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Garlic Allium sativum

Garlic has been used in cooking throughout the world for thousands of years. It is a delicious antimicrobial and warming herb for the immune system. Raw garlic works on contact to help kill germs, particularly those that target the throat, lungs, or digestive system. We eat it liberally I use it every day in my cooking, but did you know that garlic has been used for a super long time for healing? Garlic has a long history of use, including the most famous, it was used as a substitute for penicillin during World War 2, when Russian troops had very few pharmaceutical antibiotics. Garlic proved to be so effective at preventing wound infections, that the herb became known as the Russian Penicillin. It is used for digestive, and respiratory conditions (colds, flus, sinus), earaches, ring worm, athletes’ foot, yeast infections, fungal issues, for people with lymes disease, it is said to be a cure for every ailment, except bad breath. Garlic is also a powerful rejuvenating herb, strengthening along with detoxifying.

Garlic can be used in many recipes. It is considered hot, spicy, warming, and drying. Mince a clove or seven and add it to soups, salads, salad dressings, butter, ghee, olive oil, vinegar, honey, dips, pastas, spreads, and vegetables. Heck I have seen and tasted it when it was put in chocolate!

Before I move on to sharing recipes with garlic, let us look at its herbal healing powers, it’s medicinal qualities...

Actions: It has an affinity to aid the lungs, kidney, spleen, stomach, and large intestine

Increase internal heat, circulatory stimulant, antibacterial, anticoagulant (blood thinner), aromatic, decongestant diuretic, diaphoretic, alterative, digestant, carminative, expectorant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, parasiticide anti-influenza, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and hypotensive.

Used For (To Name a Few): treatment of all lung ailments(it acts as an expectorant to expel phlegm from the lungs), colds, flus, coughs, bronchitis, pneumonia, infections, fevers, sore throats, ear aches, high or low blood pressure, indigestion, circulation, arthritis, rheumatism, pains, worms, dysentery, fungus, candida, vaginal infections and leukorrhea.

Medicinal Preps: tincture, syrup, vinegar, honey, oil, juice, bolus, douche, paste, enema, salve, food, first aid and plaster

As always and with anything, for some garlic can be hot, spicy and too stimulating. When using it as a food there is no need to make it to strong and if you make it to strong, most children will not like it.

Remember with all things, more is not necessarily better, gentle and slow is the way to go, being consistent is the key and having a variety of organic wholistic foods is what keeps you healthy.

So take the junk food out of your life, eat a variety of organic veggies and organic whole foods with garlic added to them and if you or someone in your family gets sick, then you can increase the amount of garlic that is needed for that moment in time.

A Fun Experiment:

Garlic is absorbed by the body quickly. Take a clove of garlic and rub it on your feet. You most likely will taste or smell it on the skin within seconds. When placed on the feet, garlic can have a beneficial effect on the lungs.

Garlic Avocado Guacamole

2 to 4 garlic cloves minced

3 large avocados - halve the avocado remove seed and scoop out fruit

½ sweet or red onion minced

1 ½ of a red bell pepper or 1 orange or 1 red sweet pepper chopped (no green peppers)

Juice of 1 lime

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 large ripe beautiful juicy tomato (not roma)

½ cup chopped cilantro

¼ teaspoon of coriander seed powder

Dash of white pepper

Sea salt to taste

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor

Blend until smooth

Enjoy with tacos, burritos on rice, on meat, on crackers, with sliced veggies, on a salad or chips

Garlic Honey – Recipe #1

¼ cup honey

3 cloves garlic, crush with the bottom of a cup. It just needs to be a little bit smooshed

Combine the honey and garlic in a small bowl.

Cover and refrigerate or let stand at room temperature for 3 to 5 days.

Alternatively, you can warm the honey and garlic in a small non-aluminum saucepan. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool completely.

Either way you choose after honey is infused, remove, and discard the garlic.

Garlic Honey – Recipe #2

½ cup chopped garlic (or fresh herb of choice)

2 cups honey

In a saucepan on medium low heat, stir together all ingredients. As the honey becomes watery, turn the heat to low. Bring to a slow boil, uncovered. Once it comes to a boil or begins to froth, turn it off and cover.

Let cool.

Heat at least once more, following the same steps. For a stronger herbal flavor, heat several times

After the last heating, pour honey through a fine mesh strainer and into a glass container.

Store in a cool dark and dry place or in the refrigerator.

Will last up to one year

Garlic Honey for Sinus Congestion or Infection for Children Two Years of Age and Older

Dosage 1 teaspoon straight or in a cup of warm water or herbal tea or bonebroth, 2 to 3 times a day

¼ cup honey

1 clove garlic, smooshed with the bottom of a cup

Follow directions above Garlic Honey Recipe #1

Garlic Ear Oil for Earaches -Childerns Ear Oil: Recipe by Stephen Buhaner, from his book Herbal Antivirals

YOU WILL NEED TO ORDER OR PURCHASE AN AMBER TINTURE TYPE BOTTLE (to store garlic ear oil)

Most childhood ear infections can be treated successfully with herbs. You will also find that the more you change your child’s diet by eliminating foods that their bodies cannot tolerate, such as dairy, earaches will become a thing of the past.

Also, Stephen mentions in his book ‘children are most susceptible to ear infections from antibiotic resistant strains’. When a child has become more susceptible to ear infections from antibiotic resistant strains, you need to work on their immune system, with herbs, lifestyle, and diet changes. By doing this you will make their immune system strong so they can fight off the infections or become resistant to getting the infection.

Ingredients: Please by organic when possible.

Do not use aluminum or copper cookware

5 cloves garlic

4 ounces olive oil

20 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Mince garlic

Place in a small baking dish with the olive oil

Cook over super low heat overnight. Double boiler is the best way to do this or create your own version of a double boiler

Strain using cheese cloth, press and squeeze well

Add eucalyptus essential oil to garlic oil and mix well

Place in amber tincture type bottle for storage and store in a cool dark place

Label product: name, ingredients, date and instructions on how to use

To Use:

Hold glass under hot water for 1 minute or put glass in a bowl of warm water for 1 minute

Make sure it is baby bottle warm

Dry off bottle

Place 2 drops in each ear every half hour or as often as needed for 2 to 7 days.

Winter Wellness Bone Broth

7 cups bone broth

2 16 ounce cans of kidney beans

3 carrots shredded

4 stalks celery diced

1 medium to large onion diced

7 cloves of garlic

2 fresh burdock roots peeled and chopped

4 ounces or more of shitake, maitake or oyster mushrooms. Or a little of each

2 teaspoons turmeric powder

White pepper to season

3 tablespoons of olive oil, ghee or coconut oil

1 bag of frozen spinach

1 bunch of cilantro or basil finely chopped

1 bunch of parsley, finely chopped

For the meat heaters 1 pound of meat of choice – optional – Try buffalo

In a soup pot saute the onion, celery and meat in oil

Then add:

Bone broth, carrots, garlic, burdock, mushrooms, turmeric, white pepper, spinach, kidney beans

Simmer until vegetables are tender.

Add chopped basil or cilantro and chopped parsley

Simmer another 5 minutes

Ready to eat and enjoy

If you have picky eaters, try blending all the chucky items into a puree. If they just see the meat and beans, they might try it. Sprinkle with a little organic raw cheese on top and serve with sourdough bread with garlic butter.

Garlic Tincture - Garlic Vinegar

https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/guide-tinctures-extracts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H3M_i--EDU

Fire Cider

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU8U0bDmXks

Oxymel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJmNn1fgd2U

https://apothecary.bearrootsforest.ca/turmeric-ginger-oxymel

Pesto

https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/kale-pesto-pasta/

Garlic Butter or Ghee

½ pound of butter or ghee

3 cloves of garlic, minced super tiny

1 teaspoon lemon juice or a few gratings of lemon zest

Sea salt and white pepper to taste

Cream the butter or ghee

Then blend in the minced garlic, lemon, sea salt and pepper

Shape as desired and chill or freeze up to 6 months

Popcorn Garlic Herb Blend

¼ cup ground cumin powder

2 tablespoons garlic powder

3 tablespoons dried oregano

1 cup nutritional yeast

½ teaspoon of sea salt

¼ teaspoon of white or black pepper

Mix all together and store in jar

Always label your jars

Enjoy on buttered organic popcorn!

Roasted Garlic:

You will need a small corning ware dish with a lid or a dish that is used for roasted garlic

If you are roasting chopped up veggies, meat or potatoes you can also place the garlic bulb in the same dish. If you do this you need to drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil on top of the garlic bulb.

I personally don’t use foil to roast anything, it is made from aluminum which is toxic to the human body.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cut tips off the pointy end of a head of garlic (do not separate the cloves)

Place in the middle of the dish, drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil over the bulb, cover with lid

Heat about 30 to 40 minutes

Garlic should be a golden color and soft

Remove from oven, it will be hot so be careful

Squeeze the heads at the bottom to pop out the roasted garlic cloves

Garlic Dipping Oil – Use with a lovely baked loaf of bread

3 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped

1/3 cup organic extra virgin olive oil

¼ sea salt or pink Himalayan salt

A dash of White Balsamic vinegar – optional but super yummy

Our First Week: We have been working10 to 12 hour days since March.  All that hard work paid off for a wonderful first start.  I am grateful for the abundance. 

Week One Product:  Nettle, comfrey, calendula, garlic scallions, mustard greens,  salad, arugula, basil, radishes, carrots, spinach, herbs, evergreens,  kale and collard greens. 

Nettle:

Nettle Pesto

Makes: 1 generous cup

1/2 pound nettles
4 large garlic cloves, smashed or garlic scallions
1/2  teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/4 cups extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup grated raw organic cheese

Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer for the nettles. Add the nettles directly from their bag and cook, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes. (This denatures their sting.) Dump into a colander to drain. When the nettles are cool enough to handle, wrap them in a clean dishtowel and wring out as much moisture as possible, like you would for spinach. You’ll have about a cup of cooked, squished nettles.

In the food processor fitted with the paddle attachment, whirl the garlic, salt, and pepper to taste until finely chopped. Add the nettles, breaking them up as you drop them in, and the lemon juice and whirl until finely chopped. With the machine running, add the oil in a slow, steady stream, and process until smooth. Add the cheese, pulse briefly, and season to taste with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spring-time-super-tonic-food-nettle

More Nettle Recipes: 

http://www.thekitchn.com/stinging-nettles-8-recipes-for-145582

Comfrey: Comfrey Infused Grapeseed Oil/Olive oil is  used in  salves, creams and lotion recipes.  I like to apply the salve to acne scars and inflamed skin rashes.  You can also just use it as an infused oil.  The magic of Comfrey is from the active component contained in the leaf and root called allantoin which helps to boost the production of new skin cells.  In fact it works so fast that you should NEVER use it on open wounds, dirty wounds or broken skin.  You should only apply it to areas that have already scabbed over.

A Recipe for Infused Comfrey Oil:

You will need:

• A clean, dry jar
• Cut and dried Comfrey leaves
• An oil of your choice, enough to fill the jar.
• A spoon
• A square of thin cotton material, or a sieve.
• A clean, dry, glass bottle.

Carrier oil: The oil can be chosen to suit your needs:
Pure sunflower oil is cheap, cheerful and perfectly good; olive oil is a little more luxurious and my favourite for medicinal purposes; other possibilities include sesame, jojoba, avocado, hemp seed, almond and many others.

Method:

• Fill a third of the jar with Comfrey leaves.
• Fill the jar to the top with a carrier oil.
• Using a clean spoon press the Comfrey leaves down to ensure that there are no air bubbles.
• Put the lid onto the jar and leave in a warm, sunny window for at least one week and no more than two weeks.
• Strain the mixture and pour into the glass bottle.
• Store in a cool, dry place.

This oil can be used to hasten the healing of abrasions, bruises and sore muscles.
It must NOT be used on deep cuts as it is capable of healing the skin’s surface so quickly that the deeper part of the wound could fester.

http://www.freshpickedbeauty.com/2012/01/comfrey-infused-oil.html

http://www.thekitchn.com/stinging-nettles-8-recipes-for-145582

Calendula Tea: 

The simplest use of calendula flowers - it's just weld Calendula as tea.
Pour one cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of fresh calendula flowers OR one to two teaspoons of dried calendula petals. Steep for ten minutes, then strain. By drinking two to three cups daily there will be a great improvement in blood circulation.

To help in the healing of skin wounds:
Soak a compress in Calendula Tea, and apply to the wound for 30 minutes twice daily.

Calendula can also be used to treat sore throat. Gargle with warm tea several times a day. This will help relieve the inflammation caused from the common cold.

Other Calendula ideas:

http://blog.esgreen.com/2010/04/marigold-flower-tea.html

http://mountainroseblog.com/healing-calendula/

Evergreen Tea: 

½ cup of pine needles (or other needles from fir or spruce trees)

Crush the needles slighly & add to a pot of boiling water (3-4 cups). Simmer for 15-20 mins, or simply steep the needles in not yet boiling water.

You can add a spoon of honey or other liquid sweetener (maple syrup, agave, etc), as well as herbs such as rosemary or green tea, to this wonderfully aromatic brew.

Left over tea can be added to a bath, poured over the stones in a sauna, or used as a rinse for the hair to combat dandruff!

Evergreen Tea: 

Other ideas for evergreens: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/evergreen-healing

Evergreen Infused Olive Oil.   Infuse for 6 weeks, strain and drizzle on meat, rice, bread etc. 

Arugula  And Spinach Stir Fry: 

Spinach  arugula, coarsely chopped.

Garlic scallions chopped

Basil chopped

Balsamic vinegar

A few dashes of coconut aminos or organic Brags liquid aminos 

Link to coconut aminos:http://www.coconutsecret.com/aminos2.html

Heat pan with oil of choice: 

Add chopped garlic scallions, cook until tender

Add arugula and spinach, sauteing for about one minute

Add chopped basil, sauteing for about a minute

Add 4 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar and then steam it down for another minute or two

Add coconut aminos or Brags

Optional:   add some organic cooked and chopped turkey bacon, or organic beef sausage

Serve with couscous, quinoa, or any one of your favorite starches!

Mustard Green Stir Fry or use your wild greens: 

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/mustard_greens/

Make sure you use organic broth

http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2009/07/balsamic-glazed-chickpeas-and-mustard.html

I would take out the soy sauce and use organic Brags or use coconut liquid aminos

Thank you Mountain Mama Members for your awesome support.  If you have any questions please e-mail me.

Today's Harvest: Nettle, kale, mustard greens, collard greens, arugula, salad mix, curly top garlic, garlic chives, nasturtium spicy mix, peas,  yellow dock leaf, parsley, dill, basil, pineapple weed, self heal, calendula, mint tea mix, 

Article: Natural approach to help you with Hay Fever: 

http://www.westernherbalmedicine.com/Western-Herbal-Medicine/Hayfever-A-Natural-Approach.html

Books on Wild Edibles: 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423601505?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1423601505&linkCode=xm2&tag=naturalliving00-20

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402767153?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1402767153&linkCode=xm2&tag=naturalliving00-20

Nasturtiums: The Edible Flower With A Bite

http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/nasturtium-zmaz82mjzglo.aspx#axzz35fogvpeS

Nasturtium Pesto

This recipe require a lot of leaves and flowers.  Just half the recipe or make it even smaller.  Enjoy! 

http://www.gardenbetty.com/2013/01/nasturtium-pesto/

Self Heal 

http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/an-herb-to-know-7.aspx#axzz35g7NWskX

Self heal (Prunella vulgaris) This scentless perennial mint is one of the great unsung healers of the world. The leaves and flowers contain more antioxidants - which prevent cancer and heart disease, among other healthy traits - than any other plant tested. And as part of the mint family, self heal is imbued with lots of minerals, especially calcium, making it an especially important ally for pregnant, nursing, menopausal, and post-menopausal women.   You  can put self heal leaves in salads in the spring and fall, make a medicinal vinegar with the flowers during the summer, and cook the flowering tops (fresh or dried) in winter soups. 

Pineapple Weed: 

http://www.commonsensehome.com/pineapple-weed/

Kale Recipes

In our  house we LOVE KRISPY KALE CHIPS 

Spicy Krispy Kale ( I love this recipe)  

http://www.veggiecation.com/recipe-of-the-month/spicy-krispy-kale-chips.html

Spice with Cashews and Nutritional Yeast:

Side note:  If you do not have the time to soak the cashew you could use organic cashew butter.  You will have to adjust the recipe a little.  

http://www.thisrawsomeveganlife.com/2012/02/ellusive-kale-chip.html#.U6sVYfldUfg

Cheezy Spicy Kale Chips:

Omit the Agave and use honey instead or just leave out the sweetener.  Never use vegetable oil.  Use organic olive, avocado, sunflower etc. 

http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2011/08/cheezy-spicy-kale-chips-vegan.html

Nettle Pesto: Note:

Omit the pine nuts they are not good for you.  Add walnuts, almonds or pumpkins seeds instead. 

http://jessthomson.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/stung/

Creamed Collard Greens:  

Make sure you get organic cream and make sure it is not ultra pasteurized!  You could also use full fat coconut milk.

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/creamed-collard-greens

Basil :) 

Sage Fir Deodorant Sample

Vodka, distilled water, essential oils of fir, sage, tea tree, black pepper, bay, intentions of Love, Beauty and Health

Curly Top Garlic (Scapes)

http://islandvittles.com/2010/07/02/top-five-friday-garlic-scapes/

Calendula

Calendula Tea recipe:  Remember when following a tea recipe that uses dried herbs and you have fresh herbs, double the amount of herb used in the recipe. 

http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart_remedy.php?rem_ID=173

This Weeks Goodies  

Pictured, self heal (purple flower), pineapple weed (daisy look a-like) and st. johns wort

It is time to start harvesting these items.  Take a nature walk and start picking.  You can infuse these in oil, make a tincture or dry them for later use.

Never pick anything that has been sprayed

St. Johns Wort is in the far right paper bag

This Weeks Wellness Box: Collard greens, lettuce, spinach,kale, mustard greens, garlic scallions, celery, onions, radish, wild greens mix, tea mixes,  sage, nettle, lemon balm, self heal, pineapple weed, st. johns wort

Self Heal: http://onlineathens.com/stories/071011/liv_854927721.shtml

The common name "self-heal" derives from the use of some species to treat a range of minor disorders. It is reported to have an antiseptic and antibacterial effect, and to be particularly good in cases of food poisoning. Highly revered herbalist Keewaydinoquay used self-heal to pull heavy metals out of the body.  On the physical body it acts as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, mild antiseptic, detoxifier, diuretic, haemostatic and vulnerary (a substance used to help heal external wounds). Its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties help as a gargle for sore throats and as a mouthwash for mouth ulcers and bleeding gums.A tea, diluted tincture or fresh plant poultice is effective topically to stop bleeding from cuts or wounds, reduce swelling from insect bites, and to reduce the swelling from varicose veins, hemorrhoids and eye inflammations (sties, conjunctivitis). Self-heal can be used internally and externally to help dissolve nodules in the neck (such as goiter), lymphomas (fatty tumors).

You can make a tea, tincture or an infused oil.  

Mayweed:  Make a warm cup of tea with this one.   Known as wild chamomile, it is not a true chamomile, but it does have similar properties.

St. Johns Wort:   The unique therapeutic benefits of St. John's wort may not appear for several weeks, and the remedy must be used for at least a few months to produce lasting effects. This medicinal herb is prescribed for mild to moderate depression and anxiety and is also applied externally to heal wounds and reduce inflammation.

In natural medicine, the herb St. John's wort is considered to be the psychological counterpart of arnica, which alleviates physical pain. The benefits can temper emotional discomfort, lift depression and calm the nerves.

St. John's wort is also very similar to some types of antidepressant medications. It's believed to raise the concentration of serotonin in the brain and enhance its activity. This neurotransmitter (or chemical nerve messenger) helps to regulate mood. You can also make a tea from this medicinal herb and is known to relax and soothe the psyche without causing sleepiness or addiction.

St. Johns Wort Infused Oil.  Use for injuries. 

8 oz jar

St. Johns Wort

Olive Oil

Place herbs jar, fill the jar to the top with olive oil.  Place in the sun for 6 weeks.  Shake daily

Strain and enjoy! 

Lemon Balm:  Is the elixir of life, it sweetens the spirit, powerfully chases away melancholy and it strengthen's the brain.  It calms the nervous and digestive systems.  

Culinary:  http://3squaresproduce.com/recipes/item/8-lemonbalmrecipes

Lemon Balm Herbal Butter: 

1/4 cup finely minced lemon balm

2 tablespoons, finely chopped thyme

1 cup of organic butter 

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp garlic granules

Cream butter and stir in herbs. Chill for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to blend. Use on roasted meats, rice, vegetables and bread.  

Lemon Balm Sun Tea 

2 tablespoons of fresh leaves for each cup water

Place lemon balm and cool water in covered jar in the sun for a few hours

Strain add honey and, or lemon

Add mint for a refreshing lemony mint tea

Lemon Balm Roasted Chicken: 

Roasted Lemon Balm Chicken

Handful of fresh lemon balm leaves, stems removed 
1/4 cup or so of fresh sage leaves 
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) organic butter softened 
Salt and pepper, to taste 
1 large roasting chicken 
4 minced garlic cloves or 6 garlic scallions
2 tablespoons olive oil

Preheat oven to 350

Trim herb leaves from stems; wash and pat dry. Set sprigs aside. Chop two-thirds of the leaves, and combine with the butter, minced garlic and/or garlic scallions, salt, and pepper.

Rinse chicken and pat dry. Loosen the skin in several places and insert the herbal butter underneath. Rub chicken with salt and pepper.  

Insert the remaining herb sprigs into the cavity of the chicken.

Place breast-side-down in a roasting pan. Bake 30 minutes, then turn chicken over. Bake about 20 minutes longer.

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Lemon Balm Cordial 

From Adele Dawson’s Herbs, Partners in Life:  “A fine home-made liqueur can be made by taking two handfuls of crushed Melissa leaves, putting them in a glass jar or crock, pouring over them a fifth of vodka, three-quarters of a cup of honey, and a grated lemon peel.  Shake well and let stand for a week.  Strain, bottle, and wait an additional three weeks before using.

Lemon Balm Infused Vinegar

 Make sure you use a plastic lid with your vinegar/not metal

I like to use organic raw apple cider vinegar, but you can start with any vinegar you like.

Thoroughly clean about two cups of fresh lemon balm.

Allow them to dry, or gently dry them with a hair dryer set on cool.

Lightly crush the herbs with your hands, and place them in a clean jar.

Cover with vinegar that has been warmed almost to a boil, screw on the lid, and shake. Place the jar in a cool, dark place.

Shake every day, and then turn the jar upside down.

After one to two weeks, strain the vinegar through a coffee filter, and pour into sterilized glass bottles. Place a sprig or two of fresh herbs in the bottle, and screw on the top or insert a tight cork.

As long as herbal vinegar's are protected from light, they will keep for up to a year. 

Lemon Balm Tincture:

To make a tincture, you will need a 1 quart canning jar, lemon balm herb, 2 cups of either vodka, gin or brandy and 1 cup water. The liquid acts as the menstrum and will preserve the tincture for up to 5 years.

Sterilize the jar.

Fill the jar half way with the lemon balm herb.

Pour the 2 cups of alcohol over the herb until it comes up over the top of the herb.

Next, pour the 1 cup of water into the jar.

Shake well.

Leave in a warm place for 4 weeks. Shake it every day or so.

If after a few days, the herb is not still fully immersed, add a touch more water. Herb needs to stay totally submerged under the liquid for the 4 weeks.

After 4 weeks strain out the herb.

Place tincture in a dark bottle, and label with herb and date.

Take 20 drops of tincture in juice, warm water, or tea  3-4  times a day. Do not take it for more than 2 weeks at a time. Give your body a rest, and take it again for 2 weeks if necessary. If the condition persists, contact your health care provider or herbalist.

If you don’t want the alcohol of a tincture, you can use vegetable glycerin or honey to make a glycerite.

The formula for making the glycerite is the same as a tincture. Follow the above steps, and replace the vodka with either the vegetable glycerin or honey. Allow the 6 weeks and then strain. Dosage is 1/4 tsp. 3 – 4 times a day.

Lemon balm should be avoided by those on hypothyroid medication as it is believed that the herb inhibits the absorption of this medicine.

Pictured Lemon Balm

Wild Food Mix: Use as a stir-fry, omelet or a frittata:   Sweet cicely leaves, dandelion leaves, yellow dock leaves and plantain.  

Sweet cicely appears to have been used medicinally since Roman times. Today, it is used exclusively in cooking.  An infusion of the herb was once recommended for flatulence and coughs, and it was an ingredient of wound healing ointments.   The sugary tasting leaves have an anise-like taste, and they are traditionally cooked with tart fruits, such as rhubarb and gooseberries and used to flavor fruit salads and fruit pies.  The fresh leaves impart their own sweetness and are, therefor e helpful for diabetics and those on low-sugar diets.   Sweet cicely has been long appreciated in Europe for the sweet anise flavor of its young shoots, leaves, and fruits, sweet cicely has yet to make many inroads into American cooking. 

Leaves may be harvested from early spring to early fall; they are best used raw, as they lose most of their scent and flavor when dried.   The leaves sweeten salad dressings, omelets, soups, stews, and vegetable dishes.

Wild Food Frittata:  Serves 2/ Double if you need four servings

This recipe is so easy and satisfying. It can be adapted for just about any edible plants growing in your garden. Of course, any veggie, cheese, herb combination can be substituted as well. 

Ingredients

4 local, organic, free-range eggs
1/2 cup grated organic parmesan, feta, or raw cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp plain organic yogurt
1 bunch of wild greens
1/2 organic onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves organic garlic, crushed or 3 garlic scallions 
Sea salt and fresh cracked organic pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Sauté onions in olive oil using a small cast iron or another oven-safe skillet over medium heat until they become nice and caramelized. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Toss in the nettle leaves and dandelion flowers and sauté with onions and garlic for another minute or two.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, yogurt, and cheese. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and season with salt and pepper.

Spread veggie mixture evenly on bottom of the skillet. Pour egg mixture into the skillet and gently stir together until the veggies are covered, then allow to cook for a few minutes.

When the egg mixture is about half set, put the whole pan in the oven. Bake for 7-10 minutes, until your frittata is puffy and golden around the edges. Remove the pan from the oven using oven mitts and let stand for several minutes.

Nettle Frittata http://mountainroseblog.com/dandelion-frittata/

More options: http://kimwiney.blogspot.com/2013/04/dandelion-frittata-truly-radical-food.html

Wild Tea Of The Week: Mayweed,chamomile,lemon verbena,lemon balm, lemon verbena and valerian flower tea: 

Wild tea mix

2 to 4 cups of water

Bring water to boil and pour wild tea mix in, turn off burner and steep for 2 to 5 minutes.

 If you would like to have the mix stronger for more health benefits make an infusion. 

Lemon Verbena:  http://www.healthyliving-herbs.co.za/index.php/herb-articles/568-lemon-verbena-aloysia-triphylla-lippia-citriodora

More recipes for lemon verbena: http://oldfashionedliving.com/lemonverbena.html  

Sage:  is a superb aid in the digestion of rich, fatty meat.  It also helps lower cholesterol levels and is a bitter tonic for the liver.  It is an excellent herb for rebuilding vitality and strength during long-term illness.  Sage is a well-known cold and flu fighter.  Because of its astringent, antiseptic, and relaxing action on the mucous membranes, sage is the classic remedy for inflammation of the mouth, throat, and tonsils.  It is one of the best remedies for laryngitis, tonsillitis, and sore throat.  Sage has many more healing qualities, for more information on this herb I suggest getting Rosemary Gladstar's book, Medicinal Herbs, a beginners guide.  

Sage Pesto: 

This is a great recipe for a healthy, healing herb paste.  Sage dominates the flavor of this pungent, strong pesto.  You can use less sage fi you find it overpowering.  If you would like to add more healing nutrients try adding fresh wild herbs such as dandelion greens, chickweed, and plantain.  

Recipe from Rosemary Gladstar's book:  Medicinal Herbs, a beginners guide 

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems

1/2 cup parsely

1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves, first time making it try the 1/4 cup version and if you would like it stronger than next time add more

3 cloves garlic

3/4 to 1 cup olive oil

1/4 to 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or walnuts or a mix

1/4 cup raw cheese (optional) 

Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt 

To make: 

Combine the herbs, garlic and olive oil in a blender or food processor and pulse until creamy.  Mix in the nuts or seeds and cheese (if using) and salt and pepper ot taste.  

To use: 

Serve on toast or crackers, pasta, steamed grains, omelets, vegetables or organic meat.

Sage Stress Reliever Tea

Handful of fresh sage leaves

Handful of fresh mint or small amount of fresh rosemary

Handful of fresh lemon balm 

These measurements are the playful way to connect with yourself and make tea.  

Gather your ingredinets and listen to what your body is telling you.  If you body says little more or a little less listen to it.  

I would start with about 4 cups of water, bring to boil add herbs turn the stove off and steep for 2 to 5 minutes. 

Enjoy it outdoors or with a loved one. Make sure all electric gadgets are turned off. 

Pictured, Sage and Lemon Balm

Nettle Garlic Buttermilk Biscuits:  Makes 12 - 15 Biscuits

2 cups organic unbleached flour 

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder, aluminium free! 

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

5 Tbls. organic butter

1 cup of organic buttermilk, (when I can not find organic butter milk I use yogurt.  I mix 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 cup  water and mix)  

4 cloves fresh garlic, crushed or 4 finely minced garlic scallions

1 cup finely chopped fresh Nettle leaves, thick gloves for  chopping the Nettles

Preheat oven 400 degrees

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir thoroughly.  Using two better knives or a pastry cutter, add butter until mixture resembles a crumbly meal.

Ina separate bowl, combine buttermilk with garlic and nettle leaves.  Add this liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and gently fold together to forma soft dough. 

Turn dough onto a floured cutting board, kneed gently until it just comes together, adding a little more flour if needed, and roll the dough out until it's about 1/2 think.  Using the rim of a small glass, cut the dough into 2 1/2 - 3 inch rounds and place on an un-greased baking sheet.

Bake for 18 minutes or until light golden brown.

Remove immediately from baking sheet to avoid over-crisping the biscuit bottoms and serve warm with butter. 

It Is Time To Drop The Potato Chips!!!! Make Kale Chips

Spicy Kale Chips

1/3 tsp ground cumin 
1/3 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cayenne (add 1/8 tsp for spicier chips)
1/8 tsp salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
½ lb kale (about ¾ a bunch), large stems removed, cut into 2 to 3-inch pieces 

How to make it:
1. Preheat the oven to 275ºF. In a medium bowl, combine the spices, salt, and oil. Stir to dissolve. Add the kale and toss to coat. 
2. Spread leaves in a single layer on two baking sheets. Try to flatten any folded-over pieces for optimum crispness. Bake until the tips of leaves are slightly crispy, about 10 minutes. Use a spatula to turn the leaves over, and continue to roast until the leaves are crisp and slightly golden, 8 to 10 minutes more. Makes 4 servings.

Pizza Kale Chips: http://www.youngandraw.com/pizza-kale-chips-by-chef-amber-shea/

More Recipes For Kale Chips: 

http://blog.womenshealthmag.com/dish/kale-chips/

Rosemary, basil, onions, beet greens mixed with swiss chard, stir fry mix of brassica,peas,cauliflower and broccoli, cabbage,kale, celery, mustard,lettuce mixed with argula,spinach, nettle, comfrey, wild mix of lambs quarter, sheep sorrel, tea mix of mint,catnip mint, calendula and st. johns wort, garlic and scapes (curly garlic tops)

Rosemary is used  for culinary, for beauty and for herbal healing: 

What is Rosemary?

16 health benefits of rosemary that'll make you want to use it on a regular basis.

Cancer Prevention
Rosemary contains carnosol which has been found in studies to be a potent anti-cancer compound. Researchers have had promising results in studies of its efficacy against breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, and skin cancer. In one study, researchers gave powdered rosemary to rats for two weeks and found that it reduced the binding of the carcinogen given to the rats by 76% and significantly inhibited the formation of breast tumors.

Improved Memory
Rosemary has long been believed to have memory-enhancing properties. In 1529, an herbal book recommended taking rosemary for "weakness of the brain." Today, research has found that rosemary contains a diterpine called carnosic acid that has neuroprotective properties that researchers believe may protect against Alzheimer's disease as well as the normal memory loss that happens with aging.

Remarkably, even the smell of rosemary has been found to improve memory. Test subjects in cubicles were given essential oil of rosemary to smell and they had better quality of memory and better overall memory than the control group, though their speed of memory was slower compared to the control group.

Mood Elevator
The same study that found that smelling rosemary improved test subjects' quality of memory also found that their mood was significantly improved compared to the control group.

Migraine Help
Rosemary has been a popular natural migraine remedy for centuries. Boil some rosemary in a large pot of water and pour it into a bowl. Place a towel over your head and lean over the pot to inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Because smelling rosemary has been found to improve memory and mood, this method may also help with memory function and put you in a better state of mind.

Pain Relief
It not only helps relieve the pain of migraines, but essential oil of rosemary can also be applied topically as a natural treatment for arthritis, sore muscles, and other joint and muscle pains.

Anti-Inflammatory
Rosemary contains two potent anti-inflammatories, carnosic acid and carnosol. One study found that these two compounds inhibited COX-2, an enzyme that causes pain and inflammation in the body. They also inhibited the production of excess nitric oxide, which also plays a role in the inflammatory process.

Immune Booster
Rosemary boosts the immune system thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Because it is healing in so many ways, it boosts the overall health of the body.

Antibacterial
Studies have found that rosemary has powerful antibacterial properties against H. pylori (the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers) and Staph infections.

Digestive Health
Rosemary is often used to help treat digestive problems such as upset stomach, constipation, indigestion, and almost any other digestive related problem. It also helps to prevent foodborne illnesses when ingested with foods such as meat or eggs.

Hair Growth
There is a possibility that rosemary may stimulate hair growth. One study found that people with alopecia, a disorder that causes the hair to fall out, had significant hair regrowth after rubbing rosemary, lavender, thyme, and cedarwood into their scalps for seven months. However, it is not clear whether it was the rosemary or the other herbs that caused the regrowth.

Better Circulation
Essential oil of rosemary is often applied topically as a natural remedy for poor circulation, though there have been no studies to prove this effect.

Fresh Breath
Rosemary can be used as a natural mouthwash and is said to work very well. To make the mouthwash, steep fresh rosemary in a pint of heated water. Strain it and use it as a mouth rinse as often as you like. It will keep in the fridge if covered.

Diuretic Properties
Rosemary is a mild diuretic, which means that it can help get rid of bloating and water retention in the body. When rosemary is used regularly, it may help in the increase of urine flow and help the kidneys function at optimal levels to help get rid of excess water in the body.

Respiratory Health
Rosemary is a great natural remedy for respiratory problems. Breathing in the scent of the essential oil may help with congestion due to colds, allergies, respiratory infections, and the flu. You may also boil fresh rosemary in a pot of water, place it in a bowl, and breathe in the steam to help clear the lungs and throat. This will also help with any sinus or head pain associated with respiratory conditions.

Liver Detoxification
Rosemary has been used to treat liver problems for hundreds of years. Hippocrates prescribed it for this purpose. One study found that rosemary extract reduces cirrhosis in rats given thioacetamide, a toxic compound that is toxic to the liver. It also prevented liver damage from tetrachloride in rats and mice.

Anti-Aging
Rosemary is a popular ingredient in anti-aging skin creams because it helps reduce puffiness, stimulates cell regeneration, increases firmness, and improves overall skin tone. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and increases blood flow to the skin. 

Precautions

Women who have heavy periods should avoid excessive use of rosemary, since it may stimulate menstrual flow. The herb should not be used medicinally during pregnancy. Small amounts of rosemary used in cooking, however, are safe for pregnant women and for women who have heavy periods.

More on Rosemary:http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/rosemary.php

Rosemary Hair Care: 

Before name brand shampoos, women turned to their gardens, woods and fields for plants that met all of their beauty needs. Whether it be a cure to dandruff, premature balding, dull strands or a desire for a new color there was a plant that they knew could meet their specific demands. I think that as the world is beginning to become more synthetic the less we truly understand the implications of allowing such chemicals, toxins and mad men creations into our bodies. It is important to be knowledgeable and at the very least know that there are natural alternatives to every single demand that humans require whether in sickness or health. 

When it comes to it's contributions to hair Rosemary seems to be all purpose. Here is a brief list of its uses and benefits to hair

Rosemary Hair Care: 

Scapes-Curly Garlic Tops

Scape Pesto Recipe
1 cup (or less) freshly grated Parmesan cheese or other sharp Italian cheese
1–2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice, adjusted to taste
1/4 pound roughly chopped scapes 
1/2 cup olive oil
salt to taste

Puree scapes, olive oil, and juice in a blender or food processor until nearly smooth. (You can make a smooth paste if you prefer, but most people like a little texture in the pesto.) Gently stir in the cheese or gingerly pulse the cheese into the mixture; take it easy as you mix in the cheese to avoid making the pesto gummy by over blending. Taste and then adjust juice and salt to taste.

Store in the refrigerator to use within two or three days; freeze for longer storage. Scape pesto freezes well, and it holds its appealing green color when frozen even better than the traditional basil pesto.

Garlic Scape Hummus

2 cans of chick peas (garbanzos), drained
1 cup sesame seeds or tahini
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh chopped garlic scapes

Place the ingredients in a blender and mix on high until a thick paste forms. Salt to taste.

Variation: Add your favorite curry, to taste.

Sheep Sorrel:http://www.motherearthherbs.com/sorrel.html