Chamomile Herbal Use and Medicinal Properties

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

Related articles by Zemanta

Chamomile is one of the oldest garden herbs, whose reputation as a medicinal plant shows little signs of abatement.   Considered a universal remedy by the ancient Egyptians, Chamomile continues to be used today to battle illness, promote calm and relieve anxiety at bedtime.   As a tisane (herbal Tea), it is naturally caffeine-free.   The finest varieties of Chamomile, of which our Tea is great example, come from Egypt.
Use 1 Tablespoon per 12 to 16 oz pot.
Use Very Hot (180 - 195 F.) water.
Steep for 5 to 10 minutes.

Caffeine Free.

If you have hay fever or Goldenrod / Ragweed allergies, you should NOT drink any tea containing chamomile.   It MAY trigger an allergic reaction.
 CLICK TO VIEW http://www.atomicmall.com/view.php?id=1028475

• Chamomile Herb, Home Remedy for Indigestion and Insomnia (herbalmedicine.suite101.com)
• The Benefits of Chamomile (lifescript.com)
• Herbal Remedies for IBS (brighthub.com)
• Five Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy or While Trying to Conceive (prenatal-health.suite101.com)
• Medicines from the Wild (greenreview.blogspot.com)
• Natural sleeping remedies herbal treatments to relieve insomnia (slideshare.net)
• Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea (brighthub.com)
•  

Chamomile Herbal Use and Medicinal Properties

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

Related articles by Zemanta

Chamomile is one of the oldest garden herbs, whose reputation as a medicinal plant shows little signs of abatement.   Considered a universal remedy by the ancient Egyptians, Chamomile continues to be used today to battle illness, promote calm and relieve anxiety at bedtime.   As a tisane (herbal Tea), it is naturally caffeine-free.   The finest varieties of Chamomile, of which our Tea is great example, come from Egypt.
Use 1 Tablespoon per 12 to 16 oz pot.
Use Very Hot (180 - 195 F.) water.
Steep for 5 to 10 minutes.

Caffeine Free.

If you have hay fever or Goldenrod / Ragweed allergies, you should NOT drink any tea containing chamomile.   It MAY trigger an allergic reaction.
 CLICK TO VIEW http://www.atomicmall.com/view.php?id=1028475

• Chamomile Herb, Home Remedy for Indigestion and Insomnia (herbalmedicine.suite101.com)
• The Benefits of Chamomile (lifescript.com)
• Herbal Remedies for IBS (brighthub.com)
• Five Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy or While Trying to Conceive (prenatal-health.suite101.com)
• Medicines from the Wild (greenreview.blogspot.com)
• Natural sleeping remedies herbal treatments to relieve insomnia (slideshare.net)
• Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea (brighthub.com)
•  

Herbal Candies

Image via Wikipedia

By Tina Sams, from
The Essential Herbal Magazine

 A couple of years ago, Marty Webster wrote about making horehound lozenges, and the instructions were very inspirational for me.  Before I knew it, all kinds of ideas were running through my head!
Oh, it started simply enough.... what about elderberry?  Maybe something relaxing?  Oh! And Holy Basil "on the go"!
All you need is a candy thermometer, a large, heavy pan, and an afternoon.  A helper for cutting in the end helps too.
When I was a kid, one of my best friends was from a large farming family, and they had an interesting side business.  They made hard candies in about 15 flavors.  On candy making nights, I would often stay overnight and help, because many hands were needed.  In their basement, they had a stove, and would set 4 kettles filled with sugar, water, and Karo syrup to boil.  There was a ping-pong table (probably reinforced) that took up most of the room, and we were stationed all around the table with heavy shears. The table was dusted with confectioners sugar. The father would heave a marble slab up onto the head of the table.  As the first kettle reached the right temperature, he'd pour the molten mixture onto the slab, and work it with paint scrapers.  Then he'd add the color and flavor and continue to fold the sweet, thickening mixture together.  Finally, he'd start to cut it into fat 1/2" wide strips, and toss them out to us to cut into bite-sized pieces.  It had to be cut quickly before hardening, but those first few strips were soft and very warm.  We would always sample a piece or two.  Quality testing at its finest.  By the end of the night, there would be bins full of candy, and a bunch of kids high on sugar.
These memories also inspired me.  I'm sure that that production set-up would not satisfy today's regulations, but it sure was fun.
The recipe I use is:

• 3/4 to 1 cup of strongly infused herbal "tea"
• 2 1/2 cups of sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup

I have not had a chance to experiment with honey, and I believe that one could use all sugar, but this recipe worked well for me.  You may want to try a few variations if the corn syrup is objectionable.

• To make the tea, I put the herbs, berries, etc., in a pint jar and covered with boiling water, allowing it to steep for several hours.  Then I strained it and squeezed the dickens out of the pulp to get all the good stuff.  If there is less than a cup of liquid, that's fine. 
• Put the liquid into a large (at least 2 quart) pan.  It bubbles up a lot during cooking, so you need a lot of space.
• Add the corn syrup and stir to blend. Add the sugar and turn on medium high heat.  Stir only until the sugar is dissolved.  Set the thermometer on the side of the pan, with the tip in the liquid, but not touching the bottom of the pan.

Let 'er rip!

• While it cooks, grease a 10 x 13 glass cooking dish and put down plastic wrap on a surface where you'll be doing the cutting - probably 2' x 3' is sufficient.  Sift confectioners sugar or cornstarch over the plastic wrap.
• When the temperature of the candy reaches 300 degrees, turn off the heat and stir briefly.
• Pour it into the baking dish.  Have something under the dish to protect the counter from heat.
• Wait a minute or two, and lift the edge of the candy to see if it can be lifted to cut.  When this is possible, use scissors to cut a strip, and toss it out to a waiting helper who will cut it into pieces.  This really is difficult to do alone, but it's possible.  Keep cutting the strips until it is finished.

If the candy in the baking dish hardens before you've finished, you can place it into the oven and heat it, but it will probably stick to the dish.  I've taken out the whole piece that is leftover, melted it in another pan, and repoured it into the original baking dish.  Clean-up is easy, hot water dissolves the candy.

Here are the infusions I started with:

Elderberry Bits

• 1 cup fresh elderberries
• 2 slices ginger
• zest from one lemon

Lemon Balm Bombe

• 3/4 cup freshly picked lemon balm
• 1/4 cup freshly picked passionflower leaves, flower, tendrils
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• zest from one lemon
• 20 drops of lemon eo just before pouring into baking dish

Tulsi Twist

• 3/4 cup freshly picked holy basil
• 1/4 cup dried goji berries
• 1/4 cup freshly picked chocolate mint

Herbalicious Medley

• juice and zest from one orange and one lemon
• 1/4 cup holy basil
• 1/4 cup elderberry
• 2 slices ginger
• 3 rose geranium leaves
• sprig of lemon thyme
• sprig of rosemary
• sprig of lemon verbena
• 1/4 cup mint
• 2 pods cardamom

I hope you give herbal candy making a try, and if you do, let me know what you made!

Related articles by Zemanta

• Rich chocolate cake with gooseberries and candied clementines (independent.co.uk)
• Lemon Granita (notecook.com)
• Cold summer drinks: Refresh your refreshment with flavored syrups (cleveland.com)
• Sandra Lee’s Perfect Party Cocktails (lifescript.com)
• Tart with a heart: Skye Gyngell cooks with gooseberries (independent.co.uk)
• Cheap Easy and Fun to Make Candy (Read on for Secret Use) (notecook.com)
• Healthy Halloween Snacks for Your Spooky Halloween Party (brighthub.com)
• imabonehead: Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe - Pham Fatale (phamfatale.com)
• 7 Low-Fat Holiday Desserts (lifescript.com)
• Projects " How-To's " Conquering: Potato Candy (cutoutandkeep.net)

Herbal Candies

Image via Wikipedia

By Tina Sams, from
The Essential Herbal Magazine

 A couple of years ago, Marty Webster wrote about making horehound lozenges, and the instructions were very inspirational for me.  Before I knew it, all kinds of ideas were running through my head!
Oh, it started simply enough.... what about elderberry?  Maybe something relaxing?  Oh! And Holy Basil "on the go"!
All you need is a candy thermometer, a large, heavy pan, and an afternoon.  A helper for cutting in the end helps too.
When I was a kid, one of my best friends was from a large farming family, and they had an interesting side business.  They made hard candies in about 15 flavors.  On candy making nights, I would often stay overnight and help, because many hands were needed.  In their basement, they had a stove, and would set 4 kettles filled with sugar, water, and Karo syrup to boil.  There was a ping-pong table (probably reinforced) that took up most of the room, and we were stationed all around the table with heavy shears. The table was dusted with confectioners sugar. The father would heave a marble slab up onto the head of the table.  As the first kettle reached the right temperature, he'd pour the molten mixture onto the slab, and work it with paint scrapers.  Then he'd add the color and flavor and continue to fold the sweet, thickening mixture together.  Finally, he'd start to cut it into fat 1/2" wide strips, and toss them out to us to cut into bite-sized pieces.  It had to be cut quickly before hardening, but those first few strips were soft and very warm.  We would always sample a piece or two.  Quality testing at its finest.  By the end of the night, there would be bins full of candy, and a bunch of kids high on sugar.
These memories also inspired me.  I'm sure that that production set-up would not satisfy today's regulations, but it sure was fun.
The recipe I use is:

The Healing Power of Culinary Herbs

Discover the everyday healing power of flavorful culinary herbs. Add herbs and let your diet do double duty by eating well to feed your appetite and your health.

This article was taken from Herb Companion Newsletter
***

I once gave a friend a gift basket I had filled with packets of culinary herb seeds. On each packet I wrote the herb’s therapeutic benefits. My friend later said she was now sprinkling “little green things” on all of her food—a new habit that she still enjoys.

Culinary aficionados describe those “little green things” as they would a fine wine or an intoxicating perfume. For example, Jill Norman in The Classic Herb Cookbook (DK Adult, 1997) portrays mints as “…highly aromatic, the strong, sweetish yet fresh smell is instantly recognizable. The taste is pleasantly warm and pungent with a cooling aftertaste.”
Aromatic, flavor-rich herbs truly are intoxicating—not just in a culinary sense, but medicinally, too. Their flavors and aromas are rich in medicinal import. Herbs help us digest our food, detoxify our bodies, and keep our hearts and minds active. Even in smidgens, they make their presence felt.
***
Flavorful Recipes With Healing Powers

• Herb Butter
• Herb Oil
• Shrimp with Coconut Milk, Chile and Curry Leaf
• Carrot and Ginger Energizer
• Salsa Verde
• Herb-Roasted Potatoes
• Turmeric Yogurt Soup
• Chile Pepper Garnish
• Strawberry, Cantaloupe and Basil Salad
• Online Exclusive Recipe: Bow Ties with Herb Sauce

Follow the links for more information or read the article page-by-page.
Shortcut to Digestive Herbs
Shortcut to Antimicrobial Herbs
Shortcut to Antioxidant Herbs
Shortcut to Memory-Boosting Herbs
Shortcut to Heart-Healthy Herbs

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Next >>

Related articles by Zemanta

• Benefits of a Home Herb Garden (hbb2obm.com)
• Herb Health: Exploring the World of Herbs & Spices (lifescript.com)
• Planting Herbs For The Home (hbb2obm.com)
• How To Grow A Kitchen Herb Garden (backyardgardeningtips.com)
• 9 Herbs To Spice Up Your Garden (PHOTOS) (huffingtonpost.com)
• Natural Herbs for Horse Health (brighthub.com)
• Medicines from the Wild (greenreview.blogspot.com)
• How to Harvest Growing Herbs (bargaineering.com)
• Give the Gift of Herb Health (lifescript.com)
• Making Tea from Plants Grown in the Backyard (nytimes.com)

The Healing Power of Culinary Herbs

Discover the everyday healing power of flavorful culinary herbs. Add herbs and let your diet do double duty by eating well to feed your appetite and your health.

This article was taken from Herb Companion Newsletter
***

I once gave a friend a gift basket I had filled with packets of culinary herb seeds. On each packet I wrote the herb’s therapeutic benefits. My friend later said she was now sprinkling “little green things” on all of her food—a new habit that she still enjoys.

Lavender Meringues

The recipe that follows is adapted from Olive Dunn’s, and they remind me of my magical day in her fragrance garden.
The secret to these delectable little morsels is long, slow cooking. As they bake, their fragrance fills the house.

• 3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 7/8 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 4 egg whites
• 1 drop lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 225°F.
2. Place the flowers and granulated sugar in a blender container. Blend to a fine dust and sift it with the confectioners’ sugar into a bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff and then beat in a drop of lemon juice. Fold in the sifted lavender sugar.
4. Drop small spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper or parchment paper.
5. Bake for about three hours, or until firm and golden. Cool on a rack.
Filling

• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers, crushed
• Confectioners’ sugar to taste

1. Beat the whipping cream and dried lavender flowers until stiff. Add confectioners’ sugar if desired. Place spoonfuls of the cream between pairs of cooled meringues, and serve the sandwiches immediately.

Click here for the original article, A Fragrance Garden: Floresta Fragrant Gardens.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Top Bloggers Dish Up 7 New Pumpkin Treats (lifescript.com)
• Frozen Strawberry Meringue Dessert Cups (notecook.com)
• Projects " How-To's " Pistachio And Chocolate Macaroons (cutoutandkeep.net)
• Recipes: Hot New York dishes (theglobeandmail.com)
• 7 Desserts That Won’t Derail Diets (lifescript.com)
• "Chocolate Pavlova with Avocado Chocolate Mousse." and related posts (yasmeen-healthnut.blogspot.com)
• Sarah Raven recipe: Basil, raspberry and hazelnut meringues (telegraph.co.uk)
• Lemon Meringue Pie (christiescorner.com)
• If You Like It You Should Put Meringue on It (confectionsofamasterbaker.blogspot.com)
• Lavender: A Natural Soother! (merrymicrofiberblog.com)

Lavender Meringues

The recipe that follows is adapted from Olive Dunn’s, and they remind me of my magical day in her fragrance garden.
The secret to these delectable little morsels is long, slow cooking. As they bake, their fragrance fills the house.

• 3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 7/8 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 4 egg whites
• 1 drop lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 225°F.
2. Place the flowers and granulated sugar in a blender container. Blend to a fine dust and sift it with the confectioners’ sugar into a bowl.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff and then beat in a drop of lemon juice. Fold in the sifted lavender sugar.
4. Drop small spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper or parchment paper.
5. Bake for about three hours, or until firm and golden. Cool on a rack.
Filling

• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers, crushed
• Confectioners’ sugar to taste

1. Beat the whipping cream and dried lavender flowers until stiff. Add confectioners’ sugar if desired. Place spoonfuls of the cream between pairs of cooled meringues, and serve the sandwiches immediately.

Click here for the original article, A Fragrance Garden: Floresta Fragrant Gardens.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Top Bloggers Dish Up 7 New Pumpkin Treats (lifescript.com)
• Frozen Strawberry Meringue Dessert Cups (notecook.com)
• Projects " How-To's " Pistachio And Chocolate Macaroons (cutoutandkeep.net)
• Recipes: Hot New York dishes (theglobeandmail.com)
• 7 Desserts That Won’t Derail Diets (lifescript.com)
• "Chocolate Pavlova with Avocado Chocolate Mousse." and related posts (yasmeen-healthnut.blogspot.com)
• Sarah Raven recipe: Basil, raspberry and hazelnut meringues (telegraph.co.uk)
• Lemon Meringue Pie (christiescorner.com)
• If You Like It You Should Put Meringue on It (confectionsofamasterbaker.blogspot.com)
• Lavender: A Natural Soother! (merrymicrofiberblog.com)

Rose Petal Jam

The recipes that follow are adapted from Olive Dunn’s, and they remind me of my magical day in her fragrance garden.

Makes about 4 pints

• 6 cups water
• Juice of one lemon
• 4 cups fragrant red rose petals, washed, with white heels removed
• 1 packet powdered pectin
• 6 cups sugar

1. Heat the water and lemon juice in a saucepan, add the rose petals, and simmer for 10 minutes. With a wooden spoon, squeeze most of the petal pulp against the edge of the pan to release the juice. Leave a small amount of pulp in the pan for texture.
2. Return the liquid to a simmer and sprinkle in the pectin. Stir until dissolved. Add the sugar.
3. Increase the heat and boil vigorously for 7 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Immediately place the jam in hot sterilized jars and seal.

Click here for the original article, A Fragrance Garden: Floresta Fragrant Gardens.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Urban Forager | Dandelion Wine? No, Jelly. (cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com)
• Rose wedding cake (telegraph.co.uk)
• Wedding cupcakes (telegraph.co.uk)
• Campfire cooking: Gariguette strawberry salad with aromatic flowers and herbs (telegraph.co.uk)
• The Rose: A Highly Effective and All-natural Skincare Ingredient (skin-nail-care.suite101.com)
• Strawberries and Wimbledon: A match made in heaven (independent.co.uk)
• How to Make Strawberry-rhubarb Jam (gomestic.com)
• Home Sweet Homemade Jam (thegreenparent.com)
• You Are What You Eat: Summer in a jar (ballardnewstribune.com)
• Orange petals (writteninc.blogspot.com)

Rose Petal Jam

The recipes that follow are adapted from Olive Dunn’s, and they remind me of my magical day in her fragrance garden.

Makes about 4 pints

• 6 cups water
• Juice of one lemon
• 4 cups fragrant red rose petals, washed, with white heels removed
• 1 packet powdered pectin
• 6 cups sugar

1. Heat the water and lemon juice in a saucepan, add the rose petals, and simmer for 10 minutes. With a wooden spoon, squeeze most of the petal pulp against the edge of the pan to release the juice. Leave a small amount of pulp in the pan for texture.
2. Return the liquid to a simmer and sprinkle in the pectin. Stir until dissolved. Add the sugar.
3. Increase the heat and boil vigorously for 7 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Immediately place the jam in hot sterilized jars and seal.

Click here for the original article, A Fragrance Garden: Floresta Fragrant Gardens.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Urban Forager | Dandelion Wine? No, Jelly. (cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com)
• Rose wedding cake (telegraph.co.uk)
• Wedding cupcakes (telegraph.co.uk)
• Campfire cooking: Gariguette strawberry salad with aromatic flowers and herbs (telegraph.co.uk)
• The Rose: A Highly Effective and All-natural Skincare Ingredient (skin-nail-care.suite101.com)
• Strawberries and Wimbledon: A match made in heaven (independent.co.uk)
• How to Make Strawberry-rhubarb Jam (gomestic.com)
• Home Sweet Homemade Jam (thegreenparent.com)
• You Are What You Eat: Summer in a jar (ballardnewstribune.com)
• Orange petals (writteninc.blogspot.com)

Berries For Health: 3 Summertime Treats

    Article taken from The Herb Companion.com

• Blackberry Cobbler

 • Cranberry Sauce

• Berry Freezer Jam

When a person speaks of the healing power of plants, herbs often come to mind first—the roots of echinacea, the leaves of mint or the flowers of chamomile. However, until recently berries were overlooked as important contributors to natural health. Is this because until recently the properties of berries hadn’t been studied? Or maybe it’s just that we can’t believe anything that tastes so sweet and delicious can be good for us. Whatever our prejudice may be, berries are packed full of amazingly healthful phytochemicals and flavonoids and shouldn’t
be overlooked.
All berries contain an array of vitamins and minerals, plus dietary fiber, but each berry’s unique mix of chemicals gives it a different health benefit. Generally, the darker the berry, the stronger its health benefits since the properties that make up the berry’s color are what also help our bodies fight disease.
The best berries for flavor and health benefits are those that have been shipped the least. Growing your own or purchasing from your local berry farm are the best choices for you, your palate and the environment. If you have a little space in your garden, it is easy to find a berry variety or two that will grow in your climate. If you can’t grow your own or live in an area where berry farms are few and far between, frozen and dried berries have been found to contain nearly the same antioxidant levels as freshly picked (and more than what is found in berries that have been shipped fresh over long distances).

Blueberries

Currently the star of the berry world, the blueberry is a powerhouse of phytochemicals. Studies by Tufts University have found that older rats fed blueberries daily significantly improved cognitive and circulatory function when tested against rats that ate no blueberries. In addition to helping your brain and heart, blueberries also contain lutein, an important carotenoid for maintaining eye health. Blueberries are related to many native temperate plants of the northwest and grow well in the backyards of the area, but don’t tolerate the heat of southern climates very well.

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >>

Related articles by Zemanta

• Blueberries - why so popular? (bbc.co.uk)
• Aronia Berry | Healthiest Fruit and Highest Antioxidant (food-facts.suite101.com)
• Blueberries: An Antioxidant Super-Food (lifescript.com)
• Health Benefits of Berries (food-facts.suite101.com)
• In praise of strawberries (psychologytoday.com)
• Insane Blueberry Cardamom Cheesecake by GreenChef Heather Pace (gliving.com)
• Types of Berry Bushes (brighthub.com)
• The Humble Blueberry (urbanworkbench.com)
• Make it Natural: Raw Berry Crisp (wholefoodsmarket.com)

Berries For Health: 3 Summertime Treats

    Article taken from The Herb Companion.com

• Blackberry Cobbler

 • Cranberry Sauce

• Berry Freezer Jam

When a person speaks of the healing power of plants, herbs often come to mind first—the roots of echinacea, the leaves of mint or the flowers of chamomile. However, until recently berries were overlooked as important contributors to natural health. Is this because until recently the properties of berries hadn’t been studied? Or maybe it’s just that we can’t believe anything that tastes so sweet and delicious can be good for us. Whatever our prejudice may be, berries are packed full of amazingly healthful phytochemicals and flavonoids and shouldn’t
be overlooked.
All berries contain an array of vitamins and minerals, plus dietary fiber, but each berry’s unique mix of chemicals gives it a different health benefit. Generally, the darker the berry, the stronger its health benefits since the properties that make up the berry’s color are what also help our bodies fight disease.
The best berries for flavor and health benefits are those that have been shipped the least. Growing your own or purchasing from your local berry farm are the best choices for you, your palate and the environment. If you have a little space in your garden, it is easy to find a berry variety or two that will grow in your climate. If you can’t grow your own or live in an area where berry farms are few and far between, frozen and dried berries have been found to contain nearly the same antioxidant levels as freshly picked (and more than what is found in berries that have been shipped fresh over long distances).

Blueberries

Currently the star of the berry world, the blueberry is a powerhouse of phytochemicals. Studies by Tufts University have found that older rats fed blueberries daily significantly improved cognitive and circulatory function when tested against rats that ate no blueberries. In addition to helping your brain and heart, blueberries also contain lutein, an important carotenoid for maintaining eye health. Blueberries are related to many native temperate plants of the northwest and grow well in the backyards of the area, but don’t tolerate the heat of southern climates very well.

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >>

Related articles by Zemanta

• Blueberries - why so popular? (bbc.co.uk)
• Aronia Berry | Healthiest Fruit and Highest Antioxidant (food-facts.suite101.com)
• Blueberries: An Antioxidant Super-Food (lifescript.com)
• Health Benefits of Berries (food-facts.suite101.com)
• In praise of strawberries (psychologytoday.com)
• Insane Blueberry Cardamom Cheesecake by GreenChef Heather Pace (gliving.com)
• Types of Berry Bushes (brighthub.com)
• The Humble Blueberry (urbanworkbench.com)
• Make it Natural: Raw Berry Crisp (wholefoodsmarket.com)

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 >>

Related articles by Zemanta

• Lavender: Its Many Medicinal Purposes (homeopathy.suite101.com)
• Reduce Spider Veins with These Herbs (herbalmedicine.suite101.com)
• Echinacea - Nature's Antibiotic and Antiviral (herbal-properties.suite101.com)
• Make Your Own Natural Insect Repellent (thegreenists.com)
• Healing Your Pets Naturally with Herbs and Oils (brighthub.com)

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 >>

Related articles by Zemanta

• Lavender: Its Many Medicinal Purposes (homeopathy.suite101.com)
• Reduce Spider Veins with These Herbs (herbalmedicine.suite101.com)
• Echinacea - Nature's Antibiotic and Antiviral (herbal-properties.suite101.com)
• Make Your Own Natural Insect Repellent (thegreenists.com)
• Healing Your Pets Naturally with Herbs and Oils (brighthub.com)