Natural Herbal Beauty

THIS WAS ONCE USED AS A SMOKING TOBACCO FOR ASTHMA: Mix 1 cup each of rosemary, coltsfoot leaves, eyebright, thyme and lavender. Crush and mix well. Roll into cigarettes or place mixture in a pipe for smoking. I don’t know anyone who has tried this recipe, but it was said to have been used quite often by Native Americans.

ASTHMA: Mix 1 tablespoon each of boneset, Irish moss, coltsfoot, mullein, thyme, rosemary, valerian, and lobelia. Add 1 teaspoon of the herbal mixture to 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain. Peppermint or cherry oil may be added for flavoring if desired. Drink 4 cups daily to obtain relief. (more…)

Plants for Paths. To give an aromatic scent when trodden, the plants advised for paving may be planted to form a path, mixed or of one kind only.

Knot-Garden Beds. As a central feature, a bed planted in knot-garden style lends distinction. The simplest form is a wheel with the spokes made of compact herbs such as hyssop, rue, santolina or curry plant (kept clipped) or thymes. The segments between are filled with carpeting herbs such as chamomile, or low-growing kinds such as chives, savory or marjorams. (more…)