Traducteur

Showing posts with label Alternative. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alternative. Show all posts

Dec 6, 2010

Where to get your Herbs?

A Christmas market in Clifton Mill, Ohio, Unit...Image via Wikipedia


Just a few days ago I was asked where can to find all the products I post about here , Well the best I can say is your local Health Food Store, if you are lucky enough to have one near you if not , there are many good suppliers on the internet.You can also find what you are looking for in the shopping tab above, either with Ritchers or Mountain Rose Herbs.
But you know many of the posts I add here are also made with herbs you can find at your grocers .
 This is not meant to be complicated , in fact it's all about living simply.


As Christmas is almost here I know we are all very busy I know I am , So I would like to Wish everyone a
Great Great Holiday Season.
I may not be posting as much as I usually do for the next few weeks .
 But I will be back full time in January
 Again Happy Holidays
Debbie
Enhanced by Zemanta

Where to get your Herbs?

A Christmas market in Clifton Mill, Ohio, Unit...Image via Wikipedia


Just a few days ago I was asked where can to find all the products I post about here , Well the best I can say is your local Health Food Store, if you are lucky enough to have one near you if not , there are many good suppliers on the internet.You can also find what you are looking for in the shopping tab above, either with Ritchers or Mountain Rose Herbs.
But you know many of the posts I add here are also made with herbs you can find at your grocers .
 This is not meant to be complicated , in fact it's all about living simply.


As Christmas is almost here I know we are all very busy I know I am , So I would like to Wish everyone a
Great Great Holiday Season.
I may not be posting as much as I usually do for the next few weeks .
 But I will be back full time in January
 Again Happy Holidays
Debbie
Enhanced by Zemanta

Dec 5, 2010

Natural Diet Aids

Chickweed
By an eHow Contributor
One of the fastest-growing areas of the health and fitness industry involves the use of herbs. Herbs from around the world can be used to ease cravings, provide vital minerals to aid digestion and support dozens of other actions to help you with overeating. You need to use herbs responsibly with a sound diet plan to decrease food cravings.

Add Herbs to Your New Diet





Consult with an acupuncturist to determine potential Chinese herbs that can help you deal with overeating. You can use a light amount of acupuncture and prescribed herbs authorized by the practitioner to suppress your appetite.



Purchase some chickweed from an organic food store to help you with overeating. Chickweed helps burn fat and increase the efficiency of your endocrine system when used in small doses



Apply lemon balm to foods and drinks allowed in your dietary plan to help you stop overeating. Lemon balm is a plant that is a natural anti-bacterial agent as well as an aid for glandular functions. You can also use lemon balm brewed as a tea to calm yourself, which can help you prevent comfort eating.



Sprinkle in bits of stevia when making tea or other healthy drinks to help you deal with overeating. Stevia is an herb that acts as a natural sweetener without the chemical basis of artificial sweeteners.




Enhanced by Zemanta

Natural Diet Aids

Chickweed
By an eHow Contributor
One of the fastest-growing areas of the health and fitness industry involves the use of herbs. Herbs from around the world can be used to ease cravings, provide vital minerals to aid digestion and support dozens of other actions to help you with overeating. You need to use herbs responsibly with a sound diet plan to decrease food cravings.

Add Herbs to Your New Diet





Consult with an acupuncturist to determine potential Chinese herbs that can help you deal with overeating. You can use a light amount of acupuncture and prescribed herbs authorized by the practitioner to suppress your appetite.



Purchase some chickweed from an organic food store to help you with overeating. Chickweed helps burn fat and increase the efficiency of your endocrine system when used in small doses



Apply lemon balm to foods and drinks allowed in your dietary plan to help you stop overeating. Lemon balm is a plant that is a natural anti-bacterial agent as well as an aid for glandular functions. You can also use lemon balm brewed as a tea to calm yourself, which can help you prevent comfort eating.



Sprinkle in bits of stevia when making tea or other healthy drinks to help you deal with overeating. Stevia is an herb that acts as a natural sweetener without the chemical basis of artificial sweeteners.




Enhanced by Zemanta

Nov 26, 2010

Decorating with Herbs

Dried Herbs




  • Bunches of dried herbs suspended from a pot rack call to mind old-fashioned country cottages. Trim the bunches with ribbon in colors that match your kitchen for a romantic look. Cut long stems of herbs such as oregano, dill, lavender and rosemary. Gather into bunches and wrap the stems with rubber bands. The rubber bands will tighten as the stems shrink as they dry, keeping the bunches together. Cover the rubber band with a ribbon bow and hang the bunches upside down from the pot rack. As the herbs dry, they'll scent the air. Snip off what you need as you cook.






  • Bottled Herbs




  • Collect various shapes and sizes of glass bottles and fill them with olive oil or vinegar, to which you add dried herbs. Use old condiment bottles or decorative glass bottles from craft stores. Tie ribbon or raffia bows around the bottles. A row of these bottles on a windowsill, shelf or counter top is both colorful and practical. Use the flavored oils and vinegars in salad dressings and sauces.






  • Wreaths or Swags




  • Make a wreath or a swag to go over a window or door from herbs. Attach bunches of different kinds of herbs to a straw wreath form with florist's wire. Layer the herbs all the way around the wreath and finish with a raffia or ribbon bow. For a swag, attach bunches of herbs to a grapevine arch. Mix and match different colors and textures of herbs.






  • Dried Arrangements




  • Arrange dried herbs in bouquets in stoneware jugs or old canning jars. Mix different colors and textures of herbs, such as lavender, oregano and yarrow. You can also pin springs of dried herbs to the ribbon around the crown of a straw hat for a casual wall decoration.








  • Read more: Craft Ideas for Decorating Kitchen With Herbs | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_5783771_craft-ideas-decorating-kitchen-herbs.html#ixzz16OfzWcAg
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Decorating with Herbs

    Dried Herbs




  • Bunches of dried herbs suspended from a pot rack call to mind old-fashioned country cottages. Trim the bunches with ribbon in colors that match your kitchen for a romantic look. Cut long stems of herbs such as oregano, dill, lavender and rosemary. Gather into bunches and wrap the stems with rubber bands. The rubber bands will tighten as the stems shrink as they dry, keeping the bunches together. Cover the rubber band with a ribbon bow and hang the bunches upside down from the pot rack. As the herbs dry, they'll scent the air. Snip off what you need as you cook.






  • Bottled Herbs

    Nov 18, 2010

    Homemade herbal remedies

    Luckily, you can treat yourself to homemade herbal remedies straight from your garden! These simple recipes can turn classic herbs into medicinal preparations that soothe, heal, and rejuvenate. Rosemary and Thyme are natural pain relievers with antiseptic properties, plus Rosemary increases circulation. Lavender, Calendula, and Chamomile are calming, anti-inflammatory, and healing making them useful for treating minor abrasions, cuts, and scrapes. Peppermint and Eucalyptus are refreshing, cooling, and relieve soreness. Sage helps deodorize feet and can be used as a disinfectant for minor cuts and abrasions. Oregano is one of the best herbal antiseptics available and has been used historically for aching muscles and spider bites. How amazing that we can grow all of this medicine right in our own gardens!

    Aloe Vera, Lavender, & Peppermint Sunburn Spray

    Aloe Vera and Lavender offer immediate relief, shorten healing times, and are soothing while Peppermint is cooling and refreshing. 4 oz organic Aloe Vera Gel 15 drops organic Lavender essential oil 10 drops Vitamin E Oil 2-5 drops organic Peppermint essential oil Mix all ingredients, pour into a 4 ounce bottle, and apply to the skin as often as desired. Store in refrigerator to increase its cooling effect upon the skin.

    Herbal Liniment

    Herbal liniments offer instant relief for pain, inflamed muscles, bruises, and sprains. Rubbing Alcohol Fresh or dried herbs - combine any of the following: Calendula flowers, Chamomile flowers, Eucalyptus leaves, Lavender flowers, Peppermint leaves, Rosemary, Thyme, or Oregano. Chop herbs finely and place in a clean glass jar. Cover thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and cap with a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar in a warm area and shake daily or as often as possible. After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs out using cheesecloth and pour the remaining liquid into glass bottles with mister tops. When properly stored in a cool dark place, the liniment will keep almost indefinitely. Make sure to label the liniment for "External Use Only".

    Herbal Massage Oil

    This botanical-infused goodness accelerates healing times and soothes aching muscles, sprains, and areas that are inflamed or swollen. 4 oz herbal infused oil* - choose one or a combination: Calendula, Chamomile, or Lavender. 10 drops Organic Peppermint essential oil 10 drops Organic Rosemary essential oil 5 drops Organic Eucalyptus essential oil 5 drops Organic Juniper Berry essential oil Pour all ingredients into a glass bottle and roll between palms to distribute the oils evenly. Massage into sore and tender muscles. If in a pinch, organic extra-virgin olive oil may be substituted for the herbal infused oil oils, but it will not have quite the same medicinal effects.

    Calendula, Lavender, & Shea Butter Balm

    A soothing and healing balm. Rub into sore muscles or apply to minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites, rashes, chapped skin, and other skin irritations. 3 oz Calendula flower infused herbal oil* 1 oz Shea Butter 1/2 oz Beeswax 20 drops organic Lavender essential oil Melt beeswax, Shea butter, and Calendula oil over a double boiler until melted, then remove from burner and mix in the Lavender oil. Quickly pour into tins or glass jars and allow to cool thoroughly before using or capping jar.

    Milk & Oatmeal Herbal Bath

    Nothing feels better on sore muscles than a peaceful soak in a bathtub! 1 cup organic Milk 1 cup organic Oatmeal 1 handful fresh Chamomile flowers or 2 TBSP dried 1 handful fresh Lavender flowers or 2 TBSP dried 1 sprig fresh Rosemary or 1 TBSP dried Place oatmeal and herbs into a cloth or muslin bag and tie under the tub faucet. Turn hot water on and allow it to run through the bag so that the bathwater will be infused with the healing properties of the herbs and oatmeal. Once that the bathwater has reached desired temperature, pour the milk directly in. You can continue to use the bag like a washcloth and rub it along your skin, especially in areas that need some extra care!

    Herbal Foot Soak

    Soak those tired "dogs" with this rejuvenating and therapeutic blend of salt and herbs fresh from your garden. 1/2 cup Epsom Salt 1 tsp Olive Oil Sprigs of fresh Chamomile flowers, Eucalyptus leaves, Lavender flowers, Peppermint leaves, Rosemary, Thyme, or Oregano. If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute with dried herbs or a few drops of essential oil. Boil water and pour over herbs, then add salt and olive oil. Once the water has cooled to a comfortable temperature, soak feet for as long as desired. For an even more luxurious experience, place a few smooth stones into the bottom and gently roll your feet over the stones to naturally massage and relax them.

    *Making Herbal Infused Oils:

    Place herbs in a clean, dry glass jar. If using fresh herbs, then wilt them first for 12 hours to remove most of the moisture (too much moisture will cause the oil to go rancid), cut into small pieces, and crush with a mortar and pestle before adding to the jar. You can skip these extra steps if your herbs are dried. Pour olive oil into the jar, making sure to cover herbs by at least 1 inch of oil so they will have space to expand. Stir well and cap the jar tightly. Place the jar in a warm, sunny windowsill and shake once or more per day. After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs out of the oil using cheesecloth. Make sure to squeeze out every precious drop of oil! Pour into glass bottles and store in a cool dark place.
    Content and recipes written by Irene Wolansky. Irene is the Marketing Director at Mountain Rose Herbs, and when not at work, she is often found in her kitchen creating herbal concoctions. All content Copyright Mountain Rose Herbs
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Homemade herbal remedies

    Luckily, you can treat yourself to homemade herbal remedies straight from your garden! These simple recipes can turn classic herbs into medicinal preparations that soothe, heal, and rejuvenate. Rosemary and Thyme are natural pain relievers with antiseptic properties, plus Rosemary increases circulation. Lavender, Calendula, and Chamomile are calming, anti-inflammatory, and healing making them useful for treating minor abrasions, cuts, and scrapes. Peppermint and Eucalyptus are refreshing, cooling, and relieve soreness. Sage helps deodorize feet and can be used as a disinfectant for minor cuts and abrasions. Oregano is one of the best herbal antiseptics available and has been used historically for aching muscles and spider bites. How amazing that we can grow all of this medicine right in our own gardens!

    Aloe Vera, Lavender, & Peppermint Sunburn Spray

    Aloe Vera and Lavender offer immediate relief, shorten healing times, and are soothing while Peppermint is cooling and refreshing. 4 oz organic Aloe Vera Gel 15 drops organic Lavender essential oil 10 drops Vitamin E Oil 2-5 drops organic Peppermint essential oil Mix all ingredients, pour into a 4 ounce bottle, and apply to the skin as often as desired. Store in refrigerator to increase its cooling effect upon the skin.

    Herbal Liniment

    Herbal liniments offer instant relief for pain, inflamed muscles, bruises, and sprains. Rubbing Alcohol Fresh or dried herbs - combine any of the following: Calendula flowers, Chamomile flowers, Eucalyptus leaves, Lavender flowers, Peppermint leaves, Rosemary, Thyme, or Oregano. Chop herbs finely and place in a clean glass jar. Cover thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and cap with a tight-fitting lid. Place the jar in a warm area and shake daily or as often as possible. After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs out using cheesecloth and pour the remaining liquid into glass bottles with mister tops. When properly stored in a cool dark place, the liniment will keep almost indefinitely. Make sure to label the liniment for "External Use Only".

    Herbal Massage Oil

    This botanical-infused goodness accelerates healing times and soothes aching muscles, sprains, and areas that are inflamed or swollen. 4 oz herbal infused oil* - choose one or a combination: Calendula, Chamomile, or Lavender. 10 drops Organic Peppermint essential oil 10 drops Organic Rosemary essential oil 5 drops Organic Eucalyptus essential oil 5 drops Organic Juniper Berry essential oil Pour all ingredients into a glass bottle and roll between palms to distribute the oils evenly. Massage into sore and tender muscles. If in a pinch, organic extra-virgin olive oil may be substituted for the herbal infused oil oils, but it will not have quite the same medicinal effects.

    Calendula, Lavender, & Shea Butter Balm

    A soothing and healing balm. Rub into sore muscles or apply to minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites, rashes, chapped skin, and other skin irritations. 3 oz Calendula flower infused herbal oil* 1 oz Shea Butter 1/2 oz Beeswax 20 drops organic Lavender essential oil Melt beeswax, Shea butter, and Calendula oil over a double boiler until melted, then remove from burner and mix in the Lavender oil. Quickly pour into tins or glass jars and allow to cool thoroughly before using or capping jar.

    Milk & Oatmeal Herbal Bath

    Nothing feels better on sore muscles than a peaceful soak in a bathtub! 1 cup organic Milk 1 cup organic Oatmeal 1 handful fresh Chamomile flowers or 2 TBSP dried 1 handful fresh Lavender flowers or 2 TBSP dried 1 sprig fresh Rosemary or 1 TBSP dried Place oatmeal and herbs into a cloth or muslin bag and tie under the tub faucet. Turn hot water on and allow it to run through the bag so that the bathwater will be infused with the healing properties of the herbs and oatmeal. Once that the bathwater has reached desired temperature, pour the milk directly in. You can continue to use the bag like a washcloth and rub it along your skin, especially in areas that need some extra care!

    Herbal Foot Soak

    Soak those tired "dogs" with this rejuvenating and therapeutic blend of salt and herbs fresh from your garden. 1/2 cup Epsom Salt 1 tsp Olive Oil Sprigs of fresh Chamomile flowers, Eucalyptus leaves, Lavender flowers, Peppermint leaves, Rosemary, Thyme, or Oregano. If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute with dried herbs or a few drops of essential oil. Boil water and pour over herbs, then add salt and olive oil. Once the water has cooled to a comfortable temperature, soak feet for as long as desired. For an even more luxurious experience, place a few smooth stones into the bottom and gently roll your feet over the stones to naturally massage and relax them.

    *Making Herbal Infused Oils:

    Place herbs in a clean, dry glass jar. If using fresh herbs, then wilt them first for 12 hours to remove most of the moisture (too much moisture will cause the oil to go rancid), cut into small pieces, and crush with a mortar and pestle before adding to the jar. You can skip these extra steps if your herbs are dried. Pour olive oil into the jar, making sure to cover herbs by at least 1 inch of oil so they will have space to expand. Stir well and cap the jar tightly. Place the jar in a warm, sunny windowsill and shake once or more per day. After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs out of the oil using cheesecloth. Make sure to squeeze out every precious drop of oil! Pour into glass bottles and store in a cool dark place.
    Content and recipes written by Irene Wolansky. Irene is the Marketing Director at Mountain Rose Herbs, and when not at work, she is often found in her kitchen creating herbal concoctions. All content Copyright Mountain Rose Herbs
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Stevia Syrup Recipe

    Stevia rebaudianaImage via WikipediaStevia  Syrup • 1/4 cup fresh stevia leaves • 1 cup warm water 1. Pour one cup of warm water over gently bruised stevia leaves. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours and then refrigerate. (A teaspoon of ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C powder, may be added as a preservative.) Stevia  Sweetener • 1 tablespoon dried stevia leaves • 1 quart boiling water 1. Pour boiling water over leaves and allow infusion. Freeze the mixture in ice cube trays for future use. 2. This mixture can also be refrigerated, but then it must be used within a few days. To order STEVIA LEAF
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Stevia Syrup Recipe

    Stevia rebaudianaImage via WikipediaStevia  Syrup • 1/4 cup fresh stevia leaves • 1 cup warm water 1. Pour one cup of warm water over gently bruised stevia leaves. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours and then refrigerate. (A teaspoon of ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C powder, may be added as a preservative.) Stevia  Sweetener • 1 tablespoon dried stevia leaves • 1 quart boiling water 1. Pour boiling water over leaves and allow infusion. Freeze the mixture in ice cube trays for future use. 2. This mixture can also be refrigerated, but then it must be used within a few days. To order STEVIA LEAF
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Jul 29, 2010

    Chamomile Herbal Use and Medicinal Properties

    German chamomile (Matricaria recutita).
    Internal Use
    Chamomile is one of the most widely used flowers for herbal tea. Chamomile Tea is so popular, it is found in most grocery stores in the tea aisle. It is used as a mild sedative, and is good for insomnia as well as many other nervous conditions.
    It is nervine and sedative especially suited to teething children and those who have been in a highly emotional state over a long period of time. Except for the small risk of allergy, Chamomile is also one of the safest herbs to use.


    Chamomile flowers are used in alternative medicine as an anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, nervine, stomachic, tonic, vasodilatory. The anti-inflammatory properties make it good for rheumatism, arthritis, and other painful swellings. Additional uses in herbal medicine include an antispasmodic for intestinal and menstrual cramps, relieving gas pains, and a very mild but efficient laxative. Milder tea in large doses is given throughout the day for fevers, sore throats, the aches and pains due to colds, flu, and allergies. External Use
     An infusion of Chamomile flowers is used as a hair shampoo, especially for fair hair. The flowers are sometimes added to cosmetics as an anti-allergenic agent or made into a salve for use on hemorrhoids and wounds. The dried herb is made into potpourri and herb pillows, and is burned for aromatherapy. Applied externally as a wash or compress for skin inflammations, sunburn, burns, and added to bath for relaxing tired, achy muscles and feet, and softening the skin.
    Other Uses

    Chamomile tea is used as a liquid feed and plant tonic, effective against a number of plant diseases. An essential oil from the whole plant is used as a flavoring and in making perfume. The dried flowers are used as an insect repellent.

    Constituents

    The chief constituent of Chamaemelum have been identified as esters of angelic and tiglic, together with amyl and isobutyl alcohol's. It also contains anthemol and a hydrocarbon anthemene. The flowers contain various volatile oils including proazulenes. Upon steam distillation these proazulenes produce chamazulene, this is remarkably anti-allergenic and is useful in the treatment of asthma and hay fever.

    Habitat and Description

      (Matricaria chamomilla) Wild Chamomile is an annual herb originally from Europe which has escaped to the wild and is now naturalized on almost every continent. It can now be found growing along fence rows, roadsides, and in sunny open fields from Southern Canada to Northern U.S. west to Minnesota. The branched stem is somewhat erect, round, hollow, and grows to about 20 inches tall. The leaves are bipinnate, finely divided, light green and feathery. The flowers are daisy-like about 1 inch across and bloom from May to October. The entire plant has a pineapple scent (apple to some) and planted in the garden is said to help sickly plants to grow. Gather the above ground parts as soon as flowers bloom, dry for later herb use.

    History and Folklore

    It is said that the Egyptians dedicated Chamomile to their sun god and valued it over all other herbs for its healing qualities. Due to its sedative and relaxing properties Chamomile was an ingredient in some love potions in the middle ages.

    Chamomile Herb Recipe Ideas

    The flowers are edible and quite tasty in salads or made into a refreshing cold or warm beverage.
    Relaxing tea: To 1 cup boiling water add 2 tsp. dried flowers. Steep covered for 10 min.
    For Bath: Use ½ to 1 cup fresh or dried herb tied in linen bag. Place in tub with hot water let soak for 10 min. then add cold water to the temp. you like. Do not add soap to bath, as it will coat your skin and not allow the Chamomile to penetrate.
    Also for colds or when you feel really bad, try the tea while you’re soaking in the bath.
    Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron Copyright 1998-2005
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Chamomile Herbal Use and Medicinal Properties

    German chamomile (Matricaria recutita).
    Internal Use
    Chamomile is one of the most widely used flowers for herbal tea. Chamomile Tea is so popular, it is found in most grocery stores in the tea aisle. It is used as a mild sedative, and is good for insomnia as well as many other nervous conditions.
    It is nervine and sedative especially suited to teething children and those who have been in a highly emotional state over a long period of time. Except for the small risk of allergy, Chamomile is also one of the safest herbs to use.


    Chamomile flowers are used in alternative medicine as an anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, nervine, stomachic, tonic, vasodilatory. The anti-inflammatory properties make it good for rheumatism, arthritis, and other painful swellings. Additional uses in herbal medicine include an antispasmodic for intestinal and menstrual cramps, relieving gas pains, and a very mild but efficient laxative. Milder tea in large doses is given throughout the day for fevers, sore throats, the aches and pains due to colds, flu, and allergies. External Use
     An infusion of Chamomile flowers is used as a hair shampoo, especially for fair hair. The flowers are sometimes added to cosmetics as an anti-allergenic agent or made into a salve for use on hemorrhoids and wounds. The dried herb is made into potpourri and herb pillows, and is burned for aromatherapy. Applied externally as a wash or compress for skin inflammations, sunburn, burns, and added to bath for relaxing tired, achy muscles and feet, and softening the skin.
    Other Uses

    Chamomile tea is used as a liquid feed and plant tonic, effective against a number of plant diseases. An essential oil from the whole plant is used as a flavoring and in making perfume. The dried flowers are used as an insect repellent.

    Constituents

    The chief constituent of Chamaemelum have been identified as esters of angelic and tiglic, together with amyl and isobutyl alcohol's. It also contains anthemol and a hydrocarbon anthemene. The flowers contain various volatile oils including proazulenes. Upon steam distillation these proazulenes produce chamazulene, this is remarkably anti-allergenic and is useful in the treatment of asthma and hay fever.

    Habitat and Description

      (Matricaria chamomilla) Wild Chamomile is an annual herb originally from Europe which has escaped to the wild and is now naturalized on almost every continent. It can now be found growing along fence rows, roadsides, and in sunny open fields from Southern Canada to Northern U.S. west to Minnesota. The branched stem is somewhat erect, round, hollow, and grows to about 20 inches tall. The leaves are bipinnate, finely divided, light green and feathery. The flowers are daisy-like about 1 inch across and bloom from May to October. The entire plant has a pineapple scent (apple to some) and planted in the garden is said to help sickly plants to grow. Gather the above ground parts as soon as flowers bloom, dry for later herb use.

    History and Folklore

    It is said that the Egyptians dedicated Chamomile to their sun god and valued it over all other herbs for its healing qualities. Due to its sedative and relaxing properties Chamomile was an ingredient in some love potions in the middle ages.

    Chamomile Herb Recipe Ideas

    The flowers are edible and quite tasty in salads or made into a refreshing cold or warm beverage.
    Relaxing tea: To 1 cup boiling water add 2 tsp. dried flowers. Steep covered for 10 min.
    For Bath: Use ½ to 1 cup fresh or dried herb tied in linen bag. Place in tub with hot water let soak for 10 min. then add cold water to the temp. you like. Do not add soap to bath, as it will coat your skin and not allow the Chamomile to penetrate.
    Also for colds or when you feel really bad, try the tea while you’re soaking in the bath.
    Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron Copyright 1998-2005
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Jul 13, 2010

    Nature's Band Aid

     Taken from Herb Companion Newsletter
    St. John's Wort comes in handy for those bumps and bruises.
    While it’s tempting, never pop a blister. Doing so just invites infection. If a blister breaks on its own, wash the area with soap and water, then dab the blister with tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil. Dubbed a “first-aid kit in a bottle,” tea tree oil is a strong antimicrobial with antiseptic properties. Cover with a gauze bandage and change the dressing daily.
    Bug Bites
    If you live in a humid climate, you’re all too familiar with the drone of mosquitoes and other flying insects. The best way to deal with these hungry critters is to thwart their attack with an herbal repellent. But forego commercial brands formulated with deet (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), a pesticide that studies show can be neurotoxic to children. Instead, look for a natural herb-based insect repellent or make your own by combining 2 ounces of a carrier oil (like almond or grapeseed oil) with 1/2 teaspoon of lemongrass (Cymbopogon spp.) or citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil. Or try fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), which Korean researchers have found offers up to 84 percent protection for 90 minutes.
    If your child suffers a minor bite or sting, use a poultice made from equal parts echinacea (Echinacea spp.) tincture, water and bentonite clay to draw out the poison. You also can add a few drops of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil to boost its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. While most bites are just a temporary nuisance, take your child to the doctor if she suffers from a headache, fatigue and body aches, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash, since these can be symptoms of West Nile virus.
    Bumps and Bruises
    The best herbs for treating bruises are those that discourage swelling. Topping the list is St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), an effective anti-inflammatory herb that also helps reduce pain. Herbalists also turn to arnica (Arnica montana) to ease swelling and thwart bruising. Both herbal tinctures can be mixed with water and used as a compress on the affected area. Just be aware that arnica must be diluted 4:1 to prevent irritating the skin.
    Burns
    Whether it’s a kitchen mishap or too much time in the sun, nothing is more painful than a burn. For any type of burn, it’s important to take immediate action. First, cool the burned area by immersing it in cold water—the cold numbs the pain and prevents further injury. Then reach for the herbs.
    Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >>
    Enhanced by Zemanta

    Nature's Band Aid

     Taken from Herb Companion Newsletter
    St. John's Wort comes in handy for those bumps and bruises.
    While it’s tempting, never pop a blister. Doing so just invites infection. If a blister breaks on its own, wash the area with soap and water, then dab the blister with tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil. Dubbed a “first-aid kit in a bottle,” tea tree oil is a strong antimicrobial with antiseptic properties. Cover with a gauze bandage and change the dressing daily.
    Bug Bites
    If you live in a humid climate, you’re all too familiar with the drone of mosquitoes and other flying insects. The best way to deal with these hungry critters is to thwart their attack with an herbal repellent. But forego commercial brands formulated with deet (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), a pesticide that studies show can be neurotoxic to children. Instead, look for a natural herb-based insect repellent or make your own by combining 2 ounces of a carrier oil (like almond or grapeseed oil) with 1/2 teaspoon of lemongrass (Cymbopogon spp.) or citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil. Or try fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), which Korean researchers have found offers up to 84 percent protection for 90 minutes.
    If your child suffers a minor bite or sting, use a poultice made from equal parts echinacea (Echinacea spp.) tincture, water and bentonite clay to draw out the poison. You also can add a few drops of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil to boost its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. While most bites are just a temporary nuisance, take your child to the doctor if she suffers from a headache, fatigue and body aches, swollen lymph glands or a skin rash, since these can be symptoms of West Nile virus.
    Bumps and Bruises
    The best herbs for treating bruises are those that discourage swelling. Topping the list is St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), an effective anti-inflammatory herb that also helps reduce pain. Herbalists also turn to arnica (Arnica montana) to ease swelling and thwart bruising. Both herbal tinctures can be mixed with water and used as a compress on the affected area. Just be aware that arnica must be diluted 4:1 to prevent irritating the skin.
    Burns
    Whether it’s a kitchen mishap or too much time in the sun, nothing is more painful than a burn. For any type of burn, it’s important to take immediate action. First, cool the burned area by immersing it in cold water—the cold numbs the pain and prevents further injury. Then reach for the herbs.
    Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >>
    Enhanced by Zemanta