The Aerogarden kit is a one-of-a-kind indoor smart garden that allows you to grow everything from fresh herbs and flowers to fruits and vegetables–without of all the hassle of back-breaking work, bugs, and the weather all in a matter of four to six weeks! You can begin to harvest herbs in about four. The fruits, veggies, and flowers take longer. The really cool thing, though, is that even after you begin to harvest your plants or whatever, they will continue to grow for up to six months! Talk about saving money. You can even grow your own seeds in it! With the rising cost of produce, it has paid for itself over and over again.

The AeroGarden kit also uses Aeroponics technology. When planting something in the AeroGarden kit, the “food” comes in the form of nutrient tablets, water is delivered through a pump, “sunlight” is delivered via a lamp that periodically goes on and off, and the plants are suspended in mid-air. Not only does this look cool, but it means that there is no dirt and no mess! It also comes with a variety of seed packets like dill, cilantro, cherry tomatoes and a lot more good eating. One of the really cool things is does is that it tells you when to add water and food, which makes it so simple that even my seven year old niece can do it! It practically watches itself.

My little niece loves to watch is grow and always makes sure to tell me that I am taking care of “our” plants. Although, you can live it be for like up to two weeks. Anyway, I just got it for myself because I am disabled and can’t do all of the regular stuff to make a garden, but I love fresh, homemade food and and just like being around nature. I’m from the south. It is in my blood. Oddly enough, the AeroGarden kit has been something that my niece and I bond over. I get to teach her about healthy eating and introduce her to new foods and stuff. She also has developed and keen interests in cooking and the Food Network and loves to cook with me. Strangely enough, I have noticed that there are a lot of fruits and veggies she will not eat if they are bought out of the store, but she eats them if they are grown on the AeroGarden! That shocked the mess out of me! So, I can honestly say that the AeroGarden kit has paid me back in more ways than I could have possibly imagined!

Aside from the fact that the light coming from the lamp is kind of bright and that you probably have to replace the pump after a while, I cannot think of any down sides at all. For instance, even though you will have to eventually replace the pump, which is something to be expected, customer service is great about and will usually throw in some free seed packets, and depending on the situation, a free pump as well.

The AeroGarden lives up to everything it promises and more! To find out more about what the AeroGarden kit can do for you and your family, I invite you to check out the link below where you will not only learn more about the AeroGarden kit but how you can try it out for yourself with a free 36-day trial. May the Aerogarden kit bring to you as much joy and happiness as it has to me.

Catnip Leaf, a member of the mint family, has the official name Nepeta cataria. Fully grown it is about 2′ tall. The leaves, slightly larger than peppermint, are downy above and below. When its essential oil production reaches its peak, catnip is harvested. The leaves and fragrant flowers are then carefully dried to preserve these oils.

A native of Europe, catnip was imported to US and is now a common weed here. Catnip is also called Catmint, Field Balm, Catswort, Catnep, Menta De Gato. Catnip has been used in herbal remedies since at least the 15th century, the most commonly consumed herbal drink in Europe before the importation of teas from the orient. By the 1890’s, Ojibwe native women were using it by the name Gajugensibug. It was prepared as a tea to bring down fevers.

Its name starting with ‘cat’ is not a coincidence. Catnip actually drives cats wild for a short time. Although many cats eat it, they are more interested in the smell than the taste. A cat will bite, chew, rub against, and roll in catnip. This will release the volatile oil trapped in the leaves. This may go on for several minutes, then suddenly the cat will walk away only to return and do it again two hours later. No one knows exactly why cats act this way, but we do know that the chemical nepetalactone in catnip is the trigger. The reaction is not learned, and, though some cats are totally unaffected by it, even large cats like tigers can be sensitive to it.

More importantly, catnip is an herb that helps people. If taken as a hot infusion, catnip promotes sweating. This is beneficial for treating colds, flu, fevers, and infectious diseases. It sooths the nervous system and calms the stomach. Catnip helps with flatulence, diarrhea, and colic. It is sometimes used in a diluted form as an enema to cleanse and heal the lower bowel. Cautious ingestion of catnip can help to prevent a miscarriage and premature birth, even to decrease the effects of morning sickness.

Catnip is great for treating young children. It safely stimulates the body while it settles the stomach and soothes the nerves. In combination with fennel catnip is a great remedy for colic, gas, teething difficulties, and indigestion in children. It is also a great mucus cleanser.

Some also combine it with garlic because of garlic’s ability to fight infections. Together they make a powerful enema. Catnip can also induce sleep and increase perspiration without increasing body temperature, a perfect combination for someone who has a fever. This sedative action on the nerves makes it generally relaxing.

Though essential oils are taken from the flowers, the value of catnip is found in its leaves. These may be purchased dried, cut, and powdered. From these you can make a tea or an extract, or you can sprinkle dried leaves on food. Of course, the dried leaves are also used to make herbal pillows for cats.

Catnip is a safe herb that can be taken by most everyone. Catnip, like most bulk herbs, should be stored in a dark, dry, and cool place. In fact, refrigeration or freezing if possible extends the life of catnips benefits best. The petalactone in catnip is ultraviolet sensitive and, therefore, it is important to keep it out of the sun. Some caution pregnant women not to use it but others say it is both safe and beneficial for expectant mothers.

Just remember to do your due diligence when purchasing from a bulk herbs store. You want to make sure the herbs you purchase will provide you their full benefits.