tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5073481280728195882024-03-14T10:54:01.304-07:00The Family HerbalistHerbal Medicine, Meditation and Women's HealthSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06890503241647838808noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-507348128072819588.post-43410386460526753292013-04-09T09:33:00.000-07:002013-04-09T09:33:48.957-07:00Top 3 Reasons Why Herbs Don't Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I'm sure you can already tell, I LOVE using herbal medicine for well...just about everything. To me, nothing is better than being able to open up my fridge or herb cabinet and know that I am prepared to heal whatever ails my family. I know from experience that herbs are magic. They have every bit of the power that most drugs do and with significantly less side effects.<br />
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So why is it then, that I hear so many stories of people trying herbs that either didn't work or it made them feel worse? What's the difference between what I do, and what everyone else is trying? <br />
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Let me explain...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Quality</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The effectiveness of any herbal remedy is largely dependent on the quality of your herbs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Crappy herbs = Crappy result.</span><br />
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This is when I start bashing cheap encapsulated herbal supplements. When I grind up herbs and put them in capsules at home, I try to consume the product within the first year. Why? Because when you grind up a dried herb you are breaking down the cell walls, releasing essential oils, and exposing them to air. All of those things cause the medicinal quality of the herb to start deteriorating. Here's where I get really mad. Most of the herbal supplements you find at major grocery stores have the longest shelf lives I have ever seen (we're talking years). Even if it does contain the herb it says it does (more on that later), what is the guarantee that it's not old and worthless? There is none. And all too often people are duped into buying worthless, old, powdered herbal supplements that don't do bupkiss.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">#2 - It isn't what you think it is!</span><br />
You would think that selling a product that contains what you say it contains, is a no brainer. But unfortunately this is a huge problem today. The regulation of herbal and dietary supplements is tricky business. <span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">A manufacturer does not have to prove the safety and effectiveness of a dietary supplement before it is marketed." - FDA Which means, unless it causes harm, it doesn't get taken off the market. Time after time, <a href="http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/news/20130211/vitamin-d-supplements-is-what-you-see-what-you-get" target="_blank">people randomly test vitamins</a> and supplements and what they find is a shocking amount of fillers, additional ingredients and in some cases the supplements did't even contain the herb or vitamin advertised! </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;">So how do you not get hoodwinked?! I highly suggest making your own supplements (<a href="http://www.wellroundedherbs.com/freebies.html" target="_blank">get instructions here</a>), or only buy them from a reputable source. Avoid the vitamin/supplement isle at Walmart like the plague!</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">#3 - Consistency</span><br />
Alright, so let's say you've found (or made) yourself some grade-A herbal supplements from a trusted source. You take your herbs in the morning....then the next day in the afternoon....then maybe you remember to take some more on the weekend. And you ponder to yourself, "You know what? I don't think these are working!" You're right, it's not. Just like any kind of medicine, you have to take it consistently. If you took antibiotics or heart medication that way, you probably wouldn't be feeling too hot. <br />
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Some of my favorite herbs, which are also some of the most popular herbs sold today, such as Red Raspberry Leaf, Ginkgo and Hawthorn are considered 'tonic' herbs. They promote health over time. You are not going to pop a Ginkgo pill and suddenly remember where you left your car keys. But if you take it everyday for a month, you might have an easier time putting that presentation together for work.<br />
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I know all of this can be quite daunting when all you want is a natural way to help yourself. I hope that this information won't deter you, but rather give you the info you need to make herbal medicine actually work for you. If for some reason making your own medicine just doesn't appeal to you, there are a few places that I trust to have the best quality, good agricultural practices and customer safety in mind. <br />
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First and foremost is <a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Rose Herbs</a>. I live in the desert, so finding fresh herbs locally can be a seriously hard task. I have never been disappointed by the quality of herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs. A few others I have personally used and trust are: <a href="http://www.herb-pharm.com/" target="_blank">Herb-Pharm</a>, <a href="http://www.oregonswildharvest.com/" target="_blank">Oregon's Wild Harvest</a>, and <a href="http://www.wishgardenherbs.com/" target="_blank">Wish Garden Herbals</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have any more herbal questions? Want to make an appointment with a Certified Herbalist? Look no further! Online and in-house appointments available.</span><br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06890503241647838808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-507348128072819588.post-42174647784192598602013-03-01T10:21:00.003-08:002013-03-01T10:21:42.599-08:00How to Quit Smoking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since you're reading this post, I'll automatically assume that you or someone you love smokes. But, before you go any further in this post, I'm going to be extremely honest with you. Unless YOU or whomever you are sending this too, TRULY wants to quit, these tips aren't going to do much for you. The truth is quitting smoking is hard. This is coming from a woman who has quit smoking dozens of times since high school. I started the Stress + Fear = Smoking cycle way early and I have to say it's one of the biggest reasons why I'm such a meditation junkie now. <br />
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The stuff I have listed below will help you with cravings and crankiness, and should take the edge off some of the more nasty physical effects of quitting an addictive substance. I won't go too much into the negative effects of smoking or how great your body does when you stop, because honestly you could google that topic to death. What I do want to do, is give you some advice that has been seriously helpful for me when I FINALLY quit smoking for good.<br />
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But before we begin, I want you to do something for me. Right now, go grab a paper and a pen (or marker, crayon...) and I want you to write yourself a promise that you are going to try as hard as you can to stop smoking. Then list the serious reasons why you are done with it. Sign it and post it somewhere you can see often. When you start to feel like you can't handle it, read your note and feel the dedication you started with. Let it follow you through the entire process.<br />
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Side Effects of Quitting Smoking and How to Deal with Them.</h3>
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#1. <b>General Attitude of Crankiness</b> - While I don't have a cure for the idiot who takes too long at the coffee shop, there a few things you can do to avoid going agro. <a href="http://familyherbalist.blogspot.com/p/how-to-meditate.html" target="_blank">Breathe Awareness</a> is a form of meditation that I use often, whenever I'm feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or I feel like yelling at the extreme couponer in front of me at the grocery store. Ya, I have issues with lines. Which brings me to my next point. Avoid lines like the plague. Drive through, self-checkout, cook your own meals, clean your own house. I notice that quite often the source of my bitchiness has to do with impatience. So if you don't want to yell at anyone, do it yourself to begin with. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTrsbnlGdZlxlmiqU1D2hy0Iyucosslbsvho97ZNNvLLD6r7cfhyphenhyphen1Lv8KA2ajXVzYrNrZ-b6FNkA3UFRflubi50Z6ceMOfe2qnuOHCV95k7h96l95ycSRQ9QM3OOLjp65weQAgzWfeRU/s1600/cranky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTrsbnlGdZlxlmiqU1D2hy0Iyucosslbsvho97ZNNvLLD6r7cfhyphenhyphen1Lv8KA2ajXVzYrNrZ-b6FNkA3UFRflubi50Z6ceMOfe2qnuOHCV95k7h96l95ycSRQ9QM3OOLjp65weQAgzWfeRU/s320/cranky.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
If you have little kids, the best advice I can give you is to make sure that stuff is set out ahead of time. Make meals ahead of time, set out clothes the night before. Make it really easy for your kids to comply. Also, don't avoid them. They will come find you. If little Rosie wants to show you her doll, make a big deal of it, give her hugs and kisses and whoops of approval. She'll toddle away happy and you'll get peace for longer. If you try and avoid her, she follow you around the house all day with random things to show you and then you'll get frustrated and yell. All she wants is attention and love, try to remember that.</div>
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#2. <b>Anxiety, even to the point of Palpitations</b> - Withdrawals from any addictive substance can come out as extreme anxiety, panic attacks, even heart palpitations. Of course if your experiencing chest pain, by all means see a DOCTOR. But if what you're feeling is nervous, obsessive, shaky energy, it's probably anxiety. When I quit smoking I would notice episodes of anxiety and palpitations around the first weeks of quitting smoking. You can still get them later in the month, but I notice they are much milder and easier to deal with. </div>
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Your best herbal friend at this point is going to be <u>Motherwort</u> (Leonurus cardiaca). Oh how I LOVE this herb for palpitations and anxiety. It's like a big ol Mother bear hug when I take it. I prefer to get it in capsules, because it's easier for me to take outside of the home, but you can get it as an herbal extract or drink it as a tea (beware, it's pretty bitter). During the first few days I took a normal dosage of 2 capsules,3 times a day. Then I would take 1-3 capsules as needed during the rest of the month. I found one capsules was great to take the edge off, two for more serious anxiety or panic, and three if it's right before bed and my heart is doing flip flops. Pair it with sniffing relaxing essential oils like Lavender or Orange to cheer you up and practice <a href="http://familyherbalist.blogspot.com/p/how-to-meditate.html" target="_blank">Breath Awareness</a> until you calm down. Motherwort is not for pregnant ladies though, so if you are trying to quit smoking because you found out you are pregnant, try to stick to really gentle relaxing herbal teas like chamomile or oatstraw.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://repurposedlife.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/fresh-fruit-salad-and-how-to-cut-a-pineapple/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhGEUyS2XyU_C_GTVtV-BE_tF1JV1PVrNRmYUBXub5Ex20PXNLhRNASBaYjMLZqDBajJG8iNpeXb1QC4qNRB_ETsPs2nFdCYvKtPoZvG8nqE8cVGbHia6JdvWdmu3hFs-shj4oLSoZR0/s200/quinoa-fruit-salad-044.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://repurposedlife.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/fresh-fruit-salad-and-how-to-cut-a-pineapple/" target="_blank">Doesn't this look amazing?! Click to get the recipe.</a></td></tr>
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#3. <b>Cravings! Crunchy, Salty, Sweet</b> - Before you quit smoking I highly suggest going to the grocery store and stocking up on easy to make, healthy snacks. It'll make a big difference when you've only gained 5 lbs instead 15! No lie, when most people quit smoking, whether they over eat or not, they tend to gain some weight. So do yourself a favor and fill the house with good things to eat. It's much easier to not worry so much about weight gain by eating healthy foods, than to sit and feel guilty after you've had your second candy bar of the day. Make a list of healthy stuff you LOVE, that also contains the three different cravings: crunchy, salty, sweet. My personal list consists of: strawberries, peaches, bananas, grapes, watermelon, pistachio nuts, celery and/or apples & peanut butter, veggie chips, avocados, hard boiled eggs, <a href="http://shop.goodearth.com/Good-Earth-Original-Sweet-and-Spicy-Caffeine-Free-Herbal-Tea/p/GET-304012&c=GoodEarth@OriginalTeas" target="_blank">Sweet & Spicy Herbal Tea</a> and of course a little dark chocolate. You get the point.</div>
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#4. <b>Constipation</b> - The other great benefit of eating tons of fruits and veggies and healthy things, is it'll help you with the evil constipation that come with quitting smoking. FACT: Smoking makes you poop. Why? The chemicals in cigarettes, mainly the nicotine, act as a stimulant to the body (which is why coffee also makes you poop). Once nicotine hits your system it increases activity in the intestines, increases saliva, and increases bronchial activity. In other words, it stimulates your entire digestive system to the point where you have to poo. Now if you are one of those unfortunate souls to get a serious bout of constipation, I would consider going the herbal route rather than the fiber route. What you need is something to stimulate peristalsis, the wavy contraction of your soft muscle that pushes stuff through your digestive tract, not fill it with more stuff. There are tons of herbal laxatives out there, but the most pleasant one (physically and taste wise) that I've found is <a href="http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/product/smooth-move-reg-chocolate" target="_blank">Chocolate Smooth Move</a> tea by Traditional Medicinals. But, if you are quitting smoking because you found out you are pregnant ( I am SO freaking proud of you!!!), steer clear of most herbal laxatives because they can cause contractions, take Yellow Dock extract instead.</div>
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#5. <b>Depression</b> - The downer about quitting smoking after the first week or so is that now your body isn't getting a constant stream of endorphins. Which is what your brain does in response to nicotine. Another reason why smoking is so damn addictive. Endorphins are hormones that give you the sense of well-being and happiness. They are naturally made in the brain when we are excited, have orgasms, eat spicy food or exercise (like a runners high). This can leave you seriously blue. The best way to battle it, is to make it easier for your brain to produce endorphins. Which means...have orgasms, eat lots of dark chocolate and spicy food, exercise, get some sunshine, do things that really make you happy. <br />
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If you get to the point where you are weepy, drink some Kava Kava tea, sit down with your journal and get all of those thoughts down on paper. When you feel better, rip that sucker out of your journal and burn it in the fireplace. I'm willing to bet most, if not all of those negative self-thoughts you wrote down on that paper have nothing to do with reality. It's best to get it all out, and release it into the ether.</div>
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<b>In closing</b>, please know that you CAN DO IT! It's hard and it sucks I know, but it's totally worth it and totally possible to do. I also want you to remember every time you struggle and feel like running into the backyard and lighting a cig, that the fantasy is always better than the reality. In our minds we can visualize that cigarette and feelings of euphoria when we take that first drag. But when you actually do cave and try to take a few puffs. It's GROSS! You get light-headed, you stink, you may get shaky, you may get nauseas, you might get a headache. Smoking is seriously bad for you. You wouldn't be getting all of those horrible side effects if it wasn't. You are taking a ginormous step in improving your health. <b> Be proud of yourself!!!</b>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06890503241647838808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-507348128072819588.post-43542189894072296172013-02-12T12:19:00.000-08:002013-02-12T12:19:43.066-08:00{Valentine's Day} Love Treats Extravaganza!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Want to hear a little secret? I LOVE Valentine's Day! It's the one time a year you can cut out little tissue paper hearts, unapologetically decorate your house with glittery reds and pinks, gussy up, eat chocolate and have great sex. What's not to like?? Okay you hate the hallmark cards, you hate the date night obligations, sometimes you can't find a sitter. I get it. But I also think none of that matters unless you allow it to. To me, Valentine's Day is a day I get to celebrate love. It's not about cards or flowers or diamonds, it's about what and who you love. Sometimes that's flowers, sometimes its just snuggling on the sofa with family. It does not have to be a crappy card, bouquet of red roses and a heart box of chocolates followed by dinner and a movie. Sure that can be nice. But does that really celebrate your love? </div>
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Okay, stepping off my extra mushy love pedestal now.</div>
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I know you are here for some rockin valentine's day goodies so let's get to it!</div>
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First and foremost, you need some valentine's day cards. Make em, paint em, craft em, whatever you feel like doing. If you want a cute printable that you can cut out and give to as many people as your heart desires, I highly suggest hopping over to the <a href="http://blessingmanifesting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blessing Manifesting blog</a> and check out her <a href="http://www.blessingmanifesting.com/freebies.html" target="_blank">printable valentine cards</a>. Friends and Family beware, you'll be seeing these little gems popping up everywhere!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Chocolate Cake Body Scrub</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IbIHMT06ZXWim7SjZnQN4EvhAMT9VuIxL5bLmLjETd2ZgjIyi4r9okysgdCYplZGWYnvSbr2t0srVNty-fxZu39PILcCfNVn5hrF39BNhQ4cZVtSvVohg-42jVr9yQM5wgY-tskYu84/s1600/100_1468+(599x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IbIHMT06ZXWim7SjZnQN4EvhAMT9VuIxL5bLmLjETd2ZgjIyi4r9okysgdCYplZGWYnvSbr2t0srVNty-fxZu39PILcCfNVn5hrF39BNhQ4cZVtSvVohg-42jVr9yQM5wgY-tskYu84/s200/100_1468+(599x800).jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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No, I'm totally not kidding! With the exception of the soap (which is optional), this scrub is completely edible and fan-freaking-tastic for your senses and your skin. It smells exactly like chocolate cake and your skin will be glowing. I highly suggest you use regular table sugar for this recipe, because of the size of the grain. Raw sugar while healthier is also a larger grain and would be pretty abrasive to use on your skin.</div>
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1 and 2/3 cup white sugar</div>
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5 Tbsp Oatmeal, ground</div>
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5 Tbsp Cocoa Powder</div>
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1 and 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract</div>
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2 teaspoons of Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap</div>
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1 cup Grapeseed Oil</div>
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With a wire whisk, mix all the powders and sugar together in a large ceramic bowl. Then get out a large spoon and pour in the oil, extract and liquid soap. Mix it well and scoop into a glass container with a lid for storage. When you are ready to use it, scoop a little out with a spoon (so you don’t get water in it, it’ll grow nasties). Massage it onto your entire body, focusing on dry spots like elbows and heels. I don’t suggest scrubbing your entire foot as it can get a bit slippery! Rinse well, pat dry, and massage any excess oil into your skin.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Herbal Bath Tea</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jxjuJgi2ZgzFAG0_jQeCqAQPsWp4_kC7iv530YP4PRHDgxofWlmuoC0rMF6ZjoH-YRRBdxLj-SXfyp-hAZWAqJnIfKNp_aFlb4v3VmaaomBbgayYAz6eP08OI65JPAxbwQ_J5vX0OEo/s1600/BathTea2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jxjuJgi2ZgzFAG0_jQeCqAQPsWp4_kC7iv530YP4PRHDgxofWlmuoC0rMF6ZjoH-YRRBdxLj-SXfyp-hAZWAqJnIfKNp_aFlb4v3VmaaomBbgayYAz6eP08OI65JPAxbwQ_J5vX0OEo/s320/BathTea2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are incredibly easy to make and they create such a luxurious feeling in the bath tub. I really encourage you to play around with this to see what your favorite combination is. I like to add a few herbs for smell and one for healing. Blend up your dried herb mixes in a bowl and then add about a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the mix to an extra large tea bag or muslin bag. You can find extra large tea bags at most herb shops and online. To use them, fill your bath with hot water, toss the bag in and let it steep for 5 minutes. Then indulge. Here are a few ideas to start with:</div>
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<b>Floral mix</b></div>
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1 part rose petals</div>
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1/4 part lavender</div>
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1 part chamomile</div>
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1 part calendula flowers. </div>
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<b>My absolute favorite is this floral + earthy mix of:</b></div>
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1 part Rose Petals</div>
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2 parts Green Tea</div>
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1/2 part Comfrey Leaf </div>
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Mixed with 5 or 6 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil.</div>
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<b>A more manly blend could be one of:</b></div>
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1 part Bay Leaves</div>
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1/2 part Lemon Peel</div>
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1 part Lemon Balm </div>
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1/8 part Lavender.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Spicy Chocolate</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzBfSGGRPm6BPEEtzGzQDKmvSh-27XzZkzNiU3TNHMJqSkXdXUmILGda2M2RXhEaScjwWhyQkP8oqFxBcWm-ToROcwifZqVxt0vKL0jVOkWDFaUzJvN3lG3KCyGlwC3ANIR2gCZbLNR4/s1600/Spicy-Chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzBfSGGRPm6BPEEtzGzQDKmvSh-27XzZkzNiU3TNHMJqSkXdXUmILGda2M2RXhEaScjwWhyQkP8oqFxBcWm-ToROcwifZqVxt0vKL0jVOkWDFaUzJvN3lG3KCyGlwC3ANIR2gCZbLNR4/s200/Spicy-Chocolate.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
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Heaven!!! I wish I could say I came up with this myself, but it's actually a recipe from the Bulk Herb Store. Who would like a chocolate recipe that's good for your body and your libido?? I do! I do! Easy to make and she even has a video to show how it's done. This recipe turns out tasting like creamy, slightly spicy dark chocolate. The kick is conservative in this recipe, so if you want a spicy bite, go ahead and add more. My only complaint is that since you depend on the coconut oil to make them hard like a normal chocolate, you can't keep these at room temp for long or else they'll melt. So keep them in the fridge. Also, they aren't very sweet, like dark chocolate. So if you have more of a sweet tooth, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top</div>
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<a href="http://www.bulkherbstore.com/articles/spicy-chocolate-recipe" target="_blank">For the whole recipe, click here.</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Warming Massage Oil</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/aqOSW3fzWn4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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The fine lady from <a href="http://www.vintageremedies.com/" target="_blank">Vintage Remedies</a> has a recipe for a massage oil that's fantastic for aches and pains, or... when you want a nice warm massage to get you in the mood. Most herbal oils require infusing for weeks, so this is a nice quick recipe when you only want a few applications. Whatever you do, do not get this oil in cuts, scrapes, or in your eyes or private parts. Have your honey rub this into your shoulder and neck muscles and you'll be purring in no time. ;-)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Natural Lubricants</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULB7SuodbMU162hyphenhyphenTD6iKr5E4Vruo8hwb_TUfeV-heX1ETkd34WZZiiBAPn9bfgmqjMtmqgmqcN92uEW9WazLyeJgpMX86Gvc76VjninNLfWZZ4jJD-DogCMBpAZ4ow5MmOvEFt5NOoM/s1600/coconut-oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULB7SuodbMU162hyphenhyphenTD6iKr5E4Vruo8hwb_TUfeV-heX1ETkd34WZZiiBAPn9bfgmqjMtmqgmqcN92uEW9WazLyeJgpMX86Gvc76VjninNLfWZZ4jJD-DogCMBpAZ4ow5MmOvEFt5NOoM/s200/coconut-oil.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Let's be real a moment, yes? Sex (or self love) will probably be involved in your Valentine's Day festivity. So, lets talk about natural lubricants. Many people aren't aware that most lubricants have some pretty nasty chemicals in them and promote the growth of yeast. Nice huh? Feeling romantic now? Luckily we have alternatives that are much healthier for our lady parts. The best lubricant I've used so far and liked, was coconut oil. Coconut oil is a great anti-fungal and moisturizing alternative to store brand lubricants. To use it, add some to a separate small jar that you can use specifically for hanky panky. Make sure hands are always clean and never ever double dip into the container (EW!). Another alternative is to use an herbal healing salve. These are great if you have problems with dryness, are prone to bruising, or you're still recovering after childbirth (make sure your caregiver has given you the ok first). And finally, if you want a good quality organic water-based lubricant that still has the slippery feel (which oils and salves do not), I highly suggest <a href="http://www.yesyesyes.org/index.htm" target="_blank">Yes, Organic Personal Lubricant</a>.</div>
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I hope you all enjoy the hell out of these recipes! Hug your honeys and babies! </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy Valentine's Day!!!</span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06890503241647838808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-507348128072819588.post-69603189842731370782013-01-23T09:15:00.000-08:002013-01-23T09:28:30.183-08:00Before you Start a Cleanse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFoC6vzq2ZTlbjFqti6Ve-QKQueVX8fMGkm5TPGgeBkR8dNqoN_hdCAvSnaBap31780uhwPcpqriqLnmdrWTlCGDJnixb42yBienrXuk2sKpaq8oVgarmnNQON0GNuts8td691qBtVGs/s1600/1004-cleanse-detox-diet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFoC6vzq2ZTlbjFqti6Ve-QKQueVX8fMGkm5TPGgeBkR8dNqoN_hdCAvSnaBap31780uhwPcpqriqLnmdrWTlCGDJnixb42yBienrXuk2sKpaq8oVgarmnNQON0GNuts8td691qBtVGs/s200/1004-cleanse-detox-diet.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
"It is SO time!" <br />
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You know without a doubt when its time to do a cleanse. The symptoms are unmistakable. Irritable, bloaty, broken-out, unable to focus, MESS! I'm pretty sure this is why new years resolutions were invented. </div>
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Well this year my family has been pretty darn fortunate. I've been spiking the soup broth with Astragalus Root all season, taking my Autumn Cordial whenever I'm stressed and trying to drink my Women's Vitamin Tea at least once a day. It must be working because we haven't been sick since Thanksgiving. *knock on wood* But even so, I find myself eating way more carbs now then I ever did before the holidays and I'm feeling sluggish and moody. My lower back has been achy too which signals to me it's time to bless my kidneys with more water and more herbal tea. </div>
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I've done cleanses in the past and I can tell you they all have very different results. Some not so great and others leave you feeling well...fabulous! From my experience the ones that leave you feeling fabulous include good habits we should have anyway. Honestly if we all got more sleep, drank more water, ate more veggies and practiced meditation we'd be feeling pretty fantastic. And for a lot of people that's all that needs to be done. The body has the wonderful ability to cleanse itself of toxins (granted we don't overload it with crap). We don't need any crazy white turnip or spicy lemonade diets. Our bodies are perfectly capable of doing the work without these extremes.</div>
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But there comes a time when it feels good to give your body a little extra help. Such as when you feel like the mess I described above. It's also a great idea if you find you are prone to yeast infections or your hormones are out of whack. Your gut, liver and kidneys are in charge of a lot of things and if you don't treat them well, you are going to feel like crap.</div>
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So how do you get started?</h3>
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The first thing you should do before any cleanse is try to clean up your eating habits. Eliminate the big offenders such as heavily processed foods, sugar and try to cut down if not completely git rid of your coffee habit. Remember that everything should be done in moderation and if you find cleanses hard to follow it's probably because you are trying to do too many things at once. So pick one thing (like kicking a coffee habit) and go from there. When you think you are doing pretty well, then you can start adding things like herbs and foods that will help clean your system. I like to go by these rules when doing a cleanse:</div>
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<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Reduce my bad eating, sleeping, drinking water habits.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Clean the pipes - add more fibrous veg and maybe add a fiber supplement. Don't forget to drink LOTS of water!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Kill the yeasties - You can't believe how much yeast can have an impact on your body. I like to start by taking some anti-yeast herbs like pau d arco that also boosts the immune system and eliminating leavened bread and sugar. I also like to eat yogurt and/or take probiotics to restore good gut flora.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Bless your liver - Take some *gentle* liver herbs like burdock, dandelion root, milk thistle, turmeric and eat greens and beets.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Round it all out - By getting plenty of sunlight, doing stress reducing techniques (like meditation or yoga), clay baths, nourishing herbal teas, doing thing that make you happy.</li>
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I have to admit I'm pretty excited about doing a cleanse because I know from experience how great I'll feel afterwards. Don't worry I'll post my progress on here ;-) I don't recommend cleanses for pregnant women or those that are nursing. But if you are feeling icky it's never a bad idea to eat more fruits and veggies.</div>
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Here's list of other cleanses I've enjoyed and seen good results from:</div>
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<a href="http://www.bulkherbstore.com/articles/are-you-with-me?s=cleanse" target="_blank">Shoshanna's Diet and Exercise Challenge (great herb info here too)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Raw-Food-Detox-Diet-Five-Step/dp/0060834374" target="_blank">The Raw Food Detox Diet (a little more challenging but my skin has never been so glowy!)</a></div>
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<a href="http://leoniedawson.com/shop/courses/radiant-goddess-ecourse/" target="_blank">Radiant Goddess E-Course (comes with recipes, videos and all kinds of goodies to help you feel better)</a></div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06890503241647838808noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-507348128072819588.post-21712611636852314142013-01-13T13:11:00.001-08:002013-01-13T13:11:40.626-08:00How to Get Rid of PMS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you get bad PMS? Are
you grumpy, have breast tenderness, low libido, infertility, fibroids or an
irregular cycle? Then you might want to
give chaste tree a try! Second only to Red Raspberry, this is my favorite herb
for helping the female reproductive system.
Many women experience bad PMS, especially after they've had children. Progesterone (a female hormone) is high
during pregnancy to help promote healthy gestation. But once you have your baby, progesterone can
become very low and low progesterone can cause any number of reproductive
complaints. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFTb6aTCUXMaiXi6OSn-RpySCXP3J9z7zclTAKIhoVZXlK-MrPqGibRzye1xY9AeYLiXTn2AU6gjHrANq1eA_p8BCQaM2T-XFOsRIEpFp24RQLRo005tADSSbtGARY9mRjYqAI_LYXdE/s1600/vitex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFTb6aTCUXMaiXi6OSn-RpySCXP3J9z7zclTAKIhoVZXlK-MrPqGibRzye1xY9AeYLiXTn2AU6gjHrANq1eA_p8BCQaM2T-XFOsRIEpFp24RQLRo005tADSSbtGARY9mRjYqAI_LYXdE/s1600/vitex.jpg" /></a></div>
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Chaste tree berry is excellent at regulating female
hormones, especially when it comes to low levels of progesterone. My personal favorite effect of this herb was its ability to help me with low libido after I had had my children (another effect of low progesterone). It is very helpful in cases of PMS and a wide
range of menstrual and gynecological problems that are related to hormone
imbalance. It can be used for irregular
and painful periods, heavy bleeding, fibroids, and to re-establish a normal
menstrual cycle after taking birth control pills. It is also used for menopausal problems
including depression. </div>
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Chaste Tree Berries look a little like peppercorns and taste
pretty similar. Because of that I don’t
recommend drinking it as a tea, unless you add it to other herbs like a chai. I suggest grinding them up and putting them
in capsules or taking them as a tincture. Traditional dosage for a chaste tree
tincture is ¼ to ½ tsp., or one capsule, taken three times a day until you get
your period. Stop taking it during your
period and then resume with the above dosage when it has run it’s course.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pregnant women should not take chaste tree berry and I don’t
recommend it until you get your first menstrual cycle after you’ve had your
baby. Men should never take chaste tree
berry, it gets it name from a time when Monks used it to help them be chaste (funny bit of history there).</div>
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<span style="color: purple;">*LOCALS*</span> You can purchase chaste tree berries at both the Homestead
location and the Well Rounded Baby Boutique! </div>
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If you are not local, I highly recommend buying them online at <a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/" target="_blank">Mountain Rose Herbs</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztct2bo_elh3zG6OnmrjGy6CtkzFEtXRsY_yKcn3f5ais6U9yqozntd0UuyoVN45MnLbTmmT6INByq30-AeK9nps5Zyf_VVz2nNIZ4DrBUKBCXIMA9mmTAEL7N9jSv71z4-3koSi9qT4/s1600/125x125-organics.gif" /></a></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06890503241647838808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-507348128072819588.post-1104399690532120002012-12-22T14:49:00.000-08:002012-12-22T14:49:38.641-08:00Herbal TreatsHappy holidays, blog readers!!! Since I am enjoying my own family for the holidays, I wanted to share three of our family favorites that are *kindof* good for you. ;-) If your family calls up and they need you to bring something yummy, any of these three recipes are sure to be loved.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">Lavender Hot Chocolate</span><br />
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Serve this to the kiddies an hour before bed and between the sugar low and the lavender they should be well asleep before Santa makes an appearance. ;-) <i>For Grown-Ups: Coffee is quite a tasty addition if you don't want to snooze right away.</i><br />
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4 cups whole milk or 4 cups half-and-half<br />
1 Tbsp dried lavender<br />
2 Tbsp chocolate chips<br />
1/4 cup cocoa powder<br />
1/4 cup sugar<br />
pinch of sea salt<br />
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />
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<b>Directions:</b> Pour the milk into a medium saucepan; add the lavender; set over medium heat and bring just to a boil. Then, remove from the heat, cover and steep for 5-8 minutes. Strain out the lavender with a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Return the saucepan to heat; whisk in the chocolate until melted and smooth. Whisk in the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt; remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. <i>Enjoy!!!</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Herbed Cheese Balls</span></div>
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I'm not joking when I say these are fanfreakintastic!!! My son told me they were "so awesome, they had extra awesome on top!" I made these last Thanksgiving and it was eaten up in a hurry. I'll be making these for just about every family function from here on out. The recipe in the video makes about 2 softball sized cheese balls that I suggest you store in the fridge, wrapped in wax paper. Serve with your favorite crackers or veg.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hawthorn Cider</span></div>
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I really love using Hawthorn in the colder months since it goes so well with other winter and autumn spices. It's good for the heart, reduces stress and spreads good cheer. For more info about the benefits of hawthorn, read the post <a href="http://familyherbalist.blogspot.com/2012/11/hawthorn-for-holidays-heartbreak.html" target="_blank">Hawthorn for Holidays & Heartbreak. </a></div>
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Make or buy your favorite apple cider.</div>
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Bring to a boil, then add your dried hawthorn berries:</div>
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<i>1/2 tsp of dried & powdered hawthorn berries per cup of cider</i></div>
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<i>1 tsp of whole hawthorn berries per cup of cider</i></div>
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<i>1 hawthorn tea bag per cup of cider</i></div>
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Let the herbs steep in the hot cider for a good 15 min. If you are using powdered hawthorn, I like to lightly simmer it to really get the hawthorn soft and then you don't have to strain it out. The texture of the cooked, powdered hawthorn turns out the same as the sediment in not-from-concentrate apple juice.</div>
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You can also add other herbs for taste and medicinal benefits. My favorite additions are: rosehips, cinnamon, schizandra berries, cloves, orange peel.</div>
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So that's it! I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as we have. May you all have a happy holiday season!</div>
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Brightest Blessings,</div>
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Sarah</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06890503241647838808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-507348128072819588.post-5268950327464314932012-12-10T15:27:00.001-08:002012-12-10T15:27:13.402-08:00How to Ease a Sore Throat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago my little family battled a common seasonal menace, the sore throat. You might not know this, but most sore throats are actually caused by a virus and not a bacteria. Which means even if you go to the doctor, unless you've been diagnosed with strep throat (which is caused by bacteria) you won't be given antibiotics and your doc can do exactly zip.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXdHOtVxSJRzTF-JdU-UNL5xu4qlFKDo104sHujfSUlx12uuyHbL-jELYHC2CnrbKvrYXeG0M66RUV-Z36pP0ytDNuTJLaXZLv8N5djuYjfoFfnknhWYYJdxpy0Av0Gg6omU5wDwT5LE/s1600/Remedy-for-sore-throat-honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXdHOtVxSJRzTF-JdU-UNL5xu4qlFKDo104sHujfSUlx12uuyHbL-jELYHC2CnrbKvrYXeG0M66RUV-Z36pP0ytDNuTJLaXZLv8N5djuYjfoFfnknhWYYJdxpy0Av0Gg6omU5wDwT5LE/s200/Remedy-for-sore-throat-honey.jpg" width="200" /></a>I almost always use herbal or home remedies first. If that doesn't work and I'm giving them to my kids, you bet I take them to the doc to make sure they're alright. But, I find herbal medicine works 90% of time and it seems pretty evident to me when my kids need something extra (like antibiotics). Which is what happened to my family just a few weeks ago. Everyone in my family got a runny nose and a horrible sore throat. After herbs and rest it resolved right before Thanksgiving. But that Monday my son got a fever and it came back with a vengeance. He was diagnosed with strep and after a quick and painless doc visit he got a prescription for antibiotics. I find it interesting that all of us were treated with the same herbal remedies the week before. Perhaps these remedies resolved strep throat for us, or my son had the unfortunate luck of getting two bugs. Either way, they worked for us. And now I pass them on to you. </div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Scenario time... So, a snotty schoolmate or grown up coughed on your shopping cart and has just given your family a runny nose and a sore throat. What do you do now? </span> </b></blockquote>
#1 <i style="font-weight: bold;">Rest & Hydrate</i> - No herb, vitamin or supplement is a substitute for sleep and water. Your body needs lots of both in order to heal itself, so don't skimp on the water and naps.<br />
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#2 <i style="font-weight: bold;">Echinacea</i> - Time to boost that immune system! You can help shorten the duration of whatever bug you caught by taking a little echinacea. I prefer tea to just about anything, but you can take echinacea capsules or tincture too. Suggested dosage by Rosemary Gladstar in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rosemary-Gladstars-Herbal-Recipes-Vibrant/dp/1603420789/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1355173061&sr=8-3&keywords=rosemary+gladstar" target="_blank">Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health</a>, is 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of herbal extract/tincture every hour until symptoms subside. Or up to 3 or 4 cups of tea. To learn how to make your own, you can watch my video:<br /><br />
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#3 <i style="font-weight: bold;">Sage Tea</i> - Now not everyone likes the taste of sage. It can be a bit to bitter for some, but it packs a great whallop when it comes to sore throats. When we all got sick I knew I couldn't count on my kids drinking straight sage tea, so I mixed it up with some other herbs that would help too and taste great. If you aren't into making your own teas, you can check out <a href="http://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/product/throat-coat-reg" target="_blank">Throat Coat by Traditional Medicinals</a>. Don't drink either of those if you are pregnant or nursing. Sage or licorice are contraindicated and may cause pregnancy problems or reduce milk supply. But the other herbs in this tea can still help soothe and heal your sore throat.<br />
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<b><i>Sweet Sage & Rose Tea</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6YUHyeWDX9pvCKKHeDQv2DN3xaRqhFA4PScyHE8LYSbKzja9kyOirdqKdXkbV1hz_kWkLDgDqoGNq_abi9sLcvjsNWiAt8LgkkCEwDSwbHak1hziV_2rLuVaiIHZxgvZgGqN5MveVkU/s1600/100_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6YUHyeWDX9pvCKKHeDQv2DN3xaRqhFA4PScyHE8LYSbKzja9kyOirdqKdXkbV1hz_kWkLDgDqoGNq_abi9sLcvjsNWiAt8LgkkCEwDSwbHak1hziV_2rLuVaiIHZxgvZgGqN5MveVkU/s320/100_0619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Equal Parts:</div>
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Sage Leaf</div>
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Marshmallow Leaf</div>
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Rose Petals</div>
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Peppermint</div>
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Directions: Bring a pot of water to boil, then turn off the heat, add the herbs and cover. Let it steep for 15 minutes and then strain out the herbs. Add some nice thick honey and enjoy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjy5RLDS7HAANlaKW06_G0S0fPgVINQrSrkO3QbI_v3vXloQq6Xm7bvM5aiRM-T2iYBWvAzwGgYz2yGpy4Ugrb-6AmY0tVcF-Fz26YK9mCuMmhCn2oc6cpfC-RCBYBxnS8fp_1lOtFQA/s1600/100_0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjy5RLDS7HAANlaKW06_G0S0fPgVINQrSrkO3QbI_v3vXloQq6Xm7bvM5aiRM-T2iYBWvAzwGgYz2yGpy4Ugrb-6AmY0tVcF-Fz26YK9mCuMmhCn2oc6cpfC-RCBYBxnS8fp_1lOtFQA/s200/100_0621.JPG" width="112" /></a>#4 <b><i>Salty Gargles</i></b> - It can temporarily relieve a sore throat. If you want to know why, head over to <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4607558_gargling-salt-water-sore-throat_.html" target="_blank">eHow</a>. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to an 8-ounce glass of warm water and stir to dissolve. Pour some into your mouth and gargle for a few seconds, spit it out and repeat every so often for pain. You can also add a little salt and honey to the tea recipe above, but remember to spit it out. For the kids I add a pinch of salt to warm water or tea in a shot glass.</div>
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#5 <b><i>Lozenges</i></b> - Funny story, I actually made some slippery elm lozenges for the first time last month. If you have never heard of them, they are basically a ball of dried, powdered herbs and honey. I tried 3 different recipes and couldn't find one that I liked the taste and texture of. My son didn't seem to mind the plain slippery elm version, but me and my daughter gagged and sputtered every time we tried them. That said, I'll be darned if they didn't work extremely well for easing our sore throats. There are many different kinds of homemade throat balls, lozenges, pastilles, or candies. But what seems to remain a constant is honey. So if you can't stand the homemade versions, I suggest you suck on a honey stick. Here are two different recipes for homemade throat lozenges:</div>
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<a href="http://www.learningherbs.com/news_issue_56.html" target="_blank">Learning Herbs: Sore Throat Pastilles</a></div>
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<a href="http://heart-hands-home.blogspot.com/2011/02/honey-lemon-throat-drops.html?m=1" target="_blank">Heart, Hands, Home: Honey Lemon Throat Drops</a></div>
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#6 <b><i>Homemade Soup with Astragalus Root</i></b> - I can't even begin to tell you how awesome homemade broth is! It doesn't even compare to store brands when it comes to medicinal benefits. In fact it will probably be a blog post all it's own at some point. But I'll try to refrain from getting on my soap box. One of my favorite herbs to use with my soup is Astragalus. A Chinese herb commonly used for boosting the immune system and nourishing the body. When you buy the dried roots, I prefer to buy them in slices (like tongue depressors . Add a handful of these to a pot of soup (count how many you put in so you can fish them out later), or one slice per cup of soup. Simmer them in the pot for 15 minutes and then fish it out before you eat it (they are really tough). </div>
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There you have it! Six things you can do to help your family heal a sore throat. I hope you enjoy these recipes.</div>
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Brightest Blessings,</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Sarah</i></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06890503241647838808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-507348128072819588.post-58165130199682280892012-11-30T15:15:00.003-08:002012-11-30T15:15:46.643-08:00Hawthorn for Holidays & Heartbreak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The beautiful red berries of the hawthorn is one of my favorite medicines to use in the colder months. The berries are scrumptious with many of the fall and winter spices and so easily incorporated into food, syrups and ciders. <div>
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That's my preferred way of taking herbs by the way. I would much rather drink some herbal tea or eat a big bowl of soup that has my herbs in it. Sure taking a few capsules or a squirt of herbal extract will work. But there is something so wholesome and healing about including them in your food.<div>
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Holidays can be pretty rough for some people. I know it has for our family this year. A month or so ago, we lost a very dear person well before her time. We are grateful for the family we have and are still determined to be joyful, but there is an undercurrent of sadness as we feel the lack of her presence. Add that to the normal amount of holiday stress and you have a perfect recipe for getting sick during the holidays.</div>
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This is where Hawthorn can play a key role in keeping you well during the holidays. Hawthorn is a relaxant and a cardiac toner. Usually it's used for circulatory issues or helping with blood pressure. But I find it very well suited to easing anxiety, especially if you get palpitations when you're stressed. Since it has an affinity for the heart, it seems appropriate to use during matters of the heart. Including heartbreak, stressful family get together and winter blues.</div>
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Lucky for us, the berries are pretty darn tasty. Which means you can add them to anything that tickles your fancy. If you aren't confident in herbal medicine yet, start with something super easy. Like adding powdered Hawthorn to a cup of apple cider. If you've made herbal medicine before, then I have an amazingly delicious brandy recipe that will put a smile on your face.</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Hawthorn Cider</u></b></span></div>
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1/2 tsp powedered Hawthorn berries</div>
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1 1/2 to 2 cups of Apple Cider</div>
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1/2 cinnamon stick, or a pinch of powder</div>
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Add everything to a little pot and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Take out the cinnamon stick and pour into your favorite mug.</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Autumn Cordial</b></u></span></div>
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1/2 cup Cinnamon Sticks</div>
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1/3 cup Rose Hips (whole)</div>
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1 Tbsp Hawthorn, powdered (or 1/3 cup whole)</div>
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1-2 tsp Schizandra Berries</div>
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Up to 2 cups of Brandy</div>
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1 glass pint jar w/ lid</div>
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Put all of your herbs in the pint jar and cover with brandy until almost to the top. If you are reusing a mason jar, place plastic wrap over the top before you screw the lid on. If it's new this isn't necessary. It just makes a better seal and prevents rust.</div>
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Give it a good shake and put it somewhere dark and cool for 2-4 weeks, shaking every other day or so. When it's ready, strain out the herbs with a fine mesh strainer, clean cloth swatch, or cheesecloth and re-bottle. It should keep for up to 3 years.</div>
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When all is said and done, you can add a tablespoon or two to a nice hot mug of cider to help you unwind after a long day of shopping and cooking.</div>
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Blessings to you and yours,</div>
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Sarah</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06890503241647838808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-507348128072819588.post-36745646858655402832012-11-30T13:20:00.000-08:002012-11-30T13:20:43.625-08:00Why do you use herbs?This is a question I hear all the time. But there are so many reasons! I'll try to sum it up to a few.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxKQheMgQyPpmaUliAcNI_BUliayHdacgw7jOTpy6WBVRL8yKLmVnOpt1Wv_nhxALjwMDJd_S46yiFC1crYL0baj613N_fITmzUrg78F36wbNcLz2lOP9AYSQXWIs9PtisXbu8vHRlSM/s1600/Herbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxKQheMgQyPpmaUliAcNI_BUliayHdacgw7jOTpy6WBVRL8yKLmVnOpt1Wv_nhxALjwMDJd_S46yiFC1crYL0baj613N_fITmzUrg78F36wbNcLz2lOP9AYSQXWIs9PtisXbu8vHRlSM/s320/Herbs.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Herbs are tastier,<br />
healthier,<br />
safer,<br />
cheaper,<br />
prettier,<br />
and more fun to use than your average over the counter medication at the convenient store. <br />
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Not to mention I know EXACTLY what is in our medicine and most of time it's a project the kids can help me with. This is so incredibly important! Have you ever actually looked at the ingredient list of over the counter cough syrup? Did you know they aren't even proven to be effective? The herbal remedies I use for my family have been a trusted source of health care for hundred and sometimes thousands of years! Herbs have helped me keep my sanity, they've nourished me through two pregnancies, healed many a bump and bruise, and most of all kept us healthy during the 6 years that we didn't have health insurance or two pennies to rub together.<br />
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It is both my joy and my privilege to be able to share some of the recipes I use with my own family. I hope they'll bring you and yours comfort and healing.<br />
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Brightest Blessings,<br />
Sarah<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06890503241647838808noreply@blogger.com0