There are many wonderful herbs and plants that are powerful natural healers and have been used by humans long before antibiotics and other modern medicines were even an idea.

When most people hear of peppermint, they think of candy as well as all the ways peppermint is used in their home.

You see peppermint in your home in your bath products, mouthwashes, toothpaste, ointments, candies, and gum. However, the uses of peppermint go way beyond those things.

While it is the peppermint oil that gets most of the credit for being the source of the benefits peppermint brings, in reality compounds in the peppermint leaf have also been proven to be beneficial. Continue reading →

Thymus Vulgaris is a perennial, woody shrub. It is a member of the mint family, and originated in the Mediterranean. Perhaps most recognized for its ornamental and culinary use, it’s easy to forget the medicinal properties of thyme.

However, Ancient Egyptians used thyme for embalming, and Ancient Greeks used thyme as temple incense, as well as adding it to bathwater.

Additionally, knights during the middle ages were given sprigs of thyme for courage. The sprigs were placed under pillows and in bedrooms in an attempt to prevent depression.

Before the advancement of modern medicine, thyme was crushed and placed on bandages in order to ward off infection as well as promote healing. It was also used to keep meats from spoiling, before the refrigerator was invented. Continue reading →