Keep hydrated with a variety of beverages and supplements

PRIME August 2012 By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist/Business Representative for the Herbarium Special to PRIME Ah! Beautiful summer is here and the livin' is easy — if you do not have to work in the heat and humidity. Public works employees, landscapers and anyone else who has to be out in the extreme weather should keep hydrated. Try hibiscus tea for a cool and refreshing drink. It is great cold and will help to keep your blood pressure down. Mineral tea is another way to keep cool and replenish the minerals and electrolytes you lose through sweating. My wife created a tea many years ago, chock full of herbs high in essential minerals, vitamins and protein. Another item is called CELLFOOD, is a concentrate of enzymes, minerals, amino acids and enhanced oxygen. It literally breaks the bonds of water, releasing the oxygen for a great energy boost without caffeine or other stimulants. OPC Factor is a great supplement for anytime. It is a combination of vitamins, and antioxidant ingredients such as grape skin, grape seed, bioflavonoids, Lycopene, lutein, Selenium and more. This powder is added to water to deliver powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients, antioxidants, and energy with improved performance. Try any of these instead of those "sport drinks" and notice the difference. Additional summertime tips

• If you are out in the woods and get bitten by a bug or stung by a bee, try using plantain to take away the pain and swelling. Plantain is that flat, spoon-shaped, broad leaf plant you see growing everywhere. Chances are it is in your yard unless you use a lawn care company that kills all the broadleaf plants in your lawn. Just pull a leaf, chew it up or break it enough to release its juices and put it on the bite or sting. It works quickly and is very soothing.
• A simple way to stay cool this summer is with essential oil sprays. Peppermint, Lavender, Palmarosa and Lemongrass are four of the most popular. You can use them individually or in combination. You will feel good and smell great.

DEAR JONATHAN: I am very sensitive to poison ivy and seem to get infected several times during the season. Is there anything natural to help the itchiness? — Paula DEAR PAULA: Try French green clay. Make a thin wash or paste depending on your outbreak. It helps to dry up the blisters but it does not dry your skin the way calamine lotion does. Jewel weed is a great poison ivy fighter. It is found very close to poison ivy, usually in wetter areas. It has a beautiful orange blossom. Break it and rub the juice on the affected areas. Herb Pharm and the Herbarium both have sprays to help with poison ivy and oak, and Hyland Homeopathy has a combination that works really well. In some health stores you may find Rhus tox. This is actually a very dilute form of poison ivy. Put the pellets under your tongue and follow directions. Enjoy the rest of the summer! Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans via email at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, Mass. 01013. If requesting additional information from Evans, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.