Still getting Organized

So it seems, my office will be the last in the new house to get organized, LOL.

That's OK, as long as it doesn't take to much longer.

The kitchen and living room are all set, the boy's room is done, the bathrooms are up to speed and the man's office is good to go.

Little touches here and there still need to be addressed and boxes in the garage unpacked, but that can wait.

Next stop my office (which will probably be this weekend)

Then we can continue on our regular blogging schedule

         Wednesday's Herb,

Fun Drink Friday &

Sunday's Writing Blog here and at Nice and Naughty Authors.

So until then, hold on with me and we'll see what happens LOL.

Thanks all!!

Have a great Wednesday!!

Wednesday's Herb - Chamomile

German Chamomile

Chamomile is best known for being in an infusion in a tea to drink.

I've used chamomile in my tea with cat nip and other herbs during a cold or after a stressful day. 

When I make an herbal tea, I usually forgo sugar for something more natural like local honey to add a bit of sweetness.

Not to long after I met my husband, he became sick with the flu. High fever included.

I used the rest of my dried herbs I had in the cupboard and made him a tea. which included chamomile and catnip, along with spearmint for taste, rose hips and a few other herbs. he grumbled at first, because it wasn't 'Lipton' and I made him drink it without sugar, LOL. After drinking two cups, he fell back asleep and when he woke up he said he was feeling better. :-) So I gave him what I had left with some local honey I had bought at a farmers stand. He liked that cup much better LOL.

 Chamomile inactivates bacterial toxins. Small quantities of chamomile oil inhibit staphylococcal and streptococcal strains of bacteria. You can drink chamomile tea combined with other antimicrobials, such as thyme, echinacea, and goldenseal, for internal infections.

The tops of the chamomile plant are gathered in the early stages of flowering.

Chamomile reduces cramping and spastic pain in the bowels and also relieves excessive gas and bloating in the intestines. 

Chamomile is often used to relieve irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and the stomach flu. I have used Chamomile and ginger root together in a tea to help with nausea.

Chamomile is also an excellent calming agent, well suited for irritable babies and restless children. Moreover, most children tolerate its taste. Chamomile also can help a child fall asleep. 

Chamomile is calming to adults as well, but don't hesitate to sip it throughout the day. Chamomile does not have the affects as prescription drugs or sedatives where they can interfere with your abilities, such as driving a car or completing tasks.

Chamomile is good for those with ulcers or other stomach problems aggravated by anxiety. 

Muscle pain that results from stress and worry is another indication for chamomile. Twitching and tics in muscles may respond to chamomile tea or other chamomile medications.

You can use chamomile topically, too, to treat infections and inflammations. The Ancient Egyptians would put honey on an open wound to stop infection. I suppose you could mix the two together to make a poultice.

WARNING: The U.S National Institutes of Health recommends that pregnant and nursing mothers not consume chamomile, as it may cause uterine contractions which could lead to a miscarriage.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

As always, please consult your physician before using anything.

Roman Chamomile

Wednesday's Herb -- Thyme

This picture is of flowering Thyme.

Thyme

I love cooking with Thyme, fresh or dried.

I use it mainly on chicken, turkey and some Italian dishes.

Here are some other uses for this versatile herb, which I will be using once I have my garden going in my new house :-)

Thyme Oil or Thymol is sometimes used for 

Medicinal purposes 

such as:

Antiseptic - such as mouthwashes,

Antibiotic - pre-antibiotic's was used to medicate bandages.

Thymol has been known to be effective against Fungi that commonly infect toenails. To kill or prevent the growth of mold.

A tea made of infusing Thyme into water can be useful for coughs and bronchitis.

It is said:

* Placing a small bundle of Thyme under your pillow will ward off nightmares.

* The giving of Thyme leaves will bring courage to the bearer.

* Fairies are believed to use Thyme for their beds.

There are some great 'how-to' video's on YouTube

Here's one I found that I like.

Wednesday Blogging is now about...

Ok, so not sure if you know this, but I am a horrible blogger. 

Yes, a horrible blogger, so besides blogging about my books, I try to pick interesting topics. I've also gone from blogging one day a week to three days a week. 

Sunday, Wednesday & Friday.

Sundays I try to keep geared toward my writing as I also blog over at The Nice & Naughty Authors Blog.

Fridays I've made into Fun Drink Friday so what to do with Wednesday to keep me on track...

I've always had an interest in herbalism and practiced it quite extensively when I lived in Massachusetts. I grew up with my mother and her herb gardens along with a wonderful place in Mason, New Hampshire called The Pickity Place. LOVE THEM (and their Raspberry Orange Tea)!!

I had a garden and plenty of space. Since moving around, I haven't been so lucky. Herbs in pots just ... I don't know *sigh* and using dried herbs for everything, it's just not the same.

BUT, with the building of our new house, I will have an area so I can once again grow my herbs, veggies and anything I like to cook with or can use for other purposes. *YAY*

So, I think on Wednesdays I'm going to blog about herbs and spices. There's plenty to chose from world wide and it's something I enjoy, so why not right?? 

Let's start off with, Cat Nip. An easy peesy little herb. I bet you're thinking WTF is she talking about?? Cat Nip is for cats. Right??

WRONG.

Cat Nip can be used for plenty of other things beside getting your kitty feeling good. 

And sometimes it doesn't affect them. 

Now some people have said they feel a slight 'numbing' affect from Cat Nip, but I personally have never had this feeling or any of my family that I'm aware of. Then again, I always use it with other herbs and in small quantities.

BUT, always keep in mind that no matter what you use, herbs, spices or pharmaceutical drugs, everyone is different so everyone will have a different reaction to the item in question.

I'm not a doctor nor do I ever claim to be (unless it's a hero or heroine in one of my books - which is FANTASY), so keep in mind, that you should always check with your physician before trying something new.

Cat Nip can be used in teas with other herbs for colds. That's how I've always used the leaves, right beside my Chamomile, Spearmint, Rose Hips and other goodies.

Cat Nip has been known to help with: Sleep, relaxation, and stress reduction, and is used as a culinary herb for many dishes.

For more information try these sites:

Wikipedia

Web MD

Herb Society