Yes, thanks for info about Nettles. In addition, for years, myself and many other women throughout history, drank nettles tea after menses, to replace iron lost in their menstrual blood. Many folks grow nettles, or collect it wild, and steam or boil it to eat as a vegetable (like greens). Gaia Herbs, in Brevard NC, grows it in their organic gardens to add to their herbal formulations.
In homeopathy, we use Urtica urens to treat/antidote shellfish poisoning, uticaria, gout & uric acid diathesis, agalactia (decreased milk production), first-degree burns & scalds (topically or internally), chicken pox, other itching & stinging ailments including that from insect stings, jellyfish stings, etc. Urtica urens herbal tincture (nettles) can be diluted in water & used as a topical dressing to treat burns or scalds. I carry the tincture in my office for such emergencies. And, of course, as you mentioned, the more popular use now for this wonderful plant is for allergies, decreasing the inflammatory response to allergens during the pollen season.
Ok, just thought I’d add some info to the plant’s Bio. (-:
Julie
I grew up on horehound candy and whenever I visit an old country store, I make sure to buy some.
BTW, my brother suffers badly from gout, any special remedies you could send my way.?
Thanks, Debi
Question: From Marian, a subscriber to Free Weekly Email Herb Tip
Should herbs be harvested….before they turn to seed, or cut the part off that is turning to seed? Example…cilantro! It was growing so great then went to seed and killed the cilantro…that was there…it seemed. Now I just have a lot going to seed…!!! what to do?
Answer:
Type in “cilantro” on herbfest “search” for articles specific to cilantro that will help.
Basically herbs are live plants, leaves, sometimes stem or roots. Spices are seeds of plants. Cilantro is the leaf ( herb) , coriander is the seed ( spice).
Cilantro did as will always do so, for us -Zone 7, the best plant is Culantro, not cilantro as culantro loves the heat and does not bolt ( go to seed) like cilantro does.
hey Bob, do you think if I infused olive oil with lavender then used it in body butter that the fragrance would hold up?
Dear Bob and Liza the Great J,
Wanted to let you know that I have enjoyed getting the newsletter, it has been very informative. We were unable to get to HerbFest this year, as it is a bit of a hike for us (we’re in Burlington), and we didn’t find out about it until it was here! I do appreciate the info, and I know I should spend more time browsing the website.
Last year was the first year we really started doing herb gardening, and we have enjoyed it. This year has been interesting since we have already had to do a lot of “death and destruction” on some things that got out of control. Last year I cut my sage bush back to about a foot high (and dried 2 quarts of it!), and it’s already 4 feet high and growing. I planted some Roman chamomile last summer and thought it had died. Well, I’ve already had to dig up half, twice and none of my friends want anymore! Read More…
Hi Bob, I drive a US Mail van 6 days a week and last summer it started smelling kind of moldy,and funky not in a good way. So I put some lavender leaves, peppermint and some thyme in a muslin bag on the dash and it smelled wonderful all summer and into fall. So I did the same thing with my car. Great tip. Have a wonderful day and hope HerbFest 2010 went well.
Linda
Organic gardeners will love this video.
Milton Ganyard talks about beneficial insects.
Includes photos, so you can find these in your garden and give them extra love. Read More…
Hello Bob, it was nice to learn about the lovely scent in these plants, but I would point out that the “odors” alluded to are an indication that the home has an occupant whose internal organs are not healthy BECAUSE their DIET is UNBALANCED.
In humans, who eat minimally processed whole foods that are predominantly (over 90%) vegetable/fruits and leaves, the body gases are not “odorous”. And whenever there is some *odor* present, there should be some attention to diet and to health status. Read More…
Can you recommend some herbs for improving heart conditions?
Hi David,
That’s a very good question and one we need to pay attention to. Would you do me big favor? I’m in midst of getting ready for Herbfest for next 2 weeks and if you can resend this to me after April 26 then hopefully can give you a better answer since it is a great question.
I’m not specifically addressing your question BUT..
• Foxglove is the plant from which digitalis is derived. Heart starter when have heart attack.
• Often it’s not the herbs that really help your heart as much as it is by using herbs as seasoning agents you eliminate the often fatty, non heart friendly seasonings such as adding salt to already high sodium foods, especially prepared foods, fats such as lards, butter, etc.
• Herbs add flavor to healthy food items and great example is tomatoes which are good for you and by themselves but greatly enhanced with fresh basil. By adding the basil you delete use of salt.
• Stevia is another additive used in place of sugar and often stevia is very good for diabetics to replace sugar and diagnosis of diabetes also is heart harming as disease progresses.
This just a beginning of discussion and back to you after Herbfest but remind me please.
Thanks.
Herbanite Bob
