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Archive for January, 2010

Herbs have been used as curatives and flavorings for thousands of years. Early cultures found that their pungent flavors made food more palatable, that some would help heal wounds cleanly, and others ease pain and suffering. They were strewn on the floor to release their scents as people walked on them, or carried to disguise unsanitary smells. Early Greek doctors compiled and recorded their herbal remedies, and these became the foundations of all western medicine. Ancient Chinese, Indian and Egyptians also recorded and used herbs as medicine. Many of these same herbs are in use today by various cultures as their traditional medicines.Throughout medieval times, herb gardens became important additions to homes and religious centers. Every housewife knew which herbs to use for home doctoring, preserving and cooking. Herbals were written, describing plants and stressing their virtues, both medicinal and superstitious. It is interesting to note how many of the medicinal herb constituents are part of medicines today.Herbs, as we tend to think of them today, are plants that we use in cooking, for aromatic scents or perhaps to enhance our health. In the last few years, there has been a revival of interest in and appreciation of herbs. More .. more »

Are you one of the many American families who have decided to spend their holidays at home this year? Why not add authenticity to your "staycation" and improve your home's appeal by building a fire pit in your backyard? Remember those wonderful moments of youth, roasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories around the fire? Revive the glory days and create a bevy of new memories with a fire pit of your very own.The first step to heaven in the back yard is to check with your local authorities to be sure you don't land in a legal hot spot. Then you want to find yourself a location. Choose a site that's well away from any buildings, fences, shrubs, overhanging trees and anything else that might catch fire. You may also want to consider the neighbors: if you aren't on good terms, putting the pit downwind from their property will only add fuel to the fire.What you build your blaze with will also have an impact on your popularity rating. You should only burn untreated wood that's dry and clean. Never burn garbage, especially plastics, leaves or brush - the smoke can be very irritating, aggravating health conditions and upsetting your .. more »