Herban Legends

Sept/Oct '12 Essential Herbal
by Rita Richardson

Take all these with a grain of salt!

-Thyme, in any form will cure gout,shyness and hangovers.

-A raw onion, eaten one hour before bedtime, will cure insomnia.

-Fennel and dill seeds were chewed by some Colonial church goers to quell the smell of alcohol-these “meeting seeds” also helped keep them awake during long services.

-Tansy was used as an insect repellent; as was pennyroyal and the leaves of lemon verbena.

-Chewing cumin seed prevents gas- take before eating beans of any kind.

-Where rosemary grows, the woman heads the household.

-Plant fennel by the kennel- it keeps the fleas away.

-A sprig of sage in the groom’s pocket  promises fidelity.

-A sprig of lavender in the bride’s bouquet insures devotion.

-In ancient times tables were scrubbed with mint to cleanse, disinfect and polish.

-Chew a sprig of parsley to prevent drunkenness.

-Soak golden raisins in gin; take 7 per day to ward off arthritis.

-A pot of bayleaf on the porch protects against lightning.

-Chew on a tarragon leaf to get rid of hiccups.

-Necklaces of savory were once worn to prevent drowsiness.

-Rinse hair with rosemary water to improve memory.

-Sage tea, with lemon and sugar will cure the common cold.

No one knows if these “old wives’ tales” really work but it can’t hurt to try.

Happy Herbal Harvest!