Chamomile Tea & Anxiety

In "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", Peter's mother gives her mischievious son a cup of chamomile tea after his run-in with Mr. Mcgregor. She's clearly a wise herbalist, as chamomile (Matricaria recutita) soothes jangled nerves.
Researchers in Philadelphia, who published a recent study in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, are the latest group to confirm this application. They gave 57 people suffering from severe anxiety either a placebo or chamomile extract (220 mg/day to a maximum of 1,100 mg/day). After eight weeks, those using chamomile showed significantly less anxiety.
Most people consider chamomile the go-to-herbal tea, using it sometimes to help with sleep. But this herb has a centuries old application as a "nervine," an herb that calms the nervous system. Try drinking a cup of strong chamomile before any event that might make you nervous, such as a job interview or a presentation at work. And, of course, if insomnia poses a problem, try drinking a cup of strong chamomile tea an hour before bed.

Source: The Herb Quarterly Summer 2010

Hibiscus For Blood Pressure, & Diabetes

Over the last five years or so, hibiscus has gained status in the herb world as an effective way to control blood pressure. New studies confirm that application-and support a new one: It's ability to lower cholesterol.
For the blood pressure study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, Tufts University researchers gave either a placebo or hibiscus tea (three cups a day) to 65 people with borderline or mildly high blood pressure. After six weeks, the herb reduced blood pressure significantly, and the higher the blood pressure at the start of the study, the greater the reduction with hibiscus. The herb is not a substitute for prescribed medication, but it can be used in addition or as a daily part of one's regular blood pressure control program.
In the cholesterol trial, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Iranian scientists gave 53 type 2 diabetics either black tea or hibiscus tea (two cups a day). After one month, the hibiscus group showed lower total cholesterol with higher HDLs (good cholesterol). (Cholesterol control is particularly important for people with diabetes; the condition substantially raises risk of heart disease.)

Source: The Herb Quarterly Summer 2010

Essential Oils at The Herb Lady

Allspice                                              Bottled Bouquet Oil Blend 
Balsam Fir                                          Good Morning Sunshine Blend
Basil                                                   Natures Shield Oil Blend (compare to thieves oil)
Bay                                                     Peace, Love, & Flowers Blend
Bergamont                                          Smiles for Miles Blend
Camphor                                             Cheer Up Buttercup Blend
Carrot Seed                                         Clear the Air Blend
Cedarwood                                          Mental Focus Blend
Chamomile (roman)                            Peace & Harmony Blend
Cinnamon                                            Naturally Lovable Blend
Citronella                                             Peaceful Sleep Blend
Clary Sage                                           Pepper Oil
Clove                                                   Helichrysum Oil
Coriander
Cypress
Eucalyptus
Fennel Seed
Frankincense
Geranium
Ginger
Grapefruit
Jasmine
Juniper Berry
Lavender
Lavender/Tea Tree
Lemon
Lemon/Eucalyptus
Lemongrass
Lime
Marjoram
Myrhh
Neroli
Nutmeg
Orange
Oregano
Palmorosa
Patchouli
Pennyroyal
Peppermint
Pine Needle
Rose Hip Seed
Rosewood
Rosemary
Sage
Sandlewood
Spearmint
Tangerine
Tea Tree
Thyme
Wintergreen
Vanilla
Ylang Ylang

MINT What to do with it

According to Greek mythology, mint symbolizes hospitality; mortals rubbed the vibrant leaves on the table to welcome the gods. But this aromatic herb, which proliferates in warm months, can do far more than freshen up a table. On the plate, mint can star in both sweet and savory creations. Try it in everything from ice cream to tea, or use it to top lamb chops or a platter of mint-stuffed fish. Not only can mint do wonders for digestion, but its oil can also soothe the skin and sweeten the breath. Hospitality, indeed.

Perfume Fragrances at The Herb Lady

I carry Kuumba Made Exquisite Fragrances created with the oils and resins of flowers, plants, roots and trees, and are free of dilutants, alcohols, petroleum, and animal products. Non-toxic, no aminal testing.
Since ancient times fragrances have been used not only as perfumes, but also to enhance spiritual & emotional healing. Annoit yourself with the beauty, mystery, & sensuality of the ancients.

Amber Paste
Amber/Sandalwood
Black Coconut
Egyptian Musk
Frankincense/Myrhh
Lily of the Valley
Persian Garden
Pikaki Lei
Tunisian Patchouli
Water Goddess
White Ginger
Zen Rain

Lemon Oil

Lemons have long been valued for more than lemonade. We know that ancient Egyptians prized this oil for its purported ability to act as an antidote to fish and meat poisoning. And, like lime, it was a staple on 17th century Royal Navy ships to help prevent scurvy. Today, we know lemon can help contain and treat infectious diseases, especially colds and fevers. Its scent also helps to increase concentration, and neutralizes unpleasant odors. Some hospitals use lemon oil to help calm frightened or depressed patients. It also boosts the immune system by stimulating production of white and red blood cells. Lemon oil is a must for every aromatherapy kit.

Therapeutic uses: Air freshener, anemia, circulation, colds and flu, constipation, corns, coughs, dandruff, depression, digestive system, dull complexion, emotional confusion, fatigue, fingernail toughener, greasy hair and skin, hypertension, household cleanser, immune booster, insect repellent, joint pain, low energy, listlessness, mouth ulcers, nosebleed, PMS, scars, stress, throat infections, voice loss, warts.

FUN FACT: In Japan, lemon essential oil is used throughout banks everywhere in order to reduce worker error.

Source: Aromatherapy for Everyone by PJ pierson and Mary Shipley