MEDICINAL HERBS. Aloe vera is an extremely useful and versatile herb; it can be used to regenerate tissue, clear the throat

ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is an extremely useful and versatile herb; it can be used to regenerate tissue, clear the throat, clean the colon, expel worms, promote menstruation, and clean out the digestive organs. The part of the plant that is usually used is the leaves. Aloe can regenerate tissue rapidly and well, and so it can be applied to burns, including radiation burns, and cuts and bruises. It can also be used to clear the throat, making it useful for singers and public speakers. To clear the throat, cut off a quarter-inch of a leaf. Put it in your mouth and chew for a few minutes, then swallow. An excellent herb for correcting digestive disturbances, aloe can be used to clean matter from the colon, stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, and bladder. Another use for aloe is to get rid of worms, but it takes several doses of aloe to do this.

ANISE
Anise's botanical name is Pimpinella anisum, but it is also known as Sweet Cumin. Anise is generally used for digestive disturbances such as colic, nausea, problems caused by overeating, and aids digestion. It also prevents fermentation of gas.

Anise is also used for flavoring: seeds are added to cough medicines, cough drops, candies, and baked goods, while leaves are added to salads.

ROSEMARY
Rosemary is known as a potent tonic, and it was thought that the herb could bring happiness to the heart. It is a warming herb and is used as a stimulant for the nervous system.

Rosemary is a tonic, stimulant nervine, and a circulatory and heart tonic herb. It is also an antibacterial, antiseptic, antidepressant as well as a carminative. Rosemary is a well-known and useful herb and is therefore included in many home remedies. As an infusion, rosemary is stimulating tonic tea that improves concentration as well as the memory. The infusion is also used as a hair rinse for dandruff, scalp psoriasis and reinforces the color of darker hair. Use the infusion as a gargle to soothe mouth, gum, and throat infections. Infused oil is a useful remedy as well. It is most often substituted for the essential oil in massages. The essential oil is used in massages arthritis and muscle aches. The oil in a warm compress is exceptionally good for headaches. If diluted, the essential oil can be used for teething babies. To cultivate rosemary, plant the seeds in well-drained soil in full sun around the time of spring. After the winter, remove the damaged shoots and plane the plant after flowering in late spring. Cold, wet weather is harmful to rosemary, so shelter the plant in the winter. Rosemary is an evergreen and therefore can be collected and used fresh all year round. To dry rosemary, collect the flower tops in the spring and hang to dry in bunches. Once the bunches are dry, store them in a cool, dry place.