Okay, I'll start with the typical disclaimer, "I am not a doctor, and am not playing one on the computer! Any information you read here is not intended to replace the care of a physician. If you choose to try any of these suggestions, it is at your own discretion and risk." If you agree that I am not liable for your future actions, you may continue reading! GRIN

Quick Quips

There are plenty of herb books available. The following notes are simply a few of the unique uses I've run across over the years. This list isn't meant to be complete. It is merely to spark interest.

Yarrow (Achillea)

Chop some of this and add it to your compost pile. It will speed up the decomposing process!

Press fresh leaves on minor skin irritations such as a small shaving nick, rash, or chapped skin for relief.

Supposedly, if you chew on a leaf it will soothe a toothache. (Then you can spit it into the compost! he-he)

Chives and Garlic (Alliums)

Their culinary uses are well known, and studies are revealing garlic may help reduce blood pressure.

Garlic is a mild antibiotic. It may also help protect against the common cold. So eat your garlic! (Look at dill for breath problems)

They also deter most pests in the garden! Plant them prolificly, and make sprays. Look for the recipe in our "Good Bug vs. Bad Bug!" section.

Artemesia

This plant is popular for it's silvery foliage in perrenial gardens. Cut some branches and lay in the paths of your garden near carrot plants. Walking on them releases a scent that covers the carrot scent......deterring carrot flies. Grow some near broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbages to deter the cabbage butterfly.

Pour boiling water over leaves and let soak. Strain. You now have a mild disinfectant for houshold use.

Basil

Basil is an extremely popular culinary herb. Grow some in pots next to your doors to deter flies and mosquitoes from entering.

Calendula

Pretty flowers for your garden! Calendula deters many insects...plant in the veggie garden, and around the house.

Pretty flowers for your bath! Thought to reduce vericose veins and bruises.

Make a tea to help your liver produce bile. Not so pretty.

Chamomile

This is another pretty flower for your perrenial garden that has other uses. Make a tea with the flowers and drink as a sedative. You've probably heard of chamomile tea right? That's how they do it.

Put flowers in the bath to relieve sunburn.

Make eye presses to reduce puffiness and dark circles!

Catnip

Wind your cat up! Make a tea from the leaves and sip while you watch. You'll be more relaxed because it is supposed to act as a sedative to humans.

Dill

Put full flower heads in the pickling jar! Yum.

Dill seeds can be crushed and mixed with water to make a nail-strengthening soak.

Chew on some seeds to reduce bad breath. (Or chew your nails when you're done soaking them! hee-hee)

Mash some seeds and pour one cup of boiling water over them. Soak, then strain. 1 TBS of this (for adults) is supposed to relieve hiccups and flatulence. Hiccups and flatulence?! If you need this remedy, I feel sorry for you. I don't think I've ever suffered from that combo!

Lavender

This is a very popular herb grown for it's purple....errrr...lavender flowers. Great for potpourri. The scent is known to relax, hence lavender wreathes are popular for the bedroom.

Suffering from headaches and bad breath? Drink a tea made by infusing the flowers.

Lemon Balm

When crushed, the leaves emit a nice lemon scent. Make a tea from these leaves to help fight mild depression. If you drink this tea every morning with honey, you may live to a very old age because it is thought to extend life.

Mint

Well known for culinary use. Mint is also another great insect deterrant. Grow it in your gardens and and around the house. Put sprigs of mint in your cupboards and on your counters if dealing with an ant problem.

If you have some unique herb uses that would make a fun addition to this list, feel free to contact us. We'll add visitor tips to our own. Please put "herb uses" in your subject line.