Backyard Gardening Tips

Native to Peru and Brazil, this climbing vine has been used in South American medicine for many years to treat infections, arthritis, and gastrointestinal disorders.  However, more and more studies are underway to determine its efficacy in the treatment of HIV/AIDS and known cancers.  Thus, the health benefits derived from cat’s claw is the subject of this article.

Recent studies in Asia, Europe and North America indicate this herb may actually reduce inflammation, stimulate the immune system, kill viruses, and protect against heart disease.  This is exciting news and scientists are exploring it’s use in a number of treatments.  Claw is a root bark used as medicine that grows in the rain forest of the Andes Mountains.  Its so called was derived due to the woody vine that twines up trees and has two curved thorns that look like cat’s claws at the base of its leaves.

As an anti-inflammatory, cat’s claw stimulates white blood cells to fight infection. The compounds within it act as steroids in the body, which are used to treat arthritis.  Recent studies reveal it can reduce swelling by half. Acting as a detoxification agent, cat’s claw boots the immune system and aids in those who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders involving inflammation.  A study was conducted in which the use of cat’s claw inhibited the formation of plaque deposits in the arteries.

Research has also revealed that cat’s claw may be utilized as a treatment for cancerous tumors.  The National Cancer Institute did find evidence of its anti-tumor effects.  It allows for improving chemotherapy in cancer patients, and because of its antioxidant properties could help the body eliminate toxins which are initially caused by chemo and radiation therapy.  However, official studies and testing by the FDA has not been conducted or published.

The ingredients in Cat’s claw enhance the immune system by stimulating the immune response, and act as antioxidants to rid the body of free radicals, or bad cells. Compounds found in Cat’s Claw also work to kill viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that cause disease, and they work to inhibit healthy cells from becoming cancerous. This herb has anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory problems. In addition, cat’s claw promoted healing of wounds; helps in the treatment of ulcers; and may help in relieving chronic pain.  Also, many health practitioners have reported successes using the herb to treat Crohn’s disease. Moreover, used as a tea, a cat’s claw rinse clears up eye infections, and the powdered herb has been used between toes to clear up athlete’s foot.

As with any herb or supplement, it is strongly advised to check with your doctor before taking cat’s claw. While no reports of toxicity or adverse effects are known, it is always advisable to be cautious when adding any supplement to your diet regimen.

You’ve probably used peppermint in the preparation of foods, or as a tea.  However, you may be surprised to learn just how beneficial peppermint is to your health.

Peppermint has a large index of health benefits such as: calms digestive spasm; relieves gas; fights bacteria; and acts as a decongestant as well.  It is used to increase the flow of digestive juices and bile while bringing the digestive muscles to a relaxed state. The menthol, which is a component in peppermint, soothes the stomach and eases pain.  In addition, when used in tea it offers relief for mild asthma attacks.

Peppermint has an antispasmodic effect which can provide significant relief for abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, and general abdominal discomfort associated with an intestinal condition. In fact, peppermint oil generates this antispasmodic activity and provides relief for liver and gallbladder conditions.  You may agree that the aroma itself may aid in improved concentration, relieve headaches, and reduce mental fatigue.  In addition, when used topically, it can act as an antiseptic for muscle and nerve pain.  Due to its cooling properties, this particular herb eases inflammation to tissue. It has also been known to relieve insomnia, stress, and anxiety.

Fortified with high levels of manganese, Vitamin C and Vitamin A, peppermint also includes properties such as: fiber, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, omega-3, riboflavin, and tryptophan.  Peppermint oil, for example, has been used to reduce colic in babies. It is also known to prevent gallstones.  It soothes the lining of the stomach and relieves cramping. This accounts for some of the over the counter medications which have peppermint properties, such as Bengay ointment and lozenges.

As mentioned earlier, you may be most familiar with peppermint as a tea.  Did you also know that you can add tea to your bath to help treat skin conditions?  Or you can gargle with tea several times a day to treat a sore throat. The menthol in peppermint has antibacterial, antiviral, and analgesic effects. Peppermint, when used as a mouthwash, can aid in the prevention of gingivitis as well. It also should be note that in laboratory studies, peppermint oil was found to kill bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and the herpes simplex virus.

You can drink up to four cups a day for treatment of digestive disorders, morning sickness, or to ease congestion. There have been no toxic side effects associated with consumption of peppermint tea, however, and it is always advisable to consult your physician when taking any herb or supplement.

Peppermint is found in almost everything we eat and drink; from chocolate to ice cream.
Most notably used in chewing gum, there are many medicinal qualities which are derived by the use of peppermint, whether used internally or externally. Add this wonderful herb to your garden. It’s a good thing!

For those of you who are avid cooks, even amateur ones, a well equipped kitchen is undoubtedly a necessity. Speaking of necessities, things like a good gas or electric burner system, a refrigerator, a microwave and other electrical appliances like mixers, grinders, mashers, stirrers, blenders and the like are absolutely essential. As are vessels and cooking implements. A good amateur chef would do well to invest in a fine set of culinary knives. A more accomplished chef could also go ahead and invest in a custom set of utensils. But one thing that most amateur and professional chefs overlook, and which would add more value than any of the items listed above, is an indoor herb garden.

An indoor herb garden, contrary to popular belief is not an indulgence. While it is true that an indoor herb garden demands a lot from the chef in terms of maintenance and upkeep, it is in fact the secret ingredient that adds taste and flavor to ones cooking. So whether you have the fancy kitchen equipment or implements, whether you are a skilled cook or a beginner, it would make a lot of sense for you to have your own indoor herb garden.

An indoor herb garden is not very difficult to maintain. Most people assume that in order to successfully maintain an indoor herb garden, they would need space and that this space would need to be substantial. But the very fact that it is an indoor herb garden means that it is meant to be in a confined space. All you need to successfully set up an indoor herb garden is a couple of pots, some potting soil and the right kinds of herbs from a herbarium or nursery.

And what kinds of herbs should one plant in an indoor herb garden? Well, the most commonly used herbs would a good bet. Coriander is an herb that is excellent with all kinds of vegetables. Thyme too is a great addition as it can lend flavor to all kinds of cuisines. Basil is also an excellent addition to an indoor herb garden. And lemon grass can also be comfortably grown in the confines of an indoor herb garden.

A few people have also been known to grow medicinal herbs in their indoor herb gardens. After all, not all herbs are meant exclusively for food related uses. A number of herbs also cater to the needs of the body. Care must be taken however that these herbs are segregated from the rest of the herbs in the indoor herb garden. For some of the medicinal herbs are not for consumption, but meant to be used as external application aids.