January 7, 2013
Basil is an annual herb that likes full sun. It is best known for being used in Italian cooking and making pesto
Basil is easy to grow in the summertime either from seed or seedlings. Do not store basil in the fridge it does not like the cold and will turn an off colour. Trim the stalks and store in a pint glass with water on the counter which makes it easier to use in cuisine.
| Common Name |
Basil herb |
| Latin Name |
Ocimum basilicum |
| Family |
Lamiaceae (Mint) |
| Parts Used |
annual herb picked all through summer |
| Target Organs |
digestion, nerves, respiratory, urinary, reproductive system |
| Common Uses |
Digestive conditions: digestive upset, gas, bloating, inflammation, liver congestioninfections, digestive, IBS, mucus colitis, nausea, pain,
Nervous system: tension, stress, nervousness, fever, headache, exhaustion, depression, fatigue(mental, physical)
Respiratory: flu, congestion, coughs, colds, sinusitis, asthma
Reproductive system: infertility, Nutritive
Head: headaches, earache (external use only with essential oil), migraines
Used as insect repellent and for treating insect stings and bites. |
| Properties |
Anti-inflammatory, anticatarrhal, antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-depressant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, astringent, emmenagogue, expectorant, digestive, relaxant, nervine, nutritive, hepatic, carminative, stimulant, warming, tonic, |
| Constituents |
Phenylpropanoids: eugenol, trans methyl isoeugenol,Monoterpene alcohols: linalool, geraniol,
Oxide: cineole
Phenol: methyl chavicol-40-50% Methyl ester: methyl cinnamate,
Monoterpenes: pinene, camphor, ocimene, mycrene, terpinolene,
Sesquiterpenes: caryophyllene, terpinolene;
Tannins 5%, saponins, flavones, ursolic acid |
| Cautions |
Mild remedy. Do not use during pregnancy |
| Dosage |
Tincture: 2-4ml Tea: 2 tsp steep 10 min
|
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January 7, 2013
There are many flavours of basil and it comes in purple or green varieties. There are many chemotypes of basil, depending on where it is grown, the chemical constituents are different, but they are all used the same way. In India it is called Holy basil.
Basil is a nerve tonic relieving mental fatigue while sharpening the senses, it gives the mind clarity and focus for concentration. The clarifying effects are like rosemary, and it is good to use with rosemary for headaches along with lavender and peppermint. The antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties of basil treat digestive and respiratory conditions.
| COMMON NAME |
BASIL |
| Latin Name |
Ocimum basilicum |
| Family |
Lamiaceae |
| Country of Origin |
Europe, Asia, Middle East, North America |
| Volatility |
Top note |
| Extraction |
Steam distilled from leaves |
| Colour |
colourless, pale amber |
| Aroma |
liquorice, sweet, |
| Caution Contraindications |
Do not use during pregnancy. May cause skin irritation. |
| Primary Uses |
Digestion: digestive upset, gas, bloating, inflammation, liver congestionRespiratory: sinus, flu, congestion, coughs, colds,Nervous: Stress, fatigue, mental, physical.Head: headaches, earache(external use only), migraines
Used as insect repellent and for treating insect stings and bites.
|
| Properties |
Anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anticatarrhal, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cephalic, digestive, expectorant, emmenagogue, relaxant, stimulating/relaxing nervine, hepatic, stimulant, warming, tonic |
| Constituents |
Methyl ester: methyl cinnamate,Monoterpene alcohols: linalool, geraniol, Oxide: cineoleSesquiterpenes: caryophyllene, terpinolene,Phenol: methyl chavicol-40-50%
Phenylpropanoids: eugenol, trans methyl isoeugenol,
Monoterpenes: pinene, camphor, ocimene, mycrene, terpinolene,
|
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September 4, 2012
Bee-balm or Monarda is a beautiful wildflower native to North east North America. It is known for the popular beverage Natives call Oswego tea, and is also cooked in stews, and used to flavour salads. Being aromatic the essential oil makes great perfume and keeps insects and flies away.
Monarda fistulosa has beautiful tubular lavender-purple pinkish flowers. The common name is known as Wild Bergamot, not to be confused with the citrus bergamot orange – Citrus bergamia L. used in EARL GREY tea, but it smells similar and is now sometimes combined. English Settlers that came to North America named it that because they thought it smelled just like earl grey tea and introduced it to England in 1744. Having a high geraniol content it smells like geranium flowers mixed with citrus and mint.
Monarda fistulosa
Monarda didyma has showy red flowers that smell like citrus and mint. The leaves make a wonderful tea dried or fresh. The common name is Bee-balm because it attracts bees, along with hummingbirds and butterflies. It is also called Scarlet bee-balm because of the colour of the flowers. The M. didyma species has a higher thymol content that makes it smell more like citrus thyme.
Monarda didyma
The stems are square with paired grey green leaves and rough on both sides. It prefers moist, light soil. Being a mint family member it likes some shade from the hot afternoon sun. Use all Monarda species the same way. Enjoy!
| Common Name |
Bee balm/ Wild Bergamot |
| Latin Name |
Monarda didyma (Bee balm) Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) |
| Family |
Lamiaceae (Mint Family) |
| Parts Used |
Perennial- pick herb from spring until it flowers in July-August |
| Target Organs |
circulatory, digestion, respiratory, nerves, lymphatic, skin, urinary, reproductive |
| Common Uses |
Respiratory: infections, colds, flu, nasal congestion, coughs, fever, swollen lymph
Digestion: digestive catarrh, indigestion, constipation, gas, bloating,
Urinary: UTI, incontinence, infection
Female reproductive: spasms, cramps, PMS, balancing
Nervous system: relaxant, stress, depression
External: wounds, inflammation, |
| Properties |
antimicrobial, antibacterial, anticatarrhal, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic (digestive, general, respiratory, uterine,) antiviral, anxiolytic, appetite stimulant, astringent, warming carminative, cholagogue, circulatory stimulant, decongestant, diaphoretic, diuretic, digestive stimulant, stimulating emmenagogue, relaxing, secretolytic, stimulating expectorant, febrifuge, nervine, rubefacient, relaxant, stomachic, tranquilizer, uterine relaxant, (neural, peripheral vasodilator), vulnerary |
| Constituents |
Essential Oil Yield: 0.4%-0.6%
Monoterpenes
Monoterpene alcohols: geraniol 90%
Phenol: thymol(found in M. didyma)50% |
| Cautions |
Mild remedy. Do not use during pregnancy or consult with a professional. |
| Dosage |
Tincture: 2-4ml Tea: 2 tsp. infuse 5-10 minutes |
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June 1, 2012
Oregano is a perennial herb but in colder climates it may become an annual, but it might come back every year. Oregano is native to the Mediterranean region and warm temperate western and south-western Eurasia parts so it likes it hot and sunny.
Oregano grows from 20–80 cm tall, with opposite leaves 1–4 cm long. The tiny purple or white flowers 3–4 mm long grow in erect spikes and in clusters around the stem.
- Oregano about to flower surrounded by Viola flowers
Fresh or dried Oregano is used in Italian cooking and it is stronger than Marjoram.
Consider Marjoram Origanum majorana Oregano’s sister.
| Common Name |
Oregano herb |
| Latin Name |
Origanum vulgare |
| Family |
Lamiaceae (Mint Family) |
| Parts Used |
Perennial- herb picked in spring/summer growing season |
| Target Organs |
Digestion, stomach, respiratory, nervous system, musculo-skeletal, female reproductive |
| Common Uses |
Digestion:digestive stomach upset, gas, bloating, indigestion, inflammation, liver congestion, infections
Respiratory:sinus congestion, infections, coughs, colds, flu, sore throat, bronchitis
Nervous system: Stress, fatigue, mental, physical
Musculo-skeletal: Arthritis, aches, stiffness, pain,
Female Reproductive: balancing, spasms
Culinary medicinal |
| Properties |
Antibacterial, anticatarrhal, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory (general, local) antioxidant, antiprotozoal, antirheumatic, antispasmodic(digestive, respiratory, uterine) antiviral, anxiolytic, appetite stimulant, astringent, warming carminative, circulatory stimulant, decongestant, diaphoretic, stimulating emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, rubefacient, stomachic, uterine relaxing/stimulating, vasodilator, |
| Constituents |
Essential Oil Yield: .2% Esters: linalyl/geranyl acetatePhenols:63% carvacrol, thymol,Monterpene alcohols:50% borneol
Monoterpenes:10-40%, paracymene, terpinenes, cymene, caryophyllene, pinene,
Oxides: 1, 8 cineole,
Other: coffeic/ursolic/rosmarinic acids, gum, tannins, bitter, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron |
| Cautions |
Mild remedy in tincture form |
| Dosage |
Tincture: 1-4ml Tea: 1-2 tsp essential oil always dilute |
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June 1, 2012
Oregano oil is best known for treating colds, coughs and flu. The powerful constituents phenols are responsible for its antibiotic properties. Oregano essential oil is very strong to take internally and externally, and dilution is always recommended. I prefer to take Oregano herb in tincture form whole, because the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts and it is safer to take internally this way. Depending on my symptoms sometimes I don’t use Oregano to treat a cold or cough.
Directions: If you are going to take Oregano essential oil internally buy a diluted form and dilute it further with olive oil. Put 1 drop of diluted oregano in 1 teaspoon of olive oil and consume. Follow this with liquids it is strong! Caution is advised! Oregano is hot and irritating.
| COMMON NAME |
OREGANO |
| Latin Name |
Origanum vulgare |
| Family |
Lamiaceae |
| Country of Origin |
Mediterranean, Eurasia |
| Volatility |
Middle note |
| Extraction |
Steam distilled from herb |
| Colour |
clear, pale |
| Aroma |
warm, spicy, camphor |
| Caution |
Do not use during pregnancy. Hot stimulant! May cause skin irritation. |
| Primary Uses |
Digestion:digestive upset, gas, bloating, inflammation, liver congestion, infectionsRespiratory:sinus congestion, coughs, colds, flu, sore throat, infections
Nervous system: Stress, fatigue, mental, physical
Musculo-skeletal: Arthritis, aches, stiffness, pain, |
| Properties |
Antibacterial, antibiotic, anticatarrhal, antiseptic, anticonvulsant, astringent, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory antirheumatic, antiviral, antispasmodic (digestive, respiratory, uterine) anxiolytic, appetite stimulant, warming carminative, circulatory stimulant, decongestant, diaphoretic, stimulating emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, rubefacient, stomachic, uterine tonic relaxing/stimulating, |
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June 1, 2012
There are many varieties, species, and chemotypes of thyme which all vary in chemical composition.
CT is short for Chemotypes which are plants that share the same Latin name but have different constituents and chemical make-up due to various factors such as where it is grown, soil, altitude and nutrients.
Thyme has a long history of use being one of the most powerful natural antiseptics known mainly due to the phenol action of thymol. Just like oregano it is powerful antibiotic, having similar phenol constituents, and is a pulmonary and digestive disinfectant.
Thyme stimulates production of white corpuscles which helps fight off potentially harmful microbes and strengthens the immune system.
Thyme
| COMMON NAME |
THYME |
| Latin Name |
Thymus spp. vulgaris, sateriodes CT geraniol, linalool, paracymene, thujanol, thymol |
| Family |
Lamiaceae |
| Country of Origin |
France, Europe, Spain, Israel, North America |
| Volatility |
Top/middle note |
| Extraction |
steam distilled from leaves and flowering tops |
| Colour |
pale yellow |
| Aroma |
strong herb, |
| Caution Contraindications |
Do not use during pregnancy, or with high blood pressure. Very HOT and may irritate skin. |
| Primary Uses |
Digestion: gastritis, colitis, infections Respiratory: bronchitis, pleurisy, TB, whooping spasmodic cough
Immune: stimulant, colds, flu, strep, staph, tonsillitis, infections, fever
Skin: warts, lice, scalp infections;
Muscular: analgesic pain relief, arthritis, sprains, strains |
| Properties |
antibacterial, anticatarrhal, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory antimicrobial, antispasmodic (general, digestive, respiratory), anxiolytic, appetite stimulant, astringent, warming carminative, cholagogue, decongestant, diaphoretic, relaxing secretolytic expectorant, febrifuge, stimulating nervine relaxant, stomachic, vasodilator, vulnerary |
| Constituents |
Monoterpene: p-cyamene aka paracymene;
Phenol: Thymol 45% Thujanol
Monoterpene alcohol: Geraniol, linalool |
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May 29, 2012
Time for Thyme herb!
There are many varieties of thyme and they are all hardy and easy to grow. Thyme is grown in pots year round for culinary, medicinal or ornamental purposes or grown directly in the ground, where it comes back bigger and better every year. There are creeping varieties that grow close to the ground or hanging varieties that hang over and trail down the sides of pots. Thyme is a sturdy sub-shrub and the creeping varieties are a great alternative to lawn grass or to put under other bigger shrubs. Put thyme around walkways or in cracks to keep other weeds out.
| Common Name |
Thyme herb |
| Latin Name |
Thymus vulgaris spp. |
| Family |
Lamiaceae (Mint Family) |
| Parts Used |
Perennial- herb picked in spring and summer growing season |
| Target Organs |
Digestion, Respiratory, Immune, Central Nervous System, Skin, Muscular |
| Common Uses |
Digestion: infections, gastritis, colitis, parasites, diarrhoea, worms,Respiratory: bronchitis, pleurisy, TB, whooping cough infections, cough, bronchitis, colds, flu, gargle sore throats, Immune: stimulant, colds, flu, strep, staph, tonsillitis, infections, fever,
Nervous system: stimulating, depression
Skin: warts, lice, scalp infections;
Muscular: analgesic pain relief, arthritis, sprains, strains
External: wounds, astringent stops bleeding
Culinary fresh or dried
Essential oil use diluted-very hot |
| Properties |
Anthelmintic, antibacterial, anticatarrhal, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory (local, systemic) antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic (general, digestive, respiratory), anxiolytic, appetite stimulant, astringent, warming carminative, cholagogue, decongestant, diaphoretic, relaxing secretolytic expectorant, febrifuge, stimulating nervine relaxant, stomachic, vasodilator, vulnerary |
| Constituents |
Essential Oil: 1% Monoterpene: p-cyamene aka paracymene; Phenol: Thymol 45% thujanol, carvacrol,Monoterpene alcohol: Geraniol, linalool
borneol;
Other: bitter, tannin, flavonoids, triterpenoids |
| Cautions |
Essential oil use diluted very hot and stimulating. May irritate sensitive skin. |
| Dosage |
Tincture: 1-4ml |
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Basil is easy to grow in the summertime either from seed or seedlings. Do not store basil in the fridge it does not like the cold and will turn an off colour. Trim the stalks and store in a pint glass with water on the counter which makes it easier to use in cuisine.
