Local Herbs And Their Uses

"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed, to you it shall be for meat."
Genesis 1:29

Herb Defined:

1 Plants, seeds, or flowers used for flavoring, food, medicine, or perfume.

2 Botany 
Any seed-bearing plant which does not have a woody stem and dies down to the ground after flowering.

Erb or Herb?

The word herb began use in the 1300's from an old Old French word, erbe which came from the Latin word, herba. Here in America, because the French word is used, we don't usually pronounce the hard "H".

Herbs are useful in maintaining health and can be used to treat illness. Herbs fall into two categories, tonic and medicinal. Tonic herbs may be safely used to maintain good health and medicinal herbs may be used to treat ailments.

Dandelion: High in phytonutrients and antioxidants which aid in slowing cancer growth and spread, prevents free radical damage to cells and DNA. Can be used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, gallbladder and inflammation. Boosts immune system.

Plantain: Astringent properties- May be crushed or chewed and placed directly over a sting, bite or rash, hemorrhoid remedy. Healing effect on the digestive system. Gentle expectorant.

Blackberry: Rich in bioflavonids and Vitamin C, low sodium, one of the highest antioxidant levels, source of fiber, good for digestive health, prevents cancer, useful for weight management, bone strength, skin health, improved vision, prevents eye disease, heart healthy, cognitive health, immunity booster, normal blood clotting treats endothelial dysfunction (abnormal function of lining of blood vessels), the folate useful in pregnancy, also known as the "gout berry" by the ancient Greeks AND is the Official Fruit of The State Of Alabama. The leaves cure diarrhea and the tannins in the leaves heal wounds.

Mullein: Treatment of various inflammatory diseases, diarrhea, asthma, coughs and other lung related issues. Used to treat the pain and inflammation associated with earaches.
Treatment of bruises, burns, hemorrhoids and gout, leaves can be applied topically to soften and protect the skin.  Mullein can be ingested, applied topically and even smoked.

Yellow Dock: High in iron, the root is medicinal for detoxing and skin ailments, laxative.

Eating seasonally has health benefits.

Spring greens for blood cleaning and purifying.

Summer Fruits and Vegetables to boost immunity.

Fall/Winter foods for antioxidants.

Essential Oils

Lavender: Reduces anxiety and emotional stress, heals burns and wounds, improves sleep, restores skin complexion and reduces acne, slows aging with powerful antioxidants, improves eczema and psoriasis, alleviates headaches. Researchers claim that 2,000 years ago lavender was referred to as Spikenard or Nard. The most famous usage of  lavender being the oil Mary used in John 12:3 to anoint Jesus.

"Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." John 12:3 (NIV)

Tea Tree: Treats acne, bacterial infections, chickenpox, cold sores, congestion and respiratory tract infections, earaches, fungal infections (especially Candida, jock itch, athlete’s foot and toenail fungus), halitosis (bad breath), head lice, MRSA, psoriasis, dry cuticles, itchy insect bites, sores and sunburns, boils from staph infections.

Household uses: Antimicrobial, laundry freshener, insect repellant, natural deodorant, acne face wash, removes foot order, removes mold, household cleaner.

Local Wild Foods Smoothie

1 Cup Almond Milk
1/2 Frozen Banana
1/2 Frozen Mango
1 Handful Dandelion Greens (Washed)
1 Handful Frozen Blackberries
Blender

Combine Almond Milk with Dandelion Greens and blend until smooth. Add frozen Banana, Mango and Blackberries.
(Any other additives such as 1 T Flaxseed or 4 T Almond Butter may be included.)

Blend until smooth, pour into a pint mason jar and enjoy.

Disclaimer: The information herein is intended for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be used as a diagnosis, prescription or treatment, nor is it meant to replace the medical services of a medical professional. The remedies, approaches, and techniques described in these materials are not to be a substitute for, professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat an ailment without prior consultation with a licensed medical professional. You should always consult with your medical professional before beginning any course of treatment.

These statements have not been approved by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

L-R: gardener, bee keeper, honey bee