Balm of Gilead

Written by Judi Singleton


Continued from page 1

The fruit is reddish grey, andrepparttar size of a small pea, with an agreeable and aromatic taste.

In Europe and America it is so seldom found in a pure state that its use is entirely discontinued .

Balm of Gilead is still in high repute for healing in some countries. The American balm of Gilead is a species of poplar (Populus candicans) ofrepparttar 116273 family Salicaceae (willow family) which has large balsamic and fragrant buds. The tree is seldom seen inrepparttar 116274 wild but was formerly a favorite dooryard tree ofrepparttar 116275 northern states. The buds were used in domestic medicine. This poplar is closely related to, and sometimes considered a variety of,repparttar 116276 balsam poplar (P. tacamahaca), which has also been called balm of Gilead and tacamahac. The name balm of Gilead has also been used forrepparttar 116277 balsam fir and for a herbaceous aromatic, shrubby plant (Dracocephalum canariense or Cedronella canariensis) ofrepparttar 116278 family Labiatae (mint family) native torepparttar 116279 Canary Islands and cultivated in parts ofrepparttar 116280 United States.

Many names refer to this ancient herb, rich in history and in lore. Such as Balsam Poplar Buds, Canary Balm., Tacamahac Poplar, True Balm of Gilead and Willow Poplar Buds. The Queen of Sheba gave Solomonrepparttar 116281 aromatic desert shrub balm of Gilead (Commiphora apobalsamum), found inrepparttar 116282 Holy Land. Today this rare variety is protected and its export prohibited.

The balm of Gilead mentioned inrepparttar 116283 Bible ("Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?") is believed to be an oleo-resin obtained from Balsamodendron, a plant now thought to be extinct.

Cedronella canariensis is a half hardy perennial with a height of 3 feet and a spread of 2 feet. The 3 lobed and toothed leaves are borne on square stems. The leaves have a strong eucalyptus scent. Pink or pale mauve flowers bloom throughoutrepparttar 116284 summer. The seed heads are dark black.

Propagation by cuttings is more reliable than seeds. They take readily either in early summer before flowering in new growth or in early fall onrepparttar 116285 semi-ripe wood. Userepparttar 116286 bark, peat mix of potting soil. Being so aromatic, pests are not usually a problem.

Balm of Gilead grows quite well outside in a sheltered position. Plant in full sun, preferably against a warm, wind-protecting wall. It is a tender plant which may need protection in colder climates. If you get frosts lower that 29 degrees F, protectrepparttar 116287 plant inrepparttar 116288 winter months by either bringing it in a cool greenhouse or by covering it with landscaping cloth. Keep watering to an absolute minimum duringrepparttar 116289 winter months.

This herb makes a exquisite container plant. A 9-10 inch pot will be required for a plant to reach maturity. Use a free-draining soil and liquid feed a mature plant monthly throughoutrepparttar 116290 summer. The scent ofrepparttar 116291 leaves perfumesrepparttar 116292 air whenrepparttar 116293 plant is watered orrepparttar 116294 sun is shining on it.

Withrepparttar 116295 exception of modern research regardingrepparttar 116296 healing benefits of Ginko Biloba, many of us overlookrepparttar 116297 fact that trees also contain a number of healing properties. The Cherokee Indians of western North Carolina, for example discovered a tooth cleaning product withinrepparttar 116298 prolific growth of Dogwoods inrepparttar 116299 area. Similar to what we now use to floss our teeth, tiny twigs were used with a cleaning benefit torepparttar 116300 teeth and gums. Many trees, roots, leaves and flowers contain medicinal properties.

Balm of Gilead has been reputed to treat a number of disorders such as acute and chronic affections ofrepparttar 116301 upper respiratory tract, cough, cuts, dental caries, minor aches and pains, (topical ointment), pimples, respiratory disorders, snakebite, sore throat and sores.

Pickrepparttar 116302 leaves for drying beforerepparttar 116303 flowers open, when they will be at their most aromatic. Crushrepparttar 116304 leaves in your hand and inhalerepparttar 116305 wonderful aroma to clear your head. Rubrepparttar 116306 leaves on your skin to help repel mosquitoes. Collectrepparttar 116307 dry, black seed heads for lovely winter arrangements. References

Sievers, A.F. 1930. The Herb Hunters Guide. Misc. Publ. No. 77. USDA, Washington DC. Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; pgs., 206-207. The Herb Book, by John Lust, pgs., 319, 579. Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 22, 225, 277. The Herbalist Almanac, by Clarence Meyer, pgs., 84, 203. Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, pg., 292. Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 203, 414. American Folk Medicine, by Clarence Meyer, pg., 283. Webster's New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, pg., 106. The Rodale Herb Book, edited by William H. Hylton, pg., 539.



About the Author Judi Singleton is the webmistress of several domains including http://www.motherearthpublishing.com She publishes Jassmine's Journal daily with many targeted subjects with different lists to match. subscribe to one or all subjects today and target your marketing. You can subscribe http://www.motherearthpublishing.com


Growing Your Own Herbs for Tea

Written by Cyndi Roberts


Continued from page 1

For one cup of hot tea, use one teaspoon of dry herbs or up to 3 teaspoons of fresh herbs. Bruisingrepparttar leaves of fresh herbs will help releaserepparttar 116272 flavor. Pour boiling water overrepparttar 116273 herbs in a glass or china pot. Metal pots can sometimes leave a metallic taste. Let steep for 5 or so minutes. Strain and enjoy with a little honey to sweeten.

Sun tea can be made simply by filling a jar with water, throw in a handful of crushed fresh herbs, and set inrepparttar 116274 sun for 3 or 4 hours. Stir in a little honey to sweeten, pour over ice and enjoy.

Trying different combinations of herbs is fun. Remember you can also add spices you have on hand, such as cinnamon, cloves, etc.

There are many benefits to growing and making your own herbal teas. Gardening itself is very relaxing and rewarding. With herbs from your garden you can soothe away your troubles with a cup of chamomile tea or make yourself a refreshing cup of peppermint tea after a hard day at work. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Look inrepparttar 116275 perfumes of flowers and nature for peace of mind and joy of life. --Wang Wei



Cyndi Roberts is the editor of "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly newsletter, bringing you creative, practical tips to help you with budgeting, cooking, shopping, parenting and much more as you strive to "live the Good Life... on a budget". To subscribe visit the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" website at http://www.cynroberts.com


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