A Gardener's First Aid, Part One

We have been hard at work in the garden all summer long. Plants are at their peak of loveliness and we have begun harvesting vegetables and herbs in earnest. On hands and knees, we have painstakingly seeded and sewn, weeded and watered, divided and dug, and picked and pruned.

The beauty and bounty of nature and all of her charms is our reward. We also may be suffering from aching backs, dried or chapping hands, sun-burned skin and minor cuts or scratches on the road to greening glory.

Before you pick up the phone to call your healthcare provider, or run to the local pharmacy for an over-the-counter cure, try some of the simple remedies below, keeping in mind that the human body can heal itself if complemented with compatible treatments; homeostasis is man’s innate ability to right himself when presented with a physical challenge.

We need only to slow down and not only smell, but snip the flowers and bring them inside for a soothing balm or tea.

Try some of the recipes below and be sure to let me know how effective they can be.

The simplest “cures” come in the form of teas: simply chop up a handful of the following flowers or leaves and steep in a cup of boiled water. You may combine chopped plants and tie in small cheesecloth bundles or steep for a few minutes in a teapot. Be sure to strain out all leaves before serving, adding cinnamon, honey or lemon for extra flavor.

Headaches: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Vervain (Verbena officinalis), Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Tension: Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia), Lemon Balm (Melissa officianalis), Lime/linden (Tilia europea), St. John’s wart (Hypericum perforatum)

Arthritis/rheumatism-drink floral teas regularly: Sweet Violet (Viola odorata), Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis), Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Hay Fever/Allergies: Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica), European elderflower (Sambucus nigra)

Indigestion: Peppermint (Mentha piperata), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Chamomile (Matricaria chamomile) Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Poor Circulation: Buckwheat (Fagopyron esculentum)

Coughs/Colds/Flu: Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), European Elderflower (Sambucus nigra), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Catmint (Nepeta cataria), Lime/Linden (Tilia europaea), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

(Elderfire water is a 19^th century Irish (Celtic) recipe for coughs and colds made by steeping 1lb of ripe elderberries with 4oz of sugar in a bottle of unspecified whiskey. Traditionally drunk with hot water at bedtime, it was said “a cold would flee before three days were gone”. At that point, a tea might be needed for a headache!)

(Pine Branches-Pinus strobes-can be thrown into the fire to help with respiratory problems)

Infections: Echinecea (Echinacea purpurea), Lavender (Lavender angustifolia) Elderflower (Sambucus nigra)

Inflammation of the Liver: Milk Thistle Tea

Tonic Teas: Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Pumpkin blossom (Cucurbita moschata)

Teas for sleeping: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilia), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnate)

Having tried many of these natural remedies-particularly those for indigestion (mint and chamomile mixed) and those for sleeping (chamomile), I can tell you that they really work. Many of these teas can be purchased in your local health food stores. Let me know if these help.

(More to come in a Gardener’s First Aid Part Two!)