Lemon Balm was dedicated to the goddess Diana and used medicinally by the Greeks some 2,000 years ago. In the Middle Ages lemon balm was used to soothe tension, to dress wounds, and as a cure for toothache, skin eruptions, mad dog bites, crooked necks, and sickness during pregnancy. It was even said to prevent baldness. As a medicinal plant, lemon balm has traditionally been employed against bronchial inflammation, earache, fever, flatulence, headaches, high blood pressure, influenza, mood disorders, palpitations, toothache, and vomiting. A tea made from Lemon balm leaves is said to soothe menstrual cramps and helps relieve PMS.
Rooibos(pronounced roy-bose) in Afrikaans means red bush. Grown in South Africa, its leaves form healing teas and can heal skin problems.
Rosehip is the fruit of a rose. Also known as rose haw or rose hep. The wild dog rose is the type of rose most often cultivated for their hips. This plant grows up to ten feet tall and bears a white, very fragrant flower. Once the flower has bloomed, and all the petals have fallen off, the hip is picked and used in a wide variety of preparations.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is immediately recognized for its crispness, and it is used to flavor food, popular drinks like iced tea, alcoholic beverages, and candy. Its aroma is often associated with cleanliness, making it popular for use in mouthwash, shaving creams, soaps, and shampoos. Its properties appeal to humans, and its repellent qualities are noxious to insects.
Valerian is well known for its sedative qualities and its ability to relax the central nervous system and smooth muscle groups. It has been used as a sleeping aid for hundreds of years especially when there is excitation or difficulty in falling to sleep due to nervousness. Over 120 chemical components are found in valerian and although a very complex herb, it has not been found to have any negative side effects with moderate use.


