A few months back Hive account@naturalmedicine hosted a challenge, asking to see what our medicine cabinet looks like. I wanted to participate but didn't get the time to. But today after spending some time outside I wanted to share my medicine cabinet with you all.

It is not really a cabinet though, because most of my medicine comes from the soil and if I need something I tend to go outside and pick it. If you live somewhere long enough and if you interact with the land/soil,it will tune into your needs and provide you with all that you need. That is why it is so important to grow your own and also take the opportunity to urinate on the land you live in.

The wild plants and herbs on the earth are full of medicinal properties and connect us to the natural world whilst aiding our bodies to heal themselves when we are ill. I like to harvest my herbs in the morning when the sun is out.

Leaves are best picked before the flowers open and flowers are best picked just as they are opening and both when the moon is waxing to full.A For roots, harvest them in the autumn as the goodness is passed down from the leaves and when the moon is waning. I like to take the time to give my thanks to the plants as I harvest them.

The following are some of the amazing plants that grow on the land that I live on. I use them both fresh and dried.

Cleavers

Cleavers is a blood purifier and a wonderful spring tonic,it is also a great cleanser and a diuretic. I take it every spring. It helps to boost the the immune system and is invaluable after infections and any disease of the lymphatic system. Cleavers is also a wonderful calming and soothing herb, renewing our strength and energy.

Nettle

Nettle is full of minerals and regular infusions will strengthen the whole body as well as cleanse your blood. It is also a powerful diuretic, clearing the body of uric acid, easing arthritis , stiff joints and failing muscular strength. It also helps to clear the body of accumulated phlegm. I use it also as a rinse in my hair as it strengthens the hair and the scalp.

Calendula

Calendula is a powerful healer and is safe to use in all ages. It can be used for a number of aliments, for eye infections, for ulcers and for slow healing wounds. The flowers cleanse the blood and strengthened the immune system. It is also known as being a powerful liver remedy, as well as very healing for women during their moon cycles. It is a soothing herb and helps one to deal with anger an tramua.

Dandelion

Dandelion is another wonderful blood cleanser and lymphatic tonic. It is a powerful healer for the kidney and liver and helps eliminate poisons from our bodies. I like to eat the earlier leaves in a salad and I also make a tea with it. It really helps when we are feeling stuck, helping us to express ourselves and be more creative.

Chickweed

It always makes me happy to see chickweed growing again on the land, it really is a supreme healer and I love to eat it in salads and also as an infusion. It has an affinity to the lungs and helps with all problems that may affect them. It can also be used for blood poisoning. It soothes inflamed tissue and is has wonderful drawing out properties, making it an excellent remedy for eczema, wounds and abscesses. This wonderful herb, enhances our compassion and receptivity.

Fennel

I love the taste of fennel and like nothing better than to chew on it as I walk around the land. Fennel is great for our digestion and reduces bloating and helps us to expel wind. It is also wonderful for getting rid of cold and dampness,so works great for most lung conditions. It is a wonderfully sustaining and nourishing plant and should to used to help soothe and calm our emotions.

Mullein

Mullein is such a wonderful herb for our lungs, the leaves help to treat asthma, bronchitis and coughs. It is mildly sedating. I gave it to my daughter when she has whooping cough and it really helped. The flowers are wonderful at healing ear infections, once they are infused in oil. It is also another wonderful soothing herb and helps one to relax.

Plantain

Plantain is another heal all, i am so lucky to have 2 varieties growing on the land. You can use it externally for wounds, bites and for tooth aches and abscesses, you just need to chew the leaves and apply as a poultice. It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic and is anti-bacterial. Taken internally it is a blood cleanser for all toxins. It can be used for coughs, diarrhoea, indigestion, heartburn and constipation. It quickly staunches blood flow, both internally and externally, and encourages the repair of damaged tissue. It is also used to remove heavy metals from the body. This herb is a powerful healer and used to strengthened our well being.