Astragalus

This plant, grown mainly in China, Japan, and Korea, is being studied as a treatment for AIDS because of its powerful enhancement of immune response. The herb can control profuse perspiration, lower blood pressure and blood sugar, and improve circulation in your skin. The root is used in decoctions (10 grams steeped in two cups of water for two doses a day on an empty stomach) or in herbal liquors. Astragalus has also been added to some weight-loss concoctions because of its effect on blood pressure and circulation.

Celery

If you want to lower your blood pressure, you might want to check into celery. Research found that celery seeds contain a phytochemical that is able to lower blood pressure, and new research is being done on celery's potential for fighting stomach cancer. It's a bit troublesome to grow, as the seeds take a while to germinate and it matures slowly, taking up to three or four months to be ready. But it's readily available in supermarkets, where you can even get celery seed in the spice aisle. So eat plenty of fresh celery and sprinkle the seeds over a variety of dishes to get more of this important plant in your diet.

Panax Ginseng

The roots of Asia's panax ginseng plant, which has different pharmacological properties than the ginseng grown in the U.S., have been used for everything from lack of appetite to short-term memory loss. Panax ginseng is highly touted as a treatment for impotence and to enhance immune system response. Many of the claims have been verified by modern research, including antitumor and anticancer properties, the regulation of high or low blood pressure, and the prevention and healing of stomach ulcers. Because of the cost and the difficulty in finding high-grade panax ginseng in the U.S., it's best to visit a health food store, which will usually offer several forms of the product. This is a plant that is definitely worth your consideration to add to your herbal medicine cabinet.

Chiggers

If you think mosquitoes are the bane of summer fun, you obviously haven't had a brush with chiggers yet. Chiggers are very tiny little bugs that attach to your skin and cause an enzymatic reaction that itches much, much worse than mosquito bites (in my humble opinion). The usual herbal remedies can be applied, such as lavender oil or plantain leaves in a poultice. I used a combination of remedies the last time I was eaten up by chiggers. First I soaked in an oatmeal bath for ten to 20 minutes (twice a day), then I patted off carefully and applied a baking powder and ammonia poultice to each bite to keep the itching down. Camphor can also be used if you don't want little white circles of paste all over your legs. After three full days, much of the itching will be gone, although I would advise continuing with the baths for a few extra days so you don't itch at night.

- Carla Joy

Another Chigger Remedy

After my tip on treating the horrible itch of chiggers, Jeri Ludwig wrote in with this remedy from a friend's grandmother. Melt bacon grease in an iron skillet. Add enough regular table salt to make a paste. Use a Q-tip to dab this mixture on your chigger bites. Reportedly two treatments are enough to give you relief. And this is another great reason to store that leftover bacon grease in the refrigerator!

Eat Your Potatoes

Several diets that have been popular request that you not eat any white potatoes. But you should know that one potato has more potassium than half a banana, is high in Vitamin C, and contains iron and copper. Eating potatoes can help control blood pressure and promote a healthy heart. Just remember that most of the nutrients and fiber are in the skin, so wash it well before cooking and eat it skin and all.

- Carla Joy

Pumpkin And Sunflower Seeds

Pumpkin and sunflower seeds can provide fiber, protein, and other nutrients your body needs. Pumpkin seeds (about 1/2 cup per day) can promote prostate health and even keep the prostate from enlarging. Sunflower seeds (about 3 or 4 ounces a day) provide thiamin, niacin, and B6. You can sprinkle the seeds (unsalted, please) on your salad, mix them with cream cheese for a veggie bagel, cook them into muffins, or just eat them plain.

Chaste Tree Berry For PMS

Here's another herbal choice for PMS symptoms (other than the evening primrose and calcium supplements discussed previously in these tips). Chaste tree berry triggers the production of progesterone, which may alleviate some of the symptoms. Take 1 1/2 teaspoons of the liquid extract (or follow the directions on a standardized extract), split into three doses a day.

-- Anonymous, May 30, 2002