Star of the Show – Sultry, Spicy Star Anise Tea

Star anise. A beautiful spice. A powerful medicine. It is barely sweet, with a mild licorice taste. A warm herb that expels cold and aids digestion. It supports the immune and respiratory systems and helps prevent coughs, colds and flu. Did you know that star anise is used to make the active ingredient in Tamiflu? It tastes … Continue reading “Star of the Show – Sultry, Spicy Star Anise Tea”

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Back to School: An Herbalist’s Guide to Keeping Your Child Healthy

Constant colds, ear infections, runny noses and stomach bugs don’t have to be an accepted part of going back to school. A healthy body is the best defense against illness and disease and building a strong immune system provides the protection you need to keep the body strong and reduce the risk of infection. A … Continue reading “Back to School: An Herbalist’s Guide to Keeping Your Child Healthy”

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BLACKBERRY THYME OXYMEL

WHAT IS AN OXYMEL? Oxymel originates from the Latin word oxymeli meaning acid and honey. An oxymel is a mixture of vinegar, honey and herbs used in many traditions as a medicinal drink. Not all herbs taste great, and a spoonful of sugar will definitely help the medicine go down. But herbs are much more than “medicine”.  … Continue reading “BLACKBERRY THYME OXYMEL”

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HOW DO I TAKE HERBS? ~ TEA, INFUSION OR TINCTURE?

There are many different ways to prepare and ingest herbs  – hot and cold infusions, suppositories, oxymels, and syrups are some examples.  A few of the most common ways are teas, infusions and alcohol tinctures.  Choosing the best method depends on what condition you are treating and the therapeutic effect you are looking for. Water extracts only the … Continue reading “HOW DO I TAKE HERBS? ~ TEA, INFUSION OR TINCTURE?”

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STAYING HEALTHY WITH BONE BROTH

Bone broth is everywhere. Recipes, articles and “brothals” have emerged across the country.   Brothals are supplying shots, cups and frozen quarts of this super food through storefronts and online. It’s the newest health trend. But this is old news for grandmothers and herbalists.  Throughout history, every culture has used their own version of a basic recipe to restore … Continue reading “STAYING HEALTHY WITH BONE BROTH”

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PRESERVED LEMONS

Preserved lemons are a traditional ingredient in Northern African cuisine and are used extensively in Moroccan cooking.  They are sour, salty and a little sweet adding a wonderful burst of flavor. Not only are preserved lemons flavorful, but, lemons in general, are a great addition to your winter diet.  They contain immune-boosting vitamin C that helps … Continue reading “PRESERVED LEMONS”

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MULLED WINE – WINTER WARMER & HOLIDAY CHEER

What is Mulled Wine and Its History? Mulled wine originated in the 2nd century. Europeans combined hot wine with warming spices to maintain health and ward off sickness. In Greece, in order to prevent waste, they heated leftover wine and added spices. It was called “hippocras” after Hippocrates, because of the health benefits of the … Continue reading “MULLED WINE – WINTER WARMER & HOLIDAY CHEER”

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COOKING WITH WEEDS – DANDELION

Common Name:   Dandelion Scientific Name:  Taraxacum officinale  Taraxacum is derived from the Greek taraxos (disorder) and akos (remedy). If you live in an area where dandelions grow, chances are as a kid you blew the fluffy white bulb and made a wish in hopes of it coming true. As a kid you loved them. While they may now seem to be … Continue reading “COOKING WITH WEEDS – DANDELION”

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THE HEAT IS ON

Menopause is a period of transition and metamorphosis, like puberty. It consists of three stages: isolation, melt down, and emergence. Each stage calls forth new energies and new perceptions of ourselves. Each stage has different demands, different tasks, and different needs. (Susun Weed) One of the most common menopausal symptoms is heat, specifically hot flashes … Continue reading “THE HEAT IS ON”

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