Wednesday's Herb - Mint Flavored Water

A great summer drink that my mom used to keep a pitcher of in the fridge was simply

Water, Mint and Lemon Slices.

Growing up we had several large herb gardens and our water was from the well (best in the world!)

We had mint, spearmint, peppermint...my fav is the spearmint 

OK, so...

A great way to 'flavor' your water without the huge price of buying it in the stores, and the great part...most was free except for buying the lemons.

Go to the garden and grab a handful of mint (stems are fine) rinse, cut a about four slices off the lemon (or as many as you like - remember, lemon is a strong,  so add to taste.)

Fill a pitcher with water, then shove mint and lemon slices into water and stick in the fridge to get cold.

It's wicked easy!!

Don't be afraid to play with it, you want more of a minty taste, add more mint, less lemon = a few less slices.

You can use store bought mint, but I find the taste isn't as strong as fresh grown.

Mint grows fast and is a very aggressive grower, so keep it contained, it will take over your gardens, and anything else it can find to latch onto.

Wednesday's Herb - Found Awesome New Herb Site

I love looking around the web for new sites and I found this one.

Herbs Info

It has everything to do with herbs and natural remedies, as well as recipes. 

Like their... How to make Lavender Lemonade.

Image – InnBrooklyn.Wordpress.com

Yes I think I'm going to try this for the summer!!

and how about...

natural-ways-to-keep-fleas-out-of-your-home

Anyone with fur babies, knows how hard that is. Especially this Spring! It seems the little buggers just don't want to be killed by the baths and 'medicine' you put on the back of their necks.

Lots of GREAT info at 

Herbs Info

Wednesday's Herb -- Noon Wine with Sage and Elder Flower Concentrate

Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay 

Noon Wine 

From : County Living

When making drinks with fresh herbs, mix beverages only a few hours before serving to keep flavors crisp and distinct. To make our Noon Wine cocktail a little lighter, use equal parts sparkling water and sangria when pouring individual servings.

Ingredients

U.S.

Metric

Conversion chart

• 1/4 cup(s) elderflower concentrate
• 3 tablespoon(s) sugar
• 12 large sage leaves
• 1 bottle(s) (750 ml) sauvignon blanc
• 2 peaches, ripe
• 1/2 cup(s) raspberries
• 
  
• Directions

  1. To make white sangria, stir elderflower concentrate, sugar, and sage leaves with 750ml of sauvignon blanc. Add two sliced ripe peaches and raspberries. Let fruit mascerate 2 hours before serving.
  Serves: 4
  Total Time: 5 min
• 
  

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 -- Cinnamon

Cinnamon, Cinnamon, Cinnamon

I love Cinnamon and use it daily. I tap a little of the ground Cinnamon in my coffee every morning or on my blueberry waffles, or in my oatmeal.

Why...

Well years ago, they ( doctors) wanted to put me on medicine for my cholesterol.  Now take in to effect when I say years ago, I'm talking about 20 years ago, when I was in my twenties.

Of course I said...go blow 

there was no way I was going on cholesterol medicine at twenty-something years old.

So I looked for a solution.

CINNAMON

Cinnamon is known to lower cholesterol, and I have to say it's been working for me for 20 years. The last time I had my blood work done, I was right on target. YAY ME

From what I understand it also helps with type 2 diabetes and blood sugar. 

There is a chemical in Cinnamon which has also been known to help with menstrual, and arthritis pain.

It's a NATURAL food preservative and has anti-infectious compounds.

So yeah, I like my Cinnamon.

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

As always, please consult your physician before using anything.

Wednesday's Herb -- Spearmint

Fresh Mint

I love Spearmint, whether it's in my tea, flavoring my gum, Altoid or toothpaste. I think of Spearmint as one of my "calming" scents.

Just one smell and I'm in a better frame of mind. 

Now that's what I call Aroma Therapy!! 

Spearmint is VERY aggressive, and will take over everything.

I always keep it potted and off the ground. If you don't clip or harvest it regularly you will find it sending shooters out (That's what I call them). Long growing legs, looking to attach to something and crawl up and embed themselves in the dirt to travel as much as they can. 

Persistent little sucker! LOL.

I've used Spearmint oil for headaches. I've rubbed small amounts on either side of my temples and then went and laid down. It has helped me.

Spearmint is also good for stomach issues like nausea or digestion.

If I'm sick, I always add the leaves into a tea. Not only does it taste good, but it helps my yucky-ness. I've also put the fresh leaves right into my mouth. I'll suck and then chew on them, and hey, fresh breath is always a great side effect 

I found a decent site where an article was written that you can look at and it explains a little more about Spearmint and its health benefits.

Medical News Today

I like growing mine, but if you order it, I always look for organically grown in the USA. That's just me, I'm picky

Have a great day everyone!!

 

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

As always, please consult your physician before using anything.

Wednesday's Herb -- Cloves

Dried Cloves

Do you stick them in your hams, add them to your spiced wine or cider? It's all yummy!!

Did you know, cloves have medicinal purposes as well?

The essential oils of cloves are used as a pain killer for dental purposes, the oils are applied topically right onto the painful tooth.

Clove is also used for upset stomach's and diarrhea. It also helps with vomiting and bad breath.

Cloves can be used to make an expectorant, to help you cough up that phlegm.

I've used cloves as a natural sleep helper. I've taken about four cloves bruised them slightly and put them into a pan with two cups of water, boil that down to one cup. I've added a touch of honey for sweetness and let it cool so I could drink.

Here's some special warnings I've found...

Children: In children, clove oil is UNSAFE to take by mouth. It can cause severe side effects such as seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Clove seems to be safe when taken by mouth in food amounts. But pregnant or breast-feeding women should not take clove in medicinal doses. Not enough is known about the safety of using these larger amounts.

Bleeding disorders: Clove oil contains a chemical called eugenol that seems to slow blood clotting. There is a concern that taking clove oil might cause bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Surgery: Clove seems to be able to slow blood clotting, so there is a concern that it might cause bleeding during or after surgery. Stop using clove at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

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

As always, please consult your physician before using anything.

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.