Here is a list of some herbs and wild flowers, that may be at your finger tips when one needs them in a hurry. Some are one grows in your garden. We are living in a troubled world, so I believe one should be ready to to help our self in case we do not have any help at hand.
1-Black eyed Susan ( Rudbeckia hirta ) The root tea is used for worms and colds, the root juice is for earaches.
2-Sage ( Salvia officinalis ) Is a slightly tonic and astringent, use as a gargle for throat inflammations.
3-Wild columbine ( Aquilegia vulgaris ) is used externally for fistulas. Used internally, juice of the fresh plant is given for chronic skin eruptions.
4-Bee balm (monarda didyma ) is used as a tea with other herbs to relieve nausea, vomiting, or flatulence.
5-Spearmint ( Mentha spicata ) a volatile oil used to allay nausea and to relieve stomach pains.
6-White mustard ( Sinapis alba ) the seeds act as a laxative.
7-Lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis ) this herbs pleasant flavor tends to promote effects of other ingredients.
8-Lamb’s era ( Stachys byzantina ) the roots are considered to be emetic and purgative, the leaves used to bandage cuts.
9-Queen Anne’s lace ( Daicus carota ) the leaves and leaves were used for gravel. dropsy, colic, and flatulence.
10- Feverfew the tonic is used to treat headache.
11-Tansy ( Tanacetum vulgare ) similar properties as aromatic bitters, are used to repel ants and fleas.
12- Wormwood ( Artemesia dracunculus ) this herb expels worms, stimulates gallbladder and aids digestive problems.
13- Burnet (Poterium sanguisorba ) a astringent, chewing a leaf aids indigestion and drinking tea stops diarrhea. Drunk with wine to relieve gout and rheumatism.
14-Soapwort ( Saponaria officinalis taken internally for venereal diseases, jaundice, gout, and rheumatism.
15-Violets ( Viola odorata the herbaceous parts of the plant were considered emollient and slightly laxative.
16-Iris ( Iris foetidissima ) the root used externally to clean wounds, after boiling given internally in cases of spleen and gall bladder disease and for mucous obstruction of the chest.
17-Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) is used as a salve to treat wounds, inflammation, rashes, varicose veins.
18- Milkweed ( Asclepias tuberosa )a remedy for lung ailments, including bronchitis, consumption, typhoid fever, and pleurisy.
Always check with a doctor or herbalist before one uses any herbs for healing.

Arborvitae goes by several common names, including Northernwhite cedar, yellow cedar, and false cedar, as wellas cedre, so it is important to identify the tree by its scientific label, ( Thuja occidentalis ). Cherokee Indians knew the true value of this plants, they would make soothing herbal salves and create aromatic smudge sticks from one lone specimen.
A North American native, arborvitae was introduced into Europe in the 16th century by th Flemish botanist Jules Charles de L’Ecluse. Some say he chose the name arborvitae, which means, tree of life, from a identical anatomical term used to describe either hemisphere of the cerebellum, this brain tissue resembles a tree like main branch with multiple offshoots. Enough evidence exists to give credit to North Americans, who discovered many applications for T. occidentalis, and then shared their knowledge with early European settlers. This can be seen in the northwestern United States, where researchers have found cedar artifacts dating back approximately 6,600 years.
In 1535 when Jacque Cartier remained at Stadacona ( now Quebec ) with his scrurvy ridden crew. Things looked bleak until a unidentified Indian supplied Cartier with a tea made from the leaves and bark of what was called Annedda, now identified as T. occidentalis. Today we know this miraculous cure was effected by the plants,s rich store of vitamin C. Native Chippewa found white cedar for cough remedies Mohawk women drank the infusion of the herb for 40 days after giving birth, believing it to be a beneficial tonic. During the last century, loggers and outdorsmen were fond of the tea, they believed it not only prevented illness, but would give them extra strength.

Anise, a native to the Mediterranean region, the hern was so important as a cash crop in biblical times,it was used as a medium of exchange for payment of taxes. The New testament in Matthew 23;23 states Ye pay tithes of mint, anise, and cumin. Anise was introduced to Britain by the Romans, it was so popular in medieval England in 1305, King Edward 1 placed a special tax on the highly priced plant, using proceeds to fund necessary repairs on the London Bridge. Today anise is cultivated mainly in Spain and Russia where it thrives in the dry climactic conditions.
Anise is a annual plant, and a member of the carrot and parsley family. During the first year, a rosette of fairly large, wide leaves grows out of its spindle shaped root. The following year the plant sends up a round, furrowed stem, whose lowest leaves are almost undivided, while the upper leaves exhibit progressively deeper cuts with smaller pinnate. The stalk branches, and by midsummer, 2 inch cluster of miniature flowers somewhat resembling Queen Anne’s, appear. The seeds which contain 2 to 3 percent essential oils, protein, fat, and sugar, are flattened, oval, downy, and gray brown in color. You can grow anise from seeds by planting at a depth of 1/8 inch, in rows 2 1/2 to 3 feet apart in the spring months after danger of frost has passed. The seeds need a temperature of 70 degrees to germinate, typically in 1 to 2 weeks. It needs a rich well drained soil and full exposure to the sunlight is best, but the herb will tolerate poorer soil and filtered light. The herb’s taproot precludes successful transplanting beyond the seedling stage, so the seeds should be planted where the plant are to remain.
Medicinal use of anise is deeply rooted in the annals of botanical healing. In the days of Hippocrates, physicians widely dispensed the herb for the treatment of coughs, and to help clear mucus from the respiratory system. Modern scientific studies have validated these traditional therapeutic uses, after discovering that creosol and alpha-pinenen, two chemicals contained within the herb, do indeed loosen bronchial secretions making them easier to expectorate.
Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist, recommended chewing fresh anise seed as a breath fresher and digestive aid. Generations of nursing mothers in Central America have advocated the use of a decoction of anise seeds 2 to 4 grams per cup of water, to promote the flow of milk. Researchers attribute this to dianethole and photoanethole, chemicals in anise which are similar to female sex hormone, estrogen. The mild, estrogenic activity may also relieve some of the discomforts associated with menopause.
Note do not confuse anise with Japanese anise ( lllicium landeolatum ) which is highly toxic.

4 Tbls. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 head garlic, pealed and chopped
1 small hot pepper, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. grated ginger root
2 medium size tomatoes, chopped
4 Tbls. tomato paste
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
Pinch of cayenne
1 cup water
2 lb. fish fillets, cut into pieces

In a large frying pan, heat oil, then add the onions, garlic, hot pepper, and ginger root and saute until they begin to brown. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste, stir fry about 30 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, except the fish pieces, than simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Turn heat to medium and add the fish , simmer for 30 minutes or until fish is cooked.
You can also substituted chicken for fish.

Sassafras is a especially handsome member of the native North American laurel family. It is known for its imposing height, some 90 ft. trees are not uncommon. The lovely, sienna-hued trees were first exploited for teas and flavorings by the Choctows of what is present day state of Louisiana. The principal use of the herb these days is making file powder. Sassafras displays bright green leaves of three different shapes, all of which may appear on the same tree. In the spring the tree displays small yellowish green flowers, the leaves turn a deep red color in the fall. The bark is a deeply furrowed, oily and a lushly fragrant, pleasant taste. It is one of the few truly native American herbs, in fact, perhaps in fiction, it aided in the country’s discovery by the Europeans, A horticultural book that was written in the late 1900th century, tells a tale of it is credited with the discovery of America. According to the book, the airborne fragrance of the highly aromatic trees enabled Christopher Columbus convinced his mutinous crew that land was indeed near.
In the colonial era, the leaves became a chief export to the old world, after Europeans became convinced it was a miracle cure for everything from plague to syphilis to scurvy. The leaves were also highly prized by the Native Americans who helped Walter Raleigh and his me, to harvest sassafras on the island called Cuttyhunk off Cape Cod. The leaves and bark were used in teas and medicinal tonics. The roots was boiled down in a strong tea to treat fevers, and the young, green sprouts were boiled to make a eyewash. The Midwestern farmers dug the roots in late winter, scraped off the outer covering, than brewed it to make a spring tonic, for thinning the blood for spring.
In the 1960′s the FDA conducted studies on mice in which rodents received massive doses of safrpole, concluded that human use of safrole produced liver toxins and was carcinogenic. As a result, the culinary use of sassafras oil and bark has been banned by the FDA. Oddly enough the leaves which also contain safrole, have not been tagged by the FDA as unfit for human consuption. Herbalists in general does not agree with the FDA’s assessment of safrole’s toxicity.
Rosemary Gladstar, cofounder of the Traditional Medicinal Tea Company and owner of Sage home study course on herbology, points out that the amount of safrole administered in the FDA study was ludicrously excessive, far exceeding any amount humans could consume on a daily basis.
As always get advice from a herbalists or your doctor and using a self healing.

There are many insects out in the spring through late fall that just seem to love to bite and/or sting us. They often hurt and some people even suffer severe allergic reactions. The good thing about this blog today, is that I am going to give some information that will help to make the the pain go away a little faster with simple solutions that you can make yourself with products that most people already have in their home. There are also some inexpensive products that you can get at any store like Walmart or your local pharmacy. For the people that already use herbs, and have some on-hand, I will give a list of herbs that definitely help.

There are many pests that are very easy to identify and I have added some pictures for those of you who don’t know what you have been stung by.

The first pest I am listing today is the Bald Faced Hornet. This is a particularly nasty critter that has a real bad attitude. They are fairly large (1 1/2 inches) and very aggressive. If you see one of their nests DO NOT approach it as they tend to sting first and ask questions later. And it isn’t just one that stings you, its the whole darn nest that goes on the attack. Their stingers are about 1/4 inch long and when they get you….it hurts…. alot.

Bald Faced Hornet

Bald Faced Hornet Nest

These are usually found in trees and shrubs, but it is not unheard of the find them in your house or garage. I can’t stress enough to stay away from these. Call in a professional. Even when I was doing pest control professionally I approached them very cautiously.  If you accidentally get caught near one and they attack, the only advice I have is to run. Get as far away from them as you can as quickly as you can. Try not to smash them on your body because when one has been killed they leave a pheromone that tells the others that you are dangerous and more will come to attack.

The only good thing about being stung by a hornet is that their stingers are not barbed. The bad thing about not being barbed is that they can sting you again..and again..and again (up to about 6 times.)  Oh yeah, they can bite too even though the bite doesn’t have venom, it still hurts.

Yellow Jacket-  similar to hornets in temperament they are highly aggressive, meat eaters and not afraid of people. Their nests are found in the ground, on eaves in homes, and they will also make nest inside walls of your home. If they feel their nests are threatened they will attack in force and you will be sorry. Also, like the hornet, their stingers are not barbed so they can sting multiple times and, of course, they bite too. Once again, I would highly recommend that you get a professional to help you get rid of them, but if you’re one of those stubborn, do-it-yourselfers, then tackle it at night when they all go to bed. That doesn’t mean they won’t come out and attack though. I would recommend either boric acid powder or sevin dust.

Honey Bees – are not nearly as aggressive as their cousins, but they will certainly sting if they feel threatened. Their stingers are barbed , so they can only sting you once, then they die. However, you don’t want to just grab the stinger with your fingers and rip it out as their venom sack stays attached to the stinger and if you just try to grab it you run the risk of injecting more venom into the sight of the sting. Use tweezers! You can see the difference between yellow jackets and honey bees in the picture above.

Spiders: I started my extermination at a very young age with my step-dad. Without a doubt I hate these pests more than any other. Since I started in the Pacific Northwest I didn’t see too many brown recluses or black widows growing up, but I certainly saw alot of the Hobo Spiders (aka Aggressive House Spider). They are highly aggressive as their name implies and their bites are often misdiagnosed as Brown Recluse bites. They will actually jump at you and I can say that I had more than a few that jumped onto my face as I crawled under houses.

Brown Recluse Spiders are not as aggressive and will typically leave you alone if you leave them alone, however I would rather be safe than sorry, so I just kill them. You can usually identify them by the “fiddle” shape on their back. I try not to get close enough to see that, but I am trying to give information. If you get bitten by one of these, make sure to try to bring in a specimen if you go to the hospital (which I would recommend).

Black Widow Spiders are not quite as aggressive and the males don’t look like the picture above, hence the name, Black Widow. They will bite and you really should get to a doctor so you can get the proper treatment, however the remedies below will certainly help until you get to see the doctor.

If you have been stung or bitten, here are some remedies that will help

1. Baking Soda – Make a paste out of baking soda and water (or if you have some use witch hazel) put the paste liberally on the sting(s). It will dry quickly so use it as often as you need to. The baking soda will help to draw out the poison and will help to aid in the discomfort of the sting.
2. Spices you may have in your cupboard: Angelica, Basil, Borage, Curry Powder, Fennel, Garlic Bulb, Lemon Balm, Onion, Parsley, Sage, Sunflower (crushed seeds), Tarragon. Any one or a combination of these herbs will help remove the poison. To make a poultice simply place the spices in a paper towel, napkin or piece of cloth. Get it wet and apply to affected area.
3. Herbs that help with stings/bites: You probably don’t have these in your cupboard but they can certainly help with bites & stings. Aloe vera, andrographis leaf (good for snake bites too, but if you’re bitten by a snake go to a hospital), barley grass, Beth root (aka birth root), burdock root, calendula (aka marigold), catnip, chamomile flower, chickweed, coltsfoot, echinacea root, green tea (yes the same green tea you drink just keep in the bag,wet and apply),  juniper berries, lavender flower, lobelia leaf (aka Indian Tobacco), marshmallow root, olive leaf, pau d’arco (as a poultice for snake bites), plantain leaf, senega snake root, witch hazel bark

These remedies will help, but if you are allergic to bee stings, or are bitten by one of the above spiders, then you really should get to a doctor to get treatment. I look forward to any comments on this post, please rate it so I can see what you think. If anyone has any questions, please contact me through the blog and I will be more than happy to answer any and all.

Uses: Chaparral has been known to be used for such ailments as cancer and arthritis. Native Americans used the young twigs to help with toothaches and as a poultice of the leaves for chest complaints and skin problems. It helps to cleanse the lower bowels and helps tone the peristaltic muscles. It purifies the blood and cleanses the liver and kidneys.

It can be found on nearly every continent in small patches. North America, South America, South Africa, the Mediterranean, Europe and even Australia. It seems to do best in hot, arid areas.

Uses: Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, ordontalgic, tonic, depurative, astringent, anti-arthritic, anti-rheumatic, anti-scrofulous, emetic (in large doses), anti-venomous

Yield about 1 cup, for about 1 week.

1 cucumber, peeled and cut into chunks

1/2 cup whole milk

In a blender, liquefy cucumber. Pour through a cheese cloth to remove seeds. Mix equal parts cucumber juice and milk in the bottle. Apply to your skin with cotton balls and rinse with cool water. Store in refrigerator until ready to use the again.

If you suddenly become aware of a great many floaters in one eye, or if floaters you have been experiencing suddenly increase in size, see a ophthalmologist immediately. This may be a sign that you are developing a retinal problem.

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially green, yellow and orange types, they contain antioxidant phytochemicals that protect all the cells in your body, including those of the eyes, from free radical damage. Eat clean lean protein as, chicken and fish, both have vitamin A are needed to maintain healthy eyes.

Nutritional supplements: Beta-carotene, essential fatty acids, vitamins B, C, A and Selenium is a excellent antioxidant that helps prevent free radical damage throughout the body and eyes. Note ( if one is pregnant or wants to be pregnant, or liver disease, consult your doctor before taking vitamin A.)

Herbal treatment: bilberry provides important nutrients that nourish the eyes and enhance visual function, eyebright helps maintain healthy eyes and good vision,  ginkgo biloba protects cellular membranes and has notable antioxidant properties.

Floaters may be annoying, but they generally are harmless.

Sour Cream Substitute

1/4 c. non fat powdered milk

1/2 c. cold water

Mix the above ingredients together, then blend it with the following,

8 oz. uncreamed cottage cheese

2 tsp. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. salt

Blend well and keep refrigerated until you are ready to use.