HERBAL TRIVIA
Which herb has been used to
make fireworks?
Club Moss (Lycopodium clavatum)
spores ignite explosively and have been used in making fireworks. The
spores as a powder are also used medicinally to stop nosebleed and bleeding
from wounds, and to relieve itchy skin and protect irritated areas. Being
water resistant, the spores are still used to coat tablets to prevent
them from sticking to each other when packed together.
HAPPY 4th OF JULY!
Independence Day celebrates the
adoption of the U.S. Declaration of Independence in 1776. Traditionally
we celebrate by getting together with friends and family for some outdoor
fun. Fireworks and picnics may already be on your agenda for this Saturday,
but guess who else plans to be at the party? BUGS!!!
HERBS THAT REPEL BUGS
Clove (Eugenia carophyllata syn.
Syzgium aromaticum) repels mosquitoes, flies, and moths. Make pomanders
by sticking clove buds into every available surface area of a bunch of
lemons and oranges. Place a basket full of these pomanders in strategic
locations.
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
repels fleas, flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks. It can be placed in
areas of infestation or strewn in areas where it will be walked upon.
Try allowing it to grow across a bench and encourage visitors to
be seated.
Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum coccinium)
is insecticidal. Also known as painted daisy or painted lady, it has big,
showy daisylike flowers in white, pink, red, or lilac that are long
lasting when used in arrangements. The dried flower heads can be
powdered and used as a dust to safely repel or kill a large number
of soft-bodied insects that attack plants, humans, and animals.
(Pyrethrum is mixed commercially with many other compounds, some
of which may be highly toxic.)
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
repels fleas. Sprinkled into the ankle band of the socks, wormwood will
help prevent fleas from staying long enough to make a meal of the legs.
(Plant this herb away from other garden vegetation. It secretes the
toxic substance, absinthin, which inhibits the growth of its
neighbors.)
Have you had your GARLIC today?
Mosquitoes don't like the taste of it. :-)
We just formulated a new product
called Abby's Herbal Insect Repellent that keeps mosquitoes and other
flying insects off and it smells so good. It contains the synergistic
blend of essential oils of citronella, lavender, lemongrass, and
peppermint in a vegetable oil base. These essential oils are very
effective applied topically to the skin.
HERBAL FIRST AID KIT
Get ready ahead of time and have
some herbal remedies at your fingertips when you need them. While packing
the picnic baskets, pack an herbal first aid kit too. We recommend the
following items:
1) Abby's Herbal Insect
Repellent already prepared in a spray bottle, or blend some of
the essential oils recommended above in a vegetable oil base.
Spray the repellent on everyone's exposed skin before the insects
show up at the party.
2) Pure essential oil of lavender
to disinfect cuts and scraps. Dab a few drops of the oil straight on the
wound and apply an adhesive bandage (don't forget to pack the bandages
in your kit). A few drops of lavender oil on the temples will also
relieve headaches.
3) Aloe vera leaves wrapped in
a sandwich bag. Split the leaf and apply the gel to any burn, including
sunburn. What? You don't have an aloe vera growing at your place? There
is no excuse for that ... go get one today!
4) Abby's Fun-In-The-Sun Oil.
Apply this oil to skin areas that will be exposed to the sun. It is
not a sun block so monitor your time and retreat to the shade. This oil
is meant to be used by those who insist on having a good tan.
5) Fresh ginger root. For
digestive upsets, slice off a sliver and chew on it swallowing the
juice. This is a handy remedy for motion sickness too.
6) Fresh mint sprigs for strewing
on the table to help keep insects away from the foods. Bring lots of
sprigs and tuck them under every dish. They make nice nibbling treats
and freshen the breath too.
7) A freshly made eyebright
infusion for washing foreign particles out of the eyes. Just splash
this well strained infusion into the eyes. It will also relieve eye
strain and that wind-dried gritty feeling.
8) Fresh basil for drawing the
poison from a bee sting. Fresh lemon balm, fresh calendula flowers or
fresh nasturtium flowers and leaves would be good alternative remedies
for bee sting if fresh basil is not available. Apply the crushed herb
directly to the sting. All of these herbs could be tossed into the picnic
salad too. (Use only the petals of calendula for salads.)
9) Abby's Herbal Skin Cream
and Herbal Skin Lotion will relieve a number of skin problems including
rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac. Keep them in the
cooler on ice while outdoors in warm temperatures.
SAFETY FIRST
Being well prepared is well and
good, but prevention is best. Please be extra careful if you plan to
ignite your own fireworks. Children should never be unsupervised around
fireworks. They are so unpredictable ... the fireworks and the children.
It's like playing with "fire" itself. To be absolutely safe, make your
plans around a community event with professionally orchestrated fireworks.
They usually put on a spectacular show.
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