Spa Bath At Home

My favorite way to relax, treat aches and pains, insomnia, and my fibromyalgia, is simple soak in the tub.  But by adding two or three ingredients, they turn my bath in a private retreat. Choose one or more of the following salts and oils to create your own spa: Salts: Epsom Salt In water, itContinue reading “Spa Bath At Home”

Ginger Syrup

Just the name, Zingiber Officinale promises a great surprise.  But, it’s no secret that ginger works well for motion sickness. But, there’s must more to this rhizome than you think. Ginger is one of the most ancient spices worldwide. It has become well-known for its health benefits, which include its ability to boost bone health, strengthen the immune system, increase appetite,Continue reading “Ginger Syrup”

Garlic Onion Honey, Cold and Flu Cough Syrup

Garlic, onion, and honey are a powerhouse of combined healing naturals.  When you feel a sore throat,  cold, runny nose, and body aches coming on, your immune system is probably running on empty.  You can mix up this easy remedy for fast relief. This syrup is all natural, and it tastes yummy too. All youContinue reading “Garlic Onion Honey, Cold and Flu Cough Syrup”

Elderberry Syrup

Many symptoms connected to colds and flus are effectively treated with this tiny berry. Coughs, fevers and sinus infections all bow to elder’s healing touch.  This makes elderberry a rare herb as it not only prevents infection but also treats the infection after it’s taken hold. Elder is an important herb for the immune system,Continue reading “Elderberry Syrup”

Black Nettle Syrup

I make this dark healing syrup for myself, for two reasons.  First, I suffer from anemia.  My iron levels, Vitamins B12 and D are often low.  Second, I have allergies.  Nettles (Stinging Nettles) help both of my problems in one delicious syrup.  And with the added Black Strap Molasses and honey, I receive even greaterContinue reading “Black Nettle Syrup”

37 Herbal Remedies For Colds and Coughs

It’s a fact of life, everyone gets a cold sometimes.  Along with colds comes cough, chest congestion, sinus infection, headache, body aches, stomach aches, and other complaints. You could reach for over the counter drugs, or better yet, try some of the herbal remedies listed in this post.  If you can make a tea, thanContinue reading “37 Herbal Remedies For Colds and Coughs”

Basil

Basil is available in many varieties.  Choosing which basil to grow and use is the hardest part but using them is very easy.   There’s cinnamon, dark opal, holy, lemon, lime, spicy bush, purple ruffles, sweet thai and many others to choose from.  But sweet basil is my favorite.  It has the classic basil flavor we’ve all comeContinue reading “Basil”

Chamomile

Scientific Name: Matricaria recutitaCommon Names: German chamomile, Roman chamomile, wild chamomileFamily: Asteraceae-Daisy FamilyPart Used: flower headsProperties:  analgesic , anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, anti-fungal, anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-rheumatic, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, diuretic, sedative Uses:  indigestion, gas, bloating, heartburn, peptic ulcers, to calm nervousness, insomnia, spasms in stomach and muscles, diluted for children (colic, insomnia, upset stomach), hair rinse for blonds, herb pillowContinue reading “Chamomile”

Cilantro or Coriander

Cilantro is an herb that is never available in dried form, since its pungent flavor and aroma seem to dissipate almost entirely when dried. Sometimes referred to as Spanish or Chinese parsley.  Fresh cilantro is becoming more widely available in produce markets. Cilantro has a unique flavor and aroma that some savor and others dislike.Continue reading “Cilantro or Coriander”

Elder Flowers

Scientific Name:  Sambucus nigraCommon Names:  elder, mother elder, elderberries, elderflowersFamily:  Caprifoliaceae-Honeysuckle Family Uses: sweat-inducing for fevers encourage circulation, colds and flu bronchial and upper-respiratory allergy and hay fever eye wash tonsillitis and sore throat mild laxative rheumatism and gout inflammation The Elder, with its flat-topped masses of creamy-white, fragrant blossoms, followed by large dropping bunches ofContinue reading “Elder Flowers”

How To Make Decoctions

Decoctions are preferred for harder herbs like roots, barks, and seeds, it takes longer to release the healing properties.  It’s best, but not necessary, to mash or grind the thick herb before use. To make a decoction, you just need the following steps: Use 1 tablespoon dried herb per 1 1/2 cup of cold, filtered waterContinue reading “How To Make Decoctions”

Shepherd’s Purse

Common Names – Shepherd’s Purse , Pickpurse, Casewort, Lady’s Purse Botanical Name – Capsella bursa-pastoris Family – BRASSICACEA What a curious name for a plant.  It was probably called this because of the resemblance of the flat seed pouches of the plant to an old fashioned leather purse. From Europe this little plant found its way around theContinue reading “Shepherd’s Purse”

Uva Ursi

Common Names – Uva Ursi , Bearberry Botanical Name – Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Family – ERICACEAE Uva Ursi, is a small groundcover shrub distributed throughout northern latitudes and in high altitudes further south. The plant produces small; stiff evergreen leaves that last 1-3 years before falling.  In late spring, white to pink flowers bloom, eventually producing ¼- to ½-inchContinue reading “Uva Ursi”

Rosemary

Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary is one of the most commonly found herbs in a spice rack, and for good reason – not only does it have a wonderful taste and aroma, but also a wealth of beneficial health effects if regularly added to our diet. The scientific name of this perennial woody herb is Rosmarinus officinalis. Similar to manyContinue reading “Rosemary”

Healthy Woman Tea Blends

Try these special herbal tea blends for problems with your period or if you just want to prevent problems. Drinking herbal teas are not a quick fix, but over time they will calm and heal. Tea Blend Recipes Heavy Periods and Cramps If your periods are heavy with uncomfortable cramping, than this tea blend isContinue reading “Healthy Woman Tea Blends”

Thyme

Thyme is a tiny-leaved herb that is most often used in French cooking.  Make sure to strip the leaves from the woody stems before adding them to recipes (unless it’s used to flavor a roast or soup and then removed before serving!).  Run your finger and thumb along the stems (the opposite direction of growth)Continue reading “Thyme”

12 Common Culinary Herbs and Spices

New to cooking with herb and spices?  This post will help you create delicious dishes using herbs and spices that you probably have in your cupboard. Not only are herbs and spices tasty, but are rich in vitamins and minerals that you and your family need everyday.  Therefore, to reserve the healthy benefits, add mostContinue reading “12 Common Culinary Herbs and Spices”

Astragalus

The most interesting health benefits of astragalus include its ability to protect heart health, alleviate allergies, boost energy levels, lower stress, strengthen the immune system, slow the aging process, and prevent chronic illnesses. This herbal medicine is also able to prevent cancer as well as aid in chemotherapy. For thousands of years, the powerful extract from astragalus plant has been used in traditionalmedicine.  The extract of astragalus comesContinue reading “Astragalus”