Dandelion Herbs
I could not pass up telling you about the amazing secret life of the natural dandelion. A Weed! Before you start killing dandelions on your dandelion lawn, did you know that the dandelion benefits include a highly prized herb? This lowly plant, disdained by nearly all homeowners and landscapers alike, is probably one of the most versatile healing herbs you could ever possibly find. It has been described as “a plant for which we once knew the use for but we have forgotten”.
Dandelion Health Benefits:
Dandelions are a rich source of vitamin A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as potassium, zinc, and fair amounts of iron and manganese, which contain a higher mineral content than similar leafy greens such as spinach. One cup of dandelion leaves amounts to 112% of the daily-recommended dose of vitamin A, 32% of vitamin C, 535% of vitamin K and 218 mg potassium, 103 mg calcium, and 1.7 mg of iron. Wow! When ingested, dandelions are also an excellent source of vitamin H, which aids in weight loss reduction. The leaves and roots of the dandelion, or the whole plant, are used fresh or dried in dandelion teas, capsules, or extracts. Dandelion supplements are available in a variety of Natural Health Food stores. But why go for dandelion supplements when you can pluck them right from your own very yard!
Dandelion Medicinal Uses:
Dandelion mead (the flowers, roots and leaves), have been used for centuries in traditional medicine & medicinal teas. In traditional medicine, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver detoxification. The Native Americans were known to have used a dandelion decoction (liquid made by boiling down the herb in water) to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and stomach upset. They also used the natural dandelion as a diuretic and for inflammation reduction. Chinese medical practitioners have used the dandelion tool to treat digestive disorders, appendicitis, and breast problems (such as inflammation or lack of milk flow). In Europe, herbalists incorporated it into dandelion remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.
Today, dandelion roots are mainly used as an appetite stimulant, digestive aid, and for liver and gallbladder function. The fresh root or its preparations are thought to be more potent than the dried root itself. Additionally, dandelion leaves are believed to have a diuretic effect as they increase salt and water to stimulate the excretion of urine from the kidneys. There is also evidence that this property of dandelion leaves may normalize blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Dandelion Nutrition:
Wait, that’s not all, because the natural dandelion flower is also edible. You can use the flower and leaves in salads and there are dandelion tea benefits as well. The roasted, ground roots can be used as a caffeine-free dandelion coffee. The flower, additionally, makes a terrific jelly. And who hasn’t heard of Dandelion wine? The flower petals, along with other natural ingredients, have been used for century’s to make dandelion wine. What great stuff! And of course, so natural!
Dandelion Side Effects:
The uses of dandelion are generally considered safe. However, there have been rare incidences of upset stomach and diarrhea, and some people are allergic to the plant. People with an inflamed or infected gallbladder, or blocked bile ducts, should avoid using the natural dandelion in any form what so ever. Please experiment with a small dosage at first before ingesting and consult a herbal practitioner if any symptoms should arise.
Dandelion Art:
If this has interested you so far, forget about dandelion supplements. The next time your child plucks a batch of dandelions to present to you as their prize, why not teach them the dandelion herbs benefit, by sharing a refreshing cup of dandelion tea instead of letting the dandelions wilt in a vase upon the dining room table. “OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES” to quote an old expression.
Successful Gardening!
Kali S Winters is an author and herbalist who teaches others how to set up and maintain beautiful amazing gardens. Kali has written numerous books on herb gardening and holistic healing. Check out all 18 bonus books Here!
Here are some great Natural Dandelion Recipes including Dandelion Wine and Dandelion Coffee.
Poultice Recipe
To create a healing poultice after harvesting and drying herbs from your garden, place any of the following over a pot of rapidly boiling water: a steamer, heatproof colander, a strainer or even a sieve. Then add up to 2 ounces — or ¼ cup of your herb into the container, not the water itself. Reduce the heat under the water so it just simmers. Cover the pot.
Allow the steam to penetrate through the herbs until they have wilted. This should occur within five (5) minutes. Next, spread the softened, warm herbs on cheesecloth, folding one layer of the cloth over the herb itself. Apply this directly to the affected area of the body. To help retain the heat longer, cover the poultice with a towel or even a woolen cloth.
The poultice can remain in place for at least twenty minutes. In fact, you can even leave it on overnight. But it absolutely must be covered.
If you prefer to make your pulped poultice from your fresh herb garden, place the herbs between two layers of cheesecloth thats twice the size of the affected area. Take a rolling pin – or other equally heavy round object — and finely crush the herbs. You’ll know that the herbs are sufficiently crushed when the cloth feels damp from the moisture of the herbs themselves.
If you have a food processor, you may want to place the herbs in that. If you go this route, then mix a small amount of hot water with them. Otherwise you will need to crush the herbs manually as indicated above.
After the herbs have been processed or crushed, place them on cheesecloth to retain the ” juices ” and to help hold the herbs in place. A poultice like this may also remain on the affected area overnight, if necessary.
The key to a poultices effectiveness is that you can only use this particular batch of herbs only once. Don’t try to store a used poultice and use it again. Toss it out and start all over again the following day or even several hours later.
Successful Gardening!
Kali S Winters
Learn which herbs to use in your poultice and what ailments a poultice alleviates by obtaining my e-book, “Holistic Herbs~A Guide to Herbal Gardening.” Discover more about Home Herbal Remedies as well as Recipes for Making Herbal Teas!
Companion Herb Planting~Your Secret Weapon!
When it comes to herbs, companion plants may prove to play a vital roll in the overall health of your garden — not only for your herb garden, but also for your patch of vegetables as well as your flowerbeds too!
That’s because some plants actually grow better when they’re sitting next to other plants. Yes, it might not sound very sensible at first, but the concept is really quite simple. If you start to add specific herbs to either your vegetable or flower garden — or both — you may notice a decidedly improved level of overall health for all the plants, depending upon the herbs you’ve place there.
Let me give you a classic example. When white settlers came to North America, they soon learned that the Native Americans had what they referred to as the “three sisters” a combination of corn, beans and squash. Now if you learned this in school or elsewhere as I did, you might have assumed these three plants were “sisters” because they were a vital part of their overall diet. And that’s true!
But here’s the rest of the story. When planted together, they actually help the others to grow. The beans, first of all, are the “nitrogen-fixers” for the other plants and they climb the stalks of the corn. The squash shades the ground for the sake of the health of the other two plants holding the moisture longer in the ground.
Now, here’s an example that might have come straight from your own garden: garlic and roses. The pungent scent of the garlic repels a portion of the rose plant’s worst pests, the aphids. Cool isn’t it? Actually to an organic gardener, it’s really quite exciting.
But you can also have the opposite affect. Some plants just don’t grow well at all when placed together. Let’s just face it; Irish potatoes don’t grow well at all when placed next to turnips or pumpkins. They all are root bound and compete for the soil.
While I may sound as if I’m not taking this very seriously, there’s actually very good reasons for companion plant growing — or in this case, non-companion plants. Tall plants may block the sun from lower lying sun-loving plants. Others may actually create some negative biochemical reaction with those around them.
Here are a few other herbs you may want to consider planting next to each other – as well as some you may want to keep apart:
Basil–This plant loves tomatoes. And you can bet it’s a mutual admiration club. In fact they are so good together some gardeners have developed a rule of (green) thumb: three basil plants for every tomato plant. Here’s one more thing you may not have known about basil – it actually repels flies and mosquitoes.
Borage–This particular herb encourages the growth of strawberries. It’s also a great companion plant for tomatoes and squash.
Chamomile–Be sure to plant Chamomile with your onions and cabbage — watch all three of them grow strong and healthy.
Chives– Did you know that if you steep chives in water, it’s a great organic method of killing powdery mildew disease? And when you plant it, make sure it’s near your carrots if you have a vegetable garden or any apple trees you may have on your property.
Dill– Dill appreciates being near cabbage, cucumbers, corn and lettuce. One hint: don’t plant dill near fennel so as to avoid cross-pollination.
Garlic– Of course, we’ve already mentioned how this plant loves tomatoes, but go ahead and plant it near fruit trees as well. Garlic repels the red spider mites. Steeped in water, this herb is another effective insecticide.
Parsley– You’ll make your parsley and your tomato plants both happy if you plant them together. You can also plant parsley with chives, carrots or even asparagus. But keep the parsley away from the mint.
Rosemary– Keep her away from the potatoes. However, you will want to plant this herb near cabbage, carrots, beans or sage.
Sage– In addition to rosemary, sage also encourages the growth and health of carrots, and cabbage. But always keep it away from your cucumbers.
Thyme– Cabbage appreciates being near thyme. This herb repels worms that love to munch on the cabbage.
For a larger list of companion plants, see my easy to use gardening system, “Holistic Herbs~A Beginners Guide to Herbal Gardening” There you will discover how you can improve the level of your gardening exponentially, simply with companion herb planting! You’ll have your gardening friends marveling over the health and beauty of your flowers, herbs and vegetables.
Successful Gardening …
Kali S Winters
Herb Companions for Garden and Kitchen
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Medical Home Remedies ~ Kali’s Top 5 Healing Herbs
Perhaps you may have thought about ways to improve your health. If that’s the case, why not try your hand at a few medicinal herbs that you might have read so much about. They can be used in a variety of forms. Let me supply you with some of the most popular of the herbs. Not only have I included the herb and the growing conditions it likes best, but I’ve also included how it may improve your health as an herbal nutritional supplement.
Here’s my “top five list” of medicinal herbs for gardeners. Some are fairly common, some of them you may not have heard about unless you know your healing herbs — and a few may come as a complete surprise!
1. Nettles
The nettles plant family has been used for generations (and then some) as an effective aid against inflammation due to allergies, arthritis or even lupus. It has also been used successfully as a tonic for helping alleviate the symptoms of anemia. Nettles are very rich in iron and vitamin C so no wonder it’s so effective. Herbalists not only use the leaves of this plant, but they also have put the roots to good use by treating other symptoms as well. The plant is abundant in various antioxidants, as well as flavonoids — all health-giving properties that medicine is only now beginning to appreciate.
Nettles are a plant that “reseeds” itself, which is wonderful because you’ll have access to it all year round. They are very easy to grow. But be careful where you plant this herb. If not pruned back, this plant grows to over six feet, which means it may just squeeze out some other plants in your herb garden. If you begin your first season by growing nettles from seeds, be sure to germinate them for 10 to 14 days before you place them in soil. Keep the seeds at room temperature but start your planting in the spring. You will then have to transplant the seedlings to your outdoor herb garden area where they will receive full sun or perhaps just partial shade. Keep the plants at least eight inches from each other, preferably 12 inches apart.
When harvesting this plant for medicinal purposes, you’ll want to be sure that the ones you choose are “sticky.” This indicates the presence of resin, which is its active healing ingredient. Sometimes called stinging nettles, you’ll want to be sure to wear gloves when you harvest. Nettles can pack a good sting, but even though harmless, it still hurts. You’ll find that you can harvest nettles several times throughout the year, with gloves of course.
2. Calendula
This plant, with its bright flowers, is an important part of many medicinal herb gardens. You never heard of it? Ah, but I’m betting you have seen it. You probably call it a marigold. That’s right! It’s also called calendula and is one of the most versatile healing herbs available.
Starting with its striking orange bloom, which is used by many as a soothing skin wash, a tea or salve, Calendula is a staple in my own home herb garden. The overall gentle healing qualities of this plant makes it a great ingredient for — you guessed it — diaper salves as well as other baby-related skincare items due to it’s natural ingredients.
Calendula is also edible, so feel free to brighten up your next salad by garnishing it with the calendula/ marigold. Scientific studies show that calendula may actually help stimulate your immune system, and support and improved microcirculation – that’s the circulation of your blood right down to those tiny, little capillaries!
Calendula/marigolds are easy to grow from an herbs seed. Plant the seeds early in the spring and cover them lightly with about a quarter-inch of garden soil. Once the seedlings pop up, you’ll want to transplant them so they are about 15 inches apart from one another. You’ll discover that they germinate early as well as grow quite quickly.You’ll be pleasantly surprised that they produce their very first blooms by mid-summer. The best part of this wonderful plant is that it reseeds itself. Once you’ve planted them the first time, they will grow for years as long as you don’t disturb them.
Calendula love rich, well-drained soil. They are hardy and can live in just about any type of soil. While they might sound like the perfect herb – or a gorgeous flower, with many healing qualities and a hardiness to survive in just about any terrain — the plant does have one drawback–they attract insects.
Aphids seem especially fond of calendula. But don’t let that discourage you. Simply wash the calendula with an insecticidal soap or place the calendula next to a companion herb that repels aphids. Always make sure that before you bring them indoors, inspect them thoroughly for the presence of insects.
3. Burdock
You may be hard pressed to find this herb in most gardens, but including it in yours will make your backyard herb garden all that much more distinctive. Sometimes burdock is referred to as gobo, but if you haven’t heard it as either name, I’m not really surprised. Though not native to this country, burdock grows freely in many areas. It was brought over by the original settlers during early colonial times.
Burdock tea, moreover, is beneficial for your gastrointestinal tract. Many have even used it to boost a slacking appetite. The tea has additionally been known to help restore liver function in alcoholics.
Most people start burdock from an herbs seed. Start planting in the early spring — the earlier the better in fact. Cover the seeds with one half to one-quarter inch of fine garden soil or seed starting soil. If the soil seems dry when you plant, then you’ll want to water it as well. The seeds germinate quickly, so you should notice some sprouts in about four to seven days. Take the seedlings and thin them until they’re about three inches apart. Replant them in rows separated by at least two feet. This plant prefers the full sun, but is hardy enough to tolerate some shade.
If you’re considering growing burdock, then you also need to consider the soil in which you place it. This plant needs a rich well-drained soil. The soil itself should be loose and definitely free from rocks and stones. And that’s not just on the surface. Be sure that the area below this plant, at least several feet in depth, is rock-free. This allows the burdock’s root to take hold securely. It does possess a big, strong root. And yes, you can eat this herb too. Pick the leaves when they are quite tender, then cook them just like you would spinach.
If you’re planning on using the burdock root for medicinal purposes, then you’ll have to wait for a while. They take a good long time to grow. Some herbalists say you need to wait about 100 days. Don’t pick the roots before they’re at least two feet long. Then you simply peel them. You can either eat the root raw or cook it. Many people use the root in soups, salads and even in stir-fry dinners.
4. Chamomile
This is perhaps one of the best known of all the healing herbs, thanks to the commercialization, marketing and popularity of chamomile tea. You may have already drank this tea prior to going to sleep at night, or when your nerves seem agitated. The plant is best known for its calming effects on the human body.More recently, scientific studies from England are discovering additional healing powers on this already beloved plant. Drinking chamomile tea may do more than just make you sleepy, it could also boost your immune system, making you more resistant to colds, flu as well as other infections.
Did you realize that you can actually grow this fascinating herb and make your own tea? Use the flowers to brew tea. You can also add the flowers to other kinds of tea to make a more light and refreshing blend. Serve the tea hot or cold, or be imaginative and serve this mixture in a punch.
This herb is easy to grow from an herbs seed. It loves the full sun and does well in average soil — but really thrives in a rich environment. You’ll want to plant your seeds in the spring. Once they grow into seedlings, thin them 15 to 18 inches apart from each other. They require very little care. When harvesting this herb, you’ll want to wait until the flowers reach their peak bloom. For remedies, you can use the plant either fresh or dried. Drying the flowers is quite easy by the way. Simply spread them out in a cool and well-ventilated place. That’s all you need to do!
5. Echinacea
This healing herb definitely deserves a chance in any medicinal herb gardens. You have no doubt heard about the wonderful properties of this plant. Echinacea has been noted for the last several years as a powerful booster to your immune system. Herbalists also use this plant for respiratory infections. In Europe, it’s not unusual for medicinal doctors to prescribe Echinacea to their patients for a variety of remedies.
Many individuals take this herb in capsule or tablet form as a natural dietary supplement, especially during the winter months to avoid contracting a cold or flu. Enchinacea is found in many herbal cold remedies. Instead of getting a flu shot towards the winter months (boy do I had shots), I take a daily supplement of chamomile and echinacea to boost my immune system. It’s all natural and better for the body.
This plant, with its large, bright flower is also known as the purple coneflower. There are three distinct varieties of Echinacea: Echinacea pallid, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pupuea. All three have similar medicinal effects.
You might think with all these wonderfully effective health benefits, Echinacea would be nearly impossible to grow (aren’t we conditioned to believe there’s a catch behind every good thing?). Well nothing could be further from the truth. It’s actually quite simple to grow. One of the most amazing aspects of the herbs success is their tolerance for dry conditions. You can actually grow this amazing plant from an herbs seed with very little trouble. Plant the seeds when your soil reaches between 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the spring.
You needn’t do anything more initially than sow the seeds on the surface. Within 10 to 20 days, you should notice the seeds germinating. Once this happens, then you’ll want to cover them with about one-eighth of an inch of soil. Additionally, when they reach the seedling stage, you’ll want to thin the plants so they’re about 18 to 24 inches apart.
This plant prefers shade rather than full sun. You may also want to test your soil’s pH balance before planting your seeds. This plant prefers neutral soil, with a rating of six to eight. Echinacea blooms from June to October. And oh yes, they attract the most beautiful of butterflies! Even if you don’t use the plant for health reasons, its presence in your garden lifts your spirit when you’re able to watch the butterflies hovering around!
There are my Top 5 Medical Herbs and Their Uses. I have dedicated 2 books to medicinal herbs: “101 Holistic Remedies” and “Herbal Medicinal Cures”. Both books are Free Bonus Books Here that you can be downloaded immediately.
Successful Gardening!
Kali S Winters
Learn more about Home Herbal Remedies Here!
Herbal Diet Supplements
Herbal dietary supplements contain natural herbs. They are formally known as a botanical herb. Botanical herbs are a plant or plant part/extract, which in turn is then used for its scent (Botanical), flavor (Culinary), and therapeutic (Medicinal) properties.
Dietary herbal supplements are derived from herbs consisting of more than one type of herb. The purpose of an herbal dietary supplement is to enhance the overall benefits that you would normally not get from your everyday diet. Herbal dietary supplements are rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and so many more nutrients. It is important to understand that herbal dietary supplements are not meant to be used as treatments or cures for any specific disease or medical condition. They are more effective as a preventative measure that will help strengthen the body and the immune system to naturally ward off any infections or internal malfunctions that may present it self in the future. For people who do not maintain a balanced diet, herbal dietary supplements are meant to enhance the overall necessary nutrients that might be otherwise lacking from a properly balanced diet. However, many herbal dietary supplements have been known to provide substantial aid for different types of medical conditions. Just as a pregnant woman needs prenatal vitamins, to stimulate growth…So shall we need extra nutrients to stimulate our pre-eldership/internal growth as well.
Some examples of herbal dietary supplements are:
Ephedra: This supplement increases the body’s resistance towards the common cold. It helps in the treatment of asthma and upper respiratory problems. For people who work out regularly, Ephedra is an important ingredient in most fat loss supplements.
Magnesium: Minerals and salts are the two biggest deficiencies in an unbalanced diet. Magnesium is essential in preventing kidney, thyroid, and heart disease. There are many herbal dietary supplements rich in magnesium.
St. John’s Wort: It is also known as hypericum, Klamath weed, and goat weed. These are supplements used for centuries for the treatment of mental disorders and nerve pain. In older times it was also used as a sedative and a malaria cure. Nowadays, the common use is for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep depravation. It is typically consumed as a tea or in pill form. Basically it is used as a relaxant, to help get your mind in order.
Vitamin E: One very potent anti-oxidant is vitamin E. Herbal dietary supplements rich in vitamin E are great anti-oxidants.An uncontrolled oxidation in our body can result in long-term damage. However, that is why our bodies generate antioxidants. If the production of anti-oxidants falls below safe levels then external supplements are required, such as vitamin E.
Copper: While metals and minerals are essential to the normal functioning of our body, sometimes they can fail to get absorbed properly. Copper is a great absorption mineral for bone structure.
Zinc: Is essential for our bodies and there is nothing better than a copper-zink rich herbal dietary supplement. Copper supplements increase the absorption of zinc. The result is a better protection against heart disease, and produces healthier skin and hair color. If you look at your fingernails and notice white spots, you are deprived of Zink and a Copper supplement. The older we get, the more copper/zink we need for our graying hair follicles.
Folate: From a certain viewpoint, folate is required more than anything else due to our DNA structure. Folate is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells (especially during pregnancy and infancy). DNA replication cannot take place without folates. Folates also prevent cancer causing DNA changes. Folate deficiency affects the bone marrow where most new cells are produced. Folates are needed to make new red blood cells and prevent anemia. As you may see, any deficiency in folates can be devastating in the end. One of the earliest indications of folate deficiency is anemia. Herbal diet supplements that have folates as major ingredients are extremely important for you, even if you do not have any existing conditions.
Iron: In the human body, the metal iron is more pervasive than any other material. It plays an important role in several vital functions. Iron carries oxygen to the lungs and muscles in the form of hemoglobin. It acts as a means to transport electrons between cells. It is a catalyst for enzyme reactions in tissues. Iron deficiency most commonly occurs in children and pre-natal or menopausal women. It can commonly prove to be fatal if left unchecked. Herbal diet supplements rich in iron can help to combat such a situation.
Vitamin B6 and B12: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency can lead to anemia, depression, dermatitis, and high blood pressure. Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) deficiency can lead to anemia, memory loss, and cognitive failure. It is most likely to occur among the elderly. In extreme cases it can even cause paralysis. It is widely used in the treatment of alcoholism, depression, diabetes, hair loss, and stress. Vegans are especially at risk of B12 deficiency because vitamin B12 naturally occurs only in meats. So if you are a vegan than an herbal dietary supplement with vitamins B6 and B12 is an absolute must have.
Tea: Most herbal teas (and especially Medicinal Strength Teas) involve the use of herbs that have anti-oxidant ingredients that are useful in the prevention of cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Since these teas usually do not include caffeine or any other associated chemicals they are a better form from a natural health perspective than regular black tea or coffee.
Vitamin D: The human body (especially skin) develops its own vitamin D. However, it is necessary to maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphorous. A direct result of vitamin D deficiency is a weaker bone structure, a condition known as osteoporosis where the bones become porous and therefore break easily. Vitamin D herbal supplements can help prevent osteoporosis.Vitamin D enhances Calcium to work properly.Do not take calcium without taking a vitamin D supplement. Selenium: This is a chemical so volatile that it does not occur in its natural form in nature. It’s toxic state is in large amounts. However, trace amounts of its form will create the center of some enzymes that are vital to the normal working of all cells in nearly all living organisms. In the human body it behaves as an anti-oxidant and it is also important for the normal working of the thyroid gland. Cereals, meat, fish, and eggs are good sources of selenium. Since the majority of sources are animal based, vegans and vegetarians should seriously consider herbal dietary supplements containing selenium.
Vitamin A: This vitamin is responsible for maintaining good eyesight and promoting bone development. It is also an important antioxidant. Most skin and eye problems are related to vitamin A deficiency so if you have any such conditions, consider an herbal diet supplement rich in vitamin A.
This is but a small excerpt from my eBook: Holistic Herbs~A Begginers Guide to Herbal Gardening Here! There you will find 12 free bonus books for your reading enjoyment.
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Successful Gardening!
Kali S Winters
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Fresh & Easy Herb Gardens-
Starting an Herb Garden-
Complete Herb Garden-
Growing Herbs in Pots-
Different Types of Herbal Medicine
There are many important and positive aspects regarding herbal medicine therapies and it has been a long-standing debate in the “scientific world ” . Unfortunately, the lack of adequate scientific evidence means that there is no way a doctor can completely take responsibility for, and therefore, will not prescribe, a dosage that requires a different direction associated with the safety factor involved in taking herbal medicines.
Herbal Medicine is under the microscope and therefore, becomes a matter of question. The fabricated products or drugs that we normally take, prescribed or over-the-counter, have to undergo thorough research, testing and do require FDA approval. The entire process will ensure that every single chemical in the specific process along with its interaction with the human body (and resulting side effects) are well understood, documented, and scientifically calculated as evidence.
While herbal medicines enjoy the reputation of being less complicated, it should be remembered that Mother Nature manufactures them and she does not need FDA approval or scientific testing. Fortunately, thousands of years of historical evidence has placed herbal medicines into a certain criteria, or safety zone, that has helped many a fortunate individual with a cure from their diagnosed ailments.
Some common forms of herbal medicines are as follows:
Essence of …..what? :
You have probably come across the line ” essence of… ” followed by some plant or flower when reading an ad for a cosmetic product. While Essences tend to get associated with cosmetic products due to massive advertising of those products, certain essential oils are always available for therapeutic purposes. The popularity of essential herbal oils processed through cold pressing or steam distillation is because many people prefer to get massage therapy rather than taking a pill. The most common benefit of essential oils is the help they provide in relaxation. They do not really cure any problems. Their major effect is to provide instant relief.
Body Massages: Can release toxins in the muscles, aiding relaxation. See above.
Head Massages: Head massages can likewise reduce heaviness or, in some cases, cure headaches. Instantly yes, a prolonged cure, no. Similarly, chest massages using essence of certain herbs can help with decongestion, which may result from a common cold. Once again, instant therapy, yes, permanent solution, no! Constant, continuous symptions of a particular ailment does require immediate care by a physician. Always remember, alternative herbal medicine is meant as a ” preventive medicine ” in the long run.
Pills or Caplets: There was a time when this alternative was not available. It was a dark time for the people who could not stand the taste of raw herbal medicines. The pills and capsules were a godsend for people who wanted to try herbal remedies but were unable to swallow. In order to convert an herb to pill form it first would need to be dried and crushed into powder. What’s of interest is that there are hardly any herbal medicines available in pill or capsule form that target specific ailments today. Why? Because they act more like secondary medications to provide moral support to whatever primary medication is being taken. Professionals in herbal medicine believe that the drying and crushing of the herbs, will actually rob them of their potency.
Others suggest that herbal medicine should be taken in its raw form for complete effectiveness. Anyway, if you are looking for specific herbal medicines instead of general health enhancers and supplements then these options may be for you.
Infusion: The most popular form of herbal infusion is the drinking of various kinds of tea. Infusion involves the use of the delicate parts (leaves, seeds, and fruits) of a herbal plant and are quick to administer. Some ingredients of infusion tea could be stinging nettle, oat straw, red clover, raspberry leaf, and comfrey leaf. Infusions can be just the tea you drink normally (but using herbs instead of tealeaves) or what is known as Medicinal Strength Tea. Most herbal teas fall into this category though the preparation is slightly different. There are several recipes available for making Medicinal Strength Tea. Please see my eBook on Herbal Tea Remedies.
Poultice: For injuries, inflammations, cramps, or other spasmodic problems it may become necessary to apply a herbal mixture to the infected area as a poultice. The required herbs are first macerated or chopped into small pieces. They are then applied directly to the affected area and covered with a hot and moist bandage. In some cases, the herbal mixture can be applied as a layer to the moist bandage before wrapping it around the affected area.
Raw: As the name suggests, in this case the herbal medicine is taken in its most natural form without any additives or changes to make it palatable. Most people will run a mile in tight shoes/shorts to avoid this form of medication. It is the equivalent of taking a regular capsule, pulling it open, taking that powder, putting it on the tongue and trying to suck on it as if it were chocolate. Ya, Right!, well at least not if the taste buds are functioning normally. No wonder this method is so unpopular. The good news is that most of the herbs that need to be taken raw can alternatively be soaked (or passed through) water to make medicinal strength teas, and those are much easier on sensitive palates. It is also believed that teas increase the effectiveness of raw herbs.
Tinctures: There are very few kids who did not get exposed to this form of medicine. Remember getting a cut and having your mother put that ” iodine ” mixture on the wound? About twenty odd years ago no kid that got into a scrap in the field or playground escaped the terror of a tincture. It was basically a herbal medicine in a liquid form. They were made for external as well as for internal use. Modern incarnations are a lot milder than their older predecessor forms, especially when it came to the ” sting ” .(Oh ya!…Mama waved her hand at first and then blew on the wound for it to dry faster…you remember.)
Decoction: A decoction is a liquid preparation made by boiling a medicinal plant with water usually in the proportion of 5 parts of the drug to 100 parts of water. Typically, certain specific parts of a plant like berries, roots, and herb-bark are used in this process. Depending upon the consistency of the plant part being used, it can take up to two hours to prepare a decoction. This process extracts the flavor and increases the concentration of the herb through the process of boiling.
That more or less covers the different types of herbal medicines available. Depending upon your requirement and personal taste, you might need to take them in one or more of the forms above.
In conclusion, herbal medicines might be risky but there is no need to worry if you are taking precautions or by consulting your physician before ever considering consuming any herbal concoction. Doctors are sort of walking pharmacopoeias and they supposedly know more about all those chemicals and reactions. They can advise you appropriately. Most importantly–Do your homework! An important concept to remember is the fact that with herbal medicine, different cultures have resulted in different types of herbal therapies. It’s all in the genes, so do your homework wisely before ingesting!
Finally, thanks to the Internet and online marketing there is no shortage of deceptive selling of roots and leaves grown in fraudulent backyards. Make certain that when you do purchase herbal medicine remedies that the ingredients have come from genuine herbs and sources. The wrong herbs might possibly contain toxic chemicals that may require making a trip to the hospital, inevitable.
Better yet, grow your own herbs in your very own backyard….it economical, reassuring, and most importantly, Safe!
This is but a small excerpt from my latest e-Book: Holistic Herbs~A Beginners Guide to Herbal Gardening! There you will find 12 free bonus books for you reading enjoyment.
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Kali S Winters
Other Articles of Interest:
Complete Herb Gardens-
Culinary Herb Garden-
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Natural Home Herbal Remedies-
Fresh & Easy Herb Gardens
Home herb gardens have become quite popular these days, and for good reason. People are becoming more and more aware of the health benifit herbs provide as well as their practial value, purpose served, and the continued use of the herb itself. When most people think of growing garden herbs, the first thought that comes to mind is an herbs culinary purpose, but herbs are so much greater than that single purpose. Herbs are known for their pleasant aroma and beauty and their Medicinal uses as well.
One of the most popular and common herbs grown in a home herb garden is basil. “Dark Opal”, as it’s formally known, and regular green basil are beautiful additions to your backyard herb garden and often times is used as a decoration alone. Dark Opal is recognized by it’s light pink flowers and dark red leaves. Basil isn’t just an ornimental herb however, it is a great kitchen herb used to enhance tomato sauses and pastes. Additionally, Basil is an excellent mosiquito repellant when placed in containers around the backyard patio or deck.
Chives are another very popular herb. It is a very resiliant, petite looking herb that resembles a blade of grass. They are much stronger than they appear,and will grow well through any drought. Their toughness and sturdiness makes Chives a perfect addition for a home herb garden, especially if you don’t want a lot of fuss when gardening. Chives are great when used in salads, egg dishes, and many different sauces and appitizers.
Mint is also an herb that is easy to grow and is ideal for mint jelly, mint juleps, lemonade, and any other kind of fruity drink. Mint is a great addition to a home herb garden due to its unique minty smell. Two herbs that can not be excluded from anyone’s fresh herb garden are thyme and sage. Both of these herb gardening favorites are used for flavoring soups,chicken, turkey, pork, and other sausages. Sage is also grown sometimes for its beautiful blue spiked flowers.
Lavender is probably the best smelling herb of all. It’s wonderful, long lasting fragrance is often used in candles, as a perfume scent, and to improve the aroma in linen and cloths closets. The light purple flowers smell absolutely magnetic! It is also an awesome ortimental flower as well.
Other types of herbs often grown in fresh herb garden include borage (used in salads), chervil (used in egg dishes), sweet marjoram (flavors lamb, fish, salad, and soup), sesame (flavors crackers, cookies, and bread), and dill (flavors meats and used for pickling). Herb gardening allows gardeners to use herbs from their own backyard garden for Culinary, Medicinal and Ortimental delights! Herb gardening will produce much fresher herbs with more flavor than store-bought herbs, and are by far, a lot less inexpensive.
This is but a small excerpt from my latest e-Book: Holistic Herbs~A Beginners Guide to Herbal Gardening! There you will find 12 free bonus books for your reading enjoyment.
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Kali S Winters
Other Articles of Interest:
Herbal Diet Supplements-
Different Types of Herbal Medicine-
Culinary Herb Gardens-
Complete Herb Garden
Herbs are very useful in strengthening the body and in treating disease. However they contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. So, they should be taken on the advice of an herbal practitioner.
Super Kelp
Super kelp (also known as “Sea kelp ” and “Sea wrack ” ) is a sea herb that is one of the best sources of natural iodine and trace elements. It is also used as the principle agent in cures for obesity. In addition, it cleans out the kidneys and stimulates the thyroid and pituitary gland to produce growth hormones.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural anti-biotic and is used to disinfect wounds, treat ear infections, cholera and typhus. This herb is anti-fungal and anti-oxidant agent and can help lower cholesterol. It may also be beneficial for risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and cancer. The excess of garlic can cause upset stomach/flatulence, occupational asthma, postoperative bleeding, bloating, bad breath, body odor, and skin irritation. People with bleeding disorders should not use garlic.
Parsley
Parsley (Petroselinum) is one of the best known, diuretic and most nutritious herbs which contain large quantities of vitamins A, B, C and minerals calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium. It’s very useful for kidney and urinary problems and water retention. Its usefulness can be judged by the saying: “if parsley is thrown into fishponds it will heal the sick fishes therein ” .
Green Tea Extract
Green tea extracts are one of the nature’s most powerful anti-oxidants. It helps prevent both heart disease and cancer by helping prevent vascular blood clotting and reducing cholesterol. It possesses antimicrobial properties that support immune-system health and protects against digestive and respiratory infections. The excess of green tea extracts may cause irritability, insomnia, heart palpitation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and loss of appetite.
Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut supports the vessels of our circulatory system and helps strengthen capillary cells and reduce fluid breakage. It is believed to be an excellent antioxidant to prevent wrinkles. It also helps in the treatments of phlebitis, varicosity and hemorrhoids.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has some active substances that helps maintain healthy liver function by protecting the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins and alcohol. It is a herbal remedy for anthrax, asthma, bladder stones, cancer, catarrh, chest ailments, dropsy, fever, bleeding from the lungs or bronchia, hepatitis, rabies, jaundice, vaginal discharge, malaria, melancholy, piles, plague, pleurisy, spasms, and spleen and uterus problems. Taking excess of milk thistle may cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, rash or other skin reactions, joint pain, impotence, and anaphylaxis. It should not be taken in pregnancy and while nursing.
Oregano Oil
This herb has healing, antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. It is used to treat a mildly upset stomach, bronchitis, nervous tension, insect bites, rheumatism, earache, toothaches and even athletes foot. It is also useful in relieve bloating, gas, urinary tract problems, rheumatoid arthritis, swollen glands, and lack of perspiration. In addition, it is as powerful as ‘morphine’ as a pain killer.
Kali Winters is gardening enthusiast and author who spends much of her time teaching others how to setup and maintain beautiful, amazing gardens. Check out her latest book, “Holistic Herbs~A Beginners Guide to Herbal Gardening”. There you will find 12 free bonus e-books for your reading enjoyment.
Learn more about Herbal Teas?
Free Bonus Book Here!
Successful Gardening!
Other Articles of Interest:
Fresh & Easy Herb Gardens-
Starting an Herb Garden-
Stewing Herbs-
Different Types of Herbal Medicine-
Starting An Herb Garden
If you’re not the type of person who wants to spend their time managing an elaborate fruit or vegetable garden, you might consider planting and maintaining an outside herb garden. While the product itself might not seem as significant now, you’ll still enjoy the constant availability of fresh, delicious herbs to flavor your meals with. First you’ll want to choose the actual herbs for growing. You might have a difficult time doing this because of the huge scope of holistic herbs available. But the best way to choose is to do what I did; just take a look at the kitchen herbs you are already using. By planting your own fresh herb garden, you will save money compared to buying them in the grocery store; all the while having the added herbs benefits of freshness. Some of the herbs you might want to start with include rosemary, garlic, sage, basil, dill, mint, chives, and parsley among others.
When choosing a location to place your home herb garden, you should remember that the soil should have a sufficient amount of drainage. If the dirt constantly gets watered and stays completely saturated, you will never have a chance of ever growing a healthy plant. One of the best ways to fix the drainage problem is to dig a foot deep in the soil, and put a layer of crushed rocks down before replacing all the soil. This will allow all that water to escape, thus saving your plants.
When you are ready to begin planting herbs, you might be tempted to buy the more expensive plants from the store. However, with herbs it is much easier to grow them from an herbs seed rather than it is with other plants. Besides, you will save a bundle of money by sticking with seed packets. Some herbs grow at a dangerously fast rate. For example, if you plant mint in an open space then it will take over your entire garden in a matter of days. The best way to prevent this problem is to plant the more aggressive herbs in pots (with holes in the bottom to allow drainage, of course).
When it comes time to harvest the herbs you have labored so hard over, it can be fatal to your plant to harvest too much at one time. If your plant isn’t well established, it won’t be healthy enough to take any leaves at all, even if it looks like its not using them. You should wait until your plant has become well established for at least several months before taking off any leaves. This wait will definitely be worth it, because by growing unattended your plant will produce healthier herbs for years to come.
Once you’ve harvested your delicious home grown herbs, you’ll want to use them in cooking. Why else would you have grown them? Well the process first begins with drying them out. This is easily achieved by placing them on a screen for a good airing. Turn them often so they dry evenly. After they’re sufficiently dried to be used in cooking, you can consult the nearest cookbook for instructions on using them to effectively flavor any meal.
If you want to store your herbs for later usage, you should keep them in a glass container. Preferably brown so as not to let the light in. Paper or cardboard will not work, because it will absorb the taste of the herbs. During the first few days of storage, you should regularly check the container to see if any moisture has accumulated. If it has, you must remove all the herbs and re-dry them. Put layers of salt between the rows of herbs for faster absorption. If moisture is left from the first drying process, it will encourage mildew after you have stored your herbs. Nobody likes mildew.
So if you enjoy herbs or gardening, or both, then you should definitely consider setting up your own herb garden. It might require a little bit of work at first with setting it up for proper drainage and by picking which herbs you intend to grow. But after the initial preparation, it’s just a matter of watching them grow, then harvesting and drying all your favorite herbs for later use.
Check out my latest e-Book: Holistic Herbs~A Beginners Guide to Herbal Gardening!
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Kali S Winters
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Complete Herb Garden-
Organic Gardening the Natural No Dig Way
An Australian named Esther Deans first developed the idea of the No-Dig Gardens method. It was originally developed both as a labor saving idea and a backyard organicgardening method to rejuvenate badly depleted soil in a vegetable garden.
The process involves starting with layers of newspaper and by adding lucerne hay, straw and compost in succeeding layers; you can create a plant-growing medium without having to resort to heavy digging. No-Dig Gardens develop into rich growing nutrients, which will simplify weeding and encourage your much-desired plants to grow. The layers of the organic scraps compost together, and greatly encourage garden earthworms. This is an excellent idea for new homeowners that have acquired a “grassy forest” in their new backyard.
These organic gardening techniques are maintained by adding compost layers of newspapers, manure, organic scraps etc., and should not be dug up, as this will undo the natural good work. I have used this approach in creating my own no dig vegetablegarden, and it certainly does work.
The principle of no dig gardens has sound foundations. Over cultivating the soil, especially when very wet or very dry, will damage the structure of the soil, and lead to hard compacted soil. Such excessive cultivation can also discourage the garden earthworms habitat, and they are the best free labor a gardener will ever have.
Some followers of permaculture principals and organic gardening techniques have translated the no-dig gardens method into a never-dig method, which I believe that they are sadly mistaken. If you start with a base soil that is badly compacted, then no-dig gardens will initially work well, however you may find your garden does not continue to perform well in the long run. The fertile compost layer you have built up will encourage the earthworm’s reproduction, but we do know that the worms eventually will need shelter from excessive hot, dry, cold or wet conditions. They have been found to seek shelter from extreme conditions by burrowing more deeply into the soil, sometime many feet down. If they cannot shelter in this way, it is my contention that they will die out or move out.
My belief is that an initial cultivation (tilling) of the soil before you apply the no-dig gardens system will guarantee a better environment for an earthworm’s habitat, and then produce a much better home garden soil for growing your plants, over the longer term.
By all means give the no-dig approach a try – especially for you new homeowners – you will be surprisingly pleased with the result.
Successful Gardening!
Kali Winters is gardening enthusiast and author who spends much of her time teaching others how to setup and maintain beautiful, amazing gardens. Her latest book, “Holistic Herbs~A Beginners Guide to Herbal Gardening” is available Here!
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When & How To Prune Rose Bushes
If not properly pruned, rose bushes can develop into a large tangled mess and produce small, inferior blooms. If you would like to grow an attractive, well shaped, sizable rose bush that produces large lovely blooms, then follow the rose gardening tips outlined below.
Pruning your rose bushes at the right time of year can be just as important as how you prune. Rose bushes go dormant during the colder months and should not be pruned until they come out of this stage. This could be as early as January in warmer climates or as late as April in colder regions. In colder climates, it is best not to prune until all traces of frost has disappeared.
Another important aspect to consider when rose bush trimming is the proper use of hand garden tools. A good set of pruning shears as well as good quality leather garden gloves, is a definite must have. The shears must be sharp, otherwise you will risk tearing your stems instead of just cutting them. A well lubricated, fine toothed, sharp, cutting saw is ideal to use on the older, much larger stems.
You never want to cut your stems straight across. Always cut at an angle between 40 to 65 degrees. Additionally, make sure that the shear’s cutting blade is on the underneath side of the stem in order to produce a clean cut. Always cut upward. This way, any injury to the plant will be on the upper part of the stem. Try to make all cuts at about one quarter inch from a strong outside bud union or eye, the eye is where the new growth stems form.
It is also a good idea to have some type of sealer or pruning paint to seal the larger cuts. Just apply the pruning sealer to the cut ends immediately after shearing. This will aid in the healing process and it will also help keep the insects out as well as eliminating any possiblity of disease.
Take special care in the amount that you prune at any given time. This will all depend upon what you are trying to accomplish and on how well established the plant is. Moderate pruning, leaving 5 or more stems of up to 24 inches in length, will produce a large bush with nice, moderately sized, blooms. Light pruning, stems 3 to 4 feet in length, will produce an even larger bush but with smaller blooms on shorter stems. Light pruning is good for new or weaker plants. Heavy pruning, 3 to 4 stems from 6 to 12 inches in length will produce the largest, showiest blooms, however if the plant is too new or weak you may end up reducing the plants life span. It is best to wait until the rose bush has matured when applying the heavy pruning method.
When pruning roots, remove all suckers. Suckers are shoots that grow from the root stock. This is different from the grafted bush. Suckers may eventually take over the plant completely and kill the bush, so it is very important that they be removed.You can recognize a sucker when you see that it is coming from below the bud union and by the different leaf form and color. Always pull the sucker off rather than cutting it as cutting will stimulate growth again. Pulling if off causes the wound to form a callous.
Additionally when plant pruning, cut out all weak, spindly and deformed stems, and if possible cut out branches growing toward the center of the bush. If stems cross each other, remove the weaker one. Proper shaping and pruning makes for a lovelier bush and allows proper air circulation which will produce a much healthier plant.
This is but a small excerpt from one of 12 of my bonus books which you will get free when you order my ebook: Holistic Herbs ~ A Beginners Guide to Herbal Gardening. Learn more about Herbs!
Successful Gardening!
Kali S Winters
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Disease Free Roses-
Orchid Watering Tips-
Container Gardening-
Growing Orchids Indoors-
Culinary Herb Gardens
Anyone who has ever done any type of baking or cooking knows that the food just tastes better with seasoning. This can be as simple as adding salt and pepper, or as complicated as using a blend of spices for the perfect taste. What is surprising to some people is pepper is actually an herb.
Pepper is a berry from the Piper Nigrum plant. Black and white pepper are made from the same plant. The un-ripened berries are used for the black pepper while the red, ripe ones are used for the white pepper.
Along with the natural organic herb, pepper, many other herbs are used to create culinary masterpieces. Nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon are common varieties of herbs grown in many kitchen herb gardens. Sage, oregano and basil are three more popular culinary herbs.
As more and more plants were discovered for their pungent flavor, people started making extraordinary dishes. What would a roast beef sandwich be without horseradish? Try making a good breakfast sausage when there isn’t sage garden herbs around. Herb bread would just be plain old bread if it were not for the flavorful little buggers.
One of the most beneficial attributes to growing kitchen herbs is that herbs have no calories, have no fatty acids, no cholesterol, and generally no bad ingredients at all. They just have a unique taste that wakes the taste buds in all of us.
When using herbs for cooking, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way. Too much can actually distract you from the natural flavor of the food. The entire concept of using herbs is to highlight the natural flavors. Too much can overpower the food and result in a tossed meal.
Did you know that there is even an herb that adds the sweetness of sugar without all the calories? This is an herb known as STEVIA. Although this herb cannot be sold as a sweetener for foods, it can be used in place of sugar. One leaf has enough sweetener in it to sweeten a glass of lemonade. Imagine a hot summer day when the only thing that can cool you off is a frosty glass of ice cold tea! You can brew the tea from your backyard herb garden, pour it over the ice, add a leaf off the stevia plant and one off the lemon balm plant, and you have a wonderful sweetened glass of ice cold lemon tea! You can even use this herb in sauces, salad dressings or even your salsa instead of sugar to cut down on the calories.
Many of the meat marinades on the market get their flavoring from natural organic herbs. You can use dill with lemon balm on fish. Saffron in your rice is always a delight. Putting rosemary on a pork roast or lamb results in a mouth-watering treat. With so many different herbs on this planet, there is something for every dish you could possibly create.
Having herbs in the kitchen is a wonderful experience for the novice cook to the master chef. With the right blend of herbs, you too can make meat rubs, soup and stew bases, or how about trying a new flavor for your morning coffee or tea.
Successful Gardening!
This is but a small excerpt from my new ebook: Holistic Herbs ~ A Beginners Guide to Herbal Gardening. If you would like to learn more about Holistic Herbs, Landscape and Garden design, Click Here to pick up your copy today! I’ve also included 12 free bonus books as well. Learn how to Harvest and Dry Herbs Here!
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Wedding Orchids
One of the most important aspects regarding a wedding is probably the wedding flowers. Not only do they add visual interest to that special day but they add a certain elegance and a statement about the couple themselves. One traditional and probably the most popular wedding flower chosen is the orchid. There are so many different varieties and colors to choose from that any couple would be hard pressed not to find exactly what they are looking for.
There are several ways orchids can be used in a wedding ceremony. One way of course is in the bouquet. What makes the orchid the perfect flower for a wedding bouquet is it’s color and scent. Most wedding bouquets typically feature a white or off-white colored orchid, which are usually in great supply. However, when choosing a scent, a strong scented flower might be out of the question since many people suffer from allergies. This could create a difficult situation when holding fresh flowers so close to one’s nose.
Many people may not know that there are meanings behind a flower’s name and they stand for particular things. For instance, roses embody love. Lilacs and daisies stand for innocence. Blue hydrangeas stand for loyalty and friendship. The flowers that are picked for a wedding send a message as well. Orchids portray beauty and that’s definitely something every bride and groom wants their wedding to be. Beauty goes beyond looks; it can further accentuate the beauty of one’s life, their relationship and the tradition and ceremonies themselves. With so many beautiful things about a wedding, orchids are a wonderful flower of choice.
Centerpieces on the tables are another great aspect of wedding orchids. While some of the concerns regarding allergies and strong scents should be taken into consideration, there are several reasons why orchids would make the perfect flower in these arrangements. Orchids are tough as nails. Although they are sensitive to cold and may bruise or drop blooms with rough handling, they are however resistant to moisture loss and heat. For the happy couple who plan a summer wedding this brings great news. Orchids also are great for centerpieces due to their height. Some types of orchids can grow quite tall making the centerpiece truly the center of attention.
Being able to buy orchids in bulk means that you are also able to cut costs and go right to the source of the growers rather then paying for all the times that the flowers have to change hands. If you are planning on doing things yourself and incorporating orchids into not only the bouquets and the centerpieces but also other aspects of the decorations, then buying orchids in bulk is definitely the way to go. Additionally, orchids are available year round depending upon their variety.
Successful Gardening!
Kali Winters is a gardening enthusiast and author who spends much of her time teaching others how to setup and maintain beautiful, amazing gardens. Her latest book, “The Golden Book of Orchids” is available Here! Learn more about general gardening Here!
Follow all Kali’s Orchid Series:
Wedding Orchids-
Orchid Growing Tips With Lights-
Caring For Orchids-
Types of Orchids-
Orchid Water Tips-
Other Articles of Interest:
Rose Gardening Tips-
Container Gardening-
How to Flower Garden-
Orchid Watering Tips
Orchids have quickly become a favorite among houseplants due to their gorgeous blooms and their variety in species, colors and sizes. Like any other plant, orchids require the correct growing conditions in order to thrive. Part of offering your orchid the right growing conditions is giving your orchid the right amount of water. Since the amount of water required for your orchid can vary between different species of orchids, it is important to research your particular plant. But, it is helpful to understand orchids in general and where they come from.
Orchid plants are typically found in tropical areas of the globe. The areas where many orchid plants are found receive a tremendous amount of rain. It can also be very humid in their native habitats. In fact, the ideal humidity level for most orchid plants is 80%. Considering that a room that is kept at 80% humidity would be extremely uncomfortable for most human beings, you need to find other strategies in order to keep your orchids happy and healthy. An easy way to humidify your orchids is to provide them with a constant supply of water. Orchid owners can purchase a deep saucer and some pebbles. You should pour the pebbles into the saucer. Set your orchid pot on top of the pebbles within the saucer and then water the pebbles. Make sure that the water never touches the actual orchid pot. By doing this you are able to set up an artificial high-humidity climate around your orchids.
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when caring for orchids is over watering them. Generally it is assumed by some owners that when the potting soil looks dry, the plant needs to be watered. This is not true especially when it comes to orchids. Although the potting bark may appear dry, the bark itself holds moisture. The rule of thumb is to water your orchid plant once a week or once every other week, sparingly.
When growing an orchid plant in your home, you should let the potting bark dry out completely before watering again. Some species of orchids grow on the trunks and branches of trees. In their native habitats it is normal for their roots to dry out before being given water again. Orchid plants also need to be fertilized but sparingly as well. You can buy orchid fertilizer at most garden shops or an orchid store within your area. Creating a good routine for watering and fertilizing your orchid is an excellent way to guarantee that you will be able to enjoy these exotic plants for a very long time.
Orchids will thrive in your home environment if they are given the proper care including the right amount of potting bark, the right amount of water, the proper amount of sunlight and if they are fertilized occasionally. Although they are quite beautiful, they can also be temperamental. But, by understanding how to care for them properly, orchids are not that complicated and you can grow these exotic and beautiful plants within your home.
Kali Winters is gardening enthusiast and author who spends much of her time teaching others how to setup and maintain beautiful, amazing gardens. Her latest book, “The Golden Book of Orchids” is available Here! There you will find 12 free bonus books for you reading enjoyment. Learn more about Herbs here!
Successful Gardening!
Follow all Kali’s Orchid Series:
Wedding Orchids-
Orchid Growing Tips With Lights-
Caring For Orchids-
Types of Orchids-
Orchid Water Tips-
Other Articles of Interest:
Container Gardening-
Rose Gardening Tips-
How to Flower Garden-
Types of Orchid
Although there are many, many different species and hybrids of orchids, there are actually only two different types of orchids. Growing ground orchids is called terrestrial. The other type of orchid is the epiphytes orchid that grows in trees, rocks or even on poles.
Terrestrial orchid species are some of the most popular orchids. Although terrestrial orchids have roots that grow beneath the surface of the soil just like most other types of plants, some terrestrial orchids are semi-terrestrial. This means that they have both underground and aerial roots. Cymbidium orchids are a terrestrial orchid consisting of more than 40 species with thousands of hybrids. They are one of the first species of orchids to have been cultivated. These orchids are a great example of terrestrials that not only grow on the ground but they can also grow on trees and rocks. They grow extremely well in the loose humus of rotted wood or decaying leaves. Cymbidium orchids can be found in their natural habitat which extends from Southeast Asia to Japan as well as being found in Australia. Cymbidium orchids are so popular because they are easy to grow and are therefore a perfect choice for beginners. Additionally, with the proper care, they will provide beautiful flowers each and every year.
The term epiphyte is actually not reserved to a type of orchid. It refers to any plant that has a root system above ground. Dendrobiums are the best known epiphytes orchid. Although they are easy to grow, they require slightly more care than Cymbidiums and do not flower as easily on a regular basis. There are over 1000 species of Dendrobiums. They can be found in their natural tropical conditions of Northern India, South East Asia, Australia and Polynesia. Because they are found in tropical conditions, Dendrobiums thrive in warm, humid growing conditions and should be kept moist. Another popular epiphyte type of orchid is the Phalaenopsis. These orchids are easy to grow and have long-lasting flowers. They are often seen at weddings and can be found in various colors including pinks, yellows, and even stripes.
Epiphytic orchids grow upon structures like trees. Even tho they grow attached to the tree, they do not receive their nourishment from the tree itself. They establish themselves by their fleshy roots on branches or bark of trees. The organic matter that accumulates between the roots and branches is used as nutrients for the plant. The roots of epiphytic orchids can also sustain the plant throughout wet and dry periods. A spongy off-white covering that can absorb water easily surrounds the tough, stringy core of the root. When it rains, this cover soaks up water. When it is completely saturated, it turns light green. The orchids roots retain the moisture and will release it gradually to the plant tissues. There are also some species of epiphytic orchids that cling to rocks. As they are suspended from trees or rocks, the epiphytes thrive in filtered light and always in open, airy situations.
Kali Winters is a gardening enthusiast and author who spends much of her time teaching others how to setup and maintain beautiful, amazing gardens. Her latest book, “The Golden Book of Orchids” is available Here! Be sure to check out all 12 of Kali’s free bonus e-Books on gardening. Learn more about Herbs here.
Successful Gardening!
Follow all Kali’s Orchid Series:
Wedding Orchids-
Orchid Growing Tips With Lights-
Caring For Orchids-
Types of Orchids-
Orchid Water Tips-
Other Articles of Interest:
Disease Free Roses-
Container Gardening-
Rose Gardening Tips-
Orchid Growing Tips With Lights
Orchids, like many other types of houseplants, have very specific needs including light, water and nutrition. One of the most important aspects in regards to the overall health of your orchid plant is the kind of light that it receives. The amount of light can vary depending upon the species. Since orchids naturally are found within the tropical areas of the globe, they generally require a great deal of diffused light to thrive. The tropical areas they originated from normally have distinct patterns of sun and shade throughout the day. Therefore, in order to provide your orchids the cooler morning diffused light and prevent them from burning in the strong afternoon sun, place your orchid in an easterly facing window, where it should receive at least twelve hours of light per day. Granted, this is sometimes not feasible due to the very strong afternoon sun. However, your particular situation may be different.
In order to determine the growing conditions your specific orchid species will require, you will need to find out as much information about your particular orchid. There are several ways to go about doing this. First, talk to the nursery where you purchased your plant. Pick their brains with as much orchid growing instructions as possible. While you are doing your research, look up information about your orchid species online to find what would be best for your situation before you even purchase your plant. Some orchids thrive on receiving a lot of sun. While other species of orchids will wilt if they don’t get the required shade.
Among orchid growers there are two distinct ways to decipher which orchids like what type of light. Soft growing orchids mean they thrive in shady conditions. Hard growing orchids thrive in sunny conditions. Typically an orchid that requires soft or shady growing conditions will offer their owners the enjoyment of a healthy and thriving plant, but the blooms will tend to be small and infrequent. On the other hand, orchids that are grown in hard or sunny conditions will produce many blooms, but not many plants. There you will most likely find stunted orchid yellow leaves on such a plant.
One way of ensuring that your orchid will get the correct amount of light is to use a glow-light. By purchasing a grow light and a timer you will be ensured on providing your orchids the correct amounts of both light and darkness. It is also possible to use a florescent light to offer your orchids a light source that is not too over powering for their needs. For years it was thought that experienced horticulturists could only successfully grow orchids. But, with these simple tips of giving your orchids the right kind of light necessary, even the most inexperienced growers can now grow orchids. With a full understanding of the type of species, along with the natural sunlight, a grow light or florescent lights, you will be able to produce a gorgeous orchid plant that will give you wonderful, full blooms throughout their blooming season.
Kali Winters is a gardening enthusiast and author who spends much of her time teaching others how to setup and maintain beautiful, amazing gardens. Her latest book, “The Golden Book of Orchids” is available Here! Be sure to check out all 12 of Kali’s free bonus e-Books on gardening. Learn more about Herbs here.
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Follow all Kali’s Orchid Series:
Wedding Orchids-
Orchid Growing Tips With Lights-
Caring For Orchids-
Types of Orchids-
Orchid Water Tips-
Other Articles of Interest:
Disease Free Roses-
Container Gardening-
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Caring for Orchids
Orchids have become one of the most favorite houseplants. There are many different species of orchids that can be found naturally and there are even more species of hybrid orchids available . They are not difficult to grow with the proper amount of care including water, light, fertilizer and air. While many species of orchids do enjoy cooler conditions, several species do quite well in temperatures that are around 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the easiest orchids to grow is the Phalaenopsis orchid plant. This species of orchid adapts well to the environment of a home or office. Different species of the orchid’s flowers will last for different amounts of time. From the time that the first Phalaenopsis bud opens, the sprays will remain in bloom for the next two to three months.Where as, the flowers on a Cattleyas orchid plant may last up to a month in bloom from the time that the bud opens. Some species of orchids will bloom once a year, while other species bloom several times a year and some even bloom continuously.
Another aspect of orchids that makes them so popular is their fragrance. Some orchids have wonderful aromas. But, the scents from fragrant orchid flowers vary considerably. Some species of orchid plants are subtle while other species can be quite overpowering. The scents can range from fruity to flowery. More amazing is the fact that many orchids have familiar aromas such as chocolate, raspberry, coconut, lilac or citrus.
Orchids should be planted in bark rather then typical potting soil because potting soil cuts off the air circulation at the roots and blocks the drainage of the water. They can also be grown in New Zealand sphagnum moss. Orchids need to be grown in pots that will supply good drainage. They should also be watered about once or twice a week. During the summer, your orchid plant may need to be watered more frequently about every four to five days. A good rule of thumb to follow is the more heat, the more water you should give your orchid. The less heat, the less amount of water. Orchid plants that are potted in New Zealand sphagnum moss should be water less often then those planted in bark. These plants can be watered once every seven to ten days.
Depending upon the species of orchid, they prefer a lot of light that is not too strong. They do very well sitting in an east-facing window. Since many orchid species can be found naturally in tropical conditions, they are use to receiving both sun and shade. Orchids that are suffering from either too much light will display yellowing leaves. If this occurs you should increase the shade that your orchid receives. Orchid yellow leaves may also indicate insufficient feeding. Orchid plants can be fertilized on a regular basis about every other week. You should also water your orchid plant before applying the diluted nutrient solution if the potting media is too dry.
Kali Winters is a gardening enthusiast and author who spends much of her time teaching others how to setup and maintain beautiful, amazing gardens. Her latest book, “The Golden Book of Orchids” is available Here! There you will find 12 free bonus books available for immediate download. Learn more about gardening in general Here!
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Follow all Kali’s Orchid Series:
Wedding Orchids-
Orchid Growing Tips With Lights-
Caring For Orchids-
Types of Orchids-
Orchid Water Tips-
Other Articles of Interest:
Indoor Garden Design-
Disease Free Roses-
Container Gardening-
Rose Gardening Tips-
Growing Orchids Indoors
It has been the belief of many for sometime that caring for orchids was difficult or reserved only for the rich. But, with more then 25,000 species and more then 100,000 hybrids, it is possible for anyone to find an orchid that will fit into their lifestyle, budget and level of skill as a horticulturist. Today, orchid problems have become a thing of the past.
Most orchid types do not require anymore additional care than any other house or garden plants. But, some orchids do have special requirements. Your first step towards caring for orchids should always be to find out the particular needs that your orchid requires. There are very few plants that produce such a delicate and beautiful bloom as an orchid. For that reason, it is one of the things that makes growing an orchid indoors such a popular past time. If you give your orchid additional care, you can keep them blooming just as healthy and heartily as they were in the store. The most popular orchid, a phaleanopsis, you may have either received as a gift or purchased from a nursery. This is the stunning white or purple orchids that are readily available due to the fact that they are easier to care for than some of the less common varieties of orchid plants.
Orchids will bloom for at least three months if they are taken care of correctly. You should always place your orchid near the window so that it will receive sunlight throughout the day. However, you should avoid the midday sun which can be too harsh for these plants. Your aim should be to give your orchid morning and evening sunlight. For this reason, the eastern side of your home is an excellent location to place your orchid. You can substitute natural sunlight with fluorescent lights placed about a foot above the orchid’s flowers but, you still want to limit exposure during normal daylight hours.
Orchids thrive in temperatures that are above 55 degrees Fahrenheit but no higher than 80 degrees. Orchids that are in weather that surpasses 90 degrees will start to loose their buds or will stop blooming all together. It is important to make sure that the flower stays moist, but do not over water the roots for it can kill the blooms. In stead, water the plant once every few weeks, or keep the orchid in a water tray constantly. Make sure that the roots do not touch the water tray or it will then constantly be soaking up too much water. A great tip to keeping the orchid in bloom for the most amount of time as possible is to fertilize the plant before it blooms. Once it has bloomed, you don’t need to fertilize it any longer. An additional tip to keeping your orchid in bloom for the greatest amount of time is to carefully prune the orchid while it is blooming. You will then be able to see a second set of flowers develop. With the right amount of care and attention, you will be able to own a gorgeous orchid plant that will display a full and rich bloom throughout the blooming season.
If you would like to learn more about Holistic Herbs and Flower Garden design, Click Here There you will find my latest book “The Golden Book of Orchids”
Successful Gardening!
Follow all Kali’s Orchid Series:
Wedding Orchids-
Orchid Growing Tips With Lights-
Caring For Orchids-
Types of Orchids-
Orchid Water Tips-
Other Articles of Interest:
Indoor Garden Design-
Disease Free Roses-
Container Gardening-
Rose Gardening Tips-
How to Start a Vegetable Garden in Your Backyard
Nowadays, it’s ideal if you can plant your own vegetables to make sure that they’re pesticide free, but a lot of people feel intimidated by the idea of vegetable garden planting, especially in the city.
Vegetable gardens are typically easier to maintain than flower gardens because vegetables are more resilient, especially in different types of weather. Flowers are typically more sensitive to changes in the weather and don’t adapt as easily. Vegetable garden planting usually demands a lot of space, however container vegetable gardens enables you to create a small home vegetable garden on your deck or patio. You can even grow indoor vegetables. It really all depends upon how much room you have available, what type of vegetables you’ll choose to plant and what you expect out of your overall vegetable gardening experience.
Planting Styles:
The more traditional vegetable garden layout is laying your plants out in straight, organized lines. Some people prefer to plant alternating rows of different types of vegetables so that when one type of vegetable is about to be harvested, the rows in between will have vegetables that are not yet in season. A drawback to this method is that the soil structure quickly becomes compromised because gardeners have to walk between rows for harvesting.
Rather than the traditional row style, a popular way of planting vegetables is building a raised vegetable garden bed. The beds have to be small enough in size so that you can reach into them and pull out the weeds or pests that might inhabit your plants. Beds can also be raised even higher off the ground so that the heat is contained longer during colder weather. It also makes for a great drainage system around the beds.
Another planting style that is popular is potager which combines vegetables with flowers and herbs and are planted in a way that is aesthetically pleasing. However, this method requires some knowledge of a vegetable companion planting chart.
For people who have constrained living spaces (especially those who live in the city), vegetables and herbs can grow in smaller plant boxes and containers. Vegetables will need a lot of sunlight and open space. If you want to reap a lot of vegetables, you should invest in bigger real estate.
Preparing the soil is a very important aspect of vegetable garden planting. It doesn’t matter whether you plan raised vegetable garden beds in a small plot of land or you choose container vegetable gardens on your patio or deck. Soil preparation is an essential key. Soil can be categorized as sandy or clay-like, with silt being a fine mixture of both sand and clay. Clay particles in sand help retain water longer as well as make the soil absorb water faster. Sandy particles in soil makes the water flow through it easily and lets the air in so that the roots can breathe.
The best way to prepare the soil for your vegetable garden planting is to try to make the soil a good balance between clay, silt, and sand. Ideally, it should be 40% silt, 40% sand, and 20% clay. To test it, you can scoop up the soil using your hand and form it into a ball. The soil should be sticky enough that it retains it’s shape but yet you don’t want it to easily crumble when you poke it with your finger.
Vegetable garden planting requires a lot of patience. You have to find what works for you, and experiment on getting the right type of soil for the right type of vegetables. All the hard work will be worth it, though, once you experience eating something that grew from a garden that you planted yourself.
Kali Winters is gardening enthusiast and author who spends much of her time teaching others how to setup and maintain beautiful, amazing gardens. Her latest book, “Holistic Herbs~A Beginners Guide to Herbal Gardening” is available Here!
Learn more about Vegetable Gardening!
Free Bonus Book Here!
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Vegetables and Their Vitamins-
Vegetable Gardens for Dummies-
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