The Healing Power of Herbs: Medicinal Herbs for Common Ailments · 2019-05-27 · nutritious meals,...
Transcript of The Healing Power of Herbs: Medicinal Herbs for Common Ailments · 2019-05-27 · nutritious meals,...
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ISBNPrint978-1-64152-239-7|eBook978-1-64152-240-3
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Tochamomile,elder,holybasil,andmimosa—myfavoriteteachers.ToMollyandMaryanneforkeepingme
laughing.
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CONTENTSINTRODUCTION
PARTI
HowDoHerbsHeal?
1WHATAREHEALINGHERBS?
HealingHerbs
BenefitsofHerbalMedicine
HowAreMedicinalHerbsUsed?
2HOWTOUSEMEDICINALHERBS
WhatYou’llNeed
HerbalTeas
Syrups
Oils
Salves
Tinctures
Pills
Baths
Poultices
Compresses
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3SELECTINGTHEBESTHERBSFORYOU
EnergeticsofIndividuals
EnergeticsofHerbs
EnergeticsofIllnesses
PARTIIThe30EssentialHerbs
AloeAloeMouthwash
AloeHairMask
AstragalusTonicSoup
ImmunityBalls
CalendulaCalendulaSunshineBathSoak
All-PurposeCalendulaSalve
CapsicumHotSauce
CayenneSalve
CatnipCatnipandRoseGeraniumBugRepellingSpray
RelaxingCatnipTeaBlend
Cinnamon
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SpicyChai
CinnamonHoney
CottonwoodorBalsamPoplarCottonwoodDecoction
CottonwoodHerbalLiniment
DandelionDandelionVinegar
DandelionChaiBlend
EchinaceaEchinacea-ElderberryGummies
Immunitea
ElderElderberryLiqueur
ElderSyrup
GarlicBasilPestowithFreshGarlic
GarlicandHerbOxymel
GingerTripleGingerElixir
GoldenMilkTea
HolyBasilTonicGranolaBarswithHolyBasil,Astragalus,andAshwagandha
TulsiRoseTeaBlend
HorseradishHorseradishVodka
FireCider
HyssopHyssopDeep-CleansingMask
HyssopTeaBlendforCoughsandColds
LavenderLavenderPowder
LavenderSachet
LicoriceRootLicoriceToothPolishPowder
ThroatSpray
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LindenLindenSyrup
LindenandPassionflowerElixir
MulleinEarOil
SmokingBlendforStubbornChestCold
NasturtiumNasturtiumPesto
NasturtiumTincture(orHairRinse)
OatsBlueOatSmoothie
MilkyOatTincture
PineSapInfusioninOilorTincture
PineNeedleTea
PlantainGardenandWeedTea
PlantainSalve
RoseRoseandRaspberryJam
Rose‘n’HerbCoughSyrup
RosemaryRosemaryandNettleHairandScalpRinse
SimmeringPotpourri
SageSageandGarlicSoup
SageandLemonHoney
StingingNettleBlackNettleSyrup
SteamedNettles
TeaButterTea
MatchaandGingerElectuary
Thyme
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FourThievesVinegar
ThymeandElderberryCoughDrops
YarrowYarrowandChamomileBitters
HealingHerbalTubTea
GLOSSARYRESOURCES
ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
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INTRODUCTIONIstumbledintoherbsintheearly’90swithmysisterMaryanneSchwartzwhenweopenedanherbshopatarenaissancefestival.Atthetime,herbpeoplewerejustfiguringouthowtooffermedicinalherbsforsale,andourlearningcurvewassteep.Thisledtoseveralyearsofstudying,living,andbreathingherbs.Acoupleyearslater,weopenedanothershopcalledTheHerbBasket,whereweofferedclasseseveryFridaynighttooursmallcommunity.Intheseclasses,wesharedthewonderfulhealingaspectsofherbsthroughsoapmaking,incensemaking,kitchencosmetics,herbsforstress,andnaturalremediesforwinterimmunity.Tokeepcustomersuptodateontheclassesandgoings-onattheshop,wepublishedabimonthlynewsletter.Whenweeventuallysoldtheshop,thatnewslettermorphedintoTheEssentialHerbal,themagazinethatIstillpublishtothisday.
WhenmysisterandIrealizedtheshopswereburningusoutandmadethedifficultdecisiontoclosethem,Icouldn’timaginenotworkingwithherbs.Bythen,Iwasusedtobeingsurroundedbyjarsofherbs,tinctures,potpourris,essentialoils,resins,andthefreshplants.Onceyou’vewalkedoutsideandgatheredyardweedsandapinchofthymeforanomelet,cookingisneverthesame.Afteryourchildhasaskedforyourownblendofherbalteathatmakesherfeelbetter,youknowwhatasuperherofeelslike.Spreadingthewordabouttheseverysimplethingsanddemystifyingherbsandtheirbenefitsbecamemylife’swork.It’swhyIpublishthemagazine,andwhyIamwritingthisbook—tosharethewonderfulworldofherbswithyou,too.
AlothaschangedsinceIfirstgotintoherbs.It’shardtobelieve,lookingback,butherbswereconsideredverymuchlikesnakeoil.Evenculinaryherbswerekindofedgy.Therewereafewgoodsourcesofbulkherbs,butforthemostpart,itwasdifficulttofindthemfresh.Mostpeopledidn’trealizethatthedandelionsandchickweedintheiryardswerethesameherbstheywerereadingaboutintheveryfewbooksonherbsthatwereavailable.Regulationswerenearlyimpossibletofind,makingitdifficulttofollowtherules,somostshopserredonthesideofcaution.Sellerscouldnottellacustomerwhatmighthelpacertainailment.
Interestinherbalmedicinehasexplodedinthepast15to20years,whichhasfortunatelyforcedeveryaspectofherbalismtoimprove.Nowyoucanfindfreshherbsatthefarmers’marketandevenyourlocalgrocerystore,excellentherbalremediesarewidelyavailabletopurchase,andthereareplentifulresourcestohelpyoulearnhowto
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growyourownherbs.Mostpeopletodaycookwithherbsandmaynotevenrealizethehealingbenefitsofdoingso!
Thereareasmanyherbsasthereareplantvarieties.Itcanbecompletelyoverwhelming,butthat’swherethisbookcomesin.Myintentionistostripawaysomeofthemysteryandshowyouhowyou’realreadyusingherbsinyourdailylife.Ibelieveherbalmedicineislikehomecooking:Justaseveryoneshouldbeabletoprepareafewnutritiousmeals,everyoneshouldbeabletomakeafewnaturalremediesforfirstaidandself-limitingillnesses.Youdon’tneedtobecomeacheforaclinicalherbalisttofeedandnurtureyourselfandyourfamily.Havingbasicknowledgeofthehealingbenefitsofherbsisempowering.
Inthefollowingpages,Iexplainthebenefitsofmedicinalherbs,wheretolookforthem,andhowtomakeallkindsofherbalpreparationssuchasteas,tinctures,syrups,oils,salves,pills,baths,andmore.You’lllearnhowtousespecificherbsandhowtoselectthebestherbsforyourneedsandconstitution.Ialsoincludeaguideto30essentialmedicinalherbs.Iintentionallychoseherbsthatareeasytofind,andafewthataremeanttobesurprising,suchasoatsandpeppers,inthattheyaretypicallyconsideredfoodinsteadofmedicine.Myhopeisthatbytheendofthisbook,you’llunderstandthatherbsarepowerful,allaroundus,andalwaysouralliesingoodhealth.
Let’sgetstarted!
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PARTI
HowDoHerbsHeal?Plantsdosomuchforus.Theyprovidefood,shelter,clothing,andfuelforwarmth.Theypurifytheair.InJapan,thereisevenapracticecalledshin-rin-yoku,orforestbathing,that’sbasedontheideathatjustbeingwithplantsishealingandrestorative.
Plus,plantsaremedicine.
Thatoldwives’tale“anappleadaykeepsthedoctoraway”isrootedintruth.Iconsiderallplantstobeherbs,meaningthattheyholdimmensepowertohealourbodiesandminds.Herbscontainvaryingamountsofimportantvitaminsandminerals.Theyhavemyriadcomponentsthatourbodiesrequiretooperatesmoothly.WhenyoureadthroughthesectiononHerbs,takenoteoftheirincredibleproperties;manyareantibiotic,antifungal,antibacterial,antiviral,andsoon.Inthissection,wegetintothenitty-grittyofhowherbshealusinmindandbody.
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1WhatAreHealingHerbs?Herbshavetheamazingcapacitytoreturnustohealthorhelpusmaintainahealthystate.Quiteoften,herbscanbethekeysthatopenthedoortoahealthier,happierlife.
Herbshavethepowertopreventillnessandtoprovidecomfortduringillness,injury,andtrauma.Theycanrelievepain,calmthemind,anddetoxifythebody.Herbscangently,andwithoutmajorsideeffects,worksomemiracles.Theycaneaseorpromotelaborandchildbirth,helprelievesymptomsoflungailments,improveenergylevels,increasecirculation,andpossiblyimprovememoryandmentalsharpness.Somedoctorsnowrecommendherbsforloweringbloodpressureandcholesterol.Withsomeknowledgeandpersistence,herbscantaketheplaceofmedicationsofmanykinds,includingthoseforacidrefluxorinsomnia.Bestofall,theycanhelpusavoidunnecessary,expensivemedicalappointmentsandtreatments.
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HealingHerbsSoyou’reprobablywonderingbynow:Whatarethehealingherbsandwhatcantheydo?Thetruthisthatmanyofthemareprobablyalreadystashedinyourkitchensomewhere.Takechamomileorminttea—botharehealingherbs!Knowingjustthreeorfourherbsandtheirpropertiesaswellasyouknowthatgingeralehelpsanupsettummywillmakeahugedifferenceinyourdailylife.Therearehundredsofherbalremedies,buthere’satasteofafewyoumighthavein(oroutsideof)yourhome.
Takeoatmeal.It’sbulkyandkeepsusregular,butdidyouknowthatitalsonourishesthenervoussystem,helpingeaseanxietyandstress?Hotpeppers,turmeric,andsourcherriesareallhelpersforthepainofarthritis.Parsleycombatsbadbreath,andthosebrightgreenleavesalsoboosttheimmunesystem,stabilizebloodsugar,andreduceinflammation.Andthatoreganoonyourpizza?It’spackedwithantioxidants,whichhelppreventanumberofissuesrelatedtoagingandmayevenhelpfightcancer.
It’salsoimportanttolearnabouttheweedsoutside(andstopkillingthemwithspray!)becausetheycanprovidesuprisingbenefits.Wildmint(brightensmood),dandelion(protectstheliver),yarrow(antiviral,relaxing),St.John’swort(soothesnerves),mimosa(alleviatesgrief),andgoldenrod(fightsallergies)arejustafewexamplesofthesewonderfulhealers.Justoutsideyourdoor,therearelikelytobeherbstohealrashes,insectbites,anxiety,excessbleeding,coldsandflu,fevers,sorethroats,digestivedisorders,andsomuchmore.I’llhelpyounavigatetheseweedssoyoucanunderstandtheirbenefits,andgiveyouideasforotherhealingplantstocultivatedependingonyourneeds.Letthemedicinemakingbegin!
BenefitsofHerbalMedicineHerbshavebeenastapleofhealinginourhousefornearly30years.Whensomeonehasanailment,Ireachfortheherbsfirst—beforegoingtothedrugstore,beforecallingthedoctor.
Forexample,onesummerafamilymemberranovergroundbeenestsafewdifferenttimesonhismower(talkaboutbadluck!).Thefirsttwotimes,herefusedtouseanyuseherbsandwasinpainfordays.Thethirdtime,hefinallyletmeapplymashedplantain(asapoultice)todrawoutthevenom.Hispainstoppedimmediately,andtherewasnoswelling.
Duringanotherperiodinmylife,Iwascaringforasicksiblingwhowaswaitingforan
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organtransplant.Iwaswarnednottobringanysortofvirusorinfectionintothehousebecause,frankly,itcouldkillhim.Fornearlythreeyears,Iregularlytookelderberryandholybasiltostayhealthy,andtheyworked.Foodsandspiceseatenmindfullyattherighttimecanmakeahugedifference.
Thebestpart?Neitherofthesetreatmentscostmorethanafewdollars.Theplantainwasgrowingeverywhere—Ijusthadtopickitandmixitwithwaterinthefoodprocessor.Igrowelderberryandholybasilinmyyardandhadmadethemintotinctures,sovodkawasmyonlyexpense.
Herbsaresafeandgentle(especiallythoseweuseasfoodsandspices),butrememberthattheyarerealmedicineandshouldbetreatedassuch.Ifyoutakepharmaceuticalmedications,talktoyourdoctoranddoyourresearchbeforeusingherbs.Forinstance,lemonbalmcannegativelyaffectmedicationsusedforthyroidissues.Manyherbsalsothintheblood,whichcancauseproblemsifyou’retakingabloodthinner.Ifyoudeveloparash,swelling,oranynewsymptomwhiletakingtheherb,stopusingitimmediately.
Asidefrombeinginexpensive,herbalremediescansaveyoutimeandmoneyoverthelongrun.Remember,manyofourancestorslivedtheirentireliveswithoutsettingfootinadoctor’sofficeorhospital!Instead,theyaterealfoodandknewaboutherbs.Withalittleforethoughtandsomesolidknowledge,herbsmakeiteasytoremainhealthy.Simplyincorporatingthemintomealsandbeveragesisahugestepintherightdirection.Manyherbshavesimilarfunctions,soifoneisn’tconvenientortastesbad,simplyexchangeitforanother.Mostpeoplestartbylearninghowtouseherbstomanagesymptomsofillnessesthatwillgoawayontheirown,suchasthecommoncoldorrespiratoryissues.Wecallthoseself-limitingillnesses,andtheymakeupalargepercentageof(pointless)doctor’svisits.Wecanalsolearnhowtopreventorrelievechronicdisease,sometimesevenreducingdamagealreadydone.
CONVENTIONALVS.HERBALMEDICINE
Herbalmedicineisdifferentfromwhatmanyofusareaccustomedtowithtraditionalmedicine.Forinstance,whenusedforchronicorentrenchedproblemslikehighbloodpressure,GERD,migraines,orreproductiveissues,herbalremediesrequiretimeandconsistencybeforeyou’llnoticetheeffects.
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However,forminorissueslikecolds,cramps,orrashesandskinproblems,herbscanbeasquicklyeffectiveasanythingyou’llfindonthedrugstoreshelf.
Alittle-knownfactisthatlotsofdrugsareactuallyderivedfromherbs.Oneofthebestknownistheheartmedicationdigitalis,ordigoxin,whichcomesfromthefoxgloveplant.ThecancerdrugTaxolcomesfromPacificyewtrees.Ofcourse,there’scodeinefrompoppies,andaspirinfromthewillow.There’sabigdifference,though:Pharmaceuticaldrugsaremadebyisolatingoneortwocomponentsorchemicalconstituentsfromaplant,andthenusingonlythose.Pharmaceuticalsconcentratethatonepartoftheplantthatdoesthatonething.Butplantsaresomuchmorethanonething!Bycontrast,herbalmedicineusesallofthecomponentsandconstituentsintheplant,believingthateachhasapurpose.
Itisnowquitepossibletofindadoctorwhoislearningaboutherbsandwillingtocombinethemwithothermedicaltreatment.Ithinkthat’sthebestofallpossibleworlds.I’mnotsuggestingdismissingtraditionalmedicinealtogether;rather,I’mencouragingyoutounderstandyouroptions.Itisimportanttogetgooddiagnosesandalsotoseeadoctorifasymptomsticksaroundtoolong.Don’tavoidgettingcheckedout,andalwaystellyourdoctoraboutanyherbsyou’retakingregularly.
HowAreMedicinalHerbsUsed?Althoughmedicinalherbsmightseemtobethenewestthing,infacttheyaretheoldestthing!Aslongastimehasbeenrecorded,humanshaveusedplantsforhealingandnutrition.
ThereisplentyofevidenceofherbalhealingintheBible(althoughthespecificplantsareoftendifficulttoascertain).DuringtheMiddleAges,alongwithbloodlettingandleeches,herbsweretheonlytreatmentsavailable.IntheCivilWar,yarrowwasavaluedstyptic(usedtostopbleeding),echinaceahelpedagainstinfections,pennyroyalwasusedasaninsectrepellent,andslipperyelmsoothedsorethroats.AsrecentlyasWorldWarII,thyme,foxglove,andpeatmoss,aswellasmanyotherherbs,werepurchasedfromwild
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crafterswhomadetheirlivingsearchingwoodsandmeadowsforimportantmedicinalplants.Therearestillpeopletodaywhoharvestwildherbsforaliving.
Whileotherpartsoftheworldfoundwaystoincorporatedrugslikepenicillinandthenthesulfadrugsintotheirnaturalhealingmodalities,Americansdroppedherbslikehotpotatoesandembraced“betterlivingthroughchemistry.”But—surprise,surprise—thiswasn’talwaysforthebetter.Somepeoplegotsickerandevendiedfromtheirmedication,despiteofyearsoftesting.
Inrecentdecades,peoplehavebeguntoflockbacktoherbsinsearchofthehealingknowledgeourancestorstookforgranted.Iremembermyowngrandfatherknewplantsonlybythenicknamesthatpeoplefromhisareaused.Evenwhenhedidn’tknowthename,hecouldgooutintothewoodsormeadowsandfindaplantthatwouldcurewhatailedyou.Hehadaknackforbeingabletolookataplaceandsay,“Ithinktheplantwillbebackinthere.”Iamfortunatetohaveinheritedsomeofhisinstincts,whichmakesiteasytofindwhatIneed.
Herbshavethousandsofcomponents,morethanwewilleveridentify,andtheyworktogethertobuffersideeffects,potentiateotheraspects,and,quitehonestly,healinwayswedon’tyetunderstand.Usingthewholeherbsinpreparations,aswe’llbelearninginthenextsection,makesthemsaferandmoreeffectiveatthesametime.Allthoseherbsinyourkitchenjustwaitingtohelpyououtwillsoonbecometeas,tinctures,elixirs,salves,oils,compresses,andmore.
Incomparisontopharmaceuticaldrugs,herbsareextremelysafe.Theveryrarecasesofherb-relateddeatharesomethingtheentireherbcommunityholdsashistory.Icanthinkofonlythreeoffthetopofmyhead,andoneofthemwascausedbyamisidentifiedherbthatwasextremelypoisonous.Theothertwowerecausedbyoveruse.
Thereareveryfewpoisonousherbsoutthere.Herbslabeledastoxicmightproduceanythingfromanupsetstomachtoliverandkidneyfailure.Inmoretropicalareas,therearemoretoxicplants.Hereareafewthingsyoucandotostaysafe:
Alwayslearnforagingfromanexpert.
Researchherbsbeforeusingthem.
Startatthelowestdoseandworkupifneeded.
WheretoGetThemHowyouobtainyourherbsreallydependsonwhereyoulive—thecity,thecountry,orthe
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suburbs—andyourlifestyle.Butthethreewaystocollectherbsaretoforage,growyourown,orpurchasethem.
Iliveinthecountryand80percentoftheherbsIusearewild—alsoknownasweeds!Herbsareplentiful,butbeinginfarmcountrymeansthattherearemanyconventionalfarmsaroundmethatusechemicals.Ipayattentiontotheirlocationandwhentheyarespraying,andstaywellawayfromthem.Donotforageherbsthatyoususpecthavebeensprayed.Inaruralarea,hikingtrails,unlesstheyareplantconservancies,aresafeplacestoforageandexcellentplacestolearnplantidentification.
Ifyoufindasafeplacetoforage,it’simportantnottogatherortasteanyherbthatyouhaven’tpositivelyidentified.Getacouplefieldguidesandstudythem.Takethefieldguidesandabaggieorbasketoutintothewild.Whenaninterestingspecimenappears,trytodeterminewhattheplantis.Takeasprigofit(ifthere’splentythere)homesoyoucanstudyitmorethoroughly.OnceyougetaprobableID,putthenameoftheplantintoyourbrowseranddoanimagesearch.Thiswillusuallytellyouiftheplantisorisn’twhatyouthought.Youdon’twanttoplayanyguessinggameswhenitcomestoforagedplants!
Growingherbsisprobablymytopchoice,andyoucandothiswhetheryouliveonafarmorinatinycityapartment.Youcanpurchaseseedsorstarterplantsonlineoratyourlocalnursery.Eitherway,growingisimmenselyrewarding.
Anotheroptionispurchasingherbs.It’simportanttouseorganicherbsinordertoavoidchemicalsthatcanbeextremelyharmful.Asconsumers,wecanuseourpurchasingpowertoputanendtotheuseofthesesubstancesthatarecreatingnewandevermoreresistantpestsandplantdiseases,nottomentionhurtinginsects,birds,andanimals.Fortunately,therearemanyorganic,sustainable,andenvironmentallyconsciouspeopleandcompaniessellingbeautiful,high-qualityherbs.Good-qualityherbshavelifeinthem.Theydon’tlooklikehay.Theystillhavecolor,scent,andbody.
Barksandrootslastacoupleofyears.Aerialherbs—thepartoftheherbsthatgrowabovegroundbutaren’tbark,seeds,orfruit—don’tlastforever.Youcanextendtheirusefulnesswithpropercare,suchaskeepingtheminlight-blockingcontainersandstoringtheminacool,dryplace.Whentheherbsnolongerlook,smell,orfeelfresh,it’stimeforthecompostpile.Afterdrying,theyareconsideredfreshforaboutayearifstoredwell.
Freshvs.DriedFreshherbspickedatthepeakoffreshnessarealwayspreferable.Butifthesearen’t
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availabledependingonyourlocationorseason,driedisalsofine,aslongasthequalityisthere.Anotherbenefittodriedherbsisthatthey’reusuallyeasiertoworkwith.Theyareeasytostore,there’snoneedtowaterthem,andtheytakeupmuchlessroom.
Theruleofthumbisthatdriedisthreetimesstrongerthanfresh,sincetheherbbecomesconcentratedthroughdrying.Involumemeasurements,onepartdryisaboutequaltothreepartsfreshherb.
GROWALITTLEHERBGARDENIfyouhaveasunnywindow,abalcony,orayard,youcangrowherbs.Thereisnothinglikepickingyourownbasilforpesto,snippingabitofmintforacupoftea,orevendiggingupyourownhorseradish!
Ifacontainergardenisnecessaryduetospacerestrictions,optforannualherbs(thosethatliveforonlyonegrowingseason)andchoosethelargestcontainerthatfitsthespace.Alargercontainerwillallowseveralplantsandalsohelptheherbsretainmoisturelongersotheysurviveevenifyoumissadayofwatering.
Nowcomesthefunpart.Decideiftheherbswillbeculinary,medicinal,orboth.Sneakatomatoplantinthere,andmaybeapepperortwo.
Goodculinarychoicesforbeginnersareparsley,sage,rosemary,andthyme.Dillisafavoritehere,too.
Medicinalherbchoicesforbeginnersincludeholybasil,lemonbalm,calendula,mint,andchamomile.
Alloftheseplantscanbepurchasedfromyourlocalnurseries,whichusuallyhavethebestvarietiesforyourregion.Growthemasannuals,meaningthattheywillsurvivejustforonesummerandnotreturnnextyear.Iftheydocomeback,it’sabonus.
Althoughsomeofthesecanbegrownindoors,herbsarebasicallyweedsandneedlotsandlotsofsunandspace.Ihavepoorluckwithherbsindoors.
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2HowtoUseMedicinalHerbsHerbshaveawayofwindingtheirtendrilsintoeverydaylife.Infact,youprobablyingestmorehealingherbsthanyouevenrealize!Butifyouwanttointentionallyincorporateherbsintoyourroutine,therearemanysimplewaystodoso,including:
Usingherbsincookingandincludingthemasseasoninginallofyourmeals
Drinkingherbalteas
Soakinginanherbalbath
Makingandusingherbaloilsandbalmsforsoft,healthyskin
Mixingandusingtincturesandsyrupsforwell-being
Inthischapter,you’lllearnformulationsandconcoctionstomindfullybringherbsintoyourlife.
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WhatYou’llNeedNowit’stimeforthefunpart!Thischaptercoversnineherbalpreparations,andyou’llneedafewsuppliesattheready.Don’tworry,youdon’tneedanythingfancy—myguessisthatyouhavemostoftheseinyourkitchenalready.Anythingelseyoucaneasilygrabatacraftorkitchensupplystore(oreventhedollarstore!).IalsoofferDIYalternativeswhereverpossible.
Firstthingsfirst:Startsavingeveryjaryouuse!Grabthembackoutoftherecyclingbin,washthem,andsavethem.Thesamegoesforanysmallishplasticcontainerthatseals,aswellascleanzip-topbags.Also,don’tthrowawayoldT-shirts.Washthemandcuttheminto6-by-6-inchsquarestouseasfilters.
Supplies:
Cuttingboard
Doubleboiler
Dropperbottles
Filters(DIY:cleanoldT-shirtscutinto6-by-6-inchsquares)
Funnelsinvarioussizes(DIY:Cutoffthetophalfofausedplasticbottle.Thesemakegreatfunnelsandcanbeusedoverandover.)
Jarsinvaryingsizes
Knife(agoodsharpone)
Labels(bigenoughtowriteon)
Measuringcups
Measuringspoons
Muslinbagsforcompresses(DIY:materialfromclean,oldcottonorflannelsheets)
Scale.Ifyoufindthatyoureallyenjoymakingsalvesandbalmsandwanttomakeanyquantity,theingredientsshouldbeweighed.Adecentscaleisalwaysagoodinvestment.
Strainers,bothfineandregularmesh
Teainfusers(orteaballs),onesmall(forindividualcups)andonelarge(forpotsoftea).Theperforatedmetalballsaremostcommon,butyoucanalsofindthesemadeof
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siliconeindifferent,funshapes,aswellasothertypesofinfusers.
Non-herbalingredients:
Alcohol,typicallyvodka(190-proofisexcellent,151-proofisthenextchoice,and100-proofalsoworks)
Beeswax(soldincraftstoresandhealthfoodstores)
Oliveoil
Thesearethebasicsuppliesyouneedtogetstarted.Whenwegettotheindividualsections,Isuggestadditionaloptions,butyoucangenerallymakedowithoutthose.Afteralittlepractice,youcanalsocomeupwithyourownwayofdoingthings—that’spartofthefun.
Formanyyears,theseweretheonlytoolsIused.Astimewentby,Iacquiredadistillertomakehydrosolsandessentialoils,apressspecificallymadetoextractalloftheoilorliquidfromaninfusion,andacouplemagicchoppers.Ilovethem,butImanagedforalongtimewithoutthem.
Twootherthingsyou’llneedaretimeandspace.Keepinmindthatthesearehealingpreparationsandthereforeyouwanttopayattentiontoyourintentionsandyourmoodwhilecreatingthem.Trytopoursomeloveandcareintotheseconcoctionsasyouwork.Clearaspace.Putonsomegoodmusic.Takeyourtimeandenjoytheprocess.Certainly,thisisn’talwayspossible.Sometimesthekidisinthebedroomhackingaway,andyou’retired,andthere’sabitofvomitstreakeddownyourback.Ofcourse,you’lldowhatyouneedtododependingonthesituation.
Butifyoucancarveoutsomededicatedtimetoprepareanherbalmedicinearsenalthat’sreadyandwaitingforthenextcold,flu,orupsetstomach,it’sworthit.Thefirsttimesomeoneasksforyourspecialteaoryoucanproduceahealingtincturewiththesnapofafinger,it’sagreatfeeling.
DRYINGYOURHERBSDryingherbsissimple,andtherearelotsofwaystodoit.Themainthingistokeepthemawayfrommoistureanddirectsunlight.Iliketolaycleanbedsheetsonmyatticfloorandspreadouttheherbssotheyaren’ttouchingeachother.There’sdryheatandnoair-
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conditioning,andIkeepthecurtainsclosed.Afterafewdays,theherbsaredriedperfectly.
Thingslikeberries,roots,orbarktakealongtimetodryandneedcirculation,sohavingafewoldwindowscreensaroundisperfect.Placethebotanicalsonthescreenandelevateitsothataircangetunderneath.
Youcanalsoputsmallquantitiesofherbsinbunches,withrubberbandsaroundthestemstoholdthemtogether,andhangthemuntildry.Besuretherearen’ttoomanystems,though,orthecentercanmold.Hangtheherbbunchesawayfromdirectlight.
Ifhumidityisaprobleminyourhouse,tryspreadingtheherbsinashallowlayeronacookiesheetandplacinginawarmovensetonthelowestsetting.Ifit’sagasoven,justthepilotlightwillwork.Dependingontheherbsandhowmuchisonthepan,theywillbefineinthereovernight.Stirthemupinthemorningtoseeifthey’redry.Ifthey’realmostdry,allowthemtofinishatroomtemperature.Ifthey’restillprettydamp,returnthemtotheoven.Whendone,immediatelysealtheminajarorbaggiesotheydon’tabsorbmoisture.
Thegoalwithdriedherbsistokeeptheleavesasintactaspossibleinordertopreservetheessentialoilsandothercomponents.Youcanremovetheleavesfromthestemspriortodrying.IfI’minahurry,Iwillstriptheleavesfromthestemsafterdrying(alittletrickier),orevenjustleavethemonthestemsuntilit’stimetousethem.Driedherbsareeasiertostorewithoutthestems.
Storedriedherbsawayfromlightinacool,darklocation.
HerbalTeasHerbalteasareoneoftheeasiestandmostpleasantwaystoincorporateherbsintoyourdailylife.Sometimestheyarecalledtisanes;whenonlyasingleherbisusedforatea,itiscalledasimpletea.Butmostpeoplejustcallthemherbalteas.
HerbalteasaredifferentiatedfromtheteasmadefromtheplantCamelliasinensis,
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whichincludeblack,green,oolong,andwhiteteas.Theseallcomefromasingleplant,whichistechnicallyanherbthatcontainscaffeine!Whatweconsidertobeherbalteasdonothavecaffeine,sothat’sthemaindistinction.
Lotsofpeopleareonlyvaguelyawareofthemedicinalpropertiesoftheteasthatthey’vecometoregularlyenjoy.Herbalteasareoneofthegentlestmeansoftakingmedicinalherbs.Manyofthemcanbegiventochildren—mydaughterstillremembersthechamomileteapartieswe’dhaveduringscarythunderstormsorotherstressfultimes.Twenty-plusyearslater,chamomileisstillafavoritetisanethat’salwaysinhercupboard.
Teasweremygatewayherbs.Afterspendingawinterreadingvariousherbbooks,Ispentthespring,summer,andfallgatheringsprigsandpetalsofeverypossibleherbIcouldusefortea,pinchingbitsfromgardensoffriendsorleapingfromthecartorunacrossameadowforsomething.Idriedthemonascreenandmixedthemtogetherinabigjar.Iaddedsomepurchasedstevialeaves,cinnamonchips,andlicoriceroot,andshookitup.Webrewedtheconcoctionbythecup.Eachcupwasdifferent,andtherewasn’tabadoneinthebunch.
Thereareacoupleofdifferentbrewingmethods.Whenusingthemoretenderpartsoftheplant,liketheleaves,theherbsareinfused.Thisinvolvespouringhotwaterovertheherbs(whichyoucanplaceinateaballorteabag)andlettingitsteepfor5to15minutesbeforestraining.
Don’tconfusethistechniquewiththerecentpopularityofthewordinfusion,asin“herbalinfusions.”Thisreferstoaveryconcentratedbeveragemadeusingoneounceofdriedherbinaquartofwaterandsteepingitovernight.Thereareonlyahandfulofplantssuitedtothismethod,includingvitamin-andmineral-ladenherbslikestingingnettle,redclover,andoats.
Asageneralguideline,useateaspoonofdriedherborherbblendoratablespoonoffreshherbsperonecup(8ounces)oftea.Thatsaid,themeasurementisn’tcriticalwithtea.IusuallygooverbecauseIkeepaddingthings!
Teasmadewithdenserbark,seeds,orrootsaredecocted.I’lloftenmakeupadecoctionofwildcherrybark,licoriceroot,fennelseeds,andperhapsacoupleofotherroots,dependingonthepurpose.Todecoct,simmertheherbinwaterforanextendedperiodoftime,whichcanbefrom15minutestoseveralhoursdependingontheherb.Theharderthematerial,themoreheatandtimeneededtoextractthepropertiesandflavors.
Intermsofwhichherbstouseforyourteas,alotdependsonwhereyouliveandwhatisavailable.Somegoodherbstotryaremint,chamomile,sage,thyme,hibiscus,jasmine,
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passionflower,orlemonbalm.Sprinkleinsomerosepetals.Raspberryandblueberryleavesaddflavorandhaveusefulcomponents.
Forasimple,relaxingtea,tryblendingchamomile,passionflower,andlemonbalm.
Tosootheacoldandsorethroat,trysage,thyme,andelderberrywithalicoricerootstirstick.
Upsettummy?Gingerteawithalittlespearmintcanworkwonders.
Teasareespeciallyvaluableforcomfortandcalming.
COOKINGWITHHERBSFORHEALTH“Letfoodbethymedicineandmedicinebethyfood.”
—HIPPOCRATES
Herbspackalotofvalue.Asprinklingofthyme,atablespoonofbasilpesto,ateaspoonofparsley,orsomesesameseedsonabagel—alladdincredibleflavorandarepowerhousesofnutrientsandprotectiveproperties.
Cookingwithherbsdoesn’tneedtobeinvolved.Oneofthefirstclasseswegaveatourshopwasanherbtasting.Wehadcrackers,butter,creamcheese,andabout10culinaryherbs:chives,tarragon,basil,rosemary,sage,parsley,chervil,thyme,cilantro,andpaprika.Theattendeessimplyputadabofbutterorcheeseonacrackerandaddedasprigofanherb,learningabouteachherbastheysnacked.Theyleftfeelingmoreconfidentaboutusingculinaryherbsathome.
Tobegincookingwithherbs,startsmall,meaningoneservingatatime.Thatway,ifitisn’tgreat,youhaven’truinedabigmeal.Ascrambledeggistheperfectplacetoaddalittlethyme,parsley,andasplashofsalsawithcilantro.That’showIlearned,andnowIcan’timaginecookingadishwithoutsomethinggreenorspicytojazzitupandbringouttheflavor.
Syrups
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Makingsyrupsisasimplewaytopreserveherbsusinginexpensiveingredients.Somesyrupsaretastyenoughtodrizzleovericecream,crepes,orintococktailsorshrubs.Syrupscantakethemosthorrendousflavorandmakeitpalatableenoughforachildtoenjoy.Horehoundisagoodexample:It’sanacquiredtaste,atbest(althoughtherearepeoplewholikeit),butit’sterrificforsoothingcoughsandavarietyofupper-respiratoryissues.Mixingitwithsomesugar,honey,ormolasseshelpsthemedicinegorightdown.
Tomakesyrup,you’llneedapan,strainer,measuringcups,funnel,bottles,andaspoon.
Startwithastrongherbalteathathasbeensimmereddowntoreducebyabouthalf.Next,addeither2partssugar(1cuptea,2cupssugar)oranequalamountofhoneyormolasses(1cuptea,1cuphoneyormolasses).Igenerallyusesugarbecauseit’sinexpensiveandIalwayshaveitinthehouse.Stirtobesurethesugar(orhoneyormolasses)isdissolved,bringtoarollingboil,andcontinuetoboilforaboutthreeminutes.Cool,bottle,andcap.
Syrupscankeepforuptoayearintherefrigerator.Ifyouwanttostorewithoutrefrigeration,concentratetheinfusionmorebysimmeringitdowntoaboutone-thirdtheoriginalquantity,andadd¼cup100-proofvodkaforevery1cupofsyrup(resultingin12.5percentalcoholcontent).
Thisalcoholcontentisnotmuchwhentakenbytheteaspoon,butbeawareofitforchildrenandpregnantwomen.
Elderberrysyrupisamusteveryyearforwinterhealth,andIsharearecipeintheeldersection(seehere).
Astaplesyrupinourhouseholdisonethat’sgreatforsoothingmucusinthethroatandchest.Themainingredientsareosha,elecampane,ginger,licoriceroot,somemullein,Californiapoppy,andhorehound.Isimmertherootsseparatelyuntiltheliquidisalmostreducedbyhalf,thenaddthemoredelicateherbsfortherestofthesimmer.Ithencontinueasdescribedabove,addingwhateversweetenerIpreferandalcoholifdesired.
Asimplegingersyrupisgoodtohavearoundbecauseonceit’sinthecabinet,you’llbereachingforittoaddtoteas,bakedgoods,stir-fries,andsomuchmore.Blackstrapmolassesmakesatastyandnourishingbase.
Inthespring,violet,rose,anddandelionsyrupsarefunandbeautifultomake.Thoseworkbestwithasugarbaseandsomelemon,whichallowthegorgeouscolorstocomethrough.
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OilsInfusedherbaloilsaremadebysoakingherbsinavegetableornutoilforanextendedperiod,withorwithoutheat.Itisimportanttomentionthatthisiscompletelydifferentfromanessentialoil.
Manydifferentoilscanbeinfused.Oliveisthemostcommonbecauseit’seasytofind,affordable,andgreatfortheskin.Sweetalmondoilisoftenfoundasaningredientinolderherbals,butittendstogorancidquicklyifnotrefrigerated.Apricot,avocado,sesame,hazelnut,sunflower,andjojoba(technicallyawax,makingitextremelyshelfstable)arealsogoodoptions.
Mostherbaloilinfusionsareusedtopicallyinsalves,balms,lotions,soaps,andmassageoils.Theycanbeusedasculinaryoils,butthatrequiresextremecaution,asanymoistureatallcanresultinbotulism.
Thereareseveralmethodsformakingherbaloils.Thekeyistomakesurethatnowaterisintroducedintotheoil.Themoisturethatisintheplantmaterialmustbeallowedtoevaporatefreelyortheoilwilldevelopmold.Additionally,allplantmaterialmustbecompletelycoveredbyoiltoavoidmold.
Tomakeinfusedoil,you’llneedalargeglassmeasuringcup,astrainer,ajarforstoring,and,ifusingfreshherbs,cheesecloth.
Theeasiestmethodistostartwithdriedherbsinoilusinggentleheat.Theovenonthelowestsettingoraslowcookerequippedwithalowsettingworkverywell,andajarofoilandherbssittinginasouth-facingwindowisgreat.I’malwaysinahurry,soit’stheslowcookerovernightforme.Theovenwouldalsobeovernight,andthewindowcouldtakeafewweeks.
Ifyouwanttousefreshherbs,whichcanbetricky,theyshouldbewellwiltedtolessenthewatercontent.Aftermixingtheherbsintotheoil,coverthejarwithseverallayersofcheeseclothtoallowevaporationuntiltheinfusionisfinished.Theinfusionisdonewhenithastakenonthescentand/orcoloroftheherb,usuallyafteratleasttwoweeks.
ManyyearsagoImadeagallonofjewelweedoilanddidn’twiltitorallowittoevaporate,keepingthebottlesealed.Itlookedgreat,butwhenIopenedthejuginthespring,itwasputrid.
Whentheoilisfinished,strainouttheherbs.Ihaveafavoritemethodforstraining:using6-inchsquaresofmaterialfromoldT-shirts.Lineameshstrainerwithoneofthese
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squaresandsetitoveralarge(2-quart)glassmeasuringcup.Thenpourtheoilandherbsslowlythroughit.Squeezethematerialtogetallthegoodoilintothecup.Pourtheoilintoajarorbottle,cap,andlabel.
Youcanalsoinfusesolidoilslikeshea,coconut,cocoabutter,soy,andmangobutter.Liquefythemwithgentleheatandthenintroducetheherbs.Onwarm,sunnydays,youcanputthemintheheatofthesununtiltheyareliquidandthenaddyourherbs.Afterseveralhours,puttheoilintherefrigeratorandkeepitthereuntilyouneedit.Atthattime,heattheoiltoliquidagain,straintheplantmaterial,anduse.
Inthefollowingsections,you’llseehowyoucanmixoilsintoavarietyofpreparationslikesalves,balms,andmassageoilstoaddahealingherbalcomponent.
DOSAGEThevastmajorityofherbs,whenusedwithalittleknowledge,aregentleanddon’trequiredosagesaspreciseasmedicinaldrugs.Thedosagegenerallydependsontheherb,theindividual,theenergetics(coveredinthenextchapter),andtheissueorailmentbeingaddressed.
Whenusinganewherb,thebestthingtodoisstartwithasmallamount.Ifit’satea,startwithacupandseehowyoufeel.Withatincture,12to15dropsisagoodstart.Forsyrup,ateaspoonortwowilldo.OntherareoccasionswhenIgetsick,theserulesgooutthewindowbecauseIknowhowdifferentherbsaffectmeafteryearsoftrialanderror.Youmayfindmewanderingaroundwithaboxoftissues,swiggingfromabottleofelderberrysyrup,andsimultaneouslypouringitintomygiantmugofginger,honey,andlemontea.Overtime,I’vegainedadeepunderstandingofwhatworksforme.
Takingtoomuchofanherbcanresultinminordiarrhea(similartoeatingtoomuchbroccoliorcabbage),sleeplessnessorsleepiness,orsomethingsimilarlybenign.Ifyoudon’texperiencethesesymptoms,feelfreetoslowlyincreaseyourdoseifdesired.
Todetermineachild’sdosage,considertheirweight.Wegenerally
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assumeanaverageadultweighttobeabout150pounds.Iftheadultdoseis30drops,thena30-poundchildwouldgetone-fifthoftheadultdose,orsixdrops.Anotherhelpfultrickisusingonedropperyearofageuptoage12.Asmentionedabove,herbsarenotasexactingaspharmaceuticaldrugs,butit’salwayssmarttoerronthesideofcautionwhenitcomestochildren.
Specificdosageguidelinesaredifficulttofind.Youcanconsultwithanherbalistifyou’refeelingunsureandlookingformoreguidance.Andalwaysspeakwithanherbalistordoctorwhenworkingwithachronicconditionorillness.
SalvesSalvesareemollientandhealingblendsofherbaloils.Youcanmakeall-purposesalvesforanyskinproblem,antisepticsalvesforhealingwounds;drawingsalvesforpullingoutsplinters,venom,andinfections;salvesforchestrubs;orsalvesforsoremuscles.Theycanevenbemadeasapleasanthandsoftenerorlipbalm.Salves,lipbalms,andthemoresolidlotionbarareallbasicallythesamething.Theonlydifferenceistheamountofbeeswaxused.Onceyoulearnthisskill,itcomesinhandyforallsortsofthings—salvevariationscanbeusedforhairpomade,diaperrashcream,andevenfurniturepolish!
Toaddherbstosalves,theherbsarefirstinfusedinoil,thenblendedwithbeeswax.Veganoptionsforwaxincludebayberry,candelilla,orahighpercentageofcocoabutterinplaceofwax.
Herearesomegeneralstartingpoints:
SALVE1partwaxto8partsoil
LIPBALM1partwaxto4partsoil
LOTIONBARS1partwaxto2partsoil
Tomakeasalve,you’llneedadoubleboiler(oramicrowaveandglassmeasuringcup),astainlesssteelspoon,jars,andlabels.
Startwithaboutone-fourthoftheoiltobeusedandmixitwiththewax.Heatthemixturetomeltthewax.Youcandothisineitheradoubleboilerorthemicrowave.Ifusingthemicrowave,heatin30-secondincrements,stirringaftereach.Eitherway,continueuntilthewaxiscompletelymelted.Besuretheremainingoilisatroom
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temperature,thenaddittothewaxmixture.Thispreventsheatingalloftheoiltothemeltingpointofthewax.Butdon’tworry,youcan’treallyruinasalve.Yousimplyaddmoreoilormorewaxuntilyouhavetherightconsistency.
TincturesTincturesmaysoundscientificandintimidating,butasitturnsout,thisfolkmethodcouldn’tbeeasier.Tincturesaresimplyplantsinfusedinalcoholforaperiodoftimeuntiltheliquidbecomesmuchlikeaveryconcentratedtea.Freshherbalpropertiescanbewellpreservedinatincturewithalmostnoworkandjustalittletime.Tincturesaresimpletomakeandaperfectwaytopreservemedicinalherbs.
Ialwayskeepchamomiletincturearound.Mydaughterwasanxiousasachildandhaddifficultyfallingasleep,andIfoundthatchamomilewasjustthething.Ialsokeepablendofholybasilandmimosafloweronhandforemotionallydrainingsituations,whenIcan’tseetheforestforthetrees.
You’llneedaknifeorscissors,acuttingboard,alcohol(typicallyvodka),jars,andlabels.Wilttheherbstogetridofexcessmoistureandthenuseagoodquality-vodka(150-proofismygo-to).Somepeoplepreferwhiskey,rum,orbrandy;it’sjustamatteroftaste.Fillajarwithchoppedherbs.Coverwithyouralcoholofchoice.Leaveatroomtemperatureforsixweeks,shakingthejardaily(orwhenyouremember).Aftersixweeks,strainthemixtureandyourtinctureisreadyforuse.
Somepeopleputtheirherbsinafoodprocessorfirst.Somepeopleshaketheirjarseveryday.
Ifyoudon’tneedtousethetincturerightaway,itisfinetoleaveitunstrainedforyears.Infact,tinctureskeepformanyyearsjustastheyare,strainedorwiththeherbsleftinthealcohol.
Touseatincture,startatalowdoseandseehowitworks.Mixitwithaswallowofwaterorjuice.Tincturesdon’talwaystastegreat,sogetitoverwithquickly.Somepeoplechoosetoputtincturesstraightundertheirtongues,butinmyopinion,there’snoneedtosufferlikethat.Youcanalsomixadoseintoacupoftea(evenherbaltea)orjuice.
Regardingthealcoholintinctures:Thetypicaldosageislessthanateaspoonofalcohol.Mostsourceswillsaythatthisisequivalenttothenaturallyoccurringalcoholcontentinaripebanana.Ineverhesitatedtogiveafewdropsmixedinjuicetomytoddler.Aslongastheherbissafetouseduringpregnancy,thisamountofalcoholshouldn’tbeaproblem.Still,Iwouldneversuggestthatsomeonewhocannothave
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alcoholshouldusetinctures.Therearelotsofothergoodwaystoingestherbs,sowhyriskit?
Ifalcoholisn’tanoptionforyouforwhateverreason,youcansubstituteglycerinusingthreepartsglycerintoonepartwater.Itisn’tquiteaseffective,andthetinctureslastonlyforayearorso,butitisadecentsubstitute.
LABELINGAlwayslabelyourpreparations!Dothisassoonasyou’redonemakingthem.SkippingthisstepishowIendedupwithmyfamousshelfofunknownremedies.TherearestilltimeswhenI’llbecalledawayinthemiddleofpreparingsomethingandforgettolabelwhatIadded,andthememoryinstantlyfades.Thesecondthere’sevenafleetingdoubt,it’stoolate,andyoucan’tbecertainwhatwentintoyourpreparation.
Yourlabelsshouldinclude:
NAMEOFTHEREMEDY
DATEMADE
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONSFORUSEStartanotebookfromthemomentyoubegincreatingformulas.
Writedownthestepsasyouworksoyouknowhowtore-createthings.There’snothingworsethanmakingtheworld’sbest-everteablendandthenforgettingwhatwentintoit.
Ifstoredintherefrigerator,mostpreparationscanlastaboutayear.Withoutpreservatives,that’sagoodruleofthumb.
HARVESTINGHERBS
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Wewillexamineindividualherbslaterinthebook,buthereareafewtipstokeepinmindasyoubeginharvesting.Beforestarting,doyourresearchtounderstandwhichpartoftheplantisused.Itisbesttouseclippers,butyourfingerswillworkfine,too(butmostherbiesIknowhaveperpetuallystainedfingersthroughoutthesummer!).Chooseonlythehealthiestplants.
Gatheratleast100feetfromaroadway,andonlywhereyouknowpesticidesandweedkillershavenotbeenused.
Getpermissionfromthepropertyownerifyouareforaging.
Neverforageinaprotectedareaorplantconservancy.
Chooseplantsthatareatorjustbeforetheirpeak,withleavesandflowersthathavenoblemishes.
Ifpossible,waituntilthedewhasdried.
Gatherfragrantessentialoil–producingplantsbeforethehottestpointoftheday.
Neverwipeoutastandofplants.Picknomorethan10percentofwhat’sthere.Ifitisthelonestand,considerleavingituntilnextyear.Ifthereareseedsonwhatyou’repicking,leavetheseedsbehind.
Learnthelistofendangeredandat-riskplantsinyourarea(UnitedPlantSavers.orgisagreatresource)andbeagoodsteward.
Processthegatheredherbsimmediatelyforthebestquality.
Dryherbsasyougo.Ifyou’relikemeandgooutforlongstretchesoftime,youcanuselarge,looselywovenbasketsandfillthemonlyhalfway.Givetheherbsaturnacoupleoftimesaday,andthey’lldryinthebasket.
PillsPills(orpastilles)areanotherremedythatisveryeasyandinexpensivetomake.There’snothinginthepillsexcepttheherbandwhateverliquidormoistenerisusedtoformthe
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pill.Youcanuseanyherborcombinationofherbs,and,withpractice,thepillscanbemadetobequitetasty.Iparticularlyliketousethemforsorethroats.
Tomakepills,combinefreshlypowderedherbswithaliquidtoformathick,firmpaste.*Thepasteisthenrolledintoballs,whichmayormaynotbeflattenedintoalozengeshape,andthendried.Thesecomeinhandyforchildren—thepillscanbemadesmallerorlargerdependingonwhatthechildcanholdinhisorhermouthandhowmuchherbisdesired.Totakethepill,holditinyourmouthuntilitbreaksapartandcanbeswallowed.
You’llneedabowl,knife,spoon,jarsortins,andlabels.It’sveryimportanttofinelypowdertheherbs.Iliketouseacoffeegrinderandthenputthepowderthroughameshstrainertoremoveanylargerbits.Youcanalsopurchasepowderedherbs,butbeawarethatpowderslosetheirvitalityveryquickly.It’salwaysbesttokeepherbsaswholeaspossibleuntiluse.
Next,chooseyourliquid.Honeyisusuallymyfirstchoice,butyoucanalsousetea,glycerin,coconutoil,oramedicinalsyrupyou’vemade.Startwithtwopartsherbalpowdertoonepartliquid.Addtheliquidabitatatime,andkneadthemixtureverywell,addingmoreliquidasneeded.Getsimilarlysizedpiecesbyrollingthe“dough”intoalogandcuttingoffshortlengths.Drythoroughly.Drypillsshouldbeshelfstableforseveralmonths,butIstickthemintherefrigeratororfreezeroutofhabit.They’llbasicallylastforeveriffrozen.
Anothereasywaytomakeapillistogetemptycapsulesandfillthemwithpowderedherbs.Thesearemeanttobeswallowedandaresometimestheonlywaytogetsomeonetotakeabitterherb!
*Themixturebeforedryingiscalledanelectuary,whichcanbeaddedtoorusedtomakeherbalteas.
BathsHerbsinthetubcandoalot.Asachild,Iremembermymotherputtingmeinthekitchensinkfullofoatmealwater,probablyformeaslesorthechickenpox.Itwassosoothing.Acupofvinegarsteepedwithrosespouredintoatepidbathisawonderforsunburn.ComfreyandEpsomsaltsaftertoomuchphysicalactivityrelaxesmusclesandhelpsachyjoints.Thelistgoesonandon.Aniceherbalbathcanbesohealing.
Bathsaremadeinmuchthesamewayasteasthatareformulatedtodrink,buttheyarecombinedtosootheornourishtheskin.Sometimesyoucandrinkthesame
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concoctionthatwillbeusedforbathing,andhoneycanevenbepartofthedeal.
Ioftenhearinstructionstohangamuslinbagfilledwithherbsfromthefaucetwhiledrawingthebath.Thatreallydoesn’tworkwell,though.Iprefertofillahalfgallonpitcherwithveryhotwater,thensubmergeamuslinbagfilledwiththeherbsinthewaterwhilerunningabath.Itmakesastrong“tea”thatyoucanthenpourintothebath.Nomuslinbag?Noworries.Placetheherbsinthecenterofawashcloth,bindthecornerswitharubberband,andmakeyour“tea”thatway.
Youcanputadditionslikeoatmeal,powderedmilk,orsaltdirectlyintothebag,orinthewaterseparately.Justdon’tclogthedrain.
Herbsforthebathcanbeusedfreshordried.Goodchoicesarecomfreyrootandleaf,calendulaflowers,roses,lavender,chamomile,mint,yarrow,plantain,jewelweed,rosemary,thyme,elderflower,chickweed,seaweed,andsage.
PoulticesPoulticesareusedtotreatissuesbyapplyingherbsdirectlyontotheskin.Theyaretypically,butnotalways,usedforexternalissues.Theymaybeusedtosootheorcalmrashes,andarealsovaluablefordrawingouttoxins,stings,andsplinters.Makingherbalpoulticescanbeassimpleaschewingupaleafandputtingthewet,mashedherbontoaninsectbiteorwound.Oritcanbeasinvolvedasheatingamixtureofherbsinoilandapplyingittotheskin,coveredwithlayersofmaterial.
Teabagpoulticesareeasyandquick,andpeoplecommonlyusethemwithoutthinkingofthemaspoultices.Forinstance,yearsagoitfeltlikeImightbedevelopingastyeonmyeye,soIbreweduptwoteabagsinonecup,onechamomileandoneechinacea,toputontheaffectedeye.Asoneteabagcooled,Iwouldreplaceitonmyeyewiththeother.Rotatingtheteabagsstoppedthestyeorinfectionfromgettingafoothold.
“Spitpoultices”arehurriedpreparationsmadeinthefield.Forinstance,foryellowjacketorwaspstings,aninstantremedyisaplantainleafchewedandappliedtothestingafterremovingthestinger.Itprovidesimmediaterelief,andifdonepromptly,drawsoutthevenombeforedamageoccurs.
Ioncehadablockedsalivarygland.Afterspendingagooddealoftimefindingthegland,Imadesmall,half-moon-shapedpoulticesinheat-sealableteabags.Ifilledthemwithablendofplantain,chickweed,andkaolinclay,andtheysuccessfullypulledthelittle“stone”out.
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Amustardplasterplacedonthechestwouldbeconsideredapoultice,aswouldtheold-timepracticeofchoppingandcookinglargeamountsofonionsandspreadingthemashotascouldbeborneonthechest.Bothofthesehavealayerofclothbetweenthemandtheskintopreventskinirritation.They’rebothcommonlyusedtoincreasecirculationandloosenchestcongestion.
CompressesMosteveryonehasusedahotorcoldcompressafteramuscleinjury.Herbalcompressesaresimilarbuthavetheaddedhealingpropertiesofherbs.Theycanbepreparedforuseatdifferenttemperatures,dependingonthepurpose.Hotcompressesareusedformuscularpains,cramping,anddrawingoutinfections.Mostotherissuescallforroom-temperatureorcoolcompresses.
Makingacompressisveryeasy.Useanicethickwashcloth,orahandtowelforlargerareas.
1.Makeaverystrongherbalteainaquantitythatwillallowyoutosaturatethecloth.
2.Soakteaintotheclothandwringitout.
3.Placethesoakedclothontheaffectedareafor15to30minutes.
4.Repeatasneeded.
Ifyoupreferacoldcompress,placethesoakedclothinthefreezerbriefly(takeitoutbeforeitfreezes).Thisisfasterthanwaitingfortheteatocooldown.Teasbrewedforcompressescanberefrigeratedorfrozenandreheatedwhenneeded.Besuretomarkanyfrozenteaslikeyouwouldotherpreparations.It’snofuntofindcontainersofherbalicecubesandhavenoclueastowhattheymightcontain.
Herearesomeofmygo-tocompresses:
SUNBURNBlackteawithlavenderandrosepetals.Thisshouldbeusedasacool,butnotcold,compress.
MUSCLESPRAINSORSTRAINSWITHNOBROKENSKINArnicawithcomfreyandEpsomsalts,appliedwarm.
GENERALRASHChamomile,appliedcooloratroomtemperaturetosootheandcalmtheskin.
ACHINGORNERVEPAINLemonbalmwithSt.John’swort,usedeitherverywarmorverycold,perhapsalternating.
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ECZEMAPlantain,chickweed,calendula,andlavenderappliedatroomtemperature.
PLANTRASHES(POISONIVY,OAK,SUMAC)Yarrowwithjewelweedandplantainappliedasacoolcompress.
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3SelectingtheBestHerbsforYouInthischapter,wediscussthedifferentclassificationsforhumans,herbs,andillnesses.IntraditionalWesternherbalism,thissystemiscalledherbalenergetics.Weareallsoverydifferentandunique,butwecanbeclassifiedintofourmainconstitutionsthatdescribeourgeneralphysicalstate.Whileyourconstitutioncanchangethroughoutyourlife,it’sthebasisofwhoyouarerightnow.Whentreatinganillness,it’simportanttomatchtheherb,illness,andindividualenergetically.Forinstance,someherbsareverydrying.Let’ssayapersonwithadryconstitutionisexperiencingatight,drycough.Givingthemadryingherbwouldonlymakethesituationworse.Instead,wewouldgivethemsomethingthatwillmoistenandeasethecough.Thisisthebasicframeworkofenergetics.
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EnergeticsofIndividualsMostcultureshaveahealingtraditionthathelpsusmaketheconnectionbetweenaperson’sconstitutionandwhatkindofherbswillhelpbringthembacktobalance.ExamplesfromaroundtheworldincludeAyurveda,traditionalChinesemedicine,theNativeAmericanMedicineWheel,andSouthernfolkherbalism.Theseareallessentiallydifferentformsofenergetics.Inthischapter,we’llexaminethephilosophyoftraditionalWesternmedicineenergetics,whichisover100yearsoldandameldingofmanytraditions.
Individualenergeticsreferstoone’sconstitution,whichisthegeneralconditionofthebody.Itisimportanttochoosetherightherbenergyfortheconstitutionoftheperson.Determineyourownconstitutionbyponderingthefollowinglist.Forsomepeople,itwillbeasclearasabell,whileforothersitmayrequiresomeexaminationandthought.
Myownconstitutionisdampandneutraltemperature(neitherhotorcold),tendingtowardlax.
Someofthethingsthatleadmetothisclassificationaremyabilitytosweatoncueandthefeelingthatitmightbepossibletodiefromhumidity(damp).Ihavemanyhotandcoldmarkers,sothatlandsmeintheneutralterritory.Ifnobodyforcesmetomovearoundanddothings,I’llprobablytakeacouplenapsandnotgetdressedfortheday(lax).
Herearethetypes:
Cool/cold:Quiet
Wouldlikeanothersweater,please
Palecomplexion
Coldhandsandfeet
Sluggishorinactive
Warm/hot:Outspoken
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Usuallyfeelswarm
Blusheseasily
Alwaysdoingsomethingactive,canbehyper
Healthyappetite
DampOilyskinandhair
Retainswatereasily
Sweatseasilyandfreely
Doesnotlikehumidity
Pronetocongestionorrunnynose
Anklesmayswelleasily
DryBrittlenails,hairbreakseasily
Dryskinandscalp
Itchy
Pronetodrycoughandthroat
Creakyjoints
Pronetoconstipation
TenseNervousorirritable,easilyrattled
Tight,painfulmuscles
Headaches
Toobusy
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Lax/RelaxedPronetodepression(physicalandemotional)
Sleepy,difficulttowake
Sluggish,stagnant
Atitsworst,maymeanlossofmusclecontrol
Eachofusindividuallyfallssomewhereonthescaleofthethreecategoriesbelow.Wealllandsomewherebetweenhotandcold,dampanddry,andtenseandlax.Thosethingsallchangefromtimetotime,butwetendtowardonesideortheotherunlessdrasticlifechangesoccur.Forinstance,Ihaveseenawarm,damppersonbecomecoolanddryafterchemotherapy.
Ifneithertypeinonecategoryapplies,oriftheyseemequal,youmayhaveaneutral,orbalanced,constitution,andthat’sagoodthing.Balanceisthegoalinhealth,asitisinallthings.Ourconstitutionispartofwhowearethroughheredityandethnicity,sowecan’tchangeitcompletely,butwecanmakechangesthroughherbs,food,andlifestylethatmoveustowardbalance.
Personally,Inoticethatweightchanges,age,activitylevel,andeatinghabitsaltermyconstitution.Weightgaincanbringlotsofwaterretentionandbogginesstomybody,causingmetoperspiremoreoftenandleantowardthedamptype.Losingweightanduppingactivity,alongwitheatinglotsofgoodfreshfruitsandvegetables,canreturnmetoamorebalancedconstitutionwithmorecontrolofmoisture,tone,andtemperature.Similarly,someonewithacold,dryconstitutioncansometimesneutralizethatwithhydration,exercise(towarmthemusclesandorgans),andconsumptionofwarming,moistfoods.
Forhomeherbalists,knowingyourbaselineconstitutionisvaluable.Ithelpsyouunderstandthefoodsandherbsthatcansteeryouclosertothecenter,aswellasthe
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foodsandherbsthatyouwanttoavoid.Understandingourownconstitutionandthatofthoseclosetousenablesustochoosethecorrectherbfortheindividual.
EnergeticsofHerbsNowthatyouunderstandthetypesofconstitution/tissuestates,youcanselectherbsthatcorrespondtoeachone.Yes,herbshaveenergetics,too!Thetrickistoworkwithherbsthatpromotebalanceinthebody.Forinstance,acoolingherbwouldbecalledforinahotstate,adryingherbforadampstate,orarelaxingherbfortoomuchtension.Herearesomecommonexamples:
COOLINGwatermelon,lettuce,raspberryleaf,hibiscus,lavender
WARMINGcayenne,ginger,basil,garlic,cinnamon,blackpepper
MOISTURIZINGlicorice,marshmallowroot,plantain,okra,purslane,slipperyelm
DRYINGsage,osha,turmeric,tea,yarrow,goldenrod
TONING(INVIGORATESTONEANDTIGHTNESS)yarrow,witchhazel,tea,rose,blackberryleaf,lady’smantle
RELAXINGvalerian,lemonbalm,hops,catnip,chamomile,lavender
Withinthevarioustypes,manyherbshavedifferentactions.Forinstance,whenitcomestorelaxingherbs,chamomileverygentlycalmsanxiety,milkyoatseedsupportsthenervoussystem,passionflowerhelpswithcircularthinkingthatcreatestension,andskullcaprelievesstressandmentalexhaustion.Herbsworkindifferentandpowerfulways.
Furthermore,thetasteofherbsandfoodsalsocorrespondstotheenergeticsofherbs.Thetasteofanherbreinforcesitsaction.Herearethetastesmostoftenusedinherbalhealing,withsomeexamples:
SWEET(WARM,DAMP)cardamom,nutmeg,anise,sesameseeds
SALTY(COLD,DRY)seaweed,vinegar,celery,soysauce,nettles
PUNGENT(HOT,DRY)horseradish,mustard,paprika,cumin
SPICY(WARM,DRY)cinnamon,cloves,ginger,holybasil
SOUR(COOL,DRY)lemon,sumac,tamarind,fermentedfoods
ASTRINGENT(DRY)tea,oregano,parsley,cranberries
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BITTER(COLD,DAMP)hops,mugwort,citruspeel,dandelion,gentian,yellowdock
Inchoosingherbs,keepinmindthatthegoalisalwaystomovefromanexcessofaparticularconstitutionalelementtowardbalance.Ifanillnessexhibitscoldandwetsymptoms,youwanttorespondwithherbsthatarewarm/hotanddrytobalancethemout.
Let’ssaysomeoneishot,dry,andtenseinconstitution,andthisiscausingissueswithconstipation.You’dwanttochoosecooling,demulcent,ormoisteningherbsthattendtohaveasweettaste.Licoriceroot,slipperyelm,andmarshmallowrootwouldallbehelpfulforthisperson.
Ifwecombinetheherbsthatwillworkinbalancewiththeperson’sconstitutionandthetastesthataffectthataction,wecanbebetterassuredthatwe’rechoosingthecorrectherbforthesituation.
EnergeticsofIllnessesManyyearsagomysisterandIwereonaroadtripandchattingabouthowdifficultitistoaccuratelydescribepaintothedoctor.Atsomepointshesaidherswasaround,sweetpain.Welaughedforabout10milesafterthatone.
Lookingback,Iseethatwewereontosomething,wejustweren’tusingtheterminologyofarecognizedtradition.Thetruthisthatillnesseshaveenergetics,too.
Onceyoubecomefamiliarwiththeenergeticsofhumansandherbs,itbecomesclearhowtheycorrelatetothesymptomsofanillnessandhowbesttoapproachandtreatthatillness.Onewaytolookatitisthattheillnesspresentsitselfbydemonstratinginwhatwaythebodyisoutofbalance.Heatneedstobecooled;damprequiresdrying.Simpleyettrue.
Considerthelanguageweusetodescribeanillnessoritssymptoms.Howoftendoweusethetermsthatdescribethetissuestates,orvariationsoftheterms?“Thiscoldisstuckinmychest,”or“Mybackissotensethatit’sgotmyheadaching,too.”It’salreadyhowwethinkaboutillness.Nowwejustneedtoputitalltogether.
Let’ssayyourchildhasaweepingskinrash(damp).Yourgoalwillbetodryitupsoitcanheal.Youwouldn’tputoiloranykindofbarrieroverit,becauseitneedscontactwiththeairtodry.Ifyouhaddry,painfulpatchessuchasbrushburnsorcrackedhands,youwouldn’treachforadryingtreatmentlikeadrawingclaypoultice.Youwouldlikelyknowallthisinstinctively,withouthavingtothinkabouttheenergeticsinvolved.
Eventually,thissystemofhealingbecomessecondnature.Iencouragepeopletothink
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abouthowmuchtheyusethissystemwithoutrealizingit,thengofromthere.Itisimportanttolearnwhichactionseachherbhasandhowitworks.
Anotherthingtoconsideriswhetherherbsareassociatedwithacertainorganorbodypart.Thiswillnarrowdownyourpossiblechoiceswhenapproachinganillnessorailment.Herearejustafewexamples:
OATSnervoussystem
SOLOMON’SSEALconnectivetissues
HAWTHORNANDROSEheart
MILKTHISTLEliver
GOLDENRODkidney
PLEURISYROOTliningoflungsandchestcavity
Ifyoustruggletoclassifysomeherbs,tissues,andillnessesintotypesandstates,that’sokay.Evenexpertsdon’talwaysagree.AsRosemaryGladstaroncetoldaclassIattended,“Putthreeherbalistsinaroom,andyou’llgetthreedifferentopinions.”Themainthingistotrustyourknowledgeandintuition.
Nowyouhavealotoftoolsinyourherbaltoolbox.Youknowhowtomakevariousherbalconcoctionsandhaveanideaofhoweverythingworkstogether.Thatjustleavestheherbs.
STORAGEWhenitcomestostoringherbalpreparations,firstandforemostdateyourjars!Sincetheyarenotchemicallypreserved,youwanttothrowthemoutafterayear(unlesstheyareobviouslypasttheirprimebeforethen).Tincturesareanexceptionandcanlastforupto10yearsifproperlystored.Butayearisagoodguidelineformosteverythingelse.Herearesomestoragetips:
Usebottlesorjarsthathaveadarkcolor,suchasamberorblue.Thisgoesfordriedherbsaswell.
Storeinacool,dryplace.Iftheremedyisusedinthebathroom,keepjustasmallcontainerthereandstoretheresteitherinthe
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refrigeratororacupboard.
Freezingorrefrigerationwillextendthelifeofoilsandsyrups.
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PARTII
The30EssentialHerbsFinally,it’stimetodigintotheherbs!Ichosethe30herbsinthissectiontodemonstratethattherearealreadyincredibleherbsinyourkitchenandeverydaylife,andalsothepotentialeachherbholdsforhealthandhealing.Everyoneofuswillwinduphavingfiveto10favoriteherbs.Myhopeisthatofthe30herbsincludedhere,youwillcometoloveatleastfiveandkeeptheminyourhouseatalltimes.
Thissectionfeaturesallkindsofrecipes,andtheyaremeanttobeguidelines;feelfreetoswapindifferentherbsdependingonyourneedsandpreferences.Learnhowtoblendherbalteas,makesyrupsthekidswilllove,andwhipupsimpletincturesandelixirs,yummyhoneysandvinegars,andsalvesandmassageoilsforboo-boosandsoremuscles.Knowinghowtomakethesethingswillempoweryoutousemorenaturalremediesandtakecontrolwhenitcomestoyourhealthandthehealthofyourlovedones.
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Aloebarbadensis
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ALOEReveredandusedmedicinallyforthousandsofyears,thesucculentbeautyaloeisnativetoIndiaandAfrica(includingEgypt)andhasmorethan400knownspecies.TheoriginwordforaloeistheArabicalloeh,meaning“bitterandshinysubstance.”TheEgyptianBookofRemediesfrom1500BCmentionsaloe.IntheBible,NicodemusmixedaloewithmyrrhtoapplytoChrist’sbody.Later,AlexandertheGreatfoughtforit,andGreekphysicianDioscorideswroteaboutit.Suchasought-afterplant,yetitturnsoutthatitpracticallygrowsitself.Aloeisawelcomehouseplantanywhereandfreelygrowsoutsideincertainclimates.Eventhosewhoscoffatmedicinalherbshaveprobablyusedaloeatsomepoint!
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ABOUTALOEOTHERCOMMONNAMESburnplant,medicineplant,sinklebible(intheCaribbeanIslandsparticularly),plantofimmortality
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSRegularandlong-terminternaluseofaloecancausechronicdiarrheaandathighdosesmaycauseliverdamage,soitisstronglydiscouragedbeyondoccasionaluse.Aloeshouldnotbeusedinternallyduringpregnancyorwhilebreastfeeding.Ifyouuseinsulinorbloodthinnersorhavehypoglycemia,donottakealoeinternally.Someindividualsmaybeallergictoit.
PARTSUSEDThegelandfirmpulp(alsoknownasthefillet,ortuna)insidetheleaves;thebitteryellowlatex,calledaloejuice,orsapthatformsbetweenthegreenskinandthecleargelinmatureplants.Thisyellowjuicecontainsthecathartic,laxativeproperties.Whileitcanbeusedinternally,commerciallymadealoejuiceismuchsafer.
ENERGETICSbitter,moisturizing,cool
PROPERTIESAloeiscathartic,anesthetic,anti-inflammatory,antibacterial,antiviral,emollient,andalaxative.
USESExternally,aloecanhealwounds,burns,skininfections,psoriasis,andeczema.Internally,it’sgoodfordigestiveissuessuchasIBS,constipation,andulcers.Youcanalsogarglealoejuicetohelphealgingivitisandulcersinthemouth.
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PREPARATIONSAloeisdifficulttopreserve,sothebestthingtodoisgrowitasahouseplant—it’snearlyimpossibletokill—andpeeltheleavesasneededatthetimeofuse.Youcanfindaloegelinmostdrugstores,andcapsulesmadefromaloearealsoavailable.Soaps,creams,andlotionsmadewithaloearewidelyavailable.Aloejuicehastheconsistencyofwaterandisavailableinmosthealthfoodstores.
DOSAGEInternally,thegelcanbetakeninconsultationwithahealthcareprovider.Commerciallyavailablepreparationsprovidespecificdosages.Topically,applythefreshgelasneeded.Externalusehasnounsafelimit.
GROWINGTIPAnyonecangrowaloe.I’veseentheplantbeignoredformorethanayear(givennowater),andrevivewithindaysafterwatering.Theonlywaytokillaloeistooverwaterit,soletitdryout.Cutleavesfromthebottomtouse,asthey’llbetheoldestandlargest.Aloegrowsasaperennialinzones9and10,withlance-shapedleavesfromthebasalrosettereachingseveralfeettall.
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HometreatmentsAloeoncesavedanislandvacation.Isnorkeledtheentirefirstdayandendedupwithaseveresunburn.Icutathree-footaloeleaffromrightoutsidetheroomandcutslicesfromit,layingthefilletsdirectlyonmyburningskin.Thatsoothing,cool,emollientgelhelpedimmediately,andbymorningmyskinwasnolongerred.
Iseelotsofsportsandweightlossdrinksouttherewithaloeasaningredient.Thereiscurrentlyquiteabitofresearchonusingaloeveragel(notjuice)internallyforulcerativecolitisandotherseriousdiseasesofthegut.However,untilmoreisknownaboutitslivertoxicityandpossiblecarcinogenicproperties,IwillconcurwiththeCenterforScienceinthePublicInterestandsuggestavoidinginternaluseofaloeveragel.
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ALOEMOUTHWASH
Makes1cup
Preptime:5minutes
Garglingwithaloeisterrificforyourgumsandhelpspreventgingivitis.Itcanalsobehelpfulforsorethroats.Youcanevengiveitatrythenexttimeyoucan’twaitforthatcheesepizzatocoolandendupwiththeroofofyourmouthpainfullyblistered.Aloejuiceismadebypressingtheentireleafofthealoe,includingtheoutergreenpart.Itismucheasiertoworkwiththanaloegel,whichcangetsticky.Thejuiceisperfectforthisrecipe.
INGREDIENTS½cupaloejuice
½cupwater
2teaspoonsbakingsoda
1dropspearmintessentialoil
1dropteatreeessentialoil
1droporangeessentialoil
SUPPLIESa10-or12-ouncejar
1. Combinealltheingredientsina10-or12-ouncejarandshakewelltodissolvethebakingsoda.
2. Touse,swishanounceorsoofthejuiceinyourmouthfor30secondstoaminute.Donotswallow.
3. Sealthejarandstoreintherefrigerator.
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ALOEHAIRMASK
Makes1maskforlonghairor2masksforshorthair
Preptime:10minutes
Aloehasareputationforworkingwondersondamagedhair,soothingitchyscalps,andrelievingdandruff.Itleaveshairsmoothandshiny.Theoilandmilkinthismaskincreasetheseactions,andthenettlehelpsstrengthenhairandkeepithealthy.
INGREDIENTS¼cupaloegel
¼cupcoconutmilk
2tablespoonspowderednettle
1tablespooncoconutoil
SUPPLIESanairtightjar
1. Inamicrowave-safebowl,combinealltheingredientsandmixuntilsmooth.
2. Warmthemixtureinthemicrowavefor30seconds(orinadoubleboilerforabout3minutes),untilthecoconutoilismelted.
3. Storeinanairtightjarandrefrigerate.
4. Themaskcanbeusedaboutonceaweek.Workitthroughdryhairandintothescalpandspendafewminutesmassagingitin.Coverhairwithashowercaporplasticwrap,thencoverwithatoweltoretaintheheat.Letthemasksitforabout30
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minutes,thenrinse,condition,andadmire.
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Astragalusmembranaceus
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ASTRAGALUSAstragalusisnativetoChina.It’sanunassumingvetchwithsmallyellowflowersthatripenintosmallseedpodsresemblingtinybeans.IthasbeenusedintraditionalChinesemedicineforthousandsofyearsandisoneofthe50fundamentalherbsusedinthattradition.Additionally,ithasbeenusedincookingjustaslong,makingitaperfectexampleoffoodasmedicine.Ithasalwaysbeenconsideredahealingtonic,butinrecentyearsastragalushascaughttheeyeofscientificresearchers.Itshowspromiseforhelpingwithasthma,highbloodpressure,anddiabetes,andevenslowingthegrowthoftumors.It’ssafetosaythatuseofastragaluswillbeontheriseinthecomingyears.
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ABOUTASTRAGALUSOTHERCOMMONNAMESHuangqi(Chinese),milkvetch
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSDuetoitslonghistoryofuse,astragalusisgenerallyconsideredsafe,buttherehavenotbeenenoughstudiesdone,sodonotuseduringpregnancyorwhilebreastfeeding.Alsoavoidastragalusifyou’reusingimmunesuppressantmedicationorhaveanautoimmunedisease.
PARTUSEDroot
ENERGETICSsweet,warm,moisturizing
PROPERTIESAstragalusisatonicoradaptogenicherb,supportingadrenalfunction.Itisantibacterial,antiviral,diuretic,anti-inflammatory,immune-stimulating,andantiaging.Astragaluscontainsover40saponins,whicharesoap-likecompoundsthatfunctiontobenefitusinmanyways,includingbindingtoandremovingammonia,whichcanbeaneurotoxinifnotefficientlyeliminated.Italsocontainsantioxidants,aminoacids,essentialfattyacids,andseveraltraceminerals.
USESAstragalusisoftenusedasapreventiveorremedyforupper-respiratoryillnesses.Itstimulatestheimmunesystemandalsoprotectsthebodyfromtheeffectsofstress.Externally,itsoothesandhealstheskin.Astragalusisexcellentforrebuildingenergyandimmunityafteranillnessorwhenexperiencinglowenergyandstrength.
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PREPARATIONSAstragalusisavailableindriedslicesandincutandsiftedform.It’salsousedindecoctions,tinctures,capsulesorpills,lotions,andcreams.Ihaveseendriedsoupmixesofastragalusblendedwithhealingmushroomsandotherherbs.Therearealsoseveralgoodastragalusteasavailable.
DOSAGEIfusingacommercialproduct,followthelabeldirections.Takeadropperful(about25drops)ofastragalustincturetwoorthreetimesadayifyoufeelanillnesscomingon,oronceadayasadailypreventive.Duringillness,increaseyourdosagetoastrongdecoctionortincturetwoorthreetimesaday,ortakecapsulestwicedaily.Brothmadewithastragalusrootisespeciallyhealing.
GROWINGTIPAstragalusisveryeasytogrowasaperennialinzones6through9.Thevetchescangetaggressive,sofindaspaciousspotwhereitcanspread.Youcanharvesttherootsforuseinthefourthyear.Digtheouterroots,leavingthecentertogrow.Cleanwell,slice,anddry.
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HometreatmentsAstragalusisgoodtouseafterasevereillness.Itsupportshealingandhelpsstrengthandvitalityreturn.Asanadaptogenandimmunestimulant,itisalsonourishingandslowlyandgentlybuildsusbackup.Thereareseveraleasywaystoincorporatethiswarmingandmoisteningherbintoyourdays.Youcancooktheslicesintomostsoupsorstews,orsprinkletheshreddedrootoverrice,pasta,orpotatoeswhiletheycook.Keepsomeinthekitchen,andyou’lluseitmoreoften.Theteaisverypleasanttastingandblendswellwithelderflowerandholybasil.
Itiswellknownthatstress,whetherphysicaloremotional,wreakshavoconourorgans,manifestinginaninabilitytofightoffanyattack.Thismakesussusceptibletoanygermthatcomesourway.Theimmunesystem–supportingandtonicpropertiesofastragaluskeepillnessandtheeffectsofstressatbay.Inmyhousehold,weveryrarelygetsick.Aspartofourpreventivewinterherbalarsenal,weaddastragalusslicestosoupsandteassothatwehavesomealmosteveryday.
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TONICSOUP
Serves8
Preptime:90minutes(30minutesactive)
Warminganddelicious,thissoupgivesimmunityaboost.Itfreezeswell,soit’seasytokeeponhandthroughthewinter.There’snothinglikesouptokeepthechillsaway.
INGREDIENTS8cupsbroth(beef,chicken,orvegetable)
1tablespoonoliveoil
1onion,diced
4to8clovesgarlic,minced
1(1-inch)piecefreshgingerroot,peeledandfinelychopped
1cupslicedcarrots
1cupfreshburdockroot(soldinstoresasgobo)orsweetpotatoes,choppedintobite-sizepieces
2slicesastragalusroot
1cupshiitakemushrooms(freshorreconstituted),sliced
3cupskaleorcollardgreens,choppedinto½-inchpieces
SUPPLIESalargepotandaskillet
1. Inalargepotoverhighheat,bringthebrothtoaboil.
2. Meanwhile,heattheoliveoilinaskilletovermediumheatandaddtheonion,garlic,andginger.Reducetheheattolowandsautéuntilsoftandfragrant.
3. Addthecontentsoftheskillettothebrothinthepot,alongwiththecarrots,burdockroot,astragalusroot,andmushrooms.
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4. Simmer,covered,overlowheatfor50minutes.
5. Addthegreensandsimmerfor10moreminutes.
6. Removetheastragaluswithaforkortongsbeforeserving.
7. Refrigerateleftovers.
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IMMUNITYBALLS
Makes48(1-inch)balls
Preptime:1hour
ThisrecipeisatakeonRosemaryGladstar’sZoomBalls,butinthisversionweuseherbstostimulateandsupporttheimmunesystem.Youcansubstitutealmostanyingredienttoyourtastepreferencesorneeds.Forinstance,youcanusesunflowerseedbutterifnutsareaproblem.Eatacoupleoftheseadayduringfluseasonforatasty,nutritious,immunity-boostingsnack.
INGREDIENTS1cupcashew,almond,orpeanutbutter
½cuphoneyorblackstrapmolasses
¼cupastragaluspowder
¼cupcalendulapowder
¼cupechinaceapowder
¼cupholybasilpowder
½cupcocoapowder,divided(optional)
1tablespoongroundginger
1tablespoongroundcardamom
1tablespoongroundcinnamon
½cupshreddedcoconut(optional)
SUPPLIESanairtightcontainer
1. Inabowl,usingalargespoon,mixtogetherthenutbutterwiththehoney.
2. Graduallyaddtheastragalus,calendula,echinacea,andholybasilpowders;¼cupcocoa(ifusing);andtheginger,
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cardamom,andcinnamontothemixturetoformastiffdough.
3. Rollintobite-sizeballs.Ifdesired,rollthemintheremaining¼cupcocoaand/ortheshreddedcoconut.
4. Storetheballsinanairtightcontaineratroomtemperatureorintherefrigerator.
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Calendulaofficinalis
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CALENDULACalendulahasbeenworn,eaten,andusedforhealingforcenturies.InancientRomantimes,itwasnotedthatcalendulaflowersopenedtothesunandclosedatnight,andwerealwaysinbloomonthefirstdayofeachmonthoftheRomancalendar,oroneachfullmoon.Theherb’snameisrelatedtothepassageoftime,andthebrightyellowandorangebloomslookjustlikethesun.Calendulaispartofmanytraditionalrituals.It’sstillusedtodayinDíadeLosMuertoscelebrations,andHindualtarsareoftendecoratedwiththebrightflowers.TheAztecsandotherancientCentralandSouthAmericanpeoplesreveredthelittlesunplant.Calendulaisamedicinalherb.Wheneverthewordofficinalis(orofficinale)appearsinaLatinplantname,itdenotesuseinmedicineandherbalism.
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ABOUTCALENDULAOTHERCOMMONNAMESpotmarigold,poorman’ssaffron,ruddles,commonmarigold,calendule,Mary’sgold,Marybud,Englishgardenmarigold,Scotchmarigold,orpoet’smarigold
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSThoseallergictoplantsintheasterfamilyshouldavoidcalendula.Womeninearlypregnancyshouldavoidinternaluse.Otherwise,theherbisconsideredquitesafeforbothinternalandexternaluse.
PARTSUSEDFlowersandleaves,whichcontainastickyresinthatisherbalgold,indicatingthepowerfulhealingpropertiesheldwithintheplant.
ENERGETICSbitter,warm,drying
PROPERTIESTheplanthasmanyamazingandvaluablequalities.Becauseitisantiviral,anti-inflammatory,antibacterial,styptic,vulnerary,antispasmodic,andastringent,itwasfoundtobeusefulonthebattlefieldsduringtheCivilWar.Itisstillafavoriteherbfortakingcareofinjuriesandillness.Calendula’shighlevelofcarotenoidshelpsfightfreeradicals,whichcancauseaginganddisease.
USESCalendulaiscommonlyusedforskinissuesandwounds.It’sevengentleenoughtouseinproductsforbabies,suchasdiapercreamorscalpoilforcradlecap.Itcanmakeahugedifferenceonfootorlegulcers,particularlywhencombinedwithcomfrey.Used
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internally,ithelpsmucusmembranesheal,soit’squiteusefulfordigestiveandgastrointestinalproblems.Youcanusecalendulaasagargleorrinseforthegumsandthroat.Calendulateahasahistoryofworkingasaneyewashtorelievesymptomsofpinkeye.Personally,Iliketomakeaverywet,warmteacompressfortheeyes.
PREPARATIONSYoucanfind(ormake)calendulaoil,salves,teas,tinctures,gels,lotions,creams,poultices,compresses,andsoaps.Therearealsolotsoffooduses.
DOSAGEAswithmostoftheplantsthatarealsousedasfood,dosageofcalendulaisn’tcritical;itdependsalmostentirelyontheissuebeingaddressed.
GROWINGTIPCalendulaisveryeasytogrow;Isimplyscattertheseedsinthespring.It’sbesttocoverthemwith½inchofdirtafteralldangeroffrosthaspassed.TheywillgerminatequicklyandbloomfromJulyuntilfrost.Afterdrying,theseedslooklikesmallwormsamongthepetals.Don’ttossthem—savethemtoplantnextspring.
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HometreatmentsCalendulateaisgoodasasingleorpartofablend(withlemonbalm,elderberry,holybasil,androse)toboosttheimmunesystem.Beingantispasmodic,thewarmteahasbeenknowntocalmabdominalormenstrualcramps.
Calendulaisgreatforwoundsthataren’thealing.Thedryingenergyspecificallyhelpsweepywoundsorrashes,helpingclearthemup.Duringourshopdays,awomanwithanulceronheranklethesizeofahalf-dollarcameinandsaidherprescriptionsweren’thelping.Shewasintears.Werecommendedasalveofcalendulaandgoldenseal.Shecameinaweeklaterformore,andtheulcerwasonlyhalfasbig.She’duseditthreetimesaday,cleaningthewoundeveryevening.
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CALENDULASUNSHINEBATHSOAK
Makes12bathsoaks
Preptime:15minutes
Thisisarejuvenatingandsoothingbaththatfeelsincredibleaftertoomuchtimeinthesunorgarden.ThemagnesiuminEpsomsaltsisgreatforoverworkedmuscles.Withtheadditionofsomeotheringredients,you’llstepoutofthebathanewperson.Thescentsandhealingpropertiesoftheherbsalongwiththepurerelaxationofawarmbathcombinetohealscratches,bugbites,wind,orsunburn.
INGREDIENTS1cupcalendulaflowers,chopped
1cupcomfreyleaves
½cupyarrow
¼cupelderflowers
3tablespoonslavender
20dropslemonessentialoil
3cupsEpsomsalts
SUPPLIESalargejarorplasticcontainer
amuslinbagorwashcloth
1. Combineallthebotanicalsinabowlorlargeplasticbag.
2. Inaseparatebowl,combinetheessentialoilandEpsomsaltsandmix.
3. Mixeverythingtogetherandplaceinalarge,wide-mouthedjar.Ifyou’rekeepingitnearthetub,a(recycled)plasticjaris
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probablysafest.
4. Touse,place½cupofthesoakinamuslinbagorintoawashclothandtiesecurely.Heataquartofwateronthestoveandsteepthebathsoakinitfor10to15minutes.
5. Pourthehotliquidintothebath.Soak.
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ALL-PURPOSECALENDULASALVE
Makes8to10ounces
Preptime:15minutesaftercalendulaoilisinfused(infusiontimedependsonmethodused)
Thissalvecomesinhandyallyear.Fromsmallboo-boosandskeeterbitestoburns,cuts,chappedhands,andbruises,itsootheseverything.IliketouseitondaysIforgettoputmoisturizeronmyface,too.
INGREDIENTS1cupfresh(or½cupdried)calendulaflowers
1½cupsoliveoil
1to1½ouncesbeeswax(seeTip)
20dropslavenderessentialoil(optional)
20dropsteatreeessentialoil(optional)
SUPPLIESafewsmalljars
1. Usewhatevermethodyouprefertoinfusethecalendulaintotheoil.
2. Strain(astrainerlinedwithclothisbest)theoilwell,squeezingasmuchoilfromtheflowersaspossible.Thegoalistohaveatleast8ouncesoftheoil.
3. Inapot,gentlyheattheoilwiththebeeswaxuntilthewaxisliquefied.Stirthemixturewelltobesureallthewaxisincorporated.
4. Ifincludingtheessentialoils,addthemtothemixture.
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5. Pourthesalveintojars.Whenithashardenedandcooled,placelidsonthejarsandstoreinacoolplace.
6. Touse,applyathinlayerofsalvetotheskinandgentlymassageitin.
TIPIfyouhave8ouncesofoilafterstraining,use1ounceofbeeswax.Ifyouhavemorethan8ounces,use1½ouncesofthebeeswax.
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Capsicumspp.
Capsicumannuum,Capsicumfrutescens,Capsicumchinense,Capsicumpubescens,Capsicumbaccatum
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CAPSICUMAllpeppersexceptsweetbellpepperscontaincapsicum.Peppersarefromthenightshadefamily,alongwithtomatoes,potatoes,andeggplants.Hot,spicypeppershavebeencultivatedinMexico,CentralAmerica,andSouthAmericaforatleast3,000years,withsomesourcesgoingback7,000years.DishesfromJamaica,India,variousAfricancountries,China,Korea,Louisiana,Mexico,andCentralandSouthAmericaallincludehotpeppersandhavebeenmakingtheirwaytotheUnitedStatesandpartsofEuropeinthelastcentury.Asachild,Ihadzerocontactwithhotfoods,andIwasnearly30whenIfirstfoundthemtobedelicious.Capsicumisnotjustaflavorful,enliveningspiceforfoods.Italsohasplentyofbenefitsforhealthandcomfort,nottheleastofwhichisitshighcontentofcarotenoidsandvitaminsCandE.
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ABOUTCAPSICUMOTHERCOMMONNAMESredpepper,chile,cayenne,hotpepper
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSAvoidexternaluseonchildrenunder2yearsofage.Donotapplytobrokenskinoruseneartheeyesormucusmembranes.Internaloverdosecancausenausea,vomiting,abdominalpain,andburningdiarrhea.
PARTSUSEDFruit,wholepepper.Manypeoplebelievethattheseedsarethehottestpart,butitisactuallythesurroundingtissuethatholdsandclingstotheseeds.
ENERGETICSwarming
PROPERTIESCapsicumhassomuchtooffer.Itisantifungal,antimicrobial,carminative,diaphoretic,expectorant,immune-stimulating,andstyptic,anditgetsthemetabolismmoving.Theactiveingredient,anirritantalkaloidcalledcapsaicin,encouragescirculationandthinsblood.Capsicumstimulatesgastricjuicesandsalivatoimprovedigestion.Italsostimulatesperspiration,helpingcoolafever.
USESForyearspeoplewithdigestiveissuesweretoldtoavoidspicyfoodsandsticktoblanddiets,butcapsicumaidsindigestionandhelpsproblems,includingupsetstomach,intestinalgas,stomachpain,diarrhea,andcramps.Someevidencesuggestsitmayhelpwithdiabetesandweightmanagement,aswellasheadaches,bloodpressureregulation,andheartdisease.
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Externally,asalve,gel,lotion,orpatchontheskincanbringrelieftolingeringpainpost-shingles,thejointpainsofosteoarthritis,rheumatoidarthritis,andfibromyalgia,aswellaseverydaymuscleandjointaches.
PREPARATIONSYoucanfindormakecapsicumtopicalsalves,gels,lotions,andpatches.Forinternaluse,capsules,vinegar,ortincturesworkwell.Theherbisalsoaterrificfoodingredientorseasoning.
DOSAGEOncommercialproducts,followthedoseinstructions.Externalpreparationscanbeusedthreeorfourtimesaday.Discontinueifarashdevelops.Internally,takeastolerated.
GROWINGTIPPeppersareeasytogrowbyseed.Theplantsarealsobecomingpopularatnurseriesandheirloomherbfestivals.Besuretokeepsweetandhotpeppersasfarapartaspossiblebecausetheywillcross-pollinate,andtheheatalwayswins.
Peppersappearontheplantgreen,turnyellow,thenturnorange,ripeningtored.Somearepurpleorbrown.
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HometreatmentsTheCayenneSalveisalifesaverformeinwinter.HereinPennsylvania,theterm“bone-chilling”meansthatmykneesandshouldersacheinthecoldseason.Iapplycayennesalvemorningandnighttogetbloodtotheareaandknockoutthepain.
Notethatthisisawarmingandstimulatingherb.Capsicumstimulates,moves,andflushesthingsaroundandout.Ifyou’veeverwatchedahotpepper–eatingcontest,you’veseenhowsaliva,tears,perspiration,andmucusallflowfreely.Notthemostpleasantsight!Health-wise,anexampleofthisisacaseofblockedsinuses—thosetimeswhenitfeelslikeyou’relivingwithafishbowloveryourhead.Assoonasyoueatsomespicyfoodwithcayenne,itwarmsyouup,stimulatesperspirationandmucusproduction,andflushesoutthatblockage.
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HOTSAUCE
Makesabout2cups
Preptime:90minutes(45minutesactive)
Addinghotandspicycapsicumtomealsisagoodwaytoreapthemedicinalbenefitsofpeppers.Havingabottleofthishotsauceonhandmakesiteasytoseasonandspiceupyourmeals.Itpacksabigpunchinbothflavorandhealing.Wordtothewise:Weargloveswhilepreparingthis,asitisveryhardtogetalltheoiloffyourhands.
INGREDIENTS1½cupsricevinegar
2dozenhotredpeppers(Ilikeamixtureofwhateverisavailable),coarselychopped
½mediumredbellpepper,coarselychopped
1mediumonion,diced
5garliccloves,chopped
½teaspoonsalt
SUPPLIESrubbergloves
astickblender
afewbottlesorjars
1. Pourthericevinegarintoamediumpot.Addallthepeppers,theonion,garlic,andsalt.
2. Bringtoaboil,thensimmerforabout10minutes,untilthepeppersaresoft.
3. Usinganimmersionblender,whirlthemixtureintoaliquid.
4. Simmeruncoveredtoreducefor5minutes.
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5. Pourthehotsauceintobottles.Storeatroomtemperatureorrefrigerate.
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CAYENNESALVE
Makes12to14ounces
Preptime:4½to6½hours(10minutesprep,4to6hourstoinfuse,10minutestocreatesalve)
Theheatfromthepeppersandthegingerinthissalvepromotecirculationtospeedhealingwhilerelievingpain.Thepeppermintoiliscoolingandanalgesic,makingthecombinationveryeffective.
INGREDIENTS2cupsoliveoil
½cupdriedhotpeppers
1tablespoongratedfreshginger
2ouncesbeeswax
1teaspoonpeppermintessentialoil
SUPPLIESaslowcooker
assortedjars
1. Inaslowcookeronlow,infusetheoliveoilwiththepeppersandgingerfor4to6hours.
2. Strainandpourintoaglassmeasuringcuporothercontainerwithapouringlip.Whiletheoilisstillhot,stirinthebeeswaxuntilitmelts.
3. Addtheessentialoiljustbeforepouringthesalveintojars.
4. Touse,applycooledsalvedirectlytotheskinusinganicepopstickorthebackofaspoon(thiskeepsbacteriafrombeingintroducedintothejar).
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TIPIt’seasiesttoputpeppersandgingerintoamuslinbagandsubmergeintheoilwhileinfusing.Removethewholebagwhenfinished.
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Nepetacataria
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CATNIPCatnipisoftenrelegatedtothefelinefamily,butweshouldn’tbesoquicktowriteitoffforhumans.Aswithmostplantswavingaroundoutthereinthesunshine,catniphassomegiftstoofferusaswell.
Iconsidercatnipandcatminttobetwodifferentplants,butinmostliteraturethetwoareconsideredtobethesame.Catnipisthewildandscruffywaysideherbthatgrowschesthighwiththickspikesoftinywhiteflowers.Catmint,ontheotherhand,ismuchmorerefined,withsmallleavesandprettyblueflowerspikes;itgrowstoaheightoftwotothreefeet.Theyarebothlovely,fragrant,andatthereadytoassistwithseveralmaladies.
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ABOUTCATNIPOTHERCOMMONNAMEScatmint,catswort,catnep,fieldbalm
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSAvoidcatnipwhilepregnantorifyouhavekidneyorliverissues.
PARTSUSEDLeavesandflowers,particularlywhileinbloomifyou’relookingforinsectrepellentproperties.
ENERGETICScool,dry,slightlybitter
PROPERTIESCatniphasalotgoingforit,beingantispasmodic,diaphoretic(therebyreducingfevers),relaxingandsedative,immune-stimulating,mildlyanesthetic,andantibiotic.Itcontainsantioxidants,flavonoids,vitaminsCandE,andmineralslikechromium,iron,manganese,potassium,andselenium.Someindividualssaythatcatnipisapsychedelicintoxicantwhensmoked,butthere’snoresearchtosupportthis.Nepetalactoneistheconstituentresponsibleforcatnip’sreactions,butitisalsoarepellentfor(oddly)cats,smallrodents,andseveralinsects.SeveralstudiesfromtheturnofthecenturyshowthatcatnipessentialoilismoreeffectivethanDEETagainstmosquitoes.
USESCatnipisoccasionallyusedinplaceofchamomilebecauseithassimilarrelaxing,calming,andstomach-soothingproperties.Itisveryhelpfulforcolds,theflu,cramps,colicorindigestion,headaches,insomnia,andrestlessness.Theanti-inflammatorypropertiesmakeiteffectiveforarthritis,andpoulticessoothe
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hemorrhoids,hives,andbugbites.Theteamayalsohelpnewmothersrelaxtonursetheirbabies.
PREPARATIONSCatnipcanbefounddriedandasteas,tinctures,salves,capsules,andessentialoils.
DOSAGEItissafetousethetea,tincture,andcapsulesuptothreetimesaday.Ifusingthemaximumamountseachday,giveyourbodyafewdaysoffafteraweekorso(thismethodisknownas“pulsing”)beforeusingagain.Usesalveasneeded.Besuretheessentialoilisproperlydilutedbeforeyouuse.Leavesofthefreshplantrubbedontotheskinwillalsoworktorepelmosquitoes.
HARVESTINGTIPIt’sworthwhiletogathersomewildbloomingcatnipduringthesummer.Ittakesquiteabitofthefreshherbtodrydowntoafewounces.
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HometreatmentsCatnipisabrilliantremedyfortherestlessnessthatkeepskids(andadults)fromsettlingdowntosleep.Ialwayspreferateaasarelaxingremedyforitswarmth,andbecauseitencouragesmetostopandsipit.SometimesIcouldgetmychildtohaveateaparty,butwhenitwasn’tpossibletoreasonwithher(youknowhowcrankytiredkidscanbe),tincturesweregreat.Theyrelaxedherandsettledanytummytroubles.
Catnipteaisperfectforcoldsandtheflu.Itblendswellwithotherherbsandmakesagoodbaseherb,sinceithasapleasant,mildlymintyflavor.Itcanhelpdryupdrippycoldsandgetasweatgoingtobreakafever.Mixedwithbonesetandelderberry,catnipinteaortincturescontainspropertiesthatboosttheimmunesystem,calmcramping,relievepain,andenablerestduringtheflu.Ifthere’svomiting,atincturecanbeeasiertokeepdownthancupsoftea.
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CATNIPANDROSEGERANIUMBUGREPELLINGSPRAY
Makesabout1quart
Preptime:15minutesplus2weekstosteep
Thebotanicalsinthisnaturalbugsprayareaseffectiveasharshchemicals,withoutthedangeroussideeffects.Inrecentyears,ticksandmosquitoeshavebeenfoundtocarrynewdiseases,soavoidingtheirbitesismoreimportantthanever.
FORTHEALCOHOL2cupsbloomingfreshcatnip,finelychopped
1cupfreshrosegeranium,finelychopped
1cuplemongrass,chopped
½cuplavender
1quart80-or100-proofvodka
FORTHEOIL1cupoliveoil
2tablespoonsbloomingfreshcatnip,chopped
2tablespoonsfreshrosegeranium,chopped
2tablespoonslemongrass
2tablespoonslavender
30dropslemoneucalyptusessentialoil
SUPPLIESajar
somespraybottles
TOMAKETHEALCOHOL
1. Placethebotanicalsinajarandcoverwiththevodka.
2. Letsteepatroomtemperaturefor2weeks.Strainandreturn
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theliquidtothejar.
TOMAKETHEOIL
1. Inabakingdish,combinetheoil,catnip,rosegeranium,lemongrass,andlavender.Putintheovenatthelowestsetting(180°Fto200°F,generallylabeled“warm”)for2hours.
2. Straintheoilintoalargemeasuringcup.
TOMAKETHESPRAY
1. Addthealcoholtothemeasuringcupalongwiththeessentialoilandmix.
2. Pourintospraybottles.
3. Touse,spraydirectlyontoskin.Shakevigorouslybetweenusestobesurethealcoholandoilcombineforalonger-lastingrepellent.
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RELAXINGCATNIPTEABLEND
Makesenoughfor12cups
Preptime:15minutes
Theingredientsinthisblendworktogethertorelaxandsoothe.Theymakeaprettyblend,too.Iliketomakesuretheexperienceoftheteacomplementsthedesiredeffect.Useabeautifulcup;sitinafavoritechair—whatevermakesyoufeelpamperedandcalm.Thisenhancestheherbalproperties,andbesides,youdeserveit.
INGREDIENTS¼cupdriedcatnip
3tablespoonsdriedlemonbalm(seeNote)
3tablespoonsdriedchamomile
1tablespoondriedrosepetals
SUPPLIESan8-ouncejar
1. Inan8-ouncejar(ahalf-pintMasonjarisperfect),blendalltheherbstogetherwell.
2. Inateakettle,putwaterontojustreachaboil.
3. Tomake1cupoftea,put2teaspoonsoftheteablendinamugandpourin8ounces(1cup)ofthehotwater.
4. Coverandletsteepfor5to10minutes.
5. Storetheleftoverteablendinthesealedjaratroomtemperature.
NOTEThoseonthyroidmedicationshouldcheckwiththeirdoctorbeforeusinglemonbalm.
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CinnamomumverumANDTHEMORECOMMONCinnamomumaromaticum(cassia)
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CINNAMONCinnamonisoneofthemostcommonlyusedculinaryspices.Youcanfinditinalltypesofbakedgoodsanddesserts,anditflavorseverythingfrombreakfastdishestosouptonuts.Mostofthecinnamoncommerciallyavailableisthearomaticumvariety,alsoknownascassia,comingfromChinaandpartsofSoutheastAsia.Theverumvarietyispreferred—ithasamoredelicateflavorandisfavoredformedicinalusebecauseitcontainslesscoumarin,whichthinstheblood.Itisthinnerthancassia,almostpapery,andtan.Cassiaisonethickreddish-brownlayerofcurledbark.However,verumcanbedifficulttofindandismoreexpensive.
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ABOUTCINNAMONOTHERCOMMONNAMEScannelle,canela,Lauruscinnamomum,dalchini
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSThecoumarinincassiaisabloodthinner,soitisnotrecommendedforindividualsonblood-thinnermedication.Whenusedinlargequantities,suchasthedailydosageformedicinalpurposes,coumarinisaliverandkidneytoxin.Cinnamonessentialoilisaskinirritantandsomewhatcaustic.Alwaysdilutecinnamonessentialoil,andoptforleafoilratherthanbarkoil.
PARTSUSEDinnerbark,leaves
ENERGETICShot,dry,pungent,sweet,warming
PROPERTIESCinnamonisanti-inflammatory,andisthoughttohavemoreantioxidantsthanalmostanyotherfoodintheworld.Ithasantibacterial,antifungal,antiviralpropertiesthatcombinetoboostimmunity.Itisalsoantiseptic,astringent,carminative,andastimulant,andcontainscalciumandtonsofmanganese.
USESCinnamonhelpsstopvomiting,relievesflatulence,andisusefulingettingridofdiarrhea.Somemedicaldoctorsarenowencouragingtheirpatientstoconsumecinnamoneachdaytoreducebloodsugar,bloodpressure,andcholesterollevels.Youcanusecinnamonteafornauseaorapplyitexternallyforfungus.Cinnamonessentialoilisapotentantibacterialandantifungal
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ointment.
PREPARATIONSCinnamoncanbefoundormadeasteas,capsules,oressentialoils.Theeasiestusageisasafoodingredient(evencinnamonbunsaremedicinal!),anditcomesinsticksorpowder.
DOSAGEIfusingverum,thedailydosageis½to1teaspoon,onetothreecapsules,oronetothreecupsoftea.Ifusingcassia,cutthesedosesinhalfgiventhehighercoumarincontent.Bewaryofcommerciallabels—manysuppliersusethecheapercassiawithoutexplicitlysayingso.
COOKINGTIPTheflavoroffreshlygratedcinnamonissomuchbetterthanthestuffthatcomesinthejars.IliketograteitathomewithmyMicroplanegrater.Ittakesabitofwork,butit’sworthit.Addtosomefreshapplesforhomemadeapplesauce—yum!
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HometreatmentsManydoctorsarenowawareofcinnamon’spositiveeffectsonbloodsugar,cholesterol,sensitivitytoinsulin,brainactivity,allergies,andneurologicalfunctionindiseaseslikeAlzheimer’sandParkinson’s,andtheyrecommendittotheirpatients.Becausethetherapeuticamountofverumcinnamonisgenerallyrecognizedassafe,thereisnoreasonnottotryitifyouhaveaconditionthatmightbeimproved.
Drinkingacupofcinnamonteaeverydayisapleasantwaytostimulateandboosttheimmunesystem,andinwinteritisacomfortingmorningorafternoonwarm-up.Tomakecinnamontea,heatwaterinakettleandpouritintoacupwithastickofcinnamon.Letsteepfor8to10minutes.Removethecinnamon,whichwillhaveprobablyuncurledandflattened.Itwillcurlupagainasitdries,andyoucankeepitformanymorecups.Addhoneyandenjoy.
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SPICYCHAI
Makes4cups
Preptime:15minutes
Itiswellworthgatheringallthedeliciousspicesforthissweet,warm,andrichbeverage.Eachoneispackedwithhealthbenefitsandhealingpowers,andthecombinationpacksabigflavorpunch.Thisistheperfecthotdrinkforthecoolermonths.
INGREDIENTS3slicesfreshginger
6cloves
1(3-inch)cinnamonstick,brokenintosmallpieces
1tablespoondriedholybasil
½teaspooncorianderseeds
3blackpeppercorns
3cardamompods
½teaspoonfennelseeds
3teabagsblacktea
3cupscoldwater
6to8tablespoonshalf-and-half
2tablespoonshoney
SUPPLIESasaucepan
Gentlywarmalltheingredientsinasaucepan,covered,for10to15minutes.Donotletthemixtureboil.Usingastrainer,strainthewarmchaiintoateapot.Serve.
TIPYoucanpremixallthespices(exceptforthefreshginger)inmuslinbagstouseforfuturebrews.
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CINNAMONHONEY
Makes12ounces
Preptime:10minutes
Allofthemedicinalpropertiesofcinnamonareatyourfingertipswiththisdeliciousandversatilehoney“medicine.”Spreaditonbutteredtoast,addittogreentea,tossaspoonfulintoameatdish,orjusteatitbythespoonful.Thehoneycomplementsthecinnamon,andhaslotsofhealthbenefitsonitsown.
INGREDIENTS1cuplocalraworganichoney
½cupground(fresh,ifpossible)verumcinnamon
SUPPLIESajarortwoforstoring
1. Pourthehoneyintoabowl.Ifitseemstoothick,youcanheatitalittlebit:Simplyplacethecontainerofhoneyinabowlofhotwater,ormicrowavein30-secondincrementsuntilitthins.
2. Carefullyaddthecinnamonalittleatatime,stirringwell.
3. Spoontheflavoredhoneyintoajarortwo.
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Populusspp.
P.balsamifera,P.deltoides,P.angustifolia,P.trichocarpa,P.candicans
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COTTONWOODORBALSAMPOPLARThereareabout35speciesofpoplarthroughouttheU.S.andCanada.Likeitscloserelativewillow,poplarisoftheSalicaceaefamily,whichmeansithasthepain-relievingcompoundsalicin,acompoundthatisconvertedintothenaturalformofaspirin,salicylicacidintheliver.Somepoplarsareknownascottonwoodsbecauseofthewaytheirseedsdisperseintowildandwoollydriftsofwhitefluff.Theirwoodislightweightandsoft,whichmayalsoinfluencethename.TheirrangeskipsoverPennsylvania,andtheyaren’tnativewhereIlive,sothefirsttimeIsawthe“snow”phenomenon,westoppedthecarandstoodamongthedrifts,watchinginwonderasthelightbreezecorneredthefluffagainstwallsandcurbing.Cottonwoodsandbalsampoplarshaveanamazinghealingresin.SomehistoricallytraditionalFirstNationusesincludeapplyingtheboiledbarktowoundsandusingtheresinasgluetowaterproofcanoes.
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ABOUTCOTTONWOODORBALSAMPOPLAROTHERCOMMONNAMESbalmofGilead,poplar,blackcottonwood,snowinsummer,thepeople’stree
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSPeopleallergictoaspirinshouldnotuse.
PARTSUSEDMostoftenthebudsareusedandoccasionallytheleavesandbark.ThecatkinsareanediblesourceofvitaminC.
ENERGETICScool,dry,astringent,bitter
PROPERTIESThesetreesofferalotofhealing.Theyareanalgesic,antiinflammatory,antibacterial,antimicrobial,andantiseptic,witharomatics.They’realsoexpectorant,astringent,anddiuretic,andtheythinthebloodandreducefevers.
Innerbarkusedasteaordecoctioninternallyistonicandalterative,aswellasbeingastimulating,cathartic,anddiureticherb,dependingupontheamountused.
USESBestknownforrelievingmuscleachesandpains,bruises,swollenjoints,andarthritispain,butthereissomuchmore.Duetothestronghealingproperties,itisappliedtoeczema,cuts,rashes,burns,psoriasis,insectbitesandstings,sunburn,athlete’sfoot,dryandscalyskin,chappedhandsorcheeks,anddiaperrash.Itcoolstheheatandinflammationofwoundsandrashes.Aromaticsoftheresinmakeitvaluableforinsomnia,andateaisusedasagargleforsorethroat.Itcanbeusedeffectivelybothasa
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decoctionandachestrubforclearingloose,dampupper-respiratorygunkandcoughs.Severalherbalistshavereportedthattheresinousoilkeepsbaseoils(likeolive,coconut,shea,etc.)fromgoingrancid,butithasneverlastedmelongenoughtofindout.
PREPARATIONSTheresinisusedinoils,salves,teas,decoctions,lipbalms,tinctures,poultices,and(rarely)essentialoil.Driedbudsareavailable,buttheirusefulnessisquestionable.Freshbudsareverydifficulttofindforsale,buttheoilissometimesavailable.
DOSAGEFORLISTEDPREPARATIONSExternalpreparationscanbeusedasneeded.Internally,decoctionsortincturesmaybetakenseveraltimesdaily.
HARVESTINGTIPSOilhandswellbeforebeginningharvestsoresinsticksless—takealonghigh-proofalcoholtofinishhandcleanup.Mostpeopleharvestintobags,butconsiderputtingcottonwoodorbalsampoplardirectlyintomasonjarstobecoveredlaterwithoiloralcohol.Freezesomewholefordecoctionslater,andgathersomeinnerbarkfromfallenbranches.
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HometreatmentsThecoolanddryenergeticsofcottonwoodandpoplarbringmanyinstancestomindwheretheywouldbetheperfectremedy.
Hot,weepyrashesorswollenbugbitescalloutforcottonwood.Aromatically,itisvaguelyreminiscentofPerubalsambutdoesn’thavetheextremesensitizingpotential.Itseemstohavesimilarskin-soothingandhealingproperties.Abalmmadefordiaperrashwithinfusedoilsoftheresin,calendula,andplantainisaquickfix.
Internally,thosecoolinganddryingenergetics,alongwithallthestronghealingandprotectiveproperties,makeitasuperiorrespiratoryhelper.Asastimulatingexpectorant,itmovesheavy,stagnantmucusupandout.Atincturemadewithahalfjarofbudsthathavebeenleftoutfor24to48hoursandfilledtothetopwith75percent(151-proof)or95percent(190-proof)alcoholforatleasttwoweeksisthemosteffectivemeans,andalsohelpswithachiness.
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COTTONWOODDECOCTION
Makes2cups
Preptime:1hour
Thisrecipecanbemultipliedtomakeaheadandfreezeintoicecubes.Itwillcomeinhandyduringtheyearasamedicinalteatakeninternallyformanyoftheailmentslisted,asawashorcompresstouseonskinproblemswhereasalveoroilwouldbecontraindicated,orasbothateaandwashatonce.Whenitishandy,it’ssurprisinghowoftenyou’llpullafewcubesfromthefreezerandsilentlythankyourselfforplanningahead.
INGREDIENTS4cupswater
3tablespoonsfreshorfrozencottonwoodbuds
1tablespoondriedpeppermint
2teaspoonschoppedfreshturmericorginger(orheaping½teaspoondried)
Good-qualityhoney,forsweetening
SUPPLIESasaucepan
1. Inasaucepanoverhighheat,combinethewater,cottonwoodbuds,peppermint,andturmericandbringtoaboil.
2. Reducetheheattolowandsimmeruntiltheliquidisreducedbyhalf.
3. Strainwell.
4. Useimmediately,sweetenedwithhoneytotaste,orfreezefor
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lateruse.
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COTTONWOODHERBALLINIMENT
Makes3½cups
Preptime:15minutes,plus2weekstosteep
Whencreatingthisliniment,theintentionwasforthealcohol-basedformulatobeapplicablebothinternallyandexternally.Thiscanalsobemadeintoanoil-basedliniment,whichismorepenetratingandstaysontheskinlonger.Theoilcaneasilybemadeintoasalvewiththeadditionofalittlebeeswax.
INGREDIENTS1cupcottonwood
½cupcalendula
½cupStJohn’swort
¼cuppeppermint
1quart151-proofalcoholoroliveoil
SUPPLIESjarsandbottlesforstoring
ALCOHOL-BASED
Placealltheherbsinajarandcoverwithalcohol.Sealwithalidandshakeacoupleoftimesadayfor2weekstoloosenandreleasealltheresin.Strainandbottle.Useinternallylikeatincture.
OIL-BASED
Placealltheherbsinajarandcoverwithoil.Leaveacoupleinchesofheadspace.Affixalidandplaceinawarmplaceforatleast2weeks.Strainandbottle.
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Taraxacumofficinale
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DANDELIONThisisoftenthefirstherbthatpeopleforageaftertheyfigureoutit’sthatplantouttheregrowingeverywhereintheiryard.Luckily,wewillprobablyneverendangerdandelion,eventhoughwe’vespentthelast70yearstryingtosprayitintooblivion—dandelionisalmostinsolentaboutit.Today,youcanevenfinditatthefarmers’market.Thegreensaredelectable,easytofind,andhaveimmensehealthbenefits.
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ABOUTDANDELIONOTHERCOMMONNAMESlion’stooth,dentdelion
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSDandelionisgenerallyrecognizedassafe.
PARTSUSEDallpartsoftheplantexcepttheseeds
ENERGETICScool,bitter,dry,moisturizing
PROPERTIESDandelionisanoutstandingtonic,painreliever,decongestant,digestive,diuretic,immune-stimulant,andlaxative.Itisastringentandassistsbreastfeedingmothersinlactation.ItisrichinvitaminsA,C,andE,andcalcium.Dandelionwakesusupandgetsusmoving.Theleavesareantioxidantandworktobreakfevers,normalizebloodpressure,restorebalance,andspeedwoundhealing.Therootsarealsoantibacterial,antifungal,andanti-inflammatory,andprotecttheliverandalleviaterheumatism.Therootshavetheabilitytoclearobstructionsandopenductsofbodyfluidsandsecretions.Theflowersarepain-relievingandemollient,supportliverfunction,andhelpwoundsheal.Thesapisantifungalandpain-relieving.
USESDandelionhelpsawidearrayofskinissues,suchasacne,dullness,eczema,bruising,andrashes,bysupportingtheliver.Italsosupportshealthyfunctioningofthekidneys,spleen,andgallbladder,andisthoughttobeaconsistentlyreliabledetoxifyingherb.Itisoftenusedtostimulatetheappetite,supportdigestion,andrelieveexcessgasorconstipation.Thebitterproperties
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increasebileproduction,inturnhelpingbalancebloodsugarlevels.Dandelion’sdiureticpropertiesmakeitanexcellentchoicefortheentireurinarysystem,includingthekidneysandbladder,cleansingandtonifyingwithoutbeingtoodrying.DandelionisalsohelpfulforsymptomsofPMS,removingexcesswaterfromthesystem,relievingpain,andcoolingirritability.Thediuretic,pain-relieving,anddetoxifyingabilitiesalsohelpwithgoutandedema.
PREPARATIONSYoucanfindormakedandelionteas,tinctures,vinegars,salves,andcapsules.
DOSAGEIt’ssafetouseseveralcupsofteaordosesoftinctureorcapsulesdaily.
GROWINGTIPYoumaylikethebitterflavorofdandelion,butyoucanshadetheminorderto“blanch”them,whichproducesamilderflavor.Arelativeofminekeptawoodenframearoundapatchofdandelions,withboardsontoptoshielditfromthesun.Theplantsstayedpaleandmildintoearlysummer.
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HometreatmentsDrieddandelionleavesworkwondersasadiureticforwaterretention.Youcanmaketeawiththedriedleaves,orit’seveneasiertomakeafreshtincture.Eitherworks.Youcanalsosprinkledrieddandelionleavesintomeals,soups,andsauces.Dandelioncametotherescueinonesuchcaseforamanwithacompletelyshotliver,meaningitwascriticalforhimtokeepallofhismineralandelectrolytelevelsinbalance.Heretainedhugeamountsofwater,sowehadtofindadiureticthatdidnotdepletehispotassium.Ipowdereddrydandelionleavesandputtheminhisfooddaily,withwonderfulresults.
Asagreatdailytonic,trydandelionrootasasubstitute.Therootsdrywellandgetveryhard.Beforedryingthem,chopthemintosmallpieces.Roastthembyspreadingthemonacookiesheetandputtingthemintheovenat400°Ffortwohours.Thisgivestherootsarich,warm,almostchocolatyflavorthatmakesaprettygoodcoffeesubstitute,especiallywhentoppedwithalittlecinnamon.
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DANDELIONVINEGAR
Makes3½cups
Preptime:10minutes,plus4to6weekstosteep
Applecidervinegarisbecomingmoreandmorepopular,withalonglistofhealthbenefitsonitsownbeforeweevenaddtheherbs!Vinegarisaneasywaytoaddthevitaminsandmineralspackedintoallpartsofthisplantintoallkindsofdishes.Youcanalsojusttakeatablespoonofthevinegarmixedinalittlewater.Usethiswithoiltodressasalad,spritzoncookedveggies,ordeglazeapanandmakealightsauceformeat.
INGREDIENTS1cupfreshdandelionroots,washedandcoarselychopped
1cupdandelionleaves,tornintosmallpieces
1cupdandelionflowers
1quartapplecidervinegar
SUPPLIESalargejar
1. Putallthebotanicalsintoajar.
2. Coverwiththeapplecidervinegar.
3. Linethelidwithplasticwraporwaxpaper(vinegarwillcorrodeametaltop)andletsteepinacool,dryplacefor4to6weeks.
4. Whensteepingisdone,strainthevinegaranduseinanydishyoudesire.
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DANDELIONCHAIBLEND
Makes40cups
Preptime:1hour25minutes(30minutesactive)
Allofthespicesinthedeliciouschaiareimmunestimulatingandantibiotic,andmanyareantiviralandanti-inflammatory.Mixedtogether,theymakeforaspicy,sweet,comfortingtreat.
INGREDIENTS1cupdandelionroot,cutintouniformsmallpieces
2tablespoonswholepeppercorns
3tablespoonscardamompods
3tablespoonscinnamonchips
¼cupdriedgingerpieces
1cupblacktealeaves(userooibosifyoupreferdecaf)
½cupdrieddandelionleaves,crumbled
2vanillabeans,cutintosmallpieces
Honeyandlightcreamorhalf-and-half,forserving
SUPPLIESabakingsheet
afoodprocessororcoffeegrinder
anairtightcontainer
amuslinbagorteaball
1. Arrangethedandelionrootpiecesinasinglelayeronabakingsheet.Roastina200°Fovenfor30minutes,oruntiltheyturndarkbrownandarecompletelydried.
2. Inaminifoodprocessororcoffeegrinder,processthepeppercorns,cardamompods,cinnamonchips,andgingerpiecesuntilyouhaveuniformsmallbits.Mixintheblacktea,dandelionleaves,andvanillabeansuntilwellcombined.Store
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theteablendinanairtightcontaineruntilreadytouse.
3. Foreachcupofteayouwanttomake,use1teaspoonoftheteablend.Bringwatertoaboilinasaucepanandaddtheteablendinateaballormuslinbag.Coverandletsteepfor15to20minutes.Removetheteablendandservetheteainmugswithhoneyandlightcreamorhalf-and-half.
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ECHINACEAEchinaceajustmighthavebeenthesingleherbthatledtothecurrentrenaissanceinherbalmedicine.Inthelate1980sandearly1990s,wordofthisplantspreadlikewildfire,likeasecretpasswordtoaspecialclub.IstillrememberthefirsttimeIheardaboutitatourquaintlittleshopfilledwithteas,potpourris,andsweetpillows.Acustomeraskedforit,andaswasourcustombackinthosedays,welistened,nodded,and,uponarrivinghome,toreintoourbookstolearnmoreaboutthispresumablymagicalherbthatcouldpreventthecommoncold.Interestingly,thenameisderivedfromtheGreekwordechinos,whichmeans“seaurchin,”referringtoechinacea’sseaurchin–like,cone-shapedseedhead.
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ABOUTECHINACEAOTHERCOMMONNAMESpurpleconeflower,snakeroot,blacksampson,redsunflower,Indianhead
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSmaycauseupsetstomachordiarrheawhenusedinlargedoses
PARTSUSEDrootsandallaerialparts
ENERGETICSbitter,cool,dry
PROPERTIESEchinaceaisantibacterial,anti-catarrhal,antifungal,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,antiseptic,antitumor,antiviral,astringent,carminative,fever-reducing,andpain-relieving.Itmovesthebodytowardhealth,stimulatesandsupportstheimmunesystem,promotessecretionofsalivaandperspiration,andisadigestive,purifier,stimulant,andwoundhealer.
USESEchinaceacanhelphealtoothaches,snakebites,stings,allergies,wounds,burns,jointpain,sorethroats,coughs,colds,andinfections.Itbooststheimmunesystemandattacksgeneralinfection;treatsweepingwounds,boils,abscesses,urinarytractinfections,andenlargedlymphglands;promotesskinregeneration;andamelioratespsoriasis.Youcantakeitbothinternallyandexternallyformanyoftheseafflictions,therebymultiplyingtheeffects.Inmyexperience,towardoffillness,youmusttakeechinaceaattheveryfirstsignofaviralassault,beitascratchythroatoranachyarmmuscle(myowntip-off).Takeit
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early,often,andinaformthatwillbeeffective,likeacapsuleortincture.
PREPARATIONSEchinaceaisavailableastinctures,capsules,coughdrops,syrups,andteasfromtheroot,leaves,and/orflowers.Salves,poultices,andcompressesareeffectiveformsforexternaluse.Ifyouareabletogrowit,do.Havingfreshechinaceaatthereadycomesinveryhandy.
DOSAGEWhenusedinternally,itisbesttopulse,meaningtouseitforabout10daysandthenstopforafewdaystolettheimmunesystemrestbeforeresumingusage.Ingestastoleratedwhenillnessthreatens.Takelargedosesforacuteinfection.
PREPARATIONTIPEveryyearIpullaplantandcleantherootscarefullybeforegrindingthem,alongwithsomeleavesandaflowerortwo,tomixwithhigh-proofvodkainajar.Agoodtincturemadewithfreshrootswillhavealittletingleonthetongue.
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HometreatmentsEchinaceaisaverygoodtreatmentfornastyspiderbites.Prepareapoulticeof1teaspoonechinaceatinctureand1teaspoonofadrawingclay,suchasbentoniteorgreenclay.Addjustenoughwater,ifnecessary,tocreateapaste.Usethispasteonthebitetwoorthreetimesadayandalternatewith15-minutesoaksinwaterwithEpsomsalts.Somespidervenomcandestroytissueintheareaofthebite,soifthereisn’tsignificantimprovementwithinafewdays,seeaphysician.Mostofthetime,thesebitescanbetreatedathome.
Forupper-respiratoryillness,thecool,dryenergeticsofechinaceaworkwelltohelpahot,sweaty,mucus-ladensituation.Echinaceablendswellwiththeenergeticsofthymeandsagetodryandwarmupthesystem.Avinegarorhoneymadewiththosethreeherbsisgoodtohaveonhandforyournextcoughorcold.
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ECHINACEA-ELDERBERRYGUMMIES
Makes64(1-inch)pieces
Preptime:45minutes
Kidslovethese.Itcanbetoughtogeteveryoneonboardtheimmunitytrain,especiallyiftheythinksomethingismedicine—aspoonfulofsugarcanmakeallthedifference.Theseherbswillgoalongwaytowardkeepingvirusesatbay.
INGREDIENTS2cupselderberryjuice(seeTip)
¼cupfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice
1cupechinacearoots,leaves,andflowers,chopped
4tablespoonsunflavoredpowderedgelatin
5tablespoonssugar
SUPPLIES2saucepans
asquareglassbakingdish
anairtightcontainer
1. Inamediumsaucepan,combinetheelderberryjuice,lemonjuice,andechinacea,andsimmeroverlowheatuntiltheliquidisreducedbyabouthalf.Setasidetocool.Strainouttheechinacea.
2. Inanothersaucepan,combinethewell-cooledliquidwiththegelatinandsugar.Cookoverlowheat,stirringoften,untilthegelatinandsugardissolvecompletely,about3minutes.
3. Skimanyfoamfromthesurface.
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4. Pourthemixtureintoalightlyoiledsquareglassbakingdish,tobecutinto1-inchsquares.Ifyouhavesiliconecandymolds,evenbetter.Refrigerateuntilthemixturesets,about10minutes.Storeinanairtightcontaineratroomtemperaturefor5daysorintherefrigeratorfor2weeks.
TIPTomakeelderberryjuice,combine2cupsofripefreshelderberrieswith½cupofwaterinasaucepan.Simmerovermediumheat,untiltheberriesburstandreleasetheirheat.Mashtheberries,thenstrainthroughafine-meshstrainerormuslinbag.Addmorewaterifnecessarytoget2cupsofliquid.
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IMMUNITEA
Makes50(1-cup)servings
Preptime:30minutes
Drinkthisteaonetothreetimesperdaywhenyoufeeltheverybeginningsofillnesscomingon,orwhenyou’reheadingintoanimmunocompromisedsituation,suchastravelingbyplaneorotherwisesharingspacewithsickpeople.Continuedrinkingforupto2weeksifneeded.
INGREDIENTS1cupechinacea
1cupelderberry
½cuprosehips
½cupastragalus
2teaspoonsgratedfreshginger
Honeyandlemon,forserving
SUPPLIESafoodprocessororcoffeegrinder
ajarorairtightcontainer
ateaballormuslinbag
1. Inaminifoodprocessororcoffeegrinder,grindalltheingredientstosmall,similarlysizedpieces.Mixtogetherwellandstoretheteablendinajarorotherairtightcontaineruntilreadytouse.
2. Foreachcupofteayouwanttomake,use1tablespoonoftheteablend.Bringwatertoaboilinasaucepan,addtheteablendinateaballormuslinbag(orsimmerlooseandstrainthrough
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awire-meshstrainerjustpriortodrinking),thensimmeronlowheatfor½hourormore.
3. Pourintomugsandaddhoneyandlemonasdesired.
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ELDERI’vegrownelderinmyyardfor25years.Iwouldn’tenterwinterwithoutit!Theelderkeepsushealthy,andthereareseveralvarieties.IntheeasternUnitedStates,wehavethedark,purplish-blackelderberries.Thewesternstateshavepowdery-blueberriesandaredvariety(Sambucusracemosa)thatsomesayarefinetouseaftercookingandotherssayarepoisonous.I’davoidthemandusetheblueelderberriesthatareknowntobesafe.Theelderrecipesinthissectionaremedicinal,butyoucansneakelderberryintopie,jelly,wine,andcandy.
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ABOUTELDEROTHERCOMMONNAMESElderberry,blackelder,Europeanelder,Europeanelderberry,Europeanblackelderberry,blueelderberry,andMexicanelderberry.Tapiroflowersaresometimesreferredtoaselderblow.
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSOnlytheripeberriesandflowersareedible.Theleaves,stemsandunripeberriescontaincyanide-inducingglycosides,whichcancauseatoxicbuildupofcyanideinthebody.Largequantitiesofuncookedberriesmaycauseillnessduetotheglycosidesinthetinyseeds.Heatingtheberriesrendersthemharmless.
PARTSUSEDberriesandflowersforinternaluse;leavesandflowersforexternaluse
ENERGETICSTheflowersandberriesarebitter,drying,cool,slightlysweet.
PROPERTIESSomeherbalistsprefertheflowerstotheberriesduetotheirantiseptic,antispasmodic,antiviral,diaphoretic,diuretic,andstypticproperties.Theberriesareantiviral,diaphoretic,diuretic,andlaxative.Elderberriesarealsoagoodsourceofanthocyanins,whicharepowerfulantioxidants.TheberriescontainvitaminsAandC,calcium,thiamine,niacin,potassium,andprotein.Theyarethoughttomakecellsslipperysothatvirusescannotattachandreplicate,wardingoffandshorteningthedurationofviralinfections.Theleavesareemollient,pain-relieving,andvulnerary.
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USESElderflowerteaisatime-testedremedyforupper-respiratoryinfections.Itloosensandmovesstuckmucusincasesofbronchitisorsinusitis.Berriesandflowerswardoffcoldsandflu.Elder’sdiureticandanti-inflammatorypropertiesexplainitsuseforrheumaticandarthriticconditions.Elderleaf,usedtopically,isknowntohelpsootheandhealwounds,cuts,burns,andswollenbruises.
PREPARATIONSYoucanmakeorfindtinctures,teas,syrups,floweressences,andwine.Youcanusetheberriesinalltypesofjelly,bakedgoods,wine,coughdrops,andcandy.Theleavesareoftenusedinsalves.
DOSAGEAsliceortwoofpiecontainsatleastacupoftheberries,meaningtheberriesareverysafe.Withtheflowers,it’ssafetodrinktheteaorusethetinctureseveraltimesaday.
HARVESTINGTIPWhentheberriesripen,itcanbeoverwhelmingtoharvestthemall.Somegodirectlyintothefreezerintherightquantityforsyrup,whilethebulkaremadeintojuicebyheatingthemwithalittlelemonjuice.
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HometreatmentsElderberryisbestknownforitseffectivenessagainsttheflu.Severalstudies(mostoftenspecificallyusingelderberryextractsinSambucol®products)showflupatientsrecoveringintwotothreedaysiftheystartusingtheproductsearlyandoften.Ihaven’thadtheflusincelearningofelder.Oneyearmymotherandunclewerenotsoluckyandgothithard.Iinsistedthattheybeginusingelderberry.Beforeitwastimefortheseconddoseafterjustfourhours,theybothfelthumanagain.Theyweremuchbetterbythenextday.Trustme,itworks!
Elderworksinasimilarwayforcoldsoranysortofviralinfection.
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ELDERBERRYLIQUEUR
Makesabout6cups
Preptime:1hour10minutes(10minutesactive),plusatleast1monthtoage
Withelderberry,medicinedoesn’thavetotastebad.Asmallglassofthisliqueursippedeacheveningduringwinterwillgoalongwaytowardkeepingyouhealthyandhappy,andisadeliciouswaytounwindafteralongday.
INGREDIENTS1quartfreshelderberries
2cupssugar
Zestandjuiceof1lemon
1(750mL)bottle80-proofvodka
SUPPLIESa2-quartcontainer
someglassbottles
1. Inabowl,usingapotatomasherorpestle,crushtheelderberriesandsugartogether.Letstandforabout1hour.
2. Addthelemonzestandlemonjuice.
3. Transferthemixturetoaclean2-quartcontainerandaddthevodka.
4. Coverandletageinacool,darkplacefor1month.
5. Afteramonth,useafine-meshstrainertostrainoutthesolids;discardthesolids.
6. Transfertheliqueurtoprettyglassbottles.
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7. Youcanenjoythisliqueurimmediately,buttheflavordoescontinuetodevelopovertime.Forthebestflavor,agetheliqueurforatleastanothermonth.
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ELDERSYRUP
Makesabout2quarts
Preptime:1hour
Inthisversionofelderberrysyrup,thebrandyismostlyusedasaslightpreservative.Youcanomititordoubleitaspreferred.Thissyrupistastyenoughthatkidsaskforit,anditcanbeusedasateasweetener,onpancakes,onicecream,etc.Itcanalsobeusedasacondimentforfood,makingitaveryconvenientwaytoaddeldertothefamilydiet.Duringanillness,take1tablespoonofthesyrupfourtimesaday.
INGREDIENTS2quartselderberries
2½poundssugar
1cupdriedelderflowers
1½teaspoonsgroundcloves
1tablespoonsmallcinnamonchips
1cupbrandy
SUPPLIESsaucepans
ameshstrainerorcheesecloth
somebottlesorjars
1. Inasaucepanovermediumheat,cooktheelderberriesforafewminutes,untiltheystarttoburst.
2. Mashtheberrieswiththebackofalargespoontoreleasetheirjuices.
3. Usingameshstrainerorseverallayersofcheesecloth(ora
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squareofoldcleanT-shirt),strainthejuice.You’llneedabout1quart.
4. Inalargesaucepan,combinethejuicewiththesugar,elder-flowers,cloves,andcinnamonchips.Simmeroverlowheatfor20minutes.
5. Removefromtheheat,letcool,thenstraintoremovethesolids.
6. Oncethesyruphascooled,addthebrandy.Pourthefinishedsyrupintobottlesorjarsandstoreintherefrigeratorforayear.
TIPYoucanputspicesandflowersintoasachetormuslinbagtoavoidstrainingasecondtime.
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Alliumsativum
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GARLICInAMidsummerNight’sDream,Bottominstructs,“Andmost,dearactors,eatnoonionsorgarlic,forwearetouttersweetbreath.”
Somepeopleareconvincedthatgarlicworksprimarilybykeepingotherpeoplefaraway.There’ssomethingtobesaidforthat,asgarlicispungentandlingersonthebreath,sometimesveritablyseepingfromthepores,butthere’smoretothehealingpowersofgarlic.Itproducesachemicalcalledallicin(oneof30somesulfurcompounds)that’sreleasedwhengarliciscrushed,chopped,orchewed.Thisreleasesseveralothersulfurcompoundsthatallworktogethertohealandpromotehealth.Ifonlyeveryoneateiteveryday,thennobodywouldbeannoyedbythescent!
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ABOUTGARLICOTHERCOMMONNAMESstinkingrose,Italianperfume,Russianpenicillin,poorman’streacle,Bronxvanilla.
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSIfyou’reonblood-thinningmedication,checkwithyourdoctorbeforetakinggarlicmedicinally.Alsoletyourphysicianknowaboutgarlicsupplementationpriortosurgerysotheycantellyouwhentostoptakingit.Garlicsupplementation(abovedietaryuse)shouldbeavoidedduringpregnancy.Garlicmaycausecontactdermatitiswithoveruse.
PARTSUSEDbulbs,cloves,scapes,flowers
ENERGETICSall(whatdoesthattellyou?)
PROPERTIESGarlicisantibacterial,antibiotic,antifungal,anti-inflammatory,antiviral,vulnerary,andimmune-boosting.Itclearsarteries,thinsblood,healswounds,treatslungailments,andcombatsbacteriaandyeast.
USESTheusesforgarlicarenearlylimitless;entirebookshavebeenwrittenonthesubject.Itistoutedforeverythingfromcoldstocancer,andcurrentlyshowsgreatpromiseforMRSAinfections.Ithelpsfightcoughs,heartailments,highbloodpressure,andhighcholesterol,andregulatesbloodsugar.Anecdotally,peoplehaveuseditwarmedas“sweetoil”(oliveoilinfusedwithgarlic)forearaches.Garliccanalsobeusedonexternalinfections.Diallylsulfideanddiallyltrisulfidearetwoofhundredsofcompoundsin
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garlicthatarebeingstudiedforcirculatoryimprovement,cardiachealth,andapplicationsforcancerpatients.Eatinggarliccanalsopreventflea,tick,andmosquitobites.
PREPARATIONSGarliccanbeusedinjuice,capsules,pills,tinctures,infusedoils,andfreshinfood.HereinPennsylvaniaDutchcountry,youcanalsofindgarlicjelly!Freshrawgarlicisthebest.
DOSAGEFollowthedirectionsoncommercialproducts.Duringillness,it’ssafetotakethreeormoreclovesdaily.Theupperlimitisabout10clovesortheequivalent.
GROWINGTIPGarliciseasytogrowanddoesn’ttakemuchspace.Ifyouhaveasourceoforganicgarlic,purchaseabulbtogrow.Plantinautumnorearlyspring,inasunnylocationwithwell-drainedsoil.Plantroot-sidedown4to6inchesapartinrows1½to2inchesapart.Coverwith2inchesofdirt.Mulchforwinter.
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HometreatmentsForstubborncolds,garlichoneycomesinhandy.Mysistermakesitbychoppinganddumpingthreeorfourwholebulbsandalemonintoajarofhoney.Itsoundsterrible,andIonlylikeitwhenI’msick.It’sgoodinteaorrightoutofthejar,andworksfast.
Ifyouhaveateeninthehouse,thesamehoney,withthegarliccrushedfineintoapaste,helpswithpimplesandacne.Applyaboutatablespoontoacleanfaceandleaveontheskinfor10or15minutes.Doingthisregularlywillclearandbrightentheskin.
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BASILPESTOWITHFRESHGARLIC
Makes2cups
Preptime:10minutes
ThefirsttimeIhadthispestowasonthedeckatafriend’sA-framehouseintheAdirondacks.Shethrewittogetherafteralongdayofhikingandexploring,andserveditwithsteamedshrimpoverlinguine.I’vebeenhookedeversince.
INGREDIENTS4cupsfreshbasilleaves
6clovesgarlic
¾cuptoastedpinenuts
1cupoliveoil
¾cupParmesancheese,freshlygrated
SUPPLIESafoodprocessor
anairtightcontainer
1. Placethebasilleaves,garlic,andpinenutsinafoodprocessor.Slowlyaddtheoliveoilandprocesstoachunkypaste.Addmoreoilifneeded.Foldinthecheese.
2. Storethepestoinanairtightcontainerforupto1weekintherefrigeratororforupto6monthsinthefreezer.
TIPYoucanuseotherherbs,suchaschickweed,dandelionleaves,catnip,nettles,parsley,orsage,inplaceoforinadditiontothebasil.Andtrydifferentnutsorseeds,likewalnuts,sunflowerseeds,pumpkinseeds,macadamianuts,cashews,orpecans,tomixuptheflavor.
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GARLICANDHERBOXYMEL
Makes1quart
Preptime:30minutes,plusatleast1weektosteep
ThetermoxymelisfromtheLatinoxymeli,meaningacidandhoney.Thisisasplendidmediumthatlendsitselfwelltomanydifferentherbaluses.Vinegarsextractvitaminsandmineralsaswellastheothervariousherbalproperties.Thevinegaritselfisthepreservative,andoxymelscanbeusedaloneasmedicine,dilutedwithhotteaorwatertowardofforrecoverfromillness,orincorporatedintodressingsormarinadesformeals.
INGREDIENTS2½cupsapplecidervinegar
1cuphoney
1headgarlic,clovespeeledandminced
1tablespoonfreshthymeleaves
1tablespoonchoppedfreshrosemary
1tablespoongratedfreshginger
SUPPLIESa1-quartjar
1. Ina1-quartjar,stirtogethertheapplecidervinegarandhoneyuntilthehoneyismostlydissolved.
2. Addthegarlic,thyme,rosemary,andginger.
3. Coverthejarwithanonmetalliccaporlayplasticwrapacrossthetopandthensecurethelid.Letsteepatroomtemperatureforatleast1week,shakingthejardaily,beforeusing.
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TIPIliketoleavetheherbsandspicesintheoxymel,butyoucanalsostrainthemoutifyouprefer.
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GINGERPopularforbothbakingandcooking,gingerhasbeeninuseformorethan5,000years.ItwasinitiallycultivatedinChinabeforespreadingthroughoutSoutheastAsia,India,WestAfrica,andtheCaribbeanIslands.Gingeraleisatraditionalhomeremedyforanupsetstomach,andgingerteaisgainingpopularityforthesamereason.Therearemanyvarietiesofginger,includingturmericandgalangal.Theyallhavesimilarproperties,yeteachhasuniquehealingbenefitsaswell.
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ABOUTGINGEROTHERCOMMONNAMEgingerroot
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSAvoidregularsupplementationiftakinganticoagulantmedication.
PARTUSEDroot
ENERGETICSpungent,hot,andsweet
PROPERTIESGingerisanti-inflammatory,antibacterial,antifungal,antiviral,carminative,diaphoretic,immune-boosting,thermogenic,andblood-thinning.Itiscurrentlybeingstudiedforitsabilitytolowerbloodglucoselevels,increaseinsulinsensitivity,lowercholesterol,andhelpwithotherseriousconditions.
USESGingerisbestknownforitsabilitytohelpnausea,includingseasickness,chemotherapy-relatednausea,nauseaaftersurgery,andmorningsicknessinpregnancy.Italsostimulatesdigestion,causingthestomachtoemptyfasterwhilesoothingandrelaxingtheentiresystem.Gingermayalsohelpwithmenstrualpain,migraineheadaches,andgumhealth.Regularuseofgingermayhelprelievepainandswellingfromosteoarthritis,rheumatoidarthritis,andmuscularpains.Turmericiscurrentlythedarlingofthesuperfoodset;itshowsalotofpromiseformanydiseasesandisspecificallygoodforjointpain.
PREPARATIONSGingerisavailablefresh,dried,powdered,juiced,candied,andastinctures,teas,syrups,andessentialoils.
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DOSAGEIncooking,gingerisconsideredtobequitesafewhenusedinmoderation.Tinctures,teas,andsyrupsmaybeusedthreetofourtimesaday.It’simportanttoproperlydilutegingeressentialoils.
GROWINGTIPYoucangrowgingerindoorsaslongasyouhaveaverywarmspot,likeawindowwithclearsouthernexposure.Giveeachplanta12-to18-inchpotwithgooddrainage.Placetrimmedrhizomeseye-orbud-up,andcoverwithaninchorsoofgooddirt.
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HometreatmentsIwishIhadknownaboutgingerwhenIwaspregnantwithmydaughter—crystallizedgingercanbealifesaverformorningsickness(althoughitdoesn’tworkforeveryone,sadly).NowIoftengiveexpectingmothersabagofcrystallizedgingertogetthemthroughearlypregnancy.
IrecentlyhadacousingoingonacruisethroughAlaskanwaterswhowasworriedaboutseasickness.Wegaveherajarofgingercapsules.Shewasdoubtful,butonedayontheshipshegotsodesperateshetriedthem.Shortlyafterward,shewastheonlyoneondeckwhowasn’tsomeshadeofsicklygreen.
Alltheterrificprotectivepropertiesofgingeralsoworktopically.Gingerkillsbacteriathatcauseacneandblemishesandbringsbloodcirculationtotheskin,improvingtoneandgettingridofdeadcells.Combinefinelygratedginger,oliveoil,andsugarinaboutequalparts;scoopabitontoyourfingersandscrubwhereveryou’dlikesmoother,fresherskin,avoidingtheeyearea.Rinseandshowerasnormal.Iparticularlylovethisinwinterbecauseitrevivesdryskin.
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TRIPLEGINGERELIXIR
Makesabout3cups
Preptime:30minutes,plusabout1monthtosteep
Thisisadeliciousdrinktosipafterdinnerandalsopacksapowerfulmedicinalpunch—youcantakeitbythetablespoonfulwhenyou’resick.Addedtosomehottea,youcanreapalltheincrediblebenefitsofgingerbythemugful.Theingredientsareveryflexible,soifyoucan’tfindoneortwoofthem,don’tletthatstopyou.Aslongasyouhaveginger,honey,andlemon,you’regoodtogo.
INGREDIENTS½cupchoppedfreshginger
¼cupchoppedfreshturmeric
1½tablespoonsdriedgalangalpieces(¼cupfresh,ifyoucanfindit)
1lemon,thinlysliced
1tablespooncinnamonstickpieces
2staranise
5cardamompods
1cuphoney
2to3cups100-proofvodkaorbrandy
SUPPLIESa1-quartjar
1. Ina1-quartjar,combinetheginger,turmeric,galangal,lemonslices,cinnamon,staranise,cardamompods,andhoney.Pourinenoughofthevodkatocompletelycovertheingredients.
2. Coverthejarandletsteepforaboutamonth.
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3. Strainandenjoy.Storeinacoolplaceoutofdirectsunlight.
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GOLDENMILKTEA
Makesabout12ounces
Preptime:20minutes
Goldenmilkisadelicioustreattodrinkintheeveningandimpartsalloftheglorioushealthbenefitsofturmericandginger.Turmericinparticularisactivatedwhenmixedwithblackpepperandfats,whichshowshowthistraditionalAyurvedicrecipehassurvivedthetestoftime.
INGREDIENTS2cupswater
¼poundfreshturmericroots,grated(wearglovesforthis)
1(1-inch)piecefreshginger,grated
1tablespoongroundcinnamon
2teaspoonsfreshlygroundblackpepper
½teaspoongroundnutmeg
3teaspoonscoconutoil
1cupmilkofyourchoice(dairy,soy,ornut)
1heapingteaspoonhoney
SUPPLIESrubbergloves
saucepans
anairtightjar
1. Inasaucepanoverhighheat,bringthewatertoaboil,thenreducetheheattolowandsimmerfor5minutes.
2. Addtheturmeric,ginger,cinnamon,pepper,nutmeg,andcoconutoil,andstirwhilesimmeringforafewmoreminutes,oruntiltheliquidformsapaste.
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3. Inanothersaucepan,warmthemilkoverlowheat.
4. Addaheapingteaspoonofthepasteandthehoney.Stirtomixwellbeforedrinking.
5. Theleftoverpastewillkeepinanairtightjarintherefrigeratorforupto2weeks.
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Ocimumtenuiflorum
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HOLYBASILHolybasil,ortulsi,haslongbeenreveredintheHindureligion.ManyIndianfamilieskeepaholybasilplantinthecourtyardnexttothehouse,worshippingitmorningandnight.HolybasilfallsunderthegroupingofherbsusedinRasayana,theAyurvedicpathtooptimal,glowinghealth,rejuvenation,andlongevity.Whodoesn’twantthat?
Forthousandsofyears,holybasilhasbeenconsideredoneofthetophealingplantsinIndia,andfortunatelyitmadeitswayWestinthepastfewdecades.Itsversatilityhasmadeitarecentfavoriteofmine.
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ABOUTHOLYBASILOTHERCOMMONNAMEStulsi,tulasi,Ocimumsanctum,Indianbasil,theincomparableone,hotbasil,queenofherbs,sacredbasil
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSIfyou’retakingananticoagulant,checkwithyourphysicianbeforeusingholybasil.Stopuseoftheherbpriortosurgery.Hypoglycemicpeoplemayexperiencedropsinbloodsugarandshouldusecautionwithholybasil.
PARTSUSEDallaerialparts
ENERGETICShotandcooling,pungentandsweet
PROPERTIESInsomecultures,holybasilisbelievedtohave,onaspirituallevel,theabilitytobalancechakras,clearnegativeenergies,andpromoteanopenheart.Itisadaptogenic,analgesic,antibacterial,antifungal,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,antiviral,carminative,antidepressive,diuretic,expectorant,grounding,nervine,neuroprotective,andtonic.Itreducesfeverandsupportstheimmunesystem.
USESHolybasilisusedforanxiety,asthma,colds,bronchitis,depression,diabetes,earache,eczema,flu,headache,hives,stomachupset,heartdisease,fever,ringworm,andstress.Itisalsousedasamosquitorepellent.
PREPARATIONSTeas,tinctures,freshleaves,andcapsules.Externally,youcanuseessentialoilandhydrosol.Notethatoilsmusteitherbestronglydilutedordiffused.
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DOSAGEHolybasilisconsideredaverysafeherb,andcanbeingesteduptofourtimesaday.Somewomenfeelitistoohotandprefertoblenditwithotherherbs,suchasrose.
GROWINGTIPInmyregion,zone6b,holybasilgrowsasanannual.Intropicalclimatesitwillgrowlikeshrubswithwoodystems.Iusuallyplantashortrowofholybasilplants,butbewarned—birdslovethem.Icoverminewithnettinguntiltheyareabout8to10inchestall;otherwisethebirdswillgettothembeforeIdo!
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HometreatmentsMypersonalexperiencewithholybasilhasbeenprofound.Afriend,SandiWakefieldfromBlackKatHerbs,recommendedittomeatatimewhenIwasflounderinganddrowningundersomemassiveresponsibilityandanxiety.Ihadgrownandtincturedholybasilthatsummer,soItriedit.Itookasingledose,and15minuteslaterIwasabletolookateverythingobjectivelyandcouldstartworkingtoresolvethingswithmoreclarity.
Holybasilisapowerfulantiviralandsupportstheimmunesystem,makingitagoodchoicetotakedailyasapreventive.Whenthebodyismanagingstresseffectively,itiseasiertofightoffviral,bacterial,orfungalinfections.Everythingjustworksbetterwithholybasil.
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TONICGRANOLABARSWITHHOLYBASIL,ASTRAGALUS,ANDASHWAGANDHA
Makes8to10bars
Preptime:90minutes(30minutesactive)
Thesegranolabarsaregreattograbforbreakfastwhenyou’reontherun—they’redeliciousandprovideaterrificboost.Nobakingrequired!
INGREDIENTS4tablespoons(½stick)butter,plusmoreforgreasing
2cupsquickoats
1cupcrispyricecereal
¼cuppeanuts
¼cuppumpkinseedsorpistachios
¼cupminichocolatechips
1tablespoonholybasilpowder
1tablespoonastragalusrootpowder
1tablespoonashwagandharootpowder
1tablespoonmincedcrystallizedginger
¼teaspoonsalt
¼cupbrownsugar
¼cuphoney
½cuppeanutbutter
1teaspoonvanillaextract
SUPPLIESabakingpan
alargesaucepan
anairtightcontainer
1. Buttera9-inchsquarebakingpan.
2. Inalargebowl,stirtogethertheoats,cereal,peanuts,
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pumpkinseeds,chocolatechips,herbpowders,ginger,andsalt.Setaside.
3. Inalargesaucepan,bringthebutter,brownsugar,honey,andpeanutbuttertoalowboilforafewminutes.Removefromtheheatandstirinthevanillaextract,followedbythedryingredients.Mixcompletely.
4. Spreadthemixtureevenlyinthepreparedbakingpanandrefrigerateforanhourbeforecuttingandserving.
5. Thegranolabarscanbestoredinanairtightcontainerintherefrigeratorforupto10days.
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TULSIROSETEABLEND
Makesabout30cups
Preptime:15minutes
Thisisabright,flavorfulherbalteathattastesgoodandisbothcheeringandantiviral.Ireallyliketotrim,zest,anddrythelemonpeelmyself,althoughyoucanbuythiscommercially.Everythingelsecomesfromthesummergardenorthefarmers’market.
INGREDIENTS½cupholybasil
¼cuprosepetals
2tablespoonsspearmintleaves
2tablespoonselderberries
1tablespoondriedlemonzest
SUPPLIESajarandateaball
1. Inajar,blendtogetheralltheingredients.Theelderberriestendtosinktothebottom,sokeepthatinmindwhenfillingateaball.
2. Foreachcupoftea,putaheapingteaspoonoftheblendinateaball,placeitinamug,andpourhotwaterintothemug.Steepfor5to10minutes.Youcanremovetheherbsorletthemcontinuetosteepwhileyoudrink.
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Armoraciarusticana
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HORSERADISHIdon’tknowwhyhorseradishisn’tmorepopular.It’sdeliciousonmeats,vegetables,potatoes,andseafood,yetisrarelyusedasaneverydayfood.HotsaucesandspicydisheshavereallygainedafootholdintheU.S.,butsomehowthishealth-givingroothasbeenlargelyleftoutoftheseproducts.Whenhorseradishiscut,cellsarecrushed,causingenzymesandglucosidestointeract,releasingtheoil,whichexplainswhyhorseradishroothasnosmelluntilitiscut,grated,orground.Grindinghorseradishisamemorable,sinus-openingexperiencethatmightbebestdoneoutside.Ifyoudon’thavethiscenturies-oldremedygrowinginyourgarden,consideraddingit;otherwise,therootscaneasilybefoundatyourlocalsupermarket.
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ABOUTHORSERADISHOTHERCOMMONNAMEstingnose
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSHorseradishessentialoilisclassifiedasahazardoussubstance,andthejuicecancauseblistering,socheckskinfrequentlywhenusingtherootinapoultice.
PARTSUSEDfreshroot,smallyoungleaves,andflowers
ENERGETICSspicyandhot
PROPERTIESHorseradishcontainsasurprisingnumberofhelpfulproperties,includingbeingantibiotic,anti-inflammatory,antimicrobial,antioxidant,antiviral,diaphoretic,diuretic,expectorant,andstimulating.Itcontainsimportantnutrients,includingvitaminC,calcium,iron,magnesium,phosphorus,potassium,andzinc.
USESHorseradishstimulatesthegallbladder’sreleaseofbile,makingitagreatalternativefordigestiveproblems.Theheatofthehorseradishisdifferentfromcapsicum,andwefeelitmostsharplyinoursinuses,ratherthaninourmouths.Thisgetsallthemucusrunningandhelpsloosenandexpelsinuscongestion.Allheadcoldsandstuckupper-respiratoryinfectionsrespondtohorseradish.Itisalsohelpfulwitharthritis,urinarytractinfections,headaches,kidneystones,fluidretention,cough,bronchitis,soremuscles,sciaticnervepain,andgout.Horseradishisthoughttodetoxifytheliver.Syrupshelphoarsenessor
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bronchitisspecificallybutareusefulforotherapplicationsaswell.
Youngleavescanbeusedasinstantpoulticesforheadachesandlaiddirectlyontheforehead.Thefreshflowersmaybemadeintoateaasanantiviralandamilddecongestant.
PREPARATIONSYoucanmakesyrups,tinctures,andvinegars.Theonlythingsavailablecommerciallyseemtobefreshsaucesorprocessedgratedfreshhorseradishroot,whicharewidelyavailableingrocerystores.
DOSAGEHorseradishissafetouseastolerated.Theequivalentof½teaspoongratedhorseradishmakesanadultdose.
GROWINGTIPHorseradishiseasytogrow,anditwillspread.Insomecasesitcanbedownrightinvasive.Mineisintheshade,andwhileithasincreasedfromonecrowntoaboutsixoveradecade,that’snotterrible.Neverrototillhorseradish.
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HometreatmentsForjointpain,ahorseradishpoulticeopenscapillariesandbringsbloodtothearea,increasingcirculationandreddeningtheskin.Makethecompressbygratingenoughfreshhorseradishtocovertheintendedareawithalayerabout¼inchthick.Mixwithenoughwatertomakeathickpaste.Applythepastetoapieceofcloth(flannelworkswell)atleasttwiceaslargeasthearea.Placetheclothonthearea.Onceitbeginstoburn,removethecloth.Checktheskineveryfewminutestobesureitisn’tblistering.
Horseradishisconsideredoneofthestrongestherbaldiuretics,andwithitsantibioticproperties,itisaterrificchoiceforkidneydisease,bladderissues,orurinarytractinfections.Halfateaspoonoffreshlygratedhorseradishthreetimesadaywillhelpflushouttheseinfections.
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HORSERADISHVODKA
Makes1quart
Preptime:45minutes
YoucanusethisasthealcoholinaBloodyMaryormixitwithjustaswallowofjuicetogetitshealingbenefits.Thisrecipeisagoodwaytopreservehorseradishinsteadofmakingatonofcocktailsauceorjarsofhorseradishmixedinvinegar.
INGREDIENTS1(8-inch)piecefreshhorseradishroot,finelygrated
24ounces100-proofvodka
SUPPLIESa1-quartbottle
1. Letthegratedhorseradishrestforabout10minutestoallowtheoilstoreleaseandthe“heat”todevelop.
2. Placethehorseradishintoa1-quartbottle.Fillwiththevodka(noneedtostrain).Storeinacool,dryplace.
3. Beforeusing,givethebottleagoodshake.Usethehorseradishvodkainamixeddrinkorasadoseofmedicine.
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FIRECIDER
Makesabout1quart
Preptime:45minutes,plusatleast2weekstosteep
ThisciderisbasedonRosemaryGladstar’srecipe,withafewpersonaladditions.Theamountslistedaren’tcritical,andyoucanaddordeleteanythingyouwant.Manypeopletakeashotofthiseveryday,particularlywhentherearealotofbugsgoingaround.Anotherwaytouseitisbymixingitwithwaterorjuice.Itcanalsobeblendedwithalittleoilforasaladdressing.
INGREDIENTS1quartapplecidervinegar(seeTip)
5hotpeppers,chopped
1largeredonion,chopped
⅓cupdriedor1cupfreshelderberries3slicesastragalus,chopped
½cupgratedfreshhorseradish
1headgarlic,peeledandchopped
¼cupgratedfreshginger
1tablespoongroundor3tablespoonsgratedfreshturmeric
Juiceof1lemon
1cuphoney
Waterorjuice,forserving
SUPPLIESahalf-galloncontainer
1. Placetheapplecidervinegar,peppers,onion,elderberries,astragalus,horseradish,garlic,ginger,turmeric,andlemonjuiceinahalfgalloncontainerandsecurewithanonmetalliclid.
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2. Letsteepinawarm,dryplaceforatleast2weeks.
3. Strain,thenaddthehoneytothevinegar.
4. Touse,dilutetheciderwithwaterorjuice,anddownthehatch!
TIPBesurethatthevinegaristrueapplecidervinegarwiththe“mother”—thehealthybacteriathatgivesitacloudyappearance.
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Hyssopusofficinalis
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HYSSOPHyssophasbeenusedforcenturies,probablymillennia.EuropeansettlersbroughttheplanttotheU.S.Ithasmedicinalproperties,manyculinaryuses,andbrewinguses(suchasinabsintheandchartreuse),andisvaluedforitsfragrance,usedasascentinsoapsandotherproducts.It’salsobeautifulfreshandmakesagorgeousadditiontoaflowerarrangement.Insomeplaces,hyssopisaditchweed,growingwithwildabandonalongroadsidesandinmeadows.Ihaveyettofinditinmyarea,butitishardyinUSDAgrowingzones4through10.Itisashrubbyperennial,andwithjustalittleclippingandmaintenance,canbemadeintoalowhedge,aknotorrockgarden,orgrownincontainers.Beesandbutterfliesadorehyssop.
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ABOUTHYSSOPOTHERCOMMONNAMESHyssopdoesn’thaveanyregionalnicknamesthatIcouldfind.
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSTherearenoknownwarningsfortheplant;however,pregnantwomenandindividualswithseizuredisordersorwithhighbloodpressureshouldavoidhyssopessentialoil.Nevertakeitinternally.
PARTSUSEDallaerialparts
ENERGETICSwarm,dry,spicy,slightlybitter
PROPERTIESHyssopisantibiotic,antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,antispasmodic,antiviral,astringent,carminative,diaphoretic,expectorant,andnervine,andsupportsandstimulatestheimmunesystem.
USESHyssopisusedforsorethroats,coldsandcongestion,hoarseness,coughs,andmildasthma.Itcanbehelpfulforurinarytractinflammations.Itisgoodforthewholedigestivesystem,assistinginappetitestimulation,colic,andexcessgas.Itcalmsnervousnessandanxiety,andstopsspasmsofthelungsandgut.Hyssophasseveralillness-bustingpropertiesthatmeansitcanfightviralinfectionsandbacterialinfections,andeaseinflammation.Itencouragesperspirationtohelpbreakafever.Itissometimesusedexternallyonwoundsandinsectbites.Hyssopisreveredinritualandhealing,andiswell-knownasapurifier
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physically,emotionally,andspiritually.Youcanburnhyssoptodispelnegativityormakeitintoacleansingtea.AlthoughbiblicalscholarshavedeterminedthatthehyssopmentionedintheBiblewasmostlikelyanotherplant,itisstillreveredinritualandhealing.
PREPARATIONSTeaismostcommonlyused,buttincturesandsyrupsaregoodtohaveonhand.Externally,poulticesandcompressesworkwell.
DOSAGEAllpreparationsmaybeusedseveraltimesdailyasneeded.
GROWINGTIPHyssopbloomsfromJunethroughOctoberandisgenerallyconsideredtobeevergreen.Iliketodrysomeofitwhileitisinbloomeachyear,buttherearealmostalwaysleavesoutthereincaseofemergency.Itisextremelyeasytogrowandaprettylittleplant,too.
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HometreatmentsIfyouhavegasanddigestionproblems,hyssopisagentleremedy.Theeasiestmethodofdeliveryisasaningredientinfood.Thearomaticsandtasteofhyssopcanoverpowerdelicateflavors,soexperimentabitandstartwithspareamounts.Alittlepre-orpost-dinnerteaisalsocomforting.Tinctureandsyrupareotheroptions,butIprefertostartusinganherbasfoodordrinkwheneverpossible.
Thewarm,dry,andspicyenergeticsofhyssoparepowerfulforacoldthatneedstodryupandmovealong.It’sparticularlyhelpfulforthosecoldsthatseemtolingerandbouncearoundlikeaping-pongball,goingfromheadtochestandbackagain.Teas,tinctures,andsyrupsarealleffective.
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HYSSOPDEEP-CLEANSINGMASK
Makesabout5maskapplications
Preptime:15minutes
Theingredientsofthismaskcleanandfreshentheskinwhiledrawingimpuritiesfromthepores.It’sgoodforanyskintypeandcanbeadjustedtobemoreastringentormoreemollientbychangingtheliquidused.Oiloryogurtmightbeusedfordrierskintypes,whilewitchhazelorblackteawouldactasastringentsformoreoilyskin.
INGREDIENTS2tablespoonsdriedhyssop
2teaspoonsdriedplantain
2tablespoonsgroundkaolinorFrenchgreenclay
2teaspoonsgroundactivatedcharcoal
SUPPLIESablender
coffeegrinder,ormortarandpestle
asmalljar
1. Inablenderorcoffeegrinder,orusingamortarandpestle,grindthehyssopandplantaintoafinepowder.
2. Transferthepowdertoabowlandmixinthekaolinandactivatedcharcoal.
3. Placeinasmalljarandstoreuntilreadytouse.
4. Touse,chooseyourpreferredbaseorliquid—youcanuseplainwater,oil,rosewater,plainyogurt,witchhazel,carrotor
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cucumberjuice,ormilk.(Anythingliquidwillprobablyworkaslongasitisskin-safe.)Mix1tablespoonofthepowdermixturewithenoughofthebaseorliquidtomakeathin,spreadablepaste(theamountofbase/liquidwillvarygreatlydependingonwhatyouuse,butstartwith1teaspoonandkeepaddinguntilthedesiredthicknessisreached).Spreadthemaskonyourface,relaxfor10or15minutes,andrinseoff.
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HYSSOPTEABLENDFORCOUGHSANDCOLDS
Makesabout14cups
Preptime:15minutes
Thisisagreatteatodrinkwhenyouhavegobsofwet,runnymucus.Betweenthehyssopandtheyarrow,theteawillhelpyougetmorecomfortable,andtheelderblossomsstepintoassistthehyssopinwarmingthebodyandinducingasweat.
INGREDIENTS½cupdriedhyssop
¼cupdriedelderblossoms
1tablespoondriedyarrow
1tablespoondriedpeppermint
1tablespoondriedgingerpieces
Honey,forserving(optional)
Lemonjuice,forserving(optional)
SUPPLIESateaball
Inabowl,mixtogetherthehyssop,elderblossoms,yarrow,peppermint,andginger.Placeaheapingtablespoonoftheblendintoateaballandplacein1cupofhotwater.Coverandsteepfor5to10minutes.Drinkasneeded,usinghoneyandlemontotasteifdesired.Theacidofthelemonhelpscutthroughmucusduringawetcold,souseplenty.
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LAVENDERLavenderisalwaysinmygarden.Atfirst,Iwasn’tfondofthescent,butasIlearnedandexperiencedthebenefitsofthisgorgeousherb,itquicklyroseinmylistoffavorites.NativetotheMediterraneanregion,lavenderhas30to50differentspeciesandcultivars.Somearegrownforbeauty,someforculinaryuses,somefortheessentialoil,andothersforthescent.Lavender’snamemayhavecomefromacoupledifferentLatinderivations.Themostpopulartheoryisthatitcomesfromlavare,whichmeans“towash,”oritmaycomefromliveremeaning“bluish.”Eitherworks.Lavenderhasbecomehugelypopularandisnowavailableinhundredsofproducts,fromhouseholdcleanerstocandles,roomsprays,essentialoils,anddessertsandcandy.Ipreferusingtheherbinsteadoftheessentialoilwheneverpossible.
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ABOUTLAVENDEROTHERCOMMONNAMESLavandula,Englishlavender,Frenchlavender,gardenlavender,spikelavender,sweetandtruelavender
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSTherearenoknownprecautionsfortheherb.However,overuseorundiluteduseoftheessentialoilhasbeenknowntosensitizetheuser,whichcanbedebilitating.
PARTSUSEDForessentialoil,allaerialparts.Inmedicinalpreparations,theunopenedflowerbuds.
ENERGETICScoolandwarming,toningandrelaxing,pungent,bittertaste
PROPERTIESLavenderisapowerhouseofhealing,withantibiotic,antidepressant,antifungal,anti-inflammatory,antiseptic,antispasmodic,antiviral,carminative,andaromaticproperties.Itisalsorelaxingandsedative.
USESTheheadyaromaticsofthefreshordriedherbandtheherbalconstituentscombineforaremedythatrelaxesmusclesandeasesspasmsthataccompanymuscularpain.Atea,tincture,orvinegarcanhelpdigestion,gas,nausea,andintestinalcramping.Theherbinasachetencouragessleepandhelpswithtensionheadaches.Topically,lavendertea,balm,orvinegarcanhelptreatfungalinfections,wounds,eczema,andvaricoseulcers,soothesunburnedorwindburnedskin,healburns,andcalmacne.Lavenderisagreatherbforwomen’sissues—iteasesmenstrualcramps,tension,and
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depression,andinmenopausecanhelpwithinsomnia.
PREPARATIONStea,tincture,infusedoil(usedinallkindsoftopicalapplications),vinegar,sachetsforinhalation,andessentialoil
DOSAGETea(equivalentof1½teaspoonslavenderpercupofwater)issafetotakeuptothreetimesaday.Youcantake10to15dropsoftincturebeforemealsfordigestionorasneededuptothreetimesaday,or2tablespoonsofvinegarusedincookingperday.Dilutetheessentialoilto10dropsperounceofcarrieroil.
GROWINGTIPDependingonyourgrowingzone,differentspeciesorcultivarswillbehardy,althoughthoseinzones5orbelowmaynotbeabletokeeplavenderoutsideoverthewinter.Ilikethelong-stemmed,bigspikesofthecamphorousGrossoforweavingwands,buttheEnglishMunsteadvarietyhasasweeterscentandtaste.
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HometreatmentsLavenderissocleansing,healing,andsoothingthatit’salmostall-purpose.Inhalingtheherbissurprisinglyeffectiveforheadaches,restlessness,oranxiety.Once,attherenaissancefestival,thekingaskedmysisterandmeforaheadacheremedythatwouldhavebeenappropriateforthetime.Mysisterdidalittleresearchovernight,andwereturnedwithalittlepillowfilledwithlavenderandafewpinchesofotherherbs.Itworked,andwehadtomakealotofthem,sincehewanderedaroundallsummersniffingit,andtheneveryonewantedone.
Whenmydaughterwasinsecondgrade,shewasananxiouschild.Imadeheraverysmallstuffedcatfilledwithdriedlavender,althoughasimplelittlepillowwouldhaveworkedjustthesame.Shelovedit,andI’vehadtorefillitacoupleoftimesovertheyears,afterthelavenderinsidewaslovedtodust.
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LAVENDERPOWDER
Makes2cups
Preptime:10minutes,plusatleast2weekstoinfuse
Thispowderhasseveralbenefits.Lavenderissoothingtotheskin,sothere’sthecomfortfactor.Itisalsocalmingandrelaxing,andhelpsslowdownperspirationthatcomesfromstress.Itcanhelpdecreasefungalorbacterialissuesformingfromdampareasandcreases.
Ontopofallofthis,itsmellspleasant.Youcanincreasethefragrancebyadding10to15dropsoflavenderessentialoilstothepowderifdesired.
INGREDIENTS1cuparrowrootpowder
½cupcornstarch
¼cupkaolinorFrenchgreenclay
¼cuplavender,powderedinablenderorcoffeegrinder
SUPPLIESa1-quartjar
1. Blendtogetheralloftheingredientsina1-quartjar.Theextraroommakesiteasytoshakeoftenandbesurethateverythingismixedwell.Keepthemixinthejarforatleast2weeksoruptoamonthforthescenttopermeatetheotherpowders,shakingitatleastonceeveryfewdays.
2. Touse,pourasmallamountofthepowderintopalmofyour
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handandsmoothontoyourbodytoremedychafingorexcessiveperspiration.
TIPPowdershakerjarsareavailablefromsupplierslistedintheResourcessection,andtheyareperfecttousehere;awide-mouthjarwithapowderpuffworksaswell.
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LAVENDERSACHET
Makes1sachet
Preptime:15minutesifusingamuslinbag;1hourifmakingthebagfromscratch
Thesesimplesackscomeinhandyininnumerableways.Youcantuckthemintodrawersorclosets,intoyourcartokeepitsmellingpleasant,inthebedsidetabletoreachforduringarestlessnight,orinadeskdrawerorlockertopulloutonbaddaysatworkorschool.Unlessexposedtobrightlightandheat,driedlavenderretainsitsscentuntilitturnstodust.Ifthescentfades,scrunchthesachetafewtimestorefreshit.
INGREDIENTS1cupdrylavenderbuds
SUPPLIES1pieceof9-by-6½-inchclothora4-by-6-inchmuslinbag
thread
needle
1. Ifusingthecloth,folditinhalfsothattherightsideisinsideandthenewsizeis4½-by-6½inches.Startingattheedgeofthefold,usinganeedleandthreadandastraightorrunningstitch(sewmyplace.com/project/tutorial-two-ways-to-make-a-simple-sachetishelpful),sewtwosidestogether,leavingoneofthe4½-inchsidesopen.Turntheclothright-sideout.
2. Forclothorthemuslinbag,fillthree-quartersofthewayfull,withaboutacupofthelavender.Turnintheedgesoftheopen
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endandsewshut.
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GlycyrrhizaglabraL.
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LICORICEROOTMostofusthinkoflicoriceasablack,soft,andchewycandythatcomesinjellybeans,“whips,”andvariousotherforms.Candylicoricepipeswereatonetimeapopularshape,perhapstosignaltopipesmokersthatitwouldcalmsmoker’scough.Licoriceisverysweet,upto50timessweeterthansugar,makingitanexcellentingredientforherbaltea.AlthoughthelicoriceplantisnativetosouthernEuropeandAsia,northernEuropeancountriesareabsolutelyobsessedwithitandeatmorelicoricethanchocolate.TheNetherlandsisatoplicoricecandyproducerintheEuropeanUnion.IntheU.S.,mostlicoricecandyisflavoredwithanise,whichisn’tlicoriceatall,soitrequiressomehuntingtofindtherealthing.Reallicoriceismadealmostentirelyfromthelicoriceroot.
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ABOUTLICORICEROOTOTHERCOMMONNAMESganzao,sweetroot,drop
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSAvoidlicoriceinpregnancy.Individualswithhighbloodpressure,liverdisorders,waterretention,renalinsufficiency,lowbloodpotassium,orheartdiseaseshouldalsoavoidthisherb.
PARTUSEDdriedroot
ENERGETICSsweet,cool,moisturizing
PROPERTIESLicoricerootisadaptogenic,antibacterial,anticonvulsive,anti-inflammatory,antispasmodic,antiviral,demulcent,expectorant,immune-boosting,andlaxative.
USESLicoricerootisgreatforanyonetryingtostopsmoking.Itsatisfiesthathandtomouthcompulsionandprovidesaslightboostofenergy,preventingthemetabolismfromgettingsluggishasitsooftendoeswhilequittingtobacco.Licoricepromotesexcretionofdry,stuckmucus,andcanalsoeasebronchitis.Itsoothesgastrointestinalproblemsfrommouthtoanus,suchasheartburn,GERD,ulcers,andconstipation,andisconsideredhelpfulforadrenalfatigue.It’soneofthemostcommonlyusedherbsintraditionalChinesemedicine,asitisbelievedtoguideotherherbstotheirbesthealingexpression.
PREPARATIONSLicoriceisusefulasteas,tinctures,capsules,andpastilles.Youcanpurchaselicoricerootasrootsticks,cutand
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sifted,powdered,andascandy(justbesurethecandy’smadefromlicoricerootandnotaniseflavoring).Youcanchewthelicoricerootsticksplain;they’realsosafeforchildren.
DOSAGEIt’ssafetodrinkupto3cupsoflicoricerootteaortake3droppersoftinctureperday.Besuretopulse(stoppingafterabout10days)ratherthantakedailyforanextendedperiod.Beawarethatthecandyismuchmoreconcentratedthantheroot.
TIPDuringcoolerweather,whengermsflyaround,IusealicoricerootstickinalmosteverymedicinalteaIdrink.Simplypopitinthemugandletitstandastheteasteeps.Evenifyoudon’tcareforblacklicoricecandy,tryacupoftea.It’sdeliciousandsosoothing!
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HometreatmentsDuringourrenaissancefestivaldays,nearlyalltheactorswouldstraintheirvoicesfromthe8or10hoursofconstantprojection(somemightsayyelling).They’dcometoourherbshoplookingforhelp,sowealwayskeptahealthysupplyoflicoricerootsticksaround.Theyeffectivelymoistenedandcooledsorethroats,sendingtheactorsbackoutthereyelling...er,projecting,innotime.
Asorethroatisoftenaccompaniedbyhot,dry,andinflamedsinuses.Thefirstsipoflicoriceteabringsnearlyinstantrelief,soothingtheparchedmucusmembrane.Licoricerootbringssimilarreliefforacidreflux.Plus,becauseyoucanjustsuckontheplainroot,there’snoneedtodrinkanythingthatmightexacerbatethesituation.Licoricesoothesthethroatandsinuseswheretheacidhasburned.
Constipationwhiletravelingwasanissueformygrandmother.She’dtakemetothebeachsometimes,andbyaboutthesecondorthirdday,we’dhavetogosearchforsomereallicoricecandy.Shealwaysstruggledwithconstipationwhenshewasawayfromhome.Thedemulcentpropertyoflicoricehelpsgetthingsmoving.Evenbetterisamugofhotlicoricetea,sincewarmwaterisoftenhelpfulindigestion.Imuchpreferhavingtheaddedliquidfromthetea,sinceconstipationisoftenpartiallybroughtonbydehydrationinthesystem,causinghard,drystools.
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LICORICETOOTHPOLISHPOWDER
Makesabout⅓cup
Preptime:15minutes
Theingredientsinthistoothpolishhelpcleanstainsandpromotegumhealth.Ifyoulikethetasteoflicorice,thenyou’reinforatastytreatwhilecleaning!Itisdifficulttogetspicesorrootsintoanicepowder,soit’sbesttopurchasetheseingredientsalreadypowdered.
INGREDIENTS¼cupkaolinorbentoniteclay
1tablespoonbakingsoda
2teaspoonsfineseasalt
2teaspoonslicoriceroot,powdered
1teaspoonactivatedcharcoal,powdered
1teaspoonpeppermint,powdered
½teaspoonclove,powdered
½teaspoonthyme,powdered
SUPPLIESalargejar
asmalljarorcontainer
1. Inalargejar,combinealltheingredientsandshaketomixwell.
2. Keepabout1tablespoonofthepolishmixinasmalljarorcontainer.Putapinchofthemixtureinthepalmofyourhandandpickitupwithawettoothbrush.Brushasyounormallywouldandrinsewell.
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3. Keepthebulkofthemixturestoredinthelargejar(thisway,ifthesmallcontainergetswet,thewholebatchwon’tberuined).Itwillkeepfor2years.
TIPIfyoupreferapaste,melt2½to3tablespoonsofcoconutoil.Mixinapinchofthepolishmixture.Useapea-sizedolloponyourtoothbrush.
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THROATSPRAY
Makes3cups
Preptime:40minutes,plusovernightsoaking
Thisblendofsoothingrootsandbarkisveryeffectiveforsorethroatsorforwhenthevoiceisscratchyorhasvanishedfromillnessoroveruse.Oneortwosprayscanprovideimmediatereliefthatlastsagoodwhile,andthesprayissafetoreuseoftenthroughouttheday.
INGREDIENTS1quartwater
1tablespoonlicoriceroot
1tablespoonslipperyelmbark
1tablespoonmarshmallowroot
1tablespoongratedfreshgingerroot
1cup195-proofalcohol(suchasEverclear)
SUPPLIESalarge
aheavysaucepanwithalid
afew2-or4-ounceplasticspraybottles
1. Combinethewaterandherbsinalarge,heavysaucepan.Coverwithalidandsoakovernight.
2. Thefollowingday,boileverythingtogetheruntiltheliquidisreducedbyhalf(toabout2cups).
3. Strainwelltoremoveallthesolids,thenlettheliquidcoolcompletely.
4. Addthealcohol.
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5. Pourintospraybottlesanduseasneeded.(Iliketomakeandlabelseveralsmallbottles.)Storeatroomtemperature;thespraywillkeepfor10years.
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Tiliaspp.
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LINDENLindenisoneofthemostpopularteasinEuropeandtheU.K.Giventhatit’ssuchacommontreeofferingmanybenefits,itdeservestobebetterknowninotherlocalesaswell.WhenIwasjustlearningaboutlinden,Ifoundmyselfonalocal1700shomesteadwithanenormousoldlindentree.Itwasalivewithhoneybees,anditsfragrancefilledtheentireplace.Downthefarmlaneandbehindabarn,Ifoundatreewithsimilarbutlargerflowersandleaves.Itookaleafandflowerofeachhomeandafterabitofresearchfiguredoutthatthesmallleavescomefromalittle-leaflinden,orTiliacordata,whilethelargearefromabig-leaflinden,orTiliaplatyphyllos.Thesevarietiesareusedinterchangeably,andthelittle-leafversioniscommoninurbanandsuburbanlandscaping.
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ABOUTLINDENOTHERCOMMONNAMESTilia,basswood,limetree,limeflower
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSLindenhasbeenusedsafelysincetheMiddleAges.Excessiveusehas,inrarecases,beenassociatedwithheartdamageinindividualswithheartdisease.Ifyouhaveaheartcondition,talktoyourdoctorbeforeusing.
PARTSUSEDtheflowerswiththeattachedleaf-likebract
ENERGETICSsweet,moisturizing,warm
PROPERTIESLindenisanervinethatisalsodemulcent,antibacterial,antifungal,antispasmodic,andastringent.Itishighlyvaluedforitssedative,expectorant,diaphoretic,anddiureticeffects.
USESSincelindenisaverycommontreeintemperateclimates,it’sastarplayerinfolkmedicine.Restlessness,insomnia,hyperactivityinchildren,nervousandmuscletension,anxiety,andheadaches(especiallymigraines)allrespondwelltolinden.Themucilageproducedbytheplantsoothesdigestiveissuesandmayalsohelpcalmirritatedmembranesinthemouthorthroatanddecreasemucusproduction.Lindenalsorelievesmusclespasmsandcrampsandimprovescirculation.Oneofthemostnotedusesoflindenisininducingperspirationforfeverishcolds,flu,andinfections.Italsohelpsreducenasalcongestionandcalmcoughs.Externally,youcanuselindenasawashorlotionforitchyskin.In
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anemotionalsense,lindenisoftenusedforgrieforheartache.Inthedoctrineofsignatures,theheart-shapedleaveshinttothispurpose.Wecanalsolooktolinden’srelaxingpropertiesandsedativesupportofthenervesasassistingusthroughdifficult,heartbreakingtimes.
PREPARATIONSLindeniseasytofindormakeasatea.Youcanalsomakeitintoatincture,syrup,orvinegar.Teas,tinctures,andvinegarscanbeusedintopicalpreparations,suchasafacewashorfootbath.
HARVESTINGTIPHarvestlindeninearlysummer,whenthefragrantflowersarejustbeginningtobloom,pickingtheflowersalongwiththepale-greenbract.Whileinbloom,thetreewillmostlikelybebuzzingwithbees—theylovelindenandmakeatastyhoneyfromtheflowers.Goslowlytoavoidgettingstung!
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HometreatmentsLindenteabringsreliefincasesofcoldorfluthatincludesdry,hackingcoughs,swollenandinflamedairpassageways,fever,andcongestion.Itcanpromotesleepandrestwithitssedativeproperties,andhasbeenknowntorelieveheadaches.OnedayafriendandIwerestuckworkingalongdayintheherbshopandbothofusfeltsomethingcomingon.Webrewedupsomestronglindentea,andinnotimeatallwewerebothfeelingasweatcomingon.Weaddedsomeelderberryandholybasilandnippedthatillnessinthebud.
Lindenistrulyafriendduringaperiodofinsomniabroughtaboutbygrieforheartache.Oncesomeonedeartomewasstrickenwithaseriousdisease,andIwasn’tabletoseetheminpersonforalongwhile.Needlesstosay,Iwasdevastated.Lindenteahelpedmefindsomemuch-neededrestandsleepduringthispainfultime.
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LINDENSYRUP
Makesabout2½to3cups
Preptime:30minutes,plusovernighttosteep
It’sgreattohavethissyruphandyandreadytouseincasesomeoneinyourhouseholdstartsfeelinglow,ill,orrestless.Itcanbetakenbythetablespoonasmedicine,orusedtoflavortea,sparklingwater,orfood.Whilethisrecipeuseslindenflowersandbractsandtraditionalhoney,youcanfindlindenhoneymadefromtheflowerstomixwiththewaterandlemoninstead.Likemaple,thelindentree’ssapcanbegatheredandboileddowntoasyrup,whichwouldalsoworkmixedwithwaterandlemon.
INGREDIENTS4to5cupslindenflowersandbracts
1½cupswater
3cupshoney
Juiceof1lemon
SUPPLIESasaucepanwithalid
bottles
1. Cleanthelindenflowersandbractsbygivingthemagoodshakeandaquickdunkinwater.Straininacolanderandsetaside.
2. Combinethewater,honey,andlemonjuiceinasaucepanandsimmeruntilthickenedandreducedbyaboutone-quarter.
3. Removefromtheheatandaddtheflowersandbracts.Stirwell
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andcover.
4. Letthesyrupsteepovernight,thenstrainoutthesolidsandbottlethesyrup.Storeatroomtemperatureandusewithin1year.
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LINDENANDPASSIONFLOWERELIXIR
Makesabout16ounces
Preptime:15minutes,plus1monthtosteep
Iliketocombinelindenwithpassionflowertohelpwithsleeplessness.Passionflowerisspecificallyhelpfulforthosetimeswhenthoughtsgoaroundandaroundinyourhead.Thetwoherbsusedtogetherhaveacalmingandsedativeeffect.
INGREDIENTS1½cupsbrandy
½cuphoney
¾cupdriedlinden
¾cupdriedpassionflower
Zestandjuiceof1lemon
SUPPLIESa24-ouncejar
1. Ina24-ouncejar,combinethebrandyandhoney.Stirorshakeuntilthehoneyisdissolved.
2. Addthelinden,passionflower,andlemonzestandjuice,andmixverywell.
3. Alloweverythingtosteepforatleast1month,shakingdailyifpossible.
4. Strainoutanddiscardthesolidsandusetheelixirbythedropperful.Youcanalsoaddateaspoontoacupofteaorasmallglassofplainbrandy.
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Verbascumthapsus
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MULLEINMulleinwashistoricallyusedinAfrica,Greece,andpartsofEuropebeforesettlersbroughtitovertotheAmericasinthe1600sanditbecamepartoftheherbalhealingtraditionintheWest.NativeAmericansquicklyfoundplentifulmedicalusesfortheplant.Mulleingrowsinrocky,dry,anddisturbedsoils,aswellasinmeadowsorfencerows.Itrequiresfullsunandmusthavesomecoldweatherinordertoproduceflowerspikesinthesecondyear.Ithasmanyhealingbenefitsandisalsoanattractiveenoughplanttogrowasanornamentinthegarden.
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ABOUTMULLEINOTHERCOMMONNAMESgreatmullein,commonmullein,candlewickplant,clown’slungwort,velvetdock,Quakerrouge,torchwort,hag’staper,flannelleaf,Aaron’srod,Jupiter’sstaff,St.Peter’sstaff,shepherd’sstaff,shepherd’sclub,beggar’sstalk,goldenrod,Adam’sflannel,beggar’sblanket
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSThefinehairsonthisplantcanirritateskinandmucusmembranes,sobesuretostrainpreparationswell.
PARTSUSEDleaves,flowers,roots
ENERGETICSbitter,cool,moisturizing,salty
PROPERTIESMulleinisanodyne,antibacterial,anti-catarrhal,anti-inflammatory,antispasmodic,antitussive,antiviral,astringent,demulcent,diuretic,emollient,expectorant,nervine(mild),sedative,andalsovulnerary.It’salsoanaturaldisinfectant.
USESTheflowersandleavesaremostoftenused.Botharemucilaginous,coatingandsoothingrespiratorypassages,clearingexcessmucusfromtheairwaysandlungs,andsoothingdrycoughs.Mulleinisusefulasanantiviralandantibiotic,stavingoffillness.Italsoreducesinflammationofmucusmembranesandcalmsmusclespasmswhilealsorelievingpain.Itisusedtopreventorrelievecoughsandgetridofatickleinthethroat.Mulleinisalsogoodforjointpain,bothappliedexternallyandtakeninternally.Thewarmfloweroilisusefulforhemorrhoids.Mullein
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promoteshealingofwounds,cuts,andabrasions,and,wheninfusedandwarmedwithalittlegarlic,makesaneffectiveeardropforearachesandinfections.Theleaveshavealongtraditionasthemainingredientinsmokingblendsusedforasthmaandlingeringcoughs.Italsohelpsurinaryissuesandincreasesurineoutput.Itisthoughttotonethebladder,supportprostatehealth,andreduceinflammationoftheurinarytract.
PREPARATIONSTeas,tinctures,infusedoil,orpoultices.Theleavescanbesmoked.
DOSAGEMulleinisconsiderednontoxic.It’ssafetouseasneeded.
GROWING/HARVESTINGTIPSThefirst-yearplantisabasalrosetteoffuzzy,paleblue-greenleaves,andthosearetherootstoharvestformedicine.Thesecond-yearplantshootsupastemtoppedwithflowers.Theleavesarealwaysgoodtoharvest.Ifyouharvesttheroots,besurethereareotherplantsaroundsoyou’llhavemorenextyear.
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HometreatmentsThemucilaginouspropertyofmulleinisexceptionalforhelpingmoveahot,drycoldupandoutofthechestortohelpdrainthesinuses.Mulleinhasaspecialtalentformoisteningandlooseningallthetight,tenseareasoftheupper-respiratorysystemandthenrelaxingthemusclesandallowingmucustoflowfreelyinordertobecoughedup.Hotmulleinteainamugalsoallowsinhalationofthesteam,increasingtheseactions.Itsmildsedativepropertiespromoterestfulsleep.
Usingmulleinforhemorrhoidsisveryeffective.Thepain-reducingandwound-healingabilitiescombinewiththeastringentyetemollientproperties,andarecomplementedbyanti-inflammatoryandantibacterialstrengths,toboot.Applyawarmpoulticeseveraltimesadayforverypainfulcases.Youcanmakewipeswithinfusedoilandapplyseveraltimesadayforreliefbeforehemorrhoidsgetafoothold.
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EAROIL
Makesabout4ounces(dependingonhowabsorbenttheherbsare)
Preptime:1hour15minutes(15minutesactive)
Thisisatime-testedremedy.Althoughitfelloutoffavorduetotheuseofpharmaceuticals,earoilisbecominganherbalstandardagain.Thewarmedoilissoothingonitsown,butthegarlicandmulleinworktogethertoclearinfectionandinflammation.
INGREDIENTS⅛cupfreshor1tablespoondriedmulleinflowers
3tablespoonscrushedgarlic
¾cupoliveoil
SUPPLIESanovenproof8-ounce(orlarger)bakingdishorramekin
ajar
1. Placealltheingredientsinanovenproof8-ounce(orslightlylarger)bakingdishorramekin.Makesureeverythingissubmergedintheoliveoil,addingmoreoilifnecessary.
2. Settheovenatthelowestpossiblesetting(180°Fto200°F)andheattheoilforanhour.Asanalternative,youcanmixtheingredientsinajarandsetinawarm,sunnywindowforaday.
3. Straintheoilthoroughly,transfertoa4-to6-ouncejar,andstoreintherefrigeratoruntilneeded.Itwillkeepforayear.
4. Touse,warmasmallamountoftheoiltoaboutbodytemperatureandplaceafewdropsintheear,rubbingthe
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outsideoftheeartodistributetheoilandincreasecirculation.Iftolerated,putacottonballintheeartokeepitwarm,andresttheearagainstaheatingpad.Repeatasnecessaryevery30to60minutesuntiltheearfeelsbetter.
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SMOKINGBLENDFORSTUBBORNCHESTCOLD
Makesabout¼cup
Preptime:15minutes
Intermsofhealth,it’sgenerallycounterintuitivetosmokeanythinganymore.Butsometimestheremaybeatherapeuticreasontodoso.I’vetriedafewsmokingblendsforlungissuesandhavehadgreatresultswiththisone.Somepeopleuseblendstoquitsmoking.Iftheyworkanddonoharm,you’llgetnojudgmentfrommethere.Usefreshlydriedherbsinthisrecipeifpossible(seeResources),ordrythemyourself.
INGREDIENTS3tablespoonsdriedmulleinleaf
1tablespoondriedhorehound
1½teaspoonsdriedlavender
1teaspoondriedpeppermint
½teaspoondriedCaliforniapoppy(optional)
¼teaspoondriedthyme(optional)
SUPPLIESacoffeegrinder
apipe,rollingpapers,oravaporizer
1. Usingacoffeegrinder,grindalltheherbstosimilarlysizedbitsthatarewellblended.Themixtureshouldhavetheconsistencyoftobacco.
2. Useapipe,rollingpapers,oravaporizertosmoke,takingonlyoneortwoinhalationsatatime.
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NASTURTIUMNasturtiumisaperfectexampleofwhyit’simportanttoknowLatinnamesaswellasthecommonnamesofplants.Whenyouvisitgreenhousesandherbfarmsinspringtoaskfornasturtium,youwanttomakesureyou’regettingtheplansfromthegenusTropaeolum,notNasturtiumofficinale,whichisactuallywatercress.Thetwoplantsshareaspicy,hotflavor—andnotmuchelse.NasturtiumisnativetoSouthAmericaandismostlygrownasanannual.Theflowerscomeinshadesfrombutteryyellowandcreamyapricottobrilliantorange,red,andvibrantscarlet.Inaninformaltastetest,mysisterandIdecidedthatthedeeperthecolor,thespiciertheflavoroftheflower.It’sintheleaves,however,wherethemedicinalpropertiesreside.
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ABOUTNASTURTIUMOTHERCOMMONNAMESIndiancress,gardennasturtium
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSPregnantwomenshouldavoidnasturtium.Additionally,itcancausecontactdermatitis,sotestasmallareaofskinbeforeapplyingapoultice.
PARTSUSEDWhiletheflowersareadelightfulanddeliciousedible,andalongwiththeleavesmakeaspicyadditiontosalads,themedicinalpropertiesoftheplantarefoundintheleavespriortoblooming.Somepeopleeattherootsintheperennialvarietiesmuchlikepotatoes,butthesearen’tknowntohavemedicinalproperties...yet.
ENERGETICShot,warming,dry
PROPERTIESNasturtiumleavespossessasurprisingarrayofmedicinalbenefits.Theyareantibiotic,antibacterial,antifungal,antiseptic,antitussive,antiviral,diuretic,expectorant,andvulnerary,andanaturaldisinfectant.
USESNasturtiumteahasalonghistoryofuseinstimulatingthescalpandencouraginghealthyhairgrowth.Itisusedtohelphealwounds,includingthosethatshowinfectionandareslowtoheal.Theleavescontaincarotenoidsandflavonoids,valuablecompoundsthatboosttheimmunesystem,makingnasturtiumanothergreatherbtofightagainstsorethroats,coughs,bronchitis,congestion,andcolds.Bacterialandfungalinfectionssuchas
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candida,ringworm,andathlete’sfootrespondwelltosoakinginnasturtium-leafteaorappliedpoultices.Nasturtiumalsohasthesurprisingabilitytorelievesymptomsofseasonalallergies,likesneezing,dry,itchyeyes,andrunnynose,especiallywhencombinedwithstingingnettleandlocalhoneyorbeepollen.TheleavesandflowersarehighinseveralBvitamins,vitaminC,andlotsofmineralslikeiron,calcium,phosphorus,andmanganese.It’sbeenhistoricallyusedforkidneyproblemsandasadiuretic.Forsome,theteahelpswithmildmusclepain.
PREPARATIONSUsedinteas,tinctures,poultices,andasawash,soak,orrinse
DOSAGEIt’ssafetodrinktheteauptothreetimesaday,take25dropsoftincturethreetimesaday,anduseexternalapplicationsastolerated.
TIPNasturtiumseedsareveryhotandspicy.Theymakeagreatlittlesnackwhileworkinginthegarden,ortheycanbegratedandusedlikepepperoraddedtoaspiceblendforseasoning.Weliketogrindthemwithdriedkelp,thyme,rosemary,andgarlictouseatthetable.
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HometreatmentsNasturtiumleavesmixedwithEpsomsaltsmakeasplendidsoakforsore,hot,tiredfeet,orasabathteatosootheskinabrasions,cuts,orstrainedmusclesandrinseawaydirtandsweatafteralongdayspentoutside(think:gardening).Thisbathperksusupandfightsfungus,germs,andgrunge,andwillalsohelpwashoffalltheallergensthatmightcomefromadayinthegardenandcauseitchyeyesandsniffles.Andwhileyou’resoakingawayinthere,haveanicehotcupoffreshnasturtium-leafteawithsomepeppermint,rosemary,andstingingnettles,sweetenedwithlocalrawhoneytohelpclearupthosepeskyallergysymptoms.
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NASTURTIUMPESTO
Makesabout3cups
Preptime:20minutes
How’sthisforadeliciousmedicine?Myfavoritewaytoincorporatehealingherbsisbyaddingthemtoscrumptiousmeals.Makethispestoaheadandfreezeinto½-cupportionstobeusedaspartofayummycampaigntopreventillness.Somepeopledon’taddthecheesebeforefreezing,andinsteadadditatthetimeofserving,butI’veneverhadaproblem.Weusethispestoupprettyquicklyinmyhouse.
INGREDIENTS2cupsfreshnasturtiumleaves
½cupwalnuts
6garliccloves
½cupfreshlygratedParmesancheese
¾cupoliveoil
Hotsauce(optional)
SUPPLIESalargesaucepan
blender
resealablebags
1. Blanchthenasturtiumleavesinalargesaucepanofboilingwaterfor10to15seconds.Drainandplungetheleavesintoicewatertocool.Drygentlyonteatowels.
2. Placetheleaves,walnuts,garlic,cheese,andoliveoilinablender;blenduntilsmooth.Ifdesired,addafewdropsofhot
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sauce.
3. Drizzleoverpastaorthedishofyourchoice.Freezein¼-cupservingsinresealablebagsanduseasdesiredwithin3to4months.
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NASTURTIUMTINCTURE(ORHAIRRINSE)
Makes1pint
Preptime:15minutes,plusabout1monthtosteep
Aspointedoutabove,nasturtiumleavesarethemostpotentpartoftheplantbeforeitblooms.Thistincturedoesagoodjobofpreservingthehealingpropertiesofthoseearlyleaves.Take1teaspoonofthetinctureuptothreetimesaday.Tomakethisrecipeasahairrinse,usevinegarinsteadofalcohol.Thehairrinseisthoughttopromotehairgrowthbykeepingthescalphealthyandstimulated—pourabout½cuponthehairimmediatelyafterwashing,massageinthoroughly,thenrinse.
INGREDIENTS1cupfreshnasturtiumleaves
¼cuprosemaryneedles
¼cupstingingnettleleaves
2cups100-proofvodka(orapplecidervinegarforthehairrinse)
SUPPLIESa1-pintjar
1. Placealltheherbsinapintjarandcoverwiththevodka(orapplecidervinegarifmakinghairrinse).
2. Coverandletthemixturesteepinacool,dryplaceforabout1month.Checkthattheherbsaresubmergedintheliquidacoupleoftimesaday,shakingthejarasnecessarytoensurethattheherbsarecompletelysaturated.
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3. Afteraboutamonth,runthemixturethroughafoodprocessorandstrainwell.Boththetinctureandtherinsewilllastindefinitelyatroomtemperature.
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Avenasativa
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OATSMostpeoplegenerallydon’tthinkaboutoatsasanherb.It’sagood,heartybreakfastfoodandaningredientincookiesorgranolabars,andissometimesaddedtobrothsandmeatloaf,right?Butwildoatshaveplentyofmedicinalbenefits.Theyarerampantinmyyard,plantedregularlybybirds,Iassume.They’reatypeofgrass,withthegrainbeingtheseed.It’spossibletopurchaseoatseedsthatproducelargergrains,butthewildonesworkforme.EachyearIleaveacoupleofpatchesuntilthey’vegottentotherightstage,andthenIharvestthemandreclaimthebitoflandtheywereonforotherplants.
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ABOUTOATSOTHERCOMMONNAMESwildoats,commonoats,oatstraw
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSNone—oatsareconsideredtobesafe.
PARTSUSEDallaerialparts
ENERGETICSsweet,warming,relaxing,moisturizing
PROPERTIESOatsarearestorative,nutritive,andnervinetonicthatslowlybuildupourresilience.They’realsoanantidepressant.
USESOatsarewonderfulandskin-soothingwhenusedinbathwater.Inthebathsection,Imentionedhowmymomusedtofillthekitchensinkwithwarmwater,oatmeal,andme,andhowIusedthesametreatmentwithmydaughter.Thewaterturnssilkyandalittlemilky,soakingawayitchesandirritation,andmoisturizingtheskin.Thisisessentiallyhowaerialpartsoftheoatplantworkinternally,too.Whenthewholeplantisharvestedanddriedwhilegreen,includingtheseeds,itiscalledoatstraw.Oatstrawisarejuvenatingandrestorativenourishingmineraltonic.Milkyoatsarethemostcommonlydiscussedformofoats.Forjustafewdays,theunripeseedsexcretewhite,milkylatexwhensqueezed.Thislatex,particularlywhenusedfresh,isasupernervetonicthatfeedsandstrengthensthenervesandtheircommunicationpathways.Milkyoattinctureisthebestwaytoaccesstheherb’spotential,andhelpswithadrenalexhaustion,difficultyconcentrating,lossoflibido,anxiety,depression,
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irritability,andpostpartumblues.Itisgrounding,helpingfortifyusduringgrief,andpromotesemotionalwell-being.Oatmealistheripeseed.Itnourishesandlubricatesthroughoutthebodyandtheskinwhilesupportingthenervoussystem.
PREPARATIONSteas,tinctures,inbathsandontheskin,andinfood
DOSAGETeasandtincturescanbetakenseveraltimesdaily.Useexternallyasneeded.
HARVESTINGTIPThetrickiestthingaboutthemilkyoatstageiscatchingitattherighttime.Whenthekernelsbegintodevelop,besureyouhaveyouralcoholreadytogointhehousebecauseitisonlymilkyforaboutaweek.Testforthemilk(latex)everydaybypinchingoneoftheoats.Whenasmalldropofwhiteliquidappears,itistimetomaketincture.Therewon’tbeanotherchanceuntilnextyear.
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HometreatmentsOatsworkwondersforadultswhoarestretchedtothelimitswithstressfuljobs,youngchildren,agingparents,andnotenoughhoursintheday.Moreoftenthannot,alittlegroundingcomesinhandy,andadailydoseofmilkyoattincturefitsthatbill.
Oatmealasaregularpartofyourdietisfillingandsoothingtothenerves,anditsfiberandbulkcontributetoregularity.Oatsareaverysimple“herb”toaddtodailylife.
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BLUEOATSMOOTHIE
Makestwo12-ounceservings
Preptime:15minutes
Thismeal-in-a-glasswillhelpsupportthenervesandtheimmunesystemalldaylong.Iliketoaddblueberriesfortheiranthocyanins,andtheadditionoftheholybasilandastragalusaddtotheadaptogenicpowerofthisblend.Youcanalsoadddifferentherbsandspices,suchassomeginger,rose,nettles,orapinchoflavender.
INGREDIENTS½cupold-fashionedrolledoats
1cupmilk(anykind)
½cupfrozenblueberries
2tablespoonshoney
1smallbanana
½cupice
1teaspoondriedholybasil
½teaspoonpowderedastragalus
SUPPLIESablender
1. Putalltheingredientsinablender.Covertightlyandpulsetobreakuptheicecubes.
2. Continuepulsinguntilsmooth.Checkconsistencyandaddmoremilkifnecessary.
3. Serveimmediately.
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MILKYOATTINCTURE
Makesabout2cups
Preptime:15minutes,plus4to6weekstosteep
Milkyoatsmakeanunusualtinctureinthatthetextureisthickerthanthatofmosttinctures.Thisistotallynormal,andyou’llgetusedtoit—trustme.Afterthehealingpropertiesarepulledintothealcohol,thesteepingtincturewilllookalmostgruel-like.Useadropperortwoaday.
INGREDIENTS1½cupsfreshmilkyoats
2½cups151-proofalcohol(suchasEverclear)
SUPPLIESablender
alargejar
1. Placetheoatsandalcoholinablenderandwhirltogetheruntilthemixturereachesaslushyconsistency;addmorealcoholifnecessarytoachievethisconsistency.
2. Transferthemixturetoalargejarandletsteepfor4to6weeks.
3. After4to6weeks,strainthemixturewellusingatincturepressorbyspooningitintoamuslinbagandsqueezing.
4. Storethetinctureinthelargejaratroomtemperature.Itwillkeepformorethan10years.
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Pinusspp.
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PINEIliveontheedgeofaChristmastreefarm,soitseemedonlyrighttoincludepineinthelineupofherbsforthisbook.Allpinesareconifers,buttherearemanyconifersthatarenotpines.Therearemorethan30kindsofpineinNorthAmericaand125worldwide.It’sinterestingtonotethattherearemorethan500conifer(cone-bearing)speciesintheworld.Treeslikelarch,spruce,cedar,andfirareconifersbutnotpines.Themostcommonpinesgrowneedlesinbundlesoftwotofive,wrappedatthebasebyapaper-thin,shallowsheathwheretheyattachtothetwig.It’simportanttoidentifythetreesproperly.Agoodfieldguidewillhelpidentifyevergreenssoyoucanusethemwithconfidence.
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ABOUTPINEOTHERCOMMONNAMESChristmastree,evergreen,tannenbaum
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSPinepollencancauseallergicreactionseveninthosewhoaren’tnormallyallergictopine.IfoundthistobetruethefirsttimeIgatheredit.
PARTSUSEDneedles,pollen,andpitch/sap
ENERGETICSwarm,dry
PROPERTIESTheubiquitouspinetreehasasurprisingnumberofbenefits.Theneedlesandsapareanodyne,antifungal,antibacterial,antiseptic,aromatic,astringent,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,decongestant,expectorant,stimulant,andtonic.Thepollenisnutritiousenoughtobeconsideredasuperfood;it’sjam-packedwithvitaminsandhasallnineessentialaminoacids.Takenregularly,itisthoughttobuildandincreasevitality.
USESTheneedlesandsaparebestknownfortreatingupper-respiratoryinfectionsbypenetratingandclearingmucus.Oftenthesaporessentialoilismadeintoachestrubthatmakesiteasierforsomeonewithacloggedheadtobreathewhilelooseningupthechestatthesametime.Pineeasesinflammationandswellingoftheupper-andlower-respiratorysystems.Weusepinecleanersinourhome,andtheinfusionofpineneedleorsapinalcoholisagooddisinfectantforwoundsonskin,tissues,andmembranes.Clearingawaybacteriaandallkindsofpathogens,pinespeeds
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healingbothinsideandout.
Pineteasandtincturesofneedlesorsaparethoughttoimprovecirculationandboostimmunity.Salvesmadefromthesapcanbeusedonmuscleandjointpain,andtheinnerbarkcanbemadeintoafielddressingtokeepwoundscleanandgerm-free.Aboveall,acupofpineteajustbringsonthatbright-eyedandbushy-tailedfeeling,especiallywithanaddedpinchofpeppermintandaspotofhoney.
PREPARATIONSteas,tinctures,infusedhoney,infusedoil,liniments,andsalves
DOSAGEPineteas,infusedhoney,andtincturescanbeuseduptothreetimesaday.Externally,youcanuseasalveorinfusedoilasneeded.
HARVESTINGTIPGatheringpinesapisdirtywork.Besuretowearclothesthatyoudon’tmindgettingruined.Takeasharpknifeandasmallwaxpaper–linedtin.Lookforglobsofsapwherethebarkhasbeeninjured,andpeeloffandplaceintoyourtin.Youcanalsofindsmallpearlsofsapinsidethedroppedcones.
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HometreatmentsThemildscentofpineprovidedbypineneedleteaisinvigoratingandcansharpencognitivepowers.Personally,Ifindthatpineperksupmyspirits.Inadditiontodrinkingthetea,IcarryasmallvialofacombinationofsapsfromdifferentpinetreesinmypursetosniffwhenIneedtoclearmyhead.
Pinesapsalveisagoodchoiceforfeetandankleswherealackofcirculationmayleadtoulcerationoftheskin.Thewarming,drynatureofpinerelievesthecoldanddampeffectsoftoolittleexerciseandretainedwaterinthejoints.
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SAPINFUSIONINOILORTINCTURE
Makesabout¾cup
Preptimeforoil:15minutes,plus2to4hourstosteeponstoveorupto1monthtosteepinjar
Preptimefortincture:15minutes,plusupto1monthsteeping
Makeoneorbothoftheseaheadsotheyarereadywheneveryouneedthem!Youcanusetheoilinternallyasis,ormakeitintoahealingandwarmingsalve.Thearomaticpropertiesofpineareanaddedbonuswitheveryuse.
FORTHEOIL¼cuppinesap
½cupoliveoilorotheroilofyourchoice
FORTHETINCTURE¼cuppinesap
½cup190-proof(95percent)alcohol(151-proofwillalsowork)
SUPPLIESan8-or12-ouncejar
TOMAKETHEOIL
1. Combinethepinesapandoliveoilinan8-or12-ouncejar.
2. Placethejarinawarmplace,suchasawindowsill,andletsteepforuptoamonth,shakingthejardailyifpossible.Alternatively,ifyou’reinahurry,youcanwarmitinadoubleboilerfor2to4hours,oruntilthesapiscompletelydissolvedintotheoil.
3. Strainwell,bottle,anduseasneeded.Theoilusuallylastsat
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roomtemperatureforayearormore.
TOMAKETHETINCTURE
1. Combinethepinesapandalcoholinan8-or12-ouncejar.
2. Placethejarinawarmplace,suchasawindowsill,andletsteepforuptoamonth,shakingthejardailyifpossible.
3. Strainwell,bottle,anduseasneeded.Thetincturewilllastatroomtemperatureforatleast10years.
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PINENEEDLETEA
Makes2cups
Preptime:15minutes
Besuretomakethisteawithfreshorfrozen-from-freshpineneedles.Driedneedleslosetheirvibrancyveryquickly.Theflavoroftheteaisnotasstrongasyoumightthink.Somepeoplelovetheflavorasis,butIliketoaddsomethingelselikehibiscus,peppermint,orlemon—andalwayshoney!
INGREDIENTS2¼cupswater
½cuppineneedles,cleanedandcutinto½-inchpieces
SUPPLIESasmallsaucepanwithalid
1. Inasmallsaucepan,bringwatertoaboil.
2. Addthepineneedlestotheboilingwaterandremovefromtheheat.
3. Coverandletsteepfor3to5minutes.
4. Strainandserve.
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Plantagospp.
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PLANTAINPlantainisthefirst“weedy”herbthatmostofususe.Nottobeconfusedwiththemildcookingbananas,thisplantgrowsinabasalrosette,sendingupslimseedstalksfromthecenter.Theleavesofthetwomostcommonspecies(majorandlanceolata)inmostoftheU.S.haveribsallthewayfromthestemtotheleaftip.Plantaingrowssoabundantlyinthiscountry(andonnearlyeverycontinent)thattherehasneverbeenatimewhenIneededitandcouldn’tfindit,unlessitwasthedeepestpartofwinter.I’veevenfounditinmidtownManhattan,growinginsidewalkcracks!Withalittleplanning,plantainisalwaysthereforus.
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ABOUTPLANTAINOTHERCOMMONNAMESrabbitears,ribwort,waybread,waybroad,wagbread,whiteman’s-foot,Englishman’s-foot,cuckoo’sbread,snakeweed,devil’sshoestring,commonplantain,ripplegrass,healingblade,dooryardplantain,birdseed,rat-tail
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSPlantainsarecompletelysafeforeveryone,includinginfantsandtheelderly.
PARTSUSEDleaves,seeds
ENERGETICSsalty,bitter,cool,moisturizing
PROPERTIESPlantainisalterative,analgesic,anti-inflammatory,antimicrobial,antispasmodic,astringent,decongestant,demulcent,diuretic,drawing,expectorant,refrigerant,tonic,andvulnerary.
USESPlantainisawholemedicinechestgrowingoutoftheground.Itcontainsallantoinandmucilagetospeedhealingofwounds,andvitaminK,whichisessentialtoproperbloodclotting.Asanastringent,itclearsupboggyareasandexcesssecretionsinallareasofthebody.Themucilagesoothesandmoistensmembranesandtissues.Plantainishealingtotheentiredigestivesystem,beginningasasoothinggargleformouthandgumirritations,thenmovingthroughthethroattocalmsorenessandintotheesophaguswhereitcanhelprelieveandsoothemembranesthathavebeenirritatedwithacid,andthenintothestomach,whereit
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ishelpfulinthecaseofulcers.Intheend(punintended),itgoesontosoothetheentiresystemandrelieveconstipation,bladderinflammation,hemorrhoids,andeventhekidneys.Psylliumisaspecificvarietyofplantainwhoseseedsareusedspecificallyfordigestionandregularity,butmajorandlanceolatawillprovidethedesiredmucilage.Thatsamecombinationofastringencyandmucilageisaboonfortherespiratorytract,helpingtighten,dry,andsoothe.Fortheskin,ittacklesinsectbites,rashes,splinters,eczema,burns,andpsoriasis.
PREPARATIONSteas,tinctures,salves,poultices,soaks,oils,vinegars,tubteas,facemasks,andspitpoultices
DOSAGEPlantainisconsideredverysafe.Youcanuseteasortincturesuptothreetimesdaily.Externaluseissafetorepeatasneeded.
HARVESTINGTIPGatherplantainleavesmidday,whentheyarefreeofdew.Immediatelyprocessmostofiteitherasatinctureoranoilinfusion.Iliketodrysometouseduringwinterinteasorsoups.Thisisoneplantthatyoucangatherwithoutworryingabouttakingtoomuch!
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HometreatmentsPlantain’sdrawingabilityisremarkableonsplintersandbeeorwaspstings.I’veevenuseditsuccessfullyonablockedsalivarygland.Poulticesaremosteffectiveforthispurpose,butcompresseswithwarmteaorinfusedoilwillalsodothetrick.Astubbornsplinterstraightthatwentintothepadofmythumbcamerightoutwithplantain,andtheinfectionandpuscameoutalongwithit.Plantainisalsoverygoodforweepyrashes,likepoisonivy.Theastringenttanninsdryupthefluidintheblistersandsootheandprotecttheskinatthesametime.Plantainteaortinctureisgoodforsomeonewithanoverlydryconstitution,asitwilladdsomemoistureandlubricationthroughoutthebodyintheorgansandjoints.
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GARDENANDWEEDTEA
Yieldvariesbasedonamountofeachingredientused
Preptime:15minutes,plusgatheringanddryingtime
Iparticularlyenjoygatheringthisteablendwithchildrenorpeoplewhoarenewtoherbs.Youcanaddmanydifferentwildherbs,butthoselistedbelowhavesoothing,emollient,orrelaxingproperties.Theexactamountofeachingredientdoesn’tmattertoomuch.Thisisaforager’stea,anditisextremelyflexible.Ifyou’reunabletoforage,youcanpurchasealloftheingredientsneeded.Notethatlavenderandlicoricehavestrongflavorsthatcanoverpowerablend,sousethoseingredientssparingly.
INGREDIENTSPlantainleaves
Marshmallowleavesandflowers
Violetleavesandflowers
Rosepetals
Calendulaflowers
Lemonbalmorverbenaleaves
Raspberryleaves
1pinchlicoriceroot
1pinchlavenderbuds
SUPPLIESajarandateaball
1. Theingredientscanbegatheredinanyamount.Trystartingwitha¼cupofeachwhenfresh.Scattertheherbsonascreenandallowtodry—thiscantake3daystoaweek.
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2. Oncetheherbsaredried,mixallofthemtogetherandkeeptheteablendinajar.
3. Addabout2teaspoonsoftheteablendtoateaball.Puttheteaballinamug,pourinhotwater,andletsteepforatleast5minutesorupto15minutes.
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PLANTAINSALVE
Makesslightlymorethan4ounces
Preptime:10minutes
Keepthissalvehandyforallkindsofhouseholdissues.Youcanputitonburns(aftertheskinhasthoroughlycooled),splinters,blemishes,oranywhereadrawingsalveisneeded.Itshouldhaveanoticeableeffectprettyquickly.Ifitdoesn’t,switchtoapoulticewithoutoil.
INGREDIENTS4ouncesplantain-infusedoliveoil(oroilofyourchoice)
½ouncebeeswax
SUPPLIESadoubleboiler
afewsmallglassjars
1. Heattheoliveoilandbeeswaxgentlyinadoubleboileruntilthewaxhascompletelymeltedandcombinedwiththeoil.
2. Pourthesalveintosmalljars.Itwillkeepfor6monthsatroomtemperatureorforayearintherefrigerator.You’llknowit’snolongergoodiftheoilsmells“off.”
TIPYoucanalsomakethisintoanall-purposesalvebyaddingthingslikeoilsinfusedwithcalendula,yarrow,St.John’swort,orlavender.
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Rosaspp.
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ROSETherosepetalissoftandsilkybutverystrong.It’sverydifficulttopowder.Evencrispy-dry,itdoesn’tcrumblelikeotherdriedherbs.Therearelotsofdocumentedphysicalbenefitsandusesforrose,butthemorewegettoknowit,themoreweunderstandtheimportantbenefitscenteredaroundouremotions.RoseisalwaysconsideredtheflowerofloveandgetstrottedouteveryValentine’sDay,butitlivesuptothatnameinwayswedon’ttypicallyconsider.Herbalistsrequestremediesmadefromrosetosupportthosewhoarefacingtraumaordisaster.Thecallisalways“Morerose!Weneedmorerose!”Considerplantingarosebushforbeautyandhealth.
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ABOUTROSEOTHERCOMMONNAMESapothecaryrose,beachrose,briarhip,briarrose,cabbagerose,damaskrose,dogberry,dogrose,eglantinegall,Frenchrose,heptree,hipfruit,hopfruit,hogseed,multiflorarose,rosehip,sweetbriar,witches’briar,wildrose
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSTherearenoofficialwarningsforroseexceptforpotentialallergies.Rosehipshavesmallhairsinsidetheseedcapsule,soavoidpiercingthat.Strainwellifusedfortea.
PARTSUSEDwholeflowers,petals,rosehips
ENERGETICScooling,moisturizing,sweet
PROPERTIESRoseisanalgesic,antianxiety,antibacterial,anti-inflammatory,antiseptic,antispasmodic,antiviral,aphrodisiac,astringent,calming,expectorant,nervine,nourishing,refrigerant,sedative,styptic,andtonic.Anaturalantidepressant,roseisusedtocombatgriefandopenthehearttofeeljoy.
USESRosereducesthepain,heat,andinflammationofburns(especiallysunburn),wounds,scratches,abrasions,rashes,bites,andstings.Rosetincturequicklycalmsthesystemduringanykindofupset,particularlyinthecaseoftrauma,likeanaccidentorunexpectedshock.Itisbelievedtobenefitcardiachealthandbloodpressure,andimprovepoorcirculation.Roseinfusionstrengthensbonesandsupportstheendocrinesystem,helpingwomenmaintainregularmenstruationandincreasingfertilityinmen.
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Roseisalsousedforsorethroatsandmouthsoresduetoitsastringencyandmoisturizingability.
PREPARATIONSteas,tinctures,oils,infusedhoney,vinegars,floweressences,rosewater,essentialoils,soaps,poultices,compresses,andlotions
DOSAGETeasandtincturesaresafetouseasdesired.Usethefloweressencein5-to10-dropdoses.Roseforexternaluseisverygentleandsafe.
TIPFreshrosesfromfloristsarealmostwithoutfragrance,andthey’retypicallygrownwithpesticidesandpreservatives.Growyourownorgathertheminthewild.Onceyou’vestuckyourfaceinabasketoffreshwildorhomegrownrosepetals,therewillbenogoingbacktoanythingless.
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HometreatmentsRosepetalvinegarisgreatforsunburnorwindburn,andissimpletomake.Justinfusevinegarwithpilesofrosepetalsandallowittosteepuntilneeded.Pouracuportwoofthevinegarintoawarmbathandsoakthoserawedgesaway.
Rosehasalonghistoryofuseforbeauty.Itisconsideredtobeoneofthepremieringredientstocarefordry,sensitive,oragingskin.It’sanaturaltonerthatsoothesandhelpsskinretainmoisture.AncientEgyptiansusedoilsinfusedwithrosestoprotecttheirskinfromthedrywindsofthedesert.Therearemanywaystotreatyourskintorose’sbenefits.Mymotheralwayslovedglycerinandrosewater(ina50:50ratio),butIprefertojustuserosewaterinaspraybottle.Otherterrificoptionsaretosoakfreshrosepetalsinwitchhazelforaspectaculartoner;addrosepetalstothebath;andinfusejojobaorapricotkerneloilwithrosepetalsforasimplemoisturizer.
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ROSEANDRASPBERRYJAM
Makesabout3½cups
Preptime:1hour
Inthisjam,theflavorandscentoftherosescombinewiththeraspberriesinanalmostmagicalway.Plus,theraspberriescontainpectin,sothere’snoneedtoaddany.Thedeep,darkberriesaddantioxidantstoallthegreatbenefitsoftheroses.SpreadthisjamonyourEnglishmuffininthemorningtostartyourdayoffright.
INGREDIENTS1½cupswater
2cupsrosepetals
1cupblackraspberries
2cupssugar
1tablespoonfreshlysqueezedlemonjuice
SUPPLIESafoodprocessor
amediumsaucepan
afewsterilizedglassjars
1. Placethewaterandrosepetalsinafoodprocessorandpulsetochopthepetalsintosmallerpieces.
2. Pourthemixtureintoamediumsaucepanandaddtheberries.Bringtoaboiloverhighheat,thenreducetheheattolowandsimmerfor10minutes.
3. Addthesugarandlemonjuice,stirringtodissolvethesugar.
4. Simmerforanother20to30minutes.
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5. Removefromtheheatandpourintohotsterilizedjars.
6. Storethejamintherefrigeratorfor2to3months.
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ROSE’N’HERBCOUGHSYRUP
Makesabout1quart
Preptime:1hour
Thissyrupisyummyandeffective.Alloftheherbsworktogethertomoisten,tone,andsoothethethroatandupperrespiratorysystem.Eventhelittleonesinthehousewillhappilytakethissyrup.
INGREDIENTS2cupsrosepetals
½cuppeppermint
¼cupplantain
2tablespoonssageleaves
2tablespoonsmulleinflowers
4cupswater
1½cupssugar
½cuphoney
SUPPLIESafoodprocessor
a2-quartsaucepan
afewbottles
1. Combinetherosepetals,peppermint,plantain,sageleaves,mulleinflowers,andwaterinafoodprocessor,andprocesstoformaverythinslush.
2. Placethemixtureintoa2-quartsaucepan.Coverthepanandbringtoaboiloverhighheat.Reducetheheattolowandsimmerfor15minutes.
3. Removefromtheheat.Straintheliquidwell.
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4. Returntheliquidtothepanandbringtoaboil.
5. Addthesugarandstiruntilitiscompletelydissolved.Bringtoaboilfor3to5minutes.Themixtureshouldbegintothicken.
6. Addthehoney.
7. Letcoolslightlyandpourintobottles.Thesyrupwillkeepforuptoayearintherefrigerator.
TIPIliketoaddacupofbrandytothesyruptohelppreserveitlonger(about2years),andforitsaddedwarmingeffect.
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Rosmarinusofficinalis
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ROSEMARYRosemarycomeswithitsshareofherblore,includingtalesofscholarswearingchapletsofrosemaryabouttheirheadstoimprovecerebralpowers.LegendhasitthattheVirginMarydrapedherbluecloakoverarosemaryshrub,turningthewhiteflowersforeverblue.Rosemarysymbolizesremembranceandhasarichhistoryinbothweddingsandfunerals.Ofcoursethefairiesloverosemaryandsometimesdisguisethemselvesassnakestohidebeneathitsbranches.Sprigsorsachetsofrosemaryhungbythedoorarebelievedtoprotectthehouseandkeepnegativityaway.And,ofcourse,rosemaryhasmanymedicinalbenefits.
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ABOUTROSEMARYOTHERCOMMONNAMESdewofthesea,oldman,compassweed,compassplant
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSThoughrosemaryissafeinmoderation,largedoses(particularlyingestionoftheessentialoil)maycausevomiting,seizures,pulmonaryedema,uterinebleeding,andmiscarriage.Rosemarycanalsointerferewithsomemedications,suchasanticoagulants,bloodpressuremedications,anddiuretics.
PARTSUSEDstems,leaves,flowers
ENERGETICSwarming,dry,pungent
PROPERTIESRosemaryisanalgesic,antibacterial,antifungal,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,antiseptic,antispasmodic,antiviral,aromatic,carminative,choleric,digestive,diuretic,nervine,neuroprotective,stimulant,tonic,andvulnerary.Itisalsoamildlaxativeanddiuretic,stimulatesmenstrualflow,booststheimmunesystem,andmayalleviaterheumatoidarthritis.
USESRosemaryisinvigoratingandfightsexhaustion,weakness,andmilddepression.It’sstimulatingwithoutdepletingenergy.Teasandinfusedoilsorvinegarscanimprovedigestion,easingstomachcrampingandexcessgas.Rosemaryisusedexternallyonthescalpfordandruffandtostimulatehairgrowth,andalsohelpswitheczema.Rosemaryteaisgreatforcirculationandmemory,andisbelievedtoslowdowndamagefromdegenerativejoint
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disease.Rosemaryisrichinantioxidants,whichprotectvisionandskin,slowtheeffectsofaging,andmayprotectcellsfromcancer.Researchhasbeengoingonfordecadesaroundtheeffectsofrosemaryaromatherapyoncognitiveabilities.Thegeneralconsensusseemstobethatalittlefragranceismorebeneficialthanalot,androsemarydoeshelpwithconcentrationandmemory,especiallyinaging.
PREPARATIONSTeas,tinctures,infusedoilsandvinegars,soaps,essentialoils,andsprays.It’scommonlyused,eitherfreshordried,incooking.
DOSAGEUsingrosemaryinfoodisgenerallysafeinanyquantity.Whenitcomestoateaortincture,takenomorethantwodosesdailywhenneeded.
HARVESTINGTIPInmanypartsoftheworld,includingthesouthernandwesternpartsoftheU.S.,rosemarygrowsinhugedriftsandhedges.Inmyzone-6blocation,itsometimesmakesitthroughthewinterandsometimesdoesnot.Tobesafe,Iharvesttojustabovethewoodysectionofthestemseveryyear.Ifitdies,itiseasytoreplaceinthespring.
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HometreatmentsYearsago,agastroenterologistscoffedwhenImentionedthatmydigestivesystemfeltslowerthanitshould.My“normal”wasindigestion,acidreflux,cramping,bloating,andconstipation.Insteadofpushingfortheteststhatshethoughtwereawasteoftime,Istartedeatingmorerawfoodandincludedrosemaryteainmydietatleastafewtimesaweek.Rosemarywarmsandstimulatesmovementthroughoutthestomach,intestines,andbowel.Ittooksometimeandwasduetoacombinationofthings,buteventuallymyproblemsdisappeared.
Rosemaryistheperfectherbforstressheadaches.Itcontainssalicylatethatactsmuchlikeaspirindoesonpain,muscletension,andthelike.It’salsoagoodnervineandanti-inflammatory.Pain,stress,andinflammationoftencometogetherintosomethinglikeasnowballrollingdownahill,growingwitheachturn.Rosemarycanworkagainstallthree,bringingthesunouttomeltthatsnowball.
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ROSEMARYANDNETTLEHAIRANDSCALPRINSE
Makesabout1quart(about8usesdependingonlengthofhair)
Preptime:10minutes,plus3weekstosteep(or4to6hoursinaslowcooker)
Thevinegarinthisrinsebringsaddedprotectionaroundthehaircuticle.Therosemaryandnettlearestimulatingandstrengthening,leavingthehairshinyandthescalphealthy.
INGREDIENTS1quartapplecidervinegar
1cupfreshor⅓cupdriedrosemary
1cupfreshor⅓cupdriednettles
SUPPLIESalargejar
aslowcooker(optional)
1. Combinealltheingredientsinalargejar.Letsteepatroomtemperaturefor3weeks.Alternatively,youcancombineeverythinginaslowcookerandsteepfor4to6hoursonlow.
2. Aftersteeping,strainwell,pressingasmuchofthevinegaroutoftheherbsaspossible.
3. Storeinthejaratroomtemperatureandusewithinayear.
4. Touse,afterwashinghair,work½cupoftherinse(formedium-length)throughhairandintothescalp.Rinsewell.Anyvinegarsmellwillvanishashairdries.
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SIMMERINGPOTPOURRI
Makes6or7simmers(eachcanbeusedatleasttwice)
Preptime:15minutes
Thispotpourriisespeciallyusefulinthewinterwhentheairisdrier.Thesteamcombinedwiththearomatic,cleansing,andhealth-boostingpropertiesoftheseherbsmakethismorethanyouraverageairfreshener.Thisisanall-natural,gentleremedyfordryairinthehome,anditsmellsamazing!
INGREDIENTS½cupdriedrosemaryneedles
½cupdriedeucalyptusleaves
½cupdriedlavenderbuds
¼cupdriedorangeorgrapefruitzest
2tablespoonsdriedgingerrootpieces
SUPPLIESapintjar
asmallpot
1. Mixalltheingredientstogetherinapintjar.
2. Touse,fillasmallpotwithwater,andaddabout¼cupoftheblend.Bringtoaboilquickly,thenreducetheheattolow,orplacethepotontopofawoodstovetoreplacesomehumidity.
3. Asyouenjoythesteamandfragrance,keepawatchonthewaterlevel.
4. Thepotpourrimixwillkeepinthejaratroomtemperatureindefinitely.
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TIPPlacingthepotpourriinmuslinbagsorheat-sealableteabagsinadvancemakesforaneasiercleanup.
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SAGESageandrosemaryareconsideredtobe“sisterherbs”becausetheysharemanysimilarproperties.Manyofsage’shealthbenefitsarederivedfromtherosmarinicacidprevalentinrosemary,andthetwoplantsarenativetotheMediterraneanregionandgrowinsimilarconditions.Sage’sgenusname,Salvia,derivesfromtheLatinsalvere,meaning“tobesaved”or“salvation.”It’sacommonritualtoburnsagetocleartheairofnegativity,andasitturnsout,sagesmokeistrulyantibacterialandantimicrobial,keepingallsortsofinfectionsatbay.Therearemanystunningvarietiesofsage,eachwithslightlyvariedbenefits.Forinstance,S.bergartenhaslargeleaves,S.extraktahasveryhighamountsofessentialoil,andS.sclareaisn’tculinarybutishighlyvaluedforitsantidepressantproperties.Asageholdsgreatwisdom,andsoitiswiththeplant.
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ABOUTSAGEOTHERCOMMONNAMEScommonsage,desertsage,gardensage,goldensage,kitchensage,truesage,culinarysage,Dalmatiansage,tricolorsage,purplesage,clarysage,smudge,broad-leafsage
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSSageessentialoilcontainsthujone,whichispossiblyaneurotoxin.Donotingesttheessentialoil,whichisatleast100timesmoreconcentratedthanacupofteaorateaspoonoftincture.Sageisgenerallyrecognizedtobesafeasafood,andinquantitiestypicallyusedasfood.Avoidexcessive,prolongeduse,particularlyifyouarepregnantorhaveaseizuredisorderordiabetes.
PARTUSEDleaf
ENERGETICSwarm,dry,slightlybitter
PROPERTIESSageisantibacterial,antifungal,anti-inflammatory,antiseptic,antispasmodic,astringent,antiviral,andcarminative.Itmayalsoalleviaterheumatoidarthritis.
USESOneofthehighestvirtuesofsageisitsabilitytodryandtonedampness.Externally,thismeanspolicingthosefoldsandcreaseswherefunguslikestohangoutanddryingupexcessoils,excretions,andweepyskinconditions.Internally,sagegoesafterexcessmucus,firmsupmembranes,andcanhelpwithexcessiveperspirationorsaliva.Sagealsohelpsmothersdryuptheirmilkwhenweaningchildrenoffbreastfeeding.Sageleavesareusually
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longovals,thick,strong,andpebbly,likeatongue.Itmakessense,then,thatithelpswithmouth,gum,andthroatissues.Itiscalmingandgroundingwhenusedeitherinternallyortopically.Ithasbeenusedtraditionallytobringdownfeversandpromotesleep.Menopausalhotflashesrespondwelltosageteaortincture.SagehasbeenfoundtobecapableofkillingE.coli,andthere’sagoodchancethattheessentialoilsofsageandvariousotheraromaticherbswillbewhatsavesusfromMRSAinthenextdecadeorso.Sageteawithmealspromotesdigestionandhelpswithstomachpain,excessgas,diarrhea,bloating,andheartburn.
PREPARATIONSteas,tinctures,vinegars,capsules,skincreams,lotions,andsoaps
DOSAGEIt’ssafetoingestthreetofourcupsofteaordroppersoftinctureaday.Followdirectionsoncapsules.Sageissafefortopicaluseasneeded.
GROWINGTIPSageisveryeasytogrow.Checkwithyourgardennurseryforhardinessinformationinyourregion.Sageneedsgooddrainage,goodaircirculation,andplentyofsunshine.EveninthemiddleofacoldwinterIcanusuallyfindsomeusableleaves.
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HometreatmentsTheteenyears(andmenopausalyears,nowthatIthinkaboutit)arefraughtwithsweatypalms,oilyhairandface,andjusttoomuchdampnessallaround.Makeasagefacialbygrindingsagetogetherwithoatmeal,yarrow,androsestotakeawaytheoilslick.Sageteacanhelpwithexcessiveperspiration.
Forabrutalsorethroatorlaryngitis,sageteaisawonder.Whenitwasfirstsuggestedtome,Irecallbeingconfused—itseemedlikedryingoutmythroatwouldonlymakethingsworse.ButIfoundthatittonedthesofttissueofmypalateandthroat,handilytookcareoftheinflammation,andclearedthemucusaway.
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SAGEANDGARLICSOUP
Makesabout8cups
Preptime:45minutes
Thisisagreatnourishingsouptohaveforawet,drippyheadcold,orheavilyproductiverespiratoryinfection.Thegarliccomesouttodotheheavylifting,andthesagebacksitupalltheway.
INGREDIENTS1headgarlic,clovespeeledandmincedorcrushed
½cupfreshsageleaves,coarselychopped
¼cupfreshthymeleaves
¼cupfreshparsley,coarselychopped
2teaspoonsmincedfreshgingerroot
1pinchcayenne
6cupschickenorvegetablebroth
6largeeggyolks,beaten
Saltandfreshlygroundblackpepper
SUPPLIESalargepot
1. Inalargepot,combinealltheingredientsexceptfortheeggyolks,andbringtoaboiloverhighheat.
2. Reducetheheattolowandsimmer,uncovered,for25minutes.
3. Addasplashofhotsouptotheeggyolks.Whilewhisking,slowlypourtheyolkmixtureintothesoup.
4. Seasonwithsaltandpepper.
TIPEatthissoupacoupleoftimesaday,andyou’llbebacktonormalinnotime.
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SAGEANDLEMONHONEY
Makes8to10ounces
Preptime:30minutes
Inthisdeliciousconcoction,thelemonandhoneygraduallymeldintoalightsyrup,punctuatedbythesage.It’stastyandgoodmedicine.Ifyou’reanadventurouscook,tryitinsomedishesaswell.
INGREDIENTS2lemons,thinlyslicedwithseedsremoved
½cupfreshsageleaves,finelychopped
6to8ouncesrawlocalhoney
SUPPLIESa1-pintjar
askewer
1. Combinethelemonslicesandsageleavesinapintjar.
2. Pourthehoneyoverthelemonandsage,completelycoveringthem.
3. Pokearoundthemixturewithaskewertogetalltheairbubblesout.
4. Coverandrefrigerate.Thehoneywillkeepforupto1year.
TIPUsebythespoonfulinhealingteas.
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Urticadioica
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STINGINGNETTLEMostcountrykidsrememberstingingnettleaboutasunhappilyastheyrememberelectricalfences.ItgrewinthecowpastureIhadtocrosstogettothestreamwherewespentlongsummerdays.Barefoot,inshortsandsleevelessshirts,Igottoknowthatstingprettywell.Ididn’tknowaboutallofstingingnettle’sbenefits,though.TheLatinnamecomesfromuro,meaning“toburn.”Theundersideoftheleavesandthestemsarecoveredwithsmall,hollow,needle-like,stinginghairs,calledtrichomes,whichdeliveraninjectionofhistaminethatcauseredness,welts,andamightysting.
Inadditiontoallofitsmedicinalproperties,nettlehasbecomeoneofmyfavoritevegetables.IevenplantedapatchnexttothehousesothatIcouldhaveitoften.Forfoodormedicine,nettlemustbeusedpriortoblooming,soIkeepminemowedfornewgrowth.
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ABOUTSTINGINGNETTLEOTHERCOMMONNAMESnettles,burnhazel
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSThosetakingblood-thinning,bloodpressure,ordiureticmedicationsshouldavoidnettles,astheymayamplifytheeffectsofthepharmaceuticals.
PARTSUSEDleaves,roots
ENERGETICSdry,hot,sweet,salty
PROPERTIESNettleisantibacterial,anti-inflammatory,astringent,antihistamine,decongestive,diuretic,expectorant,galactagogue,nutritive,styptic,andtonic.Itispossiblyoneofthebestplantsourcesofbioavailablevitaminsandmineralsoutthere,fullofvitaminA,variousBvitamins,vitaminC,aminoacids,boron,calcium,copper,fattyacids,folicacid,iron,magnesium,manganese,phosphorus,potassium,andzinc.
USESBeingastringentandantibacterial,nettlesootheseczemawhilefightingallergicresponses.Itisagoodsourceofiron,andthevitaminCcontentincreasesabsorption.Amixtureofnettlerootandsawpalmettoberryshowspromiseforhelpingmenoverage50whohavedifficultywiththelowerurinarytractduetobenignprostatichyperplasia.Nettleisatreasuredwoman’sherbfromcradletograve.NettlesevenouthormonesandalleviatePMSsymptoms,helpwithexcessivebleeding,supportthenursingmotherwithmilkproduction,and,finally,guideusthroughand
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beyondmenopausebysupportingtheadrenalsandtheendocrinesystem.
Somebelievethatthestingsinterferewiththewaythebodytransmitspainsignalsbytemporarilywearingoutthe“transmitter”sothatpainsignalsaren’treceived.Thestingissometimesintentionallyadministeredinaprocesscalledurtificationonpainfuljointscausedbyosteoarthritisorrheumatoidarthritis.Theteaiseffectiveasapainreliever,andcanbeusedincombinationwithanexternalapplication.
PREPARATIONStinctures,teas,nourishingherbalinfusion,creamsandsalves,pillsorcapsules,vinegars,andhaircareproducts
DOSAGEFortincture,tea,orvinegar,dailyuseuptofourtimesadayisfine.Followlabeldirectionsforcommercialcapsules.Homemadepillscanbetakenseveraltimesaday.Nettleissafetouseexternallyasneeded.
GROWINGTIPIplantedonesmallnettleplantthreeyearsago.Itisnowa6-footroundplot,growingbytheday.Istronglysuggestusingraisedbedsorsinkingametalbarrierintothesoiltocontainnettles.
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HometreatmentsInthedeadofwinterwhereIlive,therearealwaysallergensintheair,andmykidshaveseriousallergies.We’vetriedmanythingsovertheyears,finallysettlingonacombinationofstingingnettlesandbeepollen,whichhasproventobeabout85percenteffective!Wetakeateaspoonofbeepollenthroughoutthedayalongwithanettletinctureorteathreetimesaday.
Duringthebeginningstagesofmenopause,mensescanbecomeheavyandmorefrequent,sometimesleadingtoanemia.Timefornettletoshine!Dailydosesofahighlyconcentratedherbalinfusion(mix1ounceofdriedherbwith1quartofheatedwaterandsteepovernight)canhelpbalanceouttheconfusedhormonesandrebuildiron.
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BLACKNETTLESYRUP
Makesabout4cups
Preptime:45minutes,plus2to3hourstosteep
ThisrecipeiscreditedtoAdrianWhiteofDeerNationHerbs.Fortifyingthenettleswithmineral-richblackstrapmolassesisastrokeofgenius.Ithinkblackstrapmolassestasteslikebrownsugar,andIhavenotroubletakingthesyrupstraight.Ifthetasteorsmellofthissyrupisobjectionabletoyou(themerementionmademymothershudder),mixitwithcerealorhottea,orbakesomemolassescookies.
INGREDIENTS3cupswater
1cupdriedstingingnettles
2cupsorganichoney
12ouncesblackstrapmolasses
SUPPLIES2smallsaucepans
1tintedglassjarorothercontainer
1. Inasmallsaucepanoverlowheat,combinethewaterandnettles.Gentlysimmerfor10to15minutes.Coverandeitherremovefromtheheatorkeepoverlowheatandletsteepfor2to3hours.
2. Strainthesyrupandtransfertoacleansaucepan.
3. Addthehoneyandbringuptoasimmeragainoverlowheat,untilthemixturereachesaconsistencyyoulike.Iusually
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reducebyaboutathird.
4. Addthemolassestothemixtureandstirwhilehot.Letcool.
5. Transferthecooledsyruptoyourdesiredcontainer,preferablyanamber-tintedglassjar.Storethesyrupintherefrigeratorandusewithinayear.
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STEAMEDNETTLES
Makesabout1cup
Preptime:5minutes,plus30minutestopickthenettles
Steamingnettlesbriefly,evenforaminute,causesthetrichomestobreak,renderingthemstingless.Thereissomethingabouttheflavorofsteamedfreshnettlesthatisdeeplynourishing.Tome,theytasteasiftheycanmakeonewholeagain.
INGREDIENTS4cupsfreshstingingnettles
½cupwater
½tablespoonbutter
Salt
SUPPLIESgloves
asmallsaucepan
1. Usinggloves,pinchthetopsfromthenettleplants.
2. Tossintoacolanderandrinse.
3. Insmallsaucepan,bringthewatertoaboil.
4. Addthenettles,cover,andsteamforabout3minutes.
5. Drain,thenreturntothesaucepan.Stirinthebutter,seasonwithsalt,andserve.
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Camelliasinensis
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TEAWerarelytalkaboutallofthehealthbenefitsoftea,ortheteaplant,butitisfullofherbalgoodness.Thesameplantthatfillstheboxesofteabagsinthegrocerystoreaisleisresponsibleforblacktea,greentea,oolongtea,whitetea,kukicha(twig),pu’er,matcha,yellowtea,anddarktea.Theyareprocessedorharvesteddifferentlytoobtainaparticulartypeoffinishedtea.Elementssuchaselevation,mediantemperature,andsoilconditiondeterminethequalityofteas.Teaisoneofthemostpopularbeveragesintheworld;itispartofceremoniesandrituals,andevenhasitsownclassofexperts,calledteasommeliers.TheU.S.currentlylagsbehindtherestoftheworldinteaconsumption,butitisquicklycatchingup.
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ABOUTTEAOTHERCOMMONNAMESchai,Ceylontea,greentip,dragonpearls,orangepekoe
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSTeacontainscaffeine,sothosesensitivetothatshouldavoidit.
PARTSUSEDleavesandtwigs
ENERGETICcool,dry,astringent,sweet,bitter
PROPERTIESTeaisantibacterial,antioxidant,immune-stimulating,andanti-stress.
USESGreenorwhiteteamaybehelpfulinmaintainingahealthyweight,andmanymiracleclaimshavebeenmadetothateffect.Butifthereweremiracleherbs,therewouldbenooverweightherbalists,soalwayskeepthatinmind.Thepresenceofantioxidantsinteaiswellknown.TeaisoneoftheonlythreeknownsourcesofL-theanine,anaminoacidthatimprovessleepandiscalming,relaxing,andstress-andanxiety-reducing.AllteasmadefromCamelliasinensishavecatechins,atypeofpolyphenolthatisthoughttofightdiseaseandstimulatethemetabolism.EGCG(epigallocatechingallate),thoughttobeoneofthemostimportantcatechins,isprominentingreentea.Toincreasebioavailabilityofthecatechins,addlotsoffreshlysqueezedlemonjuice.Thepopularcommercialbeveragethatishalflemonadeandhalfteaisaboutperfectwhenmadeathomewithreallemon,
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greentea,andfreshstevialeaves.
PREPARATIONSTeasareavailableloose,packagedinteabags,powdered(inthecaseofmatcha),asgreenteacapsules,infusions,andcompresses,andusedincooking.
DOSAGETeaisgenerallyconsideredsafe,althoughkeepinmindthatitcontainscaffeine.FivecupsperdayissuggestedforgettinganoptimalamountofEGCGfromgreentea.
DRINKINGTIPBaggedteaisokay,butitistoteawhatdriedherbsintinsaretohomegrownfreshherbs.Weoweittoourselvestouselooseteasandtastethedifference.Mostteabagsarefilledwith“tailings,”thesmallpowderedbitsthatareleftafterthegoodstuffhasbeenpackagedasloosetea.
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HometreatmentsSittingdowntowriteabouttea,somethingstruckme.Overthelastyear,I’vebeenworkingongettingintobettershapeand,coincidentally,havebeenregularlydrinkinggreentea.AcoupleofmonthsagoIstoppedandswitchedtowater.Ihaveotherwisedoneeverythingthesamebuthavelostnomoreweight.YouknowwhatI’mgoingtobrewuptonight!Inanycase,Ihavefoundthebeveragetobecalmingandenergizingatthesametime.Notsweatingthesmallstufffreesupalotofenergytodothingsthataremoreenjoyable.
Teaisverygoodfororalhealth.Swapinsomesteviaforsugarorhoney,andteamaylowerbacteriainthemouth,protectingagainstcavities,gumdisease,andevenbadbreath.Theastringentpropertiescanhelpwithsores,andifyou’relikemeandbiteyourcheeks,italsohelpssettlethatdownsotheareadoesn’tgetbittenagainandagain.
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BUTTERTEA
Makesabout4cups
Preptime:15minutes
ButterteaisatraditionalbeveragefromTibetthatwemightconsidermoreofamildbroththanatea.Themaintasteissalt,withtheteaanddairycloselyfollowing.Somesayitisanacquiredtaste,butI’vecometolovethiswarmingandcomfortingbrew.Itisworthgettingtoknow.
INGREDIENTS4cupswater
3teaspoonsdriedblacktealeavesorsimilarlysizedchunkofpressedtea
¼teaspoonsalt
2tablespoonsbutter
⅓cupfull-fatgoatmilk(unlessyouhaveaccesstothetraditionalyakmilk,thatis)
SUPPLIESasaucepan
ablender
1. Inasaucepan,bringthewatertoaboil.
2. Addthetealeaves,reducetheheattolow,andsimmerforatleast5minutes.
3. Strainandreturntheliquidtothepot.
4. Addthesalt,butter,andmilk.
5. Pourtheliquidintoablenderandblendfor3or4minutes.
6. Serveimmediately.
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MATCHAANDGINGERELECTUARY
Makesabout4ounces(10to12servings)
Preptime:15minutes
Forthisrecipe,youcansubstituteanytypeofteaforthematcha,aslongastheteaisfinelyground.Tomixuptheflavor,tryaddingotheringredientslikecinnamon,lemon,orfinelygrounddriedberries.Thegingeraddsalittlezip.
INGREDIENTS2½tablespoonsmatchapowder
1heapingteaspoonpowderedginger
3ounceshoney
SUPPLIESajar
1. Inabowl,mixtogetherthematchapowder,ginger,andhoneytoformapaste,adjustingtheingredientsasnecessarytoreachtheconsistencyyou’dprefer.Ifthemixtureistoodry,addmorehoney;ifit’stoorunny,addmorematcha.
2. Transfertheelectuarytoajar.
3. Foracupoftea,useaboutateaspoonofthemixtureinhotwater,stirringwelltodissolve.Youcanalsoeattheelectuarystraightfromthejar.
4. Ifthepasteisstiffenough,youcandryitandformitintoproperlysizedportions,makingthistheperfectinstantteamix.
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5. Theelectuarycanbestoredatroomtemperatureforuptoayear.
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Thymusspp.
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THYMEWhenIwasfirststartingoutwithculinaryherbs,someonetoldmethatthymewastheeasiestandmostversatileofthesavoryherbs.Ihavetoagree.Infact,itgottothepointwhereI’dstepoutandgatherafewsprigstoaddtoalmosteverydish.ThymeisanotherMediterraneanherb,likesageandrosemary,anditlovesthesunandwell-drainedsoil.Thistiny-leafedplantthatisonlyafewinchesfromthegroundhasarichhistory.Itwasconsideredasymbolofcourageinmedievaltimes,andlaterhadthehonorofbeinganingredientinthevinegarknownasFourThieves(orperhapsForthave’safteradoctorofthetime)thatwasusedasapreventivefortheBlackPlague.Asifthatweren’tenoughforthisdiminutivegroundcover,itisalsoafavoriteofthefairies.
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ABOUTTHYMEOTHERCOMMONNAMESgardenthyme,motherofthyme,wildthyme,creepingthyme,mountainthyme
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSThymecontainsthymol,solargequantities(generallyreferringtotheuseofessentialoil)usedoveranextendedperiodmaycausedamagetotheheart,lungs,kidneys,liver,andnervoussystem.Nevertakethymeessentialoilinternallyoruseitundilutedontheskin.
PARTSUSEDleavesandsprigs
ENERGETICSwarming,dry,spicy
PROPERTIESTheactionsofthymearemostlyduetothecomponentthymolintheessentialoil,whichispresentthroughouttheleaves.Itisanodyne,antifungal,antibacterial,antimicrobial,antioxidant,antiseptic,antispasmodic,antiviral,carminative,diaphoretic,expectorant,sedative,andtonic,andisanaturaldisinfectant.Thymeisarichsourceofmineralsandvitamins,includingvitaminK,whichisessentialforproperbloodclotting.ThymealsocontainsDHA,anomega-3fattyacidcrucialtobrainfunction.
USESThyme’santisepticpropertieswereusefulinfieldhospitalsduringWorldWarI,savingthelivesofmanywoundedsoldiers.Todayitisstillveryvaluableincompresses,salves,orwashesforacne,scalpproblems,rashes,bites,wounds,orparasites,suchasscabiesandlice.Asanantifungal,thymeoffersrelieffromathlete’s
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footorjockitch.Syruporteamadefromthymewillbreakupandmoveexcessmucusinchestcoldsorstuffyheads,whileputtingthebrakesonviralinfections.Thymecanhelpcalmcoughsandbronchitis,andsoothesorethroatswhileencouragingrestfulsleep.Likesomanyaromaticculinaryherbs,thymeisgreatforthedigestivetract,improvingappetite,relievingexcessgas,andimprovingtheabsorptionofnutrition.AsateaduringPMS,thediuretic,anti-inflammatory,andantispasmodicpropertiesaremarvelousandcarrythroughduringthemensestorelievecramps,pain,andinsomnia.
PREPARATIONSteas,tinctures,salves,poultices,essentialoils
DOSAGEUsethymeasneededinallpreparations,butuseextracautionwiththeessentialoil.
HARVESTINGTIPIt’smucheasiertoseparatetheleavesfromthestemswhilethethymeplantisfresh.Holdthetopofasprigwithonehand,andruntheotherhanddownthelengthofthestem,strippingit.Ifyouwaituntilitisdry,thestemsoftenbreakandfallintothemix.
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HometreatmentsThymeisgoodforanykindofskinissue,fromacne,eczema,inflammation,andsignsofagingtocuts,wounds,rashes,andbugbites.Thyme’santioxidant,antibacterial,andantisepticpropertiesmakethyme-infusedoil,vinegar,orwaterfantasticforskinhealth.Purchaseabottleofrubbingalcoholandpouraboutacupout.Fillwiththyme.Afterithasinfused,putitintoaspraybottleanduseasaneffectiveskinsoother.
Inupper-respiratoryinfections,thymecomestothefore.Hotteainawidemugallowsyoutodrinkthymeinfusionandinhalethesteam.Itloosensandgetsridofexcessmucusandcalmscoughspasms.Thymecaninduceperspirationandurination,clearingoutillness.Thymeisremarkableinitsabilitytorelieveinflammationandpain,resultingintheabilitytorelaxandgettosleep.
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FOURTHIEVESVINEGAR
Makesabout1quart
Preptime:15minutes,plusabout2weekstosteep
Therearemanyvariationstothisvinegar,sofeelfreetoimprovise.Alloftheseingredientshavespectacularhealingproperties.Youcanusethevinegarbythespoonfulinaglassofwater,orasaningredientinameal.
INGREDIENTS2tablespoonsdriedthyme
2tablespoonsdriedrosemary
2tablespoonsdriedsage
2tablespoonsdriedlavender
2tablespoonsdriedpeppermint
2tablespoonschoppedfreshgarlic
1quartorganicrawapplecidervinegar
SUPPLIESa1-quartglassjar
1. Inaclean1-quartglassjar,combinetheherbsandapplecidervinegar.Coverandletsteepinacool,darkplaceforabout2weeks,shakingdaily.
2. Whenthesteepingisfinished,strainandreturnthevinegartothejar.Storeatroomtemperaturefor6months.
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THYMEANDELDERBERRYCOUGHDROPS
Makes100to300drops,dependingonsizeofthecandy
Preptime:about1hour
Youcanmaketheseterrificcoughsootherswithanyherbthatcalmscoughsandscratchythroats.
INGREDIENTS1cupstrongthyme-elderberryinfusion(seehere)
3cupssugar
2tablespoonsbutter
Confectioners’sugar
SUPPLIESalargesaucepan
acandythermometer
aglassbakingdish
kitchenshears
1. Inalarge,heavysaucepanoffofheat,combinethethyme-elderberryinfusion,granulatedsugar,andbutter,stirringtodissolvethesugar.Turntheheattomedium-high.Ifcookedtoofast,themixturewilltrytoclimboutofthepanandscorch.Boilthemixtureuntilitreaches300°Fonacandythermometer.
2. Butteralargeglassbakingdish.Whenthemixturegetsto300°F,removefromtheheat,stirforaminute,andpouritintothebakingdish.
3. Sprinkleatablesurfaceorcookiesheetwithconfectioners’
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sugar.
4. Asthemixturecools,pulluptheendofthecandywithafork.Usingkitchenshears,cutthecandyintopiecesandtossintotheconfectioners’sugar,whereitwillfinishhardening.Youcanputitinawarmoven(180°Fto200°F,“warm”setting)ifthecandyissettinguptoofast.Whenthecandysetsup,itishard.
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Achilleamillefolium
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YARROWWildyarrowisacommonweedinmyarea.Itsnugglesuptothebayberryandhazelnutbushesalongthepathdowntothesoapworkshop,andinearlysummerIgathertheflowersonthewayhome.Totheuntrainedeye,yarrowmightlooklikeQueenAnne’slace,buttherearemanydifferences,onebeingthatyarrow’sleaveslooklikegreenmillipedes.Theplantissocommon,yetIignoredyarrowforalongtime.AfterCearaFoleyfromtheAppalachiaSchoolofHolisticHerbalismtalkedabouthowmuchshelovedyarrowataconferenceIattended,Iresearcheditdeeper.ThenextspringIwasusingitineverypreparationIcouldthinktomake.Nowyarrowisoneofmygo-toherbs.
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ABOUTYARROWOTHERCOMMONNAMESwoundwort,knight’smilfoil,milfoil,nosebleed,devil’snettle,oldman’spepper,devil’splaything,badman’splaything,yarro-way,thousand-leaf,soldier’swoundwort,bloodwort,carpenter’sweed,deathflower,staunchweed,fieldhoop(amongmanyothers)
SAFETYCONSIDERATIONSIndividualswithclottingdisordersshouldusecautionwithinternaluseofyarrow.Avoidyarrowinpregnancy.Freshyarrowplantmay(inrarecases)causedermatitis,andsomepeopleareallergictoyarrow.
PARTSUSEDallaerialparts
ENERGETICSwarm,dry,bitter
PROPERTIESYarrowisanodyne,astringent,antianxiety,antispasmodic,carminative,diaphoretic,diuretic,febrifugal,anti-inflammatory,relaxing,andstyptic,andittonestissue.
USESYarroweasesanxietyandstress,andhelpsrelieveinsomnia.Italsorelievespainandmanystomachproblems,includingnausea,vomiting,gas,bloating,cramps,anddiarrhea.Theastringencyofyarrowmakesitbrilliantattighteningandhealingsoreorbleedinggumsandtoningmucusmembranes.Asastyptic,yarrowstopsbleedingveryquickly.Stuffedupagushingnosebleed,packedintoawound,orwrappedaroundawoundonthewaytothehospital,yarrowcanbealifesaver.Womenhavelongusedyarrow
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internallyforheavybleedingduetouterinefibroids,endometriosis,ovariancysts,orveryheavyperiods.Conversely,yarrowcanalsobeusedtostimulatemenstruationandrelievemenopausalnightsweatsanddifficultysleeping.Yarrowisusefulinreducingfeversbyencouragingasweat.Itassistsinfightingbacteriaandinfections,actsasadecongestanttoeasecoughsandsinusinfections,andisanti-inflammatory.Yarrowishelpfulforseasonalallergiesandsootheshivesandskinrashes.
PREPARATIONSteas,tinctures,poultices,salves,sitzbaths,andbathingherbs
DOSAGETaketeaortincturethreetimesadaywhenneeded.Externally,youcanuseapoulticeorsalveasneeded.
TEATIPHereareafewteablendstotry:
• Blendwithechinacea,elderflower,ginger,andpeppermintforcolds,fevers,andflu-likesymptoms.
• Blendwithgoldenrodandstingingnettleforseasonalallergies.
• Blendwithchamomile,linden,andcatnipforarestfulsleep.
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HometreatmentsYarrow’sstypticabilitiesareveryimportantforpeoplewhoareoutdoorsworkingorplayinghard.Childrenshouldbetaughtaboutyarrowandplantain,andolderpeoplewhomayusebloodthinnerswillbenefitfromtheknowledgeofyarrowaswell.Thewholedriedherbisuncomfortableandpossiblydamagingtowoundedtissue,butyarrowpowderissimpleandeffectivetouse.
Yarrowisn’ttypicallythefirstherbwereachfortorelievestomachproblems,butitisawarmingbitterafterall.Ifyouareoverlydryinconstitution,don’tuseyarrowwithregularity,butusedoccasionallyfordigestiveissues,yarrowmakesabigdifference.Yarrowtea,tincture,orbitterstonethesystem,triggervariouscriticaldigestiveactions,andaddressalmosteverysortofdigestivecomplaint.
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YARROWANDCHAMOMILEBITTERS
Makesabout8to10ounces
Preptime:15minutes,plus1monthtosteep
Bittertasteshaveallbutdisappearedfrommostofourdiets,butweneedthemforproperdigestion.Bitternesssignalstotheentiredigestivetractthatfoodiscoming.Itimmediatelytriggerssalivation,andallalongthedigestiveroute,preparationsaremadetoefficientlyprocessthefuelandmoveitout.
INGREDIENTS¼cupdriedyarrow
¼cupdriedchamomile
2tablespoonsfennelseeds
2tablespoonscardamompods
2tablespoonslicoriceroot
10ounces100-proofvodka
SUPPLIESamortarandpestleorcoffeegrinder
1-pintjar
1. Combinetheyarrow,chamomile,fennelseeds,cardamompods,andlicoricerootinamortarandpestleorcoffeegrinder,andcrushbutdonotpowderthem.Justbreakthemtoreleasetheirflavors.
2. Transferthemixturetoa1-pintjarandcoverwiththevodka.Sealthejarandletsteepfor1month.
3. Strainandusebythescantdropperbeforemealstopromote
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healthydigestion.
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HEALINGHERBALTUBTEA
Makesabout6cups
Preptime:15minutes
Alloftheherbsincludedinthisteaaresoothing,healing,andterrificforachy,itchyskinorinternaldiscomfort.Soakinthebathforatleast15minutes.Ifafeverispresent,keepthewatertepid.
INGREDIENTS1cupyarrow
1cuplavender
1cupplantain
1cupcalendula
1cuprose
1cupcomfrey
SUPPLIES1largejarorgallon-sizeplasticbag
1. Combinealltheingredientsinajarorgallon-sizeplasticbagandmixwell.
2. Touse,scoopoutabout½cupofthemixtureandputitintoalargemuslinbagortietightlyintoawashcloth.
3. Putthebaginalargepitcherandfillwithveryhotwater.Letsteepfor10to15minuteswhileyoupreparethebath.Pourtheinfusedliquidintothetub,swish,andclimbin.
TIPAlthoughthistubteaiswonderfulforthewholebody,itcanbeusedasasitzbathforanyoftheuterineormenstrualissuesmentionedhere.
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GLOSSARYABORTIFACIENTHerbsthatareabortifacientcancauseamiscarriageandshouldbeavoidedinpregnancy.
ACIDICHavingapHlessthan7.
ACRIDSharporbitingintasteorsmell.Acridherbsoften“grab”atthebackofthethroat.Asub-categoryofpungent.
ADAPTOGENSHerbsthathelpbalance,restore,andprotectthebody.
ADRENALTONICSHerbsthatboosttheactivityoftheadrenalglandswhiletoningandnourishingthem.
ALTERATIVEGraduallyrestoreshealthybodilyfunctions.
ANALGESICReducesoreliminatespainwithoutcausinglossofconsciousness.
ANESTHETICTemporarilydepressesneuronalfunction,producingtotalorpartiallossofsensation.
ANODYNESoothesoreliminatespain.
ANTIAGINGPreventsorlessenstheeffectsofaging.
ANTIARTHRITICAlleviatesorpreventsarthritis.
ANTIBACTERIALInhibitsbacterialgrowthorkillsbacteria.
ANTIBIOTICDestroysorinhibitsthegrowthofothermicroorganisms.
ANTI-CATARRHALHelpsremoveexcessmucusfromthebody.
ANTICOAGULANTPreventscoagulationofblood.
ANTIDEPRESSANTTreatsdepressionandotherconditions.
ANTIFUNGALInhibitsfungalgrowthorkillsfungi.
ANTIHISTAMINEBlocksthebody’shistaminereaction.
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ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReducesinflammationinthebody.
ANTIMICROBIALKillsorinhibitsthegrowthofmicroorganisms.
ANTIOXIDANTProtectscellsagainsttheeffectsoffreeradicals.
ANTIRHEUMATICAlleviatesorpreventsrheumatism.
ANTISEPTICPreventsinfectionbyinhibitingthegrowthofmicroorganisms.
ANTISPASMODICRelievesspasmsinthebody.
ANTITUSSIVESuppressesacough.
ANTIVIRALInhibitsviralgrowthorkillsviruses.
APHRODISIACElevates,nourishes,and/orsustainsintimacyandsensualdesire.
AROMATICSPlantswithhighvolatileoillevelsthathaveastrongsmellandstimulatethedigestivesystem.
ASTRINGENTCausingshrinkageorconstrictionofbodytissues.
BIOAVAILABILITYThedegreeandrateatwhichasubstanceisabsorbedintoalivingsystemorismadeavailableatthesiteofphysiologicalactivity.
BITTERHavingorbeingatastethatissharp,acrid,andunpleasant;notsweet,salty,orsour.
BITTERTONICSHerbsthatsupportthedigestivesystem,boostimmunity,andpromoteoverallvitality.
CARMINATIVEInducingtheexpulsionofgasfromthestomachandintestines.
CATARRHAdisorderofinflammationofthemucusmembranesinoneoftheairwaysorcavitiesofthebody.
CATHARTICHavingpurgativeaction.
COLITISInflammationofthecolon(largeintestine).
DECOCTIONAtealikedrinkproducedbyboilingherbsinwater.
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DECONGESTANTHelpsrelievenasalcongestionintheupper-respiratorytract.
DEMULCENTAusuallymucilaginousoroilysubstancethatformsasoothingfilmovermucusmembranestorelievepainandminorinflammationofthatarea.
DIAPHORETICPromotessweating,helpfulforrelievingafeverthroughperspiration.
DISINFECTANTAchemicalliquidthatdestroysbacteria.
DIURETICStimulatestheflowofurine.
ELIXIRAnextractmadewithherbs,alcohol(generallybrandy),andhoney.
EMOLLIENTAnagentthatsoothesandprotectstheskinwhenappliedexternally.
EXPECTORANTPromotesandfacilitatesthedischargeofmucusandfluidsfromtherespiratorytract.
FEBRIFUGEAfever-reducingagent.
GALACTAGOGUEIncreasesthemilksupplyinalactatingwoman.
GRAS(GENERALLYRECOGNIZEDASSAFE)Indicatesthatconsumptionofacommonkitchenherbinnormalfoodamountsisnotlikelytocauseanyserioussideeffectsoradversereactions.
HEPATICActingontheliver.
HYPNOTICCalmingtothepointofinducingsleep.
IMMUNETONICSHerbsthathelpnourish,tone,andsupporttheimmunesystem.
IMMUNOSTIMULANTAnagentthatstimulatestheimmunesystem.Alsoknownasimmunestimulant.
INFUSEDOILAnoil,suchasoliveoil,steepedwithdriedherbsunderlow-heatconditionstoinfusetheoilwiththemedicinalpropertiesoftheherbs.Note:Thisisnotanessentialoil.
INFUSIONAmedicinalremedymadebypouringboilingwateroverherbsandlettingitsteep.
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LAXATIVEProducingbowelmovements.
LINIMENTAtopicalpreparationforapplicationtotheskin.
LYMPHATICDeep-cleansandimprovestheflowoflymphthroughthebodysystem.
MARCThesolidingredients(botanicals)thatarecombinedwithaliquidtomakeatincture.
MENSTRUUMAsolvent(alcohol,glycerin,vinegar)usedinmakingtincturestodrawandholdherbalproperties.
MUCILAGEAgelatinoussubstancethatcontainsproteinsandpolysaccharidesandisfoundinmanyplants.Herbsthatcontainmucilagehaveaslipperytextureandmildtaste,aresoothingandcooling,andareoftenusedtopically.
NERVINEUsedtocalmthenerves.
NEUROPROTECTIVEServingtoprotectneuronsfrominjuryordegeneration.
NUTRITIVEServingtonourishthebody.
PECTORALServingtotonifyandstrengthenthepulmonarysystem.
PUNGENTHavingastrongtasteorsmell.
PURGATIVEAstronglaxative.
REFRIGERANTAmedicineorsubstancethatlowersbodyheatbycoolingthebodyfromtheinsideout.
RELAXANTAmedicineorsubstancethatcalmsandsootheswithoutbeingsedating;theactofrelaxingcontractedtissues.
RESINAthick,stickysubstancethatissecretedfromaplant.
RESTORATIVEHavingthepowertorestorethebodytohealth.
RUBEFACIENTAtopicalapplicationthatproducerednessoftheskin,e.g.,bycausingdilationofthecapillariesandanincreaseinbloodcirculation.
SEDATIVETendingtocalm,moderate,ortranquilizenervousnessorexcitement.
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SMUDGEAmethodofburningherbsforpurification,ritual,andcleansing.
SPITPOULTICEAsimplepoulticemadebychewingafreshleafandapplyingitdirectlytoawound.
STIMULANTAnagentthatenergizesasystemofthebody.
STYPTICTendingtostopbleedingbyconstrictingtissueandbloodvessels.
THERMOGENICInducingtheproductionofheattopromoteweightlossbyincreasingthecaloricburnrate.
TONICSHerbsthatrestoreorincreasebodytone.
TRICHOMEAhairorhairlikeoutgrowthonthestemsandleavesofplants.
VULNERARYHavingwound-healingproperties.
AdaptedwithpermissionfromKristineBrown,RH(AHG)atHerbalRootszine(HerbalRootsZine.com).
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RESOURCESFirst,Iencourageyoutofindalocalsourceforherbs,oils,classes,containers,andsupplies.Ifthereisagoodshopnearyou,pleasepatronizethem.Findlike-mindedpeopleinyourarea.Ipromiseyou,theyexist.Discussingandexperiencingherbswithotherpeopleistheverybestwaytolearn.Beyondthat,herearesomeofmyfavoriteresources.
TheEssentialHerbalMagazine(EssentialHerbal.com)istheprintmagazinethatIeditandpublish(it’savailableinprintintheU.S.andasaPDFworldwide).Itfeaturesarticlesbypeoplewholoveherbsandwanttosharewhattheyknow.Themagazinecoversallaspectsofherbs,includingmedicinal,culinary,crafts,andlore.
HerbalRootszine(HerbalRootsZine.com)isanamazingonlinemagazinewithafocusonteachingchildrenaboutherbs.Itfeaturesbeautifulartworkandawidevarietyofactivities,stories,songs,andmore,whileteachingaboutoneherbeachmonth.It’swrittenandillustratedbyKristineBrown.
AmericanHerbalistsGuild(AmericanHerbalistsGuild.com)isanorganizationofherbalistswithlistingsofschoolsandregisteredclinicalherbalists.Membersareabletotakeonlinecoursesthataregivenfrequently,andthereisanannualconference.
UnitedPlantSavers(UnitedPlantSavers.org):Beforeyouheadoutintothewoodswithyourbasketandsnippers,learnabouttheplantsthatarebeingoverharvestedorhavelosttheirhabitat.Getinformationontheethicalharvestingofherbsbeforeyouforage.
LearningHerbsandHerbMentor(LearningHerbs.com)isasubscription-basedonlinecommunityfeaturingaforum,tonsofinformation,interviewswithherbalists,andhelpfulvideos.Itoffersclassesfrequentlyandsendsoutaregulare-newsletter,whichtypicallyincludesaninterestingrecipe.
Ihighlyrecommendthefollowingbooks.Thesewomenhaveuntoldamountsofherbalknowledgeandaregenerousbeyondmeasureintheirsharing.Ifyougetachangetoattendanin-personlecturewithanyofthem,grabit.
BooksGAILFAITHEDWARDS(AVAILABLEATBLESSEDMAINEHERBS.COM)
HerbalPharmacy:TheArtofHerbalMedicineMaking
PrayersfortheWildHeartTribe
TraversingtheWildTerrainofMenopause
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ROSEMARYGLADSTAR(AVAILABLEATSAGEMOUNTAIN.COM)
FamilyHerbal:AGuidetoLivingLifeWithEnergy,Health,andVitality
HerbalHealingforMen
HerbalHealingforWomen
HerbalRecipesforVibrantHealth
HerbsforChildren’sHealth
MedicinalHerbs:ABeginner’sGuide
SUSANHES(COAUTHOREDBYME)
HerbalMedicineKitchen:TheEverydayCookbooktoBoostYourHealth
HerbsandSuppliesBULKAPOTHECARY.COM(OHIO)
Bulkapothecary
BULKHERBSTORE.COM(TENNESEE)
Bulkherbstore
IHERB.COM(IOWA)
Frontierretailwebsiteforherbs
MOUNTAINROSEHERBS.COM(OREGON)
Good-qualityorganicherbs
SKS-BOTTLE.COM(EASTCOAST);SPECIALTYBOTTLE.COM(WESTCOAST)
Bottles,jars,andtins
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ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
TinaSamshasbeenenjoyingeveryaspectofplantsfornearlyherentirelife,
originallylearningfromhergrandfatherinthePennsylvaniaGermancultureofLancaster,PA.Therearefewthingsthataremoreexcitingtoherthanbeingelbowdeepinherbs,learningaboutwildedibleplants,findingnewmedicinaluses,orcraftingwithherbs.TeamingupwithhersisterMaryanne(thepairhavesometimesbeenknownastheTwistedSisters),she’sopenedshops,workedfestivals,spokenatconferences,taughtclasses,andrunstandsatfarmers’markets.SheispublisherandeditorofTheEssentialHerbalMagazine,whichshe’spublishedfornearlytwodecades.