Morgan Botanicals

Trifolium pratense, or red clover is one of the most useful remedies for children and adults alike, not to mention the tasty treats you can make. If your lucky enough to find this clover growing you’ll want to pick them in the morning just after the dew has dried off. Be sure to select only the fresh, newly opened flowers, and avoid any that look withered or brown. Carefully remove the stems and spread them out on trays. Try not to crowd the blossoms and allow to dry in an airy place, away from direct sunlight. When thoroughly dry, they will be crisp to the touch. Store them away from the light, in tightly closed jars.

This herb is a source of many valuable nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. Red clover is also considered to be one of the richest sources of isoflavones.

These beautiful edible flowers are slightly sweet. You can pull the petals from the flower head and add them to many dishes throughout the summer. A few tiny florets are a delightful addition to a summer iced tea: try serving your summer guests a cup of iced alfalfa mint tea with a slice of lemon and five to ten tiny clover florets floating on top- delicious! Or press the fresh florets into the icing on a summer birthday cake. The raw greens of this plant are very nutritious and can be enjoyed fresh or dried to get the nutrients.

Some of my favorite recipes can be whipped up in a flash.

Red Clover Tea
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 2 Tbsp fresh or dried red clover herb. Let steep about 5 minutes, strain, and serve with honey.

Red Clover Lemonade

• 4 cups fresh Red Clover blossoms
• 1 gallon water
• 2 cups Red Clover honey
• 1-1/2 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice

Gently simmer Clover blossoms in a covered pot for 10 minutes. Add honey, stirring until it dissolves. Cover and let steep and cool for several hours or overnight. Then add lemon juice and chill in the fridge.

Red Clover Syrup

• 1-quart fresh Red Clover blossoms
• 2 cups Red Clover honey
• 1 1/2 cups water

Crush blossoms gently, then combine all ingredients. Over low heat, bring to the boil, turn down and simmer for 15 minutes. Let cool. Strain and bottle. This syrup is soothing for coughs and sore throats and makes a pleasant flavoring for tea or pancakes. I hope everyone enjoys these recipes as much as I do. Look for fresh red clover herb and red clover seeds in my Local Harvest Store : Morgan Botanicals.

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Jessica Morgan, M. H., Morgan Botanicals.

Disclaimer - The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for self-diagnosis or to replace any prescriptive medication. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem, suffer from allergies, are pregnant or nursing.

Jessica Morgan, M.H.

"Better to be deprived of food for three days than of tea for one!"

I love tea, whether its just to warm me up, to clear out my lungs, or to sit and swish around in- in the tub of course!. Today I just feel like sharing some of my favorite recipes. Hope you enjoy.

TUMMY TEA: This tea is not only delicious but very effective for stomach ache and indigestion, plus it's safe for children and adults alike, to drink daily.

• 1 part rose hips
• 1 part spearmint
  
• 1 part dried orange peal
• 1/2 part star anise
• 1/8 part licorice root

Combine all herbs in a pot, and cover with boiling water. Stir well, cover, and steep 15 to 20 minutes.

PRETTY BLEND: I love this tea! It is visually gorgeous too! This yummy tea is aromatic and will bring happiness. Drink it hot or iced.

• 1 part lemon verbena leaves
• 1 part peppermint or spearmint
• 1 part rose hips
• 1 part dried orange peel
  
• 1/2 part rose petals
• 1/4 part calendula flowers
• 1/4 part freshly grated ginger root

Combine all herbs in a pot, and cover with boiling water. Stir well, cover, and steep 15 to 20 minutes.

FEVER FLUSHER: If you've got a cold or a fever then this is the brew for you. The yarrow in this tea will cause heat flushing, which is good for breaking a fever.

• 1 part echinacea root
  
• 1 part peppermint leaves
• 1 part catnip leaves
• 1 part yarrow
• 1 part lemon balm leaves

Put echinacea in 1 quart of water and bring to a boil. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Add the rest of the herbs, stir well, cover and steep 15 to 20 minutes. Strain and add honey and lemon, if desired. Drink a lot of it!

I hope everyone enjoys these tea blends as much as I do. Look for these fresh loose leaf herbs and other natural herbal products in my Local Harvest Store : Morgan Botanicals. As always, email any questions to herbalist@morganbotanicals.com

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Jessica Morgan, M. H., Morgan Botanicals

Disclaimer - The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for self-diagnosis or to replace any prescriptive medication. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem, suffer from allergies, are pregnant or nursing.

Jessica Morgan, M.H.

Many herbs can safely be used for weight loss and provide a natural way to help you lose those excess pounds. Herbal teas will ease digestive disorders, provide increased perspiration, add bulk and cleanse your body; and increase energy, bringing new vitality to your system. Herbs have no calories or fat. But always keep in mind that weight loss involves changing your whole lifestyle.

One must always begin with eating fresh whole foods and sufficient water consumption. I personally enjoy four to six glasses a day, one of which I swirl in a tablespoon of flaxseed.  For those who can’t get down plain water, try adding a squeeze of lemon, lime, or orange juice, or crush up some mint. Eating and living with herbs will bring you a lifestyle that may be more conducive to weight loss. The following list of herbs has been know to aid in weight loss, especially when combined with healthy eating and exercise.

    * Alfalfa - this herb is not only nutritious but also filled with essential amino acids for strength, a cleanser and mild laxative which will help keep your intestinal track in top condition. Mixes great with peppermint.

    * Cayenne - sprinkle cayenne on your food. It contains an ingredient called capsaicin that stimulates saliva, stimulates digestion and increases your metabolism and fat burning safely.

    * Dandelion - A natural diuretic and cleanser with potassium and vitamins. Works gently and naturally to balance your body’s fluids.

    * Calendula - Make this calming floral tea to ease digestive disorders and de-stress your stomach lining and bowels.

    * Oatstraw - A full body tonic with tons of vitamins and minerals. Adds bulk if taken in capsule form.

    * Raspberry - Iced fruit and berry teas will fulfill the need for sweet drinks and sodas- you’ll get fit faster!

    * Sage - Helps increase digestive enzymes and stimulates your liver.

    * Green Tea - This tea is a natural stimulant with the added benefit of vitamin C and flavoniods (compounds that are antioxidants).

    * Ginseng - helps to boost energy and metabolism.

    * Yerba mate - A vitality tea with lots of B vitamins to combat stress. This metabolic stimulant will help your body utilize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Hope you enjoy your herbal slimming teas! Look for these herbs in my local harvest store: Morgan Botanicals. Please email any questions to herbalist@morganbotanicals.com

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Jessica Morgan, M. H., Morgan Botanicals

Disclaimer - The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for self-diagnosis or to replace any prescriptive medication. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem, suffer from allergies, are pregnant or nursing.