There is a huge interest now in the ancient ways of healing through herbs. Here are a few of the ways people cured themselves in the home from their gardens.
Bergamot and catnip were very useful taken as teas with sage added as an extra for any aches and strains.
Acne, just as much a problem then [...]

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The recession has brought a fresh look at how families treat illness and care for their health. Home gardens, nutritious foods and warmer homes are all part of staying healthy. However, there still remain the ups and downs of teething, fevers and ear infections, to name a few; that require immediate treatment.

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Native to South America, Tamarillos (or tree-tomatoes as my grandmother called them), were introduced to NZ in the late 1800’s.  The small, large-leafed trees thrive in moderate NZ conditions – and need shelter and light, well-drained soil.  The fruit have remained a popular seasonal treat due to their unique flavour, nutritional qualities and attractive colour.
When [...]

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We’ve all heard how dark green leafy vege are packed with nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K, folate, iron, calcium and fibre.  The even better news is – they’re delicious in soups, healthy smoothies or as a side dish.  If you haven’t got some sivlerbeet, spinach, coloured chard or kale ready to pick [...]

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Swine Flu and natural immunity
Recently our attention has been drawn to the global spread of Swine Flu. News reports are full of what is happening around the globe, along with some cases in our own country. It has to be a health problem of some concern to everyone.  What I find interesting about this flu, [...]

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Honey company welcomes discovery of manuka tree link to active ingredient
The only company to certify the active ingredient in its manuka honey products has welcomed the Waikato University discovery of a compound in New Zealand manuka tree nectar which converts to the honey’s antibacterial constituent.
Manuka Health New Zealand chief executive Kerry Paul said the discovery [...]

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Goji  berry plants (lysium barbarum) are now available to New Zealand gardeners.

Glucina’s nursery at Matakana north of Auckland has released the new plants to garden centres throughout NZ this month.
Goji juice, dried berries and chocolate coated gojis have been the latest health trend around the world. Worldwide demand for the little red berries (aka – [...]

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Organic Wheat Grass Seed for Juicing
Growing and juicing wheat grass is becoming an important item for those of us that care about their general health. For many that have health problems, wheat grass can be a significant aid to recovery.
It is simple to grow and extract and for a reasonable outlay, (the most expensive part [...]

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…What to plant in July
Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Garlic, Peas, Radish,
Silverbeet, Perpetual Spinach, Turnips
Planting Potatoes
If you live north of or within Auckland, you can grow potatoes all year round. (If you are south of Auckland you will need to wait until the ground gets warmer – we’ll [...]

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Recently a reader sent me an email that linked to a web site which was about the Doctrine of Signatures.
Herbalists in days gone by found that certain whole foods or herbs had a signature which indicated to the wise, what part of the human body that particular food was good for either in healing or [...]

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