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Herb
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Photo
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Properties
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Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum)
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Aniseed is thought
to ease intestinal colic and flatulence. It has also been used to
increase milk production in nursing mothers.
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Bergamot (Monarda didyama)
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A member of the mint
family, bergamot, also known as bee balm, is known to relieve nausea,
vomiting, and flatulence.
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Blue giant hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
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Another member of
the mint family, blue giant hyssop is also called anise hyssop due to its
distinctive anise-like flavour. It is indigenous to Ontario and is
reputed to be a tonic that is good for colds and flus, and it is said to
strengthen a weak heart.
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Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
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Calendula, also
known as pot marigold, is rich in vitamin C and is thought to help
relieve gastrointestinal problems. It is also astringent and induces
perspiration. Used externally, it speeds the healing of bruises,
inflammation, burns and diaper rash.
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Caraway (Carum carvi)
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Taken internally,
caraway is thought to ease flatulence and colic, as well as stimulate the
appetite. It has also been used to increase milk production in nursing
mothers.
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Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
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A member of the
mint family, catnip is sometimes called catmint. It is believed to
relieve stomach upsets, flatulence, nervousness and headaches.
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Chamomile (Chamaemlum nobile)
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When used in tea,
chamomile is thought to soothe indigestion, flatulence, and fever. It is
also thought to have relaxing properties, and can be used to aid
conditions resulting in sleeplessness, such anxiety. When applied externally
it is believed to speed wounding and reduce swelling.
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Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
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Comfrey leaf, when
used as a poultice, is believed to heal bruises and broken bones, hence some
of its common names, such as boneset, knitbone, and bruisewort. The root
is also thought to speed wound healing and help reduce the amount of scar
tissue.
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Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
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The seeds of the
coriander plant helps ease stomach spasms caused by flatulence. It is
also thought to be a mild aphrodisiac.
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Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
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Taken internally,
fennel is thought to ease flatulence and colic, as well as stimulate the
appetite. It has also been used to increase milk production in nursing
mothers.
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Hops (Humulus lupulus)
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Hops has been is
use since the 14th century as one of the main ingredients in beer. Hops
tea is thought to help treat insomnia and ease tension and anxiety. Due to
its somewhat bitter flavour, we recommended that you add a natural
sweetener of your choice (honey or maple syrup are our favourites) to tea
that contains hops.
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Golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis)
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When used
externally, powdered golden seal root is thought to relieve skin
conditions such as ringworm and eczema.
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Lavender (Lavendula officinalis)
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Lavender can be used
internally to soothe indigestion, irritability, anxiety, and exhaustion,
tension headaches, migraine and bronchial complaints. When used in a hot
bath as a bath tea, the essential oils are released and are said to have
a soothing and calming effect.
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Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
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Lemon balm is
believed to ease stomach spasms caused by flatulence, as well as relieve
tension and stress.
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Lemon grass (Andropogon citratum)
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Lemon grass is believed
to aid digestion and induce perspiration, thereby cooling the body and
reducing fever.
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Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla)
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Lemon verbena is
thought to act as a mild sedative and to reduce fevers.
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Lemon marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia)
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The therapeutic
properties of marigold are thought to be anti-spasmodic and
anti-microbial.
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Mallow (Malva sylvestris)
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A mucilaginous,
mallow is reputed to aid recovery from laryngitis and upper respiratory
congestion.
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Marjoram (Origanum marjorana)
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Also called
oregano or sweet marjoram, marjoram is thought to soothe headaches due to
tension and relieve colic in children.
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Orange marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia)
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The therapeutic
properties of marigold are thought to be anti-spasmodic and anti-microbial.
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Sage (Salvia officinalis)
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Sage is believed
to calm nerves, ease headaches due to tension and soothe sore throats.
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Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
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Like peppermint, spearmint
is believed to have relaxing properties, acting on the intestine to
relieve cramps caused by flatulence and nausea due to pregnancy. It is
also thought to ease ailments due to nerves, such as anxiety, tension and
headaches.
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St. John's wort (Hypericum perfoliatum)
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So named because
it always begins to flower on St. John's day, June 24, St. John's
wort has a sedative and pain reducing effect when taken internally. This
is useful in the treatment of anxiety, tension and depression. When taken
externally, it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps speed the
healing of bruises, swellings and burns.
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Stevia (Stevia rabaudiana)
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Stevia is a
natural, herbal, calorie-free sweetener, native to Paraguay.
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Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
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Thyme is
considered to be an aid in calming nerves, easing digestion, and clearing
mucous due to coughs and colds.
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Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
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Yarrow is believed
to aid the body in dealing with fever, colds and flu symptoms, as it induces
perspiration and cleanses the system.
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