Notes from Louise Wallace - Seedy Sunday April

"A healthy person has many wishes, a sick person has only one." - Indian proverb

According to the WHO, 80% of people use some form of natural therapy.

Infusions are made with leaves and flowers
Decoctions are made from stems and roots
Must be simmered for at least 10 minutes and three cups a day should be drunk for therapeutic effect. A new batch should be made each day for that day's consumption.

Sage
-- Harvest before it comes into flower.
-- Used for fevers, head colds, toothache and menopause.
-- Gargle for sore throats or ulcers.
-- Use a strong infusio for nervous headaches.

Thyme
-- Antiseptic, antispasmodic, antibacterial.
-- Tonic for the immune system.
-- Good for whooping cough, intestinal worms.

Feverfew
-- Prepare before flowering.
-- For migraines eat one leaf a day.
-- Expels afterbirth and brings on menstruation.

Garlic
-- Expectorant, anticoagulant, antiparasitic.
-- Lowers blood cholesterol and pressure and excellent for type 2 diabetes.
-- Garlic tea decoction - boil for 10 mins and leave overnight.

Lemon balm
-- Use all aerial pars before flowering.
-- Antispasmodic, antiviral, calmative.
-- Reduces fever.
-- Cold sores - use essential oil and drink tea.

Borage
-- Pick flowers before they bloom. Can dry at this point too.
-- Use whenever you have an infection. Good to use after corticosteroids.
-- Supports adrenal glands when stressed.

Comfrey
-- Mash tops with calendula and leave on cuts and grazes.

Chickweed
-- Eat raw or juice. Goes well with potato dishes and pasta.
-- Source of Vit C, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, manganese, protein.
-- Use as a restorative after colds and flu.
-- For eczema use a strong infusion in the bath with a sockful of oats.

Seedy Sunday this Weekend - April 18

A super quick note to say we're on again this Sunday, 2pm Paraparaumu Memorial Hall.

Guest speaker will be Reikorangi medical herbalist Louise Wallace.

Pop your requests for the swap table below in the comment section and some lovely fairy godperson may grant your wishes.

See you Sunday.