Make Tea Not War

Spring is here and I am busy planning and planting and wildcrafting. One thing I always keep in mind during these seasonal tasks is making my treasured tea blends.
Mostly, I grow my or forage my own herbs, but I ammend what I harvest from my herb garden with beautiful organic herbs from Mt. Rose Herbs. Also, the Mt. Rose website is an excellent source of information and inspiration.

Take a look through their Herbal Tea Section for some wonderful ideas for tea blends.
One of my favorite examples is their Peace Tea.

This is a gentle and calming nervine blend; a chance for reflection while providing an opportunity to imagine a peaceful world. Takes the stress out of life for a while. A wonderful infusion drink for meditation and quiet moments.
Contains: Organic Chamomile flowers, organic Spearmint, organic Passionflower herb, organic Rose petals, organic Lavender flowers and organic Cinnamon bark.

Making Herbal Tinctures

Make Your Own Herbal Tinctures & Syrups

While paying for the convenience of a manufactured herbal extract or syrup can be nice, we have found that the best medicines are those we make ourselves. In addition, for those of us that incorporate herbal medicine into our daily diet, the costs really begins to add up. Making your own extracts and syrups will save you hundreds of dollars. In addition, you can make extracts that meet the specific needs for yourself and your loved ones.

Herbal Tinctures

This recipe is the simplest way to make your own liquid herbal extracts in your own home.

1. Start with a clean jar that has a tight fitting lid and the herbs of your choice. If you can use fresh herbs, then fabulous! Fresh material is always preferred but availability is determined by your local bioregion, climate, etc and many quality herbs may not be available. If you cannot locate fresh materials, be sure to get good quality, organic herbs from a reputable supplier. Note: Try not to use powdered herbs; they will be difficult to filter out in the end and the debris will settle in your final product.

2. Chop the herbs finely – a blender or coffee grinder works well. Then place the materials in the glass jar with a tight fitting lid, such as a canning jar.

3. Pour a good and strong grain alcohol, brandy, or vodka over the herbs. Completely cover the herbal material, and leave 2-3 inches of alcohol above the herbs. 100 proof alcohol is recommended, but you can also use grain alcohol. When using grain alcohol, mix it with equal parts of purified water to create 50% alcohol to 50% water ratio. If you wish to avoid alcohol, then vegetable glycerin or vinegar may be used. When using vegetable glycerin, dilute it with equal parts of water. Although glycerin and vinegar are not as effective or strong as alcohol, they do create milder extracts that are suitable for children or those sensitive to alcohol. If using dried herbs you will need to add more alcohol over the next day or two as the dried herbs absorb and expand. A good ratio for dried material is about 1 part herb to 5 parts alcohol, and with fresh material 1 part herb to 3 parts alcohol.

4. Cover with a tight fitting lid, shake well, and place the jar in a dark place. Allow the mixture to soak and macerate for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake every few days to help the alcohol extract the active constituents from the herbs.

5. After 4 to 6 weeks strain the herbs. Use a large strainer lined with fine mesh cloth or cheesecloth. Make sure to tightly squeeze the material to extract every precious drop from the cloth. Funnel the material from your larger container into smaller bottles, preferably amber bottles and store your tinctures in a cool dark place. Your herbal tinctures will stay good for at least 3-5 years, if not indefinitely.

Herbal Syrups

Syrups are the tastiest and sweetest types of herbal medicine available, and they are loved by children and adults alike. Here are instructions for creating your own yummy syrups at home:

1. Simmer 2 ounces of herb in 1 quart of water over low heat until the mixture reduces down to 1 pint of liquid.

2. Strain the herbs from the liquid, and place the liquid back into the pot.

3. Add one cup of sweetener and warm over low heat until the sweetener and herbal liquid are completely mixed. Sweeteners used can be: honey, vegetable glycerin, agave nectar, maple syrup, or sugar. If using raw honey, be careful not to simmer or boil the syrup, as this will destroy some of the beneficial properties of the honey. In order to better preserve your syrup, 2 pints of honey may be used in place of the one cup of honey.

4. At this point, you may add a flavoring extract or fruit concentrate if you wish to flavor it. Lemon juice may be added for sore or tickly throats, or brandy can be added as a relaxant and preservative.

5. Remove from heat, bottle (preferably in amber glass bottles), and place in refrigerator. Your herbal syrup will last for several weeks to months within the refrigerator.

Voila! You have now made your own remarkable medicinal herbal medicines for a fraction of the price you would have paid at the store. Enjoy!

Article written by Mountain Rose Herbs



How to Make Herbal Vinegars

Sunday Summary ~ March Right In

Here's a summary of some of the wonderful things I came upon this week in Cyberland...


A beautiful chick blogs for a boy who digs chicks...
One of my fav gardending writers on Twitter, @redwhiteandgrew did a great guest blog called Victory Gardens Are Here Again! on another of my favorite Twitter friend's blog; @happychickens If you haven't yet visited this young man's website - please do. You'll be glad you did!

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Social Networking for Mompreneurs - Moms to Follow

Lori Redfield from Freelancemom.com has compiled "a great list of women who both blog and are on Twitter that I have found to be approachable, particularly insightful or creative, or just plain fun to be around:"

I'm so honored to be included, and have had a blast getting familiar with the other moms. Very inspiring, check it out. freelancemoms.com

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Don't Drink That!

Authentic Haven Brand Natural Brew, a rancher raising grass fed/finished beef selling Premium Soil Conditioner Teas for Container/Home gardening 100% naturall garden products for your soil. Check out this wonderful line of soil conditioning teas and read the great review over at freedomblogging.com ~ What’s a manure teabag? You can follow @greensoil on Twitter as well - great Tweets!

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Ring Around Katie

Earlier this week Katie, of GardenPunks.com, went into the hospital with what she thought was a case of the flu. It has since been discovered that it is something far more serious.
Read this touching story ~ #FightKatie Garden Bloggers Rally Around One of Their Own and keep Katie in the circle of love & light.

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To Plant or To Transplant, That is the Question
Tee Riddle from veggiegardener.com posted a truly useful list of gardening tips that I was psuched to find and save: When To Use Seeds Or Transplants In The Vegetable Garden Follow him on Twitter @TeeRiddle ~ tons of useful info and a really good egg.

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Fresh Chicken Broth: Achieving a Solid Gel

Jenny over at The Nourished Kitchen shows us how to make a stellar chicken stock in Traditional Foods style! Folow Jenny on Twitter @NourishedMama

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Don't Suck

I love these awesome T-Shirts from Mountain Rose Herbs ~ wish they came in different colors - but I guess black wouldn't show dirt, right?

Welcome to March Everyone.

The first day of Springis March 20th!

Thanks so much for reading.

xo
~Annica

Aphrodite Oil ~ Yum!

Got my Mountain Rose Herbs order today and I am SO excited to have my bulk herb jars filled again. Got nettle, oatstraw, raspberry leaf and peppermint this time for my daily herbal infusions. I feel nourished just looking at them!
But what I'm really excited about is the yummy Aphrodite Oil I splurged on. I usually don't buy scented stuff without smelling it first but this blend came highly recommended and I am really glad I did! My senses are twinkling! I just love the combination of scents. It's exotic and sensual and not at all overpowering. It comes in a spray also which is cheaper, but I really wanted the oil. I really needed something new and exciting for my senses to break up winter's monotony and this stuff is just the ticket.
Mmmmm...

What are your favorite scents to wear in winter months?

Persephone's Tea

Life is good! Mountain Rose Herbs has my all time favorite winter herbal tea blen on sale this month!

"Going down to the underworld and rising up renewed. When you've been overworked, overindulging or under stress remember ... Be kind to yourself and your liver. This is a blend for transitions, a drink to help support your hard-working liver. Contains: Organic Dandelion root, organic Burdock root, Oregon Grape root, organic Yellow Dock root, organic Eleuthero root, organic Milk Thistle seed."

Here are some the wonderful things this tea blend offers...

Dandelion Root was commonly used in Native American medicine and is found in many parts of the world today. It contains bitter principles that have a stimulating effect on the liver and digestive system by promoting the flow of bile. It is also a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, D, C, various B Vitamins, iron, lecithin, silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese. It also has natural diuretic properties. Dandelion is also considered to be an excellent cleansing tonic for the liver and recent studies suggest that it is especially beneficial with regards to digestive disorders.

Burdock Root is well-known as an herbal blood and system supporter. Burdock supports routine detoxification carried out by the body and supports the digestive system helping to lessen common wind, non-recurrent bloating, and encouraging healthy bowel movements. There is considerable evidence in the scientific literature that burdock root tea is a powerful anti-inflammatory remedy. Its numerous antioxidants protect the liver from toxic chemicals, allowing it to process the body's naturally occurring steroids which is helpful in achieving hormonal balance. A mildly bitter herb, it stimulates the release of gastric juices and aids digestion. This combination of qualities explains its traditional use in treating acne, eczema, endometriosis, psoriasis, and uterine fibroids. The tea can also be used as a wash to treat skin infections, eczema, and psoriasis.

Oregon Grape Root has been used traditionally to give the immune system a mild boost by encouraging phagocytosis, the engulfing and digesting of bacteria by the white blood cells known as microphages.
Oregon grape root and other herbs that contain berberine are scientifically proven to protect against bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, helminthes (worms), and chlamydia. Conditions treated by Oregon grape root include bacterial diarrhea, intestinal parasites, and ocular trachoma. Oregon grape root may increase blood platelet counts and counteract the proliferation of cancerous tumors of the bladder and colon. It has a sedative effect on the smooth muscles lining the digestive tract and can relieve stomach cramps and abdominal pain.

Yellow Dock Root is a good tonic for the liver and gallbladder. The roots are very high in minerals, especially iron, which makes this a popular herb for treating anemia. It is also used as a blood purifier to treat skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.

Eleuthero Root an "adaptogen," an agent that helps the body address to stress. Scientists believe it helps prevent "adrenal burnout" caused by ongoing physical or mental challenges. Eleuthero boosts concentration and focus without the letdown than comes from drinking coffee or other sources of caffeine. Eleuthero also boosts immunity.

Milk Thistle Seed contains silymarin,which has a very protective effect on the liver, maintaining its function and preventing damage from compounds that are normally highly toxic. It also helps regulate the digestion of fats, helps stabilize blood sugars and reduces intestinal inflammation. Traditionally it has been used for treating liver diseases, Crohn's disease, IBS, alcoholism, atherosclerosis, gallstones,high cholesterol, cancer, diabetes, ovarian cysts, seizures, Parkinson's and skin conditions such as excema, acne, and psoriasis.

Give yourself a boost this winter and try some Persephone's Tea!