Bay, Ginger & Mint Muscle Rub This easy-to-make herbal rub will help to soothe tired, aching muscles. You can also use it on knees, elbows and other joints to ease inflammation and pain associated with arthritis or just a day of overdoing it. Ingredients 4 whole bay leaves 2 tablespoons powdered ginger root 1/2 cup coconut oil 1/4 cup grated beeswax (2 ounces, or 4 tablespoons) 5 drops peppermint essential oil Directions Combine the bay leaves, powdered ginger and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler. Gently heat on low for 2 minutes to completely melt the coconut oil (which is solid at room temperature) and to infuse the herbs, stirring often. Add beeswax and continue stirring until me
Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil Research shows that a diet that includes pumpkin seed oil may help to prevent heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Pumpkin seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of Cucurbita pepo, a cultivar of winter squash native to North America. Abundant in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, phytosterols, carotenoids, antioxidants and vitamins A and E, it’s one of the most nutritious culinary oils there is. In fact, it’s often referred to as “green gold.” One caveat: Cooking destroys some of the beneficial compounds in pumpkin seed oil, so don’t plan to swirl some in a skillet. The oil can, however, be used in baking and for making dressing
DIY Herbal Salves Learn how to make herbal salves for psoriasis, eczema, insect bites, burns and other irritations. Salves are time-honored traditional remedies for a variety of skin problems, including wounds, burns, boils, acne, rashes and insect bites and stings. Salves can also be formulated to contain herbs that address pain and inflammation associated with inflammatory skin conditions, like arthritis, psoriasis and eczema. Making your own salve is simple and satisfying. You only need three key ingredients – an herb-infused oil, beeswax and one or more essential oils. To make an infused oil, start with a quality carrier oil suitable for use on the skin. I prefer sweet almond oil but oli
How to use essential oils in your DIY natural cleaners. Essential oils are the concentrated volatile aromatic compounds obtained from the flowers, leaves, stems, roots, bark and/or seeds of a plant via steam distillation or solvent extraction. In addition to their use in aromatherapy, essential oils are used to make cosmetics, soaps, perfumes and medicines. Because many essential oils possess antimicrobial properties, they are also incorporated into natural household cleaners. Rosemary essential oil, for example, is antibacterial and antiseptic, while tea tree essential oil is antifungal. Save the expensive essential oils – sandalwood, rose, chamomile, etc., - for making perfumes, fancy soap
With a bright, uplifting scent, this aroma spray is perfect to use as a personal body spray or deodorant, or even as a room spray. Ingredients 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) organic neroli (orange blossom) hydrosol 2 1/2 tablespoons organic witch hazel extract 12 drops organic sweet orange essential oil 6 drops organic pink pepper essential oil 4 drops organic organic vetiver essential oil Directions Combine all ingredients in a 4-ounce amber bottle with a mister top. Shake gently before each use.
Also known as Peruvian pepper and false pepper, pink pepper (Schinus molle) is an evergreen native to the Peruvian Andes and naturalized elsewhere, including California. Pink pepper is not botanically related to black pepper (Piper nigrum), although the berry-like drupes of this South American tree do resemble true peppercorns. In fact, pink "peppercorns" are typically included with and provide the pink-to-red color interest in packages of mixed peppercorns. In addition to use at the table like black pepper, ground pink peppercorns are used to flavor confections and baked goods. (Try some in brownies and in other chocolate treats!) Ground pink pepper is also an ingredient in horchata, a trad
Updated 2/11/19 Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a shrubby, flowering plant in the daisy family that’s native to South America, where the indigenous Guaraní people have used the leaf for more than 1,500 years. Also known as Sweet Herb of Paraguay, Honey Plant, Sweet Leaf and Yerba Dulce, stevia contains more than a half dozen glycosides, such as steviosode and rebaudioside, which tickle the tongue with a sensation of sweetness that’s 150 to 300 times greater than that imposed by sugar. However, these compounds are non-caloric and are not metabolized by the body. This means that you can satisfy your sweet tooth without affecting blood sugar or padding your waistline. The herb is ideal for sweete
Herb Infused Honey Infusing honey with herbs not only adds flavor, but also lends additional nutrients and antioxidant value. Be sure to use raw, local honey from a trusted source. The majority of honey sold in conventional supermarkets contain little more than corn syrup or are so highly processed that they all traces of pollen (and nutrients) are gone. Try infusing honey with one or more of these herbs and spices … Ginger (chopped fresh root or powder) Lavender Vanilla Bean Fresh Garlic Rosemary Thyme Lemon Balm Chili Flakes Orange Peel Cinnamon Sticks Cloves (whole) Rose Petals Star Anise Peppercorns Method: Place herbs/spices in a clean mason jar or similar container with a lid. Cover co
Coconut Oil & Herb Spread This soft spread is a great alternative to butter. Try it on breads, hot toast, crackers, steamed vegetables – anything you would normally treat to a pat of butter. The choice of herb is up to you. Finely chop a small bunch if using fresh, or use 1 tablespoon (more or less to taste) of dried herb. In either case, let the spread rest in the refrigerator for a few hours before using to allow the flavors to infuse. Ingredients ½ cup organic, unrefined coconut oil ½ cup organic flax seed oil Fresh or dried basil, thyme, dill or other herb(s) Directions Heat the coconut oil over low heat in a saucepan until melted. Remove from heat; add flax seed oil and stir. Stir in h
How to Use Coconut Oil The humble coconut (technically a drupe, not a nut) is the fruit of Cocos nucifera, a member of the palm family that’s distributed throughout the tropical regions of the world. Its meat, milk and oil has provided food and medicine for centuries. In fact, Pacific islanders refer to the coconut tree as the “tree of life,” and consider its fruit to be a panacea for a wide variety of ailments ranging from psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions to herpes, respiratory infections and irritable bowel disorders like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, especially medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). In contrast to long-chai
Ashwagandha for Anxiety, Arthritis & Alzheimer's Research shows that ashwagandha may reduce anxiety and offer protection from inflammatory disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an important herb in the Ayurvedic system of healing of India, where it's classified as a Rasayana (tonic). Also known as Indian Ginseng, ashwagandha is highly valued as an adaptogenic, an agent that enables to body to maintain homeostasis during times of stress. While the herb has been used to treat a variety of conditions, there is increasing evidence that ashwagandha may reduce anxiety, enhance cognitive function and combat pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid and
Lavender, Rose & Almond Facial Scrub This all-natural cleanser gently exfoliates skin to help remove impurities and promote cell turnover. You’ll need a hand-held coffee grinder to powder the ingredients. If you don’t already have one, it’s well worth the small investment to dedicate its use to your botanical crafts! Ingredients 1 cup rolled oats 1/3 cup sliced almonds 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers 2 tablespoons dried rose petals 1 tablespoon bentonite clay Directions Place all ingredients in a coffee grinder and pulse until a coarse powder is achieved. Transfer powder to a tin container with a lid and store in a cool, dark place. To use, place a small amount (about the size of a quar
Plant Pigment May Help Infants with Rare Muscle Disorder Quercetin, a chemical found in herbs, vegetables, grains and certain fruits, may offer a potential therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), also known as floppy baby syndrome. SMA is a genetic neuromuscular disorder that affects an estimated 1 in 6,000 infants, leaving them with little or no control of muscle movements. Sadly, those most severely afflicted usually die by the age of two. There is currently no cure. However, the results of this study, which were published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, indicates that a plant pigment called quercetin may offer an effective therapy in the early stages of the disease. SMA is dr
Green Tea May Cause Oral Cancer Cells to Self-Destruct According to Penn State researchers, a compound in green tea may cause human oral cancer cells to undergo programmed cell death without damaging healthy cells. The research could lead to treatments for oral cancer, as well as other types of cancer. Green tea has been widely studied for its antioxidant effects, which are largely attributed to a polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG for short. The results of this study, which were published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, suggest that EGCG appears to act on the mitochondria of oral cancer cells by stimulating them to produce reactive oxygen species, reactive molecul
Herbs for Cold & Flu When it comes to cold and flu season, these herbs are a must-have for the kitchen or medicine chest. Winter and early spring is the time of year most people come down with a head cold or flu, with potential flares from seasonal allergies just around the bend. Allopathic (western) medicine typically targets symptoms but fails to address the underlying cause. Worse, many doctors simply dole out antibiotics to their patients. Not only does this practice contribute to antibiotic resistance, but these medications are ineffective against viral invaders like rhinoviruses that are responsible for colds and respiratory infections. The secret to successfully warding off a viral in
