Our ancestors knew which herbs and plants could cure a fever, settle an upset stomach, help with insomnia. While I'm no expert, I've been passionate about herbal remedies since my eldest had colic 30 years ago and my mother in law prescribed a tea made from sage and anise. I was skeptical, but 5 weeks of screaming baby had me ready to try anything. Her advice worked like a charm and I was hooked.
I do believe that holistic medicine is making a comeback. My own daughters, aged 23-30 are into looking up natural methods of everything from skincare to household cleaning. They're finding that not only does the natural method work, but it is often considerably less expensive and certainly safer to use.I think they're pretty smart lil chicks!
So let's go back to talking about herbal medicine for a minute. Wouldn't it be amazing if the plants that you grew right outside your own door could be dual purpose. What if that beautiful vine covering your arbor could help you fall asleep. What if that drought tolerant bush by the back fence could even cure athlete's foot. Well, they can.
If you know me at all, you know I love a Win/Win situation. Growing your own holistic medicinal cures is the perfect example of this in action.
1) I love dual purpose plants because they offer a WIN/WIN. In other words, I'll water and care for you and in return I'll get something other than just a pretty plant. One of my favorites is Passion Flower Vine. This fast growing, evergreen vine has a gorgeous flower that turns in to a fruit that's high in antioxidants. (Great in yogurt or tossed into a smoothie). The leaves of the vine can be dried and then used to make a tea that is a mild sedative. I like to blend the leaves with lavender and chamomile, also stress reducing sedatives.
2) I also love knowing that I grow my plants without harmful synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. I don't have to pay money for the chemicals in the first place and I don't have to pay a premium for organic goods because I grow them myself. That's a WIN/WIN.
3) I'm pretty frugal (ask anyone!) and growing my own natural teas is the cheapest way to enjoy holistic health care.
So you see it's a Win/Win/Win.
Stop in to The Secret Garden and pick up some plants to start your own FARMACY. Then the next time you're at the grocery store you can just walk past that boxed tea aisle and keep your hard earned money in your pocket.
Jennifer
Jennifer
