Teas and Herbs for Health

Mayan Garden Club -uses of Herbs you can grow

This month we are privileged to share  the notes of Dr. Kirk, N.D. on the  naturopathic use of herbs for healing and also some for wonderful healing teas as she presented to our garden club. Here they are:

Herbal Waters and Sun Teas

These are the easiest to make and the options are endless.  The first step is to learn the medicinal qualities of a handful of culinary and garden herbs.  That is what we will do today, learn a few simple herbs you can grow in a kitchen garden potted or inside.  Pick the herbs you like to grow and use in recipes.

 

Here are a few obvious ones to start with:

 

Basil Leaf                  Stomach cramps, intestinal gas, mild carminative, fluid retention and edema, immune system, parasites

Uva Ursi                    Also known as Kinnikinnick,  tonifying and soothing for the bladder and kidney, UTI’s.

Wormwood leaf         Digestive spasms, worms and parasites, inflammation of the gall bladder, strong bitter.

Mint                           Calming and soothing for the digestive tract, cooling, mild carminative

Lemon Balm leaf       Calming, anti-anxiety, nervine, settles the digestive tract

Marshmallow Root   Soothes mucus membranes, cough, canker sores, bladder issues, digestive irritation, diarrhea

Parsley leaf                Nutritive, high in minerals, mild to moderate diuretic action

Lavender flowers      Calming, nervine, acts directly on the nervous system, digestive tract bladder

Ginger root                Carminative, immune system, encourages fever for viral illnesses

Rose Hips/petals        Petals –Nervine, relaxing, great for stress headaches, nausea

Hips—Improves immune system, very high in vitamin C

Chamomile                Tried and true nervine, however when steeped long and strong, this becomes a stimulant and powerful digestive bitter

Buchu                        African plant, excellent for urinary tract, so add some dried cranberry to tea

 

Many of these can be grown from cuttings, rooting easily in water or soil. At the end of the season,

Start some cuttings to have kitchen herbs all winter long.

 

Basic recipe for herb waters

In a quart or half gallon jar, place a few 6” sprigs of herb like mint, basil, parsley, marshmallow.

Add 3-4 slices of fruit, orange, lemon, lime, pina.

Fill with water, Set in sun or shade for a few hours.

This extraction will have a gentler yet more profound medicinal effect than steeped teas.

Tried and true herbal and fruit combinations

Pina-mint                                      Digestive, anti-oxidant, refreshing, somewhat stimulating

Basil-lemon                                    Refreshing, cooling, mild diuretic

Lavender-rose petal                        Good night sleep and rest

Hibiscus-clove                                   Lowers blood pressure, anti-oxidant

Ginger Orange-                                increases immunity, anti-inflammatory, colds,flu

Chamomille-lavender-lemon-ginger             Settles all that is wrong

 

Fresh herbs work a little differently than harvested, processed, or dried herbs. Like fresh

fruits and vegetables, the active constituents and nutrients of fresh herbs are more readily

available.  If using dried herbs, steep in a small amount of hot water first, then add fruit and allow

to steep at room temp.

 

Commercial medicinal teas by brand

Choice                                   most are organic, they make combinations that are condition specifics.

Traditional Medicinals       have been around a long time, but are not always organic.

Tulsi                                      offer western and Ayur-Vedic herbs, usually organic.

 

Note—Add fruit to commercial teas to lighten and enliven the flavors.

 

 

About Dr. Kirk

Dr. Kirk N.D. has an amazing knowledge in both the field of Naturopathic Medicine and the inner workings of the body, mind, and soul. With 25 years of experience in the use of homeopathy, botanical medicine, nutrition, and mental-emotional aspects of health and dis-ease, Dr. Kirk assists people in weaving a tapestry of modalities into a workable treatment plan leading to a  life of vibrant health and a deeper understanding of the Self.

If you want to avoid side effects of conventional  medicine and  get great result using traditional medicine, consult with her. Her on line consultation is a welcome addition to her many patients who live all over the world.

 To contact Dr. Kirk      call  in Alaska 907-746-5475 or email her at      [email protected]

Web site    www.joaniekirknd.com