Garden Herbal Medicine

Herbs and How to Harvest them Yourself

Drying your own herbs to use for teas or cooking is as easy as hanging bundles of fresh herbs in a cool, dry space until dry. Make sure to use organic herbs if growing your own to dry and ingest. The following herbs can be grown in your own garden and used fresh or dried in cooking and in tea. Dry the stems or leaves in the open air, and then store in an airtight container for optimal freshness and longevity.


Oregano
Oregano is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, and is most commonly used in Greek and Italian cooking, and in teas. All parts of oregano, flowers, leaves, and stem, are edible, but the leaves are most commonly used for ingesting in food and drink. Grow oregano in a full sun spot, and over winter indoors to harvest year around.

Quality: Antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory,

anticancer, antiseptic, anti-parasitic

Flavor: Slightly bitter, earthy, pungent, aromatic, cooling, warming

Benefits: Clears heat, disperses wind, circulates Qi, treats lung infections, colds, flu, diarrhea, vomiting, herpes, fungal infections, various stomach disorders, boosts immunity, fights cancer, heal burns and wounds, prevent infections, relieve pain, promotes healing


Sage
Sage is a perennial, evergreen subshrub, with woody stems, grayish leaves, and blue to purplish flowers. It is a member of the mint family, and is most commonly used fresh or dried in cooking and teas. While the flowers can be used for garnish, the leaves are the only edible part of the plant. Sage likes a sunny, humid growing environment, and does not like wet soil. Grow in the ground or in a planter, and over winter indoors for year around harvesting.

Quality: Diaphoretic (induces sweating), Diuretic, Hemostatic, Emmenagogue, Tonic,

Digestive, Antispasmodic, Pesticide, Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiseptic,

Antimicrobial, Carminative, Relaxant

Flavor: Acrid, bitter, cool, slightly warming, astringent

Benefits: Builds Qi, invigorates blood, clears heat, eases menstrual cramps, alleviates cold and flu symptoms, aids in memory and cognitive function, relieves feelings of depression and anxiety, heals ulcers.


Lavender
Lavender is a species of perennial flowering plant in the mint family, and is most commonly ingested in teas. All parts of the plant are used to make tea, specifically the leaves and flowers. To grow lavender, keep the plant in a full sun spot and prune frequently to encourage growth. Dry lavender in bundles and crush leaves and flowers to boil in water for a relaxing tea.

Quality: Antibacterial, Sedative, Antidepressant, Analgesic, Antiseptic, Expectorant, Vulnerary,

Carminative, Anti-inflammatory, Insecticide, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac

Flavor: Pungent, a Bit Bitter, Cool, Drying

Benefits: Clears heat, expels wind, circulates Qi, reduces inflammation, eases feelings of stress and anxiety, eases headache discomfort


Thyme
Thyme is an herb in the mint family with woody stems and aromatic leaves. Full fresh springs and dried leaves are often used in cooking. This plant likes a full sun environment where it can spread, and does not like to be overwatered. To harvest, snip full stems and hang to dry. One dry, remove the leaves from the stem and incorporate into soups or tea to reap full health benefits.

Quality: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, carminative, expectorant, anti-parasitic

Flavor: Acrid, slightly bitter, cool

Benefits: Tonifies Qi and spleen, soothes skin conditions like eczema and acne, can disinfect, supports a strong immune system, fights respiratory infections, prevents food poisoning, and eases symptoms of colds, flu, coughs, sore throat, bronchitis, tonsillitis, colic, arthritis, and upset stomach

Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic, perennial evergreen shrub in the mint family, and is a popular herb for cooking with fresh or dried. This plant likes full sun, and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. To harvest, cut full sprigs to dry, and then remove leaves from the stem to use in cooking or steeped in a tea.

Quality: Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Rubefacient, Stimulant, Relaxant,

Tonic, Astringent, Diaphoretic, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Anti-aging, Anticancer, Carminative

Flavor: Sweet, Acrid, Slightly Bitter, Warm, Astringent

Benefits: : Moves Blood, clears Wind Cold and Damp, supports Lungs, strengthens Spleen, tonifies Yang, builds Qi, enhances mood and memory, boosts heart health, reduces stress that leads to heart attacks, improves blood circulation, stimulates hair growth, prevents dandruff, calms asthma, coughs, sore throat, and other lung infections, purifies the air, prevents infections


Mullein
Mullein is a genus of over 450 species of flowering plants in the figwort family. The leaves and flowers are edible and are used dried or fresh in soups, teas, or syrups. Mullein grows best outdoors in full sun with moderate watering, and is particular about when to harvest. If using the leaves, harvest in the fall of the first year of the plant’s life, or spring the second year of the plant’s growing cycle, before the flower stalk grows. This ensures they grow back annually.
Most commonly ingested in tea form.

Quality: Analgesic, Antispasmodic, Emollient, Astringent, Diuretic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant,

Anti-inflammatory, Hypnotic, Anticancer, Demulcent, Sedative, Expectorant, Moistening

Flavor: Slightly Sweet, Astringent, Bland, Cool, Moistening

Benefits: Tonifies Yin and lung Qi, treats respiratory problems like asthma, sore throats, shortness of breath, wheezing, congestion, and bronchitis, soothes nerves, prevents cancer, softens skin, heals wounds, and induces sleep.

Mugwort
Mugwort is the common name for several species of aromatic flowering plants in the genus Artemisia. The leaves are used as an ingredient in food and drink, and can be eaten raw or cooked to season meat and fish. Grow in full sun, and harvest leaves from spring to autumn to use for tea. Mix with mint, sage, and fennel for a digestive tea. To dry, cut stalks and hang upside down.

Quality: Tonic, stomachic, febrifuge, anthelmintic. antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, relaxant,

choleretic, anti-parasitic

Flavor: Extremely Bitter, Acrid, Warm

Benefits: Disperses cold, cleanses the blood, moves blood and Qi, regulates hormones- not suitable for pregnant women to ingest, stops bleeding, lowers fevers, purges the stomach of toxins, relieves cough and cold symptoms, eases anxiety.

Peppermint
Peppermint is a hybrid species of mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. The leaves can be eaten raw and dried, and is commonly used for flavoring foods and beverages, making teas, and as garnish. Peppermint grows best in a shaded and cooler environment with plenty of water. To harvest, make sure to cut leaves before the plant starts to flower. This ensures the leaves have the most potent flavor. Cut the entire stem and hang to dry.

Quality: Antispasmodic, Antacid, Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antitumor,

Chemopreventive, Antioxidant, Analgesic, Expectorant, Diaphoretic, Relaxant, Sedative, Gentle

Liver Tonic, Stomachic

Flavor: Pungent, Slightly Sweet, Cool

Benefits: Expels wind heat, moves blood, promotes the discharge of bile, supports digestion and healthy liver function, eases IBS and Chron’s symptoms, improves mental clarity and focus, reduces inflammation of the stomach and bowels, treats colds and flus, eases headache discomfort, reduces fever and chills, and soothes feelings of stress and anxiety.


References

● https://draxe.com/nutrition/oregano-benefits/

● https://www.verywellhealth.com/add-flavor-and-lower-cholesterol-with-sage-4069887

● https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/lavender

● https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/rosemary/

● https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/lavender/

● https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/mullein/

● https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/mugwort/

● https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/peppermint/

● https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/oregano/

● https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/sage/

● Western Herbs According to Traditional Chinese Medicine- Thomas Avery Garran

Combating Summer Dampness

Dampness is a yin disorder characterized by excessive moisture in the body caused by the
environment, poor diet, or internal organ weakness. Most commonly associated with the spleen,
dampness creates a thickness about the body in the form of mucus, excess water, stagnation, poor
circulation, and swelling. When the spleen is weak, digestion is weak, causing many unpleasant
symptoms that are worse in the heat of summer. Through proper diet, hydration, acupuncture,
and cupping, symptoms and more serious conditions can be relieved. Understanding what types
of symptoms you are experiencing can help you pick the proper course of treatment, and stay
cool in these hot summer months.

Internal and Environmental Symptoms

Internal Dampness:

● Mucoid deposits like cysts, edema, tumors

● Overgrowth of yeasts, viruses, bacteria, or parasites

● Difficulty moving joints

● Numbness

● Swelling

● Localized pain

● Poor digestion

● Lack of appetite

● Bloating in abdomen

● Diarrhea

● Headaches

● Thick or greasy coating on the tongue

● Excess phlegm, causing coughing

Summer heat symptoms:

● Excess sweating

● Lethargy, mental and physical fatigue

● Fever

● Nausea or upset stomach

● Dizziness

● Whole body heaviness, or heaviness in arms and legs

● Irritability

● Stuffiness in the chest

● Swelling and bloating

● Do not confuse summer heat and dampness symptoms with heat stroke.
If you are experiencing symptoms like rapid heart rate, fainting, dark urine, then seek immediate medical attention.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a great resource for relieving symptoms of dampness. Particular acupuncture
points are stimulated that release heat and support the spleen. Acupuncture also increases
circulation and supports digestion. Cupping can remove dampness, open meridians, eliminate stagnation, promote Qi and blood circulation, reduce swelling and pain, promote detoxification, and relieve fatigue, all common dampness symptoms.

Diet

Consuming dairy, greasy or heavy foods, and anything fried can exacerbate damp symptoms, but conveniently it seems that these foods are instinctually less appealing when the weather is warm. Our bodies crave cooling and refreshing foods that help keep our body temperature down and keep us hydrated. Foods like watermelon, cucumber and mung bean soup are naturally cooling and help regulate body temperature. Roasted root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and radishes strengthen the spleen, and steamed leafy greens like kale and spinach eliminate dampness by supporting the body’s natural detox pathways. Though garlic, ginger, and onions are warming, this very attribute helps dispel dampness by improving circulation and reducing swelling. Eating whole grain foods that are easy to digest, like brown rice, quinoa, barley, and oats, helps support the spleen.

Dampness is considered a spleen deficiency, so focusing on nutritionally supporting the spleen will help eliminate many symptoms of dampness. Avoid raw or cold foods if you regularly experience weakness, coldness, or watery stools. This can be a sign that your digestive process is not strong enough to support the energy required to break down raw food, so lightly cooked and warm foods are better for proper digestion. Other foods like meat, dairy, butter, eggs, nuts, seeds, processed, and high sugar content foods are best avoided to heal from dampness. Eat earlier in the day and smaller portions at a time.

Also, staying hydrated is crucial. Increased water intake is essential, but room temperature water is best, despite the urge for ice cold water on a hot day. When cold water is consumed, it can weaken the spleen and stomach because both organs need a regulated and moderate temperature to function properly. The stomach will work at warming the cold water up by drawing heat from the lower body, weakening circulation and causing swelling, a common symptom of dampness.

Mint tea is a cooling water alternative that is known to relieve heat in the head and chest. Other herbal teas like cardamom, ginger, fennel, chrysanthemum, and lotus leaf are known to clear dampness and promote proper fluid balance within the body. One more liquid to consider is coconut water, or other naturally electrolyte rich drinks.

When experiencing extreme temperatures, ingesting only water can dilute the salts in the body, so replenishing with electrolytes is important. Coconut water is known to reduce swelling, promote stress relief, aid digestion, is a great dairy alternative, and has naturally occurring electrolytes to keep you hydrated.

Dampness is an unpleasant feeling, but with proper diet and acupuncture, relief is possible. Remember to keep yourself cool, refrain from lengthy outdoor activities on the hottest days, and stay hydrated with more than just water. Helping your digestion with proper nutrition will help your body function at its best, and will keep you cool all summer long.

Resources

● https://www.northshoreacupunctureandnaturalmedicine.com/north-shore-acupuncture- blog/foods-summerheat#:~:text=Traditional%20Chinese%20Medicine%20%2D%20Summer%20Heat&text=The%20element%20of%20dampness%20can,body%20and%20elevate%20its%20symptoms.

● Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition- Paul Pitchford

● https://www.macupuncture.com/copy-of-hidden-hazards-of-iced-water#:~:text=The%20Chinese%20believe%20that%20all,in%20order%20to%20function%20properly.

● https://kitchenofyouth.com/5-ways-coconut-water-can-improve-your-life/#:~:text=In%20Chinese%20medicine%2C%20we%20use,urinary%20tract%20infections%2C%20and%20herpes.

● https://www.totemacupuncture.com/blog/what-is-dampness-in-the-body

● https://www.samanthalawacupuncture.com/post/dampness-in-chinese-medicine-how-to-resolve-it

The Daily Biological Clock

The TCM and Aruyvedic principle of the body clock ticks around the idea of Qi and its changing flow in the body throughout a 24 hour period. Also known as dinacharya, this principle recognizes the body’s natural flow physiologically and emotionally, and is a great tool to help align mind, body, and spirit. By returning to, or even just acknowledging this cycle, we can reconnect with our bodies and have a better understanding of how to support ourselves for optimal health. Split into 2 hour intervals, each time frame correlates with yin or yang, a time of day, an element, each organ and its biological function, an emotion, and a season. In the first 12 hours, energy increases and peaks to support the body through wakefulness, and then ebbs to support the body at rest. 

Early Morning

2am-6am

Liver, Lung, Large Intestine

Air, Yang, Spring

2am-3am: During this time, the liver is in the second half of its cycle of detoxification and creating fresh blood. During this time, you should be fully asleep. If you find yourself regularly waking at this hour, you could potentially have issues with proper liver detoxification, or have unprocessed feelings of anger, frustration, or rage.

3am-5am: This interval is the time of the lungs and respiration, and is also a time when the body should be asleep. If awake at this time, try breathing techniques to relax your body. Or exercise, as this is thought to be the time when the lungs are their strongest. Stay warm to help the lungs replenish oxygen. Feelings of sadness and grief are common now, and if left unaddressed can weaken the body’s immune system. If experiencing these feelings, stay in bed and rest.

5am-6am: This interval is the first half of the large intestine’s cycle of preparing for a bowel movement and removing toxins. In these early hours of wakefulness, it is the perfect time to shower or bathe, and combing your hair is thought to clear energy from the mind, allowing you to start your day fresh. The emotions associated with this time are defensiveness or feeling stuck.

Morning

6am-10am

Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen

Earth, Yang, Spring

The morning is associated with spring, and is the perfect time to do Qi Gong and stretches to encourage the rising of Yang. Get outside so the lungs can get fresh air. Eat a nourishing meal that is large enough to provide enough energy, but not too large to overwhelm proper digestion. Avoid drinking cold liquids that can cause mucus production and clog digestion. Ginger is good to consume in the morning to aid in rising Yang and the heat encourages proper digestion. Warming food and drink at this time are crucial for digestion.

6am-7am: This is the second half of the large intestine’s time of elimination, and is the perfect time to have a bowel movement and prepare for your first meal of the day. If constipated, drink a large cup of warm water to promote hydration and get things moving.

7am-9am: This is the time of the stomach, so it is important to fit your largest meal of the day in this interval. Focusing on warm, nourishing foods will help your stomach digest and absorb the nutrients. Feelings associated with this time are disgust or despair. 

9am-10am: The spleen is in the first part of its cycle of releasing digestive enzymes to help digest your breakfast and turn it into energy for this first part of your day. With digestion comes the building of energy and qi in the blood. If you find you need caffeine pick me up to start your day, your spleen energy may be weak or fatigued.

Midday

10am-2pm

Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine

Water, Fire, Yang/Yin, Summer

Like summer, our energy peaks around noon. At this time Yang and Yin switch roles with the Yang giving way to Yin. Reservation of Yang energy is important at this time to carry you through the rest of the afternoon. Take a nap or meditate after lunch before returning to your daily activities. Late morning to midday is a great time to let your mind wander and expand, allowing Qi to flourish. Try a walk surrounded by nature around lunchtime for benefits to the heart. For lunch, avoid heavy foods that can make you feel bloated and groggy, and instead enjoy a light meal of easy to digest foods to keep you energized for the rest of the afternoon. 

10am-11am:  In the second half of the spleen’s cycle, you have plenty of energy to get your day started.  This is the best time to exercise or to start your work day. Try to accomplish your most taxing tasks at this time when you have optimal energy. Emotions you may feel at this time include low self-esteem.

11am-1pm: During the time of the heart, the heart is working hard, yet optimally, to pump nutrients through the body to give you energy. This is a good time to eat lunch to avoid a decrease in energy from lack of nutrients and fuel. Have a light, cooked meal, a cup of tea, or a 1 hour nap. You may feel extreme joy or sadness at this time, but proper nutrition at this time can help keep us emotionally grounded. 

1pm-2pm: As the small intestine begins its cycle, it will begin full digestion and assimilation of your prior meal.

Afternoon

2pm-6pm

Small Intestine, Bladder, Kidney

Air, Yin, Autumn


As the day moves into the afternoon, like autumn, Yin energy grows and Yang energy begins to wane. At this time, avoid over exerting the mind and body in a way that drains energy. You can exercise in the afternoon, but pay attention to your energy levels and adjust your routine accordingly. As evening approaches, guard yourself against feelings of agitation or upset. Take some time to reflect on the day in a non judgemental way. If you need an afternoon snack, stink to light foods that are not greasy and are caffeine free.

2pm-3pm: In the second half of the small intestine’s cycle, it is the perfect time to continue daily tasks such as work, errands, or exercise. Feelings of abandonment or vulnerability may arise at this time.

3pm-5pm: The bladder is working at this time to move metabolic waste through the kidney’s filtration system. Drinking water or tea at this time will help with this detoxification process. Use this time to study, challenge your mind, and learn new things. You may feel irritated in this phase of the cycle.

5pm-6pm: The kidneys are in the first part of their cycle of maintaining proper chemical balance. Proper function of the kidney is responsible for the development of blood, healthy respiration, sex drive, bone development and repair, and aging.

Evening

6pm-10pm

Kidney, Pericardium, Triple Burner

Water, Earth, Yin, Winter


Evening, like winter, is the time for winding down to restfulness. Yang energy has moved inward and Yin is at the surface. Go for a quiet walk after dinner, soak your feet in warm water, or massage the bottoms of your feet to move Qi downward away from the head to prepare for sleep. Allow your mind to clear, and try not to ruminate on the day or make plans for the next day. These activities are best saved for mornings. Try to eat a warming dinner between 5pm-7pm so the body has enough time to digest before bed. Incorporating cooling foods like radish is better i the evening. Eating a heavy meal at this time could result in a harder time to fall asleep since digestion is not at its strongest. 

6pm-7pm: Have a light dinner at this time, and then go for a walk or do stretches to activate circulation and blood filtration through the kidneys. Fear or terror are common emotions at this time. 

7pm-9pm: The pericardium cycle focuses on circulating nutrients to capillaries and the cells. The pericardium functions as protector of the heart and mind, circulates blood to the heart, and correlates to our relationships. Use this time to read or meditate, and avoid doing anything too mentally engaging. Focus on winding down for the night. These hours are the perfect time to conceive. Difficulty expressing emotions may be felt.

9pm-10pm: During the first half of the triple burner, or San Jiao stage, the endocrine system works to bring the body to homeostasis, and enzymes are adjusted. Start preparing for bed at this time. While no specific organ is associated with this time, the focus is on moving Qi and regulating water levels and excretions within the body.

Late Night

10pm-2am

Triple Burner, Gallbladder, Liver

Water, Fire, Yin/Yang, Winter

10pm-11pm: For the second half of this endocrine system’s process, you should be closer to or fully asleep so that the body has enough time to conserve energy for the next day. You may feel paranoia or confusion at this time.

11pm-1am: By this time of the gallbladder, you should be fully asleep. This is when Yin ebbs and Yang begins to grow to help keep you active during the day to come. Proper sleep at this time is essential to waking up restful with enough energy to start your day. The gallbladder is closely related to the liver, and performs functions like storing and excreting bile, controlling the sinews, controlling decisiveness, and influences quality of sleep. If the gallbladder is weak, blood will not be pulled from the sinews and sent to the liver for detoxification, which can cause various aches and pains upon waking.  Feelings of resentment are common at this time. 

1am-2am: This hour is the first of the liver’s detox cycle, and it is important to be fully asleep. While Yang is being stored in these hours, too much Yang energy can cause you to wake at this time.

Adjusting your lifestyle to best encourage and support these natural cycles can lead to potential diagnosing of ailments, proper organ function, and a return to homeostasis of mind, body, and spirit. Working with your body instead of against it will make you fell better, give you more energy, lessen aches and pains, and will allow your body to be healthier overall. Try paying attention to patterns of wakefulness at night and the corresponding organ functions, and to any recurring emotions you have throughout the day.


References