Old Photography...Self

Old Photography...Reverse Namaste

Old Photography...Lips

First Snow Fall

Omar

Bad Breath Spray

Okay, yes...it looks a little weird, a little funky. But it smells phenomenal! This recipe is featured in "Grow Your Own Drugs!" by James Wong. I just made it last night, and it's very simple and easy. Plus, it'll make your whole kitchen smell fresh from all the great ingredients being chopped and blended. 


Ingredients: 
10 tbsp (25 grams) fresh thyme leaves
10tbsp (30g) fresh mint leaves
5 fresh eucalyptus leaves
3 tsp anise seed
3 tsp cloves
3/4 cups (200 mL) vodka, 40%
rind of 1 lemon
1 tbsp sorbitol/artificial sweetener, optional
4 tbsp glycerin

Strip the thyme, mint and eucalyptus leaves from their stems and chop. I used dried eucalyptus that was crumbled, so I took 5 small handfuls, a little bigger than a teaspoon. Place in a blender and mix. Add anise seed and cloves and mix again. 

mint,thyme and eucalyptus

cloves, anise seed

Place in a dark bottle with the vodka, lemon and sorbitol and leave for 10 days- 1 month to macerate. After time period has passed, strain through cheesecloth-lined strainer. Add the glycerin and pour into a small spray bottle.

Spray into mouth when needed. Since this contains alcohol, be careful when using it...like, don't over do it when driving or operating machinery. 

Echinacea Tea: Alternative to the Flu Shot

Echinacea is a very old and a classic herbal remedy. It was used by the Native Americans for treating snake bites and septic wounds. The European pioneers that traveled to America used it to treat infections. It is amazing immunity booster that you can actually take instead of getting the yearly flu shot. Echinacea contains natural antibiotic properties, that helps to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and other disease-causing microbes. It works by stimulating the production of white blood cells, our natural infection fighters. Drink one cup a day to help boost immunity from colds, flu and other common illnesses that come during the year. 

Your local grocery store should carry this brand/tea. It's more likely found at a Randall's/Safe-Way/Hannaford store; they tend (in my experience) to carry more of a "health concerned" items. Traditional Medicinals tea sells very common herbal teas, like dandelion root, nettle, and chamomile. This tea comes in a packet of 16, and it was for about $8.00. The instructions are printed on the box, as well as the tea packet. It also has the supplement facts printed on both as well. 

The tea is steeped for 10-15 minutes. I steep mine for 10. It has a slight peppermint/chamomile taste that is very easy to drink. I drink mine before I go to bed since it's caffeine free. On the packet, it says to drink 5-6 cups a day, but I believe for that's if you're sick. 




info thanks to...http://www.herbfacts.co.uk/pages/herb-file/echinacea.php

Dandelion Leaf Tincture

As I have stated previously, dandelion is an excellent diuretic. By making a tincture, you can also have access to all the vitamins it contains: A, B, C and D. It also contains potassium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, zinc, protein and inulin. Take daily to promote good health, good digestion, and a clean liver and gallbladder!

First, gather fresh bundles of leaves and separate the good leaves from the bad ones (the funky ones with the brown/black spots and the ones that insects munched on). Then, either brush off or rinse off the dirt from the leaves. Chop the leaves (I rinsed mine again because more dirt showed up) and measure. Then, place into a clean glass jar.

Use a vodka that as a 30-45% alcohol content. Add the vodka at a 2:1 ratio-2 cups of vodka to 1 cup of fresh leaves. If using dried leaves, use a 5:1 ratio-5 cups of vodka to 1 cup of dried leaves (this is because dried herbs contain a higher concentrate rather than fresh). 

Let sit in a dark place for 2-12 weeks. Check every so often to make sure the leaves are submerged in the alcohol. When ready, strain and pour into containers with droppers. Use 30-60 daily/when needed. 





information thanks to-http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/benefits-of/organic-dandelion-leaf

Dandelion Leaves & Roots

Dandelion is a natural diuretic that is great when you need to lose weight or want to detox yourself. You can also eat them: steam the leaves and eat them as greens, or fry the flowers for a delicious treat. These weeds are filled with vitamins and minerals, and they are in such easy access to us!  

To make a tea using the leaves, dry them (either oven or air method...http://herbsteanphotography.blogspot.com/2012/10/drying-herbs.html), use 1-2 tspns, and steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Take 3X daily. 

To make a leaf tincture, use fresh, rinsed bunches of leaves, chopped. Fill the jar with the leaves, then fill with alcohol (30%). Tighten the lid, and let sit in a dark area for 6-12 weeks. Every so often, push the leaves back under the alcohol so tincture can get all the nutrients in the leaves. After the 6-12 week period, strain out leaves, and place tincture in jars with droppers. Take 30-60 drops daily for good health. 

Dandelion root is very hard to dig up yourself, since it is a weed and they're deep rooted. To make a dandelion root tincture, take fresh root and fill a jar, then fill with 45% alcohol at a 2:1 ratio ( 2 cups of alcohol to 1 cup of roots).

To make a dried dandelion root decoction, use 1/2-2 tspns and steep in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and take 3X daily.



dandelion info thanks to- http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/dandelion-000236.htm

Thyme and Mint

Today, I added two new herbs to my collection: thyme and mint! They both smell delicious, make your breath smell delicious and have great purposes in the culinary and medical worlds. 

Thyme is a member of the mint family (no wonder it smells so good!) with little two-lipped flowers, ranging in the colors of pale pink to purple. Bees are highly attracted to it, due to its smell. But ironically, it is used in a spray to repel bugs and pesky insects from gardens and houses. 

It's commonly used for bad breath and tooth decay, due to its very strong, minty smell and antiseptic powers. It's one of the main ingredients in Listerine mouthwash. It's also used for gastric problems. 

For an easy tea, simply take the leaves (1 tspn), add boiling water, let it steep for 10-15 minutes. You may add honey to sweeten, if desired. This is a wonderful tea to help with gastric problems (only take once a day). 

To use on skin inflammations and sores, take the leaves and crush them into a paste. Apply to skin area as needed. 

To help with bad breath, make a thyme mouth wash, with the help of water and kosher salt (http://veganepicurean.blogspot.com/2009/08/natural-mouthwash-not-alcohol-based.html). 

Mint is a very common herb with numerous hybrids (spearmint, peppermint, horsemint, etc). It is used to help with a variety of ailments, such as stomach and chest aches to heartburn and indigestion  It's a great aid to help nasal congestion and bad breath. 

To make a tea, simply take the leaves (1 1/2 tbsp if fresh, 1 tbsp if dried), add 2 cups of boiling water, and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. 

Having mint infused water is great to have on hand, as it's an easy way to help with ailments that mint can cure (http://www.botanical-online.com/mint.htm). 

When planting herbs, always plant in a pot that allows it to drain. Also use soil that helps it drain. And do not over water your herbs; to check if it needs to be watered, take your finger, one knuckle deep into the soil. It should be slightly damp, not very damp or drenched. I tend to water mine every other day/two days. Make sure herbs are not in direct sunlight all the time, unless the plant thrives in sunlight. 

Drying Herbs

Drying herbs/plants/flowers is an excellent way to store and keep them for later usages. There are two ways to dry herbs: air-drying and oven-drying. I choose to air-dry mine; I feel like it's easier and doesn't steal the plants nutrients (i don't know if this is true or not, it's just my personal opinion). 

Starting from the left, I've gathered: chives, parsley, red clover, and red raspberry leaves. The chives and parsley I grew myself, and the clover and leaves I gathered from an orchard. Each of these have their own purpose and unique nutritional value as well. 

Chives are part of the onion family, but unlike it's brothers and sisters, it is absent of the bulb that usually forms. It'll instead form a bright purple flower on top of itself. They're native to Britain, Northern Europe and North America. They're mostly used for culinary purposes, and because they are high in vitamin C, potassium and folic acid, they're a great additive to help restore some of the nutrients lost from cooking. 

They help promote good digestion, ease stomach upset and prevent bad breath.  They have a diuretic effect that will also help lower high blood pressure.

Parsley, a very common herb, is believed to originate in the Mediterranean region or Western Asia. No one is quite sure where it's from. It's extremely common in the culinary world for its mild flavor and an easy way to garnish plates. It's high in vitamin A and C, fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, niacin, riboflavin and iron. The leaves contain  protein as well. Parsley is often made into an infusion, tea or combined with other herbs. Because it is a very rich herb, be careful and use it in moderation when using it for medicinal reasons.

Red Clover, a member of the legume family, has been medicinally used for a variety of illnesses and needs: cardiovascular health (such as heart disease), menopause, osteoporosis, cancer and skin ailments. If you are pregnant, you shouldn't take it. There are a variety of ways to consume it such as dried, powdered, or making a tincture. Dried is for making teas with; powdered can be purchased; tincture is to be added to a tea (for example). 

Red clover contains isoflavones, plant based chemicals that produce estrogen like effects in the body. Isoflavones have shown potential in the treatment of a number of conditions associated with menopause. But since it increases estrogen, there has been some doubts about the use of it. If any doubts, consult a herbalist or a wellness doctor. 

Red Raspberry is known as the "Woman's Herb". The berries are delicious, but by using the bark, leaves and stems, you can get a rainbow variety of vitamins and nutrient. According to Indian Herbology, it can be taken regularly throughout pregnancy to strengthen and tone tissues, help contractions and reduce hemorrhage during labour. Unlike black tea or coffee, which contain caffeine, raspberry tea also enriches milk and helps prevent miscarriage. It's also excellent to drink during your menstrual cycle, to help with cramps and bleeding. 

Red raspberry tea with red clover (one or more cups daily for several months) helps to promote fertility in men and women, prevents post-partum depression and hypertension. It can also help reduce night-sweats when paired with sage (do not take if pregnant).

Red Raspberry leaves is great herb to have at home, because it also helps with other common ailments plagued by everyone at all ages. 

Drying plants is very simple and easy to do. Make sure that your plants do not contain any residual water or they will turn muddy.

Air-Drying Method-

gather loose, leafy bunches of plants and tie them with a string and/or rubber band. Hang upside down in a well-ventilated, dry environment out of direct sunlight. Leave for 2 weeks, or until crispy. When ready, strip the leaves/flowers off the stems, then crumble, and store in an airtight colored glass jar or container. Herbs will keep for 1 year. 

Oven-Drying Method-

cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper and then put the plants on it, spacing them well apart. Place ion the oven on the lowest setting, leaving the door slightly open, until dry- this may take up to 5 hours. Crumble and store as above. 

Crystallized Ginger

Ginger, when used in remedies, is used as anti-emetic to help control/prevent all varieties of nausea: motion sickness, morning sickness, and vertigo. It's safe for children and great for expectant mothers!

The "roots", or the stem, actually contain a compound named "gingerols". These have a blocking effect on certain types of serotonin receptors involving sickness, suppressing gastric-acid production and reducing vomiting. This has a soothing effect on the digestive tract and quells stomach disorders like dyspepsia.

Ginger also is a great tea to make during the cold, longer fall/winter months, due to its warming effect on the body.

Crystalizied Ginger

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups (350 g) fresh ginger root
golden caster or superfine sugar, to match weight of cooked ginger
plus extra for sprinkling

1. Peel the fresh ginger root and thinly slice.
2. Put the ginger in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and cover with water, adding more to allow for evaporation. Bring to the boil and partly cover with a lid. Boil gently for 1 hour, or until the ginger is almost cooked but slightly al dente; the time will vary slightly depending on the freshness of ginger.
3. Drain the ginger and weigh it. Put it back in the saucepan with an equal amount of golden caster sugar. Add 2 tbsp water. Bring to the boil, then simmer over a medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon for 20 minutes, or until it starts to go gloopy and the ginger becomes transparent.
4. Reduce the heat and keep stirring until it starts to crystallize and easily piles up in the middle of the pan.
5. Meanwhile take a large, deep, baking tray and sprinkle caster sugar on it. Tip the ginger into the baking tray and shuffle it round in the caster sugar. Separate any clumps of ginger pieces. Place in a sterilized jar.

Chew on a piece of crystallized ginger when you feel nauseous.
Keeps in a cool place for 3-6 months.

*recipe and info from "Grow Your Own Drugs!", by James Wong

Pine Resin

okay...you're probably thinking "what is that???". well, i'm about to tell you! Pine Resin, from pine trees (naturally), is a highly combustible product. It seeps from broken or missing limbs/branches of trees, where a branch would grow from. The branch could either have been removed by man or nature (lighting, fire, etc). It can also seep through the bark from animals constantly scratching at it. it is white and some-what gooey and "powdery" at the same time.

it is EXTREMELY sticky, so if you decide to collect it without covering your hands with gloves or something, make sure you have baby oil on hand. this stuff will literally remove ANYTHING sticky. 

i collected some for a natural deodorant recipe by James Wong, featured in his book, "Grow Your Own Drugs!". This book is so simple and easy to follow. He even gives you resources to buy the herbs and ingredients, as well as "top 100 herbs" for you to grow/purchase.