the healing power of herbs: medicinal herbs for common ailments · 2019-05-27 · nutritious meals,...
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Tochamomile,elder,holybasil,andmimosa—myfavoriteteachers.ToMollyandMaryanneforkeepingme
laughing.
CONTENTSINTRODUCTION
PARTI
HowDoHerbsHeal?
1WHATAREHEALINGHERBS?
HealingHerbs
BenefitsofHerbalMedicine
HowAreMedicinalHerbsUsed?
2HOWTOUSEMEDICINALHERBS
WhatYou’llNeed
HerbalTeas
Syrups
Oils
Salves
Tinctures
Pills
Baths
Poultices
Compresses
3SELECTINGTHEBESTHERBSFORYOU
EnergeticsofIndividuals
EnergeticsofHerbs
EnergeticsofIllnesses
PARTIIThe30EssentialHerbs
AloeAloeMouthwash
AloeHairMask
AstragalusTonicSoup
ImmunityBalls
CalendulaCalendulaSunshineBathSoak
All-PurposeCalendulaSalve
CapsicumHotSauce
CayenneSalve
CatnipCatnipandRoseGeraniumBugRepellingSpray
RelaxingCatnipTeaBlend
Cinnamon
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
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
FourThievesVinegar
ThymeandElderberryCoughDrops
YarrowYarrowandChamomileBitters
HealingHerbalTubTea
GLOSSARYRESOURCES
ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
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
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
2HowtoUseMedicinalHerbsHerbshaveawayofwindingtheirtendrilsintoeverydaylife.Infact,youprobablyingestmorehealingherbsthanyouevenrealize!Butifyouwanttointentionallyincorporateherbsintoyourroutine,therearemanysimplewaystodoso,including:
Usingherbsincookingandincludingthemasseasoninginallofyourmeals
Drinkingherbalteas
Soakinginanherbalbath
Makingandusingherbaloilsandbalmsforsoft,healthyskin
Mixingandusingtincturesandsyrupsforwell-being
Inthischapter,you’lllearnformulationsandconcoctionstomindfullybringherbsintoyourlife.
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
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-
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,
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,
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
ECZEMAPlantain,chickweed,calendula,andlavenderappliedatroomtemperature.
PLANTRASHES(POISONIVY,OAK,SUMAC)Yarrowwithjewelweedandplantainappliedasacoolcompress.
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.
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
Usuallyfeelswarm
Blusheseasily
Alwaysdoingsomethingactive,canbehyper
Healthyappetite
DampOilyskinandhair
Retainswatereasily
Sweatseasilyandfreely
Doesnotlikehumidity
Pronetocongestionorrunnynose
Anklesmayswelleasily
DryBrittlenails,hairbreakseasily
Dryskinandscalp
Itchy
Pronetodrycoughandthroat
Creakyjoints
Pronetoconstipation
TenseNervousorirritable,easilyrattled
Tight,painfulmuscles
Headaches
Toobusy
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
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
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
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
refrigeratororacupboard.
Freezingorrefrigerationwillextendthelifeofoilsandsyrups.
PARTII
The30EssentialHerbsFinally,it’stimetodigintotheherbs!Ichosethe30herbsinthissectiontodemonstratethattherearealreadyincredibleherbsinyourkitchenandeverydaylife,andalsothepotentialeachherbholdsforhealthandhealing.Everyoneofuswillwinduphavingfiveto10favoriteherbs.Myhopeisthatofthe30herbsincludedhere,youwillcometoloveatleastfiveandkeeptheminyourhouseatalltimes.
Thissectionfeaturesallkindsofrecipes,andtheyaremeanttobeguidelines;feelfreetoswapindifferentherbsdependingonyourneedsandpreferences.Learnhowtoblendherbalteas,makesyrupsthekidswilllove,andwhipupsimpletincturesandelixirs,yummyhoneysandvinegars,andsalvesandmassageoilsforboo-boosandsoremuscles.Knowinghowtomakethesethingswillempoweryoutousemorenaturalremediesandtakecontrolwhenitcomestoyourhealthandthehealthofyourlovedones.
Aloebarbadensis
ALOEReveredandusedmedicinallyforthousandsofyears,thesucculentbeautyaloeisnativetoIndiaandAfrica(includingEgypt)andhasmorethan400knownspecies.TheoriginwordforaloeistheArabicalloeh,meaning“bitterandshinysubstance.”TheEgyptianBookofRemediesfrom1500BCmentionsaloe.IntheBible,NicodemusmixedaloewithmyrrhtoapplytoChrist’sbody.Later,AlexandertheGreatfoughtforit,andGreekphysicianDioscorideswroteaboutit.Suchasought-afterplant,yetitturnsoutthatitpracticallygrowsitself.Aloeisawelcomehouseplantanywhereandfreelygrowsoutsideincertainclimates.Eventhosewhoscoffatmedicinalherbshaveprobablyusedaloeatsomepoint!
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.
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.
HometreatmentsAloeoncesavedanislandvacation.Isnorkeledtheentirefirstdayandendedupwithaseveresunburn.Icutathree-footaloeleaffromrightoutsidetheroomandcutslicesfromit,layingthefilletsdirectlyonmyburningskin.Thatsoothing,cool,emollientgelhelpedimmediately,andbymorningmyskinwasnolongerred.
Iseelotsofsportsandweightlossdrinksouttherewithaloeasaningredient.Thereiscurrentlyquiteabitofresearchonusingaloeveragel(notjuice)internallyforulcerativecolitisandotherseriousdiseasesofthegut.However,untilmoreisknownaboutitslivertoxicityandpossiblecarcinogenicproperties,IwillconcurwiththeCenterforScienceinthePublicInterestandsuggestavoidinginternaluseofaloeveragel.
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.
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
minutes,thenrinse,condition,andadmire.
Astragalusmembranaceus
ASTRAGALUSAstragalusisnativetoChina.It’sanunassumingvetchwithsmallyellowflowersthatripenintosmallseedpodsresemblingtinybeans.IthasbeenusedintraditionalChinesemedicineforthousandsofyearsandisoneofthe50fundamentalherbsusedinthattradition.Additionally,ithasbeenusedincookingjustaslong,makingitaperfectexampleoffoodasmedicine.Ithasalwaysbeenconsideredahealingtonic,butinrecentyearsastragalushascaughttheeyeofscientificresearchers.Itshowspromiseforhelpingwithasthma,highbloodpressure,anddiabetes,andevenslowingthegrowthoftumors.It’ssafetosaythatuseofastragaluswillbeontheriseinthecomingyears.
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.
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.
HometreatmentsAstragalusisgoodtouseafterasevereillness.Itsupportshealingandhelpsstrengthandvitalityreturn.Asanadaptogenandimmunestimulant,itisalsonourishingandslowlyandgentlybuildsusbackup.Thereareseveraleasywaystoincorporatethiswarmingandmoisteningherbintoyourdays.Youcancooktheslicesintomostsoupsorstews,orsprinkletheshreddedrootoverrice,pasta,orpotatoeswhiletheycook.Keepsomeinthekitchen,andyou’lluseitmoreoften.Theteaisverypleasanttastingandblendswellwithelderflowerandholybasil.
Itiswellknownthatstress,whetherphysicaloremotional,wreakshavoconourorgans,manifestinginaninabilitytofightoffanyattack.Thismakesussusceptibletoanygermthatcomesourway.Theimmunesystem–supportingandtonicpropertiesofastragaluskeepillnessandtheeffectsofstressatbay.Inmyhousehold,weveryrarelygetsick.Aspartofourpreventivewinterherbalarsenal,weaddastragalusslicestosoupsandteassothatwehavesomealmosteveryday.
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.
4. Simmer,covered,overlowheatfor50minutes.
5. Addthegreensandsimmerfor10moreminutes.
6. Removetheastragaluswithaforkortongsbeforeserving.
7. Refrigerateleftovers.
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,
cardamom,andcinnamontothemixturetoformastiffdough.
3. Rollintobite-sizeballs.Ifdesired,rollthemintheremaining¼cupcocoaand/ortheshreddedcoconut.
4. Storetheballsinanairtightcontaineratroomtemperatureorintherefrigerator.
Calendulaofficinalis
CALENDULACalendulahasbeenworn,eaten,andusedforhealingforcenturies.InancientRomantimes,itwasnotedthatcalendulaflowersopenedtothesunandclosedatnight,andwerealwaysinbloomonthefirstdayofeachmonthoftheRomancalendar,oroneachfullmoon.Theherb’snameisrelatedtothepassageoftime,andthebrightyellowandorangebloomslookjustlikethesun.Calendulaispartofmanytraditionalrituals.It’sstillusedtodayinDíadeLosMuertoscelebrations,andHindualtarsareoftendecoratedwiththebrightflowers.TheAztecsandotherancientCentralandSouthAmericanpeoplesreveredthelittlesunplant.Calendulaisamedicinalherb.Wheneverthewordofficinalis(orofficinale)appearsinaLatinplantname,itdenotesuseinmedicineandherbalism.
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
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.
HometreatmentsCalendulateaisgoodasasingleorpartofablend(withlemonbalm,elderberry,holybasil,androse)toboosttheimmunesystem.Beingantispasmodic,thewarmteahasbeenknowntocalmabdominalormenstrualcramps.
Calendulaisgreatforwoundsthataren’thealing.Thedryingenergyspecificallyhelpsweepywoundsorrashes,helpingclearthemup.Duringourshopdays,awomanwithanulceronheranklethesizeofahalf-dollarcameinandsaidherprescriptionsweren’thelping.Shewasintears.Werecommendedasalveofcalendulaandgoldenseal.Shecameinaweeklaterformore,andtheulcerwasonlyhalfasbig.She’duseditthreetimesaday,cleaningthewoundeveryevening.
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
probablysafest.
4. Touse,place½cupofthesoakinamuslinbagorintoawashclothandtiesecurely.Heataquartofwateronthestoveandsteepthebathsoakinitfor10to15minutes.
5. Pourthehotliquidintothebath.Soak.
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.
5. Pourthesalveintojars.Whenithashardenedandcooled,placelidsonthejarsandstoreinacoolplace.
6. Touse,applyathinlayerofsalvetotheskinandgentlymassageitin.
TIPIfyouhave8ouncesofoilafterstraining,use1ounceofbeeswax.Ifyouhavemorethan8ounces,use1½ouncesofthebeeswax.
Capsicumspp.
Capsicumannuum,Capsicumfrutescens,Capsicumchinense,Capsicumpubescens,Capsicumbaccatum
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
5. Pourthehotsauceintobottles.Storeatroomtemperatureorrefrigerate.
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).
TIPIt’seasiesttoputpeppersandgingerintoamuslinbagandsubmergeintheoilwhileinfusing.Removethewholebagwhenfinished.
Nepetacataria
CATNIPCatnipisoftenrelegatedtothefelinefamily,butweshouldn’tbesoquicktowriteitoffforhumans.Aswithmostplantswavingaroundoutthereinthesunshine,catniphassomegiftstoofferusaswell.
Iconsidercatnipandcatminttobetwodifferentplants,butinmostliteraturethetwoareconsideredtobethesame.Catnipisthewildandscruffywaysideherbthatgrowschesthighwiththickspikesoftinywhiteflowers.Catmint,ontheotherhand,ismuchmorerefined,withsmallleavesandprettyblueflowerspikes;itgrowstoaheightoftwotothreefeet.Theyarebothlovely,fragrant,andatthereadytoassistwithseveralmaladies.
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
hemorrhoids,hives,andbugbites.Theteamayalsohelpnewmothersrelaxtonursetheirbabies.
PREPARATIONSCatnipcanbefounddriedandasteas,tinctures,salves,capsules,andessentialoils.
DOSAGEItissafetousethetea,tincture,andcapsulesuptothreetimesaday.Ifusingthemaximumamountseachday,giveyourbodyafewdaysoffafteraweekorso(thismethodisknownas“pulsing”)beforeusingagain.Usesalveasneeded.Besuretheessentialoilisproperlydilutedbeforeyouuse.Leavesofthefreshplantrubbedontotheskinwillalsoworktorepelmosquitoes.
HARVESTINGTIPIt’sworthwhiletogathersomewildbloomingcatnipduringthesummer.Ittakesquiteabitofthefreshherbtodrydowntoafewounces.
HometreatmentsCatnipisabrilliantremedyfortherestlessnessthatkeepskids(andadults)fromsettlingdowntosleep.Ialwayspreferateaasarelaxingremedyforitswarmth,andbecauseitencouragesmetostopandsipit.SometimesIcouldgetmychildtohaveateaparty,butwhenitwasn’tpossibletoreasonwithher(youknowhowcrankytiredkidscanbe),tincturesweregreat.Theyrelaxedherandsettledanytummytroubles.
Catnipteaisperfectforcoldsandtheflu.Itblendswellwithotherherbsandmakesagoodbaseherb,sinceithasapleasant,mildlymintyflavor.Itcanhelpdryupdrippycoldsandgetasweatgoingtobreakafever.Mixedwithbonesetandelderberry,catnipinteaortincturescontainspropertiesthatboosttheimmunesystem,calmcramping,relievepain,andenablerestduringtheflu.Ifthere’svomiting,atincturecanbeeasiertokeepdownthancupsoftea.
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
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.
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.
CinnamomumverumANDTHEMORECOMMONCinnamomumaromaticum(cassia)
CINNAMONCinnamonisoneofthemostcommonlyusedculinaryspices.Youcanfinditinalltypesofbakedgoodsanddesserts,anditflavorseverythingfrombreakfastdishestosouptonuts.Mostofthecinnamoncommerciallyavailableisthearomaticumvariety,alsoknownascassia,comingfromChinaandpartsofSoutheastAsia.Theverumvarietyispreferred—ithasamoredelicateflavorandisfavoredformedicinalusebecauseitcontainslesscoumarin,whichthinstheblood.Itisthinnerthancassia,almostpapery,andtan.Cassiaisonethickreddish-brownlayerofcurledbark.However,verumcanbedifficulttofindandismoreexpensive.
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
ointment.
PREPARATIONSCinnamoncanbefoundormadeasteas,capsules,oressentialoils.Theeasiestusageisasafoodingredient(evencinnamonbunsaremedicinal!),anditcomesinsticksorpowder.
DOSAGEIfusingverum,thedailydosageis½to1teaspoon,onetothreecapsules,oronetothreecupsoftea.Ifusingcassia,cutthesedosesinhalfgiventhehighercoumarincontent.Bewaryofcommerciallabels—manysuppliersusethecheapercassiawithoutexplicitlysayingso.
COOKINGTIPTheflavoroffreshlygratedcinnamonissomuchbetterthanthestuffthatcomesinthejars.IliketograteitathomewithmyMicroplanegrater.Ittakesabitofwork,butit’sworthit.Addtosomefreshapplesforhomemadeapplesauce—yum!
HometreatmentsManydoctorsarenowawareofcinnamon’spositiveeffectsonbloodsugar,cholesterol,sensitivitytoinsulin,brainactivity,allergies,andneurologicalfunctionindiseaseslikeAlzheimer’sandParkinson’s,andtheyrecommendittotheirpatients.Becausethetherapeuticamountofverumcinnamonisgenerallyrecognizedassafe,thereisnoreasonnottotryitifyouhaveaconditionthatmightbeimproved.
Drinkingacupofcinnamonteaeverydayisapleasantwaytostimulateandboosttheimmunesystem,andinwinteritisacomfortingmorningorafternoonwarm-up.Tomakecinnamontea,heatwaterinakettleandpouritintoacupwithastickofcinnamon.Letsteepfor8to10minutes.Removethecinnamon,whichwillhaveprobablyuncurledandflattened.Itwillcurlupagainasitdries,andyoucankeepitformanymorecups.Addhoneyandenjoy.
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.
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.
Populusspp.
P.balsamifera,P.deltoides,P.angustifolia,P.trichocarpa,P.candicans
COTTONWOODORBALSAMPOPLARThereareabout35speciesofpoplarthroughouttheU.S.andCanada.Likeitscloserelativewillow,poplarisoftheSalicaceaefamily,whichmeansithasthepain-relievingcompoundsalicin,acompoundthatisconvertedintothenaturalformofaspirin,salicylicacidintheliver.Somepoplarsareknownascottonwoodsbecauseofthewaytheirseedsdisperseintowildandwoollydriftsofwhitefluff.Theirwoodislightweightandsoft,whichmayalsoinfluencethename.TheirrangeskipsoverPennsylvania,andtheyaren’tnativewhereIlive,sothefirsttimeIsawthe“snow”phenomenon,westoppedthecarandstoodamongthedrifts,watchinginwonderasthelightbreezecorneredthefluffagainstwallsandcurbing.Cottonwoodsandbalsampoplarshaveanamazinghealingresin.SomehistoricallytraditionalFirstNationusesincludeapplyingtheboiledbarktowoundsandusingtheresinasgluetowaterproofcanoes.
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
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.
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.
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
lateruse.
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.
Taraxacumofficinale
DANDELIONThisisoftenthefirstherbthatpeopleforageaftertheyfigureoutit’sthatplantouttheregrowingeverywhereintheiryard.Luckily,wewillprobablyneverendangerdandelion,eventhoughwe’vespentthelast70yearstryingtosprayitintooblivion—dandelionisalmostinsolentaboutit.Today,youcanevenfinditatthefarmers’market.Thegreensaredelectable,easytofind,andhaveimmensehealthbenefits.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
theteablendinanairtightcontaineruntilreadytouse.
3. Foreachcupofteayouwanttomake,use1teaspoonoftheteablend.Bringwatertoaboilinasaucepanandaddtheteablendinateaballormuslinbag.Coverandletsteepfor15to20minutes.Removetheteablendandservetheteainmugswithhoneyandlightcreamorhalf-and-half.
ECHINACEAEchinaceajustmighthavebeenthesingleherbthatledtothecurrentrenaissanceinherbalmedicine.Inthelate1980sandearly1990s,wordofthisplantspreadlikewildfire,likeasecretpasswordtoaspecialclub.IstillrememberthefirsttimeIheardaboutitatourquaintlittleshopfilledwithteas,potpourris,andsweetpillows.Acustomeraskedforit,andaswasourcustombackinthosedays,welistened,nodded,and,uponarrivinghome,toreintoourbookstolearnmoreaboutthispresumablymagicalherbthatcouldpreventthecommoncold.Interestingly,thenameisderivedfromtheGreekwordechinos,whichmeans“seaurchin,”referringtoechinacea’sseaurchin–like,cone-shapedseedhead.
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
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.
HometreatmentsEchinaceaisaverygoodtreatmentfornastyspiderbites.Prepareapoulticeof1teaspoonechinaceatinctureand1teaspoonofadrawingclay,suchasbentoniteorgreenclay.Addjustenoughwater,ifnecessary,tocreateapaste.Usethispasteonthebitetwoorthreetimesadayandalternatewith15-minutesoaksinwaterwithEpsomsalts.Somespidervenomcandestroytissueintheareaofthebite,soifthereisn’tsignificantimprovementwithinafewdays,seeaphysician.Mostofthetime,thesebitescanbetreatedathome.
Forupper-respiratoryillness,thecool,dryenergeticsofechinaceaworkwelltohelpahot,sweaty,mucus-ladensituation.Echinaceablendswellwiththeenergeticsofthymeandsagetodryandwarmupthesystem.Avinegarorhoneymadewiththosethreeherbsisgoodtohaveonhandforyournextcoughorcold.
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.
4. Pourthemixtureintoalightlyoiledsquareglassbakingdish,tobecutinto1-inchsquares.Ifyouhavesiliconecandymolds,evenbetter.Refrigerateuntilthemixturesets,about10minutes.Storeinanairtightcontaineratroomtemperaturefor5daysorintherefrigeratorfor2weeks.
TIPTomakeelderberryjuice,combine2cupsofripefreshelderberrieswith½cupofwaterinasaucepan.Simmerovermediumheat,untiltheberriesburstandreleasetheirheat.Mashtheberries,thenstrainthroughafine-meshstrainerormuslinbag.Addmorewaterifnecessarytoget2cupsofliquid.
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
awire-meshstrainerjustpriortodrinking),thensimmeronlowheatfor½hourormore.
3. Pourintomugsandaddhoneyandlemonasdesired.
ELDERI’vegrownelderinmyyardfor25years.Iwouldn’tenterwinterwithoutit!Theelderkeepsushealthy,andthereareseveralvarieties.IntheeasternUnitedStates,wehavethedark,purplish-blackelderberries.Thewesternstateshavepowdery-blueberriesandaredvariety(Sambucusracemosa)thatsomesayarefinetouseaftercookingandotherssayarepoisonous.I’davoidthemandusetheblueelderberriesthatareknowntobesafe.Theelderrecipesinthissectionaremedicinal,butyoucansneakelderberryintopie,jelly,wine,andcandy.
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.
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.
HometreatmentsElderberryisbestknownforitseffectivenessagainsttheflu.Severalstudies(mostoftenspecificallyusingelderberryextractsinSambucol®products)showflupatientsrecoveringintwotothreedaysiftheystartusingtheproductsearlyandoften.Ihaven’thadtheflusincelearningofelder.Oneyearmymotherandunclewerenotsoluckyandgothithard.Iinsistedthattheybeginusingelderberry.Beforeitwastimefortheseconddoseafterjustfourhours,theybothfelthumanagain.Theyweremuchbetterbythenextday.Trustme,itworks!
Elderworksinasimilarwayforcoldsoranysortofviralinfection.
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.
7. Youcanenjoythisliqueurimmediately,buttheflavordoescontinuetodevelopovertime.Forthebestflavor,agetheliqueurforatleastanothermonth.
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
squareofoldcleanT-shirt),strainthejuice.You’llneedabout1quart.
4. Inalargesaucepan,combinethejuicewiththesugar,elder-flowers,cloves,andcinnamonchips.Simmeroverlowheatfor20minutes.
5. Removefromtheheat,letcool,thenstraintoremovethesolids.
6. Oncethesyruphascooled,addthebrandy.Pourthefinishedsyrupintobottlesorjarsandstoreintherefrigeratorforayear.
TIPYoucanputspicesandflowersintoasachetormuslinbagtoavoidstrainingasecondtime.
Alliumsativum
GARLICInAMidsummerNight’sDream,Bottominstructs,“Andmost,dearactors,eatnoonionsorgarlic,forwearetouttersweetbreath.”
Somepeopleareconvincedthatgarlicworksprimarilybykeepingotherpeoplefaraway.There’ssomethingtobesaidforthat,asgarlicispungentandlingersonthebreath,sometimesveritablyseepingfromthepores,butthere’smoretothehealingpowersofgarlic.Itproducesachemicalcalledallicin(oneof30somesulfurcompounds)that’sreleasedwhengarliciscrushed,chopped,orchewed.Thisreleasesseveralothersulfurcompoundsthatallworktogethertohealandpromotehealth.Ifonlyeveryoneateiteveryday,thennobodywouldbeannoyedbythescent!
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
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.
HometreatmentsForstubborncolds,garlichoneycomesinhandy.Mysistermakesitbychoppinganddumpingthreeorfourwholebulbsandalemonintoajarofhoney.Itsoundsterrible,andIonlylikeitwhenI’msick.It’sgoodinteaorrightoutofthejar,andworksfast.
Ifyouhaveateeninthehouse,thesamehoney,withthegarliccrushedfineintoapaste,helpswithpimplesandacne.Applyaboutatablespoontoacleanfaceandleaveontheskinfor10or15minutes.Doingthisregularlywillclearandbrightentheskin.
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.
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.
TIPIliketoleavetheherbsandspicesintheoxymel,butyoucanalsostrainthemoutifyouprefer.
GINGERPopularforbothbakingandcooking,gingerhasbeeninuseformorethan5,000years.ItwasinitiallycultivatedinChinabeforespreadingthroughoutSoutheastAsia,India,WestAfrica,andtheCaribbeanIslands.Gingeraleisatraditionalhomeremedyforanupsetstomach,andgingerteaisgainingpopularityforthesamereason.Therearemanyvarietiesofginger,includingturmericandgalangal.Theyallhavesimilarproperties,yeteachhasuniquehealingbenefitsaswell.
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.
DOSAGEIncooking,gingerisconsideredtobequitesafewhenusedinmoderation.Tinctures,teas,andsyrupsmaybeusedthreetofourtimesaday.It’simportanttoproperlydilutegingeressentialoils.
GROWINGTIPYoucangrowgingerindoorsaslongasyouhaveaverywarmspot,likeawindowwithclearsouthernexposure.Giveeachplanta12-to18-inchpotwithgooddrainage.Placetrimmedrhizomeseye-orbud-up,andcoverwithaninchorsoofgooddirt.
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.
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.
3. Strainandenjoy.Storeinacoolplaceoutofdirectsunlight.
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.
3. Inanothersaucepan,warmthemilkoverlowheat.
4. Addaheapingteaspoonofthepasteandthehoney.Stirtomixwellbeforedrinking.
5. Theleftoverpastewillkeepinanairtightjarintherefrigeratorforupto2weeks.
Ocimumtenuiflorum
HOLYBASILHolybasil,ortulsi,haslongbeenreveredintheHindureligion.ManyIndianfamilieskeepaholybasilplantinthecourtyardnexttothehouse,worshippingitmorningandnight.HolybasilfallsunderthegroupingofherbsusedinRasayana,theAyurvedicpathtooptimal,glowinghealth,rejuvenation,andlongevity.Whodoesn’twantthat?
Forthousandsofyears,holybasilhasbeenconsideredoneofthetophealingplantsinIndia,andfortunatelyitmadeitswayWestinthepastfewdecades.Itsversatilityhasmadeitarecentfavoriteofmine.
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.
DOSAGEHolybasilisconsideredaverysafeherb,andcanbeingesteduptofourtimesaday.Somewomenfeelitistoohotandprefertoblenditwithotherherbs,suchasrose.
GROWINGTIPInmyregion,zone6b,holybasilgrowsasanannual.Intropicalclimatesitwillgrowlikeshrubswithwoodystems.Iusuallyplantashortrowofholybasilplants,butbewarned—birdslovethem.Icoverminewithnettinguntiltheyareabout8to10inchestall;otherwisethebirdswillgettothembeforeIdo!
HometreatmentsMypersonalexperiencewithholybasilhasbeenprofound.Afriend,SandiWakefieldfromBlackKatHerbs,recommendedittomeatatimewhenIwasflounderinganddrowningundersomemassiveresponsibilityandanxiety.Ihadgrownandtincturedholybasilthatsummer,soItriedit.Itookasingledose,and15minuteslaterIwasabletolookateverythingobjectivelyandcouldstartworkingtoresolvethingswithmoreclarity.
Holybasilisapowerfulantiviralandsupportstheimmunesystem,makingitagoodchoicetotakedailyasapreventive.Whenthebodyismanagingstresseffectively,itiseasiertofightoffviral,bacterial,orfungalinfections.Everythingjustworksbetterwithholybasil.
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,
pumpkinseeds,chocolatechips,herbpowders,ginger,andsalt.Setaside.
3. Inalargesaucepan,bringthebutter,brownsugar,honey,andpeanutbuttertoalowboilforafewminutes.Removefromtheheatandstirinthevanillaextract,followedbythedryingredients.Mixcompletely.
4. Spreadthemixtureevenlyinthepreparedbakingpanandrefrigerateforanhourbeforecuttingandserving.
5. Thegranolabarscanbestoredinanairtightcontainerintherefrigeratorforupto10days.
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.
Armoraciarusticana
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.
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
bronchitisspecificallybutareusefulforotherapplicationsaswell.
Youngleavescanbeusedasinstantpoulticesforheadachesandlaiddirectlyontheforehead.Thefreshflowersmaybemadeintoateaasanantiviralandamilddecongestant.
PREPARATIONSYoucanmakesyrups,tinctures,andvinegars.Theonlythingsavailablecommerciallyseemtobefreshsaucesorprocessedgratedfreshhorseradishroot,whicharewidelyavailableingrocerystores.
DOSAGEHorseradishissafetouseastolerated.Theequivalentof½teaspoongratedhorseradishmakesanadultdose.
GROWINGTIPHorseradishiseasytogrow,anditwillspread.Insomecasesitcanbedownrightinvasive.Mineisintheshade,andwhileithasincreasedfromonecrowntoaboutsixoveradecade,that’snotterrible.Neverrototillhorseradish.
HometreatmentsForjointpain,ahorseradishpoulticeopenscapillariesandbringsbloodtothearea,increasingcirculationandreddeningtheskin.Makethecompressbygratingenoughfreshhorseradishtocovertheintendedareawithalayerabout¼inchthick.Mixwithenoughwatertomakeathickpaste.Applythepastetoapieceofcloth(flannelworkswell)atleasttwiceaslargeasthearea.Placetheclothonthearea.Onceitbeginstoburn,removethecloth.Checktheskineveryfewminutestobesureitisn’tblistering.
Horseradishisconsideredoneofthestrongestherbaldiuretics,andwithitsantibioticproperties,itisaterrificchoiceforkidneydisease,bladderissues,orurinarytractinfections.Halfateaspoonoffreshlygratedhorseradishthreetimesadaywillhelpflushouttheseinfections.
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.
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.
2. Letsteepinawarm,dryplaceforatleast2weeks.
3. Strain,thenaddthehoneytothevinegar.
4. Touse,dilutetheciderwithwaterorjuice,anddownthehatch!
TIPBesurethatthevinegaristrueapplecidervinegarwiththe“mother”—thehealthybacteriathatgivesitacloudyappearance.
Hyssopusofficinalis
HYSSOPHyssophasbeenusedforcenturies,probablymillennia.EuropeansettlersbroughttheplanttotheU.S.Ithasmedicinalproperties,manyculinaryuses,andbrewinguses(suchasinabsintheandchartreuse),andisvaluedforitsfragrance,usedasascentinsoapsandotherproducts.It’salsobeautifulfreshandmakesagorgeousadditiontoaflowerarrangement.Insomeplaces,hyssopisaditchweed,growingwithwildabandonalongroadsidesandinmeadows.Ihaveyettofinditinmyarea,butitishardyinUSDAgrowingzones4through10.Itisashrubbyperennial,andwithjustalittleclippingandmaintenance,canbemadeintoalowhedge,aknotorrockgarden,orgrownincontainers.Beesandbutterfliesadorehyssop.
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
physically,emotionally,andspiritually.Youcanburnhyssoptodispelnegativityormakeitintoacleansingtea.AlthoughbiblicalscholarshavedeterminedthatthehyssopmentionedintheBiblewasmostlikelyanotherplant,itisstillreveredinritualandhealing.
PREPARATIONSTeaismostcommonlyused,buttincturesandsyrupsaregoodtohaveonhand.Externally,poulticesandcompressesworkwell.
DOSAGEAllpreparationsmaybeusedseveraltimesdailyasneeded.
GROWINGTIPHyssopbloomsfromJunethroughOctoberandisgenerallyconsideredtobeevergreen.Iliketodrysomeofitwhileitisinbloomeachyear,buttherearealmostalwaysleavesoutthereincaseofemergency.Itisextremelyeasytogrowandaprettylittleplant,too.
HometreatmentsIfyouhavegasanddigestionproblems,hyssopisagentleremedy.Theeasiestmethodofdeliveryisasaningredientinfood.Thearomaticsandtasteofhyssopcanoverpowerdelicateflavors,soexperimentabitandstartwithspareamounts.Alittlepre-orpost-dinnerteaisalsocomforting.Tinctureandsyrupareotheroptions,butIprefertostartusinganherbasfoodordrinkwheneverpossible.
Thewarm,dry,andspicyenergeticsofhyssoparepowerfulforacoldthatneedstodryupandmovealong.It’sparticularlyhelpfulforthosecoldsthatseemtolingerandbouncearoundlikeaping-pongball,goingfromheadtochestandbackagain.Teas,tinctures,andsyrupsarealleffective.
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
cucumberjuice,ormilk.(Anythingliquidwillprobablyworkaslongasitisskin-safe.)Mix1tablespoonofthepowdermixturewithenoughofthebaseorliquidtomakeathin,spreadablepaste(theamountofbase/liquidwillvarygreatlydependingonwhatyouuse,butstartwith1teaspoonandkeepaddinguntilthedesiredthicknessisreached).Spreadthemaskonyourface,relaxfor10or15minutes,andrinseoff.
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.
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.
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
depression,andinmenopausecanhelpwithinsomnia.
PREPARATIONStea,tincture,infusedoil(usedinallkindsoftopicalapplications),vinegar,sachetsforinhalation,andessentialoil
DOSAGETea(equivalentof1½teaspoonslavenderpercupofwater)issafetotakeuptothreetimesaday.Youcantake10to15dropsoftincturebeforemealsfordigestionorasneededuptothreetimesaday,or2tablespoonsofvinegarusedincookingperday.Dilutetheessentialoilto10dropsperounceofcarrieroil.
GROWINGTIPDependingonyourgrowingzone,differentspeciesorcultivarswillbehardy,althoughthoseinzones5orbelowmaynotbeabletokeeplavenderoutsideoverthewinter.Ilikethelong-stemmed,bigspikesofthecamphorousGrossoforweavingwands,buttheEnglishMunsteadvarietyhasasweeterscentandtaste.
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.
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
handandsmoothontoyourbodytoremedychafingorexcessiveperspiration.
TIPPowdershakerjarsareavailablefromsupplierslistedintheResourcessection,andtheyareperfecttousehere;awide-mouthjarwithapowderpuffworksaswell.
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
endandsewshut.
GlycyrrhizaglabraL.
LICORICEROOTMostofusthinkoflicoriceasablack,soft,andchewycandythatcomesinjellybeans,“whips,”andvariousotherforms.Candylicoricepipeswereatonetimeapopularshape,perhapstosignaltopipesmokersthatitwouldcalmsmoker’scough.Licoriceisverysweet,upto50timessweeterthansugar,makingitanexcellentingredientforherbaltea.AlthoughthelicoriceplantisnativetosouthernEuropeandAsia,northernEuropeancountriesareabsolutelyobsessedwithitandeatmorelicoricethanchocolate.TheNetherlandsisatoplicoricecandyproducerintheEuropeanUnion.IntheU.S.,mostlicoricecandyisflavoredwithanise,whichisn’tlicoriceatall,soitrequiressomehuntingtofindtherealthing.Reallicoriceismadealmostentirelyfromthelicoriceroot.
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
sifted,powdered,andascandy(justbesurethecandy’smadefromlicoricerootandnotaniseflavoring).Youcanchewthelicoricerootsticksplain;they’realsosafeforchildren.
DOSAGEIt’ssafetodrinkupto3cupsoflicoricerootteaortake3droppersoftinctureperday.Besuretopulse(stoppingafterabout10days)ratherthantakedailyforanextendedperiod.Beawarethatthecandyismuchmoreconcentratedthantheroot.
TIPDuringcoolerweather,whengermsflyaround,IusealicoricerootstickinalmosteverymedicinalteaIdrink.Simplypopitinthemugandletitstandastheteasteeps.Evenifyoudon’tcareforblacklicoricecandy,tryacupoftea.It’sdeliciousandsosoothing!
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.
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.
3. Keepthebulkofthemixturestoredinthelargejar(thisway,ifthesmallcontainergetswet,thewholebatchwon’tberuined).Itwillkeepfor2years.
TIPIfyoupreferapaste,melt2½to3tablespoonsofcoconutoil.Mixinapinchofthepolishmixture.Useapea-sizedolloponyourtoothbrush.
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.
5. Pourintospraybottlesanduseasneeded.(Iliketomakeandlabelseveralsmallbottles.)Storeatroomtemperature;thespraywillkeepfor10years.
Tiliaspp.
LINDENLindenisoneofthemostpopularteasinEuropeandtheU.K.Giventhatit’ssuchacommontreeofferingmanybenefits,itdeservestobebetterknowninotherlocalesaswell.WhenIwasjustlearningaboutlinden,Ifoundmyselfonalocal1700shomesteadwithanenormousoldlindentree.Itwasalivewithhoneybees,anditsfragrancefilledtheentireplace.Downthefarmlaneandbehindabarn,Ifoundatreewithsimilarbutlargerflowersandleaves.Itookaleafandflowerofeachhomeandafterabitofresearchfiguredoutthatthesmallleavescomefromalittle-leaflinden,orTiliacordata,whilethelargearefromabig-leaflinden,orTiliaplatyphyllos.Thesevarietiesareusedinterchangeably,andthelittle-leafversioniscommoninurbanandsuburbanlandscaping.
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
anemotionalsense,lindenisoftenusedforgrieforheartache.Inthedoctrineofsignatures,theheart-shapedleaveshinttothispurpose.Wecanalsolooktolinden’srelaxingpropertiesandsedativesupportofthenervesasassistingusthroughdifficult,heartbreakingtimes.
PREPARATIONSLindeniseasytofindormakeasatea.Youcanalsomakeitintoatincture,syrup,orvinegar.Teas,tinctures,andvinegarscanbeusedintopicalpreparations,suchasafacewashorfootbath.
HARVESTINGTIPHarvestlindeninearlysummer,whenthefragrantflowersarejustbeginningtobloom,pickingtheflowersalongwiththepale-greenbract.Whileinbloom,thetreewillmostlikelybebuzzingwithbees—theylovelindenandmakeatastyhoneyfromtheflowers.Goslowlytoavoidgettingstung!
HometreatmentsLindenteabringsreliefincasesofcoldorfluthatincludesdry,hackingcoughs,swollenandinflamedairpassageways,fever,andcongestion.Itcanpromotesleepandrestwithitssedativeproperties,andhasbeenknowntorelieveheadaches.OnedayafriendandIwerestuckworkingalongdayintheherbshopandbothofusfeltsomethingcomingon.Webrewedupsomestronglindentea,andinnotimeatallwewerebothfeelingasweatcomingon.Weaddedsomeelderberryandholybasilandnippedthatillnessinthebud.
Lindenistrulyafriendduringaperiodofinsomniabroughtaboutbygrieforheartache.Oncesomeonedeartomewasstrickenwithaseriousdisease,andIwasn’tabletoseetheminpersonforalongwhile.Needlesstosay,Iwasdevastated.Lindenteahelpedmefindsomemuch-neededrestandsleepduringthispainfultime.
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
andcover.
4. Letthesyrupsteepovernight,thenstrainoutthesolidsandbottlethesyrup.Storeatroomtemperatureandusewithin1year.
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.
Verbascumthapsus
MULLEINMulleinwashistoricallyusedinAfrica,Greece,andpartsofEuropebeforesettlersbroughtitovertotheAmericasinthe1600sanditbecamepartoftheherbalhealingtraditionintheWest.NativeAmericansquicklyfoundplentifulmedicalusesfortheplant.Mulleingrowsinrocky,dry,anddisturbedsoils,aswellasinmeadowsorfencerows.Itrequiresfullsunandmusthavesomecoldweatherinordertoproduceflowerspikesinthesecondyear.Ithasmanyhealingbenefitsandisalsoanattractiveenoughplanttogrowasanornamentinthegarden.
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
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.
HometreatmentsThemucilaginouspropertyofmulleinisexceptionalforhelpingmoveahot,drycoldupandoutofthechestortohelpdrainthesinuses.Mulleinhasaspecialtalentformoisteningandlooseningallthetight,tenseareasoftheupper-respiratorysystemandthenrelaxingthemusclesandallowingmucustoflowfreelyinordertobecoughedup.Hotmulleinteainamugalsoallowsinhalationofthesteam,increasingtheseactions.Itsmildsedativepropertiespromoterestfulsleep.
Usingmulleinforhemorrhoidsisveryeffective.Thepain-reducingandwound-healingabilitiescombinewiththeastringentyetemollientproperties,andarecomplementedbyanti-inflammatoryandantibacterialstrengths,toboot.Applyawarmpoulticeseveraltimesadayforverypainfulcases.Youcanmakewipeswithinfusedoilandapplyseveraltimesadayforreliefbeforehemorrhoidsgetafoothold.
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
outsideoftheeartodistributetheoilandincreasecirculation.Iftolerated,putacottonballintheeartokeepitwarm,andresttheearagainstaheatingpad.Repeatasnecessaryevery30to60minutesuntiltheearfeelsbetter.
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.
NASTURTIUMNasturtiumisaperfectexampleofwhyit’simportanttoknowLatinnamesaswellasthecommonnamesofplants.Whenyouvisitgreenhousesandherbfarmsinspringtoaskfornasturtium,youwanttomakesureyou’regettingtheplansfromthegenusTropaeolum,notNasturtiumofficinale,whichisactuallywatercress.Thetwoplantsshareaspicy,hotflavor—andnotmuchelse.NasturtiumisnativetoSouthAmericaandismostlygrownasanannual.Theflowerscomeinshadesfrombutteryyellowandcreamyapricottobrilliantorange,red,andvibrantscarlet.Inaninformaltastetest,mysisterandIdecidedthatthedeeperthecolor,thespiciertheflavoroftheflower.It’sintheleaves,however,wherethemedicinalpropertiesreside.
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
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.
HometreatmentsNasturtiumleavesmixedwithEpsomsaltsmakeasplendidsoakforsore,hot,tiredfeet,orasabathteatosootheskinabrasions,cuts,orstrainedmusclesandrinseawaydirtandsweatafteralongdayspentoutside(think:gardening).Thisbathperksusupandfightsfungus,germs,andgrunge,andwillalsohelpwashoffalltheallergensthatmightcomefromadayinthegardenandcauseitchyeyesandsniffles.Andwhileyou’resoakingawayinthere,haveanicehotcupoffreshnasturtium-leafteawithsomepeppermint,rosemary,andstingingnettles,sweetenedwithlocalrawhoneytohelpclearupthosepeskyallergysymptoms.
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
sauce.
3. Drizzleoverpastaorthedishofyourchoice.Freezein¼-cupservingsinresealablebagsanduseasdesiredwithin3to4months.
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.
3. Afteraboutamonth,runthemixturethroughafoodprocessorandstrainwell.Boththetinctureandtherinsewilllastindefinitelyatroomtemperature.
Avenasativa
OATSMostpeoplegenerallydon’tthinkaboutoatsasanherb.It’sagood,heartybreakfastfoodandaningredientincookiesorgranolabars,andissometimesaddedtobrothsandmeatloaf,right?Butwildoatshaveplentyofmedicinalbenefits.Theyarerampantinmyyard,plantedregularlybybirds,Iassume.They’reatypeofgrass,withthegrainbeingtheseed.It’spossibletopurchaseoatseedsthatproducelargergrains,butthewildonesworkforme.EachyearIleaveacoupleofpatchesuntilthey’vegottentotherightstage,andthenIharvestthemandreclaimthebitoflandtheywereonforotherplants.
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,
irritability,andpostpartumblues.Itisgrounding,helpingfortifyusduringgrief,andpromotesemotionalwell-being.Oatmealistheripeseed.Itnourishesandlubricatesthroughoutthebodyandtheskinwhilesupportingthenervoussystem.
PREPARATIONSteas,tinctures,inbathsandontheskin,andinfood
DOSAGETeasandtincturescanbetakenseveraltimesdaily.Useexternallyasneeded.
HARVESTINGTIPThetrickiestthingaboutthemilkyoatstageiscatchingitattherighttime.Whenthekernelsbegintodevelop,besureyouhaveyouralcoholreadytogointhehousebecauseitisonlymilkyforaboutaweek.Testforthemilk(latex)everydaybypinchingoneoftheoats.Whenasmalldropofwhiteliquidappears,itistimetomaketincture.Therewon’tbeanotherchanceuntilnextyear.
HometreatmentsOatsworkwondersforadultswhoarestretchedtothelimitswithstressfuljobs,youngchildren,agingparents,andnotenoughhoursintheday.Moreoftenthannot,alittlegroundingcomesinhandy,andadailydoseofmilkyoattincturefitsthatbill.
Oatmealasaregularpartofyourdietisfillingandsoothingtothenerves,anditsfiberandbulkcontributetoregularity.Oatsareaverysimple“herb”toaddtodailylife.
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.
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.
Pinusspp.
PINEIliveontheedgeofaChristmastreefarm,soitseemedonlyrighttoincludepineinthelineupofherbsforthisbook.Allpinesareconifers,buttherearemanyconifersthatarenotpines.Therearemorethan30kindsofpineinNorthAmericaand125worldwide.It’sinterestingtonotethattherearemorethan500conifer(cone-bearing)speciesintheworld.Treeslikelarch,spruce,cedar,andfirareconifersbutnotpines.Themostcommonpinesgrowneedlesinbundlesoftwotofive,wrappedatthebasebyapaper-thin,shallowsheathwheretheyattachtothetwig.It’simportanttoidentifythetreesproperly.Agoodfieldguidewillhelpidentifyevergreenssoyoucanusethemwithconfidence.
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
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.
HometreatmentsThemildscentofpineprovidedbypineneedleteaisinvigoratingandcansharpencognitivepowers.Personally,Ifindthatpineperksupmyspirits.Inadditiontodrinkingthetea,IcarryasmallvialofacombinationofsapsfromdifferentpinetreesinmypursetosniffwhenIneedtoclearmyhead.
Pinesapsalveisagoodchoiceforfeetandankleswherealackofcirculationmayleadtoulcerationoftheskin.Thewarming,drynatureofpinerelievesthecoldanddampeffectsoftoolittleexerciseandretainedwaterinthejoints.
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
roomtemperatureforayearormore.
TOMAKETHETINCTURE
1. Combinethepinesapandalcoholinan8-or12-ouncejar.
2. Placethejarinawarmplace,suchasawindowsill,andletsteepforuptoamonth,shakingthejardailyifpossible.
3. Strainwell,bottle,anduseasneeded.Thetincturewilllastatroomtemperatureforatleast10years.
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.
Plantagospp.
PLANTAINPlantainisthefirst“weedy”herbthatmostofususe.Nottobeconfusedwiththemildcookingbananas,thisplantgrowsinabasalrosette,sendingupslimseedstalksfromthecenter.Theleavesofthetwomostcommonspecies(majorandlanceolata)inmostoftheU.S.haveribsallthewayfromthestemtotheleaftip.Plantaingrowssoabundantlyinthiscountry(andonnearlyeverycontinent)thattherehasneverbeenatimewhenIneededitandcouldn’tfindit,unlessitwasthedeepestpartofwinter.I’veevenfounditinmidtownManhattan,growinginsidewalkcracks!Withalittleplanning,plantainisalwaysthereforus.
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
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!
HometreatmentsPlantain’sdrawingabilityisremarkableonsplintersandbeeorwaspstings.I’veevenuseditsuccessfullyonablockedsalivarygland.Poulticesaremosteffectiveforthispurpose,butcompresseswithwarmteaorinfusedoilwillalsodothetrick.Astubbornsplinterstraightthatwentintothepadofmythumbcamerightoutwithplantain,andtheinfectionandpuscameoutalongwithit.Plantainisalsoverygoodforweepyrashes,likepoisonivy.Theastringenttanninsdryupthefluidintheblistersandsootheandprotecttheskinatthesametime.Plantainteaortinctureisgoodforsomeonewithanoverlydryconstitution,asitwilladdsomemoistureandlubricationthroughoutthebodyintheorgansandjoints.
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.
2. Oncetheherbsaredried,mixallofthemtogetherandkeeptheteablendinajar.
3. Addabout2teaspoonsoftheteablendtoateaball.Puttheteaballinamug,pourinhotwater,andletsteepforatleast5minutesorupto15minutes.
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.
Rosaspp.
ROSETherosepetalissoftandsilkybutverystrong.It’sverydifficulttopowder.Evencrispy-dry,itdoesn’tcrumblelikeotherdriedherbs.Therearelotsofdocumentedphysicalbenefitsandusesforrose,butthemorewegettoknowit,themoreweunderstandtheimportantbenefitscenteredaroundouremotions.RoseisalwaysconsideredtheflowerofloveandgetstrottedouteveryValentine’sDay,butitlivesuptothatnameinwayswedon’ttypicallyconsider.Herbalistsrequestremediesmadefromrosetosupportthosewhoarefacingtraumaordisaster.Thecallisalways“Morerose!Weneedmorerose!”Considerplantingarosebushforbeautyandhealth.
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.
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.
HometreatmentsRosepetalvinegarisgreatforsunburnorwindburn,andissimpletomake.Justinfusevinegarwithpilesofrosepetalsandallowittosteepuntilneeded.Pouracuportwoofthevinegarintoawarmbathandsoakthoserawedgesaway.
Rosehasalonghistoryofuseforbeauty.Itisconsideredtobeoneofthepremieringredientstocarefordry,sensitive,oragingskin.It’sanaturaltonerthatsoothesandhelpsskinretainmoisture.AncientEgyptiansusedoilsinfusedwithrosestoprotecttheirskinfromthedrywindsofthedesert.Therearemanywaystotreatyourskintorose’sbenefits.Mymotheralwayslovedglycerinandrosewater(ina50:50ratio),butIprefertojustuserosewaterinaspraybottle.Otherterrificoptionsaretosoakfreshrosepetalsinwitchhazelforaspectaculartoner;addrosepetalstothebath;andinfusejojobaorapricotkerneloilwithrosepetalsforasimplemoisturizer.
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.
5. Removefromtheheatandpourintohotsterilizedjars.
6. Storethejamintherefrigeratorfor2to3months.
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.
4. Returntheliquidtothepanandbringtoaboil.
5. Addthesugarandstiruntilitiscompletelydissolved.Bringtoaboilfor3to5minutes.Themixtureshouldbegintothicken.
6. Addthehoney.
7. Letcoolslightlyandpourintobottles.Thesyrupwillkeepforuptoayearintherefrigerator.
TIPIliketoaddacupofbrandytothesyruptohelppreserveitlonger(about2years),andforitsaddedwarmingeffect.
Rosmarinusofficinalis
ROSEMARYRosemarycomeswithitsshareofherblore,includingtalesofscholarswearingchapletsofrosemaryabouttheirheadstoimprovecerebralpowers.LegendhasitthattheVirginMarydrapedherbluecloakoverarosemaryshrub,turningthewhiteflowersforeverblue.Rosemarysymbolizesremembranceandhasarichhistoryinbothweddingsandfunerals.Ofcoursethefairiesloverosemaryandsometimesdisguisethemselvesassnakestohidebeneathitsbranches.Sprigsorsachetsofrosemaryhungbythedoorarebelievedtoprotectthehouseandkeepnegativityaway.And,ofcourse,rosemaryhasmanymedicinalbenefits.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
TIPPlacingthepotpourriinmuslinbagsorheat-sealableteabagsinadvancemakesforaneasiercleanup.
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.
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
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.
HometreatmentsTheteenyears(andmenopausalyears,nowthatIthinkaboutit)arefraughtwithsweatypalms,oilyhairandface,andjusttoomuchdampnessallaround.Makeasagefacialbygrindingsagetogetherwithoatmeal,yarrow,androsestotakeawaytheoilslick.Sageteacanhelpwithexcessiveperspiration.
Forabrutalsorethroatorlaryngitis,sageteaisawonder.Whenitwasfirstsuggestedtome,Irecallbeingconfused—itseemedlikedryingoutmythroatwouldonlymakethingsworse.ButIfoundthatittonedthesofttissueofmypalateandthroat,handilytookcareoftheinflammation,andclearedthemucusaway.
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.
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.
Urticadioica
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.
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
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.
HometreatmentsInthedeadofwinterwhereIlive,therearealwaysallergensintheair,andmykidshaveseriousallergies.We’vetriedmanythingsovertheyears,finallysettlingonacombinationofstingingnettlesandbeepollen,whichhasproventobeabout85percenteffective!Wetakeateaspoonofbeepollenthroughoutthedayalongwithanettletinctureorteathreetimesaday.
Duringthebeginningstagesofmenopause,mensescanbecomeheavyandmorefrequent,sometimesleadingtoanemia.Timefornettletoshine!Dailydosesofahighlyconcentratedherbalinfusion(mix1ounceofdriedherbwith1quartofheatedwaterandsteepovernight)canhelpbalanceouttheconfusedhormonesandrebuildiron.
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
reducebyaboutathird.
4. Addthemolassestothemixtureandstirwhilehot.Letcool.
5. Transferthecooledsyruptoyourdesiredcontainer,preferablyanamber-tintedglassjar.Storethesyrupintherefrigeratorandusewithinayear.
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.
Camelliasinensis
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.
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,
greentea,andfreshstevialeaves.
PREPARATIONSTeasareavailableloose,packagedinteabags,powdered(inthecaseofmatcha),asgreenteacapsules,infusions,andcompresses,andusedincooking.
DOSAGETeaisgenerallyconsideredsafe,althoughkeepinmindthatitcontainscaffeine.FivecupsperdayissuggestedforgettinganoptimalamountofEGCGfromgreentea.
DRINKINGTIPBaggedteaisokay,butitistoteawhatdriedherbsintinsaretohomegrownfreshherbs.Weoweittoourselvestouselooseteasandtastethedifference.Mostteabagsarefilledwith“tailings,”thesmallpowderedbitsthatareleftafterthegoodstuffhasbeenpackagedasloosetea.
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.
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.
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.
5. Theelectuarycanbestoredatroomtemperatureforuptoayear.
Thymusspp.
THYMEWhenIwasfirststartingoutwithculinaryherbs,someonetoldmethatthymewastheeasiestandmostversatileofthesavoryherbs.Ihavetoagree.Infact,itgottothepointwhereI’dstepoutandgatherafewsprigstoaddtoalmosteverydish.ThymeisanotherMediterraneanherb,likesageandrosemary,anditlovesthesunandwell-drainedsoil.Thistiny-leafedplantthatisonlyafewinchesfromthegroundhasarichhistory.Itwasconsideredasymbolofcourageinmedievaltimes,andlaterhadthehonorofbeinganingredientinthevinegarknownasFourThieves(orperhapsForthave’safteradoctorofthetime)thatwasusedasapreventivefortheBlackPlague.Asifthatweren’tenoughforthisdiminutivegroundcover,itisalsoafavoriteofthefairies.
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
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.
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.
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.
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’
sugar.
4. Asthemixturecools,pulluptheendofthecandywithafork.Usingkitchenshears,cutthecandyintopiecesandtossintotheconfectioners’sugar,whereitwillfinishhardening.Youcanputitinawarmoven(180°Fto200°F,“warm”setting)ifthecandyissettinguptoofast.Whenthecandysetsup,itishard.
Achilleamillefolium
YARROWWildyarrowisacommonweedinmyarea.Itsnugglesuptothebayberryandhazelnutbushesalongthepathdowntothesoapworkshop,andinearlysummerIgathertheflowersonthewayhome.Totheuntrainedeye,yarrowmightlooklikeQueenAnne’slace,buttherearemanydifferences,onebeingthatyarrow’sleaveslooklikegreenmillipedes.Theplantissocommon,yetIignoredyarrowforalongtime.AfterCearaFoleyfromtheAppalachiaSchoolofHolisticHerbalismtalkedabouthowmuchshelovedyarrowataconferenceIattended,Iresearcheditdeeper.ThenextspringIwasusingitineverypreparationIcouldthinktomake.Nowyarrowisoneofmygo-toherbs.
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
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.
HometreatmentsYarrow’sstypticabilitiesareveryimportantforpeoplewhoareoutdoorsworkingorplayinghard.Childrenshouldbetaughtaboutyarrowandplantain,andolderpeoplewhomayusebloodthinnerswillbenefitfromtheknowledgeofyarrowaswell.Thewholedriedherbisuncomfortableandpossiblydamagingtowoundedtissue,butyarrowpowderissimpleandeffectivetouse.
Yarrowisn’ttypicallythefirstherbwereachfortorelievestomachproblems,butitisawarmingbitterafterall.Ifyouareoverlydryinconstitution,don’tuseyarrowwithregularity,butusedoccasionallyfordigestiveissues,yarrowmakesabigdifference.Yarrowtea,tincture,orbitterstonethesystem,triggervariouscriticaldigestiveactions,andaddressalmosteverysortofdigestivecomplaint.
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
healthydigestion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SMUDGEAmethodofburningherbsforpurification,ritual,andcleansing.
SPITPOULTICEAsimplepoulticemadebychewingafreshleafandapplyingitdirectlytoawound.
STIMULANTAnagentthatenergizesasystemofthebody.
STYPTICTendingtostopbleedingbyconstrictingtissueandbloodvessels.
THERMOGENICInducingtheproductionofheattopromoteweightlossbyincreasingthecaloricburnrate.
TONICSHerbsthatrestoreorincreasebodytone.
TRICHOMEAhairorhairlikeoutgrowthonthestemsandleavesofplants.
VULNERARYHavingwound-healingproperties.
AdaptedwithpermissionfromKristineBrown,RH(AHG)atHerbalRootszine(HerbalRootsZine.com).
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
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
ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
TinaSamshasbeenenjoyingeveryaspectofplantsfornearlyherentirelife,
originallylearningfromhergrandfatherinthePennsylvaniaGermancultureofLancaster,PA.Therearefewthingsthataremoreexcitingtoherthanbeingelbowdeepinherbs,learningaboutwildedibleplants,findingnewmedicinaluses,orcraftingwithherbs.TeamingupwithhersisterMaryanne(thepairhavesometimesbeenknownastheTwistedSisters),she’sopenedshops,workedfestivals,spokenatconferences,taughtclasses,andrunstandsatfarmers’markets.SheispublisherandeditorofTheEssentialHerbalMagazine,whichshe’spublishedfornearlytwodecades.