Lemon Balm

Lemon balm, also known as melissa and cure-all, originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region and is a member of the mint family. It was a favourite healing plant of the Arabs and Ancient Greeks. The lemon name came from it's lemony perfume and taste, and the melissa name came from the Greek word for bees as the plant attracts bees.

In Mediaeval Europe it was not only used in herbal medicine but was also grown in the monastery gardens and used in the making of drinks like Carmelite Water and the liqueurs Benedictine and Chartreuse. In Tudor times it was used to clarify beer before hops were used for that purpose.

The constituents of lemon balm are volatile oils (citral, eugenol, citronellal, linalool, geraniol), a natural polyphenol rosmarinic acid, antiviral tannins and flavonoids. These give it antibacterial, antispasmodic, calming and antiviral healing effects. Known as a cure-all in the past this has been backed up by modern studies to show that it is useful in many kinds of natural healing. It's great calminative properties of the tea, for all age groups, helps to relieve anxiety, tension headaches, insomnia, nervous stomachs and flatulent dyspepsia, exam stress and tantrums, and is often combined with other calming herbs like hops, valerian and chamomile to enhance this effect. Lemon balm extract has been shown to be excellent against herpes simplex and dries up cold sores. The tea also relieves colds and helps to lower blood pressure and be useful when treating an over-active thyroid. The eugenol in lemon balm is a natural pain reliever so a compress made from lemon balm is said to relieve painful joints. All in all a very useful herb.

NOTE: People with thyroid disorders, who are pregnant or if suffering from night sweats should consult their health care provider before taking this herbal supplement. Never use the tea non stop for more than 10 days without taking a few days break.

It is well worth growing this perennial in or outdoors so you always have fresh or dried leaves on hand. For simple growing instructions go to the Herb Gardening website or any other favourite gardening site. When gardening, rub lemon balm leaves on your skin and it will repel any mosquitoes which may be around plus it can be used to treat anyinsect bites you may get. Bee keepers love lemon balm as they rub this lemon balm on the hives and it attract new bees and keep the old ones there.

Lemon balm leaves are distilled to obtain it's essential oil. This oil normally goes under the name of Melissa Oil. It can be used in massage oils, compresses and creams.

Lemon balm is a wonderful addition to many dishes. It not only can be used as a garnish but can be added to fruit and vegetable salads, fruit drinks, herb butters and sorbets. It combines well with berries, apples, peaches, melons, corn, broccoli, beans and asparagus. Substitute for lemon rind in jam and marmalades. And remember the tea is not only for medicinal reasons but makes a wonderful drink whether served hot or cold. Enjoy!

************

Lemon Balm Tea - 1 Cup

1 heaping tablespoon of dried leaves
or
2 tablespoons of fresh leaves

Place in cup. Pour over boiling water. Let brew for 5-10 minutes, strain, add sweetener of choice if required. Relax and enjoy your cup of tea.


Michael Moore's Stomach Tea

3 parts comfrey leaf
2 parts peppermint leaf
1 part lemon balm leaf

Drink as a simple infusion for gastritis and pre-ulcer pain.


Lemon Astringent

1 tbsp fresh lemon balm
1 cup witch hazel

Combine the ingredients in a jar and screw on lid. Steep for 7 to 10 days. Refrigerate. Apply with cotton ball.


Cold Sore Lotion

1 tsp organic cider vinegar
2 drops melissa pure essential oil
1 drop tea tree pure essential oil
2 tsp boiled water

Put all ingredients in dark glass bottle. Shake well, apply with cotton bud 3 times a day.


Lemon Balm Vinaigrette
From Preferred Customer
By Sherril Steele-Carlin

1 tbsp shallots, minced
2 tbsp lemon balm, minced
1/2 tsp lemon zest
6 tbsp fresh lemon juice
4 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp. brown sugar
8 tbsp vegetable oil

Mix first 7 ingredients together, then slowly blend in the oil. Mix well before serving. This is delicious on salads. Makes about 2/3 cup.


Technorati Tags: lemon+balm melissa cold+sores herbs

Sweet Violets

We may pass violets looking for roses. We may pass
contentment looking for victory. ~ Bern Williams

There has never been a nicer bouquet than a little bunch of sweet violets. They have a wonderful perfume which few of the more popular flowers like long stemmed roses have. Sweet violets (viola odorata) are also known known as the garden violet, blue violet, English violet, common violet and banafsha.

The Ancient Greeks and Romans cultivated them, considered them as a symbol of fertility and love, and used them as a medicine, made them into wine and perfume, and used them to decorate their food, their hair and and their homes. Violets were also a very popular flower in Victorian times and with Native American tribes.

Violet leaves and flowers are antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, an emollient, and an expectorant. They contain vitamin C and iron with an excellent amount of rutin, a bioflavonoid, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and helps the body absorb vitamin C. Internally they can be used to treat mouth, throat and chest infections , as a mild laxative and to relieve headaches. Externally as a poultice to reduce swelling sand irritations. Can also be used as a beauty treatment to tone and strengthen skin.

Claims have also been made for hundreds of years that they cure various types of cancer and also relieve cancer pain. Researchers have either agreed and disagreed with this. Hopefully in the future we will get a clear answer and positive results are found. For further reading you might enjoy an interesting article I recently came across, "Violet Syrup Recipe for Asthma, Lung, Cancer and More", found at Natural News.

Being edible, sweet violets are also a popular culinary item as they add wonderful color to salads and cake decorations. Having a very light, sweet, nectary flavor they do not change the flavor of dishes they are added to.

Violets are a useful garden plant as they are evergreen perennials and will grow in damp, shady areas where other plants do not thrive well. They make a wonderful ground cover. The leaves can be harvested all year round and the flowers when blooming in Spring and Autumn. Pop out and get a few plants today!

*****************

Take Note: Only eat edible sweet violets you have grown yourself
without insecticides or are marked as edible on the packaging.

Violet Sherbet
From Wild Man Steve Brill from his book Shoots & Greens of Early Spring in Northeastern North America

Sherbets usually contain water, sugar, and artificial flavors. This one, using natural thickeners and sweeteners, provides an especially rich setting for these luxuriant flowers.

4 cups water
1/4 cup grape seed or canola oil
1/4 cup vegetable glycerin
1/4 cup raw cashews
1/4 cup lecithin granules (available at health food stores
2 tbs flax seeds
2 tsp liquid stevia or other sweetener
2 tsp freshly grated orange rind
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups violet flowers

Purée all ingredients except the violets in a blender. Freeze in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer's directions. Stir in the violet flowers. Makes 5-1/2 cups.


Violet Eye Cream
From the SkinCareCompany Submitted By: Tammy

1/2 cup (125 ml) of fresh violet flowers
1/2 cup (125 ml) pf fresh violet leaves
1 1/4 cups (300 ml) of almond oil
1/2 cup (125 ml) of fresh horsetail
2 tablespoons (30 ml) of beeswax
10 drops of vitamin E oil
10 drops of chamomile essential oil --not required

Place the violet leaves and flowers on a towel or something similar and allow them to wilt overnight. In a double boiler, steep the leaves, petals, and horsetail in oil over low heat for 5 hours. Cut or grate the beeswax into small pieces. Strain the plant material from the oil, and remove from the heat. Quickly add the vitamin E oil and blue chamomile oils. Melt the beeswax completely into the oil, then remove from heat. Quickly add the vitamin E and blue chamomile oils. Pour into dainty 1/4-ounce (7-g) containers or jars. Decorate it with violet stickers. This makes 30 1/4-ounce containers.


Violet Tea

1 cup boiling water
1/2 tsp dried or 1 tsp fresh violet leaves
1/2 tsp dried or 1 tsp violet petals

Put violet leaves and petals in a pot, pour over boiling water and steep for 5 minutes. Strain and drink.

Technorati Tags: violets beauty+recipes violet+sherbet herbs

Thyme Herb

When most people think about the herb Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) they think of it as a cullinary herb or ingredient of bouquet-garni to add to their cooking. Thyme has many more uses as a medication, household cleanser and in beauty products.

Thyme comes originally from the Mediterranean area and was used as far back as the Ancient Egyptians for embalming, the Ancient Greeks wore it for courage and to fumigate rooms, and the Romans to flavor cheese.

Thyme comes in many different varieties but the most popular being common thyme and lemon thyme. It is easy to grow in the garden or in pots on a sunny windowsill.

Thyme has antiseptic, expectorant, antispasmodic, and deodorant properties so is used for bronchial ailments like coughs and colds, for fungal skin problems, for digestive problems like colic, parasites and flatulence , for PMS, as a mouthwash and even for hangovers. It is the volatile oil in thyme containing thymol, carvacolo, borneol and geraniol, plus flavonoids, which give it these wonderful healing properties. It is also said to strengthen the immune system.

A simple cup of thyme tea, made with half a teaspoon of dried thyme or one teaspoon of fresh thyme and steeped for a few minutes, will relax bronchial spasms and dry out mucous, relieving coughing.

Note: The herb generally does not cause any allergic reactions but thyme oil should be used with care, not taken internally and well diluted externally.

In the home it is used as an insect repellent either by using in a spray or burning it and as an alternative to moth balls in cupboards. It is also burnt in the home to bring good health by fumigating and cleansing the rooms.

Keep dried thyme in a glass jar in a cool dark area and fresh thyme in the fridge. Of course it is nice to have a pot of it hand to use as you require it. For thyme in food see my other entry Common Thyme.

**********
Our garden must have thyme
Thyme for each other
Thyme for family
Thyme for friends
**********

Thyme and Fennel Seed Cleanser for Normal Skin
From SpaIndex
As an infusion, fennel seeds can be gently cleansing and toning for the skin, and they can help reduce puffiness and superficial irritation. Thyme, is a good astringent. Because this cleanser is very gentle, it can be used each morning.

2 sprigs fresh thyme, crumbled (or 1/2 tbsp dried Thyme)
2 tsps fennel seeds, crushed
1/2 cup boiling water
juice of half lemon

Mix the thyme and fennel seed in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Add lemon juice and steep for 15 minutes. Strain the infusion and store the liquid in a jar, in the refrigerator. Dab it on your face and neck with a cotton ball, and rinse.


Lavender, Lemon and Thyme Bath Salts
From MakeYourOwnCosmetics
Submitted by Danielle Martin
Sprinkle Lavender, Lemon and Thyme Bath Salts into a warm bath for a heavenly scent which is both relaxing and invigorating.

1 cup coarse sea salt
1 handful crushed dried thyme
2 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop lemon essential oil

Pour salt into a bowl. Sprinkle over it the crushed dried thyme and stir. Add the drops of essential oils, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Mix well - this is important to ensure that the scent is evenly spread. Store the salts in a wooden box, glass jar or small hessian sack. (Use glass if you plan to store it a long time -- glass will ensure that the container does not absorb the essential oils.) Sprinkle the salts into a warm bath for a heavenly scent which is both relaxing and invigorating. Yield: 1 bath, Shelf Life: Indefinite.


Green Tea Thyme Toner
From SkinCareResourceCente
Submitted by Jinni
This toner is as simple as they come and really serves to stimulate as well as to protect the skin. This combination is great toner recipe for all skin types but is especially beneficial for acne prone and oily skin. Also used as a compress for inflamed skin as well, especially for sunburn.

4 to 5 good quality green tea bags or several heaping tsps of green tea leaves
1/3 to 1/2 cup of fresh thyme roughly chopped
2 cups of mineral or vitamin water
small pot

Combine all ingredients in a small pot. Bring the pot to a boil then turn down the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let the tea and thyme steep until cool. This will make a rich, highly concentrated green tea and thyme solution. Squeeze out each tea bag thoroughly over the pot, press the thyme with the back of a spoon to release every bit of the herb, and then strain liquid into a container. Use a cotton ball to tone the skin every day. The tea thyme toner can be kept for at least a week in the refrigerator.


Cough-Control Tea
From MarthaStewart

2 tsps organic lemon rinds
1 tsp dried sage or 2 tsps fresh sage
1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme
juice half lemon
honey/sweetener to taste

Pour hot water over lemon rinds, sage, and thyme. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain tea, then add lemon juice and sweetener. Drink two to three cups daily for cough relief.


Moth Repellent
From TheDollarStretcher

1 handful each of dried thyme, tansy, peppermint, pennyroyal, and whole cloves
2 handfuls each of dried lavender, southern-wood, santolina, and lemon peel
1 tablespoon powdered orris root
Several drops of lemon or clove oil

Mix all ingredients well and spoon into small cheesecloth or cotton bags, filling each with about 1/2 cup. Hang in closets or over hangers that hold your woolens.


Technorati tags: thyme health beauty+recipes moth+repellant+recope herb+teas

Licorice

Licorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra), has for a long time been used as flavoring agent, food product and herbal supplement. There are many different varieties of licorice, from very sweet to a sharp almost peppery flavor.

Ayurvedic, Chinese and European herbalists found licorice's anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, expectorant, laxative, diuretic, demulcent and other properties to be extremely important in their treatment of many illnesses. It contains vitamins A, B complex and E, with many minerals and bioflavonoids.

Licorice soothes and relieves irritation , especially of mucous membranes so is used to treat stomach disorders like inflammation or ulceration, loosening congestion in the lungs and relieving sore throats, abdominal problems like constipation, reduction of pain in conditions like arthritis, and easing menstrual cramps. Research has also shown that liquorice stimulates the adrenal glands, increases cortisol levels and mitigates problems with low blood pressure.

Beauticians often used licorice root in steam facials as it helps open the pores, soothes, cleanses, and lubricates the skin.

Licorice root contains a unique substance called glycyrrhizin which is 50 times sweeter than refined sugar but has no calories. Nowadays most of the licorice sweets and candies are flavored with anise oil to give the licorice flavor and not licorice at all. Most of the liquorice is used in cough drops, in the brewing industry and to flavor tobacco. Smokers should note that in cigarettes it is used to open up the lungs so it makes smoking easier but also allows for more absorption of dangerous chemicals and it is also used to blind the taste of low quality tobacco. Genuine organic liquorice candies can still be found in health shops and the bigger supermarkets.

Warnings: Do not take liquorice root tinctures, powder, capsules etc without first talking to your health provider if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Not recommended if pregnant or breast feeding. As with all herbal preparations always stick to the given dosage. Glycyrrhizin in liquorice is associated with side effects such as increased blood pressure and water retention so de-glycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) is the safer form if using as a medication.

****************

Natural Licorice Candy
From Tao Herb Farm
Treat your family to Licorice Candy to help cold and flu symptoms!

Equal parts Ground Licorice Root and Ground Anise Root
Molasses
Brown and White flour

Warm up about 1 cup of molasses. Add approx 1 tsp each Licorice and Anise root, or to taste. Add flour till you have a consistency you can roll into tubes. Too much brown flour will give it a bitter taste. Cut tubes into desired length. Can roll in icing sugar for a prettier look if desired. Let cool and candy will harden. This candy is delicious and has the true Licorice flavor.


Liquorice Rice
By Nick Nairn of Ready Steady Cook - BBC Food

140g/5oz basmati rice
1 liquorice root
hot water
coriander leaves, to garnish

Place the rice and liquorice into a medium pan and pour over enough hot water to cover. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is tender, adding extra water if necessary. Remove from the heat, cover and drain if necessary. Serve garnished with coriander leaves. Serves 2.


Licorice Mint Iced Tea
From Martha Stewart
Peppermint ranks high among America's favorite types of mint tea, but you can substitute equal amounts of any variety for this recipe. Try interesting flavors such as chocolate mint, orange mint, pineapple mint, or spearmint-or combine several types for a more complex, rich brew.

2 1/2 tsps dried licorice root
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 cup dried peppermint leaves
1/2 cup organic raw honey (optional)
4 sprigs of fresh mint (optional)

In a large pot bring 6 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the licorice and cinnamon; lower to a simmer, partially cover the pot, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in peppermint, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place a large strainer lined with cheesecloth or a damp paper towel over another pot or heatproof bowl. Strain tea, pressing on herbs to extract all liquid. Stir in honey until dissolved and let cool completely, about 1 hour. Fill four tall glasses with ice. Pour tea over ice and garnish each glass with a mint sprig, if desired. Serve immediately. Serves 4.


Cough and Sore Throat Syrup
From RegainingHealthNaturally

2 parts slippery elm bark
2 parts valerian root
1 part wild cherry bark
2 parts licorice root
1 part ginger
1 part cinnamon bark
4 parts fennel seeds
1/8 part orange peel

Use 2 ounces of herb mixture to one quart of water. Simmer the liquid down to one pint. This will give you a very strong, thick tea. Strain the herbs out and add in your sweetener. Either 1 or 2 cups. You may need to warm the liquid for everything to dissolve and mix well. Add in any brandy, essential oils, fruit concentrates, etc you wish. Mix again and bottle.


Laxative Tea
From AllExperts

3 parts psyllium seed
3 parts licorice root
2 parts rhubarb root (Rheum officinale)
2 parts senna pods, crushed
2 parts angelica root

Drink as a simple tea/infusion in the evening.


Licorice Root Tea
From NaturalNews

Make a tea by putting ½ teaspoon of licorice root tea in a cup of hot water and steep for 10 minutes; strain. Drink three cups daily to relieve cough, congestion and asthma symptoms.


Technorati Tags: licorice liquorice licorice+recipes health+teas herbs+'n+oils

Hibiscus for Mother's Day

“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.”
Rudyard Kipling

One great present to give on Mother's Day is a flowering shrub which can give pleasure for years and years. A plant with edible flowers is even better. The Hibiscus (hibiscus sabdariffa) is a great choice as it comes in various size bushes with many colors of flowers to choose from. The flowers are edible, can be used in beauty and health preparations and are great decorations.

The juice of the hibiscus flower is used in hair preparations to prevent dandruff, reduce oil gland secretions, as a general tonic and to prevent hair loss. A popular preparation for thinning hair is made by mixing equal parts of hibiscus flower juice and coconut oil, heated but not boiled, cooled and bottled.

Health wise the flower juice has antibacterial properties and is used for gastro and respiratory problems. It also contains ascorbic and glycolic acids which make it an excellent diuretic. Hibiscus is also natural emollient and softens the skin.

Culinary wise, hibiscus flowers make wonderful teas, drinks and syrups. The leaves and calyx of the hibiscus plant also have their uses but I shall discuss that another time.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mums out there.

*******************

Detoxifying Hibiscus Tea
From ChannelNewsAsia

fresh hibiscus petals
dried hibiscus petals
lemon Juice

Immerse fresh hibiscus leaves in hot water. Add in some dried ones to release fragrance of tea. Squeeze in lemon juice and add some ice cubes.


Hibiscus Aide
From CaribSeek Recipe by Carol M. Bareuther
Virgin islanders say this drink is good for soothing sore throats.

30 individual red hibiscus blossoms
½ oz / 14g knob fresh ginger
3 quarts/ 2.8 litres water
juice from 6 limes
sweetener to taste
fresh limes, cut in slices for garnish

Wash blossoms and ginger. Grate ginger, place it in a large saucepan, and cover with one quart of water and boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Add hibiscus blossoms, remove saucepan from heat and cover. When cool, strain liquid into a large pitcher or pot. Add 2 quarts water and juice from limes. Add sweetener to taste. Chill and serve cold over cracked ice. Garnish with fresh lime wedge, if desired. Yield: 12 one-cup servings


Ruby Red Romantic Herb Tea
From Care2 Posted by Annie B. Bond

4 cups filtered water
¼ cup dried red hibiscus flowers
2 tbsps lemongrass or lemon balm
2 tbsps rose hips
Peel of one organic orange, cut into slices
honey/sweetener, to taste

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water to boil, then remove from heat. Add all ingredients except the honey. Cover and allow the mixture to steep for about 45 minutes or until deep red. Strain, add the honey to taste, and stir to blend. Pour into your best medium-sized clear or cut-glass pitcher, chill for a couple of hours, and serve. Store, refrigerated, covered, for two days.


Australian Native Hibiscus Syrup
From hibiscus.org
(Microwave Method: Times based on 600 watts on high)

petals only from 10 large hibiscus flowers
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1 cup of boiling water
1 cup of sugar

Cover petals with lemon juice in a deep bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes. Place the sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until boiling and sugar is all dissolved. Add the petals that have been cooked with the lemon juice to the sugar mixture. Stir well. Cook until reduced by 1/3 - approximately 1 hour. Strain to remove petals. Pour a small quantity over fruit, ice-cream, custard etc. The syrup keeps for a year and you can make up larger quantities at the one time.

Technorati Tags: Mother's+Day hibiscus edible+flowers hibiscus+tea

Calendula

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), also known as pot marigold, is an asset to every home. The common deep orange-flowered plant is easy to grow, edible and useful for it's various medicinal properties. It was prized by the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians and the early European herbalists.

The flowers are safe and nontoxic to eat and have often been called the "poor man's saffron", as they add a wonderful golden color to food. The petals also add wonderful color to salads and have a tangy, spicy taste.

Medicinally calendulas have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, and are infused in oils to make balms, salves, lotions and creams to be used topically for cuts, abrasions, nappy rash, sprains, stings, chapped lips and skin infections. Taken internally as a tea it helps heal inflamed and infected mucous membranes and bladder infections. Calendula tea can also be used as a mouthwash for gum infections and a gargle for sore throats. Fresh juice extracted from the flowers and leaves is said to remove warts.

Most health shops carry the various calendula products but it is great fun to make your own. The tea is made simply by infusing a tablespoon of dried calendula flowers in hot water for a few minutes and a simple massage/baby/general purpose oil can be made by adding the flowers to extra virgin olive oil, bottling and leaving in a dark place for a week, strain and re-bottle. The flowers boiled in water make a wonderful dye for fabrics as well.

*******************

Healing Oil
From SpiritualSky

5ml/1tsp calendula oil
5ml/1tsp St John's Wort oil
2 drops lavender essential oil.

Mix the ingredients together and store in a dark glass bottle for up to six months.


Calendula Cleansing Milk
From Care2 Green Living
Inspired by Better Basics for the Home, by Annie B. Bond (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

4 tbsps avocado oil
1 tbsp fresh calendula flowers or 1 teaspoon dried
2 tbsps aloe vera gel
25 drops grapefruit seed extract

In a double boiler over very low heat, heat the oil and calendula flowers together for 30 minutes. Allow to cool, then strain out the flowers and discard them. Stir the aloe vera and the grapefruit seed extract into the cooled oil, mixing well to combine.
To Use: Scoop some of the milk onto your fingers and massage gently into skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.


Less Stress Tea
Relieves stress, relaxes low back and neck areas.

1 part chamomile
1 part mint
1 part calendula flowers

Cover the herbs with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, strain, sugar or sweetener if required and drink.


Calendula Vinaigrette
From FredericksburgHerbFarm

6 yellow pear tomatoes
1/3 cup fresh calendula petals
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
2 tbsps balsamic vinegar
freshly ground white pepper and salt
1 cup olive oil

Quarter tomatoes and sprinkle petals on top. Combine remaining ingredients except olive oil and puree in blender. Now slowly add olive oil with blender running. Pour mixture over tomatoes and petals. Cover and marinate at room temperature several hours before adding to your favorite tossed salad.

Technorati : pot+marigold calendula edible+flowers beauty+recipies skin+care herbs

Health and Detox Drinks

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Many people make Resolutions to diet, detox, eat healthier, etc in the New Year. I personally tend to start the year off with healthy juices, smoothies and teas as I just need to clean out my system a little and maybe lose a kilo or two after my December excesses.

Below I have a few ideas on what you might like to try. Where relevant I have added links to previous posts on my blogs.


Ginger
A great anti-inflammatory and natural healing spice. Excellent for the respiratory system, fighting off colds and flu and as a cleansing agent to the bowels, kidneys and skin.

Turmeric
An amazing natural healer, antioxidant and detox spice.


Ginger Healing Detox Tea with Turmeric
From Care2
Inspired by The Seasonal Detox Diet, by Carrie L'Esperance (Inner Traditions, 2001).

2 cups water
1/2 tsp powdered ginger
1/2 tsp powdered turmeric
1 tbsp maple syrup
Juice of 1/2 lemon

Bring water to a boil, then add powdered herbs. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain tea into a mug, add maple syrup and lemon, stirring to combine. Drink warm.


Alfalfa
Builds and cleanses system and is a very rich source of trace minerals. High in Vitamin A. Alfalfa is a natural diuretic and laxative. Known to sweeten the breath and freshen body odors.

Pineapple
Well known fat burner. Excellent Vitamin C source.


Rio Caliente Pineapple-Alfalfa Juice
From About.com-Spas

1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled & cored
1/2lb/250gms fresh alfalfa sprouts
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
6 cups water
sweetner of choice
ice to taste

Place all the ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. Strain and discard the pulp. Add ice and sweeten to taste. Serves 4 -6.


Lemon
Has wonderful healing powers. Excellent source of Vitamins A, B and C, iron and calcium.

Cayenne Pepper
Know as an excellent internal disinfectant. Wonderful tonic and healer, especially good for the circulation and digestive system.



Zesty Lemon Detox Tea
From Cait Johnson, Care2 Healthy Living Channels
This recipe was originally formulated by Stanley Burroughs, creator of the Master Cleanser Diet. Designed as a cleansing tea to stimulate processing of excess fats in the body, rev up circulation, and provide essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals — a perfect blend of nutrients.

Enough freshly-boiled water to fill your teacup or mug
1 tbsp real maple syrup
freshly-squeezed juice of half a lemon
Cayenne pepper to taste

Simply stir ingredients together in your mug or cup. Be careful with the cayenne: A little goes a long way.


Cranberries
Rich in vitamin C and antioxidents, and are a good source of vitamin K, dietary fiber, manganese, potassium and vitamin A. Traditionally used to treat bacterial bladder infections.

Chlorella
Power-packed whole food source providing over 19 amino acids including all 8 essential, plus beta-carotene, potassium and other valuable vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Contains natural antioxidant and is a great detoxifier, cell enhancer, and blood cleanser.


Cranberry Detox Elixir
From My Private Coach
Drink a Cranberry Elixir before each meal for one week at each season change, or whenever you feel you need to do a cleanse.

1 cup spring water
1/8 cup plain, unsweetened cranberry juice
1 tsp green power/chlorophylle powder (I use Chlorella)

Mix all ingredients and drink. Makes 1 serving.
Variations: You can alternate cranberry juice with plain, unsweetened, wild blueberry juice.
Serving suggestions: We suggest drinking your first Cranberry Elixir of the day on an empty stomach.

And not to forget:

Psyllium cleans the digestive tract of toxins plus creating a feeling of fullness which decreases the desire to overeat. Just add to water and drink half an hour before meals.

Dandelion Tea detoxifies the liver.

Fenugreek Tea helps expel toxic waste through the lymphatic system and mucus from the lungs.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2008.


Technorati Tags: detox health+teas new+year herbs

Common Sage

Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) is more than just a culinary herb, it has been popular for thousands of years for its medicinal properties and for preserving food. It's name Salvia means "to heal".

Sage is described as an aromatic, antiseptic, antifungal, astringent, digestive, diuretic, antibiotic, antispasmodic, estrogenic, carminative, a tonic and many other terms depending on where you look. In other words a very useful herb. Italian medical students in medieval times recited "Why should a man die who grows sage in his garden?"

It makes an attactive plant with it's soft silvery green leaves and blue flowers. Sage is a great container plant if put in a sunny spot in the home or as a garden plant in the warmer areas. Whether you intend using the leaves in your cooking or for minor health problems, or both, it is a very useful fresh herb to have growing nearby. Pests do not bother sage but be careful not to over water it. Cut leaves sparingly in the first year of growth.

WARNING: Sage oil should not be used by pregnant women and epileptics, and used with care by those with high blood pressure.

Women will find it useful, as sage relieves PMS, regulates the menstral cycle, relieves depression, hot flushes and night sweats during menopause, and is also used to reduce excessive lactation in nursing mothers. A sage compress relieves inflamed varicose veins.

Great for hair and skin. Helps refine the skin texture and relieves oily skin and hair problems by regulating the sebum production and it heals sores and ulcers. Sage is also popular as a natural deodorant, for coloring grey hair and for preventing dandruff.

Sage is useful with coughs, colds and flu as it relieves mucous build up, is a wonderful gargle for sore throats and breaks a fever. Before toothpaste was used to clean the teeth, sage was used to freshen the breath and strengthen the gums.

Great at exam time as stops panic attacks, alleviates mental exhaustion and assists with memory retention.

Sage is wonderful in food due to it's unique flavor, but on top of that, it also assists digestion and prevents flatulence. When used in cooking, note that less is more, as too much added to food can give the dish a musty taste. To store fresh sage leaves, place in a loosely closed plastic bag or plastic container with airholes and place in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for a few days. Note that dried sage is stronger than fresh sage and therefore use it sparingly.

You might also like to try pineapple sage, which adds a strong pineapple flavor to drinks and desserts. Pineapple sage has red flowers and is also a pretty addition to your indoor or outdoor herbs.

*******************

"If one consults enough herbals...every sickness known to humanity will be listed as being cured by sage."
Varro Taylor, Ph.D.

*******************

Basic Sage Tea

As a pleasant drink or gargle, pour a cup of boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves and steep for 10 minutes.

Calming Tea

1/2 tsp sage
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp marjoram
1/2 tsp chamomile

Put in 2 cup teapot, brew 10 minutes, strain and serve.

Sage and Peppermint Tea for Fevers
From Recipe Goldmine

2 tsps dried sage
1 tsp dried peppermint
1 cup water, barely boiled

Place the herbs in a teapot. Pour the boiling water over them. Cover, and steep 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten. Sip SLOWLY while warm, up to 3 cups a day.

Sage and Rosemary Recipe for Covering Grey Hair
This is from Purdue University and will gradually bring back the color of you hair! You must use it for at least 3 weeks to see results. For brown to black hair.

1/4 cup dried sage
1/4 cup dried rosemary
2 cups water

Simmer the sage and rosemary in the water for 30 minutes, then steep for several hours.
Apply to hair and leave on until dried. Then rinse and dry. Repeat weekly, until desired shade, then monthly to maintain color.

Black Tea and Sage Rinse
From Recipe Goldmine
For darkening grey hair.

3 tbsps black tea
3 tbsps sage
1 teapot freshly boiled water

Steep black tea and sage in water. Allow to cool and use as a hair rinse, pouring the tea repeatedly over the hair. Rinse with tepid water.

Deodorant Foot Wash
From Freebies4Ya

1/2 cup dried lavender flowers
1/2 cup fresh sage, Finely Chopped
2 cups water
8 drops lavender oil

In a saucepan, combine lavender flowers, sage and water and simmer, covered, on low heat for about 20 minutes. Strain mixuture through cheese cloth and let cool. Discard solids. Add lavender oil and pat on feet with a wash cloth. Repeat as necessary.

Toner For Oily Skin
From Savvy Womans Magazine

2 tbsps chopped mint leaves
8 sage leaves
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 tbsps fresh thyme leaves
2 stalks fresh bok-choy (with leaves)
6 tblsps witch hazel
1 tblsp lemon juice
1 cup water

In a saucepan heat water, sage, parsley and thyme. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. While still warm, pour infusion into a blender with bok-choy, witch hazel and lemon juice and blend on medium speed for 2 minutes. Strain mixture through a coffee filter or paper towel and pour liquid into a small cosmetic bottle. Apply to face with a cottonwool pad, blotting all over.

Sage Spray Deodorant
From Regaining Health Naturally

1 ounce of sage tincture
1 ounce of witch hazel extract
10 - 20 drops of essential oil blend - Use sage, coriander or chamomile to fight bacteria and add another one that has the fragrance you like.
5 - 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract (a natural anti bacterial agent used here as a preservative add the GFSE into the sage alcoholic tincture before you put the oils in otherwise the GFSE tends to separate the oils.

Place in spray bottle, shake before use.

Carrot Potage
From Green Chronicle
A vegetable soup very similar to an ancient potage.

4 large carrots, peeled
1 medium sized potato, peeled
1 medium sized onion, peeled
2 tablespoons vegan marg or virgin olive oil
1 tsp thyme and sage, chopped
2 pints vegetable bouillon
1 tsp yeast extract
seasoning to taste

Chop the vegetables. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the onion and sauté until it becomes transparent. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Allow to cool slightly, then blend in small quantities in a blender until smooth. Reheat to serving temperature and adjust seasoning to taste.

Technorati: sage sage+recipes covering+grey+hair beauty+recipes herbs+'n+oils herbal+teas

Echinacea

Echinacea is well known for stimulating the immune system. The North American Plains Indians used it medicinally more than any other plant and today it is used by millions of people worldwide.

Unlike antibiotics which attack infection directly, echinacea builds up our immune cells to fight viruses and infections and therefore is an excellent disease preventative. It also helps lessen symptoms and speeds up recovery when getting infections. The polysaccharides, glycoproteins, alkamides, volatile oils, and flavonoids that are present are what gives Echinacea such excellent health properties.

Internally Echinacea helps with colds, flu, bronchitis, sore throat, thrush and urinary infections. Plus it reduces inflammation in arthritis. Externally it stimulates new tissue growth in wounds and is effective in the treatment of psoriasis and eczema.

Echinacea root was originally used by American and European herbalists but today the root, leaves, flowers and seeds are all used. Health Stores supply it in capsules, tablets, cream, extract, gel and also the dried root and leaves. Your Homeopath or health store staff will advise you on which is the most suitable for you to use for the purpose you require it and the dosage. Echinacea has an excellent safety record and is very well tolerated by most people.

Well worth geting a bottle of the extract to build up your immune system at the beginning of winter.

Warning: Echinacea is NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE WITH MS because it boosts the immune system, which is already over-active in MS.

********************

Echinacea Lemon Comfort

2 tsp dried lemon thyme
2 tsp dried lemon balm
1-2 tsp dries loose echinacea

Place herbs in pre-warmed tea pot, pour 2 cups of boiling water over them, place lid on teapot, steep 5 minutes. Strain into cup and add 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice and sweetner to taste.

Source : IHA News

Tags : Echinacea Echinacea+tea herbs