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8 Steps to a Fantastic Mini Herb Garden
Herbs are perfect for many reasons: growing in your home or outside will delightfully scent your environment, even after harvesting and drying them. They are commonly added to food and makes your meals alive and flavorful. They have incredible medicinal value in their own natural state and have been the base of pharmaceutical medicine.
Another great quality is that these plants produce enough for a small family on a single plant of each herb you wish to grow. So the space used for the garden can be very limited for maximum use of the herbs.
Here are simple guidelines to follow to assure success of herb gardening in a small space. of course the ”garden”" is contained in one container or several pots collected together. These gardens can easily be moved from indoors to you outdoor space during the warmer season.
1. Location of the garden: the right place to set your garden is important. A south or west facing windowsill will offer good sunlight in your home, outside you should find an area that offer shade for half of the day.
2. Choosing containers: choosing the appropriate pot will make a difference in hoe the herbs react. Use plastic or clay pots or container to house the plants. Pots that are a few inches in diameter will provide sufficient space for the plant to grow well and not get out of control.
3. Mixing the soil: for best results for your herbs will be a half/half mix of potting soil and sand. To the resulting mixture, add a good teaspoon of lime juice. Herbs prefer a soil that is poor in nutrients but contain lime. This mixture will help your herbs grow better and healthier.
4. Planting the herbs: if using seeds, place them in a shallow soil base. Push the seed into the soil using your index finger. the ideal depth should be about the height of your fingernail making this easy for the plant to sprout once it germinates.
5. Watering the plants: it is very essential to water the herbs with much care. The right amount of water should leave the soil moist to the touch, no more, Of course,good drainage is also of upmost importance. If not done well, the plants could die by drowning or the roots could rot.
6. Lighting: most herbs love sunlight though a few prefer shade. Consult the lighting instruction on the back of the seeds envelope for proper guidance. Most enjoy seven hours a day of sunlight. If these standard cannot be met in an inside environment you may wish to consider artificial lighting to compensate.
7. Wind: A bit of wind will be beneficial to the your herb garden. They are not fond of strong wind but will enjoy a nice airy space to moderate wind. In the home you can use a fan to circulate the air for an hour a day.
8. Pruning the herbs: Pruning will contribute to the health of the plant and help the stronger leaves grow stronger. Unless you are harvesting the leaves, light pruning is an occasional activity you will need to tend to. Always prune your plants close to the stem or near the soil.
Follow these 8 steps to assure healthy growing plant in your miniature garden, For your garden to remain small, keep the plants contained and once you have succeeded this first one, you may wish to go on and expand. This list is very much a quick summary to help you start out in the right direction. For much more information on herb gardening and more great tips on creating and maintaining a mini herb garden, follow the links below.
Eustache Davenport is a gardening enthusiast and author. He lives in Montreal and enjoy teaching his gardening secrets to work groups on how to setup, optimize and maintain an amazing herb garden. For more great tips and information on mini herb garden, visit http://www.herbgardeningonlineguide.com.
What Natural Remedies Can You Take For Migraine Headaches? Part 1
The National Headache Foundation says that more than 29.5 million Americans have migraine, and although some rely on prescription medications, a growing number prefer natural remedies for migraine headaches.
A natural remedy for migraine headaches might be anything from herbs to supplements, acupuncture to aromatherapy.
Choosing a Natural Remedy for Migraine
If you choose a natural remedy for migraine treatment, you might try something from one or more of these categories.
Seven Nutrients
These nutrients are listed alphabetically to avoid indicating a preference.
1. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
5-HTP is a compound the body produces from tryptophan, an amino acid. The body uses it to make serotonin. Since supplements that affect serotonin levels are used for migraines, 5-HTP has been put forward as an effective natural remedy for migraine treatment.
2. Butterbur
An extract of butterbur root has been found to be an effective natural remedy for migraine in children and adolescents. A clinical trial of this herb was reported in an early 2005 issue of the journal “Headache”. Butterbur appears to relieve pain and spasms.
3. Fatty Acids
Research done in the U.S. suggests that fish oil combined with magnesium taurate may be a great natural remedy for migraine. Both reduce blood vessel spasms, which appear to be the main cause of migraines.
4. Feverfew
This herb has long been considered a natural remedy for migraine and other headaches. Feverfew relieves pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It treats migraine by inhibiting the platelets’ release of blood vessel-dilating substances. It also inhibits the production of inflammatory substances.
5. Magnesium
This mineral is one of the most promising natural remedies for migraine headaches. Contained in fish, nuts, seeds, soybeans, whole grains, and vegetables, magnesium is needed for healthy muscle, nerve and blood vessel tone. As a natural remedy for migraine, it is thought to help prevent blood vessel spasms.
6. Petasite (Petasites hybridus)
It was in Germany that Petasite was found to be an effective natural remedy for migraine. German researchers showed that people taking Petasite had fewer migraine attacks, and their attacks were shorter. They also had less pain than those taking a placebo.
7. Vitamin B2
Belgian researchers in a 1998 double-blind study learned that vitamin B2 (riboflavin) gave more effective migraine relief than a placebo. This natural remedy reduced both the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.
Manual Therapy
Since no one treatment will work for everyone, you may want a natural remedy for migraine that involves manual therapy. Two possibilities are acupuncture and shiatsu.
1. Acupuncture
The Chinese art of acupuncture triggers relief by inserting delicate needles at specific points in the neck and head. Many people, including German researchers, have found it an effective natural remedy for migraine. Acupuncture is commonly used for migraines in Germany.
The researchers gave almost 900 patients one of three treatments: standard migraine drugs, traditional Chinese acupuncture, or “fake” acupuncture. Those who received “fake” acupuncture treatments had needles inserted in areas of the skin not used in traditional practice. In each group, virtually the same percentage of people cut in half the number of days affected by migraine each year.
2. Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a form of acupressure rather than acupuncture. As a natural remedy for migraine, shiatsu massage helps relieve tension and reduce stress. Whereas migraine tends to block blood flow or cause “overflow” to the lower head, shiatsu massage releases the blood flow and energy, restoring natural flow.
You can learn to do shiatsu for your own migraines, and get almost instant relief. Or have a family member give you shiatsu. The technique is simple, and regular massages are both preventative and remedial.
In a future article, we will consider the value of additional natural remedies for migraine headaches. If you are pregnant, be sure you ask your health care professional before using this advice. All migraine sufferers should seek professional counsel on using a natural remedy for migraine.
© 2007, Anna Hart. Member of a “migraine family” and sympathizer with all migraineurs, Anna invites you to read more of her articles about the treatment of migraine headaches at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com. You won’t want to miss Anna’s additional insights and perspectives on the use of acupuncture, a natural remedy for migraine.
What Natural Remedies Can You Take For Migraine Headaches? Part 2
In Part 1 of this article, we looked at two categories of natural remedies for migraine headaches. We presented 7 nutrients and 2 means of manual therapy for migraine relief.
In Part 2, we will look at additional natural remedies you can take for migraine headaches.
Choosing a Natural Remedy for Migraine
If you choose a natural remedy for migraine treatment, you get no guarantees. One person’s natural remedy for migraine may or may not work for the next person. Since prescription medications also offer no guarantees, and do have side effects, you may want to try a natural remedy for migraine. You should, of course, ask your physician for advice.
Simple Home-style Remedies
A natural remedy for migraine need not be complex. For years, people have been applying simple, home-style remedies that are FREE or low-cost. You may use any or all of these for migraine relief.
1. Sleep
This is a free natural remedy for migraine. Have the migraine sufferer lie sown in a quiet, darkened room and sleep for several hours. Sleep is the body’s time for healing, and is an important factor is migraine relief.
2. Ice Pack
A second free natural remedy for migraine is a simple ice pack. Try placing a cold compress on the sufferer’s head as he or she lies in a dark, quiet room. You may use a purchased ice cap filled with ice, but it is just as effective to use an unopened bag of frozen vegetables. A bag of frozen peas is especially easy to use, since it readily conforms.
3. Warm bath
A warm, soaking bath in a darkened room will often relieve migraine symptoms. Keep the water as warm as comfortable. Candlelight is sufficient, and can add to the soothing effects.
4. Epsom Salts Bath
Epsom salts is a natural mineral – magnesium sulfate – that is a sedative for the nerves and a muscle relaxant. Add one or two cups of Epsom salts to hot bath water and soak, keeping the water comfortably hot.
CAUTION: People with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart disease should not use this natural remedy for migraine.
5. Deep Breathing
Sit quietly in a darkened room – soft candlelight is fine. Take a breath, as deep as possible, and slowly, slowly exhale it. Take a second deep breath, focusing on its depth, and the feeling as your lungs expand. Slowly release the breath, focusing on the lungs contracting. Continue to breathe deeply and slowly for 5 to 10 minutes, feeling calm and relaxed.
Aromatherapy
Since no one natural remedy for migraine will work for everyone, you may want to try aroma therapy as a complement to other remedies for migraine. Aromatherapy involves inhaling essential oils, or applying them to the skin. It is important not to apply them directly to the skin, but to mix them in a “carrier” oil such as sweet almond or apricot kernel that “carry” the essence. You can mix a small amount in your hand, or mix them ahead of time in a small, roll-on bottle.
1. Lavender
Lavender oil, extracted from the small, blue-violet flowers of the lavender plant, is a calming, soothing, sedative for the nerves. You will want pure lavender oil, not a perfume or lavender-scented oil. There are several ways you can use lavender oil as a natural remedy for migraine.
Inhalation: Place 2-4 drops in 2 cups of boiling water and inhale vapors.
Application: Moisten your finger tips with pure almond carrier oil. Add 2 drops of lavender essential oil, and gently massage your temples, behind each ear, and your neck.
CAUTION: Side effects are rare, but some people may develop an allergic reaction to lavender following inhalation or absorption through the skin.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using this natural remedy for migraine.
2. Other oils
In addition to lavender, you may want to experiment with other essential oils. A few that help migraineurs are: bay, eucalyptus, jasmine, melissa, peppermint, and rosemary. Since migraineurs’ attacks can be triggered by certain smells, you will want to choose the one that works best for you.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Surprisingly, apple cider vinegar can be a natural remedy for migraine. Boil together equal parts of natural apple cider vinegar and water in an open pan. When fumes begin to rise, and become comfortably strong, inhale for 50 to 60 deep breaths.
A third article in this series will round out our consideration of natural remedies for migraine headaches. Remember that all migraine sufferers should seek professional advice before using a natural remedy for migraine.
© 2007, Anna Hart. Member of a “migraine family” and sympathizer with all migraineurs, Anna invites you to read more of her articles about the treatment of migraine headaches at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com. You won’t want to miss Anna’s additional insights and perspectives on the use of aromatherapy as a natural remedy for migraine headaches.
Curing Diabetes Naturally
There are a lot of prescription drugs that can be found when searching for cures for diabetes sufferers. The best taglines used by these drugs are that they are “tried and tested” and have been helping diabetic patients for years, and in great numbers too. There are also a lot of food supplements available in pharmacies that can be bought over the counter without any prescription at all. And, who can forget the special drinks being sold in grocery stores or super markets that have been said to be helpful in curing or managing diabetes? Many, if not all of these, claim that these products are a hundred percent natural. But of course, anything bottled up or wrapped in tiny capsules surely have been laced with preservatives and artificial ingredients to make it the final product that we see in the store.
Instead of clogging your body with artificial remedies, why not try home remedies for coping with diabetes? You will be surprised how most of these are easily available at home, waiting for its turn to be juiced of its medicinal value.
Here are some natural remedies for dealing with diabetes:
· Bitter Gourd
o Popularly known as Bitter Melon, this vegetable is widely known as one of the natural cures for diabetes. Take out its seeds and juice it down. Drink it twice a day to lower your body’s blood sugar levels.
· Cinnamon
o Who would’ve thought it? This common spice for sweet delicacies is known to stimulate the insulin’s effect that keeps diabetes mellitus at bay.
· Almonds
o About six to seven of these nuts soaked in water over night may help you manage your diabetes. These soaked almonds must be eaten before breakfast.
· Other Remedies
Other possible remedies include Grape Juice, Mango tree leaves and fish berries – all are pretty easy to find.
With all these natural remedies easily available for you to consume, why bother clogging up the system with artificial ones? Natural is still the best way to go!
Tonsil Stones Remedies – 4 Simple Natural Ways To Great Oral Health
Tonsil stones are a common problem found in millions of people around the world. Although there are many antibiotics available for treating the condition, they don’t offer any guarantee that the problem won’t reoccur. Natural tonsil stones remedies on the other hand, offer a permanent cure. Moreover, with natural treatment, there is the added advantage of no fear about any negative side effect too. With so many advantages it comes as no surprise that natural tonsil stones remedies are finding an increasing number of takers these days. Let us tnatural remediesme of the simplest natural remedies available to get rid of the stones, in the privacy of your home.
Natural Way to Remove Tonsil Stones – Guaranteed
1. Perhaps the easiest amongst all the natural tonsil stones remedies is to eject them out through a good coughing spell. This method has been found to be highly effective in getting rid of the tonsil stones.
2. Acidophilus, a probiotic culture is known to be highly effective in getting rid of the tonsil stones. Acidophilus consists of certain beneficial bacteria that help the digestive process and keep away the harmful bacteria from the body.
3. Gargling with warm salt water is another of the simplest natural tonsil stones remedies that you can find. You should also make it a point to floss your mouth, after every meal. This would help maintaining good oral hygiene and keep bad odor at bay.
4. There are certain food items which may be considered the best natural tonsil stones remedies. Celery is one of them. Chewing on it is known to destroy odor causing bacteria and help in removal of tonsil stones. Onion is another good food item that can help you get rid of the tonsil stones. Mint and parsley are the other excellent options that you have to get rid of tonsil stones forever.
Controlling Herb Harvest and Preparation
The use oherbs foror culinary preparations, being a major purpose why hobbyists grow their own herb plants, would require the correct harvesting techniques in order to maximize the benefits that you can derive from them. Harvesting the herbs is best timed in the early morning during days in midsummer as there is no wind or heat that can affect the essential oils in the herbs. Harvesting them is largely done on just certain portions of the plants to be used, and allowing the rest of the herb plant to continue growing to be harvested at a later time.
The harvested portions of herbs are not necessarily used right away – they can be preserved for later use. The herbs are normally preserved after harvest in three ways – drying, freezing, or using a medium like vinegar or salt to preserve it.
In drying herbs, bundle up six stems at least (maximum of 12 stems) while removing the foliage near the stems’ bottoms. Secure the bundle tightly with string and then hang this to dry where you can be sure the temperature is cold. It is best to cover the bundle with a screen to keep it safe from insects and other predators. The drying can also be achieved through the use of dehydrators, ovens or microwave equipment.
The next method of preserving the herbs is by freezing, which is quite a simple procedure. Cut the herbs into pieces of at least ¼ inch in length and cover them up with a wax paper-lined baking sheet, and place this in the freezer. After they are frozen, transfer them to airtight containers before putting them back inside the freezer.
The third method of preserving herbs is by the use of a medium such as vinegar or salt. Herbs like mint, basil or tarragon can be preserved for months with the use of vinegar. When using salt to preserve the herbs, put them in layers alternating with layers of salt. This second method of using salt requires the herbs to be dried later after which they can be stored in airtight containers.
Home-grown herbs are normally used for culinary flavoring so it is necessary to ensure that they are clean and free from insects. One way of ensuring that the herbs are clean is to put them first in water with salt as the salt drives the insects away without harming the plant. Dry the herbs after this process before using them.
Different types of herbs require different methods of planting and harvesting for use in the kitchen. Know these techniques thoroughly to maximize their flavoring effects on the different kinds of dishes that you can prepare.
Uses of Herbs
An herb is a plant with no stem which is valued for its flavor and is a part of vegetable species used for cooking and medicinal purpose. Any part of the plant like leaves, bark, flowers or stem can be used for such purposes. Herbs used for medicinal purpose are more in demand than the other ones. They are used for cooking purpose for adding taste in the food along with medicinal benefits. They can be grown in our garden; nowadays herb gardens are taking place instead of the ornamental ones.
There are many kinds of herbs and a simple way to narrow them is to categorize them on their uses like Culinary, medicinal and ornamental.
Culinary herbs are the ones which are used for cooking. They are delicious and add a great taste to the food. They can be easily grown. Some of them are Stevia and Lemongrass. Stevia can be used instead of sugar and is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar. Lemongrass is a scented and flavored one with a mild lemon flavor.
Right from ancient traditional times, herbs are used to for healing. Some classic examples of healing with herbs are as below:
–> Jewelweed serves as a perfect remedy for all sorts of skin irritations such as poison ivy.
–> Marsh mallow, while used for landscaping, also is used as eyewash.
–> Mullein, Lemon Balm, Sage, Elderberry and Slippery Elm are most commonly used herbs against Swine and Bird Flu.
–> Plantain is most often used for stings and bites and is known for quick relief.
–> Nettles fall under the tonic herbs. They are very nourishing and offer nutritional boost to diet. They are also used as a blood purifier and are high in iron and potassium.
Bacterial Vaginosis Natural Remedies – Simple Bv Cures
You would be surprised to know just how many bacterial vaginosis natural remedies are available on the market and even in your home. So many women are ashamed to admit they have BV that they don’t dare to talk about it with anyone else other than their doctor, and this is why they are missing out on all BV natural remedies available.
The bacterial vaginosis natural remedies that are situated in you home are things like: yogurt that can be used as an ointment or can be even left inside the vagina to remake good bacterial colonies, vinegar diluted with water in the hot tub that can virtually kill the bad bacteria, even water with salt that contributes to establishing a natural balance in the vagina.
Cured Your Bacterial Vaginosis in 3 days the Natural Way
To diminish the effects of BV you will have to make sure you snatural remediest or synthetic clothes. Even if this is not one of the bacterial vaginosis natural remedies, it is one of the basic proper hygiene principles that must be followed if you want this disease to be cured. It will not be easy to get rid of this condition if you are not prepared to sacrifice a little bit in the beginning.
Avoiding to eat sugar is another great way to improve the efficiency of bacterial vaginosis natural remedies. Sugar creates an alkaline environment in the body that causes good bacteria to die, and when they are not present the bad ones can develop since there is no one to fight them.
Cured Your Bacterial Vaginosis in 3 days the Natural Way
Easy Home Remedies for Wart Removal
Troubled by those unpleasantly looking warts and don’t want to approach a doctor to help you get rid of them? Then it would make you happy to know that there are a number of remedies to their removal that you can prepare at home. Moreover, these are quite effective and cost you almost nothing at all. Preparations are simple and less time consuming.
Alhome remedies remedies for different kinds of problems involve simple procedures costing very less time and money. So why these home made wart removal methods cost less is because most of the ingredients that go into making them would already be available at home. And most of the items required come from your kitchen. So you really don’t have to go to the market to buy things for the remedy preparation.
Today there are many sources for any kind of home remedy. So getting what you want for your problem shouldn’t be too difficult. The internet provides you with information on almost anything you need. So you will be able to find as many methods of wart removal as you could possibly practice on those websites dedicated to the purpose. In addition, you can go through magazines or journals on home remedies. And of course books on them are readily available in the market.
Mostly these home remedies are happily welcomed by those who are a little shy about their warts. Those who are reluctant to approach external help for relief from the problem can get the remedy done at the comfort of their homes. And since the procedure to the preparation and application of most of the remedies are simple, one does not even need the help of a second person to go through the process. So, all one needs is a bit of patience for the remedy preparation and a few common house hold ingredients.