Pontificating
Did you ever notice how some folks will provide a quick answer for what’s right and wrong about everything? There are verities which apply to everyone – gravity, for example, and don’t take a nap while the beans are simmering. I contend, however, morning glories will find their own way and you will, too, regardless of what yahoos like me say in gardening articles.
But since you asked, I will pontificate. High blood pressure might be hereditary or it might be from smoking tobacco, eating lots of fried chicken, never moving unless it’s to get another beer or find the dang remote. Those indicators show you know how to make choices, so another choice would be to add garlic to your diet. Clinical studies abound on this subject which indicate raw is better than capsules, and this is science, not Fox News. Gardeners know right now is the time to plant garlic for harvesting next year.
Basil is also effective at easing hypertension, as is thyme, an excellent addition when you cook beans (and don’t take a nap). Fresh parsley is like an antioxidant crusader that lowers your risk of hypertension and heart disease. These are just simple suggestions; I’m not trying to start a cult.
And another thing… some people must deal with their version of depression all day every day. Each version, like each therapy, is personal, but science and anecdotal evidence suggests herbs can help. Long ago, somebody feeling down about life – could have been any of us – for some reason chewed on some St. John’s wort leaves and felt better. One of nature’s miracles and word got out, and nowadays, St. John’s wort capsules are available at health stores everywhere. Maybe they will work for you.
Thousands of years ago, folks in Asia noticed the vulnerary effect of ginseng root on relieving stress and thereby depression. Scientific studies are shy about recommending ginseng in spite of continual use through millennia for relieving stress, helping folks relax, lowering cholesterol levels and addressing sexual dysfunction in men (which might relieve some depression).
The aroma of lavender seems to have a calming effect for folks who to need to chill, so this effect would also help those grappling with despondency. Try a spritzer of lavender mist and see what happens.
Folks around the Mediterranean Sea 2000 years ago knew about the healing effect of chewing willow bark to reduce fever. Somebody with a headache bad enough decided to chew on tree bark because why not? Suddenly, “Hey, I’m better.”
Research has indicated persons under 18 years of age should not try willow bark. However, chamomile tea might help ease a headache. Also, a tea made with ginger and lemon juice will moderate the swelling of blood vessels in the head thereby reducing the headache. A remedy from India is to make a paste with cinnamon and smear it on your forehead and temples for a while. Sounds like fun.
Curcumin is a component in turmeric which has been shown to relieve headaches. To see if it works for you, mix less than a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of water with some lemon juice. Stir it like you mean it and drink up. Researchers claim turmeric has a host of other beneficial health effects from aiding digestion to combatting infections.
Fighting colds with natural remedies is an esoteric exercise. Just ask a grandmother. She probably eats garlic cloves like I do. Popular for years has been echinacea supplements, but researchers have demonstrated some products are useful, others not so much.
Elderberry syrup reduces swelling of mucous membranes thereby relieving congestion, and that’s a good thing. A tea made from dried mullein leaves and flowers is an age-old remedy for easing throat and respiratory distress. Teas made from sage or rosemary are other folk remedies for easing the effects of colds.
You have to see what works for you. Just because somebody was the first to chew on willow bark doesn’t mean everything works for everybody.