Herb of the Week:Orange

This week we are going to look at the fruit orange. This fruit is often used in herbalism  and everyday life. It has been used for beauty, cleaners, toners, teas and medicine.

It has also been used in sweets. It pairs well with dark chocolate and sets up wonderfully in brownies One orange provides 130 percent of your vitamin C needs for the day, 2 percent of vitamin A needs, 6 percent of calcium and 0 percent of iron. It also  contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, selenium and copper. Due to their high vitamin C content (over twice the daily need) oranges are associated with boosting the immune system. Oranges also contain choline, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids.


We will be used the orange in bringthen up or winter as it is a mood enhancer. We will be making aliqure witht he peel. Truffes, tea and


http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/272782.php

Adding Cayenne to drink and to gargle.

A step up form last weeks Ginger Honey Syrup so this week we are going to added apple cider vinegar and cayenne. Now the a reason we are adding these is how each herb work with one another and complement each other.

Cayenne on it own is a great herb. It benefits the digestive system by stimulating the production of gastric juices and the peristaltic motion of the intestines, thus stimulating digestion, assimilation, and elimination. Taken orally, it may stimulate the release of endorphins in the brain that act as the body's natural sedatives. Cayenne is extremely beneficial as a whole circulatory system tonic. Used over a period of time and in the correct dose, it is used to balance blood pressure, improve circulation, and assist arteries, veins, and capillaries to regain elasticity. Also when used topically it stimulates the surface capillaries and brings blood to the skin surface. This assist circulation in the area and flush out the buildup of uric acid and calcium deposits around the joints and in the tissues.  It is  useful addition to many herbal formulae because of its ability to aid the distribution of other herbs throughout the body.

Cayenne Ginger Drink 
To make this drink it very simple if you made the ginger honey syrup just pull that out and add 2 TBSP of Cayenne to it and you are done.

To drink, please mix everything together and then add a teaspoon to hot water or 2 teaspoons to cold water. At lest 8 ozs and drink. IT might taste odd but it great for the body and helping flush out toxins and tone the internal oragens. Just be careful with the dosages.

Now another method if you do not wish to drink it is to gargle it.

Throat Support Formula

1-t cayenne Capsicum frutescens powder

½-pt sage Salvia officinalis infusion

2-T apple cider vinegar

2-T honey

Steep the cayenne with the sage infusion, and then mix in the remaining ingredients. Use 1-t to 1-T according to age or use as a gargle as often as necessary. Do not use for children younger than two.

Herb of the week: Cayenne

This week we are going to look at a member of the Solanaceae  family. This family of herbs is most well know for the deadly nightshade. But it is also the most prolific herb on the planet with over 73, 000  species to the family. This family includes: potatoes, eggplant, all peppers and many other plants both eatable of ornamental. 

Cyaenne is Latin name is Capsicum annuum var frutescens . This plant is cultivated in the United States, New Zealand and Australia. The part of the plant that is use in culinary and medical practices is the the fruit or the pod. The pods or the fruit are collected when ripe and dried slowly in the shade. The can be spread on racks or the tops threaded with fine string and hing in a cool, dry and airy position.

This herb can be used to make infusions, oi, ointments, powders and tinctures. It can also be taken orally as a liniment.In powder from it can be rub in a the  gums to reduce inflammation. A cotton ball or wool saturated with a tincture can be placed against the tooth to help with a toothache.

The main active constituent is a potent alkaloid  called capsaicinn. The alkaloid content is highest in Capsicum frutescens and varies considerably depending on environmental factors. It also contains a number of volatile oils, capsacutin, capsico, flavonoid glycosides, and red coloring matter. Cayenne is high in vitamins C and A, magnesium, and potassium, and contains some B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, iron, fats, and protein(Natural Standers. 2014) .

This herb has been used for: Arthritis, asthma, bleeding, burning sensations, chilblains, chills, circulatory system tonic and moderator, colds, cold extremities, colic, constipation, cough, cramps, dyspepsia, erythema, fibromyalgia, gums (inflamed), heart irregularities, hemorrhoids, lethargy, mucus (accumulation), neuralgias including shingles and diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, pruritus, psoriasis, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, shock, skin lesions, toothache, throat (sore), ulcers (mouth), varicose veins, vomiting, and wounds

It combines well with marshmallow Althaea officinalis and meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria for flatulence or spasms in the digestive tract. For use as an antiseptic, combine with myrrh Commiphora myrrha.(Natural Standers. 2014) .

ti is beneficial to the circulatory system as a tonic.  Used over a period of time and in the correct dose, it is used to balance blood pressure, improve circulation, and assist arteries, veins, and capillaries to regain elasticity.(Natural Standers. 2014) .

The alkaloid capsaicin actually enlarges blood vessels, which enhances the flow of nutrients to the cells and the removal of waste products at a cellular level. It also appears to have antiplatelet effects.(Natural Standers. 2014) .

When cayenne is applied topically it does not irritate the skin but it can cause itching, burning, or pricking when first applied as cayenne actually stimulates the surface capillaries and brings blood to the skin surface. This may assist circulation in the area and flush out the buildup of uric acid and calcium deposits around the joints and in the tissues.(Natural Standers. 2014) .

Cayenne is a useful addition to many herbal formulae because of its ability to aid the distribution of other herbs throughout the body.

Used as a pain killer, well more of a pain relief, it son often applied topically.  It has been used to reeve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, and neuralgias including shingles and diabetic neuropathy. Capsaicin used in topical preparations is FDA-approved for these uses.

Always use the minimum dose and increase dosage slowly, if necessary. Cayenne can be taken with food if nausea and burning occur.

Please consult your doctor before using any herb. 

Ginger Lemon honey Syrup

So it is getting up on cold a flu season. This is something I am worried about because if I get sick I cannot see my family. I live with some who is on immune suppressant medication so, no getting sick. Because if I get sick I could get them sick and the last time one of us got them sick they were in the hospital for a week. So yeah...I got my flu shot and I am stocking up on my herbal remedies. 

This a lovely mixture that you can make and forget about it. It can go in your fridge or in you pantry.  This honey lemon ginger syrup is wonderful. I use it once day  not for the cold fighting ability but to help relive my dizzy spells. 

So some information about the herb. Honey is a natural antibiotic, it has soothing proprieties and it is raw (unpasteurized)  it also is any allergy fighter.  Lemon is a great fruit that is an immune booster, due tot he vitamin C, antibacterial. It is the simplest of all the remedies and improves glucose levels inside your body, quite effectively and quickly. Just squeeze ½ a lemon in a glass of water and mix 2 tsp sugar in it. Drink it. Ginger is use in many different ways to cure the body. It is an anti viral, anti inflammatory, it will settle an upset stomach.  It works well by improving the blood circulation throughout the body and thus, an effective cure for dizziness.

Ingredients 
1 Lemon (scrub clean, keep peel on the lemon)
1 cup of honey 
1 small ginger root

A jar with a lid 

Direction
Scrub the lemon clean under warm water. We are going to keep peel, this is were most of the nutrients are located. Slice the lemon in to rings and set aside. Then clean and peel the ginger root. slice thinly. layer the lemon and ginger together in the jar. Fill the jar with honey. Let the mixture it for a few hours so the favor can meld. 

To use add a teaspoon to hot water and drink .

DIY Homemade coffee Oil

If you love coffee or at lest the smelling of coffee this is id for you.  Coffee is a wonderful beauty aid, it is full of antioxidants and great for the skin and hair.  The caffeine help to increase blood flow and to treat cellulite, dark circles, tighten and brighten the skin. It also helps to promote hair growth, adding natural highlights and shine to dark hair.

Coffee oil is simple and easy to make at home. 

To Make Coffee Infused Oil (Hot infusion method)

1. Combine 4 Tablespoons of ground coffee beans with 8 Tablespoons of pure olive oil or coconut oil in a pan.
2. Heat it on over low heat for about 30mins or few hours, stirring occasionally.
3. You can also use a small crockpot and heat it on low for few hours, stirring occasionally
4. Strain the oil using either cheesecloth or a coffee filter.

This oil can be used as a light and moisturizing face or body oil, a nourishing hair treatment to add shine or a delightful massage oil to treat stretch marks and cellulite. Use it as an eye oil to lighten dark circles, brighten and firm the under eye area. According to your preference it can be refrigerated or warmed before use.

Ginger Detox Bath soak.

So as we are getting in the cooler, well cold weather people in my house get sick. So I was flicking around the internet and saw a lot of wonderful bath soaks. Bath are great for the body, as they relax the muscles and open up the lungs. This soak is to help boost the immune system and pull out toxins.

This soak call for a quite a bit of ginger  so stock out for cold weather season.

 So I just measured out everything in to a cup measure.

Then to mix I poured everything in to a jar with a lid and shook. It was a little faster and I did not have to worry about the powder getting everywhere.

Now to use this, mix with apple cider vinger soak. If you have Brigg's apple cider vinger with the "mother" in it, that is the best to use. If not know worry, just added a cup of apple cider vinger  and the dry mixture to your water and relax. Now this soak will dehydrate you. So plenty of water, before, during and after. You more then likely will be tired so rest or sleep afterwards and feel better in the morning. 

Herb of the week: Ginger

 I do apologize for a lack of marigold DIY's. The flower I sourced  for the second half of the week had bugs in it. It was not safe to use and there was very little I could do wit hit it was just not meant to be.

So for this This week we are going to look at ginger.



Ginger if form the family Zingiberaceae. Ginger, Zingiber officinale,  grows about 2 to 4 feet in height. It is a perennial reed-like plant with annual leafy stems. Ginger produces clusters of white and pink flower buds that bloom into yellow flowers.The rhizome is light-brown to grey. It is gathered when the stalk withers. It should be immediately scalded, or washed and scraped, to kill it and prevent sprouting.

Ginger is native to southern China, and form there it spread to the Spice Islands and other parts of Asia, and subsequently to West Africa and the Caribbean. In the first century AD, the spice made an appearance in Europe.

Ginger contains the compound gingerols. Two clinical studies show patients responding to ginger. 75% of Arthritis patients and 100% of patients with muscular discomfort experienced relief of and/or swelling(whfoods, 2014). This herb dose need to be take daily to see these types of results. In studies done it 2003 and 2005 research showed that ginger suppress the pro-inflammatory compounds (cytokines and chemokines) produced by synoviocytes (cells comprising the synovial lining of the joints), chrondrocytes (cells comprising joint cartilage) and leukocytes (immune cells) (whfoods, 2014).

Z. officinale’s anti-inflammatory action not as easily understood. IT is  contributed to antioxidant effects. Ginger has the ability to block or inhibit the production of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotriene, and a protease it contains that generates anti-inflammatory effects. While an anti-inflammatory it is often used in aliments of the digestive tract. Is considered safe to use while pregnant. anti-tumor effects, and it also may have the ability to stop platelets from sticking together. This would be useful in  preventing and treating atherosclerosis.

Ginger is commonly used to treat various types of “stomach problems,” including motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, nausea caused by cancer treatment, nausea and vomiting after surgery, as well as loss of appetite.

Other uses include pain relief from arthritis or muscle soreness, menstrual pain, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, and bronchitis. Ginger is also sometimes used for chest pain, low back pain, and stomach pain.

Some people pour the fresh juice on their skin to treat burns. The oil made from ginger is sometimes applied to the skin to relieve pain.

In foods and beverages, ginger is used as a flavoring agent.

In manufacturing, ginger is used as for fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.

Please consulate your doctor before starting any regiment. 

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=72

Marigold/ Calendula Tea

In thinking of something to make with may lovely marigold/ calendula flowers, I thought tea. Okay, I  almost always think of tea or chocolate  or the like. But they are good.

I wanted something light and sweet, yet a still stronger then a  normal herbal tea.

Sunny Assam tea blend was born.

This tea is great a on a cold all day. It has a mild flavor and  light sweet taste.  As with most of my teas this is a a simple 1:1 ratio.

1 part Assam tea
1 part Marigold
1 part chamomile

So there it is, very simple and quick to make.

Now Marigold tea has some wonderful proprieties, many of the remedies require you to make an infusion. This is just an herbal tea that has been steeped for about 10 minutes are so, this in normally not for drinking. Normally. It can be used that way, as it impart more of the befits of the herb.

I am adding a link as it has the information I was going to give you. Just scroll to the bottom, or read the how thing. ^_^


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Marigold Sugar Cookies

So I wanted to try baking with flowers. This is something new for me. Well, I do not count making fudge with them, but that is more tried and true. So I am adding them in to a sugar cookie mix. Add it gave a nice honey flavor to the cookies. The cookies turn out slightly nutty and butter and sweet with a nice tang.

Ingredients 

Original recipe makes 4 dozen

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Marigold Petals

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. At this time add in a handful of the marigold petals.  Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
   
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Slight break. I will be back next week.

So I am taking a break this week. Between work school and life I did not have enough time to make something worth sharing with everyone. It was also my 3rd wedding anniversary this week. So we have been spending tie with family. So stop in next week and learn about Calendula ( Marigold).

Have a berry orange day,


Sú talún

Chamomile hot toddy

This is wonderful warm drink great for fall and cold night. It is wonderful just before bed. To help the body unwind and relax. I found this recipe here. 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz chamomile honey syrup
• 4 oz hot water
• lemon wedge and chamomile flowers for garnish

Chamomile Honey Syrup:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/8 cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon dried chamomile

How to make the chamomile honey syrup. 

Combine hot water with honey and stir until evenly mixed. Add chamomile, stirring to combine. Let cool, approximately 30 minutes, then pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove chamomile.

To make the cocktail:

Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and chamomile honey syrup to a heat-resistent glass or mug.Top with the hot water and stir so that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. For an added chamomile kick, substitute the hot water with hot chamomile tea.Garnish with a half-wheel of lemon and a few chamomile flowers.

This drink can be easily customized. For a sweeter drink add a bit more honey syrup. More tart, add some more lemon. A bit stronger, add a bit more bourbon. Here is to a warm night. 

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Chamomile and Oat Facial Cleaner

This is a quick and easy facial cleaner. It is not a make up remover, but it will help genitally clean the face. I found this lovely replace to my normal cleaner, which had run  out here.

Ingredients

1/4 cup dry rolled oats (uncooked)
 1 tsp of organic chamomile flowers, ground 1 teabag of organic chamomile tea OR 4 drops of chamomile essential oil
1 Tbs. bentonite clay )
Glass jar, for storing the facial cleanser (I used an empty E.F.L cleanser jar)


Instructions

• Use a grinder, I used food processor,( but a coffee grinder, spice grinder or Magic Bullet)  to grind the rolled oats into a fine powder. It should be soft and powdery, not gritty. (1/4 oat flour could be used in place of this.)

• In the food processor add 1tsp of the oat powder with 1 tsp of chamomile flowers. Then grind until the chamomile is a fine powder, then transfer to the bowl. If  you are using  the essential oil, skip this step and add the oil directly into the bowl with the oat powder.
• Stir together the oat powder, chamomile powder and bentonite clay. Store in a jar.

 To use
 Wet face with warm water. Then use about 1/2 teaspoon of the facial cleanser,  and mix with a few drops of warm water. Massage the mix gently over your face before rinsing it off. Avoid the eye area.

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Chamomile Ingrown hair remover

Having a ingrown hair is painful. Trying to remove one is hard and painful. So this is a method that I have tried and it works. And FAST.

This should only take 30 minutes of wait time. So kick you feet and watch a short show on Netflixs. It only takes a few moments to whip this up if you have all the ingredients.

Ingredients

1 tsp raw honey

1/3 cup good quality Bentonite Clay

5 drops vitamin E oil

Essential oils of Chamomile, tea tree and lavender for a total of ~10 drops.


Directions
1. mix all dry ingredients in  a little bowl.
2 Add all the wet ingredients and then add water until it becomes a past.
3 Apply the past to the affected area or areas and let dry. Leave on for 30 minutes, the rise and moisturize. I use cocnut oil.


There should be dramatic improvement in 30 minutes and more by the next day.

Most ingrown hairs are due to shaving too close.

1 Do not apple pressure while shaving. Do not stretch the skin before you shave.
2.Keep moisturized
3. Try not to scrap, squeeze or pick a the site of the ingrown hair. This could damage the skin, increase healing time and even cause an infection.