Super Herbs: Facts on Green tea and Peppermint tea

Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 12:25

Drug companies and many practicing health care professionals would like their patients to believe that the only way to health and vitality is through prescribed medications that cost a fortune.  Yet, today, many of the same physicians who once scoffed at the idea of herbs for health are prescribing acidophylis and St. John's wort for their patients.  It is becoming increasing clear that synthetic drugs, while helpful, and in most cases safe, can cause myriad problems for some patients.

Since the dawn of time, there have been those who knew the incredible power of herbs, respected that and learned all that could about them, using them to help heal and strengthen the sick.  Of course, as with any medication, they are not perfect.  They do have side effects...but because of the naturalness of their components, they are so much less severe than that of synthetically made meds.  The body is equipped with ways to handle the disposal of natural waste very effectively.

Before I go on to more of the herbs and their functions, I want to give a quick overveiw of how they are most easily prepared. 

Teas and Infusions:  These are made from loose herbs, the leaves, berries, flowers or roots of the plant.  Drank while warm, they are a comforting source of vitamins and minerals, as well as medicinal aid.

Tinctures:   Made by soaking the herb in a mixture of alcohol and water.  These are a much stronger form than tea, or gel capsules, as I will discuss next.  Usually taken by the dropper, mixed with water or another beverage.  Some people find the addition of alcohol an offensive thing, but as it is for a medical preparation, I find no problems with it.

Capsules:  Purchased gel caps can be used, and the dried herb powder placed inside for taking.  I do not practice this for two reason.  First, it is very difficult to measure the exact amount needed this way and second, it is likely that the herb loses some of its effective qualities in the process.  However, there are many natural brands on the market now that have perfected the art of making capsules and insuring top quality.  I still have so much to learn in this area that I am not comfortable with that process yet.

Ok, now to the fun stuff!

Green Tea:  There is so much hoopla about green tea, it is a wonder many don't just give up, and never try it at all!  But, if they don't, they will be definitely missing out.  Oh, and did you know that green tea consumption is second only to water?  It is such a healthful drink, and it aids the body in so many ways!

Some of the well-established benefits of drinking green tea are that it aids in digestion, it is an anti-infective, an antibacterial agent, and an antioxidant.   Scientists are studing the other effects of green tea as well.  In one of the most recent studies by NIH, green tea has been shown to  have usefulness against heart disease, cancer, viruses and even tooth decay.  In one of the studies, within 30 to 40 minutes after drinking green tea, antioxidant activity in the consumers blood stream rose a whopping 41 to 48 % ! Wow!

Making a good cup of green tea is simple.  Just steep 1 or 2 teaspoons of the dried herb in boiling water for 2 or 3 minutes.  If you like really strong tea, steep for 10 to 15.  But, be forewarned, the longer you let it steep, the more bitter it can become.  Green tea is best taken without sweetners, but if you have to have just a dab of something, try a good honey.  The leaves can be purchased whole or in tea bags. 

 A word of caution: green tea does contain caffiene, and should be drank sparingly by those with heart arrythmias and mother's who breast feed.

Peppermint tea:

Peppermint is easily grown and cultivated.  It has small compact leaves that make a lovely tea.  Simply snip a few leaves from your plants and steep as you would any other loose tea.  Add a little honey, or sugar in the raw, and you have a lovely beverage.  It can be served hot, or cold.  Some of the health benefits of peppermint are that it is an antispasmodic, and antiemetic, as well as being great for opening sinuses.  I like to make regular pekoe tea and add a few leaves to the pitcher for a flavor boost.  It is wonderful served cold and icy on hot summer days.

Peppermint should be handled with care, and used only sporadically, or as a flavoring.  Because menthol is the primary ingredient, it can be toxic in high levels.

Enjoy your tea, Ladies!  God bless!

Creating a Herbal Knowedge Base

Posted on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 12:05

Learning about herbs, their uses and applications can seem a daunting task.  Everywhere you look  these days, there is someone discussing this herbal drug, or that green tea, and all promise miracle cures!  The truth is, herbs are miracles, and they can make a person's life healthier...but, like any type of medication, you have to know and understand how they work within the body, for them to be effective, and safe.  And no herb should ver be used without the permission of a licensed physician.

In my last post, I gave a quick overview of different herbs for different body systems.  In this one, I want to tell you a bit more about some of those lovely plants, roots, and berries...how they work, and why.  So, I am going to give a bit of background on some that we use daily.

Garlic-garlic is a perennial herb that has so many wonderful properties, it is astounding!  Not to mention, a wonderful flavor and smell!  Over 1,800 studies show that garlic has wonderful benefits for the heart and endocrine systems.

Lowers cholesterol and the risk of atherisclerosis-Garlic works for this by lowering triglyceride levels in the blood, which in turn, inhibits platelet stickiness.  In other words, it helps defend you against plaque build up in the blood vessels, thereby lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. 

Garlic aids the body by activating germ-killing macrophages ( a form of white blood cell) that is produced in the immune system.  It ia a geart anti-infective agent to protect against bladder infection, yeast infections and strep throat. 

Garlic is classified as an antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial agent..  Also, in recent studies, there has been a direct link to garlic having protective properties for those who have had cancer, or radiation.  Because garlic has been shown to reduce the number of free radicals in the body, ( these are aging agents), it is also thought to be a wonderful counter-active for those undergoing Adryiamycin chemotherapy.  It helps to balance the bad with the good, so-to-speak.

Garlic is also believed to be effective in the treatment of peptic ulcers. diabeties, parasetic infections, and ear infections.

Garlic can be used as raw clove, tablets, or oils.  The tablets may be purchased at the local drug store.  I prefer garlic in cloves or in an oil. 

Garlic Oil

To make a garlic oil, steep one part minced garlic to four parts olive oil.  The oil can be stored up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

One final note about garlic: Nursing mothers should be careful in garlic ingestion.  It can cause colic in nursing babies!

Herbs for Different Body Systems

Posted on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 11:13

Good day, HSB!

I began to compile a list of some notes that I thought would be of benefit to those interested in herbal remedies and how they affect the body, their uses and properties.  So, I thought before I began to post more of them, some of you might like to know which herbs are recommended for which body system.

Again, please use wisdom,and contact your doctor before beginning any medication, even those easily available over the counter.  everythin can have side effects, even water if it consumed incorrectly!

This is a quick overveiw, and does not include recipes or amounts..mainly to help those interested see the diversity of herbal attributes.  Each person is different and so is each body...however, these herbs are some of the easiest to recognize and are very safe, and good for you, if used in correct balance. 

Hope you will enjoy reading, and as the days progress, I hope to post tisanes, teas, infusions, wraps  and even some great dishes made with herbs.  Join me, won't you?

Cadiovascular Herbs

Heart-Bilberry, cayenne, garlic, ginko, and hawthorn

Circulation-Butcher's broom, cayenne, garlic, and ginko

Blood vessels-Angelica, green tea, bitter orange, cayenne, hawthorn, and horse chestnut

Lymph nodes and glands-Bitter orange, burdock, dandelion (and yes, it is the kind that grows wild in the yard, making you fuss and moan, lol) garlic, lobelia, red clover

Structural Tissues-Bones, hair, joints, and muscle Herbs

Hair-Horsetail.sage, stinging nettle, alfafa, ginko

Skin- alfafa, burdock, green tea, chamomile, raspberry leaf, dandelion, aloe

Muscles- stinging nettle, horsetail, and OPcs (I will explain more about these later)

Bones- alfafa, boneset, horsetail, rose hips, yucca, stinging nettel

Joints-alfafas, garlic, horsetail, yucca, stinging nettle

Endocrine, Nervous, and Urinary Systems

Thymus- echhinacea-horsetail, licorice, stinging nettle

Pancreas-angelica. bitter orange, cayenne and green tea, hawthorn

Kidneys-Corn silk, parsley, slippery elm, dandelion root

Brain-ginger, ginko, lobelia, soy lechtin

Central Nervous System- Chamomile, ginko, Siberian ginsing, valerian

Adrenal glands-ginger, juniper, licorice, rose hips

Bladder-Butcher's brrom, celery seed, cranberry, corn silk, horsetail

Digestive System, and Respiratory Tract

Liver-black radish, burdock, dandelion, fenugreek, milk thistle, red clover

Gallbladder-burdock, barberry, dandelion

Lungs- elderberry, eucalyptus, garlic, ginger, licorice, lungwort, rose hips, stinging nettle

Stomach-aloe, chamomile, garlic and ginger

Intestines-aloe, chamomile, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, plantain, slippery elm

Ears-Butcher's broom, garlic, ginko, hyssop

Eyes-Bilberry, eyebright, ginko, yarrow

Mouth-goldenseal, myrrh, sage and tea tree

]Ok, now that you have a reference, do you see some common herbs that you use everyday?  Garlic, ginger, fennel, licorice and sage, are all very common in the homestead kitchen, aren't they?  I remember being fascinated as a child that thing that tasted so good were actually good for you too!

In the coming weeks, I want to write more on herbs, their uses and their medicinal properties.  I have been using some of the recipes for tea, tisaines, infusions and the like for over twenty years, and have never experienced anything but helpful benefits from them.  I do pray that you will find some useful information and enjoy the reading!

God bless you!  Misty

***** In deference to Illoura, I want to again remind everone, as I have said in all of my posts, herbs are indeed stong medicine, and should only be taken under the advice of a trained physician.  No one should use any medicne, herb or even certain foods, without discussing any and all side effects with their personal physician*****

Herbal Teas

Posted on Monday, March 3, 2008 at 08:41

Good Morning HSB!  What a glorious day...Spring is in the air!

My good friend Jen and I have been sharing quite a bit over the last few days about our Spring dreams.  She has the best eye for design and creativity!  When we spoke at length of gardens and our love of this wonderful Earth, I was absolutely blown away by her incredible knowledge base.  She has been encouraging me to share some of my own small knowledge about herbs, ...the growing, uses and incredible versatility they offer for flavorings and health benefits.  As a result, I am starting a new catagory for my blog...that of herbal recipes and growing tips.  I hope you will all enjoy it!

Herbal Teas for Health and Enjoyment.

Most of us have tried herbal teas at one time or another.  But few of us have a real understanding of just how awesome herbs can be!  They have such incredible properties, and each plant, root, or leaf has a benefit.  All of which I truly believe the good Lord has given to us, to aid and heal.

Today, I want to share some recipes that have been passed on in my family for years.  Each recipe is tried and true, and the benefits are enormous!

Chamomille Tea

Chamomille is a very versatile herb.  It is used for everything from lotions and shampoos to hair dyes.  As a matter of fact, during mid-evil times, chamomille was used to lighten and brighten gray hair.  Of course, it was also used for flavoring, particularly in stews and soups.. it has a mild and earthy flavor, and lends itself well to lamb and beef dishes.

Teas made with chamomille have several health benefits. It is a great calming herb, and also has the added benefit of being a muciallage relaxant.  A cup taken before bedtime will help clear stuffy sinuses, relax tired muscles and calm a racing mind.

Simply use two or three whole leaves, and simmer gently in three cups of water for about five minutes, remove from heat and allow to steep for two or three minutes more.  Flavor with a dash of orange extract or vanilla if desired, and honey to taste.  Enjoy!

Raspberry Tea

This is one of my favorites!  Unfortuantely, it is also the one of the most difficult for me to come by.  Raspberry canes prefer a cooler climate than where I live, so I do have to purchase them.  But, oh, it is so worth the little extra expense!  Fresh raspberry tea is a flavor sensation.  Raspberry tea also has great cardiovascular benefits.  It is what we call a strengthening tonic.  The active ingredients in the berry fight cholesterol build-up, and increase blood flow to the body.

To prepare, wash and clean beries thoroughly, being certain that no dirt residue remains.  You can have a whole berry tea, or simply crush the berries and then strain for a milder tea.  Simmer the whole berry for ten minutes, allowing them to become almost translucent.  If using crushed berries, simmer for five to seven minutes, or until the berries are tender.  Steep for an additional five minutes.  If using whole berry, just pour out and enjoy!  If using crushed, strain and flavor with honey or suagr in the raw.  Sip slowly, and savor the taste.

One note:  Using granulated sugar in these teas will sweetenen them, but they will also add to the waistline!  I never use white sugar in my teas.  I find that clover honey or raw sugar is so much better!  If you are able, you can even use a bit of sugar cane to flavor...delish!

Of course, there are many good herbal tea blends on the market today.  But, I have found that while they do have a good taste, something is just missing!  Maybe it is the stisfaction of growing and tending the plants on your own, or it might even be that they are a weaker blend.  Whichever, I still prefer the homegrown variety!

Have a blessed day, ya'll and enjoy the moments.