Herbs
Goat's Rue: With lovely pink, sweetpealike flowers and finely cut blue-gray foliage, goat's rue makes a pretty addition to a pot. Caution: Diabectics should seek professional guidence before using.
Pot marigold: The traditional marigold used by herablists has single or double flowers. Double flowers give more petals to use in remedies.
Peppermint: Easy to grow in a container, pepperment has a strong taste and an invigorating revitalizing effect, making it and ideal tea for nursing women.
Fennel: This familair culinary herb has a tall habit and should be grown in a large container. The foliage, flowers, and seed all smell strongly of anise.
Gathering
Aerial parts of pepperment and goat's rue as needed. Pick pot marigold as flowers open. Collect fennel seed when it forms, after the plant has flowerd.
Remedies
Tea to increase breast milk production
Make a tea using two teaspoons of lightly crushed fennel seed to one cup of boiling water. Steep fro 10 minitues, then strain and drink twice a day. Alternatively, use a handful of aerial parts of goat's rue. Drink one cupful twice daily while breast feeding.
Tea to calm mother and baby
Make a tea with a teaspoon of fennel seed and a sprig of mint to a cup of water. Drink three times a day.
Cream for sore nipples
Make a pot marigold cream to prevent soreness, apply to nipples after breast-feeding.
Mon Mar 03, 2008 10:16 am