Some North American Indian tribes used particular herbs for birth control. The medicine woman or man could mix a potion that was temporary or permanent. As a matter of fact, many of today's modern drugs are the result of biobotanists' research into herbal remedies of primitive peoples. First the chemical compounds of the plant are analyzed. These compounds are then tested in the laboratory and if found successful in treating illness are used in prescription and over the counter medicines. For example, a compound of wild yam (or Dioscorea) used as a base for modern-day birth control. Some of the herbs found useful medicinally are either rare or too costly to collect and process. So scientists proceed with synthetic chemical substitutes.

Chamomile which is used for colic in babies, indigestion and is great for a hangover and in treating alcoholism is known to cure ailing plants as well. Chamomile is probably the world's most favorite herb. It tastes like apples. The Greeks called it "earth apple". The flowers which look like tiny daisies are used in teas for fever, digestion, colic, insomnia and a hair rinse for blond hair. The stems and long thin leaves are used as well as the flowers in soothing baths. Chamomile can be walked on and is grown in aromatic pathways in England or around garden benches. Remember the poppy field in the Wizard of Oz in which Dorothy and her companions fell asleep? They could have substituted with a field of chamomile, however, their dreams wouldn't have been so exciting. The age old remedy of painting oneself with nail polish to relieve the itching from chiggers, tiny mites that bore under the skin in summer near lakes and in woods, doesn't work as well as a nice warm bath treated with an ounce of chamomile. When my first baby was diagnosed with colic and phenobarbital was prescribed, I discussed an alternate treatment with our pediatrician. With the doctor's approval I used a diluted chamomile tea. It worked.

Basil which is a member of the mint family makes great pesto and delicious hamburgers while at the same time relieves constipation, aids digestion and expels gas.

Aloe used with Vitamin E, heals scar tissue. It soothes itching and burning from flame, sun and radiation and is used as a folk remedy for skin cancer. Aloe is now used in hand lotions and creams. Even though additives are used in these preparations to prolong the healing properties of aloe, these stabilizers just do not work as well as advertised. The best way to use aloe on the skin is to break off enough of a leaf and squeeze the gel directly on the affected area (except in the eyes, of course). The remaining leaf will seal the break itself.

Hyssop, particularly Anise Hyssop, can be used to sweeten tea. We use an infusion of Hyssop for sore throats and bronchitis, although I always use it with either chamomile, sage or even orange-pekoe. As a bath aid, Hyssop is antiseptic. Some use it to cleanse wounds because it is believed penicillin grows on the plant's leaves, but modern herbalists attribute its germ-killing power to the volatile oils of the plant.

Sage, used in stuffing and dressing recipes, is known to dry up milk in lactating mothers. Research has shown it lowers blood sugars in diabetics and is useful in treating sore throats. Sage steeped as a tea is also used as a hair rinse for dark hair.

Most of the herbs I mentioned so far are beautiful, aromatic plants. And there are many, many more which are helpful to humans. There are some that are just as helpful to animals. A drop of pennyroyal oil on the back of the neck and at the base of the tail repels fleas on cats and dogs as does peppermint when laid in your pet's bed.

Mints - spearmint, peppermint, lemon balm, apple mint are just a few plants belonging to the mint family. Bergamot is a wonderful aromatic as are most mints. Hot mint tea is good for menstrual cramps. I like to add a shot of brandy or whiskey to the cup. Other remedies are mint teas for fever or insomnia. Although chamomile or feverfew is as good or better. Together they make a tasty cup of tea. Mint grown outside a door or under a window near the kitchen can help keep away ants.

For tea, you use one heaping tablespoon of herb to a cup of hot water, steep for four to six minutes, strain and add extra water. The leftover tea can be stored in the refrigerator for a day. For children, always reduce the amount of an herbal tea by one half to three quarters.

You'll need certain tools for your herbal remedies. The best way to store herbs is in dark-colored glass jars with tight-fitting lids. If you use clear containers, keep them in a cabinet away from the light. You'll need labels for the jars. Personally I prefer herbs in their natural state because bruising or crushing the herbs immediately prior to use assures the most effective results. A mortar and pestal for grinding the herbs is helpful. A strainer is needed, preferably bamboo. However, any clean strainer will work as effectively as long as it fits your needs.

Garlic is often considered the most healthful herb of all. In the United States, garlic lovers even have a national club, the Order of the Stinking Rose. They meet each year out west for the Great Garlic Festival.

In most herbals garlic takes up more space than any other herb. It appears in calendars dating back to 2000 B.C. and was once thought to possess magical powers. It was worn around the neck and hung over doorways to ward off vampires, the plague and illnesses of all kinds. Garlic exudes a smell so strong it can cut through a cold-clogged nose so that no one would want to get near, therefore, there is less exposure to germs. Research now shows that garlic does, indeed, contain components that inhibit or even destroy various bacteria and fungi. It's antibacterial action is actually equivalent to one per cent penicillin. It is more effective than penicillin against typhus, works against staph and strep bacteria. So garlic is effective against infection. One slice of a clove of garlic fed to your dog or cat daily can prevent worms. It kills worms in children. Garlic is used in treating respiratory ailments, high blood pressure, in reducing cholesterol levels and clogging of the arteries.

In China researchers are working with garlic as a prevention of stomach cancer. And garlic is one of the safest herbs on earth.

Garlic inter-planted with vegetables and roses helps control harmful insects. I've used a garlic spray on my roses and the aphids stayed away for one month.

WARNING: The information in this Herbs section is primarily for reference and education. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a physician. We do not recommend self-medication. Gardeners should be aware that any plant substance, whether used as food or medicine, externally or internally, may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Exercise caution and do the necessary research to separate the legitimate from the suspect information about herbal remedies. If in doubt about using a particular herbal product, don’t try it. If you use any information contained on this web page, you do so at your own risk.