Allison's Secret (Book 2): The Accord
Page 18
“It’s my personal opinion that this town and this group need each other to survive. I’m not suggesting that there will be mayhem when the hordes return north, but I am suggesting that you’ve found a plan that works. I’d like to see you follow that plan until the situation improves.”
Will raised his hand.
“Yes, sir.” Jensen nodded.
“What if you don’t get people to clean the dead out of Chicago?”
Jensen looked at the floor before looking back to Will. “We will get the people we need.”
“How?”
“I’m sorry. There are some things I’m not at liberty to discuss.”
“Really. So, you pick and choose what pieces of information to share depending on who is listening? I’m sorry if I’m not completely satisfied with that.”
Jensen maintained eye contact with Will for a few beats before looking away. “I understand your concern. I’m sorry I can’t elaborate right now. But, I do promise that I will be back out here as soon as I can to expand on what I’ve told you today. I assure you that you are not in any danger. This area is relatively safe. With the security you have, and the sustainability plans, this group and this town are probably the safest place in the country.” He paused to look around the room.
His gaze stopped at Allison before moving back to Will. “I can’t tell you how lucky I consider myself to have been sent here. Trust me, we are safe.” He spoke so softly that Allison had to lean forward to hear.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” he said. “I will be getting back to my job.”
He turned to Allison. “Again, my condolences.” He nodded and left.
The room erupted in voices.
“What was that supposed to mean?” Sam Smith shouted. “Was he trying to protect us? Or maybe protect himself? I don’t understand.”
Bill Jones stood. “I don’t think I believe a word he said. Two million people dead on the streets of Chicago? Not possible.”
Steve Mattern stood. “I think it’s possible, but I got a bad feeling about the way he laid it out. There’s something more going on. Something they’re not telling us.”
“What do you think, Will?” Riley asked.
“Oh, I think there is something going on. More than what he’s telling us. But, I have a feeling that he’s trying to keep us safe. From what, I’m not sure. But I aim to find out.”
Herbs and Essential Oils
I love herbs. I also love essential oils. Herbs and essential oils are a large part of my books. While I try to include simple information in my books, you should understand that when I talk about essential oils, you can easily substitute herbs. The health properties are the same – but essential oils are more concentrated. (80% - 100% more concentrated)
Herbs have many beneficial properties. While nowhere near the concentration of essential oils, they can help with many ailments and preventions.
Most of the time, when we think of herbs, we think of flavoring our food. But also keep in mind that we can use them for teas, salves and tinctures. They can also be steeped in vinegar and extracted in alcohols.
Turning herbs into medicine is typically time consuming, but easy. For example, Echinacea is a great medicinal herb, but you can't just eat it fresh and expect the medicinal properties to help. You will need to make a tincture for this to be effective.
One reason I love herbs so much is because I don't have to worry about overdosing. Yes, you can overdose and it's never a good idea to take more than the recommended "flavoring" amount for long periods of time, but using herbs as flavoring gives you the benefits without the worry of overdosing. Essential oils are up to 100 times more concentrated than whole herbs. One drop of essential oil could be equivalent to a handful or pounds of the herb.
If I am using an herb for medicine, or as a preventive because someone in the household has the flu (or whatever), I use the herb in larger doses for several days. Then I stop.
Always ask your doctor or other medical professional when taking herbs or essential oils for health. Many herbs interact with prescription drugs and are not recommend for use by someone who is pregnant or nursing.
I'm going to concentrate on my actual herb garden, but remember that there are herbs that we consider weeds that are also medicinal. For example, plantain is a weed that most people try to get rid of, but it is a valuable herb. The seeds have a mild laxative effect. The leaves are useful for insect bites, snake bites and helpful for rashes and cuts. Simply crush it (or chew it) then apply to the area. The antibacterial properties help prevent infection and the anti-inflammatory properties helps to relieve the pain or itching.
One more point to make: When growing herbs in pots, try to use clay pots. Clay pots provide a healthier environment for your herbs. Clay pots are porous. They let air and moisture to penetrate so that the roots can stay healthy. They also act like a wick, removing excess moisture from the soil. Ake sure you find clay pots that have the holes in the bottom.
If you are one of those people (like me) who tend to overwater, a clay pot can help by removing excess water from the soil. Plants that need dry, well-drained soil (lavender) will do better in a clay pot.
I have just one word about plastic pots. Since plastic does not have the wicking ability like clay, they are great for plants that love moisture (or for people who tend to water infrequently).
Properties
Knowing what properties your herb or essential oil has will help you come up with the best herb/essential oil for a specific ailment. When I make a tea or a tincture, I consider the properties of what I have on hand. Each herb and essential oil have their own properties. I am hoping that this short list of my favorite herbs will help you understand how I determine the best herb/essential oil for the ailment.
Another note about the properties:
While you can sometimes find research done on a particular herb that lists the properties of that herb, not much has been written on the properties of individual herbs. However, essential oil companies have invested a lot of time and money into the properties of each oil.
When I talk about each herb (below), and the essential oil, I am listing the properties that the essential oil companies have listed.
Here is a list of the properties that I look for when determining which herb or essential oil to use:
Analgesic - alleviates pain without loss of consciousness
Anesthetic - induces insensitivity to pain. Anesthetics contrast with analgesics (painkillers), which relieve pain without eliminating sensation
Anthelmintic - acts against infections caused by parasitic worms
Antiaging - slowing down or reversing the processes of aging
Antibacterial - used specifically against bacteria. They kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria
Anticlotting - they inhibit the clotting of blood
Antiemetic - effective against vomiting and nausea
Antidepressant - used to relieve or prevent depression in a person
Antidiabetic - helps control level of glucose (sugar) in the blood
Antifungal - limits or prevents the growth of yeasts and other fungal organisms
Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation or swelling
Antimicrobial - kills or inhibits microorganism growth
Antineuralgic - relieves neuralgia (pain in the distribution of a nerve or nerves)
Antioxidant - may prevent or delay some types of cell damage
Antiphlogistic -acts against inflammation or fever
Antirheumatic - slows or stops the inflammatory process that can damage the joints and internal organs. Antirheumatic are often prescribed for preventing rheumatism
Antiseptic - discourages the growth microorganisms
Antispasmodic - suppresses muscle spasms
Antiviral - inhibits the development or multiplication of a virus
Aperitive - opens the bowels
Aphrodisiac - increases sexual desire
Astringent - shrinks or constricts bo
dy tissues
Carminative - prevents or relieves flatulence
Cephalic - ability to both clear and stimulate the mind simultaneously. Improve memory, increase alertness, aide concentration and enhance mental clarity
Cholagogue - increases the flow of bile which aids digestion
Cicatrizant - promote the healing of wounds and keep them antiseptic. Prevents formation of scar tissue
Circulatory stimulant - stimulates the flow of lymph ( the fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system)
Decongestant - relieves nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract
Deodorant - prevent body odor caused by the bacterial breakdown of perspiration
Depurative - helps cleanse waste products and toxins from our body
Diaphoretic - causes increased perspiration
Digestive - helps with problems such as constipation, diarrhea, diverticulitis, indigestion, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomachs and nausea
Diuretic - promotes the production of urine
Emmenagogue - stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus
Euphoric - promotes a feeling of great happiness or well-being
Expectorant - helps bring up mucus and other material from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea
Febrifuge - dispels or reduces fever
Fungicidal - kills or inhibits fungi or fungal spores
Hepatic - associated with the liver
Hypertensive - helps lower blood pressure
Insecticide - kills insects
Laxative - loosen stools and increases bowel movements
Nerve tonic - helps in mood lifting, stress reducing
Nervine - directly act upon the nervous system
Regenerative - restores, renews or revitalizes
Restorative - restores health, strength, or feelings of well-being
Rubefacient - dilates capillaries and increases in blood flow. Helpful when pain or stiffness is present
Sedative - calms, eases agitation and permits sleep
Stimulant - increases alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration
Stomachic - strengthens or stimulates the stomach
Styptic - stops the local bleeding
Tonic - gives a feeling of vigor or well-being
Vasoconstrictor - causes a narrowing of an opening of a blood vessel
Vasodilator - opens (dilates) blood vessels
Vermifuge - destroys or expels parasitic worms
Vulnerary - promotes the healing of wounds
Lavender
Lavender has a sweet, floral aroma that is soothing and uplifting. It has antiviral and antibacterial properties, which can reduce the healing time for scrapes, bites and stings. Lavender has also been shown to promote relaxation and sleep.
Lavender is used for restlessness, insomnia, nervousness, and depression. It is also used for digestive complaints including loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, gas, and upset stomach.
It can help relieve pain from many things including migraines, toothache, sprains and joint pain.
I add it to my homemade fly spray as it is an excellent insect deterrent. I add a few drops to my bath water to help with circulation.
Lavender can be hard to grow from seed. If you grow your lavender from cuttings, it will be faster, easier and you get the exact same lavender as your original plant. The most important thing to remember when growing lavender is drainage. If possible, add some compost to your pot and mix with your soil. Do not over water (I’ve lost several lavender plants to over watering.) Let it dry out and then water it well. If you can check your Ph, you want it to fall between 6.5 and 7.5. If sitting on a windowsill, leave plenty of space between the plants for air to circulate. Full sun is important. I have the best luck with lavender if I put it in a clay pot.
Harvest when the lavender flower heads turn brilliant and vibrant. The flowers will look gray just before they open. Wait a little and, one morning, they will open and become beautiful. That is the day to harvest.
Properties:
Analgesic - alleviates pain without loss of consciousness
Antibacterial - used specifically against bacteria. They kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria
Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation or swelling
Antimicrobial - kills or inhibits microorganism growth
Antiseptic - discourages the growth microorganisms
Antispasmodic - suppresses muscle spasms
Carminative - prevents or relieves flatulence
Cholagogue - increases the flow of bile which aids digestion
Deodorant - prevent body odor caused by the bacterial breakdown of perspiration
Diuretic - promotes the production of urine
Emmenagogue - stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus
Insecticide - kills insects
Nervine - directly act upon the nervous system
Sedative - calms, eases agitation and permits sleep
Stimulant - increases alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration
Stomachic - strengthens or stimulates the stomach
Vulnerary - promotes the healing of wounds
Basil
Basil can help reinforce the body's resistance to infectious diseases. It helps to sharpen the mind and improve memory. It can enhance your mood and clarify your mind. It has the ability to restore and/or act as a stimulant depending on the body's needs.
Often used for: Bronchitis, colds, constipation, coughs, energizing, gas, flu, gout, insect bites, insect repellent, mental fatigue, nervous tension, muscle aches, rheumatism, sinusitis
Basil is easy to grow. It needs full sun at least 6 to 8 hours a day. The plant should get about one to two feet in height. The soil should be well drained. Do not allow basil to get waterlogged. All parts of the plant that grow above ground can be used to make medicine.
Your basil plant will last a long time. You can pick a few (or more) basil leaves anytime you want. When you pick off a few leaves, take a look at the plant and pinch off the branch tips. This encourages the plant to fill out and not get straggly. Also, pick off any flower buds. You can use these as a garnish.
When you want to harvest a larger amount (for drying perhaps) Harvest from the top down. You can be comfortable cutting back from the top by taking off one third of the whole plant. Trust me, in just a couple weeks, your plants will be ready for another harvest.
Dry your basil by hanging stems in bunches, or spreading leaves out on a tray, in a dark, well-ventilated room. Once the leaves are dry, crumble them. Store in airtight container.
Basil tea can be served after meals as a digestive aid. To make fresh basil tea:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of fresh, chopped basil. Steep for 5 minutes. Sweeten with raw honey to taste.
Properties:
Antibacterial - used specifically against bacteria. They kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria
Antiseptic - discourages the growth microorganisms
Antispasmodic - suppresses muscle spasms
Digestive - helps with problems such as constipation, diarrhea, diverticulitis, indigestion, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomachs and nausea
Expectorant - helps bring up mucus and other material from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea.
Stimulant - increases alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration
Catnip
Catnip acts as a sedative making it popular for insomnia and for headache relief. A mild tea can be made with catnip to treat nausea and motion sickness. Catnip is a good muscle relaxer. It is a great insect repellent. Recently it has been discovered that it may help with ADHD.
Catnip needs full sun to grow. They like to be watered regularly. If you are growing from seed, the seeds need to be placed in the freezer overnight and then soaked in a bowl of water for 24 hour
s. This makes it easier for the seeds to sprout. They need a lot of room so thin to one plant per pot after they sprout. You can also divide plants to get more. Once your catnip is growing well, you do not need to fertilize.
The flowers make a soothing tea that is calming. The leaves can be used in sauces and stews. The dried leaves and/or flowers can be used in a tea or a sachet or a tincture. Fresh leaves and flowers can be used for tinctures.
Properties:
Anesthetic - induces insensitivity to pain. Anesthetics contrast with analgesics (painkillers), which relieve pain without eliminating sensation
Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation or swelling
Antirheumatic - slows or stops the inflammatory process that can damage the joints and internal organs. Antirheumatic are often prescribed for preventing rheumatism
Antispasmodic - suppresses muscle spasms
Astringent - shrinks or constricts body tissues
Carminative - prevents or relieves flatulence
Diaphoretic - causes increased perspiration
Insecticide - kills insects
Nervine - directly act upon the nervous system
Tonic - gives a feeling of vigor or well-being
Chamomile
While Roman Chamomile is very effective in calming emotions, it’s cousin German Chamomile is more effective for helping with inflammation, especially when it is associated with the digestive tract or urinary system.
Often used for: Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, blisters, boils, colic, cuts, depression, dermatitis, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds.
Chamomile isn’t hard to grow, but since it needs different care than most of my other choices, I have lost a couple plants because I simply wasn’t paying attention. First, chamomile prefers part shade and cooler temperatures. I’ve killed every chamomile I’ve ever set in my windowsill garden. Move your plant away from the window and it should do great. Chamomile also prefers cooler temperatures. It is one herb that likes dry soil. It can be top heavy so use a large pot. (Use a clay pot for this one)
The seeds are tiny. I sow them by scattering seeds on the top of the soil. I don’t cover them with dirt. I mist them every day with a spray bottle until they germinate. Thin out the weaker ones until you have one strong plant remaining.