#winterherbs

Winterherbs {a simon and baz playlist} [listen]

From Garden to Wellness: Harnessing Medicinal Herbs for a Healthier You

In the quest for optimal health and well-being, the journey often begins in the garden, where nature's pharmacy awaits. Medicinal herbs, with their potent healing properties, offer a holistic approach to wellness. Snip A Sage explores the transformative power of these botanical wonders and unlock the secrets to a healthier you.

Cultivating Wellness in Your Backyard

Creating Your Medicinal Herb Garden

Embark on a journey of self-sufficiency by cultivating a medicinal herb garden right in your backyard. Choose a sunny spot, enrich the soil with organic matter, and select a variety of herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and mint. These versatile herbs not only thrive in home gardens but also pack a punch in terms of health benefits.

DIY Herbal Remedies: A Green Thumb's Guide

Transforming your harvest into potent remedies is a rewarding aspect of herb cultivation. Learn the art of crafting herbal teas, infused oils, and salves. Harness the healing potential of your garden by creating your personalized arsenal of natural remedies.

Exploring the Medicinal Marvels

Lavender: Beyond Fragrance

While renowned for its enchanting fragrance, lavender transcends its aromatic charm. This herb boasts anti-inflammatory and calming properties, making it a valuable ally in stress relief and sleep enhancement. Incorporate lavender into your routine for a serene mind and restful nights.

Rosemary: Herbal Brain Boost

Elevate cognitive function with the remarkable rosemary. This herb is known for enhancing memory and concentration. Whether infused in oils for aromatherapy or included in culinary creations, rosemary is a versatile herb that supports mental clarity.

Mint: More Than a Refreshing Flavor

Beyond its refreshing flavor, mint is a digestive powerhouse. Ease indigestion and promote digestive health by incorporating mint into teas or infusions. This invigorating herb also lends itself to cooling topical applications for skin relief.

Basil: Nature's Anti-Stress Agent

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, basil emerges as nature's anti-stress agent. Rich in antioxidants, this herb combats oxidative stress, promoting overall well-being. Explore basil-infused recipes or enjoy a cup of basil tea to unwind.

Crafting a Herbal Lifestyle

Incorporating Herbs into Culinary Delights

Elevate your culinary endeavors by infusing dishes with the vibrant flavors of medicinal herbs. Experiment with rosemary-infused oils, minty salads, and basil-packed sauces. Not only do these creations tantalize the taste buds, but they also contribute to your overall health and vitality.

Herbal Rituals: A Daily Wellness Practice

Transform daily routines into moments of wellness through herbal rituals. Start your day with a cup of invigorating herbal tea, savor herbal-infused meals, and wind down with a calming herbal blend before bedtime. These rituals not only nourish the body but also cultivate mindfulness and balance.

Navigating the Path to Holistic Health

Educating Yourself on Herbal Safety

While the world of medicinal herbs is brimming with benefits, it's crucial to educate yourself on herbal safety. Understand the properties of each herb, potential interactions, and proper dosage. Consult with herbal experts to ensure a safe and personalized approach to herbal wellness.

Embracing Nature's Pharmacy for a Vibrant Life

~ Submitted by: Cheyenne Caza, AHA Student Member

 Taking a page from the book of primitive living, with enough preparation your winter eating can be a breeze, even in survival situations. Gathering nuts throughout the summer and fall (TIP: watching where squirrels bring their nuts, could award you with finding their cache, which is often a higher pay off than simply hunting the singular squirrel), drying seeds, leaves, roots, and fruits for winter use, drying or curing meat/fish, and if you have the resources, canning, and preparing flours; will all help your chances at surviving the winter with relative ease. Simple things can be done to prolong the life of such food, like root cellar set-ups, salts and sugars (preparation would be key here), dehydration, adding dried herbs like Labrador Tea (Ledum latifolium) to your flour supply to deter pests and rodents, and more. You also need to know how to harvest tree barks, and that is to simply mimic nature. Animals eat barks regularly and they do so by digging their teeth in and tearing a strip of bark down the tree. So do that, except maybe with a knife and not your teeth. Never take a strip from around the tree trunk – that will kill the tree; only strip the bark down the trunk, in small sections, and take very little from a singular tree. Better yet, strip the larger branches, and leave the trunk alone completely.

ASTRAGALUS (Astragalus membranaceus) Use the root of this perennial to give your immune system a fighting chance. "Its yellow root contains compounds that stimulate your immune system, promoting the formation of antibodies, increasing the production of T cells, and boosting the supply of infection-fighting white blood cells," says Balick. He says you can slice up the root and add it to soups and stews while they cook (but take them out before serving). Important Note: Do not take astragalus if you are pregnant or nursing.

BASIL (Ocimum basilicum) Granted, basil season is summertime, but that doesn't mean you can't keep it around all year. Balick says, "To enjoy the herb throughout the winter, chop the leaves of freshly harvested basil and put them in an ice cube tray. Fill the tray with water and freeze." Basil helps reduce fevers and relieve symptoms of colds, coughs, and the flu.

BLACK PEPPER This spice is probably sitting right on your kitchen table. "In China, where black pepper is known as hu jiao, the herb is popular for alleviating the phlegm from a cold," says Balick.

CATNIP (Nepeta cataria) This mint relative isn't just for kitty cats. "Because this herb stimulates perspiration, it's also used to treat fevers," says Balick. It can either be served up over a salad or as a tea. Important Note: Do not take catnip if you are pregnant.

CINNAMON Don't just bundle up your outsides when you have a cold. Warm up on the inside, too. "Cinnamon is used to warm the body and clear mucous congestion due to colds and flus," says Balick. Important Note: Although it's safe when used as a culinary spice, do not take cinnamon medicinally if you are pregnant.

COWSLIP (Primula veris) It can be hard to visualize warm, tranquil country meadows when you're trapped in bed with a cold, but the root of these pretty yellow flowers might help. "The roots, which contain triterpenoid saponins, have powerful expectorant properties," says Balick. Use cowslip as a decoction to loosen phlegm and chest congestion. Place the roots and water (1 cup of water for every 1 ounce of root) in a pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and drink. Important Note: Do not take cowslip if you are pregnant or taking aspirin or prescription anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin.

ECHINACEA (Echinacea purpurea) No list would be complete without echinacea, the poster child for healing herbs. "The herb is most effective if taken during the earliest stage of infection," says Balick. Enjoy it as a tea by simmering the root in water for 10 minutes. Important Note: Be careful if you have allergies to plants in the aster family (like ragweed), including echinacea.

ELDERBERRY (Sambucus canadensis) "Elderberry has been called 'the medicine chest of the people' because of the plant's many therapeutic uses," says Balick. "Studies have shown that elderberry syrup and extracts can reduce flu symptoms and duration, as compared to a placebo." He also recommends making a tea from the flowers.

EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus) Back away from the vapor rub and pick up some eucalyptus. In fact, this plant is often the active ingredient in those over-the-counter chest rubs, so let's skip the other filler ingredients and get straight to the easy breathing. "Inhaling the vapor of a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil placed in boiling water can help clear sinus and bronchial infections," says Balick.

GARLIC "People have used garlic for health and healing for more than 5,000 years," says Balick—and with good reason. With antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal benefits, garlic is the Swiss Army Knife of garden remedies, so it's not surprising that research has shown that garlic supplements can prevent a cold.

GINGER (Zingiber officinale) Ginger is a diaphoretic, or a compound that induces sweating. This makes it effective for breaking a fever and relieving other cold or flu symptoms. Balick's recipe for ginger tea: Pour a cup of boiling water over a half a teaspoon of powdered ginger and steep for 10 minutes. Pour off the liquid and discard the powder. You can also use it as a gargle for sore throats. Important Note: Although safe when used as a culinary spice, do not take ginger medicinally if you are pregnant or have gallstones.

HOREHOUND (Marrubium vulgare) Forget the store-bought cough syrup and make your own with Balick's recipe: Boil 1 ounce of fresh or dried horehound leaves in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain off the leaves and measure the remaining liquid. Add twice as much honey as liquid and mix well. The syrup can be stored in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to two months. The dosage is 1 teaspoon up to four times a day to soothe a cough. Important Note: Do not take horehound if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not confuse with black, or stinking, horehound (Ballota nigra).

HORSERADISH (Armoracia rusticana) Not only is this spicy root rich in vitamin C, but it also contains isothiocyanates and sulforphane, two compounds that clear congestion. Balick says you can make your own horseradish (the condiment) by grating the root and adding vinegar as desired. Important Note: Do not take horseradish in large amounts if you are pregnant, nursing, or suffering from gastrointestinal or kidney disorders.

HYSSOP (Hyssopus officinalis) "Herbal practitioners use hyssop to relieve the symptoms of colds, flus, and other respiratory infections," says Balick. These hairy gray leaves taste like a mix between sage and mint and can be used to flavor soups and meat dishes. Important Note: Do not take hyssop if you are pregnant.

LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis) Bursting with vitamin C, Balick says lemon balm makes a nice tea made by pouring a cup of boiling water over 5 to 6 fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves. Steep for 5 minutes and strain out the leaves. This tea will help you relax and ease an upset stomach. Important Note: Consult with a doctor or herbalist if you have a thyroid condition before taking this herb, recommends James Duke, PhD, in The Green Pharmacy.

LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon citratus) Another lemony plant option is lemongrass. "Traditionally, people have made a hot tea from the leaves for treatment of fevers, coughs, and colds," says Balick. Pour a cup of boiling water over 5 to 6 fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves. Another way to use this soothing herb is in the bathtub (kind of like making a giant cup of tea that you can soak in). Simply put a mesh bag filled with chopped leaves under the hot water as you fill your tub.

LICORICE (Glycyrrhiza glabra) This herb works well as an expectorant and demulcent. "Its soothing effects on mucus membranes make it useful for treating sore throats and coughs," says Balick. Make licorice tea by simmering 1 teaspoon of the root (dried and sliced) in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes and strain. He says you can have 2 to 3 cups a day for up to seven days. Impotant Note: Do not take licorice if you are pregnant, have heart disease, liver disease, or hypertension.

MARJORAM (Origanum majorana) Forget decongestants: Breathe easier with marjoram. "When taken into the respiratory system through steam inhalation, marjoram may help unblock sinuses and relieve laryngitis," says Balick. You can even add marjoram essential oil to your bathwater to relax and ease cold and flu symptoms.

MARSHMALLOW (Althaea officinalis) "Before gelatin and other products were used to give marshmallows their pillowy consistency, this herb's roots created the effect," explains Balick. A tea of the roots helps soothe sore throats due to inflamed mucous membranes and can shorten the length and severity of your cough. Simmer 1 cup of water for every 1 ounce of root for 20 minutes, strain, and enjoy. Important Note: Marshmallow may delay the absorption of other mediations.

MULLEIN (Verbascum thapsus) This plant is a traditional treatment for respiratory problems. "Modern practitioners recommend mullein leaf tea or decoction for respiratory conditions, as well as for sore throats," says Balick. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh leaves and steep for 10 minutes before straining. He recommends running it through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to filter out any remaining irritating plant hairs.

OREGANO (Origanum vulgare) No stranger to most of our kitchens (or to practically every Italian dish), oregano makes a great remedy for coughs either as a tea or inhaled as steam.

RED CLOVER (Trifolium pratense) These pretty pink flowers grow throughout North America and work well as an expectorant. "The herb is a traditional treatment for coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion," says Balick. Drink the herb as a soothing tea by seeping dried flowers in hot water for 10 minutes.

ROMAN CHAMOMILE (Chamaemelum nobile) Cough keeping you up at night? There's nothing quite like a cup of chamomile tea to relax you. "Taken before bedtime, warm chamomile tea is very effective for the treatment of insomnia," says Balick, and nothing quite knocks out a cold like a good night's sleep. Important Note: Be careful if you have allergies to plants in the aster family (like ragweed), including chamomile.

ROSEMARY OIL (Rosmarinus officinalis) If you've never tried an essential oil for healing, start here. Breathing in aromatic rosemary with steam gives great relief to nasal and chest congestion. Plus, it smells amazing. Eating this herb (the plant, not the essential oil) has some pretty fantastic benefits, too. (Just be sure to properly dilute it.)

SAGE (Salvia officinalis) This common kitchen herb is a classic for sore throats and coughs. "Herbal practitioners suggest drinking sage leaf tea or using it as a gargle," says Balick. Make a tea by pouring 1 cup of hot water over 1 teaspoon of dried sage or 2 teaspoons of fresh leaves. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Sage is also recognized in Germany as a treatment for excess sweating. Important Note: Although safe when used as a culinary spice, do not take sage medicinally if you are pregnant or nursing.

SLIPPERY ELM (Ulmus rubra) Slippery elm is FDA-approved as a gentle cough and sore-throat remedy. Enjoy this tea 2 to 3 times per day by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of the powdered bark. Balick recommends sweetening with honey, molasses, or stevia, and even adding other spices like cinnamon or ginger for flavor. Important Note: Slippery elm may delay the absorption of other medications.

SPEARMINT (Mentha spicata) There are tons of varieties of mint, but this gentle one is great for colds. Balick says, "In aromatherapy, it is used to treat fatigue as well as respiratory conditions, such as colds, coughs, and bronchitis."

THYME (Thymus vulgaris) Everyone is so busy, no one has time to deal with a cold (apologies for the eye-rolling pun). "Thyme tea eases coughs and bronchial spasms and helps clear congestion and mucus of a cold," says Balick. "Thyme is also rich in disease-fighting antioxidants." Important Note: Although safe when used as a culinary spice, do not take thyme medicinally if you are pregnant or nursing.

VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis) You don't need Nyquil to get a good night's sleep with a cold. All you need is a cup of valerian root tea. "Used as a mild sedative since ancient Roman times, this natural sleep aid is nonaddictive and has no known side effects," says Balick. Make a tea by covering 1 teaspoon of the dried root with 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Important Note: Do not take valerian if you are pregnant.