Basil has a great effect upon the cardiovascular system, bones and muscles. All beneficial for the liver and gallbladder. Ocimum basilicum Family: Labiatae (mint) Actions Analgesic Antibacterial Anti-infectious Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Antispasmodic Antiviral Decongestant Restorative Stimulant Emmenagogue Digestive tonic Antiseptic Carminative Antibiotic Beauty and Personal Care Improves skin tone Acne Eczema, skin conditions Adds shine to hair Uses Headache, migraine an

Coconut oil comes from pressing coconut meat and then separating the oil from the milk. It can be used to nourish the body both inside and out. It is a solid oil until temperatures reach about 78 degrees and has a smoke point of 350 degrees. Purchase cold pressed, unrefined coconut oil to enjoy these benefits. Actions Anti-inflammatory Antibiotic Antibacterial Antiviral Antifungal Benefits Feeds the brain which helps with brain function, and memory loss Heart happy oil, c

Olive oil is one of the ancient foods that truly nourish the body inside and out. “It is symbolic of goodness and purity, and the tree is a symbol of peace and happiness”. Make sure what you purchase is a whole food, if you do not choose a high-quality oil, it becomes harmful, not healing. Look for cold or expeller pressed, extra virgin, it should be in a dark bottle, smell strong and “herby” and when placed in a fridge should turn cloudy or harden slightly. Once you have got

Water is a great healing modality. Hot and Cold Therapy shows how the temperature of water can help with different conditions in the body. The type of water can affect the body as well. Water that has been steamed and then condensed back to water form is known as distilled water. This process removes everything in the water, leaving it the purest water on earth. This pure water is “hungry” and will pull impurities, toxins, poisons, heavy metals, and inorganic substances f

Ghee is clarified butter – meaning all the milk solids are taken out, leaving just the oil. Because it is now in an oil state it can be stored in a cupboard like oil. It has a high smoke point, making it the perfect cooking oil…and it tastes so good! Ghee can be used in place of oil or butter in recipes. I like to spread it on my toast and use to sauté veggies and for roux. Instructions Start by melting a pound of unsalted butter (I like Kerrygold or make my own from raw mi

Turmeric is among the most antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing herbs available. Many experts say that combining turmeric with black pepper enhances its effectiveness and absorption significantly. Curcuma longa Family: Zingiberaceae - ginger Parts used: rhizome (root) Actions Adaptogen Alterative Anti-Inflammatory Antibacterial Antiviral Antifungal Anticancer Anticoagulant Antioxidant Carminative Cholagogue Hemostat Vulnerary Energetics/Body Systems Affec

Rosmarinus means “mist of the sea”. Isn’t that beautiful? I have loved rosemary long before I even knew what to do with it. I love to just rub my fingers along the sprigs and inhale deeply the aromatic essence that immediately calms and lifts my spirit. Rosmarinus officinalis Family: Laminaceae – mint Parts used: leaves and blossoms Actions Antibacterial Antimicrobial Antiviral Anti-Inflammatory Antidepressant Antiseptic Antifungal Antioxidant Antispasmodic Astringent Carmina

There are hundreds of varieties of mint and has a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and smells - although most have the familiar minty aroma. The two main mints commonly used are peppermint and spearmint. Peppermint has stronger properties due to its high menthol content; spearmint is not as strong which makes it a better fit for use with children. Mentha piperita (peppermint) Mentha spicata (spearmint) Family: Lamiaceae - mint Parts used: leaves and blossoms, aerial parts

Juniper has long been known as a full body cleanser, physically and emotionally (use aromatics), scrubbing out and removing filth. Combine with a demulcent herb to prevent irritation, such as marshmallow, alfalfa, or purslane. Juniperus communis Family: Cupressaceae - cypress Parts used: berries Actions Antibacterial Antimicrobial Antiseptic Antispasmodic Astringent Carminative Diuretic Emmenagogue Rubefacient Sedative Vulnerary Energetics/Body Systems Affected Warming Dryin

Most of the plants in my herbal are Western plants from the area I live. One year I found Gotu Kola at my local nursery and planted it. I loved the brain supporting properties of this Ayurvedic herb so I want to include it here in my herbal. Centella aslatica Family: Apiaceae - carrot, parsley Parts used: leaves Actions Antimicrobial Antidepressant Anti-Inflammatory Anti-Aging Astringent Diuretic Nervine Nutritive Tonic Vulnerary Energetics/Body Systems Affected Cooling Mois

Basil is an aromatic garden herb that does not have to be crushed or bruised to release its oils. There are over 150 different varieties of basil, each with its own unique fragrance, look and even medicinal properties. It is fun to plant a variety throughout the garden. Ociumum, sp. Family: Lamiaceae - mint family Parts used: leaves and blossoms Actions Antibacterial Anti-infectious Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Antiseptic Antispasmodic Antiseptic Antiviral Aromatic Carminat

brain support A nootropic is any substance that enhances cognitive function and has a beneficial effect on the brain — specific actions that directly affect the body systems associated with the brain, particularly the nervous and cardiovascular systems. They promote overall brain health and function over time. What they do Enhance cognitive function Have a beneficial effect on the brain Directly affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems associated with brain health Promot