My Herbs 2016 Calendar
Saffron Although it’s the most expensive spice, it’s mighty in strength. Saffron resolves sleep disorders, heals scars and aids in the treatment of diabetes. It’s counted among universal painkillers. Additionally, it dispels sadness, bad moods and light depression. Such medicinal effects are due to Safranal, an organic compound isolated from saffron that is obtained from the stigmas of the plant. Safranal acts on the body fairly quickly and increases serotonin in the brain. At home we can easily prepare saffron oil – add 2–3 drops of essential oil of saffron to 2 teaspoons of almond oil. The oil can then be used by massaging onto acne, scars or a sore abdomen.
January Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
4
5
6
7
Saturday
Sunday
2
3
8
9
10
15
16
17
22
23
24
29
30
31
New Year's Day
Sowing grass and corn.
11
12
13
14
Strong influence of the Moon - avoid working with plants.
18
Martin Luther King Day
19
20
21 Ventilating cellars and greenhouses.
25
26 Sectioning fruit trees and shrubs.
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27
28
Sowing and planting of flowering, healing herbs.
Celandine This beneficial plant becomes even more important in the early spring. Fresh juice from the herb can be used to eliminate corns and warts. An infusion of celandine’s fresh leaves can be used to treat other skin problems, such as eczema or fungus. Toss a handful of the leaves into a 1/2 gallon of boiling water and simmer for three minutes. Then let the mixture steep for another 10 minutes. Finally, bathe in the decoction, or use it to rinse affected areas. If the brew seems too weak, prepare a tincture – place the leaves for five weeks in a quality alcohol, then strain and use.
February Monday
1
Tuesday
2
Groundhog Day
Wednesday
3
Thursday
4
Friday
5
Saturday
Sunday
6
7
12
13
14
19
20
21
Sow and plant plants with strong roots.
8
9
Mardi Gras Carnival
10
11
Valentine's Day
Clean ponds and swimming pools.
15
Presidents Day
16
17
18
Gather herbs and cut flowers.
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 Digging compost.
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Daisy Tea from daisies helps relieve congestion in the airways and persistent coughing. Try a preparation in oil. For one part daisy, use four parts of coldpressed sunflower oil. Put the daisies into clean jars and then add the oil. Let it sit for six weeks on the windowsill, then filter it. The preparation restores firmness of the skin, helps to optimize blood circulation and soothes inflamed areas. It works preventively against stretch marks, accelerates recovery of bruises, relieves heavy feeling legs and helps to heal internal inflammations.
March Monday
Tuesday
1
Wednesday
2
Thursday
3
Friday
4
Saturday
5
Sunday
6 Weed and hoe.
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Daylight Saving
Protection against pests in the soil.
14
15
16
17
St. Patrick's Day
18
19
20
Transplant fruit trees, shrubs and plants with fruits.
21
22
23
24
25
Good Friday
Sow onions flowering in early spring.
28
29
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30
31
26
27
Easter
Violet The scent of violet alone can quickly stop a headache. Moreover, it is known for its ability to quiet coughs, treat asthma and dissolve mucus in the airways. It is one of the few herbs that relieves hoarseness and helps to recover a lost voice. All of this is possible by drinking violet tea with honey, sipped in small doses five times a day. Violet also cleanses the blood, helps treat skin conditions and eases rheumatism, gout and inflammation of the muscles. To prepare a tincture to combat sore muscles and joints, fill a jar with the violet flowers and pour in pure alcohol. After five weeks strain and it’s ready to use.
April Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
April Fool's Day
Saturday
2
Sunday
3 Weed and hoe.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
Sow and plant of all creeping, running and overhanging plants.
18
Earth Day
Plant fast growing shrubs.
25
Preserve and freez of fruits and vegetables. WWW.MYHERBSMAG.COM
30
Elderberry Elderberry is a shrub in which all of its parts – flowers, bark, leaves, fruits and roots – have healing qualities. The flowers treat colds and respiratory conditions. They help ease airway inflammation and remedy the flu, coughs and bronchitis. They lower temperature, treat inflammation of the urinary tract, cleanse the body and rid it of toxins and uric acid that is responsible for rheumatism and gout. Elderberry leaves are used for joint problems. The root can be prepared as an extract or decoction. Try elderberry vinegar – put two handfuls of its flowers into two pints of vinegar and let rest for 14 days in the sun. Pour off and use.
May Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
1 2
3
4
5
Cinco de Mayo
6
7
8
15
Mother's Day
Plough, spray and weed.
9
10
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
20
21
26
27
28
24
25 Weed, hoe and delve.
30
Memorial Day
22
Rest day, give soil and plants some rest.
Plant cuttings and young plants.
23
Armed Forces Day
31
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29
Pentecost
Dead nettle When used internally, dead nettle eases inflammations of the respiratory system. Thanks to the presence of saponins, it heals many respiratory conditions, even bronchitis. It is an excellent supplement for the treatment of asthma. The plant has the power to dissolve mucus and facilitate clearing of the airways. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and thus, can be used to treat irritation of the urinary tract. It is appropriate to use to treat kidney and prostate problems. Dead nettle tea is also recommended in periods of stress. The tea soothes nerves and helps induce restful sleep. Additionally, it detoxifies and purifies the blood.
June Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
Thursday
2
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
3
4
5
10
11
12
16
17
18
19
23
24
25
26
Sow and plant fast growing plants to be consumed shortly after.
6
7
8
9 Gather herbs and flowers.
13
14
Flag Day
15 Rest day, give soil and plants some rest.
20
21
22
Paint and decorate outside.
27
28
29
30 Sow and plant root vegetables, potatoes and onions.
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Father's Day
Marigold This herb has antispasmodic and antiseptic properties and also reduces sweating. Marigold heals wounds, eczema, skin inflammations and bruises. When taken orally, it has a positive impact on the activity of the liver and gallbladder. Marigold helps with the healing of peptic ulcers, burns, frostbite and vein inflammation. Blood purification is another example of its effects. Gargling marigold decoction is a useful tool when battling mouth or tonsil inflammation, thrush or periodontitis, or after having teeth pulled. If you want to prepare a marigold cream, take a handful of marigold and mix in a 1/2 pint of melted butter or bamboo butter. Leave for one day, then melt, sieve and pour into a sealable bottle.
July Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
Saturday
2
Sunday
3
Gather of herbs.
4
Independence Day
5
6
7
8
9
10
Sow and plant plants that don’t require much water.
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
31
Plan your garden.
25
Avoid gardening – strong influence of the moon. WWW.MYHERBSMAG.COM
Fight against pests and weeds on the surface.
Tall mallow This herb has anti-inflammatory effects and stimulates mucous secretion. The healing parts are the leaves and flowers. Tall mallow stimulates coughing to deal with respiratory inflammation and bronchial catarrh, while gargling macerate helps to get rid of hoarseness. This herb works great as a supplementary treatment for lung diseases. You can make your own tincture with fresh leaves and flowers – put them in a glass jar and pour alcohol over them. Shake every day, and after at least one month, sieve and pour into a clean jar. Use 10 drops, five times a day for beneficial effects.
August Monday
1
Tuesday
2
Wednesday
3
Thursday
4
Friday
5
Saturday
6
Sunday
7 Fertilize flowers for nice blossoms.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Harvest seeds, cut flowers.
15
16
17
18
19
20
21 Plough, spray and weed.
22
23
24
26
27
28 Fight against pests and weeds on the surface.
Bottle fruits and vegetables.
29
25
30
Water and fertilize flowers indoors and on balconies. WWW.MYHERBSMAG.COM
31
Common chicory This herb is commonly found growing along roads. It has beneficial effects on the gallbladder and liver and on the digestive tract as a whole. Generally speaking, it cleanses the body. Chicory has diuretic effects and helps heal angina pectoris and respiratory inflammations. Its roots can be used as a coffee substitute – either on their own, or in mixes. How can you make such a coffee? First, wash the roots thoroughly and dry them. Then crush and roast them slightly on a pan (keep stirring). Let the mixture cool down and prepare this delicious coffee substitute the same way you would prepare your normal coffee.
September Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
Friday
2
Saturday
3
Sunday
4 Plant and breed roses.
5
Labor Day
6
7
8
9
10
11
14
15
16
17
18
21
22
23
24
25
28
29
30
Patriot Day / Grandparents' Day
Rest day for soil and plants.
12
13
Fertilize plants to increase flowering.
19
20 Hoe potatoes and root vegetables.
26
27
Autumn’s delving and ploughing. WWW.MYHERBSMAG.COM
Take out the dung.
Common juniper This shrub is one of the basic ingredients of gin or boroviÄ?ka and cannot be omitted as a spice for venison. Juniper cleanses the air, and improves digestion and stomach activity and stimulates appetite in humans. When used topically, it works great for rheumatic pain or joint aches. Its fruits have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Common juniper stimulates the metabolism and aids in reducing varicose veins. A homemade tincture can be prepared easily: fill half a glass jar (1/2 pint) with slightly crushed balls and cover with alcohol. Leave for five weeks and shake occasionally. After the allotted time, sieve and use.
October Monday
3
Tuesday
4
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
1
2
5
6
7
8
9
12
13
14
15
16
22
23
29
30
Protect against garden snails.
10
Columbus Day
11
Sow and plant of healing plants and decorative flowers.
17
18
19
20
21 Fight against pests and weeds on the surface.
24
25 Cut fruit trees and shrubs.
31
Halloween
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27
28
Rosemary Rosemary stimulates the activity of gastric acids, increases the production and secretion of bile and reduces gastric cramps. It is a diuretic recommended for chronic problems with flatulence and stomach pain. In the past, rosemary was even used to treat hepatitis. You can try homemade rosemary wine – macerate 2 1/2 ounces of rosemary in two pints of good white wine for a week and then drink 3 tablespoons a day. It is great for raising blood pressure.
November Monday
Tuesday
1
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
2
3
4
9
10
11
Saturday
Sunday
5
6
12
13
19
20
Daylight Saving
Look after vegetables and fruits meant for storing.
7
8
Veterans' Day
Water indoor and outdoor flowers.
14
15
16
17
18
Dewater, drain, fix and clean water lines and wells.
21
22
23
24
Thanksgiving
25
26
27 Rest day, give soil and plants some rest.
28
29
30 Harvest root crops.
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Echinacea Purple coneflower is one of the strongest stimulants to the human immune system. It is also one of the few herbs with antibiotic properties – it works against bacteria and viruses alike. Echinacea protects your body from catching colds and prevents cavity and bronchial tube inflammation (it even heals both of them). In addition to its healing properties, it remedies chronic bladder inflammation and inflammation of women’s genitals, as well as prostate and lymph nodes inflammation. When applied topically it stimulates the healing of wounds, gumboils, eczema, lupus, burns, bedsores and varicose ulcers. Try echinacea tea for boosting your immune system: mix one piece of echinacea root, one piece of marigold flower, one piece of dog rose fruit and one piece of ribwort leaves. Boil for one minute and sieve. Drink three times a day.
December Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
Friday
2
Saturday
Sunday
3
4
10
11
Plan your garden.
5
6
7
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
8
9
Avoid working with plants and soil.
12
13
14
15
16
17
18 Remove redundant sprouts and roots.
Make garden and sowing plans.
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
31
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25
New Year's Eve
Christmas Day
How individual months affect organs in human body March
January Urinary tract
February
Gallbladder Our biggest problem in March is the gallbladder. On a physical level, it manifests through joint cramps, migraines or flatulence. One can suffer even from gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. It is therefore necessary to avoid fatty meals and preferably all livestock products. Every morning, drink a glass of tepid water with lemon on an empty stomach. During the day, add radish, sauerkraut, salads, chicory, beetroot and fresh dandelion to meals. Other suitable options include watercress, oyster mushroom and legumes.
During this time of the year, the urinary tract is prone to inflammation, but the body faces many additional health issues. Among them are cold extremities, middle ear inflammation, back and bone aches. To stave off such ailments, avoid sweets and supply the body with vitamin C continuously throughout the day – preferably in its natural form. Also, eat plenty of legumes, mainly beans. Do not avoid soups either. The best fruit is roasted apple; the best vegetables are garlic, onion and fermented products. Regarding herbs, go for black elder, horsetail, ribwort or birch.
This month is influencing kidneys primarily. Lumbar pain, aching knees, worsened hearing or bad quality hair are all prevalent issues. The best help is offered by warm meals. We should also consume a lot of buckwheat, millet and oats. Do not forget to eat legumes, fish and low-fat meats. The following herbs are recommended: downy burdock, goldenrod, three-part beggarticks, common agrimony or meadowsweet.
April
Heart, arteries, veins and blood
June
This month is crucial for our heart and everything connected to it – arteries, veins and blood. If weakened, one might suffer from swelling, hormonal imbalances, oscillation in blood pressure or migraines and sleep difficulties. Your heart is most active around noon, so give yourself a rest and do not drink tea or coffee during this time of the day. On the other hand it is advisable to consume chicory, corn salad, arugula, beetroot, radish and artichokes. From spices and herbs, choose basil, lemon balm, rosemary, garlic, hawthorn or motherwort.
Small gut
Liver The liver is the most vulnerable organ in April. Its weakening may have negative consequences, such as muscle weakness, bad nails or weary eyes. We are also less resistant to environmental conditions, which is one reason why the allergy season starts in April. Definitely avoid milk products, but consume bitter foods and herbs. The most suitable ones are artichoke, dandelion, wormwood, Mary thistle or common centaury. It’s also beneficial to consume healthy fats, such as coconut oil or milk thistle at this time.
Kidneys
May In June we must be very careful about the small gut and mucosa. When the small gut is not working right, we can expect problems with bladder issues, stomach pain, flatulence or diarrhoea. Drinking fruit juices with young barley or chlorella might help significantly, as well as avoiding unhealthy fats. We should include fermented products and gluten-free cereals in our diet, as well as herbs like mint, thyme, salvia, basil, oregano, rosemary or winter savoury.
July Bloodstream The blood streaming through our veins is most vulnerable in July. It is weakest in the morning and strongest before we go to sleep. The health issues one can expect include difficulty catching one’s breath and increased spasms and dizziness – especially people with low blood pressure. Their best friends should be buckwheat, cereal or wheat germ and leafy vegetables. The best herbs for July are rosemary, lemon balm, nettle or daisy.
October Stomach Stomach pain is a pretty common issue in October. It can manifest through heartburn, periodontitis or bleeding gums. You should never miss a proper breakfast during this period – we recommend cereal mashes, hot soups or legumes such as chickpeas and peas. There are other suitable ingredients: pumpkins, carrots, German turnip, pears or apples. Among many herbs with natural benefits, you should definitely use marigold, agrimony, wormwood and common centaury.
August Thermoregulation This time of the year poses the biggest threat to the thermoregulatory system, causing possible inner and outer health problems alike. Your body might be prone to overheating, which consequently leads to the so-called summer flu. The most efficient prevention comes in the form of hardening – switching hot and cold showers. Drink enough water, preferably with mint, lemon, lavender or verbena. Fresh vegetable and fruit juices are great too.
November Lungs November is lung’s month; their weakening might have negative effects on one’s health, such as respiratory issues, tiredness, rapid heart rate or dry skin. We should consume oats, natural rice, brown lentils, white beans, fermented vegetables, garlic, horseradish, pears, grapes, dried plums or dried apricots. Mushrooms and nuts are also recommended. Among spices you can choose anything that would warm you up – fennel, anise, ginger or cinnamon. As for herbs the perfect choice for your lungs is nasturtium, sea buckthorn, liquorice or echinacea.
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September Spleen and pancreas September affects the two most important organs – the spleen and the pancreas. It is absolutely necessary to strengthen and boost our immune system because it is closely related to these two organs. Avoid sweets and anything containing refined white sugar as well as flour and flour based products. Eat plenty of mushrooms (oyster or reishi mushrooms). Do not enter humid environments, such as saunas or sweat rooms. As for herbs, the best choice is echinacea.
December Large guts The last month of the year is ruled by a large gut, whose weakening might cause the following health issues: diarrhoea, constipation, migraines, tiredness, lumbar aches, cold sores and general weakening of the immune system. It is necessary to supply your body with plenty of fibre, fruit and vegetable juices and water. Make sure to take a good break between meals in order to digest well. Add black lentils, garlic, ginger, black radish, leeks, apples and white meat into your diet. We can also recommend nuts and edible chestnuts. As for spices, the best are cumin, fennel, anise, cinnamon and nutmeg, while the most suitable herb is lungwort.
My Herbs - 2016 Calendar
This calendar has been made by the My Herbs editorial team. © ACV Publishing LLC. www.acvpub.com. Licensed by Bylinky revue, s. r. o. © 2015 Pictures: My Herbs and Shutterstock.
My Herbs are beautiful journals about herbs for your health and happiness. The unique quarterly publication is produced by a small team of enthusiasts, without product promotions or advertising by any pharmaceutical corporations, unlike other big magazines. Limited time offer: Order My Herbs today and get the Ginger issue for FREE! www.MyHerbsMag.com
CALENDAR 2016
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