Can you give me a little information on herbal remedies that can be used for various types of illness? Also, do you know of a good book available on this type of information?

We could discuss this for hours, but I will give you some general information. First of all, my favorite books are: Rodale s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs Kowalchik & Hylton, Editors And The New Age Herbalist by Richard Mabey.

Eucalyptus and licorice are good for problems with your respiratory system. Use an infusion of ginger, cinnamon, coriander seed, cloves and lemon for a common cold. Also use, elderflowers, peppermint, hyssop for a cold. A fruit fast for two days will clear your system of the mucus from sinusitis.

Hot lemon drinks will also loosen the mucus. Agrimony, golden rod, bayberry bark, eyebright and elderflowers will tone the mucous membranes.

Echinacea, wild indigo and garlic are antibiotic and will counter the effects of respiratory problems. An infusion of blackberry leaves, raspberry leaves, elderflowers, bistort root, five finger grass or oak bark can all be helpful for a sore throat.

Gargling with sage, cider vinegar and honey are good for a sore throat. Any gargling concoction can be more effective by adding licorice and marshmallow which will sooth your throat. A tincture of myrrh or an infusion of sage or marigold is great for bleeding or inflamed gums.

You can add two drops of oil of thyme to mouthwash. Massage your gums with a teaspoon of eucalyptus diluted in vegetable oil. An infusion of fennel, mint, dill, chamomile, aniseed or lemon balm will relieve gas and discomfort.

Dandelion root can be taken before eating to stimulate your appetite and digestive activity. Nervous tension and tense stomach can be relieved with chamomile and lemon balm. I have a lemon balm plant in my front yard flower beds and in three years, it has grown into ten to fifteen good size plants. And, it smells wonderful when you brush against the leaves.

An infusion of licorice, damiana, raspberry leaves, golden seal, rhubarb root, ginger and dandelion root is good for constipation. These are a very few of the hundreds of examples you will find in the books I mentioned. They will also help you identify the plants, learn to grow and harvest the leaves and prepare the herbs. I highly recommend either or both of these books.