Strawberries
There is a reason Strawberry Shortcake had such a flawless complexion: Her namesake plump red berries are a source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Mix six strawberries with a cup of sour cream for an all-natural facial mask. "The fruit acids in the berries even out skin tone and the sour cream provides a mild lactic acid exfoliation," says Julie Gabriel, author of The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup, and Fragrances
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Roses
Roses, the trademark flowers of romance, are fragrant and flavorful accents to dishes ranging from rose petal jam to morning muffins. "Cooking with roses doesn't have to be complicated," says Monica Bhide, author of Modern Spice: Inspired Indian Flavors for the Contemporary Kitchen
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Coconut
Coconuts are best known as kitschy vessels for rum punch and colorful umbrellas. The tropical fruit has other uses, too. The fiber material of the husks, called coir, can be used to make ropes, brushes and baskets. Recently, the fibers have become a staple in the eco-friendly clothing lines of manufacturers like Marmot, Timberland and Merrell. The fabric, marketed under the trade name Cocona, is derived from the coconut shells. It's lightweight and durable, wicks moisture and offers UV protection and odor absorption, making it a popular choice for active wear.
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Witch Hazel
Move over Purell, there is a new hand sanitizer in town. Beneath its long branches and canary-colored flowers, witch hazel is hiding antibacterial properties. Extract from the bark has a high antiseptic content and is rich in essential oils like eugenol and hexenol, which helps kill bacteria on the skin, according to Gabriel. Preparing a hand sanitizer from witch hazel requires a time-consuming steam distillation process so it's not practical to make an extract from a backyard plant. "The bark contains potentially irritating and toxic tannins that are removed from the extract during distillation," Gabriel explains. Instead, head to the natural foods store where witch hazel extracts are readily available.
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Willow
You've heard of willow furniture but had no idea the same bark that was used to make a coffee table could help relieve a headache. Willow is often called "Nature's Aspirin" because the salicylic acid in the inner bark acts as a natural pain reliever. "Native Americans brewed a tea from the bark to use as a pain reliever," says Tamara Walkingstick, Ph.D., with the Department of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Arkansas. The bark in all 170 species of willow trees contains the natural pain reliever. You're better off to take a bottle of Bayer on a hiking trip, however, because preparing the pain-relieving tea is not as simple as just peeling and boiling the bark.
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Milkweed
In gardening circles, milkweed is best known for attracting Monarch butterflies. Outdoor enthusiasts know that the compact plant has much more important uses in the wilderness. Milkweed is edible (the leaves need to be boiled to eliminate toxins and reduce the bitter taste), the white tufts that are released with the seedpods make excellent tinder to help start a fire and the inner bark of the stem can be twisted into rope or used as a thick bowstring. It might not be practical to rely on a single plant for food, fire and shelter construction but it's nice to know that the colorful perennial in the backyard can be used MacGyver-style.
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Juniper
It's ironic that the same evergreen whose coarse needles can trigger a minor skin irritation can also help reduce itching. The juniper's small blue berries can be used to help soothe the skin after an insect bite. "Juniper berries have strong antiseptic properties that help kill off infection," notes California-based naturopath Ann Boroch. An essential oil made from juniper berries is best for taming itchy bites. "The extraction process brings out the natural essential oils," Boroch explains. In a pinch, boiling the berries or crushing them and rubbing the paste directly on the skin will work, too. The heady scent of the evergreen actually repels insects so just sitting near a juniper may help prevent bug bites.
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Basil
The same herb that makes spaghetti sauce so flavorful can also be used to soothe your stomach if you overeat at your favorite Italian restaurant. Basil has antiviral properties and has been shown to alleviate stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and indigestion. "It's one of the most medicinal herbs on the planet," says Boroch. Pluck four-five sprigs of fresh basil from the garden, mix with boiling water and let the herb steep for 20 minutes. Dried basil works, too. Mix one teaspoon of the herb into a cup of boiling water and steep for five minutes before sipping.
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Black Walnut Tree
Forget the fishing rod; catch "The Big One" using crushed walnut hulls. The hulls contain a chemical called juglone, which depletes water of oxygen and causes fish to rise to the surface. Juglone doesn't kill the fish; it acts as a sedative that makes the fish sluggish and easier to catch. The technique is best used in the slow-moving waters of ponds or lakes.
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Passionflower
Is Fido depressed? Cheer him up with flowers! Passionflower, a showy vine that is popular in tropical gardens, is also an effective mood elevator for pets. Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that the plant extract helped reduce anxiety and lessened depressive symptoms like fatigue and lethargy. It's also a mild sedative that is effective for calming fearful dogs, according to Greg Tilford, co-author of Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet's Life
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Take a tour of some lush, healthy, and colorful gardens
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