These weird little shellfish that a lot of people eat raw may or may not be the aphrodisiac they are thought to be. However, they are intensely useful packages of zinc. Oysters are the best way to find zinc in food form.
Useful For: Kidney Stones, avoiding birth defects, cardiovascular system, headaches
Herbal Sources: Alfalfa, bladderwrack, catnip, cayenne, chickweed, dandelion, eyebright, fennel, fenugreek, hops, horsetail, lemongrass, licorice, mullein, nettle, oatstraw, parprika, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover, sage shepherd’s purse, yarrow, yellow dock
Food Sources:
Herbs: Bilberry, Alfalfa, Borage Leaves, Burdock Root, Cayenne, Chickweed, Eyebright, Butcher’s Broom, Horse Chestnut, Hawthorn
Foods: Kale, Spinach
Vitamins and Supplements: Omega 3, Vitamin c, Vitamin E, Vitamin B, Vitamin A, Lycopene, Lutene, Zinc
Actions:
Aromatherapy:
Folk Remedies:
Things to Avoid:
Use a pot 2 feet wide, and 3 feet deep
Spring
As early as you can planet – mustard or other Asian Green of your choice in the center. Bush snap peas inset a little from the rim of the pot. Plant pansies in between.
Summer
Cut off peas at ground level. Remove remnants. In late May, transplant a tomato plant into the center and stake it. Around August, direct sow kale under the tomato, removing lower leaves as needed. Thin to six inches apart.
Fall
Cut tomato off at ground level when it fades, so as not to dislodge the kale. Clean up as needed, and plant (yellow) tulips where there is available space.
Use a container 1.5 feet wide, and 8 inches deep
Spring:
Direct sow looseleaf lettuce, chervil, calendula
Summer:
Transplant one hot pepper plant into the center. Remove lettuce (should be pretty well done). Add cilantro.
Fall:
More lettuce, arugala, and scallions
I have not tested all of these, but wanted to have the ideas as a reference to hand.
Use to remove crayon from walls.
Can remove stains from carpet.
Sometimes can assist with tough stains in clothing or shoes
Cleaning piano keys.
Cleaning chrome.
Cleaning your nails.
Defogger.
Useful For: Water balance, muscles, nervous system, heart
Herbal Sources: Catnip, Hops, Horsetail, Nettle, Plantain, Red Clover, Sage, Scullcap
Food Sources: Potatos, Benanas, papayas, edamame, tomato sauce, spinach, oranges, celery, cabbage, seaweed
Other notes: Potassium is not something to try to get from supplements. When not gained through food, potassium has a tendency to build up in the body, which can lead to very serious medical conditions.
Herbs: Licorice, Oatstraw, Scullcap (particularly good cut with warm milk)
Foods:
Vitamins and Supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Calcium, Magnesium, Omega 3’s
Actions:
Aromatherapy:
Folk Remedies:
Things to Avoid:
Calendula – Anti-fungal, Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic
Chamomile – Anti-fungal, soothing, cleansing, good for reducing persistent inflammation. Especially recommended for around the eyes.
Elder Flower – A gentle cleanser, toner, and astringent. Elder flower can also be used to reduce inflammation.
Lavender Flower – Though slightly drying, it is soothing, reduces inflammation, and cleanses.
Lime (or Linden) Flower – Similar to chamomile, especially good for aging skin.
Mallow – Gentle anti-inflammatory will soothe irritated skin.
Mint – Tonifier
Rosemary – Antiseptic, toning, and vitalizing. Will improve blood circulation. Add Yarrow for a more potent astringent effect.
Thyme – Strong anti-bacterial herb, it can be effective as a skin wash for acne or other infections. Use with calendula or chamomile for a more soothing effect.
Yarrow – Toner, astringent, antiseptic. Good for aging or damaged skin.
Manage everything you plant organically.
Grow your garden for wildlife, as well as people. This will encourage beneficial insects and predators.
Learn your bugs. Some are good, some are bad. Once you start to know the difference, knowing which ones to squish or remove becomes far easier.
Play to your garden’s strengths, by figuring out and utilizing its characteristics.
Make soil care a priority.
Make your own compost and leaf mold. Cuts back on the amount of stuff you are sending to the dump, and helps the garden at the same time.
Reuse and recycle what you can, where you can. The less we stick in landfills, the better.
Whenever you can, use organic seeds.
Take environmental impact into account when choosing materials for your landscaping. Where it comes from and how it is collected is as important as what it is made of, in the grand scheme of things.
Collect rainwater, and reduce the need for watering by improving soil and choosing appropos plants.
Make local sourcing your first choice.
Use traditional methods where it makes sense to.
Science is your friend to. Not all of what comes out of research is chemically based or inappropriate for organic gardening.
Stop using artificial fertilizers.
Give up bonfires.
Control weeds without using herbicides.
Avoid the use of pesticides and treated wood.
Say not to GMO.
Choose weird heirloom varieties to grow from time to time. Diversity is good, and growing something threatened here and there is a way to assist with that.