Summer means spending more time under the sun. Sometimes, though, we get carried away with our activities that we just don’t realize how long we’ve been exposed to the sun’s UV rays, especially on cloudy days. If sunburn does occur, you’ll be glad to have this serum on hand to help you feel good in your skin again. Ingredients ½ cup pure aloe vera gel 1 tablespoon strong chamomile infusion (tea), cooled 1 teaspoon comfrey-infused oil (optional, but recommended) 4 drops lavender essential oil 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil Directions Combine the aloe vera gel and chamomile infusion in a small saucepan. Gently heat, but do not allow the mixture to boil. When heated through, remove from heat and le
New research shows that green tea inhibits cell proliferation and triggers autophagy and apoptosis (scientific terms that basically mean “self-destruct”) in oral cancer cells. EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), the active compound in green tea, seems to promote the formation of reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria of cancer cells, which respond by producing more of the same. This results in damage to the mitochondria, triggering programmed cell death while leaving normal, healthy cells unaffected. Similar findings have been found with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. According to researchers at the Cancer Institute in Tamil Nadu, India: “Oral cancer has a well characterized progression from
Plantain is a perennial “weed” original to Eurasia and now naturalized throughout most of the world. It was introduced to North America by early European settlers. The plant prolifically adapted to its new home with such ease that Native Americans referred to it as “white man’s footprint.” There are more than 200 species of plantain, but the most common in North America is broadleaf plantain (Plantago major), also known as greater plantain. A close second in abundance is lance-leaf plantain (P. lanceolata), also commonly called ribwort. The two are similar in appearance and growth habit, with leaves forming from a basal rosette and tall, leafless flower stalks appearing in summer and fall. G
You may recall that Peter Rabbit received a scolding and a cup of chamomile tea from his mother after indulging in and barely escaping from Farmer McGregor's garden. Unlike the characters, the remedy is neither literary invention nor coincidence; mothers have been doling out chamomile tea to settle frazzled nerves, an upset stomach, cramps or headache for generations. The tinctured herb offers concentrated, on-the-go therapeutic benefits whenever tea is inconvenient. Chamomile flowers contain numerous active compounds that collectively contribute to the herb’s calming qualities and anti-spasmotic and anti-infammatory properties. Among them are chamazulene, bisabololoxides A and B, matricin,
While the scent of lavender is soothing to the spirit, its therapeutic properties go to work on the body. The same compounds responsible for the herb’s heady fragrance – namely, aldehydes and ketones – exert mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects. These agents also ease inflammation and stimulate tissue repair. Powdered milk and oats soothe and soften dry, itchy skin and also help to reduce inflammation. Ingredients 2 cups organic lavender buds 2 cups powdered milk ½ cup whole oats To use, add about ¼ cup to a small muslin bag and toss into the tub while it’s filling with warm water. After the bath, compost the herbs and rinse out the bag so it can be used again another day. This recipe yiel
The crisp yet buttery texture of traditional shortbread is complemented by the marriage of peppery thyme, warm cardamom and bright, zesty citrus. Better make a double batch! Ingredients ½ cup unsalted butter, softened ¼ cup organic cane sugar 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice 2 teaspoons organic dried thyme ½ teaspoon cardamom seeds, crushed 1 ¼ cups all-purpose organic flour Directions Preheat oven to 350' F In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the orange juice, thyme and cardamom; mix well. Gradually add the flour, mixing to incorporate and until a smooth ball forms. Divide dough in half and roll out to ¼ inch. Cut into rounds with a cookie cutter
The humble violet (Viola odorata) has been used for centuries to make medicine and sweets, often both at the same time. The herb as long been used to treat fever, headache and inflammation. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects are due to an aspirin-like substance called methyl salicylate. The leaves and flowers, which are typically used together, also contain mucilage, tannins and various minerals, including calcium and magnesium. Note that the seeds and taproots of the plant contain a compound called emetine that causes vomiting if ingested, so leave those alone. Violet is classified as an alterative, meaning it detoxifies the blood and supports the lymphatic system. Because the herb
Gather dandelion flowers on a sunny morning after the dew has dried. Inspect them carefully for tiny ants while still outdoors (if you find any, tap the flower to get them scurry out ), then rinse in cool water and pat dry with paper towels. You’ll need about 3 cups of flower heads for this recipe. Ingredients 1 cup bread crumbs 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 large egg 1 cup organic milk 3 cups dandelion flowers Directions Mix breadcrumbs, thyme and parsley in a small bowl; set aside. Combine egg and milk in a bowl with a whisk. Dip flowers, one at a time, in the egg mixture and then in the bread crumbs to coat. Working in batches, fry the fritters in vegetable or coconut
Serve this delightful treat with afternoon tea or lightly toast and butter for a mid-morning snack. You can also make a simple glaze by mixing a cup of powdered sugar with a little buttermilk and a few drops of vanilla extract to drizzle over the top. 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt ¾ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¾ cup cane sugar 2 teaspoons lavender buds 4 teaspoons lemon zest ½ vanilla bean, split 2 large eggs ½ cup buttermilk 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Preheat oven to 350’ F. Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a medium-sized bowl; set aside. Combine the sugar, lavender and lemon zest in a food pro
Also known as pearl tea, gunpowder green tea comes from the Zhejiang Province of China, where it was first produced during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD). The tea leaves are tightly-rolled into small pellets, a tradition that began as a way to preserve freshness during long voyages overseas. Because the “pearls” resemble grains of black gunpowder once used as ammunition, the English gave the tea its moniker of “gunpowder” in the 18th century. Today, gunpowder green tea is rolled by machine instead of by hand and is also produced in Sri Lanka and Taiwan. It is also exported in quantity to the Maghreb region of North Africa, where it is used combined with spearmint or peppermint to make Moroc
When the day has been long and your body and soul are in need of restoration, immerse yourself in a tub of warm water infused with this herbal blend. The fragrance will renew your senses while the sea salt soothes tired muscles and softens skin. Ingredients ½ cup coarse sea salt 4 drops pettigrain essential oil ½ cup organic dried rose petals ¼ cup organic lavender buds ¼ cup organic hops flowers Directions Combine the sea salt and essential oil in a small bowl; set aside. In another bowl, gently stir together the rose petals, lavender and hops. Add the scented sea salt and stir to mix. Transfer to a muslin bag and close the tie. To use, toss into the tub while it is filling with warm water
This classic seasoning blend is widely used in French cuisine. This version is traditional, but there are many variations (experiment!) on the recipe. Try it with pasta, fish, poultry and egg and cheese dishes. Ingredients 1 tablespoon dried marjoram 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon dried savory 1 tablespoon dried rosemary 1 tablespoon dried tarragon 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds Combine all ingredients in a small bowl; stir to mix. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. More Herbal Culinary Inspirations Organic Herbs & Spices
Buttery biscuits and savory thyme are perfect partners. Serve warm with fresh butter and raw honey for drizzling. Ingredients 1 cup unbleached flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda dash of salt ½ tbsp sugar 2 tbsp butter ¾ cup milk 2 tsp dried thyme Directions Sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a large bowl. With a fork or pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients (some small lumps will remain). Add the milk and thyme; mix well to form a soft dough. Roll out the dough to ½ inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 2 inch rounds and place on a greased and lightly floured baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes at
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an annual and sometimes biennial herb in the mustard family that was introduced to North America in the mid-19th century from Europe, where the plant has been used for food and medicine for centuries. Also known as Penny Hedge, Jack-by-the-hedge, Hedge Garlic, Jack-in-the-bush, Poor Man's Mustard and Sauce-alone, the plant is easily identified by its erect growth habit; alternating heart-shaped, serrated leaves; small, star-like white flowers and, of course, the garlicky aroma released when the leaves are bruised. Unfortunately, garlic mustard is considered a noxious weed by most people – and they would be correct. It is, in fact, a significantly invas
With so many herbs and spices (and even fruit peels) to lend flavor variety to grilled meats, fish and vegetables (and even sliced fruits), there’s no reason to suffer bland BBQ. Whether your taste runs to spicy, sweet or savory, there’s a rub here for you. Savory Seasoning Blend This blend is perfect with chicken. If using pieces with skin, work some of the spice mixture under the skin to get more flavor into the meat. 2 teaspoons organic dried sage 1 teaspoon organic garlic granules 1 teaspoon organic dried thyme 1 teaspoon organic cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon organic dried minced onion 1 teaspoon organic paprika 1 teaspoon freshly ground coarse black pepper Sweet & Spicy Steak Rub This tanta
Luscious and light, this whipped body mousse is loaded with nourishing oils and the sweet scent of lavender flowers. Makes a great gift, so make an extra batch to give away! Ingredients 1 cup raw cocoa butter ½ cup organic sweet almond oil ½ cup organic coconut oil 1 organic vanilla bean, minced 6 drops organic lavender essential oil Directions Combine the cocoa butter and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler and gently heat until melted. Remove from heat and let cool for 20-25 minutes. Using an electric coffee grinder, grind the vanilla bean into small bits (or finely mince with a sharp knife). Stir the minced vanilla bean and sweet almond oil into the cocoa butter mixture until well b
Carrot and Ginger Soup With a blush of ginger and the brightness of fresh carrots, this smooth and creamy creation is the perfect warm weather soup. Serve warm or at room temperature with a side salad and bread sticks. Ingredients 6 cups organic chicken or vegetable stock 1 teaspoon dried organic thyme 2 1/2 cups organic carrots, peeled and sliced 2 stalks organic celery, washed and sliced 1 1/2 tablespoons ground organic ginger salt & cracked pepper to taste Directions Combine the stock, thyme, carrots, ginger and celery in a saucepan and heat just to the boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until carrots are tender. Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender,
