Walking by the river I took pictures of some plants traditionally used in herbal medicine and aroma therapy. For you to know: 80% of the world’s population still relies on natural remedies, and 20% of pharmaceutical products are made from plants.

Summer solstice is the best time for gathering most of herbs: around that time they have the highest level of active chemicals. In July you can still find some herbs to supply your needs for cold remedies during upcoming autumn, and make a mix to simply enjoy a cup of aromatic tea with honey. Make sure you do your herb picking away from the roads with heavy traffic and that your herbs are not covered with dust: you are not supposed to wash them.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Its Latin name means “thousand leaves”, and all these leaves have been used for healing since the world began. Yarrow has anti-inflammatory properties and it is used for gastrointestinal problems and loss of appetite, varicose veins and hemorrhoids, common cold and painful periods. As a compound, Yarrow improves taste of any herbal tea mix.

Meadowsweet ( Filipendula ulmaria). It can be used in the way similar to Elderflower: for making cordials, jams and even fritters. As a remedy, Meadowsweet reduces acidity, decreases mucus and has anti-inflammatory effect. It contains some amounts of salicylates, so people who are allergic to aspirin have to better be careful using it. Meadowsweet tea is good for common cold, bronchitis, heartburn and reflux disease, peptic ulcers and bladder infections. In the next image there is a Nettle plant next to the Meadowsweet.

Nettle ( Urtica dioica). Nettle is used to treat rheumatism, arthritis, prostate problems, allergies and any other inflammation: it clears toxins out of the whole system. It grows in abundance, you can use it fresh or dried, and as much as you like. You can cook it and eat like spinach. Nettle’s roots are good as diuretics.

Red clover ( Trifolum pratense) . It contains isoflavones (phytoestrogens) and is a good remedy for PMS, menopause symptoms, preventing osteoporosis and any estrogen-related condition or disease. Men can use it for prostate related conditions, and also for slowing down benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) which comes with ageing. Red clover is also good for regulating cholesterol level.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare). It tastes great in your tea, and can be used for arthritis, cough, bladder problems, hemorrhoids, migraine, poor circulation and stress. One of my favorites for a regular use as a herbal tea mix compound, and to spice salads.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Valerian root has sedative effect and could  be used to treat insomnia and anxiety disorders. It has to be used very carefully, but you can put dried pieces of root into a fabric bag and keep it in your bedroom (aromatherapy). Cats love these roots even more than catnip, but don’t let your cat swallow the root, just in case.

I have pictures of another seven herbs, but I will keep them for Tuesday:)

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I have been nominated for another Very Inspiring blogger award by Vijay   http://halfeatenmind.wordpress.com 🙂  Thank you Vijay, I really appreciate that you like my blog! Vijay is running a news blog, there is always something interesting.

I am glad that I  have another chance to nominate some of my favorite  bloggers.

Emily Grace  http://www.beefandsweettea.com

olganm   http://olganm.wordpress.com

jorobinson176  http://africolonialstories.wordpress.com

charlypriest  http://charlypriest.wordpress.com

Alisa Belzil  http://sweetafternoons.wordpress.com

Victo Dolore  http://doctorly.wordpress.com

Linda Arthur Tejera  http://livingwithmyancestors.wordpress.com

Aquileana  http://aquileana.wordpress.com/

T Ibara Photo  http://tibaraphoto.wordpress.com

Sweet as a Picture  http://sweetasapictureonwp.wordpress.com/

eebrinker  http://eebrinker.wordpress.com/

Photobooth Journal  http://photoboothjournal.wordpress.com

Mijnnikonenik  http://mijnnikonenik.wordpress.com

Accepting the nomination there are two simple rules:

1) The nominee shall display the Very Inspiring Blogger Award logo on her/his blog, and link to the blog they got nominated from.

2) The nominee shall nominate fifteen (15) bloggers she/he admires, by linking to their blogs and informing them about it.

Best of luck with your blogging!

Photography tip of the day: Don’t be afraid to crop your images. Take any of your images and make as many nice crops as possible. It will boost your imagination:)

Have a great weekend!