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Herbs are used as alternative forms of medicine to treat everything from an upset stomach to depression. Most herbs are available from your local natural foods store, but many people enjoy the rewards of growing their own herb gardens. Herbs can be grown outside, but many can also grow very successfully in pots placed along your windowsill.

If you choose to start an herb garden inside, start the seeds in small pots with a fluorescent light or plenty of sunlight. Don’t plant the seeds very deep (there are often directions on the seed packages), and water sparingly. As they grow larger, either transplant them to larger pots or plant them outside in the garden after the last frost.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of medicinal herbs. However, there are a few that should be part of any good herb garden, and these include:

• Burdock
• Cayenne
• Chamomile
• Echinacea
• Fever Few
• Lemon Balm
• Milk Thistle
• Peppermint
• St. John’s Wort
• Yarrow

Burdock is used to detoxify the blood stream and rid the body of harmful toxins. It can also cure sore throats and colds, and provides healthy dietary fiber when eaten.

Cayenne is used to treat circulation and digestion problems, heart disease, sore throat, headaches and toothache. It can also treat upset stomach and gas, and some people use it in various recipes to treat premenstrual symptoms.

Chamomile is used to treat upset stomachs, stress, anxiety, and to induce sleep. It is typically boiled to make a tea.

Echinacea is used to support the immune system. Many people believe it prevents and cures the common cold.

Fever Few is used to treat migraines and muscle spasms. The leaves are chewed daily.

Lemon Balm reduces stress, acts as a sedative, and alleviates upset stomach, gas and bloating.

Milk Thistle is used to treat high cholesterol, liver problems, gallbladder disorders and some types of cancer. It can also be helpful for people with type 2 diabetes.

Peppermint is used to support healthy lungs and breathing. The leaves can be placed in boiling water to create an air freshener and inhalant.

St. John’s Wort is used as a sedative and to treat depression.

Yarrow fights the common cold and the flu. It can also staunch bleeding if a piece of the plant is held against a wound. It lowers blood pressure, cures fevers, and promotes healthy digestion and circulation.

Herbal supplements have a long history as medicinal treatments for people, especially in ancient Asian and Native American traditions. Today, more and more people are returning to natural herbal supplements and remedies instead of using only pharmaceutical drugs and synthetic supplements.

Herbal supplements, when combined with a healthy diet and active lifestyle, can be extremely beneficial. They support healthy immune systems, mental health, athletic ability and overall well-being.

Some of the latest illnesses and conditions being treated with herbal supplements include:

• ADD/ADHD
• Aging
• Arthritis
• Cell damage/Cancer
• Common cold
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Digestion problems
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Memory loss
• Obesity
• Premenstrual/Menopausal symptoms
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sleep disorder
• Stress
• Vision loss

It is important to use herbal supplements carefully, preferably under the supervision of a doctor or herbal specialist. The side effects from some herbs can be very dangerous, and herbs can react harmfully with some pharmaceutical drugs.

As with any remedy, the best results are achieved when your body gets the nutrients, exercise and rest it needs. Apart from taking herbal supplements, you should also be getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to promote good health, and you should take part in a daily fitness regiment.

Nothing beats the Great Outdoors in the United States. From Alaska to Hawaii and California to New York, America boasts some of the greatest climbing, camping, hiking, biking, skiing, fishing and boating, and that’s only the beginning.

Outdoor recreation has been a passion for Americans since the country was founded. We shop at huge outdoor retail stores, we pack our garages with gear, and load up our cars on weekends to spend time away from the city.

So what is the best way to take up a new outdoor sport or enjoy some recreation time with your family? Here are a few tips:

1. Buy a hiking or camping guidebook. The book will give you insights on the best trails, campsites and secret hideaways.
2. Always ask employees of local sporting goods and outdoor recreation stores where their favorite places are and what kind of equipment you’ll need once you get there.
3. Buy used if possible…but only if you’re sure the gear is safe. Outdoor gear can be pricey, so if you can find good deals at outdoor swaps and garage sales, go for it.
4. Store all your outdoor gear in air and watertight storage bins, or hang it out of the way from your garage ceiling. You don’t want it to get wet or catch fire.
5. Set a time and date, and make it happen. It’s easy to get swamped with work and miss out on recreation opportunities. Even if you only have a day to work with, find a good hiking spot and go!
6. If you have small children, choose outdoor recreation activities that they will enjoy as well. Let them be as involved as possible, including everything from choosing the destination to carrying some of their own gear.
7. Don’t over plan. Choose one destination site and one main activity. For example, go hiking on a nearby trail. Don’t try to pack too many activities into one day…outdoor recreation is about enjoying nature and relaxing.
8. Know your local camping and campfire rules. Don’t start a campfire if it’s illegal, and know how to manage a fire safely.
9. Don’t litter! Bring a trash bag to pack out all the junk you packed in. Always remember: Leave it better than you found it.
10. Remember to bring a camera, but don’t spend the whole time behind the lens!