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| children. It is, however, potent enough to help with depression, anxiety, and tension headaches. |
| The herb grows easily in most climates, and an infusion made from a handful of fresh leaves to a cup of boiling water makes a refreshing and restorative drink at the end of the day. For winter use it needs to be dried quickly to avoid losing too much of the characteristic lemon flavor. If using dried lemon balm add 2 teaspoons of the herb to each cup of boiling water. |
| Externally, lemon balm cream or infused oil can be used on insect bites, sores, and slow-healing wounds. The essential oil is available commercially and used in aromatherapy as a massage for nervous problems. For a relaxing massage oil, add 2 to 3 drops of the oil to a teaspoon of almond or sunflower oil. It also makes a good insect repellent: put 20 drops of oil into 1 quart of water and use in a hand spray. |
| Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) |
| Licorice is one of our most widely researched and respected medicinal herbs; it has been used since at least 500 B.C. and drugs based on licorice extracts are still listed in official pharmacopoeias as remedies for gastric ulcers and inflammation. In traditional Chinese herbalism it is called the ''great detoxifier" or "great harmonizer" and is believed to drive toxins and poisons from the system and eliminate the harmful side effects of other herbs. Licorice has a hormonal effect, stimulating the adrenal cortex and encouraging production of such hormones as hydrocortisone. |
| Parts used: Root. |
| Actions: Antiarthritic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, cooling, lowers cholesterol levels, expectorant, mild laxative, soothing for gastric mucosa, tonic stimulant for adrenal cortex, possibly anti-allergenic. |
| Uses: Licorice is very soothing and demulcent, making it ideal for |
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