Plants----Spiritual food and Medicine

A cold is coming on, your child is hyperactive , your husband is having muscle spasms.Wouldn't it be nice to go to the cabinet and get an herbal remedy that works??
The advantage to growing your own herbs is that some of the chemicals that are outlawed in U.S. are legal in other countries and most herbs are imported. By growing your own you have no toxic chemicals in them, I will discuss seven of my favorite herbs. Comfrey, Echinacea, Garlic, Angelica, Calendula, Valerian, and Chamomile.
If you can only grow one medicinal herb, make it Comfrey. It can be used internally as well as externally. First, it heals wounds by stimulating cell growth and repair, For burns, the leaves are steamed and wrapped around the area with guaze. Keep it moist and change it often. For bee stings, chew part of the leaf and put it on the affected area. Internally it is made into tea. (An ounce of leaves to a pint of water). It soothes ulcers, calms asthma and other lung ailments. It's said to help stop hemorrhaging. It's very easy to grow from seed or from a clump of roots from a friend's plant. It spreads in the garden, so watch it doesn't take over.
The second choice would be Echinacea. It's a blood purifier and excellent antibiotic, and also a good stimulant. It's great for colds, sore throats and flu. Use the root of the plant. One teaspoon of dried root to one cup of water. It's handier if made into a tincture to use. It has no known toxic level, although if taken too often you may experience dizziness.
Garlic is a remedy for almost anything. Antibiotic, blood purifier, antiseptic, expectorant, stimulant, diaphoretic(induces sweating), calms nerves,relieves gas and bowel pain, helps heal lung problems and counters both high and low blood pressure. Use it fresh. Don't boil it as it looses its medicinal power. It is easy to grow.
If you feel cold in the winter, the best herb to use is Angelica. It improves circulation so it warms the body. It is beneficial for cough, colds and pleurisy. A regular intake of it causes a distaste for alcohol. It should not be taken by pregnant women as it promotes menstruation. It also increases the sugar level in the blood, so should be avoided by diabetics.
For hyperactivity, Valerian is a favorite sedative. It works quickly. It promotes sleep and lessens pain. It is also great for muscle spasms. It is used for control of seizures in epilepsy. It is said to strengthen eyesight. Very rarely Valerian will have opposite effect on a person, so use with caution. It may stimulate instead of relax.
If you have problems sleeping at night try Chamomile tea. It is a good sedative and nervine, also a safe remedy for children's colds, nervous disorders and indigestion. Steep one quarter ounce of flowers in a pint of water for ten minutes. This also should be avoided by pregnant women, as well as pennyroyal, black cohosh and tansy.
These remedies are not for broken bones nor to prevent anything that would require surgery or suturing. They are not a substitute for professional help of any serious disorder. When in doubt consult your physician. As you use herbs you will find many more uses for them in your life.