Herbal Candles : Lavender and Rose

This is a fun and quick little craft. If you happen to have a candle warmer then this will be a snap. I used  small pan on low heat.on my stove.

Turn on you candle warmer and place a few tea light on it. Once they start to melt, sprinkle a few rose petals on to each candle. Then remove and allow to cool. The candle will absorbed the oils from the herbs and there should be a faint scent once burned. They make cute gifts.

now, this can be done on the stove top. Just keep and eyes on them as to not cause a fire, like someone else (>.>) .

This were so fun and quick to make. I am thinking about making a few more. They would make nice stocking suffers. Add a bit of essential oils to make other scent combinations. This is a craft that can be adapted to any taste.


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Herb of the Week: Lavender

Lavender is a wildly popular herb not only for it lovely scent, but for it therapeutic effects.  Lavender is derived from either the Latin lavare, meaning to wash or livendula meaning livid or bluish. In ancient Greece, Persia and, Rome, it was used as a perfume in baths and laundry and as antiseptic. In Medieval and Renaissance Europe, the washing women were known as "lavenders" and they used lavender to scent drawers and dried the laundry on lavender bushes (History of lavender, 2013).Ancient Egyptians created mummification casts by soaking linen in oil of lavender containing asphalt, then wrapping the bodies with these and drying them in the sun until the casts were hard (Basch, 2013).  It has been used in cosmetically and medicinally throughout most of know history.  The most common species of lavender is English lavender ( L. angustifolia). Lavender had many uses in historical medicine :

Acne, angioprotectant, anticonvulsant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial , antioxidant , antipyretic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, appetite stimulant, asthma, bronchitis, burn treatment, carpal tunnel syndrome, cholagogue, cicatrizant, circulation problems (balneotherapy), cleanser (douche), colic, common cold, diabetes , diuretic, dizziness, emmenagogue, exercise recovery, fatigue , fever, gas, hangovers, heart disease prevention (decrease in heart rate), heartburn, HIV, hypotension, indigestion, infections , infertility, inflammation , insect repellent, lice, menopause, menstrual period problems , migraine, motion sickness, mood , nausea, neuroprotection, parasitic infection, psychosis, Roehmheld's syndrome, sedation, snake repellant, sores, sprains, tension headache, toothache, varicose veins, vomiting, warts (plantar), wound healing( Basch, 2013).

In Folk methods its therapeutic use of essential oil of English lavender for pain, infection, relaxation, and sedation dates back centuries (Basch, 2013). Lavender is rich in volatile oils and has been used as a fragrance and medicinal herb. Linen bags containing lavender flowers were commonly placed under pillows for their alleged soporific properties (Basch, 2013).

In current times, lavender is used as an anxiolytic and sleep aid. Its oil is still used in therapeutic methods for pain infection, relaxation and sedation. Lavender oil is also used as aromatherapeutic anxiolytic and hypnotic, including in the hospital setting (Basch). In modern times, lavender is cultivated around the world and the fragrant oils of its flowers are used in : aromatherapy, baked goods, candles, cosmetics, detergents, jellies, massage oils, perfumes, powders, shampoos, soaps, and teas (Basch, 2013).  In Phase I human trials  constituent perillyl alcohol (POH) found in lavender, for cancer have suggested safety and tolerability (up to 1,200mg/m² four times daily) ( Basch, 2013) although, efficacy has not been demonstrated (Basch, 2013). The weight of the evidence suggests a small positive effect, although additional data from well-designed studies are required before the evidence can be considered strong in the support for cancer and in how lavender working in relaxation (Basch, 2013).

How to use lavender in modern healing. This week we will touch lightly on all the wonderful things that lavender can do.

It can be used in a wonderful tea, which we will make later the week.

In a tincture to help promote relaxation and sleep

Adding the dried herb to homemade pillows or sleep masks to help promote relaxing sleep.

It can be made into a mist with water or into lavender water. To make lavender water follow the steps we used to make rose water and substitute lavender for rose. This mist can be lavender water or water with some lavender essential oil added to it. Use spray on burns to offer relief. A strong lavender tea can be cooled and used as a scalp rinse to help prevent dandruff

For a nice soak, add a few drops of lavender essential oil or a cup of strong brewed lavender tea and a cup of epsom salts to a bath helps relax sore muscles.

Dried lavender flowers sewn into small satchels can be sued to keep clothes smelling fresh or in place of dryer sheets in the dryer

Lavender essential oil can be used topically to help with acne or skin irritations it is also wonderful for headaches, when rubbed at the temples.

Do not use lavender essential oil internally. Please consulate with your doctor in all case about your health.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Basch, E., Conquer, J., Costa, D., & Foppa, ,. (2013). Natural Standard - Database Home. Natural Standard - Database Home. Retrieved November 12, 2013, from http://naturalstandard.com/databases/herbssupplements/lavender.asp?#attribution

The History of Lavender. (2013). The History of Lavender. Retrieved November 12, 2013, from http://www.lavenderfarm.com/history.htm

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265922.php

A Walk in the woods

This was a foray into sweet Mori, but with pants. Well, I added linen pant to the outfit and rose shirt. I know rose is not the only sweet color, but it dose look so nice with the light brown and the dark brown. The long vest is from forever ago. It is very light weight , great for layering and has a nice rich color.



Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Roes Elixier a how to

Rose Elixir is a lovely treat and medicine, it is also very simple to make.

Ingredients: 

A pint canning jar or another glass jar that seal well

Fresh rose petal

About a pint of high quality brandy, rum or whiskey

About 1/3 pint of raw honey, a lighter type such as clover or wildflower. 

Directions

First fill the jar to the top with rose petals. There is no need to pack them in but press them back a bit.

Pour the honey in slowly, stirring as necessary, until the petals are well coated.

Fill to the top with you choice of alcohol, stirring to remove the air bubbles. Then cover with a tight fitting lid and shake.

Let the petals macerate in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks. 

When straining, save both the liquid and the petal. 

The petals can be eaten alone or used in salad or to top a cake.

As a medicine

This elixir is relaxing and uplifting.

 It could be used for trauma ,grief, depression, anxiety, heartbreak and chronic stress and fatigue to good effect. 

Rose has also been known to help restore the flora in the gut and settle  gastric disturbances. 

Source

http://www.learningherbs.com/news_issue_35.html

Dark Mori bike ride

This was a cute like outfit for a bike ride. I was looking for something dark and mori.  Mori is style concept from Japan. The idea is that you are a forest girl or fairy. The clothes are often layered, dresses and shirt upon each other. I am just starting to get into mori fashion . So this is my take on dark mori. The lace dress is from my closet, then I added a par of shorts and a hoodie. It did give it  a cute vibe. It was nice for a bike ride.



Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Clothes: Hoodie: Khol's. Dress: Target, Shorts: JCPenny's

Dark and stormy Mori

 So it was a dark and stormy day and instead of change my colors and rebelling against the weather . I dress for it. The weather was the inspiration for this mori look. I pulled out my black maxi dress, and started there. I added a grey black skirt and a grey lace vest. Then a rose sweater, to cover my arms and to give some live to the outfit. below is a shot of a few bits of jewelry. Both the cuff and the necklace ore older than I am and were gifted.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Rose herbal oil

So there are many way to make an herbal oil. But, you really only need three things: a carrier oil, the herb and crock pot. You can add a fourth which is cheesecloth.

To make the herbal oil get a good cooking grade herbal oil, like grape seed oil, sunflower oil or the like. Something with out it own scent. So while you could use olive oil, it would over power the herb. It might also not smell that great with the herb that you are working with.

The ratio I was given that tens to work for most herbs is 1/4 of an ounce to 4 fluid ounces of oil. This should be enough herb to cover the surface of the oil. put these two items in to a crock pot and turn it on low. If you have cheese cloth wait and secure your herb in the cloth. Make a small bag and tie it close so none of the herb get out. Then walk away for four to eight hours. Now if you  used the cheese cloth lift it out with a clean spoon and press gently against the side of the pot to extra the oil that is in it. The pour the oil in to a clean, sterile jars.

If you did not have cheese cloth that is okay, there is just a little more work. Strain the oil through a sieve or remove all particles with a slotted spoon. Once this is done then store in a clean jars away from sunlight.

This oil can be use for massage, one the face or body and even the hair. It also can be used in a oil burner or reed diffuser . It should impart a wonderful scent.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Strawberry Lassi

A Lassi is a type pf smoothie, that comes from India. It is a refreshing drink that is great with spicy foods nad the dairy in it cuts the heat. On it own it can be a sweet and healthy snack, a refreshing way to beat the heat.

The Strawberry lassi  is not traditional, but it is a nice way to add seasonal fruit into a transitional drink. I found a lovely recipe here. One of the most important things I have noticed in researching how to make a lassi , is to have good, fresh yogurt.

Ingredients: 
* 1 to 1 1/1 cup Strawberries
* 1-1 1/2 cups full fat yogurt
* 6 -7 tbsp sugar or honey based on the sweetness of the strawberries.
* 1 -2 tsp of rose water
*  roses or sliced strawberries to top

Direction:
Rise, hull  and roughly chop the strawberries. Then blend to a smooth puree.
Add the yogurt and rose water.

 Pulse the mixture at intervals, until smooth and creamy.

 Top with roses or strawberries.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Dark chocolate and Rose Fudge.

So wanted to do something sweet with the roses. Summer is ending and I want to capture a bit of it in this treat. I was clicking  through pinterest when I cam across a nutella fudge. I love nutella. I have made this fudge before and it is quick and simple. Yet, I wanted to change it up.


To make this you will need the following ingredients: butter, sweetened condensed milk, rose water, chocolate, Nutella, cranberries and almonds.

 This is a simple adaption.

Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon Butter, For Greasing 8 x 8 baking square
1 can (14 Oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
2-3 teaspoon Rose water
8 ounces, Chocolate Chips, I used dark chocolate.
1 cup Nutella at room temperature
3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter at room temperature. Cut these into 1/2-inch pieces, they will melt faster.
A handful of almond and dried cranberries.
Roses for topping

Directions: 
Grease the bottom and sides of an 8- by 8-inch baking pan with butter. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overlap on the sides. In a medium glass or stainless steel bowl, combine butter and sweetened condensed milk.Add the rose water. Add the chocolate chips.

And finally, the Nutella. 

 Stir all of the ingredients together. The mixture will be very thick.

 Now you can great a double-broiler, by setting the bowl of a medium pot of water. I happen to have a double-broiler, so I just used that.  Sir, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the  chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth.  Once the chocolate is melted added in the almonds and cranberries. Stir, the mixture for about a minutes, incorporating the the nuts and berries into the chocolate. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and spread the top smooth with a spatula. Sprinkle the fudge with roses if you would like. Refrigerate until the fudge is firm, at least 2 hours, or over night.

Once the fudge is chilled, run a knife under hot water, dry it off, and run it around the edges of the pan to loosen the fudge. Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the fudge out. Peel off the parchment paper.
Cut the fudge into 3/4-inch squares. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

How to make rose water

When looking up how to make rose water I though it would be very hard. It just took about 20 minutes to make. It just required distilled water and roses . Roses water has been used for centuries in beauty and cooking. It is a natural astringent, and is helpful in reducing redness and inflammation. It is very genital and can be used on sensitives skin. This water can be spritzed directly on to the skin or mixed into creams a lotions. 

Once made this water should smell faintly of roses. The stronger the  scent to start off with , the stronger the fragrance with be at the end. 

   

To make Rose water, place the petals in a pan an fill with distilled water. The water should just cover the roses. Place a lip on the pot a simmer over low heat, until most of the color had fade. This should take anywhere from 10-20 minutes. Be careful not to boil the petals as it could damage the beneficial properties and the color. 

Once the flowers have paled, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer. The remaining solids make for excellent compost . The water can be stored in glass jar ans should keep in refrigerator for a month or two.

The rose water can be used on it own, in a mist or dabbed directly on to the skin. Ti can also be added in to food and drinks. 

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

About Roses

Roses have been used in medicine your centuries. They have been used in many types of folk/ traditional medicines around the world. The rose has been used in Avdurydric Medicine, traditional Chinese Medicine, Greek and Roman and Egyptian medicinal practices. With current technological when have been able to refine the use of the rose, not only in medicinal practices but for beauty. Yet, some of the best uses are the oldest. While there are many varieties of roses grown only a few should be used in herbal preparation, as many of the more modern species of rose have been breed for appearance  and not scent. The scent it indicative of the oil that the rose produces. Some of the best roses to use in food or in medicine are:

Family Rosaceae
Rosa species
R. canina (Wild Rose, Dog Rose, Rose Hip, Brier Hip, Hip, Brier Rose, Eglantine Gall, Hogseed, Dog-berry, Sweet Brier, Witches’ Brier, Hep Tree, Hip Fruit, Hop Fruit, Hipberries)
R. arkansana (Prairie Wild Rose, Sunshine Rose, Arkansas Rose, Meadow Rose, Pasture Rose)
R. laevigata (Cherokee Rose)
R. gallica var. centifolia (Apothacary’s Rose, French Rose, Cabbage Rose, Hundred-leafed Rose)
R. damascena (Damask Rose)
R. rugosa (Rugosa Rose, Saltspray Rose, Beach Tornado)
R. multiflora (Japanese Rose)

The rose is one of the has been distilled to make rose water and rose oil. Rosewater can be used as a facial wash or incorporated in to lotion and creams. Later on in the week, I will be posting about how to make rosewater.  The scent of the rose is said to lift depressive moods, and create feeling of well being and mild euphoria.

All parts of the rose can be used in may different ways. The petals along can be placed on the skin as a mask or on wounds to help cleanse and stop bleeding. Rose water can be used as a mild cleasener and facial toner. The petal and rose hip can be used in tea. The rose hips are know to pack quite a bit of vitamin C.

 Beware of synthetic rose ingredients if you are buying your rose water or rose oil.

The rose also offers soothing property to the nervous symmetry, clam the mild. It is a mild sedative and anti-depressant. It would combines well with lavender in teas. It has been used in treatment for conditions of stress: nervous tension, peptic ulcers, and heart disease. Rose water can also be used a compress to treat eye infections and wounds.

The rose hips are a wonderful source of  vitamins A, B3, C, D and E. They also contain bioflavonoids, citric acid, flavonoids, fructose, malic acid, tannins and zinc. When taken in the form of tea the hips are good for infections, particularly bladder infections.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Please consulate your doctor before taking any herb or using any recipes or remedies. A berry orange day is not responsible for how this information is used.


Sources:
http://www.positivehealth.com/article/flower-essences/the-healing-properties-of-rosewater-and-rose-oil

http://www.rosemagazine.com/pages/therapeutic.asp
http://www.cloverleaffarmherbs.com/rose/

Strawberry, rose water shrub

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Golden milk

Turmeric is wonderful herb for fighting flu and colds not only in the Autumn and Winter, but all year round. This is wonderful recipe that can be used before bedtime, to help relax nerves and ease the mind in to sleep, while boosting the immune system. Now, this has a little more kick to it then the original, but I wanted to make sure the curcumin was adsorbed into the bloodstream and did its work. To learn more about turmeric click here.

Turmeric milk, golden  milk, traditional has been used for colds, congestion , headache and sore throats. This gold her is also a depression- fighter. It is something that I need to take more time to build into my everyday life. Healer heal thy self.

This a simple a quick-ish drink to make. If you have fresh turmeric and ginger please use them. If not the powdered if fine, it is what I use.

* 2 Cups of milk or milk substitute
* 1 teaspoon dried turmeric

*1 teaspoon dried ginger  

* 1/4 tsp of whole black pepper. 

* Honey to taste

One add  in that I have seen that I have not tried in a 1/4 tsp of coconut oil. 

1. Place milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
2, Add everything but the honey. Stir well to combine the ingredients
3. Let the milk simmer, small bubbles will form on the side of the saucepan. Stir
4. Continue simmering for 1-2 minutes not allowing the milk to come to a boil.
5. Remove form heat, cover and allow the mixture to rest. This will improve the infusion.
6. Strain the mixture to remove the whole black pepper corns.
&. Serve warm.


For fresh ingredients:
* 2 Cups of milk or milk substitute
* 1/2 inch fresh turmeric thinly sliced or diced
* 1/2 inch fresh ginger thinly sliced or diced
* 1/4 tsp of whole black pepper.
* Honey to taste

Please consulate your doctor before taking any herb or using any recipes or remedies.

Soucre:
http://www.freshbitesdaily.com/turmeric-milk/

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Face mask: Turmeic and Honey

Bring turmeric form inside the body, to the outside. This face mask is very simple. Just two ingredients. Turmeric and honey.

Turmeric is known for centuries for its anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. It  is a great remedy that will help get rid of your acne. Honey, also has wonderful healing properties. The type of honey that you use is important. Unpasteurized and local would be the best, as the honey would have come form your area. Unpasteurized just meet that it has not been heat, to the point where many of the good nutrients have been killed. Honey dose not spoil, or that is dose, the time frame that it takes is unknown Crystallized honey, which is honey natural state, has been found in the tombs of Pharaohs. This honey was still safe to use and was depicted on the walls in many uses. One being a face mask . 

So I use about a 1/4 cup of honey and about 2 tbsp of turmeric. To make this mask, have the honey at room temperature. It can be in a bowl or a small jar , which is what I used. Them mix in the turmeric with a spoon or a chopstick. Now, if the honey has crystallized do not worry. Put the jar of honey into a small pot and then  fill with water. Heat the water up till in is warm, do not let it boil. If it boils it will pasteurize the honey. Also, the microwave is out because it would do the same thing.

I leave this mask on for about 15-20 minutes. It leaves the skin very bright and soft. I pick any of the leftover mask with a toner, before moisturizing. I try to use this once a week. 

Miso Soup with Turmeric and Tofu

I love this soup. I have been making it all summer and it is about time that I shared it with everyone. It is a wonderful soup to transition in to fall. It is very light and refreshing. Miso paste can be hard to find. It can be order online or if your store has an international aisle sometimes it can be found there. I bought mine at the local Wegman's.

This recipes is from Food& Wine form the March 2014 magazine.

So what you will need.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium fennel bulb, trimmed and quartered
1 large carrot, chopped
1 small yellow onion, quartered
4 garlic cloves, halved
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
3 tablespoons white miso
Kosher salt
6 ounces firm tofu, cubed
Minced chives, for garnish

Make sure you have the whole black pepper corn. I did not the first time and just used black pepper and the soup came out this ugly brown color. It was also to spicy and overpowered the other flavors. I am glade I gave this soup another try with the right ingredients this time.

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the fennel, carrot, onion, garlic, peppercorns and turmeric and stir over moderate heat until evenly coated with oil. Add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Gently simmer until slightly reduced and the vegetables are soft, 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the soup into a large bowl; discard the solids.

Wipe out the saucepan and return the broth to it. Whisk the miso into the broth and cook over low heat, whisking, until hot. Season with salt. Stir in the tofu and simmer until the tofu is warm, about 2 minutes. Serve the soup garnished with chives.


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún


http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/miso-soup-with-turmeric-and-tofu

Golden Elixer

In look over some of the lovely recipes that are coming up for Turmeric. I found one buried in the archives of the free people blog. 
 This lovely golden elixir is just perfect for upcoming time of year, flu season. This elixir can be made quick and easy in the microwave if you are feeling under the weather. It can also be maybe on the stove top. The bonus of making ti stove top , you get to breath in the wonderful smell as it comes together.  This has the benefit of helping clear up you stuffy nose and allergies.

Turmeric Elixir

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

1/4 tsp ginger powder

a pinch of cayenne pepper

1tsp fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp of  whole black pepper corn

Honey to taste

Bring the water to a rolling boil. This can be done on the stove top or in the microwave. If you are using the microwave, about 3-5 minutes in a microwave safe container should do the trick.  Once the water is boiling, stir in the other ingredients. Allow the mixture to cool before imbibing.

Enjoy!

Please consulate your doctor before taking any herb or using any recipes or remedies.

Pirate Day!!!

So to day is Pirate Day!

It is fun little day. Well big day, now, that is celebrated by many. In many of the Renascence Fairs happening over the country, it is Pirate weekend. Were many people dress up like a pirate. Google also has done fun artwork for it in the past. You can also learn how to speak like a pirate. Now this all pays off if you go to a Krispy Kreme Doughnut shop. You can get a free dozen doughnut , glazed, if you dress like a pirate. This year they are added a pirate doughnut for the day and it is additional .20 cents per doughnut  to each dozen. So enjoy, dressing up and talking like a Pirate.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Book Review: The Child Thief

The Child Thief

Author: Alethea Komtis
Publisher:  HMH Book for Young Readers
Publish Date: May, 8 2012

Book Rating 3/5
Amazon /  Goodreads / Barnes and Noble

Publisher's Description 

Peter is quick, daring, and full of mischief—and like all boys, he loves to play, though his games often end in blood. His eyes are sparkling gold, and when he graces you with his smile you are his friend for life, but his promised land is notNeverland.

Fourteen-year-old Nick would have been murdered by the drug dealers preying on his family had Peter not saved him. Now the irresistibly charismatic wild boy wants Nick to follow him to a secret place of great adventure, where magic is alive and you never grow old. Even though he is wary of Peter's crazy talk of faeries and monsters, Nick agrees. After all, New York City is no longer safe for him, and what more could he possibly lose?

There is always more to lose.

Accompanying Peter to a gray and ravished island that was once a lush, enchanted paradise, Nick finds himself unwittingly recruited for a war that has raged for centuries—one where he must learn to fight or die among the "Devils," Peter's savage tribe of lost and stolen children.

There, Peter's dark past is revealed: left to wolves as an infant, despised and hunted, Peter moves restlessly between the worlds of faerie and man. The Child Thief is a leader of bloodthirsty children, a brave friend, and a creature driven to do whatever he must to stop the "Flesh-eaters" and save the last, wild magic in this dying land.

Book received:  Rented 

Why I Picked it up: Great book. This book is fast pace, wonderful and compelling, but it is not for young children. This is a dark book and will change how you view Peter. This is not Disney's Peter Pan, this is something else some darker and at times more sinister. The children here are not leaving home because it is a safe place, their home is not, some are slaves  many of the children a beat, raped, abused and murdered, the worst of it all is that it is treated as common place.  It is treated how it is depicted in society, that these things are too often common place. So if a young child reads this beware nightmare and questions. 

Now the sex and violence and profanity have a use in this story. They are part of the plot and often why the children want to leave home and words that are used by adults and thus later by children in situations that condone such language. This is a compelling story and our guide is Nick and at time Peter. 

This story of Peter stripes away the the thin veneer of kindness that we find in Disney and event the Barrie telling of this young boy and lays out the bones of this all. It reminds me of a comic done by  Zenascope Neverland, Hook and Tales Form Neverland. These are dark comics and not for children, fairytales were  originally for adults. 

Why I finished it: It was alive and had story that I knew but it was different. Darker and sadder.  

Who I would give it to: Any one who wants to known the darkside of fairytales 


Have a berry orange day,


Sú talún

Herb of the Week: Turmeric

Cite Elzbieta Sekowska/Shutterstock

This week I have decided to add in a herb. This weeks herb is Turmeric.

This a wonderful root plant that has a lovely golden color. It is great herb that can boost the the immune system and even promote a more restful night sleep. This plant has been used in Indian cook and traditional medicine for thousands of years.

The medicinal compound in turmeric are called curcuminoids, curcumin is main active ingredient and the most importan  of the curcuminoids. Curcumin has powerful anti-infammatory effecft and is a strong antioxidant.

Benefits of Turmeric:
 Abdominal Pain
 Anti inflammatory
 Antioxidant
 Anti bacterial
 Anti-venom
 Anti viral

Tumrmeric  has a  slightly bitter, slightly hot peppery flavor and a mustardy smell. Curcumin may treat cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, allergies, arthritis and other chronic illnesses.

The amount of curcuim in turmeric in about 3%, by weight.  Just consuming the herb  itself will not impart all the effect of the herb. also, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream.  When taken with black pepper, which contain piperine, the abosration rates rise by 2000% .

This suggest that the benefits of turmeric to be full experienced should be taken in a pill form or in a tincture. 

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking turmeric by mouth in medicinal amounts is LIKELY UNSAFE in pregnancy. It might promote a menstrual period or stimulate the uterus, putting the pregnancy at risk. Don’t take turmeric if you are pregnant.( WebMD)

There is not enough information to rate the safety of turmeric during breast-feeding. It’s best not to use it.(WebMD)

Gallbladder problems: Turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse. Don’t use turmeric if you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction.(WebMD)

Surgery: Turmeric might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using turmeric at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.(WebMD)

Tumeric might slow the clotting of the blood. Especially if taken along with any other medication that  slow clotting , and could improve  chances of bruising and bleeding. 

Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.(WebMD)

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Please consulate your doctor before taking any herb or using any recipes or remedies. A berry orange day is not responsible for how this information is used. 

Soruces:

http://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmeric

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-662-turmeric.aspx?activeingredientid=662&activeingredientname=turmeric

Manga Review: Fairy Tail

Author:  Hiro Mashima 
Publisher: Kodansha Comics  

Publish Date: August 6, 2006

Book Rating 5/5

On going

Amazon /  Goodreads / Ten Manga

Publisher's Description Lucy is a 17-year-old girl, who wants to be a full-fledged mage. One day when visiting Harujion Town, she meets Natsu, a young man who gets sick easily by any type of transportation. But Natsu isnt just any ordinary kid, he's a member of one of the world's most infamous mage guilds: Fairy Tail.

Manga Review 4/5

Book Recevied : Own

Why I Picked it up: The cover art looked good and I was looking for something different . This is has action, romance and magic. But the greatest things this manga talks about is friendship. 

Why I finished it: The story hit on everything form lose of friends, loved ones, parents. It tlks about the bounds between people and how they are formed. these bounds are what give you strength.  So...yeah. I kinda love the series. 

Who I would give it to: It is good pick for people who liked Inuyaha and Naruto. it will also be a nice break from those as well. 


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Book Review: Green by Jay Lake

Green

Author: Jay Lake
Publisher: Tor Books
Publish Date: February 15, 2011
Series: Green Universe
 Book Rating 4/5
Amazon /  Goodreads / Barnes and Noble

Publisher's Description 

Her exquisite beauty and brilliant mind were not enough to free her from captivity. That took her skills with a knife, plus the power of a goddess.

She was born in poverty, in a dusty village under the equatorial sun. She does not remember her mother, she does not remember her own name--her earliest clear memory is of the day her father sold her to the tall pale man. In the Court of the Pomegranate Tree, where she was taught the ways of a courtesan…and the skills of an assassin…she was named Emerald, the precious jewel of the Undying Duke’s collection of beauties. She calls herself Green.

The world she inhabits is one of political power and magic, where Gods meddle in the affairs of mortals. At the center of it is the immortal Duke’s city of Copper Downs, which controls all the trade on the Storm Sea. Green has made many enemies, and some secret friends, and she has become a very dangerous woman indeed.

Acclaimed author Jay Lake has created a remarkable character in Green, and evokes a remarkable world in this novel. Green and her struggle to survive and find her own past will live in the reader’s mind a long time after the book is closed.

Book Received: Gifted

Why I Picked it up:  The cover first grab my attention. It looked interesting and different. The story was something familiar and not. At the type I had been playing Assassin's Creed and it was along the same vain. And yet new. 

Why I finished it: It is rich in detail. I know the cities , I was there. The world that was created is living. It dose not fall back to heavily on the known world. Very rarely do we see glimpse of our ancient world and yet it is familiar . We learn as Green learns. There is no prejudice in how the world should be viewed. The writing and the story telling in the book are wonderful 

Who I would give it to: Fans of assassin novels. And to people who want a female lead. 


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Boot Lust

So it is almost Autumn. The air is getting cooler. the days are becoming shorter Pumpkin Spice lattes are being sold. People are breaking out there nice warm weather clothing. People seem to dress nicer in the Autumn. Lovely layers for the changes in temperature throughout the day. The scent of wood smoke, baked apples and cinnamon, crisp the air. It is a wonderful time.

Autumn also make me lust after boots. So here are a few boots that I wish I had in my closet.





Both of these are form Modcloth and can be found here and here.

and theses:












One cute flat to add to the list.



Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún