MEDICINES As Close as Your Door

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The tea is prepared with one tablespoon of fresh leaves, stem, root, flower, or all parts. If you use dried herb, decrease amount to a rounded teaspoon. Place it in a cup of cool water and let sit several hours. All herbal teas are made in the same proportions: one rounded teaspoon of dried, or one tablespoon of fresh herb to one cup of water, usually boiling. This is a pleasant drink, reminiscent of hibiscus, when the flowers are used. The young leaves are good cooked and they also make thickening for soups.

I make up a pint or quart of the tea, store in the refrigerator, and replace it after five days. That way it is available for heartburn or indigestion when it sneaks up on me. If I want a tea without having to wait for it, I make it double strength, pour into ice trays, and freeze. Add one cube to f cup water, stir until melted, and it's ready.

It makes no difference as to the season as far as harvesting is concerned, but it is best to gather when the plants are in bloom. The whole plant may be pulled up in preparation for storage, or just the leaves and flowers. Wash the leaves, stems, and flowers gently with cold water, but use a brush on the roots to clean the dirt off. The uncut plant may be hung up and dried, or it can be frozen. Dry off plant or leaves with a towel before putting in a plastic container for freezing. I do both, but most frequently I dry only the leaves and flowers, then the plant can continue to produce.

Frozen herbs retain a better flavor, but drying can be more practical when it comes to storing. The dried herb should be put in an airtight container. If you choose to freeze it, it can be put in plastic bags after washing and drying with a towel.

One of the most striking plants found in my garden is mullein (Verbascum thapsus). It grows up to six feet from a large basal rosette flower at its base. The furry, gray-green leaves are as big as five inches by 16 inches. The leaves have been used in folk medicine to prevent pregnancy, but also to ensure conception. The tall, woody stem reaches up to six feet in height ending in a long head with butter-colored flowers which make a pleasant tea for sipping and relaxing.

This is a naturalized plant from Europe which is used primarily for coughs, colds, and fever. It also acts as a mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory. The flowers are reputed to have a slight sedative effect. Prepare tea by pouring boiling water over the leaves, flowers, or both, and steeping for 10 minutes. Strain through a coffee filter to remove the fine hairs.

You can make an oil to use on small wounds and hemorrhoids by packing a jar with herb leaves and covering with cool vegetable oil. Let sit for two weeks, strain, and put in fresh leaves, then allow to sit for an additional two weeks. Strain and bottle.

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