Tools for Natural Living

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 lavend

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 norm

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 lanc

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. Chamomil

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 whol

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

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 th

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

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

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 ro