Fenugreek Seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

"Fenugreek as one of the oldest known medicinal herbs, was used by Hypocrites."* Later, it was also included in Lydia E. Pinkham's compounds and has since been included many modern-day herbal formulas.

Fenugreek is used for a multitude of reasons, such as:

• Coughs
• Digestive Disorders
• Gas
• Headache
• Lung Infections
• Mucous Membranes
• Dissolving Mucus
• Sore Throat
• ...and many others.

Fenugreek is your friend during allergy season. It is quite industrious when it comes to mucus. It doesn't matter what the reason is for mucus formation, dairy foods, gluten, allergic responses, cold/flu,... fenugreek goes to the source and dissolves the mucus there. This spells relief for the congested! And since it can thin mucus so significantly, it makes a great gargle for sore throats.

Fenugreek has benefitted many mothers and babies, too. It is a strong stimulator of milk production in mothers. Many many women have experienced this boost, much to their relief at times when milk production slacked off.

Dut to its mucilaginous content, it makes a great poultice, which is beneficial on abscesses and boils, skin wounds and inflammations and other difficulties.

No matter the cause for you to look into fenugreek, there are many reasons to give it consideration. It's use as a flavoring is well known and pleasant, so there is no real reason not to give it a moments thought when your health is in need of some help.

*Excerpt from The Little Herb Encyclopedia, by jack Ritchason, ND

To reap the full benefits of fenugreek, always consult a physician if you're on medications or have a health condition before taking any dietary supplement, including fenugreek.

Garlic

Garlic is one of those foods you can't say enough about. It provides you SO MUCH nutrition and protection that it deserves some notice.

Surely you've heard some of the brands of garlic out there, and most likely your neighbor or grandma use garlic tablets. Do you?

More times than not, I've heard this complaint: "But it will make me stink and bother other people!" As one of those other people you are thinking of, I am MORE bothered by the flu you can share with me than the garlic smell you might carry around. That's right,... garlic can ward off the flu and actually is quite a contributor in helping you recover from such things! It's most potent state is raw....with smell in tact! In fact, the odor has its own potency- and I'm not just talking about vampire repellent here. Raw garlic is rich in enzymes, and enzymes break things down. Break down bacteria and viruses and they aren't able to be infectious anymore! Break down cholesterol, and it can't clog your veins anymore!

I'm not dumb. I know there are still people who are more worried about the garlic on their breath and can't overcome that discomfort. For those of you who feel this way, go ahead and take the odorless tablets. Keep in mind that in doing so, you are reducing the benefit you receive considerably. Like I said, there is great value in the oils that produce the odor.

It's not necessary to eat raw garlic on a daily basis either. I couldn't do it myself! That stuff is hot! So this is where your options come in:

-Roast your garlic occasionally.
-Chop the raw garlic real fine and put it into empty gelatin capsules!
-Garlic capsules
-Odorless garlic tablets

If you need just a little more motivation to take your garlic, here some good reasons:

• blood pressure
• cholesterol
• mosquito repellent
• flea & tick repellent (for pets)
• cold & flu fighting
• antioxidant
• antibiotic action
• toothache
• warts
• cough
• diabetes
• other viruses

Note that it IS possible to eat too much raw garlic at a time and cause some mouth/throat irritation. Don't overdo it. If you don't feel you can handle it this way very often, then maybe just at the onset of a problem try it raw, then move to the other options for further consumption.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a wonderful oil that comes from the Australian Melaleuca trees. It's properties provide so much therapeutic benefit that it is one ingredient I would ALWAYS recommend be included in your first aid kit or emergency pack.

Tea tree oil takes care of your skin. It's that simple. It takes CARE of your skin.

• Dandruff? Tea tree oil in your shampoo, or combine with some water for a hair rinse.


• Gingivitis? Mix an ounce of water with 3-4 drops of tea tree oil and swish like mouthwash. Do not swallow, but let it stay in your mouth for 30 seconds or so to kill bacteria that causes mouth difficulties.


• Cuts or scrapes? Use tea tree to cleanse the skin and recover from the accident.


• Toe nail fungus? A single drop applied to the affected areas can kill that fungus and stop it from spreading and reoccuring.


• Insect bites? Tea tree helps pull out the inflammation and bring some relief to itching and swelling.


• Yeast infection? Tea tree takes care of yeast!


• Pets with fleas? Insects aren't fond of tea tree at all! A couple drops on a pets collar can help a lot. You could also put a drop in the pet shampoo when bathing the animal.


• Warts? It takes a few weeks of regular application, but yes,...even warts!


• Insect repellent? Mix a few drops with water, put it in a misting bottle spritz away.
• Acne? Mix some with your facial cleanser, or just mix a drop or two in with water for a facial rinse! Or dab it onto blemishes straight.

Normally you do not swallow tea tree oil. It is harsh on the liver and other parts of the body. It is NOT recommended to swallow at all....unless it specifically is designed for that purpose. Stop in and see us! We have one such brand of tea tree that you can use internally and take care of a lot of difficulties- even parasites!

Notice the variety of ways you can use tea tree: in a humidifier, in creams and lotions, in soaps and shampoos, in plain water, in a bath tub, in a douche, on a pet collar, straight.... With all these uses, it stands to reason why I find it an important addition to any first aid kit!

Rosemary

This time of year, it seems there are very few greens outside. Lately, it seems even THOSE aren't green- they are white with snow! If you'll dig under that snow just a little, you'll find that your rosemary plant you put out last spring is still there and still green and still fragrant. Gather some! Bring it indoors, give it a gentle rinsing, spread it on newspaper and let it dry for a week or two.

Once you've done that, what do you do with it? Ohhhhh so many things!

• Potpourri- You can't buy dried herbs as fresh as this! And this is the season for such wonderful fragrances!


• Cooking- Have you ever cooked chicken or fish with fresh rosemary? Mmmmm!


• Tea- Ok, I'll admit that rosemary tea isn't my first choice if I'm just sitting down to enjoy a cup of hot tea. I'm pretty finicky about what I taste. BUT... if you have a terrible headache, it just might not taste all that bad! Plus you will get some vitamin c from it and sinus-ease.


• Bath- Go ahead and make up that tea, make a good bit of it too. (By that, I mean about 4 cups.) Let it cool for a little while, then strain out the herb particles. Take that rosemary tea to the tub with you and soak in a nice hot bath with rosemary tea added to the water. This is a great muscle soak for those tired aching muscles!


• Hot oil hair treatment- You can make a hot oil treatment for your hair using rosemary and improve the condition of your scalp AND hair! This is a great option for those who need its astringent action.


• Flower arrangements- Fresh plants invite warmth and comfort to our atmosphere, so add a few sprigs to your floral arrangements! Enjoy the benefits of its fragrance AND beauty!

There are many things that are well complimented by the use of rosemary. If you don't have a fresh plant to pick from, try visiting the produce section of your local grocery store. If you find that rosemary is amazing but the work isn't for you, well stop in to your friendly neighborhood herb shop and pick up a bottle of rosemary essential oil! The work is done for you, the rosemary is concentrated (so it takes very little) and the fragrance is just as divine!

For a little more information about rosemary, try whfoods.com (or click this link to go directly to the source).

Rescue Remedy

This time of year, bills from Christmas are coming in, the weather is unpredictable, inventory work is going on in our jobs, taxes are looming, and stress is mounting. These things can build up and result in anxiety. Feelings of panic are not uncommon, and are also not pleasant. The longtime effect of relief comes from a change in diet and improving sleep habits and stress-relieving practices. That sounds great, but during a panic attack, who cares what the future can be like? We want relief NOW! This is what the Bach flower essence Rescue Remedy can do.

Let's use our imagination for a moment. Imagine you are a metal bowl, and someone walks by you and strikes you with a metal spoon. Those vibrations ring in your ears and shake your whole frame and seem to go on and on and on endlessly. In the moment, it seems like the world is crashing down on you and there is no opening to escape through. If this is happening to YOU, then let's suppose I walk by you and see this vicious vibration you are experiencing. I very gently place my hand on your shoulder, and start absorbing some of that vibration. When I do, it takes some of that intensity away from you...which gives you breathing room. The more firmly I place my hand, the more vibrations are settled and the more relief you experience. Doesn't that sound wonderful?

Rescue Remedy does this. It begins absorbing those anxious vibrations as soon as you take it. How can that be? Rescue Remedy is a liquid, and a few drops are placed under the tongue. There are 2 good sized blood vessels under the tongue that start absorbing that liquid which allows your body to begin using it right then. Because it is a flower essence, it can be taken again in 15 minutes if you feel the need for it.

Of course, this remedy does not replace a doctor nor does it replace health practices that improve your nervous strength. But it does help you find relief in the moments of panic and anxiety when they strike.

This very same remedy has been used with children and pets for the very same purposes, and comes in a lotion and a spray. The lotion is more suitable for muscles that tense during anxious times.

These statements are not validated by the Food & Drug Administration.

Herbal Christmas Gifts

blogged by Marianna Bailey, Robin's Herb Shop employee

I think my favorite Christmas gifts are the ones someone takes the time to make for me. It doesn't normally matter what the gift is, because for me, it represents time someone spent thinking about me and working on a "thing" they hoped would show me they love me. How can you not love a gift like that?

I remember one year, one of my sisters made me a bottle of massage oil. It was a simple thing, but it was one of my favorite scents - jasmine - and it was so light on my skin. She put it in a blue glass bottle (knowing how I adore blue glass) and then she prayed I would like it. LIKE IT???? I LOVED IT!!!! And what made it so wonderful was learning that I meant a lot to my little sister. She inspired me to look for ways I can make Christmas gifts for all of my family. It means I work hard sometimes and oftentimes run out of time to get things finished, but I truly spend time thinking about those I love as I try to show them how much they mean to me. So for me, a tradition was born.

I've made several different natural gifts, so this month, I will be sharing some of those things with you, and perhaps my tradition can become yours as well....at least in some way.

Bath Salts

Ingredients
1 1/2 cup epsom salt
1 1/2 cup fine grind sea salt
40 drops essential oils
4-6 drops food coloring (optional)
container

Directions
Blend both salts into a gallon size ziploc bag. Add essential oils and food coloring. Seal bag and use hands to "mash and mix" ingredients. When the coloring seems to be well blended, open one corner of the bag (or use scissors to cut one corner off) and pour bath salts into jar. Seal tightly and label with instructions for use.

Instructions for Use
Mix approximately 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup salt in warm bath and relax!

********************

The hardest part about this recipe is deciding what essential oils (or fragrance oils) to use! Some of my favorite blends are:

25 drops jasmine
15 drops vanilla

10 drops bergamot
15 drops ylang ylang
5 drops clary sage

40 drops lavender

10 drops lavender
10 drops tea tree
10 drops eucalyptus

10 drops lemon
20 drops sweet orange
10 drops grapefruit

Experiment with the essential oils of your choice to get a blend you love and share some beautiful aromatherapy with your family this Christmas!

Herb Shop gets new look!

Seasonal changes oftentimes bring about the desire to make changes for ourselves. If you've been to the herb shop lately, you might have noticed evidence of this. If you haven't noticed our changes, take a tour through our photos and see what we've been doing!

The herb shop building needed a little "pick-me-up" to its exterior. So Mrs. Linda gathered her family, chose paint colors and got to work. The old tired white paint was quickly overtaken by the new tan color.
Mr. Herb supervised beautifully :)
(Note that his shoulder is doing well, but isn't quite ready to take on a task like this.)

Mrs. Linda works just as hard as the rest of her crew and soon the windows are trimmed in pretty contrasting colors.

It didn't take long to achieve a new look!

But wait! There is more! Look closely at the posts on the porch,....

...and now see them as a work in progress as Ms. Christine Scott decorates them with artwork.

And the finished painting looks like this.

So if you've not had a moment to come by and see the changes, please do! We're pretty happy with them and are feeling motivated to get new plants in the landscape to add to the eye appeal!