Sharon Hubbs-Kreft, Herbalist - Amazing Grace Herbals LLC
21 Apr Tue 2009
Stevia - Nature's sweetener and my favorite recipe
Stevia is a South American herb that has been used as a sweetener by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay for hundreds of years. The leaves of this small, green Stevia rebaudiana plant have a delicious and refreshing taste that can be 100 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar) at a 10% sucrose concentration. It has been declared as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) by the FDA.
Stevia has many excellent properties. The body does not metabolize the sweet glycosides from the stevia leaf or any of its processed forms - so there is no caloric intake. Stevia doesn't adversely affect blood glucose levels and may be used freely by diabetics and does not promote tooth decay.
Stevia truly enhances the flavors of other foods and remains stable in the presence of acid (tomatoes) and high heat. It makes a really tasty marinara sauce and nice, sweet pesto (if you choose to add a pinch). Stevia does not caramelize or brown the way sugar does; you can either add a bit of fruit juice in your recipe or you can add fresh fruit. Check your food by touch, smell and by inserting a tooth pick in baked goods to see if it is all cooked through.
A little pinch goes a long way - you can bake with it, add it to many recipes, use it in place of table sugar, give it to children in recipes and feel good knowing you are using an all natural sweetener rather then a processed sugar!! Do not overdo it or have a heavy hand or you will get an herby aftertaste. You will need to experiment a bit if you are replacing your sugar in recipes with Stevia but a general rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon of liquid Stevia extract or 1-1/2 to 2 tablespoons of powdered or sifted for each cup of sugar.
I grow Stevia in my naturally grown (organic) gardens, I offer Stevia per ounce here in my Local Harvest store. My Stevia is chopped and sifted; and is not a powder and it is not bleached. http://www.localharvest.org/just-stevia-C10641
Here is my FAVORITE recipe:
Blueberry Muffins
1/2 cup rolled oats - 6oz pineapple juice - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 egg - 1 tbsp vanilla extract - 2 oz milk - 1/2 cup plain yogurt - 1-3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour - 1 tsp baking powder - 3 tablespoons of Stevia sifted (or 15 packets of powdered) - 1/4 tsp salt - 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1. Preheat oven to 375 F and oil a muffin tin. In a small bowl, soak the oats in the pineapple juice for 10-15 minutes.
2. In another bowl, beat together the oil, egg and vanilla. Mix the milk into the yogurt to thin and then add to egg mixture. Fold in the oatmeal and juice.
3. Sift together the flour, baking soda, stevia and salt; fold into the wet mixture, stirring as little as possible. Fold in the blueberries just before the flour is completely blended. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin and bake 25-30 minutes.
Yields 12 muffins
Peaceful Blessings and Happy baking!!
20 Apr Mon 2009
It's CHIVE time!!!
We had our first harvest of Chives yesterday and with the warm air and spring breeze it could not have been more perfect. I love adding chives to everything, such a wonderful little herb and bursting with flavor.
The medical properties of chives are similar to those of garlic, but weaker; the faint effects in comparison with garlic are probably the main reason for its limited use as a medicinal herb. Containing numerous organisulplide compounds such as allyl sulfidesand alkyl sulfoxides, chives have a beneficial effect on the circulatory system, acting upon it by lowering the blood pressure. As chives are usually served in small amounts and never as the main dish, negative effects are rarely encountered, although digestive problems may occur following over-consumption.
Chives are also rich in vitamins A and C, and contain trace amounts of sulfur and iron.
Chives have been cultivated in Europe since the Middle Ages, although signs of its usage date back to 5000 years ago. The Romans believed chives could relieve the pain from sunburn or a sore throat. They believed that eating chives would increase blood pressure and acted as a diuretic. Romanian Gypsies have used chives in fortune telling. It was believed that bunches of dried chives hung around a house would ward off disease and evil.
It acts as a great insect repllent too when planted in the garden and grows very well indoors throughout the winter.
Harvesting is easy, when the chives reach about 2-5 cm or they start getting a little ragged, trim them down to the base of the plant. The plant will continuously make new growth throughout the growing season. You could have fresh chives every few weeks depending on your growing conditions.
Like I mentioned, I LOVE chives and add them to everything like eggs, various meats and salads. I am adding a few recipes here that I love, I got these online and keep going back to them because they always turn out perfect. The dip is sooooo delicious, I usually wait with this one until my Dill is ready but I thought I would put it out there now so you could have it when your Dill is ready or if you would like to purchase Dill from your grocer.
1. Vegetable Dip Mix
Yield: 1 servings
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1 |
tablespoon |
Dried Chives |
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1 |
teaspoon |
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½ |
teaspoon |
Dill Weed |
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½ |
teaspoon |
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl: blend well. Spoon mixture onto a 6-inch square of aluminum foil, and fold to make airtight. Label as Vegetable Dip Mix. Store in a cool, dry place and use within 6 months.
Makes 1 package (about 2 T) of mix. Vegetable Dip: Combine 1 T lemon juice, 1 cup Mayonnaise, 1 cup sour cream, and 1 package of mix. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.
2. Lemon Chive Sauce
Serve this sauce hot with broiled or grilled chicken, baked fish, or asparagus.
Ingredients:
·1/3 cup butter
·2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
·1 tablespoon lemon juice
·1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
·1/2 teaspoon salt
·dash ground black pepper
Preparation:
Melt butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Add remaining ingredients and heat through.
Serve hot with broiled chicken, baked fish, or asparagus.
3. Sauteed Chicken Breasts with Creamy Chive Sauce
Makes 4 servings
ACTIVE TIME: 35 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes
EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), trimmed of fat
1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided (I use Grapeseed Oil)
2 large shallots, finely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth (I use organic, free range broth)
1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream (I use the real stuff!! :) )
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup chopped chives (about 1 bunch/handful)
1. Place chicken between sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or heavy skillet until flattened to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. Season both sides of the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Place 1/4 cup flour in a shallow glass baking dish and dredge the chicken in it. Discard the excess flour.
2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, cover and keep warm.
3. Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook, stirring constantly and scraping up any browned bits, until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon flour; stir to coat. Add wine, broth and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil, stirring often.
4. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until heated through and no longer pink in the center, about 6 minutes. Stir in sour cream and mustard until smooth; turn the chicken to coat with the sauce. Stir in chives and serve immediately.
Enjoy cooking and happy harvesting. I will have some dried chives available in my Local Harvest store shortly, I am just witing from them to dry!
17 Apr Fri 2009
Quick Stretches to get you motivated for a spring work out
The sun is bright and shining today, it makes you want to get moving and motivated for the summer months ahead. Let's face it, we all put on a couple pounds over the winter; our body goes into hibernation mode and we eat almost all the wrong goodies - throw in holiday cookes and bake sales and forget it, we can be healthy and fit all year until the winter holidays!!!
Time to start getting into shape again and begin to work on losing those extra pounds. I have compiled a list of simple stretches to get you moving before you begin any type of work out. For some, these stretches are just enough, while for others it is a great warm up for their fitness program.
Tips for stretching
-Warm your muscles slightly before stretching them. Walk or do some other light aerobic exercise for a few minutes, then start stretching.
-Ease yourself into the stretch, relax, and don't push or bounce. You should feel a stretch in the muscle but not pain.
-Exhale as you do the stretch. While you are holding the stretch, inhale deeply.
-Try closing your eyes while stretching. It helps you relax and reduces self-consciousness and the urge to compete.
-Take a moment to enjoy the good, warm feeling that comes after a good stretch.
Physical activity is good for your health, but it does stress and strain your body in ways that a more inactive lifestyle does not. If it's done too suddenly or without basic precautions, exercise can lead to injury or illness. Even if you have long been active and are fit, keep safety in mind. Do not assume that basic precautions do not apply to you. The most important ways to avoid injury and illness are to: learn about the risks of any new activity you begin. Take lessons, if appropriate. Always use the safety gear that is recommended for your chosen activity, such as helmets and knee pads. Learn about the use and proper fit of safety equipment, begin an exercise routine slowly and gradually increase intensity and most importantly, pay attention to your body's signals, such as pain and fatigue, when starting a new activity or when increasing the intensity of your physical activity. General muscle soreness is common when you try a new activity, but pain can mean you're injured. If you are very tired, you may be doing too much too soon.
Stretches
Do all stretches gradually. Do not push or bounce the stretch. You should feel a stretch, not pain. While you hold the stretch, inhale. Exhale as you relax. These are basic stretches, please consult with your health care provider to be sure you are well enough to begin a stretching/exercise routine.
Latissimus stretch
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Triceps stretch
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Calf stretch
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Quadriceps stretch
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Groin stretch
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Hamstring stretch
I have formulated two herbal tea blends that have helped many get back into the work out mode after a long winter. My first blend is called Better Flex Tea and the second is called Slim Trim Diet Aid Tea. Both of these blends are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help replace vitamins and minerals that may be lost while exercising or while beginning a new diet. Both blends can be found here at Local Harvest and as always, if you have any questions, feel free to email me! |
16 Apr Thu 2009
Herbal Preparations and loose herbs for tea
I have been asked by many if any of my teas (which are really herbal infusions and decoctions) could be used loose instead of in a tea bag. The answer to this, of course, is yes!!!
I choose to place the herbs in a tea filter because of the ease of clean up and convienence. I know many folks, including myself, enjoy steeping the herbs as loose and you can do so with any of my blends. Should you purchase a blend in a tea filter, simply cup open the filter and use the herbs in your tea pot, diffuser or add directly to boiling water or whichever herbal preparation you are doing.
I do offer all of my herbal teas and topicals as loose, I can't list everything in my Local Harvest store or the seems would burst but if you contact me directly I would be happy to help you and if you wanted loose herbs, I would be happy to send it to you.
All of herbs are fresh and naturally grown, no pesticides, no chemical fertlizers, no nothing - just plain plants and natural occuring vitamins, minerals and constituents!!
Which brings me to another topic - many people also ask me what type of "tea" leaves do I use in my blends? Well, the answer is, I do not use "tea" leaves in any of my blends. Then, the second question follows, well then why do you call your blends teas? I call them teas because that is how most relate to them. I actually offer herbal infusions and decoctions and what these words means is whether or not the herbs are added to boiling water (infusion) or whether the herbs, usually roots, barks, stems, seeds and berries are boiled with the water from the start (decoction).
To explain this - I have some herbal preparation definitions here to help answer any questions:
Infusions
Infusions are a simple way of extracting the active principles of herbs through the action of hot water. The preparation of infusions is similar to the way we prepare tea. This method is used to extract the volatile components of the dried or green aerial parts of herbs and plants, like flowers and leaves. Infusions may use single herbs or a blend and are drunk hot or cold. Hot infusion is recommended for the harder parts of the plants, while cold infusion is more suitable for flowers and leaves. Certainly this is the most common and cheapest method of extracting the medicinal compounds of herbs.
Decoctions
Roots, barks and fruits being thicker and less permeable than the aerial parts of medicinal plants, do not liberate their active principles by simple infusion. It is necessary to simmer these parts in boiling water in order to extract their medicinal constituents. The material should be cut or broken into small pieces. In order to avoid loosing volatile constituents, use a lid over the simmering pan. Decoctions can be taken hot or cold.
Ointments
Ointments are prepared like hot infused oils, the difference being that herbs are simmered in waxes or fats containing no water. After separating the simmered herbs by squeezing and cooling, the result is a solid mixture of the wax or fat with the medicinal constituents of the plant. Petroleum jelly, soft paraffin wax and beeswax are some common bases used. Ointments form an oily barrier on the surface of injuries and carry the active principles to the affected area.
Syrups
With some rare exceptions, such as peppermint which is a familiar flavoring agent in toothpaste and chewing gum, infused or decocted herbs are not palatable, especially for children. In order to disguise their taste, infusions and decoctions can be mixed with honey or unrefined cane sugar. These syrups combine the soothing action of these solvents to the medicinal properties of the infusions and decoctions, resulting in additional benefits - especially for treating cough and sore throats.
Tinctures
Most of the volatile components of medicinal plants and herbs are soluble in apple cider vinegar and alcohol to name two as well as the strongest. By immersing dried or fresh parts of plants in either menstruum, the active principles are easily extracted at concentrations that exceed those that can be achieved by infusion or decoction. Highly concentrated solutions that will last for one to two years are a convenient way to store and use medicinal plants constituents. Ideally tinctures should be made using pure ethyl alcohol distilled from cereals or pure apple cider vinegar (preferrable organic). However, since this product is not available to the public, good Vodka with 35-45% alcohol can be used. The extraction is fairly quick. Never use methyl alcohol, methylated spirits, isopropyl alcohol or any other kind of unknown spirit to make tinctures. Tinctures made from apple cider vinegar and alcohol will keep for many years; while those made of vegetable glycerin, aloe ver juice/gel, apricot kernel oil or other menstruums may only keep for up to year but may keep longer if refrigerated.
Creams
Creams are mixtures of oils or fats with water. Since water and oils are not miscible, it is necessary to add an emulsifying agent that prohibits their separation. Creams are therefore stable emulsions of oils or fats. Medicinal properties are added to creams when they used with or are made with tinctures, infusions, oil infusions, essential oils or decoctions. Creams are permeable, allowing the skin to breathe and sweat. Their water content and some additional hydrophobic agent like Glycerin promote the hydration and cooling of the skin.
Essential Oil
Essential oils are the volatile oily components of aromatic plants, trees and grasses. They are found in tiny glands located in the flowers (neroli), leaves (eucalyptus), roots (calamus), wood (sandal) and resins (frankincense). Essential oils are extracted by four main methods: steam distillation, expression, solvent extraction and effleurage. In the first method, the oil is extracted by the action of hot steam and then selectively condensed with water from which it is separated. In the second method, the oil is extracted by pressure or centrifugation. In the third method, the oil is dissolved in a volatile solvent that, when evaporated, leaves a heavy natural wax substance called concrete. When separated from the wax, the resulting liquid is called an absolute, the most concentrated form of aroma available. Effleurage is a longer process involving the dissolution of the oils in animal fat and its separation using alcohol. Although essential oils’ main usage is in cosmetics and perfumery, many of them do have proven therapeutic properties.
Infused Oils
Pure vegetable oils like sunflower, almond and olive oil are easily found at grocery stores. They have the property of dissolving the active, fat-soluble active principles of medicinal plants and herbs. This process is called infusion and can be carried out at room temperature or higher. Infusion is a slower process than alcohol extraction but has the advantage of resulting in an oil based solution of medicinal constituents that can easily be used to make creams, skin soothing topicals, tinctures and ointments.
I hope this helped explain more about various herbal preparations- these are the basic ones as there are other which can get quite detailed.
All the best and green blessings on this gorgeous spring day!!!! Sharon
15 Apr Wed 2009
Herbal Hair Rinses
-Herbal hair rinses help to restore hairs natural luster and beauty. Depending on which variety you choose you can deep clean hair, lighten or darken your original hair color naturally, prevent dandruff or stimulate the scalp to increase growth.
-Types of rinses:
Chamomile: This will bring our natural blonde highlights in light-colored hair. You can also add natural lemon juice to heighten lightening effects in the sunlight. This is a safe and effective alternative to products like "Sun-In" which can damage hair.
Calendula: This will bring out the auburn and red-highlights of medium colored hair.
Rosemary: This will bring out the warmth, richness and depth of dark colored and silvery hair. Rosemary is also been known to stimulate the scalp, prevent hair loss and help to regrow hair.
Nettle: This will help prevent and treat dandruff and stimulate circulation in the scalp. Excellent for use during winter.
-Administration: Simply add a tea bag to large mouth glass jar and fill with boiling water and cover. Allow the herbs to steep for about 30 minutes. Apply the rinse after shampooing, rub into the scalp and leave the rinse on. Your hair will be smooth and soft, blow-dry and style as normal. Each tea bag is good for one use. You can find these herbal haor rinses at my store on Local Harvest.
-Healthy Hair Tips
-Good hygiene is important for healthy hair. This includes brushing the hair properly and washing it with a mild shampoo. Good nutrition (a well - balanced diet of fresh foods and lots of water) not only helps one to have beautiful - looking hair but also improves it's texture. Wash your hair daily or every other day. The extra circulation provided by the shampoo /message stimulates the oil glands to work more efficiently and brings natural oils into the hair. This applies to all types of hair. Use shampoo that is pH balanced and that is designed specially for you hair type (dry, oily, etc.). Ask your hair specialist to assist you in selecting the right shampoo for your hair type. Always rinse with cool (not hot) clean water for extra shine. Allow your hair to air dry naturally whenever possible. Never brush soaking - wet hair, as the hair is quite elastic at this time and can be pulled and stretched to the breaking point. A wide - toothed comb is best for wet hair. Give your hair a good brushing before bed. This should be done by bending forward from the waist, head down, brushing from the back to front. Brush at least fifty to one hundred strokes. This will help remove dirt, pollutants and damaging particles from the hair in addition to stimulate circulation which will increase natural oils for added sheen and oxygen to the hair and scalp. Once a week massage jojoba oil with one to two drops of rosemary oil for dry or oily hair and tea tree for hair that show signs of dandruff into the scalp. Leave on over night, wash out the next day.
-Dull hair without hair damage in most cases can be the result of a build-up of shampoos, conditions, and hard-water particles. These build-ups can deprive your hair of the bounce and sheen for which you bought the shampoo and conditioner in the first place. Clean your hair thoroughly to rid it of hair - care products and residue. Try a shampoo specially designed to remove build-up, or you can use a solution of plain apple-cider vinegar and water. This procedure will restore the acid mantle, which is essential to a healthy scalp and clean, shiny hair. Rinsing your hair after shampooing with the apple-cider solution of apple-cider vinegar and water (half and half mixture), massage in well, then raise out. Now apply your conditioner. This should be done every two weeks. This is very important if you wash your hair consistently with hard water, which has more metal ions. When combined with soaps, these metal ions leave a residue that when left on your hair will make it dull and dry.
-The problem with lack of body in your hair is that it leads to three other problems: less elasticity, less flexibility, and less strength. Look carefully at your hair. Does it look limp and flat shortly after you've washed and groomed it? Hairspray can weight it down and make it look flat and limp so use very little. If you use a commercial conditioner that contains a fabric softener such as stear-alkonium chloride or some other quaternary ammonium compound, it will make the hair look flat and limp. It will destroy the body your hair naturally has. Choose a shampoo and conditioner that has a pH of 4.5 to 5.5, that is natural and contains protein. Use a protein pack that contains horsetail and/or sage once a week, or you can add four to five drops of sage to a protein treatment pack.
-Falling Out and Thinning Hair : Avoid using stiff nylon brushes, rollers, pony-tails, and other hairstyles that put great pressure on the hair. Avoid rough scalp massages and towel dying, perming and hot blow drying (these weaken the hair shaft even more). Let hair dry as naturally as possible or if you must blow dry, use low to medium heat only. Hold the blower at least 6 inches from your scalp. Use a de-tangle and a wide-tooth comb to untangle the hair. Minimize use of a brush on wet hair. Do not wear hats or wigs on a regular continued basis. Hats and wigs can cut off circulation and oxygen, causing possible further hair loss. Lightly massage your scalp with the tips of your fingers, always using a circular movement for five minutes when shampooing. This is good for blood nourishment to the scalp. After shampooing, rub a few drops of a blend of essential oils such as tea tree, jojoba oil, and rosemary into your hair and scalp and message in; do not rinse out unless your hair is oily.
-Dry and Brittle Hair: A through brushing of the hair using a slow, gentle, even strokes to minimize pressure on the split ends every day keeps it free from unwanted particles and helps to bring the natural oils from the scalp to the hair split ends. This will make your hair less dry and brittle and will help it to look silky and lustrous. Avoid sun damages, chlorinated swimming pools by wearing hats and swimming caps. Avoid shampoos that are extremely alkaline or that contain alcohol. Keep split ends or dead hair cut. In most cases you cannot repair the damage by treating hair from the "outside-in." Hair has to be repaired from the "inside-out." Keeping the hair healthy and free of dead and/or split ends will help new hair grow faster.Use the jojoba oil and rosemary mixture on your hair once a week. This can be applied overnight (wear a cap or use a old pillow case) or use as a hot oil treatment under the hair drier
-Dandruffappears in many forms, such as common dandruff, psoriasis, neurodermatitis. Dandruff itches and when scratched falls away easily. Psoriasis is a more difficult disorder where the scales, silver-white in color, cling tenaciously to the scalp. Neurodermatitis is a condition confined to the area at the base of the scalp, characterized by extreme itchiness and common among menopausal and post-menopausal women. Avoid fry foods, animal fats, nuts, avocado and dairy products. Eliminate refined sugars from the diet. Use a gentle shampoo and dilute it before using Commercial anti-dandruff shampoos are too harsh can dry out the hair. Besides these shampoos will only take care of the symptoms not the problem. Use a natural shampoo with tea tree oil, nettle leaf extract and/or rosemary oil. Lightly massage your scalp with the tips of your finger, always using a circular movement for 5 minutes. This is good for blood nourishment to the scalp. Massage a blend of essential oils of jojoba oil, tea tree, nettle and rosemary oil into your scalp with your finger tips for 5 minutes at least once a week and leave in overnight (use a old pillow case) .
-As with all medications, natural or conventional, please keep out of reach of children and pets. This information is not meant to treat, prevent, cure or diagnose illness and has not been evaluated by the FDA.
11 Apr Sat 2009
Reminder 15% off all Amazing Grace Herbals remedies just in time for spring!
Hi Everyone and warm wishes for the Easter season!
Just a reminder that Local Harvest is running a special on all of my remedies, yup, all of them. They are 15% off all of my herbal products throughout the end of April. They thought it was a great time to offer this special with the spring weather upon us and cold season still lingering and I could not agree more. Spring is such a renewing time yet, the cold bugs are still out there and just when we think it is safe to merge outdoors the cold bug attacks and we are back inside. Prevention is the best treatment by far and natural healing can actually decrease the time you are sick as well as prevent the cold bug from possibly attacking.
I offer many wonderful blends, not only cold and flu teas but also detox blends, beverage blends, skin topicals, children's blends as well as customized formulas for specific ailments such as UTI's and many men's and women's issues. I also specially formulate herbal teas and tinctures if you are taking any medications, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
All of my remedies are accompanied with directions for use as well as other natural recommendations and information on the tea itself and the illness you may have. All my remedies are made FRESH, I do not batch, when your order is placed, it is made special for you with lots of healing energy!!
Stop by my store at Local Harvest and there might just be something for you or someone you love! Here's the link to my store: www.localharvest.org/store/M10524
Easter blessings to you and yours!
28 Mar Sat 2009
Grandmom's Queen of Hungary's Water
After tons of requests, I finally have a fresh spring batch of my Grandmom's Queen of Hungary's Water baking in the sunlight. This skin topical can be made all year but it always is at its best in the spring and summer months when it can bake in the warm sun.
This is one of my favorites remedies to make, although it is quite detailed, the reward is worth it. First you have to add the herbs to wide mouth jar, then add organic apple cider vinegar, close tightly and let it bake in the sun for about 30 days! Yup, 30 days, this really allows the herbs to fully release their healing constituents. It is almost like making an intricate batch of sun tea but only with deeper healing properties. Once the 30 (sometime a bit longer if the sun is not bright and sunny) days are up and the tincture is a nice golden red then it's time to begin the next process. I add an infusion made from Witch Hazel bark (the herb form) and fresh organic Aloe Vera Juice to the blend and let that sit for a day or two and then finally add essential oils of Lavender. The Lavender also goes through a long process as I made the essential oil myself for this as well.
I take a lot of time preparing my remedies as my Grandmother and ancestors did before me did. It is a family tradition that has been passed down from many generations and I still prepare most of my remedies they way they were made many, many years ago. The results are far greater then if it were a thoughtless process so I take the extra time to be sure all the herbs are fresh and all tinctures are made just the right way.
Look for my Grandmom's Queen of Hungary's water in the Local Harvest catalog in about a month or so and enjoy!!!
Green Blessings for a happy spring!
24 Mar Tue 2009
The herbs are getting ready . . .
The weather is starting to break here in NJ and I have been out and about in the gardens weeding, walking and watching the new little herb sprouts stick their little green noses through the soil. It will not be long now that they will begin growing at a pretty fast rate and I will begin to harvest soon! Spring is such a wonderful and renewing time to the spirit, what a treacherous road these little green sprouts must face to break through the hard soil above, yet, once they break through they are so happy to reach their little branches up to the sun. Gees and we think we have it tough just getting out bed in the morning!!! :)
I am looking forward to the first harvest which may be soon for the chives!! Keep a look out for some fresh dried chives in my store here at Local Harvest!!!
Happy Spring!!!
22 Dec Mon 2008
Holiday Blessings
Holiday blessings to all and best wishes for a happy, healthy 2009!
The new year is the perfect time to detox and get your body ready for the spring ahead.
Sharon Hubbs-Kreft, Herbalist
21 Nov Fri 2008
Harvest Blessings
At this time of Thanksgiving and we all share in the Earth's bountiful harvest may we always remember to pay thanks to the Earth for her fruits but also thanks to the farmers that harvest them!!
Thank you also to LocalHarvest for allowing everyone, everywhere share in the harvest the whole year through!
Many blessings to all for a blessed Thanksgiving!
Sharon Hubbs-Kreft, Herbalist