It's that time again.

Although it still feel like summer here in the South, the return of school and enclosed spaces has led to the return of coughs, colds, and the dreaded stomach bugs.  It didn't take long for the latter to find our house! 

Lack of sleep and loads of laundry aside, when your little one is feeling sick, you can feel so helpless.  Holding back hair, and murmuring comforting words just doesn't feel like enough sometimes.  So we do what we can, and hope it helps to ease some of our loves suffering. 

I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I pull out for these dreaded nights and the following days of recovery.  Hopefully you won't need them!  But just in case, here ya go:

1. We start with Lavender.  When you or your little one is feeling nauseous, lavender is a great way to calm the stomach while at the same time disinfect the area.  I make a Lavender Spray, and spritz generously.  It also helps ease tension, worries, and assists in falling asleep.

Lavender Spray:

8 oz. Water
1 tsp. With Hazel
10-25 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

Mix thoroughly and place in a clean spray bottle.  Shake before each use.

2. Once the stomach has calmed a little we move onto teas.  It is important to use only clear liquids until vomiting has stopped for 6 hours.  Slippery Elm Bark and Chamomile work great. Slippery elm bark is very nutritive and soothing for the stomach and the esophagus.  Chamomile is an antispasmodic, that will calm and warm the stomach to relieve nausea.  Make a weak tea, and give in teaspoon doses.  Add honey to taste.  Feel free to add herbs like peppermint, catnip, ginger, cinnamon, and lemon balm according to taste preference.

3. Last but not least, comes the broth.  There are many kinds of clear broth out there on the market.  I recommend using a home-made vegetable broth, but if you don't have one on hand (which most of us don't when we most need it!), find a low-sodium healthy veggie broth.  You want to be able to dilute it if necessary.  Start slowly, to avoid overloading the stomach.  Below is a great broth recipe, from Mary Bove's Enclyclopedia of Natural Healing:

Potassium Broth:

1/2 inch outer peelings, including skins, of 3 potatoes
Bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
3 scrubbed, unpeeled carrots, cut into rounds
Handful of greens, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
5 cloves of garlic, crushed
Other leafy greens & herbs desired
2 Quarts water

Wash and prepare veggies.  Simmer in water in large covered pot, 30-40 minutes. Strain.  Excess broth my be stored in refrigerator for up to 2 days.


We hope your family stays healthy and happy over the coming Fall and Winter months!  To help support you in this, we've put a large selection of our teas and tinctures on sale here. 

Work preventatively, and stay healthy!
Kristin

Hopefully this past week you've been thinking about what type of detoxification plan would best serve you.  My last post highlighted just a few strategies.  Ready for some recipes to get you started? 

Here are some of my favorites.

Detoxification Tea

-1 part Echinacea Root                -1 part Yarrow
-1 part Red Clover Blossoms        -1/2 part Dandelion Root
-1/2 part Peppermint                   -1/4 part Parsley

*Mix herbs well.  Infuse 1 tablespoon of tea in 1 cup hot water for 10-15 minutes.  Drink 5-7 cups for 7-10 days.

Spring Master Cleanser

-2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juices            -1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
-1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper                         -8 ounces filtered water

Mix and drink 8-12 glasses a day. 
*This tastes way better than it sounds!

Autumn Rejuvenation Ration

-3 cups filtered water                                -1 tablespoon ginger root, chopped
-1-2 tablespoons miso paste                      -1-2 stalks green onion, chopped
-cilantro to taste, chopped                         -1-2 pinches cayenne pepper
-2 teaspoons olive oil                                 -juice of 1/ 2 lemon

*Boil water.  Add ginger root.  Simmer 10 minutes.  Stir in miso paste to taste.  Turn off heat.  Then add green onion, cilantro, cayenne, olive oil, and lemon juice.  Cover and steep for 10 minutes.  Enjoy!

Of course incorporating fresh greens and fresh fruits this time of year is a great choice too. Just focusing on fruits and greens, the springtime master cleanser, and detox tea is a great plan to follow for many of us.  

Figure out what will realistically work best for you, and start planning your menu.  I'll be posting some helpful yoga postures to include during your detox, to help get things moving quickly and efficiently.



Be Well!
Kristin

Recognize these? 

These are the red, hot, itchy little buggers covering my little one right now.  Hives, or Urticaria, are raised, itchy, red welts on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine.  But in our case, it's a result of the latest virus going around.  So not only is my little one hot and stuffy, but itchy as well.

Is it Spring yet?!

Hives are one of those signs that gets parent's hearts beating a little faster.  Since they are normally associated with an allergic reaction, we worry that it will lead to swollen throats and trouble breathing.  Scary stuff.  And not to be messed with.  However, if they are not associated with an allergic reaction (and you've talked to your doctor), there are lots of ways to treat hives naturally.

Think cool and soothing.

1. Cold Compresses- place a cool cloth over the affected area, changing frequently.  Even better is soaking the cloth in a cool tea of peppermint, spearmint, or lavender.

2. Aloe Vera- the cool gelatinous insides of Aloe are perfect for cooling down the inflamed areas of hives. The gel is widely available. Just make sure it is 100% Aloe.

3. Tumeric Paste- You might have Tumeric sitting around in your spice cabinet.  It's a great addition to a lot of meals!  It is also a well-known anti-inflammatory.  Take 1 tablespoon of Tumeric powder, add enough water to form a thick paste, and then apply. 

4. Oatmeal and Marshmallow Root Bath- If you have hives all over the body, you might want to try this one.  Take about 1 cup of rolled oats and grind into a fine powder.  Do the same with 1/2 cup of Marshmallow Root.  You can also use Slippery Elm Bark, but it's an at-risk plant, so make sure you have a reputable source.  Sprinkle the mixture into the running bath of lukewarm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot, or it will further aggravate the hives.  This colloidal treatment will cool and soothe those hot itchy bumps. 

Apply any of these treatments as needed and hopefully you (or your little one) will find some relief! 

Be Well!
Kristin
 

If you are anywhere near the Northeast, you've probably (hopefully!) heard of the impending Super Snowstorm.  They've even given it a name.  Nemo.  Somehow that name just doesn't conjure up images of driving snow that could bring down power and bury us all in 2 feet of snow. 


So while you are out there stocking up on the necessities, and the not-so-necessities, consider adding some of the ingredients for these yummy natural marshmallows to your list.  Snow days in my house = lots of snow play, lots of hot chocolate with marshmallows, and lots of board games.  Usually in that order, and usually repeated throughout the day. 

So in honor of dear Nemo, I've dug up this old post on how to make your own delicious, natural marshmallows.  Enjoy!

Originally from Snow Day!

We like to put our own herbal spin on things around here, so I thought I'd share a fun recipe to making real marshmallows.  Those air puffed, spongy white things don't contain any marshmallow at all, which is actually a very healing herb.  Marshmallow root is renowned for its abilities to sooth skin and heal inflammations in the body.  It's one of my go-to herbs for sore throats. 

Go on, I dare you try making these.  Super easy and SO delicious.

This recipe is adapted from Lesley Tierra's (2000): A Kid's Herb Book. 

Ingredients:
-2 eggs
-1/2 tsp Vanilla
-1/2 cup sugar
-2 tablespoons marshmallow root powder


-Preheat oven to 275 degrees F
-Separate 2 eggs, keeping the whites.  Beat whites until foamy and not quite stiff.
-Add in 1/2 tsp. Vanilla or other delicious flavoring
-Slowly beat in up to 1/2 cup (it's okay to use less!) sugar, 1 tsp at a time
-Beat in 2 tablespoons marshmallow root powder
-Drop mixture using teaspoonful at a time on a lined cookie sheet.
-Bake 1 hour
-Remove from sheet and let cool.  Yum!

*Refrigerate extras (if there is any) for several days

Be Well,
Kristin

 

The holidays are drawing to a close, and let's face it.  Most of us probably need a drink.

In preparation for the final party of the year, I thought I'd highlight some delicious herbal cocktails.  Sure you can serve the traditional beer, wine, and champagne.  But hey, why not throw some glitzy drinks in the mix, that add both pizazz and just a bit of health into your evening.  They range from simple to complicated in preparation, and somewhat healthy to gluttonous.

And here they are, in that order:

Elderflower Champagne Cocktail

Basic Recipe:
3/4 glass of Champagne or Prosecco
1/4 glass of St. Germain (Elderflower liqueur)
1 sprig of mint

*Fill a tumbler with ice (or use a chilled champagne flute).  Pour in the Champagne, then top with St. Germain.  Mix well and top with mint sprig.  To look even fancier you can put a raspberry or cherry in the bottom for a sweet finish to the drink.

Did I mention that elderflower is a great herb to use when you feel a cold or flu coming on?

Lemon-Ginger Hot Toddy

Basic Recipe:
1 oz Whiskey
1 slice lemon
1 slice of Ginger
1 tablespoon of honey
Top with hot water

*Mix well and serve in your favorite mug.  Feeling sick?  Add some Echinacea Tincture, sprigs of thyme, cinnamon stick or any other herb that will make you feel better.  This is a great winter staple!

Raspberry Lavender Margarita

Basic Recipe:

1 1/2 ounces silver tequila, such as Patron
1/2 ounce Cointreau
1 1/2 ounces raspberry puree
1/2 ounce Lime Juice
3 fresh raspberries
1 dried lavender stem

*Mix together first 4 ingredients over ice in a shaker. Shake. Salt or sugar the rim of a chilled martini glass. Strain ingredients into the glass. Garnish with raspberries skewered onto a dried lavender stem.

Chocolate Mintini

Basic Recipe:
2-5 leaves fresh mint
1/2 ounce vodka
1 1/2 ounces Chocolate Liqueur
1/2 ounce Kahlúa®

*Muddle mint leaves and vodka, add chocolate liqueur and Kahlúa® over ice in a shaker. Shake well. Swirl chocolate sauce in the inside of the martini glass, strain in mixture and garnish with more mint leaves.



Three....two....one....Happy New Year!!!!

Be well friends,
Kristin

Need an easy homemade gift idea? 

It doesn't get any easier than infused honey.  Delicious, creative, and powerful medicine.  Here's what we've been doing this week:

1. Start by filling a clean mason jar about 1/3 full of herbs of choice.  Be creative!
Here we chose a mixture of cinnamon, ginger, orange peel, cardamon, clove, allspice, and black pepper.
Mmmmm....warming digestive herbs.

We made another batch with lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm.  I feel more relaxed just thinking about a cup of tea with this to sweeten it.

2. Get a nice big jar of local honey.  Our 5 lb. jar here filled about 2 mason jars.

Still following me?  I know, it's complicated.

3. Pour honey over herbs until the jar is full.  Place in a sunny windowsill for about 2 weeks.  Strain and pour into pretty bottles. 

Be sure to save some for yourself. :)

Your sweet gift is sure to be a big hit.






Be Well!
Kristin

I've decided that since this site is mostly about herbs and yoga, I should write some specifics on well, herbs and yoga.  I am the type of person that loves taxonomy (what can I say, scientific names intrigue me), deep descriptions of the anatomical inter-workings of a pose, and practical breakdowns of how-to-do pretty much anything.  This has inspired me to pick apart some of these amazing plants and poses every week.  I promise to sprinkle the occasional parenting rants and random thoughts  in these post as well, though.  It can't be helped.



So…..since this particular plant has popped into my life quite frequently during the past few weeks, I decided to first focus on Jewelweed.  Lovely name, isn't it?  For me it conjures up the image of a green field of tall grasses topped with rainbow colored gems as far as the eye can see.

Here are the actual specs on this plant:

Scientific Name: Impatiens capensis
Common Name: Jewelweed
Description: Plants 2-5', stems succulent.  Leaves oval or elliptic.  Flowers are orange and yellow, solitary, drooping, with nectar spur (which basically looks like tiny little cornucopias or trumpets).
Habitat: Moist roadside ditches, woods, and streams
Blooms: Summer-Fall
Fun Fact: Jewelweed is actually water repellant, so water droplets bead up on its surface.  The drops look like tiny jewels on the surface, hence the name.  Just another great reason for a rainy walk.

Okay, do you have a picture of it in your head?  Probably since there is a picture right here. 

Uses: This is a fantastic anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, analgesic (pain reliever), and anti-itch remedy.  Just break open a stem and slather that lovely juiciness onto your cuts, scrapes, warts, etc.  This plant is fantastic to treat poison ivy.  Trust me, I am nursing a patch right now.  Scratch, scratch.  

For treatment of poison ivy or other rashes, you can simply make an infusion (strong tea), by gathering a nice big handful of Jewelweed, mashing it a bit,  and adding a pint of water.  Simmer this for about 30 min .  It comes out a beautiful orange color!  Cool it, then pop it into a spray bottle and spritz when needed.  Keep it in the fridge for 7-10 days.

If you want it to stick around a little longer, you can make a tincture or salve out of fresh jewelweed. I see a tutorial in our near future!  Then you can apply it or take it internally for specific conditions.  Of which I'm sure you will research thoroughly.

My favorite way to extract the medicinal constituents in jewelweed is witch hazel, however.  You prepare it the same as the tincture, but replace the vodka with witch hazel.  Don't take this one internally!  Added bonus:  witch hazel is great for skin conditions, and preserves the medicinal goodness.  Apply as needed!

This plant is almost everywhere in the country, except the far north and the southwest.  Sorry my Flagstaff and Alaska peeps!  You'll have to visit to catch this one in bloom.

Scratch, Scratch,
~Kristin

I'm so in love with the Rosemary growing in my yard right now, I decided to pull this post out of the archives.  This is one plant you NEED to know.  It's easygoing, always around when you need it, and willing to listen to all of your rantings and ravings.  Just like a good friend. :)

Whether you choose to put it in a pot or in the ground, it is almost guaranteed to get tall, bushy, and permeate your yard with its amazing scent.  Its scent is also great for keeping herb loving insects at bay, so may want to consider planting it around your garden as a natural insecticide.

Personally I use Rosemary almost every day in the kitchen, and also use it to make an herbal shampoo that smells divine!  Check out the stats of this old friend below and the recipe for the shampoo that follows.
 

Rosemary (Rosmarius officinalis)

Description:

Rosemary belongs to the Lamiaceae, or mint family, and have square stems, purple two-lipped flowers and abundant fragrance-bearing oil glands typical of many members of the mint family (HerbSociety of America, 2010).

Growing Tips:

Set out plants in the spring when the weather has warmed.
 
Plant in full sun, but in the warmer climates they will accept some light shade. They thrive in a light, well-drained, soil.  During the growing season, pinch back growth tips two or three inches to promote bushy plants; cut back hard only in early spring to allow the new growth time to mature (NGA, 2010).

Most rosemary varieties are reliably hardy to only 20°F; however, gardeners in cold-winter areas can successfully grow rosemary indoors in a container with a fast-draining potting soil. Bring the plants indoors at least several weeks before your area's first frost date. Feed the potted rosemary regularly with fish emulsion and provide good air circulation to ward off harmful mildew (NGA, 2010).

Parts Used: Leaves

Uses:

Rosemary is a great treatment for headaches.  It is also useful for indigestion, colic, nausea, gas, and fevers (Tierra, 1998).  It is also high in calcium and thus is a benefit to the entire nervous system, as well as having antibiotic properties.  Rosemary can also be used for the hair and scalp; use as a cooled strong tea as a rinse after shampoo (Tierra, 1998).   This herb is used in just about every type of culinary dish with fruit, eggs, salads, sauces and meat.

Rosemary Herbal Shampoo

8 oz water
3 oz Liquid Castille Soap
4 TBSP Rosemary Leaf
20-60 drops essential oil (optional)
1/4 tsp organic Jojoba or Olive oil (adjust as needed – use more for dry hair or may omit for oily hair)

Make an herbal infusion, or strong tea, by pouring boiling water over the herbs.  Cover, and allow them to steep for at least 4 hours. Strain the herbs out and pour the remaining liquid into a bottle, then adding the Castille soap and oils. Rosemary is good for any hair type.  It is also effective treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, dermatitis, and hair loss.

*This recipe is adapted from Mountain Rose Herbs (2011).

References:

Herb Society of America.org (2010) Herb Society of America Fact Sheet. Retrieved May 31, 2010 from www.herbsociety.org.

Mountain Rose Herbs (2011).  Retrieved May 1, 2011 from www.mountainroseherbs.com.

National Gardening Association.org (2010) Retrieved May 31, 2010 from http://www.garden.org

Tierra, M. (1998).  The Way of Herbs. New York, NY: Pocket Books.

If you live in the U.S., you know that this summer has been HOT!  The Northeast and the Midwest seem to have been especially hard hit the past month or so.  Typical forecast:  Hot. Humid. And no rain.  Can you hear my dog panting?

Since most of us in the Northeast don't have central air (or in my case, a window unit or A/C in the car), we have to use other strategies to cool down.  Yes, fans are my best friend right now and we have been practically living in the various swimming holes in the area.  Here's some other ways we have been keeping cool and keeping sane.

1. Peppermint Mist:
   Take a spray bottle and fill with water and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.  Shake vigorously, spray, and feel  
    refreshed!

2. Smoothies:
    If you read this blog regularly, you know just how much my family LOVES smoothies.  Any kind will do.  Feel free to  
    look up some of my past recipes.  Blend yogurt, frozen or fresh fruit, ice (optional), and any other herb or other
    flavoring you like.  Note:  These are heaven when eaten after harvesting large amounts of peas and strawberries.

3. Frozen Tea Pops
    One of my friends passed on the idea of freezing peppermint tea into Popsicles.  Genius!  I have since been
    experimenting with a wide variety of cooling herbs.  Lemon Balm, Chamomile, and Lavender have been my favorites
    so far.  You can mix in a little honey before pouring into Popsicle molds if you like.  Added bonus: Lemon balm helps
    hot grumpy kids turn into little angels again!

4. Eat Cooling Foods
    Cucumbers and Watermelon cool me all the way down to my toes.  I can literally feel the sensation.  Find those foods
    that do that for you.  Yogurt? Melons? Citrus?  Try them all.  And under no circumstances are you allowed to turn on
    the oven.

5. Siesta!
      That's right.  Take a nap.  And that's an order.  During the hottest part of the day, put a peppermint or lavender tea
      soaked frozen washcloth on your forehead and lay down.  I know it's not always practical (I do have 2 little ones),
      but even if it is for 2 minutes, it gives your body a chance to recharge and cool down.

Rain is on the way for us.  Hooray!  Look for me, dancing around in it.

~Kristin