennial Herb : Comfrey salves, ointments and teas are best known for the topical treatment of burns and just about any skin irritation...
Dandelion Root Dandelion Root Taraxacum officinale Priest's crown, Swine's Snout
Perennial Herb : Dandelion root is high in many micro-nutrients including potassium. Dandelion supports the liver and improves digestion and helps to flush toxins from the body...
Devil's Claw Devil's Claw Harpagophytum procumbens grapple plant, wood spider
Perennial vine : Devils claw offers slow but sure relief of joint pain caused by both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it has also been shown to relieve muscle pain and enhance mobility ...
Epimedium Epimedium Epimedium grandiflorum horny goat weed, xian ling pi, and yin yang huo
Perennial Herb : Epimedium, also known as Yin Yang Huo or Horny Goat Weed, is a powerful remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for thousands of years to promote male potency and as an aphrodisiac...
Garlic Garlic Allium sativum Poor Man's Treacle, Bawang, Bauang
Monocot Perennial : Readily available and inexpensive garlic may be the first line of defense in treating high blood pressure, and dealing with common skin and fungal infections...
Ginger Root Ginger Root Zingiber officinale Luyang Dilaw
Perennial Monocot reed : Ginger root combines well with many herbs, improving taste and potency. Ginger speeds up the delivery of healthy plant chemicals into the bloodstream while adding a spicy, hot zest to your favorite dishes...
Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo biloba L.
Tree : Allergies and asthma improve with ginkgo. The leaves contains anti-inflammatory chemicals and natural antihistamines and ginkoglides, which inhibit a chemical involved in asthma and allergies. Ginkgo helps to restore better blood flow to the brain, which ...
Ginseng root Ginseng root Panax ginseng Ren-shen, X-yang-shen, Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng
Herbaceous perennial : Ginseng is one the best known and widely prescribed herbs in Chinese medicine as a general adaptogenic and restorative tonic ...
Hemp Oil Hemp Oil Cannabis sativa marijuana, pot, gunja, weed
Annual Herb : Perhaps the most valued property of hemp (Cannabis sativa) is its percentage of essential fatty acids, which is higher than any other plant in the world. Although Cannabis sativa is illegal in the United States because of the dried leaves ...
Hops Hops Humulus Lupulus Hops
Perennial vine : Aged hops are sedatives, fresh hops provide bitters that stimulate digestion; these bitters are also found in the aged herb...
Passion Flower Passion Flower Passiflora incarnata
Perennial Vine : Herbalists have a high regard for the soothing properties of passionflower and recommend it as a general nerve tonic. Passionflower is often combined with other sedative herbs...
Pomegranate Pomegranate Punica granatum
Fruit : Pomegranates and pomegranate juices are touted for their heart protective antioxidants today, but ancient Egyptians loved them for their ability to kill tapeworms and other parasites ...
Rosemary Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis
Woody perennial herb : Amazing, versatile rosemary is valued by cooks, herbalists, aromatherapists, and gardeners alike. Rosemary oil combats mental fatigue, increasing concentration and memory...
Saffron threads Saffron threads Crocus sativus
crocus : Traditional uses of saffron extend far beyond the kitchen. Saffron has been used to reduce fever, to regulate the menstrual cycle, to combat epilepsy and convulsions and to treat digestive disorders. Saffron contains more than 150 volatile ...
Stinging Nettle Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica Nettle, Common Nettle
herbaceous perennial : Nettles are a potent herb with a long history of use. Stinging nettle contains natural antihistamines that open up constricted bronchial and nasal passages...
Wormwood Wormwood Artemisia absinthium L.
Perennial Herb : Wormwood is used today mainly as a bitter tonic, and in natural pest control. As the name implies, wormwood is a powerful worming agent that has been used for hundreds of years to expel tapeworms, ...




http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart.php

Herb Gardens

  1. Garlic: Garlic is one of the most amazing plant foods ever. It is actually among the remedies studied in pharmacology classes. Here are some of its benefits: antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral, antioxidant, immune stimulant, anti-parasitic, anti-vampiric (OK, I just thought that would be funny to throw in), anti-inflammatory and lowers cholesterol. You can take this as a supplement, but I prefer to use things in their natural state because they are just so yummy. My daughter and I eat garlic-gone-wild (pickled garlic cloves) right out of the jar with crackers.
  2. Turmeric: This spice supports healthy joint function, gives you radiant skin, improves digestion, helps maintain healthy bones and joints, maintains healthy cholesterol levels, promotes healthy blood and liver functions and gives immune system support. Turmeric is a component of curry powder, which is another way to work it into your diet. I like drinking an infusion of turmeric when I'm not feeling well. Warms me from the inside out.
  3. Thyme: Thyme is very aromatic and is a great antiseptic. It is also great for respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis. The aroma is reputed to increase memory function as well. Thyme lends itself well to many types of foods: stews, soups, meat dishes and salads.
  4. Lavender: One of my favorite herbs because of its delicious smell. I spray a little lavender water on my pillow at night to sleep better. Lavender is also an antioxidant. This can be used in aromatherapy, an infusion to drink, or throw them in some scones. It also helps prevent bloating.
  5. Basil: This little dynamo can calm your nerves, detox your liver, great source of fiber and if you boil a little and strain, you can spritz on your face to clear up blemishes. I have given this little remedy to people with severe acne and it works great. It's also an anti-inflammatory. Use basil in your spaghetti sauces or drink as an infusion.
  6. Cilantro: Helps purify your body of heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, by drawing them out of your tissues. It's also a great source of fiber and iron. Cilantro lends itself naturally to Indian and Mexican cuisine.
  7. Sage: Has antiseptic and antioxidant, fights fatigue, improves memory, and helps reduce anxiety. A cup of sage tea helps reduce muscle aches and pains that often accompany the flu.
  8. Parsley: Packed with vitamins A, C and K (for healthy blood) and a great breath freshener.
  9. Cinnamon: This reduces blood sugar, so it's great for diabetics. Also anti-viral and anti-microbial benefits. Sprinkle it on your oatmeal (which also lowers cholesterol) in the morning and get a double whammy. Cinnamon helps with menstrual cramps (add some to your warm tea) and can reduce arthritic pain.
  10. Cayenne: As an anti-irritant, cayenne has the ability to ease an upset stomach, ulcer (seems contradictory, but it's true), sore throat, spasmodic and irritating cough, and diarrhea. It is also an anti-cold and flu, anti-fungal, and can prevent migraines. Cayenne is an anti-allergen, anti-inflammatory, a digestive aid (stimulates the digestive tract, increasing flow of enzymes), relieves intestinal gas, detox support, joint pain reliever, antibacterial and mixed with a little unscented lotion, can relieve sore muscles.


http://familyshare.com/herb-gardens-a-good-way-to-teach-children-about-natural-remedies

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

How to Naturally Deter Snakes And Rodents From Your Home

Plant Herbs 
Herbs are amazing for your health, are beautiful in your garden, and smell wonderful. In doing research online I also found some people who think that herbs can deter snakes. These include: wormwood, rosemary, marigold, bay, comfey, and garlic.
Bay leaves are also amazing in your home. All you need to do it get some fresh leaves and throw them behind toilets, in cabinets, and under furniture. You won't smell them but insects and rodents hate the smell. You will need to replace the leaves with fresh ones every month or so.
Garlic Spray
If you really want to be green and protect the exterior of your home mix crushed garlic cloves with water and spray once a month. You can use the large spray containers that are usually used when spraying chemicals, but instead of buying the chemicals just crush up 5-7 garlic cloves and add water. I would also let the mixture sit for about an hour and mix occassionally so the water can absorb the garlic.
This deters snakes, bugs, and some rodents. You will also reduce your environmental impact, save money, and reduce your families exposure to toxic chemicals!
Clear Your Yard
Snakes love tall grass, messy hedges, stacks of lumber, and any other area around your home that they could easily hide. Be sure to keep the areas around your home neat and trimmed to discourage their intrusion.
Clove and Cinnamon Spray
Like the garlic spray above cloves and cinnamon are great deterents. Simply mix equal parts of clove oil and cinnamon oil in a spray bottle (you can add some water, but it needs to be strong). Spray this around your home's walkways and around the edge of your yard. I suggest doing this once a month or after a heavy rain, but some sources say every 2-3.
Have A Good Storage System
A good storage system for dog food, cat food, bird seed, etc. is highly advised. Mice and other rodents love to get into these things and the snakes around your home are most likely looking for small rodents.
You can also set out mice traps, I like the old fashioned ones because they do not use chemicals and are very effective. I know I said I don't agree with killing wildlife, but mice reproduce fast, get into food, and have diseases (carried by fleas) that could harm your pets or even your family.
Tighten Up Your Home
I have read that most snakes within 100 feet of your home are also within 25-50 feet of their home. Snakes like dark, secure, and damp areas to nest so be sure to block areas like under decks, porches, and basements.
*I also suggest having some knowledge about the different types of snakes in your area. There are some good snakes that you might want to keep around!

http://greenlifepages.com/green-tips/item/468-how-to-naturally-deter-snakes-from-your-home

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Radishes

Photo: 6-5-2013  Radishes  1st pick of the season.  Yummy!  Thining them out.

Photo by Rumsey Liebes

1st pick of the season.  Thining them out.  Yummy for my salad today.  Nothing like fresh homegrown vegetables and fruits. 

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Flour Gardening



Non toxic tomato worm control . I don't remember where I learned this, but I've been using this method for 30 yrs and it really works. Get yourself an old jar & poke holes in the lid. Fill the jar with plain white flour and sprinkle it liberally over your tomatoes. I've never had an issue with horn worms or other pests with this. I also use it on cabbage & broccoli with good luck.
 
 

Banana Peel Gardening



Dried Banana Peel Chips Great Plant Fertilizer~I have used this with my roses, and they bloom like crazy after I put the banana peels on them.
 
 

Egg Shell Pots



Egg shells themselves make great little seed starting pots - and can be popped right into the garden at planting time.
 
 

Egg Water



The next time you boil a dozen eggs, save the water and pour it on your garden and plants. The water becomes enriched with calcium when the eggs are cooked. Plus, why pour water down the sink when you can reuse it for something, right?
 
 

Egg Fertilizer



Fill pot with 2 inches of soil put in raw egg as is decomposes it is natural ferterlizer.

www.howdoitcom.tumblr.com
 

Growing Pineapple



Did you know that you can simply plant the top of a pineapple in a pot and grow another?
 
 

Lady Bugs & Raisins



Lady bugs love raisins. Attract them to your aphid problem by using a raisin.
 
 

Citrus Rinds



If you finely chop citrus rinds and sprinkle them on the mulch in your garden, they keep neighborhood cats, dogs and other critters away from your veggies. I guess animals dont like the smell of the orange oil. Ive been using this method in the front garden and its working.
 
 

Growing Green Onions


Grow green onions in only 10 days!
 
 

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Strawberries



Follow This One Tip In Your Garden & Get A Ton Of Organic Strawberries!

For many years now, I have been growing my own strawberries. The first year that I attempted to grow strawberries, I was so overwhelmed and very disappointed. I didn’t know which varieties to buy, how to grow them, why my strawberries weren’t producing a lot of strawberries, and what a “runner” was and how it dramatically could effect my harvest! Today we are going to learn about strawberries and how to get the best yield out of your strawberry plants.

So lets talk about the different varieties of strawberries and strawberry types. There are hundreds of different varieties but there are only three strawberry types. The three types of strawberries are June-bearing strawberry varieties, ever-bearing strawberry varieties and day neutral strawberry varieties. Here are descriptions of the 3 strawberry types provided by strawberry plants .org

June-bearing strawberry varieties:

Any list of strawberry varieties will probably contain more June-bearing strawberry varieties than any other. June bearers are tremendously popular and common. They typically produce the largest strawberries, and do so over a period of two to three weeks, on average. Most June bearing strawberry varieties produce a harvest around the month of June, hence the name. However, strawberry varieties are further classified into Early Season, Midseason, and Late Season. By selecting strawberry plant varieties that produce during different parts of the season, you can prolong your harvest and enjoy fresh strawberries for an extended period of time. June bearing strawberries are most often of the Garden Strawberry variety (Fragaria x ananassa). June bearing strawberry varieties are often planted using the matted row system.

Everbearing strawberry varieties:

Everbearing strawberry varieties aren’t really “everbearing.” They generally produce two harvests per year: one in the spring and another in the late summer or fall. Under ideal conditions, it is possible for some everbearing strawberry varieties to produce three berry harvests. Most everbearing strawberry types are of the species Fragaria vesca. In general, everbearing strawberry varieties put out less runners (or no runners at all) than the June bearing varieties, as most of the plants productive energy is directed toward producing multiple strawberry harvests. Everbearing strawberry varieties are often planted using the hill system or in locations where space is limited.

Day-neutral strawberry varieties:

Day neutral strawberry varieties are unique. Unlike June bearing varieties, day neutral strawberries will produce a good yield in the first year they are planted. They flower and set strawberries whenever the temperature is between 35 and 85 degrees. They will still be producing fruit in October during milder years. The drawback to day neutral strawberry plants is that they produce smaller strawberries than do the June bearing and everbearing strawberry varieties. Their fruit is usually small to medium in size, rarely exceeding one inch. Day neutral strawberry varieties are often planted using the hill system or in locations where space is limited.
Here is a great chart that will help you find the right strawberry type and variety for your region as well as the desired flavor you are looking for. Keep in mind, oftentimes strawberries are much sweeter the smaller they are. If they are larger, they often times have a lot of water in them making them not as sweet.

Follow This One Tip In Your Garden & Get A Ton Of Organic Strawberries!


So now that you are a bit more educated about the different types and varieties of strawberries, lets talk about how to get the most out of your strawberry plants! In my garden, I have the ever-bearing strawberries and June-bearing strawberries. We eat strawberries all season long on these plants and they produce enough strawberries for our family that I have no need to even buy them at the farmers markets.
My everbearing strawberry plants are pretty much maintenance free, just plant and pick. My June-bearing take a little more work, but it is well worth it. June-bearing is one of the most planted strawberry types in todays gardens. My first year, I got very few strawberries. What was I doing wrong? I wasn’t pinching off my runners! ”Runners”?? Let me explain.
When you purchase your strawberry plant, you have a central plant. As it grows it produces runners. Runners are long stems that run off the central plant and create baby strawberry plants. These baby strawberry plants suck the nutrients out of the central plant and the central plant will lose its ability to produce fruit.

This might sound great, you automatically get more strawberry plants for free, but it is not a good thing! Again, these “runners” strip the central plant of its nutrients and the central plant will produce only a very little amount of strawberries.
So if you want to have a ton of strawberries, You must remove the runners!

To remove the runners, follow the runner to the central plants base.

Notice that the my runners have red stems. Not all red stems are runners though so make sure it is a runner before removing. Also depending on the variety, the stem might not be red. A runner is always longer (or running) from the central plant. Now simply remove the runner at the base of the plant.

By removing the runner you are allowing the central plant to get all the nutrients it needs to produce a lot of wonderful and delicious strawberries! This simple step of removing runners will allow your garden to flourish with strawberries. Strawberries are one of the easiest fruits to grow. So why not give it a try? Once you have home grown strawberries out of your garden, it is hard to go back to store bought. They really are that good! Happy gardening everyone!

http://wholelifestylenutrition.com/gardening/follow-this-one-tip-in-garden-get-ton-organic-strawberries/