Tuesdays Tip!
You can make your own
dryer sheets! Fill a jar with white vinegar and add a few drops of your
favorite essential oil. (Optional, but it gives a nice scent.) Cut an
old sheet or t-shirt in squares and store next to the vinegar. Before
drying a load, soak a fabric square in the vinegar and toss it in with
the load. Once dry, wash the square to remove any buildup and re-use.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Building an Herbal First Aid Kit
Building an Herbal First Aid Kit
A beginning list of 20 herbs, and remedies.
Tumeric or Cayenne Powder (to stop bleeding)
Rescue Remedy (for shock and anxiety)
Elecampagne Tincture (remedy for inhaled toxins)
Arnica Gel (bruising, trauma, tissue damage, painful injuries)
Rumex Crispus Oil (bruising, trauma, pain)
Burdock Leaves or Burdock Oil (for burns and scalds and hot pepper contact, open wounds). Not an antibiotic, be sure and clean wound carefully before using.
Nettle Salve (burns and scalds)
Chickweed Salve (eczema and psoriasis, rashes and injuries needing “cooling”)
Jewel Weed Salve (poison ivy)
Catnip leaf or Yarrow flower tincture or oil (insect repellent) (Yarrow also helpful externally to stop bleeding use fresh leaves)
Comfrey leaves fresh or oil (poultice for cuts, bruises, broken bones)
Flax seed (poultice for slivers, removing foreign objects)
Mint teas (soothe upset stomach)
Applesauce (fresh with peel for diahrea)
Oatmeal ground or plain (rashes, skin irritation)
Ginger root decoction (sinus, cold, sore throat)
Osha Tincture (snake bites, poison ivy)
Calendula Salve (simple cuts, rashes, ruises)
St. John’s Wort Oil (externally for herpes, nerve pain, bruising, sore muscles)
Witch Hazel (astringent, varicose veins, hemmorhoids)
Echinacea Tincture (colds, flu, immune system support)
Plantain leaf fresh, oil, frozen infusion (herpes, bug bites, minor cuts and rashes
A beginning list of 20 herbs, and remedies.
Tumeric or Cayenne Powder (to stop bleeding)
Rescue Remedy (for shock and anxiety)
Elecampagne Tincture (remedy for inhaled toxins)
Arnica Gel (bruising, trauma, tissue damage, painful injuries)
Rumex Crispus Oil (bruising, trauma, pain)
Burdock Leaves or Burdock Oil (for burns and scalds and hot pepper contact, open wounds). Not an antibiotic, be sure and clean wound carefully before using.
Nettle Salve (burns and scalds)
Chickweed Salve (eczema and psoriasis, rashes and injuries needing “cooling”)
Jewel Weed Salve (poison ivy)
Catnip leaf or Yarrow flower tincture or oil (insect repellent) (Yarrow also helpful externally to stop bleeding use fresh leaves)
Comfrey leaves fresh or oil (poultice for cuts, bruises, broken bones)
Flax seed (poultice for slivers, removing foreign objects)
Mint teas (soothe upset stomach)
Applesauce (fresh with peel for diahrea)
Oatmeal ground or plain (rashes, skin irritation)
Ginger root decoction (sinus, cold, sore throat)
Osha Tincture (snake bites, poison ivy)
Calendula Salve (simple cuts, rashes, ruises)
St. John’s Wort Oil (externally for herpes, nerve pain, bruising, sore muscles)
Witch Hazel (astringent, varicose veins, hemmorhoids)
Echinacea Tincture (colds, flu, immune system support)
Plantain leaf fresh, oil, frozen infusion (herpes, bug bites, minor cuts and rashes
Ginger!
Lets Talk about Ginger! ***not my goat*** hehehe
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.
Colon Cancer Prevention
A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
Morning Sickness
A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.
Motion Sickness Remedy
Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.
Heartburn Relief
Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.
Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.
Migraine Relief
Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.
Menstrual Cramp Relief
In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.
You can find this awesome root in your local grocery!!!
Make the tea!
Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin slices. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Once it is boiling, add the ginger. Cover it and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add honey and lemon to taste.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.
Colon Cancer Prevention
A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
Morning Sickness
A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.
Motion Sickness Remedy
Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.
Heartburn Relief
Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.
Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.
Migraine Relief
Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.
Menstrual Cramp Relief
In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.
You can find this awesome root in your local grocery!!!
Make the tea!
Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin slices. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Once it is boiling, add the ginger. Cover it and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add honey and lemon to taste.
Weekly Herbal Tidbit Lobelia
Weekly Herbal Tidbit!!!!!!! Here we go!
Lobelia-
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also called Indian tobacco, has a long history of use as an herbal remedy for respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cough. Historically, Native Americans smoked lobelia as a treatment for asthma. In the 19th century, American physicians prescribed lobelia to induce vomiting in order remove toxins from the body. Because of this, it earned the name "puke weed." Today, lobelia is sometimes suggested to help clear mucus from the respiratory tract, including the throat, lungs, and bronchial tubes. Although few studies have evaluated the safety and effectiveness of lobelia, some herbalists today use lobelia as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for asthma.
An active ingredient in the lobelia plant, lobeline, was thought to be similar to nicotine in its effect on the body. For this reason, lobeline was once used as a nicotine substitute in many antismoking products and preparations designed to break the smoking habit. In 1993, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibited the sale of smoking products containing lobeline. The FDA reported that such products were not effective in helping people quit or reduce smoking.
Researchers now think that lobeline may actually reduce the effects of nicotine in the body, particularly the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a brain chemical that plays a number of important roles in the brain. It is also involved in drug addiction, so researchers think that lobeline may have some potential in treating addiction. So far, however, there have been no studies to determine whether lobeline is effective.
Lobelia is a potentially toxic herb. It can be safely used in small doses (particularly homeopathic doses), but moderate-to-large doses may cause side effects ranging from dry mouth and nausea to convulsions and even coma (see "Precautions" section). You should use lobelia only under the supervision of your health care provider.
Plant Description:
Lobelia is an attractive annual or sometimes biennial (reseeding every year or 2) herb that grows to a height of 3 feet. Its upright, hairy stem is angular, branching at the top, usually green with a tinge of violet. The pale green or yellowish leaves have a sharp taste and a slightly irritating odor. The sparse flowers are pale violet blue outside and pale yellow inside.
Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Very few studies have looked at the effect of lobelia in either animals or people. It is sometimes suggested (usually in combination with other herbs) for the treatment of the following respiratory problems:
Asthma
Bronchitis
Cough
In homeopathy, lobelia is also used alone or with other products for smoking cessation, muscle relaxation, nausea, vomiting, skin infections (bites, bruises, poison ivy, and ringworm), and various respiratory illnesses.
Precautions:
The use of herbs is a time honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.
Lobelia is considered a potentially toxic herb. It can cause serious side effects, such as profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, rapid heartbeat, mental confusion, convulsions, hypothermia, coma, and possibly even death. Check with your health care provider to determine the right dose for you, and do not exceed your health care provider's recommended dose.
People with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, tobacco sensitivity, paralysis, seizure disorder, and shortness of breath, and those recovering from shock should not take lobelia.
Lobelia can irritate the GI tract. Lobelia may make symptoms worse for people with ulcers, Chron's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or intestinal infections.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb.
Possible Interactions:
Few studies have looked at the effects of lobelia, so scientists aren't clear about which medications might interact with this herb. Based on some of the chemicals contained in lobelia, use caution with the following medications:
Psychiatric medications -- including antidepressants, Lithium, anti-anxiety agents, and stimulants (such as those taken for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
Nicotine substitutes -- such as nicotine patches or gum
Chantix (varenicline) -- Chantix, a stop smoking medication, also affects dopamine levels in the brain.
Tobacco -- including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
Lobelia-
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also called Indian tobacco, has a long history of use as an herbal remedy for respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cough. Historically, Native Americans smoked lobelia as a treatment for asthma. In the 19th century, American physicians prescribed lobelia to induce vomiting in order remove toxins from the body. Because of this, it earned the name "puke weed." Today, lobelia is sometimes suggested to help clear mucus from the respiratory tract, including the throat, lungs, and bronchial tubes. Although few studies have evaluated the safety and effectiveness of lobelia, some herbalists today use lobelia as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for asthma.
An active ingredient in the lobelia plant, lobeline, was thought to be similar to nicotine in its effect on the body. For this reason, lobeline was once used as a nicotine substitute in many antismoking products and preparations designed to break the smoking habit. In 1993, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibited the sale of smoking products containing lobeline. The FDA reported that such products were not effective in helping people quit or reduce smoking.
Researchers now think that lobeline may actually reduce the effects of nicotine in the body, particularly the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a brain chemical that plays a number of important roles in the brain. It is also involved in drug addiction, so researchers think that lobeline may have some potential in treating addiction. So far, however, there have been no studies to determine whether lobeline is effective.
Lobelia is a potentially toxic herb. It can be safely used in small doses (particularly homeopathic doses), but moderate-to-large doses may cause side effects ranging from dry mouth and nausea to convulsions and even coma (see "Precautions" section). You should use lobelia only under the supervision of your health care provider.
Plant Description:
Lobelia is an attractive annual or sometimes biennial (reseeding every year or 2) herb that grows to a height of 3 feet. Its upright, hairy stem is angular, branching at the top, usually green with a tinge of violet. The pale green or yellowish leaves have a sharp taste and a slightly irritating odor. The sparse flowers are pale violet blue outside and pale yellow inside.
Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Very few studies have looked at the effect of lobelia in either animals or people. It is sometimes suggested (usually in combination with other herbs) for the treatment of the following respiratory problems:
Asthma
Bronchitis
Cough
In homeopathy, lobelia is also used alone or with other products for smoking cessation, muscle relaxation, nausea, vomiting, skin infections (bites, bruises, poison ivy, and ringworm), and various respiratory illnesses.
Precautions:
The use of herbs is a time honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.
Lobelia is considered a potentially toxic herb. It can cause serious side effects, such as profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, rapid heartbeat, mental confusion, convulsions, hypothermia, coma, and possibly even death. Check with your health care provider to determine the right dose for you, and do not exceed your health care provider's recommended dose.
People with high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, tobacco sensitivity, paralysis, seizure disorder, and shortness of breath, and those recovering from shock should not take lobelia.
Lobelia can irritate the GI tract. Lobelia may make symptoms worse for people with ulcers, Chron's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or intestinal infections.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb.
Possible Interactions:
Few studies have looked at the effects of lobelia, so scientists aren't clear about which medications might interact with this herb. Based on some of the chemicals contained in lobelia, use caution with the following medications:
Psychiatric medications -- including antidepressants, Lithium, anti-anxiety agents, and stimulants (such as those taken for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
Nicotine substitutes -- such as nicotine patches or gum
Chantix (varenicline) -- Chantix, a stop smoking medication, also affects dopamine levels in the brain.
Tobacco -- including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
Natural Egg Dying!
Here comes Peter Cottontail hopping down the
bunny trail! Yes its almost that time again! Spring, kiddos are ready to
dye eggs! Those cool color tabs are super fun but also mostly filled
with chemicals!
How to dye eggs naturally:
Bluish-Gray:
Mix 1 cup frozen blueberries with 1 cup water, bring to room temperature, and remove blueberries.
Blue:
add a cup of purple cabbage to the boil water when boiling the eggs.
Green:
Add a cup of spinach or a few teaspoons of spirulina to the boil water. Can also juice greens, mix the juice with vinegar and use as a cool dye once eggs have already been cooked.
Red/pink: Pomegranate or beet juice added to the boil water.
Orange
Take the skin of 6 yellow onions and simmer in 2 cups water for 15 minutes; strain. Add 3 tsp. white vinegar
Purple: Add grape juice to boil water
K so this is all we could find! If you have more Natural Egg Dye recipes let us know!
How to dye eggs naturally:
Bluish-Gray:
Mix 1 cup frozen blueberries with 1 cup water, bring to room temperature, and remove blueberries.
Blue:
add a cup of purple cabbage to the boil water when boiling the eggs.
Green:
Add a cup of spinach or a few teaspoons of spirulina to the boil water. Can also juice greens, mix the juice with vinegar and use as a cool dye once eggs have already been cooked.
Red/pink: Pomegranate or beet juice added to the boil water.
Orange
Take the skin of 6 yellow onions and simmer in 2 cups water for 15 minutes; strain. Add 3 tsp. white vinegar
Purple: Add grape juice to boil water
K so this is all we could find! If you have more Natural Egg Dye recipes let us know!
All Natural Glass Cleaner :D
Here is how I make glass cleaner!
1 pint water
4 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons of dried lavender
3 tablespoons of dried peppermint
Mix together in a spray bottle. I let my herbs stay in my bottle indefinitely. You can shake every other day and strain out the herbs if you wish but it isn't necessary.
1 pint water
4 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons of dried lavender
3 tablespoons of dried peppermint
Mix together in a spray bottle. I let my herbs stay in my bottle indefinitely. You can shake every other day and strain out the herbs if you wish but it isn't necessary.
Just another Manic Monday! Zit Zap!
************ Manic Monday Tip**************
I didn't have time to get a weekly herbal tidbit done today, (spring break) but I do have a tips for all you gal pals out there!
Its Quick... its Simple,,,, and Its STANKY :D
Now, Don't turn your nose up to this here idea just yet! It may be stinky but that doesn't mean it isn't fantastically packed with antimicrobial and healing properties.
Peel a garlic clove!
Smash a little bit of garlic juice on your pimple and leave it on as long as you’d like.
Watch the miracle happen!
******************************
I didn't have time to get a weekly herbal tidbit done today, (spring break) but I do have a tips for all you gal pals out there!
Its Quick... its Simple,,,, and Its STANKY :D
Now, Don't turn your nose up to this here idea just yet! It may be stinky but that doesn't mean it isn't fantastically packed with antimicrobial and healing properties.
Peel a garlic clove!
Smash a little bit of garlic juice on your pimple and leave it on as long as you’d like.
Watch the miracle happen!
******************************
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