Home Remedies Archives - Jovanka Ciares

‘Natural’ and ‘Safe” Are Not Always The Same

The use of medicinal plants is increasingly widespread in society. They are used seemingly for anything: from weight loss, to sleep, to stress management.

In short, to feel better. But we must always ask ourselves the following question: Is natural always safe? Today’s video will try to answer this question.

Medicinal plants are an important therapeutic arsenal that nature offers us. They have been the first medicines of Humanity and have served as a model for the subsequent development of most industrial medicines.

They are generally safe and are widely used to treat mild ailments but, since they are products that have a clear pharmacological activity, it is essential to take into account that they do not interact with other drugs that we are taking or that they may be counterproductive for other diseases that we suffer.

People who take anticoagulant drugs, for example, have to be especially careful since they are using very complicated treatments that interact with a multitude of medicinal plants, such as green anise, common chamomile. People with high blood pressure may need to be careful about using licorice as it tends to raise it.

People with thyroid problems should also be especially careful, for example, with seaweed-based preparations, as they can provide an extra amount of iodine that can affect their pathology.

Pregnant and lactating women should also be especially careful not to take any medicinal plant without first consulting their doctor or pharmacist; this is the case of the use of aloe vera to treat constipation in pregnant women (it is a laxative of the so-called irritants that can cause contractions, so it should not be used).

These are just some examples, but the recommendation we give you is the convenience of always asking a healthcare professional about whether a certain product can be used together with the specific medication and diseases of each person.

So, the morale of the story is: do not try medicinal plants without researching them first and preferably only after going to your registered herbalist for advice and choose the most appropriate for you.

Homemade Spray To Relieve Muscle And Joint Pain

Aches and pains due to muscle or joint issues? This remedy blend is super fast and easy to make, can be made cold (no need to heat the oils) and the result seems good to me. It is effective, fast and very simple to do. Also, everyone who doesn’t like the feel of oily and sticky creams loves this spray too.

Check out the video here and the ingredients and written instructions below

Ingredients

2 ounces of 70% + alcohol pharmacy alcohol.

1 oz of menthol crystals.

1.5 oz of camphor crystals.

35 drops of turpentine essential oil

35 drops of wintergreen essential oil

5 drops chamomile essential oil

Process

Weigh the menthol and camphor crystals using a scale.
In a clean, dry, wide-mouth glass jar, add the rubbing alcohol and then the crystals.
Shake well until the crystals have dissolved in the alcohol. The crystals should dissolve perfectly at room temperature.
Now add the drops of essential oil, close and shake again. I
Package in a dark glass container with spray, very clean and dry.
Store it in the cupboard or bathroom cabinet, away from light, heat, and moisture. And away from children.

Ways of use and precautions

First and foremost, they cannot use it: pregnant women, during lactation, small children under 8 years old. We must be very careful with people who are asthmatic or sensitive to aromas.

We must be careful with the mucous membranes (eyes, nose and mouth) and we must not apply it to open wounds.

It is applied as a normal spray on the area where we feel pain, for example, a sore ankle, a sprain, a contracture, etc. The ideal is to apply it and cover it with a gauze or bandage and let it act. It can even be used before or after a massage, depending on what we see.

We can use it one to two times a day safely, for several days in a row.

Best Digestive Tea Blend After a Large Meal

Digestion is a complex process that involves many organs in our body. Correct digestion, among other things, is essential for the body to assimilate the necessary nutrients to carry out its vital functions.

Stress, a heavier than normal meal, ultra-processed foods, changes in routine, excess cold or heat … All these things can influence your digestion and when faced with the discomfort of poor digestion, plants may be your allies.

The ideal is to take it after a large meal, to facilitate the digestive process and reduce the effects of heavy digestion (bloating, gas, heartburn, general discomfort). To aid digestion after a heavy meal you can take a digestive infusion made with three very special herbs. Check the video and directions below:

Digestive Infusion

Mint 50%

Licorice 25%

Fennel Seeds 25%

Mix all the ingredients following the indicated proportions and add to a glass jar, mixing thoroughly. When ready, use a single level tablespoon of herbal tea for every 250 ml (8 oz) of hot water. Avoid scalding hot or boiling water.

During the warm season you can also have this infusion cold and enjoy it as a flavored drink to finish your meals and dinners.

5 Plants that Can Strengthen Your Immunity and How To Use Them

People often ask me how seasonal foods and medicinal plants can be an ally to increase their defenses. According to the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) the vitamins and other micronutrients contained in certain foods can contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system.

Other studies show that malnourished people are more exposed to infections and diseases due to the lack of nutrients.

Despite the fact that a person who follows a healthy life will hardly have a lack of vitamins or mineral salts, it is possible that, at times, their immune defenses may be more exposed to attacks by viruses and bacteria.

The change of seasons are usually key moments for our immune system. In addition, stress and bad habits like smoking poor sleep and excessive alcohol intake are other factors that can affect the functioning of your defenses and weaken our immune system.

That’s where some of the amazing botanicals I love the most come to play! These are plants that, when used in combination with a whole foods plant-based diet, exercising and resting correctly are amazing tools that could make a difference in your ability to stave off disease. Check them out here:

1. Echinacea. It is probably one of the most used plants in natural preparations against flu and colds. Echinacea root extracts have been shown to have immunomodulatory effects (stimulate or depress the immune system) in in vitro and in vivo experiments.

2. Thyme. It is rich in flavonoids and tannins, substances that help to strengthen the defenses, and essential oils with bactericidal properties. Using thyme in the kitchen is a very good idea not only to strengthen our defenses, but to improve digestion.

3. Rose Hip. It contains above all vitamin C and flavonoids, important antioxidants that strengthen our defenses and help prevent colds and flu.

4. Garlic. It is a great ally of health and should not be missing in our kitchens. It is renowned for its protective properties of the circulatory system and for being an antioxidant. In addition, garlic extracts have shown antiviral activity, among others.

5. Sea buckthorn. The fruit of this plant has traditionally been used as a topical healing and anti-inflammatory.

How To Get Rid of Intestinal Parasites… Naturally

There are home remedies that are prepared with botanicals like peppermint, rue and mugwort, which have anti-parasitic properties, and are very efficient in eliminating parasites and intestinal worms.

These can be used every 6 months or in small doses on a regular basis to keep the intestine clean, but can also be used after confirmation of the presence of pinworms as a way to complement the treatment indicated by the doctor. It is important to remember that in the case of pregnant women, nursing women or children, it is important to first consult a doctor before ingesting them.

Here are 5 home remedies with anti-parasitic actions traditionally used to manage intestinal parasites. They are:

1. Rue tea with papaya seeds

The home remedy with papaya and rue is optimal in the treatment of worms, since rue is a powerful anthelmintic.

Ingredients

1/2 tablespoon of papaya seeds;

1 tablespoon of dried rue leaves;

1 cup of water.

Preparation mode

Place the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Then it should be strained and drunk warm, during the day.

2. Turmeric tea

7 home remedies to kill parasites and intestinal worms

Another good home remedy to treat intestinal parasites is turmeric tea (curcuma longa), because this root has curcumin as an active principle, which according to some studies, inhibits the growth of some pathogens, including helminths and protozoa. In addition to this, turmeric is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients

12 ounces of water;

1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.

Preparation mode

Boil the water and add the teaspoon of turmeric, let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day between meals.

3. Olive oil with garlic

7 home remedies to kill parasites and intestinal worms

Garlic is optimal for the elimination of intestinal worms and can be consumed raw, but it can also be consumed daily as a flavored oil, as it maintains its anthelmintic properties.

Ingredients

16 ounces of olive oil;

1 branch of rosemary;

3 cloves of peeled garlic.

Preparation mode

In a bottle of approximately 700 ml place the peeled and gently crushed garlic cloves and then add the oil and the rosemary branch. Close and store in a dry, moisture-free place for at least 10 days. Use this oil to cook food and to dress salads or soups.

See all the health benefits of garlic.

4. Mugwort tea

Mugwort is excellent for eliminating intestinal parasites due to its antiparasitic properties, its scientific name is mugwort vulgaris.

Ingredients

20 g of artemisia leaves;

32 ounces of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Add the leaves to the boiling water and let it rest for 5 minutes. Strain and drink when hot 3 times a day.

5. Anise tea

Anise tea also has anthelmintic action, being useful to complement the treatment against intestinal parasites.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of anise seeds;

1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Place the seeds in the boiling water and let it rest for 8 minutes. Strain and take after meals. Learn more about anise and its properties.

Herbal Blends for Gallbladder Stones

The presence of gallstones causes symptoms including vomiting, nausea, and pain in the right side of the abdomen or in the back. The size of these stones is variable, and can be like a grain of sand up to the size of a golf ball.

Gallstones that are very large can only be removed with shock wave therapy or surgery, but small stones can be removed through the intake of medications and / or with the use of some natural treatments, plant under the doctor’s guidance.

An excellent home remedy to eliminate small stones from the gallbladder is to drink 100 mL of water every hour until you can ingest 2 liters of water throughout the day. This will allow the gallbladder to relax, thus reducing the swelling and painful sensation caused by gallstones.

Other excellent home remedies to remove small gallstones are:

1. Black radish juice

Black radish is a root that has substances in its composition that prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the gallbladder, helping to prevent and eliminate the stones that form on this site. It can also be used to reduce fat accumulated in the liver and as an antioxidant agent, reducing the effects of aging.

Ingredients

3 black radishes;

1-2 glass of water;

1 teaspoon of natural sweetener

Preparation mode

Wash the radishes and blend them together with the cold water and honey, until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Then serve the juice in a glass and drink up to 2 times per day.

2. Dandelion Tea

Dandelion is a plant known to combat digestive problems, acting mainly on the liver and the gallbladder, because it has choleretic effects, that is, it promotes increased bile flow by helping to expel stones from the gallbladder.

Ingredients

3 Tbsp of dried dandelion leaves;

16-20 ounces of water.

Preparation mode

Boil the water and place the dried dandelion leaves, cover and let it rest for 10 minutes. Next, you must strain the infusion and drink warm. It can be ingested 3 times a day.

3. Artichoke

Popularly, artichoke is a plant used to treat various health problems such as anemia, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, and pneumonia. Some studies show that it is also a plant used to eliminate stones in the gallbladder because it stimulates the production of bile, helping not only the gallbladder but also liver function.

Ingredients

2 to 5 mL of artichoke tincture

12 of room temp. water

Preparation mode

Dilute the artichoke tincture in water and drink the mixture up to 3 times a day.

4. Peppermint essential oil

The essential oil of peppermint can help to eliminate stones in the gallbladder, 0.2 mL of this oil should be taken, once a day, to cause the desired effect. However, it is possible to prepare peppermint tea, because it is also recommended for the treatment of these types of health problems.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons whole or crushed dried peppermint leaves or 2 to 3 fresh leaves

16 ounces of boiling water

Preparation mode

Place the peppermint leaves in a teacup and fill it with boiling water. Let the infusion rest for 5 to 7 minutes, strain and drink 3 to 4 times a day, preferably after meals.

5. Milk thistle

Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a natural remedy widely used to treat liver problems and gallbladder stones, because the main compound in this plant is silymarin. In general, the extracts of this plant can be bought in pharmacies or in natural stores in the form of capsules, but milk thistle fruit tea can also be used.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of crushed milk thistle fruits;

1 cup of water.

Preparation mode

Boil the water and place the crushed milk thistle fruits, let the infusion rest for 10 minutes. After this time, you should strain the infusion and drink 3 to 4 cups of tea per day.

Natural Ways To Manage Hemorrhoids

There are some home remedies that can be used to relieve symptoms and cure external hemorrhoids faster, complementing the treatment by the doctor. Some good examples are the sitz bath with horse chestnut or the use of a witch hazel ointment, but there are other solutions such as increasing the consumption of foods rich in fiber and taking capsules of garlic, echinacea or Psyllium.

Garlic and echinacea capsules are also great options for internal hemorrhoids, but these home treatments should not replace doctor-prescribed treatment, which may include the use of pain relievers, ointments, or balms. See some of the most popular herbal blends traditionally used to treat hemorrhoids.

For external hemorrhoids

1. Sitz bath with horse chestnut

Home remedies for external and internal hemorrhoids

Horse chestnut is one of the most scientifically proven natural ingredients for the treatment of external hemorrhoids, because it contains properties that improve circulation. Likewise, horse chestnut is also rich in aescin, a type of saponin that exerts a strong anti-inflammatory effect, relieving pain and discomfort.

Ingredients

½ cup 60 grams of the shell of the horse chestnut powder;

2 liters (60 ounces) of boiling water

Preparation mode

Mix all the ingredients and boil for more than 12 minutes. When warm, you should strain and place the mixture in a bucket or large container. You must then sit, without underwear, for 20 minutes. Repeat this home treatment for at least 5 days.

Horse chestnut can also be ingested in capsule form. For best results, it should be taken around 300 mg, 2 times a day, but treatment can also be done with 40 mg, 3 times a day.

2. Sitz bath with cypress essential oil

Home remedies for external and internal hemorrhoids

Cypress has soothing and antimicrobial properties that help control pain and reduce inflammation, bringing the hemorrhoid back to normal.

Ingredients

1.5 liters of boiling water;

8 drops of cypress essential oil.

Preparation mode

You should place the drops of cypress essential oil in hot water and mix well. When the water temperature is comfortable, the person should sit in the container and stay for at least 20 minutes at least, allowing the remedy to work.

Another option to use another essential oil is to apply 2 or 3 drops in another vegetable oil, such as sweet almond oil, for example, and apply it directly on the region. This essential oil of cypress should not be applied directly to the skin, as it can cause a burn.

3. Sitz baths with Epsom salts

Epsom salts can also be used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, because it is excellent to reduce inflammation, and can be easily added to water. Thus, in addition to the warm water that helps stimulate the normal functioning of the intestine, this home treatment also has a strong anti-inflammatory component that is released by the salts.

Ingredients

2 tbsp epsom salts;

2 liters of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Mix the salt into the water until it dissolves. When the water is warm you should sit in the bucket, without wearing intimate clothing, for 15 to 20 minutes. This sitz bath can be repeated 2 to 3 times a day.

4. Chamomile compresses

Home remedies for external and internal hemorrhoids

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, so placing compresses on hemorrhoids helps to relieve discomfort.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers;

100 ml of water.

Preparation mode

Let the water boil, turn off the heat and add the chamomile flowers. Let it rest for 5 minutes, strain, wet a clean cloth and apply to the affected region for 15 minutes.

Stress Causing Your Blood Pressure to Rise? Try One Of These

Does all the stress of today’s work making your blood pressure rise? The world of herbal medicine has a lot to offer and I wanted to share a bunch of them here.

Although these home remedies are useful to supplement treatment for high blood pressure, they should only be taken with the knowledge of the cardiologist, as they are not a substitute for medications prescribed by the doctor.

Check out these 5 remedies (with recipes) to learn what to do when your blood pressure rises.

1. Garlic water

Garlic water is an excellent way to regulate blood pressure because it stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which is a gas with a strong vasodilator action, which facilitates blood circulation and reduces pressure on the heart.

In addition to this, garlic is an excellent ally to maintain the cardiovascular health of anyone, because it has incredible antioxidant and protective properties of blood vessels that prevent the emergence of problems such as atherosclerosis.

An excellent way to consume garlic is by drinking garlic flavored water or its capsules throughout the day.

Ingredients:

1 clove of raw garlic, peeled and crushed;

12-16 oz of water.

Preparation mode

Place the garlic clove in a glass of water and let it steep for 6 to 8 hours (while sleeping, for example) and drink this water on an empty stomach the next morning, or prepare a liter of garlic water and drink throughout the day.

In addition to this water, garlic can be ingested throughout the day with food, being easier to ingest than water. A good tip is to add a few garlic cloves to the olive oil. Thus, whenever you use olive oil, in addition to consuming a good fat, you will also be using the properties of garlic.

2. Lemon juice

A good home remedy to control high blood pressure is to drink lemonade mixed with coconut water because this juice has diuretic properties that help regulate blood pressure.

Ingredients

3 lemons;

20 ounces of coconut water.

Preparation mode

Mix the ingredients very well and drink next. Take 1 time a day.

3. Hibiscus flower tea

The hibiscus flower, also known as hibiscus, is a plant that has been widely used during the weight loss process. However, this plant has other important effects, such as lowering blood pressure. This occurs because it is rich in anthocyanins, which are flavonoids that help regulate blood pressure.

However, for best results darker flower calyxes should be used. The calyxes are the structures that connect the flower’s tail to the petals. The darker the flowers, the greater the amount of anthocyanins and the greater their effect on lowering blood pressure.

Ingredients

½ tsp of dried hibiscus flower;

1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation mode

Place the calyxes of the hibiscus flower inside the mug and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain and drink 1 to 2 times a day, keeping at least 8 hours between one cup and another.

Although there are still no studies that prove, it is possible that hibiscus is toxic above the daily dose of 6 grams. So it is advised that the indicated dose is not increased.

Hibiscus flower tea can have a rather bitter taste, so if necessary, you can add a small spoonful of stevia or honey to sweeten it.

4. Valerian tea

Valerian roots contain excellent calming and relaxing properties that help improve blood circulation. In addition to this, because it is very calming and acts directly on the neurotransmitter GABA, valerian can be used especially in people who have frequent anxiety attacks, which can cause an increase in blood pressure.

Ingredients

2-3 Tbsp of valerian root;

1 cup with boiling water.

Preparation mode

Place the valerian root in the cup with the boiling water, letting it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink 2 to 3 times a day. In some people this tea can cause drowsiness during the day, and in these cases it should be used only before sleeping.

5. Olive leaf tea

Olive leaves are one of the best natural remedies for high blood pressure, because through the action of their polyphenols they manage to regulate blood pressure and lower it, without causing risk of hypotension, even if they have been consumed in excess.

In addition to this, they also cause a mild calming and relaxing effect that helps control symptoms in people who suffer from constant anxiety.

Ingredients

2 to 3 tablespoons of dried olive leaves;

1 cup with boiling water.

Preparation mode

Place the olive leaves in a cup of boiling water, letting it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink warm 3 to 4 cups throughout the day.

In addition to tea, there is also olive leaf extract, which can be bought in natural product stores in capsules, which can be consumed in a dose of 500mg, 2 times a day after.

Three Ways to Combat Dandruff Naturally

Struggling with dandruff? Many of us do. Dandruff can be caused by a variety of reasons: from poor hygiene and low-quality hair products, to fungal infections, eczema, psoriasis or other serious health conditions.

Depending on the reasons for your struggles with dandruff, you should get your scalp checked by a dermatologist to rule out any serious problems.

The 3 herbal blends mentioned below will work for most people as they are to be used topically only and can be used in combination with medicated shampoo.

Coconut with Lemon:

Lemon is a key ingredient in most of the hair care remedies.

Mix the juice of a full lemon

4 Tbsp of warm coconut oil (do not microwave)

Apply on the scalp

Massage and cover your head with a plastic bag

Leave it for 30 mins

Shampoo and set as normal

Aloe Vera:
Ideally you want to find fresh aloe from the thick plant leaves but if that’s not available, you can buy a high-quality extract in your local health food store.

Use 5-6 Tbsps of gel extract and apply in your scalp only late at night

Let it dry out a little before going to bed, leaving it overnight

Shampoo and set as normal in the morning.

Camphor Oil with Coconut oil:

This remedy is skin friendly and coconut has anti-fungal properties so it gives you a one-two punch approach to help your scalp heal.

Mix 1 Tbsp of camphor or a single camphor tablet (if they come in hard tablets, warm them up first until it melts)

Add 4-5 Tbsp of coconut oil

Keep in a small bottle and apply nightly to the scalp

How to Manage Sore Throat, Inflammation, Laryngitis and Cough

There are a few ways to calm and relieve a sore throat and persistent cough using natural remedies. People who want to use natural remedies to treat sore throat and cough should look for various resources, and do your research regarding herbs and supplements that can help, taking into account any medications they may be taking, which can lead to unwanted side effects.

If you have a severe or persistent cough for a few weeks, it is essential that you see a doctor.

If you want to try herbal remedies to help you with the pesky cough and sore throat try the three featured in today’s blog to start with!

Marshmallow root

Marshmallow root is a herb widely used throughout history as a treatment for coughs and sore throats. The herb can improve the irritation produced by cough, due to its high content of mucilage. It is a thick, sticky substance that covers the throat.

In another small study, it was revealed that an herbal cough syrup with marshmallow root, thyme, and ivy relieved coughs caused by common colds and respiratory tract infections. After 12 days of taking the syrup, 90 percent of the participants rated its effectiveness as good or very good.

Marshmallow root is also available as a dried herb or tea bag. Add warm (not hot) water and drink it immediately or let it cool first. The longer the marshmallow root stays in the water, the more mucilage it will drink.

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme that comes from pineapples and is most abundant in the heart of the fruit.

Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties and can also have mucolytic properties, which means that it can shrink the mucosa and remove it from the body.

Some people drink pineapple juice on a daily basis to reduce the lining of the throat and eliminate the cough. However, there is not too much bromelain in the juice to relieve symptoms.

You can find bromelain supplements at a store and they can be more effective at eliminating coughs. However, it is best to speak to a doctor before trying new supplements.

Thyme

Thyme has both culinary and medicinal uses and is a common remedy for coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, and digestive problems.

A study showed that a cough syrup with thyme and ivy relieved a cough more effectively and faster than a placebo syrup in people with acute bronchitis. The antioxidants that make up the plant may be responsible for its benefits.

To treat cough with thyme, look for a specific syrup that contains this type of herb. Alternatively, brew a cup of tea and add two tablespoons of dried thyme to one cup of hot water. Let stand 10 minutes before straining and drinking.

How Does THIS Help You Lose Weight

We all know that carrying excess weight has health consequences, including increased risk of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and even depression, also, lower self-esteem, aches and pains, etc.

For patients who need an extra edge in their weight loss efforts, adding on a specialized weight loss supplement might be the answer.

Historically, supplements that claim to aid weight loss have overwhelmingly been ineffective or unsafe—and sometimes both.

Exploring How Berberine Enhances Weight Loss

Berberine is an isolate derived from many common plants, including the barberry shrub (Berberis vulgaris) after which the chemical takes its name.

Historically, berberine has been used as a pigment and as a curative in Chinese traditional medicine.

More recently, however, scientific interest into berberine has revealed a handful of potential clinical applications, including weight loss.

Berberine’s primary appeal as a weight loss supplement stems from its ability to make production of cellular energy less efficient.

When cells can produce their cellular energy in a highly efficient way, a higher percentage of nutrients are turned into energy.

How Effective is Berberine for Weight Loss?

In 2012, for example, one study showed that obese human patients lost an average of 5 lbs over the 12-week course of treatment.

In another study, those who took berberine lost an average of 7 lbs more than the patients who consumed a placebo.

How To Use It

While berberine is known to be well-tolerated, patients should still exercise caution when using it for weight loss, particularly if they have liver issues.

Currently, data suggests that berberine is completely safe to use for up to 12 weeks.

No more than 1500 per day or 500 mg 3TID

2-Herb Blend To Help You Lose Weight

In these stressful times when we need feel good experiences, it is very common for people to increase the amount of sugar and sugary-converted foods as they trigger the release of serotonin and beta-endorphins, soothing us and making us feel better, at least temporarily.

These include not just sugary treats but simple refined carbohydrates that are easily converted to glucose (sugar), like bread, white rice white pasta and others.

Unfortunately, and as you probably know, sugar overuse can lead to some serious health issues including obesity, heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type-2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, hormone irregularity, and depressed mood and anxiety.

In my practice as an herbalist, I often get asked what to do to help control sugar cravings while you take other steps to learn how to eat and have a better relationship with your foods.

I’ve mentioned one of the 2 herbs here before, the other one may be new to you. But both of them in combination are even more powerful to kill sugar cravings and assist in your weight loss journey.

Fenugreek Seeds

These seeds taste a little sweet and are often used in Indian cuisine, both sweet and savory dishes.

It is an antioxidant herb used to manage metabolic disorders like diabetes or anemia, clear excessive mucus and reduce inflammation

Fenugreek can be used to control sugar cravings and even blood sugar effectively. A study published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, “fenugreek delayed the onset of diabetes in subjects with prediabetes and even helped to reduce fasting plasma glucose, postprandial fasting glucose, and LDL cholesterol.” It was also observed that the control ground had a “4.2 times higher chance of developing type-2 diabetes compared to subjects in the fenugreek group.”

Gymnema Sylvetre

The Hindi name for gymnema translates to “destroyer of sugar.”

The plant’s compound can reduce the absorption of sugar from the intestinal tract and boost insulin production, all of which could help lower blood sugar. In some animal studies, gymnema extract also causes subjects to eat less and eventually lose weight.

How To Use It

1 Tbsp each in 24 ounces of water

Bring to a slow boil and simmer for 5-7 mins.

Let it cool

Drink 4 ounces of this drink 4-6 times a day until you have drank 3, eight-ounce cups per day

Stress Relief Herbal Compress

The stress of the new world we’re living in can be is overwhelming and can cause a reduction in our immunity response. Adding to the risk, is the toll that stress take on our emotional & mental health and wellbeing.

You may have an extremely busy schedule, working longer and longer hours, are taking care of children, the elderly, the sick. Perhaps you are out of a job and struggling to make ends meet. Or you simply struggle to make a difference in the face of so much pain.

Today I want to share a very simple remedy you can do even if all you have to spare is 5 minutes of self-care each day. It is a stress relief compress that you can apply to your head (over your eyes and forehead), wrap your feet with it or even apply on your chest near your heart, feeling not only its warmth but its healing embrace as well.

All of these ingredients can be easily found in markets around the world and you can use a cheese cloth or small hand towel for the compress. Check it out:

1 lavender tea bag

1 lemon balm tea bag

1 valerian root tea bag

1 chamomile OR passionflower tea bag*

*If you can’t find all 4 of these, pick whatever 3 you can find from the above list. You can still have a truly wonderful blend

Instructions

Place all 4 tea bags in a deep ceramic or glass bowl and pour hot water (16 ounces will do)
Cover the bowl for 30 mins
Strain the herbs or bags out of the liquid

Dip a clean cloth or light hand towel in the warm infusion and then squeeze out excess liquid
Apply the compress over your eyes (you can use another cloth for your feet, even your chest area. Leave for 4-5 mins at a time.
When the compress cools, dip it into the warm infusion again, squeezing out the excess, and reapplying as often as needed*

*Please do not rewarm the water in the microwave. Use the stove 🙂

Fever Reducing Tea Blend

When trying to bring a fever down, herbal remedies can help cool the body down. The herbs can stimulate the circulatory system, help your body sweat, pushing pathogens out of your body through sweat and cooling you down in the process.

Here’s a simple blend using 4 herbs. Three of these herbs are very easy to find in markets across the country. The 4th one, yarrow, may be a bit harder to find (but never impossible).

Check out the video and the recipe and “how to” below.

2 tsp ginger root, grated

2 tsp dry basil

1 tsp of peppermint

1 tsp of dry yarrow leaves

*If you can’t find yarrow, take elder flower or dry catnip

Directions

In 2 cups of hot water (not boiling), add all herbs and steep for 30-45 mins
Strain and drink small amounts of about ¼ cup of this infusion every 30 mins
Must be used within a 24 hour period

Immunity Boosting Herb-Infused Vinegar

This is an incredibly versatile herb infused vinegar, based on the original recipe made famous by the story of the 4 thieves who, legend has it, during the black plague stole from the dead and dying without getting sick themselves.

The herbs on this blend are all regularly used to help us strengthen our immunity, reduce inflammation and most are amazing at helping you improve digestion and absorption of nutrients.

This vinegar can we used topically, can be used in food or as a remedy. Check out the video here and the recipe / ingredients below the video.

Ingredients

16 oz organic apple cider vinegar
2 tsp of cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

2 teaspoons dried sage leaves
2 teaspoons dried rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon black peppercorn seed, crushed
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 bulb fresh raw garlic cloves, chopped

Directions

Fill a large jar with the herbs and then add the organic apple cider vinegar, making sure all herbs are fully covered in the liquid.
Stir with a wooden spoon and ensure the herbs are thoroughly saturated with the vinegar.
Seal the jar using plastic paper, then add the metal lid to prevent the vinegar from corroding the metal in the lid.
Let the mixture marinate for a minimum of 2 weeks (ideally 4 weeks) in a dark place, shaking the jar daily to ensure better extraction.
Once done, you can strain all the herbs and store in an amber or dark blue color glass jar and start using your vinegar in salads, in tea blends or topically.

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