Here's a link to some info on the subject. I'm going to be experimenting on some of my brugs with these in the near future. Anything to keep the baddies at bay :^) And we have lots of nettles, comfrey & horsetails here in western Oregon. The aerobic or aerated compost teas I'm already using, & while I have know complaints thus far, I also don't have any hard facts on it's effectiveness. Here is a link that might be useful: biodynamics & herbal teas

Good ideas and suggestions are already given. I would like to touch on few other issues: 1) Seattle WA gets a lot of rain, drizzles and overcast skies. I knw this because I have relatives living there. Fo this reason, and b'c most herbs that I know of, like well drained soil, your garden should be raised from its surrounding, by about a foot, atleast. 2) Most herbs(that I know of) like/prefer slightly alkaline soil(PH = 7+). Keep that in mind. 3) Some of the herbs that you plan to grow, are very aggressive , if not invasive: such as LEMON BALM, BORAGE, MINTS...So keep that in mind too. I have learned and am convinced that mints should be kept out of herbs garden. Lemon balm propagates by seeds beyond belief and it can get very big. But if you prevent it from going to seed, there should be no problem.

In NY state, Ag and Markets is the regulating body for selling and packaging herbs. The FDA has rules about how you can phrase wording about the effects of ingested plants. Check out your state Ag and Markets, then go to the FDA website and search herbs. It's pretty intensive searching, but you don't want to cross lines and practice medicine without a license. Truly.

Green tea is said to strengthen the immune system. Also ordinary black tea. I just checked Dr. Andrew Weil's website to see what he suggests. After sharing the CDC's recommendations for avoiding the flu, he adds: In addition, I suggest taking a daily antioxidant, multivitamin-mineral supplement, as well as astragalus, a well-known immune-boosting herb that can help ward off colds and flu. Also consider mushroom-based immune modulators such as Host Defense or Mycosoft Gold available through Fungi Perfecti (http://www.fungi.com) I must say I've never heard of the mushroom-based immune modulators. I've read that melatonin is good for the immune system, though. I take that often to help me sleep.