Lady’s Mantle

From the family Rosaceae

Lady's mantle is a native of the mountains of Europe, Asia and America. It is found not -A only in damp places but also in dry shady woods.

The Arab 'alkemelych' (alchemy) was thought to be the source of the herb's Latin generic name, Alchemilla. The crystal dew lying in perfect pearl drops on the leaves have long inspired poets and alchemists, and was reputed to have healing and magical properties, even to preserve a woman's youth provided she collected the dew in May, alone, in full moonlight, naked, and with bare feet as a sign of purity and to ward off any lurking forces.

In the medieval period it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, hence Lady's Mantle was considered a woman's protector, and nicknamed 'a woman's best friend', and was used not only to regulate the menstrual cycle and to ease the effects of menopause, but also to reduce inflammation of the female organs. In the 18th century, women applied the leaves to their breasts to make them recover shape after they had been swelled with milk. It is still prescribed by herbalists today.

Alchemilla conjuncta

Lady's Mantle Conjuncta Hardy perennial. Ht 30cm (12in), spread 30cm (12in) or more. Tiny, greenish-yellow flowers in summer. Leaves star-shaped, bright green on top with lovely silky silver hairs underneath. An attractive plant suitable for ground cover, rockeries and dry banks.

Species

Alchemilla alpina

Alpine Lady's Mantle Known in America as Silvery Lady's Mantle. Hardy perennial. Ht 15cm (6in), spread 60cm (24in) or more. Tiny, greenish-yellow flowers in summer. Leaves rounded, lobed, pale green and covered in silky hairs. An attractive plant suitable for ground cover, rockeries and dry banks.

Alchemilla mollis

Lady's Mantle (Garden variety) Hardy perennial. Ht and spread 50cm (20in). Tiny, greenish-yellow flowers in summer. Large, pale green, rounded leaves with crinkled edges.

Alchemilla xanthochlora (vulgaris)

Lady's Mantle (Wildflower variety) Also known as Lion's Foot, Bear's Foot and Nine Hooks. Hardy perennial. Ht 15-45cm (6-18in), spread 50cm (20in). Tiny, bright greenish/yellow flowers in summer. Round, pale green leaves with crinkled edges.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Why is it that something that self-seeds readily around the garden can be so difficult to raise from seed? Sow its very fine seed in early spring or autumn into prepared seed or plug trays (use the cardboard method), and cover with Perlite. No bottom heat required. Germination can either be sparse or prolific, taking 2-3 weeks. If germinating in the autumn, winter seedlings in the trays and plant out the following spring when the frosts are over, at a distance of 45cm (18in) apart.

Division

All established plants can be divided in the spring or autumn. Replant in the garden where desired.

Pests and Diseases

This plant rarely suffers from pests or disease.

Maintenance

Spring: Divide established plants. Sow seeds if necessary. Summer: To prevent self-seeding, cur off flower heads as they begin to die back. Autumn: Divide established plants if necessary. Sow seed. Winter: No need for protection.

Garden Cultivation

This fully hardy plant grows in all but boggy soils, in sun or partial shade. Seed can be sown in spring where you want the plant to flower. Thin the seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart. This is a most attractive garden plant in borders or as an edging plant, but it can become a bit of a nuisance, seeding everywhere. To prevent this, cut back after flowering and at the same time cut back old growth.

Harvest

Cut young leaves after the dew has dried for use throughout the summer. Harvest for drying as plant comes into flower.

Container Growing

All forms of Lady's Mantle adapt to growing and look very pretty indeed. Use a (following manufacturer's instructions) only occasionally. In the winter, when the plant dies back, put the container in a cold greenhouse or cold frame, and water only very occasionally. Lady's Mantle can be grown in hanging baskets as a centre piece.

Medicinal

Used by herbalists for menstrual disorders. It has been said that if you drink an infusion of green parts of the plant for 10 days each month it will help relieve menopausal discomfort. It can also be used as a mouth rinse after tooth extraction. Traditionally, the alpine species has been considered more effective, although this is not proven.

Culinary

Tear young leaves, with their mild bitter taste, into small pieces and toss into salads. Many years ago Marks & Spencer had a yoghurt made with Lady's Mantle leaves! I wish I had tried it.

Other uses

Excellent for flower arranging. Leaves can be boiled for green wool dye and are used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea.

Anise Hyssop

Anise Hyssop

Also known as Giant Hyssop, Anise Hyssop, Blue Giant Hyssop, Fennel Hyssop, Fragrant Giant Hyssop. From the family Labiatae. Anise hyssop is a native of North America, the Mosquito Plant and A. mexicana 'Brittonastrum mexicana' are from Mexico, and A. rugosa is from Korea.

There are few references to the history of this lovely herb. According to Allen Paterson, Director of the Royal Botanical Garden in Ontario, it is a close cousin of the Bergamots. It is common in North American herb gardens and is certainly worth including in any herb garden for its flowers and scent. The long spikes of purple, blue and pink flowers are big attractions for bees and butterflies.

Species

Agastache cana

The Mosquito Plant Hall-hardy perennial. Ht 60cm (2ft), spread 30cm (1ft). Pink tubular flowers in the summer with aromatic oval mid-green toothed leaves.

Agastache mexicana 'Brittonastrum mexicana' (or 'Cedronella mexican')

Half-hardy perennial. Ht 1m (3ft), spread 30cm (1ft). In summer whorls of small tubular flowers in shades from pink to crimson. Leaves oval pointed, toothed and mid-green with an eucalyptus scent.

Agastache rugosa

Korean Mint Hardy perennial. Ht lm (3ft), spread 30cm (1ft). Lovely mauve/purple flower spikes in summer. Distinctly minty scented mid-green oval pointed leaves.

Agastache foeniculum

Anise Hyssop Hardy perennial. Ht 60cm (2ft), spread 30cm (1ft). Long purple flower spikes in summer. Aniseed scented mid-green oval leaves.

Container Growing

Not suitable for growing indoors. However, anise hyssop and Korean mint both make good patio plants provided the container is at least 25- 30cm (10-12in) diameter. Use the bark, peat mix of compost, and a liquid fertilizer feed only once a year after flowering. If you feed the plant beforehand, the flowers will be poor. Keep well watered in summer.

Cultivation

Propagation

A. mexicana can only be propagated by cuttings.

Seed

The small fine seeds need warmth to germinate: 17°C (65°F). Use the cardboard method and artificial heating if sowing in early spring.

Use either prepared seed or plug trays or if you have only a few seeds directly into a pot and cover with Perlite. Germination takes 10-20 days.

One can also sow outside in the autumn when the soil is warm, but the voting plants will need protection throughout the winter months.

When the seedlings are large enough to handle prick out and pot on using a bark or peat mix of compost. In mid-spring, when air and soil temperature has risen, plant out al a distance of 45cm (18in).

Cuttings

Take cuttings of soft young shoots in spring: when all the species root well. Use 50pei cent bark, 50per cent peat mix of compost. After a full period of weaning cuttings should be strong enough to plant out in the early autumn.

Semi-ripe wood cuttings may be taken in late summer, use the same compost mix. After they have rooted, pot up, and winter in a cold frame or cold greenhouse.

Division

This is a good alternative way to maintain a short-lived perennial. In the second or third year divide the creeping roots either by the 'forks back-to-back' method, or by digging up the whole plant and dividing.

Pests and Diseases

Being an aromatic plant, pests keep their distance. Rarely suffers from disease, although seedlings can damp off.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds. Summer: Take softwood or semi-ripe cuttings late season.

Autumn: Tidy up the plants by cutting back the old flower heads and woody growth. Sow seeds. Protect young plants from frost. Winter: Protect half-hardy species (and Anise hyssop below -6°C (20°F)) with either agricultural fleece, bark or straw.

Garden Cultivation

All species like a rich, moist soil and full sun, and will adapt very well to most ordinary soils if planted in a sunny situation. All are short lived and should be propagated each year to ensure continuity.

Anise hyssop, although hardier than the other species, still needs pro-lection below-6°C (20°F).

The Mexican half-hardy species need protection below -3°C (26°F).

Harvest

Flowers

Cut for drying just as they begin to open.

Leaves

Cut leaves just before late spring flowering

Seeds

Heads turn brown as the seed ripens. At the first sign of the seed falling, pick and hang upside down with a paper bag tied over the heads.

Other uses

Anise Hyssop, Korean Mini and Agastache mexicana all have scented leaves which makes them suitable for potpourris.

Culinary

Anise Hyssop

Leaves can be used in salads and to make refreshing tea. Like borage, they can be added to summer fruit cups. Equally they can be chopped and used as a seasoning in pork dishes or in savory rice.

Flowers can be added to fruit salads and cups giving a lovely splash of color.

Korean Mint

Leaves have a strong peppermint flavor and make a very refreshing tea, said to be good first thing in the morning after a night on the town. They are also good chopped up in salads, and the flowers look very attractive scattered over a pasta salad.

Chamomile

Chamomile From the Family Compositae

Chamomile grows wild in Europe, North America, and many other countries. As a garden escapee, it can be found in pasture and other grassy places on sandy soils.

The generic name, Chamaemelum, is derived from the Greek Khamaimelon, meaning 'Earth Apple' or 'apple on the ground'.

Species

Chamaemelum nobile

Roman Chamomile

Also known as Garden Chamomile, Ground Apple, Low Chamomile and Whig Plant Hardy perennial evergreen. Ht 10cm (4in), spread 45cm (18in). White flowers with yellow centres all summer. Sweet smelling, finely divided foliage. Ideal for ground cover. Can be used as a lawn, but because it flowers it will need constant cutting.

Chamaemelum nobile 'Flore Pleno'

Double-flowered Chamomile

Hardy perennial evergreen. Ht 8cm (3in), spread 30cm (12in). Double white flowers all summer. Sweet-smelling, finely divided, thick foliage. Good for ground cover, in between paving stones and lawns. More compact habit than Roman Chamomile, and combines well with Chamomile Treneague.

Chamaemelum nobile 'Treneague' (Anthemis nobilis Treneague')

Chamomile Treneague

Also known as Lawn Chamomile Hardy perennial evergreen. Ht 6cm (2.5in), spread 15cm (6in). Non-flowering. Leaves are finely divided and very aromatic. Ideal for ground cover or mow-free lawn. Plant in well-drained soil, free from stones, 10-15cm (4-6in) apart.

Anthemis tinctoria

Dyers Chamomile

Also known as Yellow Chamomile Hardy perennial evergreen. Ht and spread lm (3ft). Yellow daisy flowers in the summer. Leaves are mid-green and fern like. Principally a dye plant.

Matricaria recutita

German Chamomile

Also known as Scented Mayweed, Wild Chamomile Hardy annual. Ht 60cm (24in), spread 10cm (4in). Scented white flowers with conical yellow centres from spring to early summer. Finely serrated aromatic foliage. The main use of this chamomile is medicinal.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Dyers, Roman and German chamomiles can be grown from seed. Sow onto the surface of a prepared seed or plug tray. Use a bark, grit, peat compost. Cover with Perlite. Use bottom heat 19°C (65°F). Harden off and plant out or pot on.

Cuttings

Double-flowered chamomile and Chamomile Treneague can only be propagated this way. Take cuttings in the spring and autumn from the offsets or clusters of young shoots. They are easy to grow as they have aerial roots.

Division

All perennial chamomiles planted as specimen plants will benefit from being lifted in the spring of their second or third year and divided.

Pests and Diseases

As all the chamomiles are j highly aromatic they are not troubled by pests or disease.

Maintenance

Spring: Collect offshoots, sow seeds. Fill in holes that have appeared in the chamomile lawn. Divide established plants. Give a liquid fertilizer feed to all -established plants.

Summer: Water well. Do not allow to dry out. In the first season of a lawn, trim the plants to encourage bushing out and spreading. In late summer collect flowers from the Dyers chamomile and cut the plant back to 6cm (2in) to promote new growth.

Autumn: Take cuttings. Divide if they have become too invasive. Cut back to promote new growth. Give the final Iced of the season.

Winter: Only protect in extreme weather

Garden Cultivation

All the chamomiles prefer a well-drained soil and a sunny situation, although they will adapt to most conditions.

As a lawn plant, chamomile gets more credit than it deserves. Chamomile lawns are infinitely less easy to maintain in good condition than grass lawns. There is no selective herbicide that will preserve chamomile and kill the rest of the weeds. It is a hands-and-knees job.

Prepare the site well, make sure the soil is light, slightly acid, and free from weeds and stones. Plant young plants in plug form. I use a mix of double-flowered and Treneague chamomile at a distance of 10-15cm (4-6in) apart. Keep all traffic off it for at least 12 weeks, and keep it to the minimum during the first year.

If all this seems daunting, compromise and plant a chamomile seat. Prepare the soil in the same way and do not sit on the seat for at least 12 weeks. Then sit down, smell the sweet aroma and sip a cool glass of wine. Summer is on hand . . .

Harvest

Leaves

Gather in spring and early summer for best results. Use fresh or dry.

Flowers

Pick when fully open, around mid-summer. Use fresh or dry. Dyers chamomile flowers should be harvested in summer for their yellow dye.

Companion planting

Chamomile has the unique name Physician's Plant because, when planted near ailing plants, it helps to revive them. Roman Chamomile can be planted next to onions to repel flying insects and improve the crop yield.

Chamomile Infusion

Bring 600ml (1 pint) water to the boil. Add a handful of chamomile leaves and flowers. Cover and let it stand for about half a day Strain.

Spray it onto seedlings to prevent 'damping off. If there is any liquid left pour it onto your compost heap. This acts like an activator for decomposition.

Container growing

I would not advise growing chamomiles indoors, as they get very leggy, soft and prone to disease. But the flowers can look very cheerful in a sunny window box. Use Chamomile 'Flore Pleno', which has a lovely double flower head or the non-flowering C. Treneague as an infill between bulbs, with a bark, grit, peat compost.

Cosmetic

Chamomile is used as a final rinse for fair hair to make it brighter. It should be poured over your hair several times. Pour 1 liter (l34 pints) boiling water over one handful of chamomile flowers and steep for 30 minutes. Strain, rover and allow to cool.

Medicinal

German chamomile's highly scented dry flower heads contain up to 1 per cent of an aromatic oil that possesses powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Taken as a tea, it promotes gastric secretions and improves the appetite, while an infusion of the same strength can be used as an internal antiseptic. It may also be used as a douche or gargle for mouth ulcers and as an eye wash.

Oil for skin rashes or allergies can be made by tightly packing flower heads into a preserving jar, covering with olive oil and leaving in the sun for three weeks. If you suffer from overwrought nerves, add five or six drops of chamomile oil to the bath and this will help you relax at night.

Chamomile tea

1 heaped teaspoon chamomile flowers (dried or fresh)

1 teaspoon honey slice of lemon (optional)

Put the chamomile flowers into a warm cup. Pour on boiling water. Cover and leave to infuse for 3-5 minutes. Strain and add the honey and lemon, if required. Can be drunk either hot or cold.

Other uses

Dyers Chamomile can be used as a dye plant. Depending on the mordant, its color can vary from bright to olive/brown yellow.

German and Double-flowered Chamomile are best for herb pillows and pot pourri.

Prozac safety and benefits

Prozac is one of several antidepressant drugs known as Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors or SSRIs.

Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical found in the pineal gland, blood platelets, digestive tract and most importantly the brain. It is believed to play an important role in the regulation of sleep, sexuality appetite and general mood. A lack of serotonin in the brain is directly linked to several forms of depression including Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SSRIs such as Prozac work by increasing the levels of serotonin and therefore helping relieve feelings of depression.

There remains little over the effectiveness of Prozac. Over 40million people in the UK and throughout the world have been prescribed the drug and a very high percentage reported improvements in their mood.

So what's the problem with Prozac? Well, like almost all other drugs, Prozac has a long list of possible side effects including nausea, headaches, dry mouth, irritability, reduced libido, low energy, anxiety and insomnia.

However, the greater concern surrounds reports that the drug may encourage suicidal thoughts. Certainly children should not prescribed Prozac but this is the same for all antidepressant drugs. But for adults, there is no conclusive proof of any direct links between the drug and suicide. Of course there are many cases of people taking their own lives whilst on Prozac but you have to remember why these individuals were prescribed the drug in the first place - to help alleviate strong feelings of depression.

FInally, despite what you may've heard, prozac is not addictive. Very few people experience any difficulties coming off the drug once their depression has lifted.

Aspirin & Strokes

Does aspirin really help protect against stokes and heart attacks?

Many older people take an aspirin every day in the belief that it will prevent strokes and heart attacks.

But is there any scientific evidence to back this up? The answer, you may be surprised to learn, is yes. When an aspirin enters the body it essentially thins the blood thereby discouraging a blood vessel blockage - the main cause of strokes and heart attacks.

Research has constantly shown that taking an aspirin every day for a sustained period of time will lower your risk of suffering one of these potentially life threatening events.

However, before you rush of to the chemists, you should know that the reduction of risk is only very small. But any reduction is good, right? Well, not if there's a long list of possible side effects to take into account. Taking an aspirin on a regular basis can cause indigestion, prolonged bleeding and in some cases stomach ulcers.

Diet and lifestyle choices have a far greater effect on your likelihood of suffering a stroke or heart attack but with none of the side effects of popping an aspirin a day. So really the best advice is to eat healthily, exercise regularly and leave that of aspirin bottle alone.

Liquid Herbs

Why a Liquid Herb is Better Than Tablet Supplements

Herbal remedies and vitamins come in many forms, capsules and tablets being the most common, but liquid herbal remedies are found to be much better and far more effective than the same remedy in capsule and tablet form.

So why is a liquid herb better than a herbal remedy in tablet or capsule form? Well it's because of the absorption rate. With traditional tablets and capsules they need to first be digested in the stomach, something that liquid herbal remedies do not. While these tablets are in the stomach, the stomach acid is breaking down some of the herbal values and by the time it gets to the small intestine to be absorbed into the blood stream most of the properties of the remedy have been lost. But a liquid herb does not have to go through this process, it is automatically absorbed into the bloodstream meaning it is more effective and the concentration that reaches the blood stream is much higher.

Most products out there now are available in liquid form as it is also far more convenient. As we know it is a nightmare to try and get a child to take a tablet or capsule, but with a liquid herbal product it is quick and easy and also stress free for the child, so when you want to make sure your child has all the vitamins and minerals they need then a liquid herb is the way to go.

It is also a great help for the elderly or those that have problems swallowing and digesting tablets so you know that the maximum amount of supplement is being absorbed and put to good use in the body, helping the elderly users stay healthy. So these liquid herbs are great for all the family and a simple way to orally take a supplement and if you like to dilute the liquid herbal remedy it can be added to water or if it's to help you sleep a cup of hot chocolate on a night.

The great thing about liquid herbal supplements is that they are found in a highly concentrated form, so rather than having to buy large packs of tablets or capsules, a small bottle of liquid herb will last far longer and take up less room and is easy to carry with you where you are on the run, and as there is less packing in the capsule or tablet it is often much more cost effective.

Liquid herbal remedies are the way forward in delivering high quality and highly concentrated supplements, with a higher amount of supplement being released into the blood stream and no capsules clogging up your gut it's a purer more effective method of taking your health supplements.

Forget the old tablets and capsules for your daily health supplements, liquid herbs and vitamin supplements are the way forward, with a greater absorption rate than tablets and capsules, liquid herbal supplements are easy to administer and good for the whole family, young and old alike.

Manage Beautiful Lips

How to Manage Beautiful Lips

Your lips are sensitive part of your body. Lips do not have oil glands and that is why, they are sensitive towards changes in environment like heat, wind and cold. Your lips have the tendency to become pink as rose petals. This can be achieved by following simple techniques and tips. However, you need to be consistent and continue these remedies for at least three months to see some major changes.

Crush red rose petals and directly apply the juice to yourlips. If your lips appear dry then add 1 or 2 drops of coconut oil. Petals are able to provide natural red color to your lips. Try and make it your habit and it is better to do this at night so that you can keep the extract of the petals for a much longer time.

To provide natural antioxidants to your lips in most pure form possible is to use homemade lip balms. Take 4 table spoon of almond oil, 1 table spoon of honey and 1 table spoon of grated beeswax. Stir this mixture carefully. Keep beeswax at a warm temperature in order to allow thorough mixing of the ingredients. This will give relief to your lips damaged by summer sun because Almond oil forms a thin protective layer on the lips, honey moisturizes them to provide softness and beeswax maintains ingredients on the lips for a longer period of time.

Scrubbing off deed skin from the lips is important. Thoroughly mix 5 drops of sweat almond oil to half table spoon of sugar granules and apply it to the lips, rub gently to scrub off dead cells from your lips. You can also soak 2 almonds overnight. Peel one almond and grind in pestle and motor. Add few drops of glycerin. Rub this paste on lips. Leave for 2 minutes then wash off. Apply a lip balm after that.

Dead layer of old skin may hinder growth of new cells on the lips. It is common with people who have chapped lips. Mix 1 tbsp of honey with 5 to 6 drops of lemon juice. Use this mixture as your daily lip balm. Scrubbing will provide an instantaneous pinkish color to yourlips and they will appear fuller. Scrub your lips weakly if not more.

In the end it is all about how much you care! Never use your saliva to lubricate your lips. Basically it dries the lips more and makes them appeal darker with time. Always use best quality cosmetics. Smoking extensively affects the color and beauty of your lips. So quit smoking for the love of your lips! Easy Health Solution - Learn about all kinds of health problems and their solutions from Easy Health Solution. We offer all kinds of easy and affordable health tips and advises.