When Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, God did not abandon them. Yes, they now encountered sin, disease, and death, but God was still with them and surrounded them with elements of natural healing. God provides in all ways.

Herbs are one of those elements in which God’s blessed us. While in France, Saint Theodora/Mother Theodore Guerin learned of the healing properties of herbs. This information proved invaluable not only to her religious community when they emigrated to America but their surrounding neighbors as well. The sisters founded a free pharmacy at St Mary-of-the-Woods to help those with little access to other medical assistance.

Wild herbs grew abundantly in the woods in which they resided. Mother Theodore used dried linden flowers, leaves, and wood to treat colds, sore throats, and breathing problems. American cone flower helped boost immunity. Dandelion was, and continues to be used to treat infections and act as a diuretic.

Curative herbs surround us, and we don’t have to look far to find them. Other common herbs with profound properties include:

• Chamomile which can be made into a salve to relive indigestion, colic, anxiety, and skin irritations.
• Fever few leaves which relieves headaches when chewed.
• Lavender for relaxation and to ease pain or apply to cuts to prevent infection.
• Lemon balm, which has extensive benefits including the ability to relieve anxiety, insomnia, wounds, herpes, insect bites, and flatulence as well as speed the healing of cold sores.
• Parsley which relieves flatulence and bad breath.
• Peppermint which can soothe a headache or tummy ache.
• Rosemary to improve memory, concentration, and mood.
• Sage which provides relief from throat inflammations.
• Thyme, another herb that can relieve coughs, congestion, or indigestion.

(Seven Principles of Sainthood Following St Mother Theodore Guerin is available from amazon.com, ACTA Publications, and my website.)