HERBAL MEDICINE: Herb Infused Oils

Making your own infused oils is incredibly simple,  and can save you money!

Herb infused oils are extremely versatile. They can be used medicinally internally, as well as in herbal soaps and lotions. They are also great paired with vinegar for dressing salads!

MATERIALS:

Plant Material

Olive or Coconut Oil

Clean Glass Jar With Lid

Small Pan of Boiling Water

Cheesecloth

Dark Colored Glass Vial/Bottle

PROCEDURE:

Pack a clean glass jar with plant material. You can use leaves that have been chewed on by insects and young stems that you may not want to dehydrate, too. Pour enough olive or coconut oil over the plant material to just cover it and close jar. Put the jar in the pan of water for about 10 minutes. Remove jar from water and place in a sunny window for two weeks, shaking the jar nightly. After two weeks, strain the plant material out of the oil using cheesecloth, and store your oil in a (preferably dark colored) glass bottle in a cool, dark place. 

HERBAL MEDICINE: Oregano (Origanum Vulgare)

Now days, we associate Oregano with pizza and spaghetti, but it was once considered a symbol of happiness, good luck and good health! We now know it also has excellent infection fighting healing properties, and contains vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system.

Oregano is a member of the mint family originating from the Mediterranean region. The name Oregano comes from the Greek words "oros" and "ganos" meaning "mountain joy". It appears quite often in folk lore and in historical medical texts. Considered a symbol of happiness, as well as a bringer of good luck and good health, brides and grooms were even crowned with it at ancient wedding ceremonies. After WWII, Oregano grew in popularity as a culinary herb in the United States as soldiers returned from Italy with a taste for pizza.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES & USES:

Antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral, antioxidant, antihistimine and fungicide. It's most potent active ingredients are Thymol and Carvacrol.  Other active ingredients include: Terpenes, Rosmarinic Acid, Naringin, Limonene, Pinene, Ocimene, Caryophyllene, and E-BCP. Oregano also contains Vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, manganese, naicin, fiber, and Omega 3s. Together, these substances make for a powerful immune system booster.

Oregano has many uses.  As an oil, it can be used to treat burns, cuts, athletes foot, and fungal infections. Taken internally, it can aid in fighting off infection (most notably respiratory ailments), soothes a sore throat, and aids in digestion.  It can also be vaporized and inhaled to treat congestion. Oregano has also been used to successfully treat the waterborne infection Giardia, which is caused by parasites.. 

Oregano Tea: Pour 1 c. boiling water over 1 tsp. crushed dried leaves. Steep for 10 minutes. Do not strain before drinking.

Oregano Healing Oil: Mix 10 drops Oregano Oil* into 2 Tbsp. Coconut or Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Apply to affected area liberally 3x per day. 

Oregano Steam Treatment: Add 1 Tbsp. of Oregano leaves to a bowl of steaming hot water. Place a towel loosely over your head and inhale steam.

Oregano Antiseptic Cleaning Spray: Combine 2 drops Oregano Oil*, 5 drops Lemon Oil, 1/8 c. White Vinegar, 1 gallon water. Pour mixture into spray bottle.

*Purchase Oregano Oil from a reputable supplier. Be sure your oil was obtained from "Origanum Vulgare" or the spanish "Thymus Capitatus". Or, make your own- See below!

HOW TO GROW:

Oregano is a hardy perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10. It can be grown from seed sown outdoors after danger of frost has passed, or from stem cuttings. Seed should be sown on the soil surface in full sun. Seed germination, depending on soil temperature, is roughly 14-21 days. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart. Soil should be well drained and nutrient rich. Oregano can be grown in a container with proper drainage and brought indoors to overwinter in cooler climates. It can be overwintered outdoors by mulching with straw or fallen leaves. Divide older plants when they become too woody or begin to die in the center.

Purchase Seeds: http://www.rareseeds.com/oregano-vulgare

HARVEST AND PRESERVATION:

Use pruning shears to cut back stems to the ground and remove leaves for fresh use. Never cut back more than 2/3rds of the plant. You can dry the leaves by either hanging the stems with leaves in tact in loose bunches in a dry, ventilated area away from direct sunlight, or by removing the leaves from the stems and placing them in a dehydrator set to 95 degrees for about 8-10 hours. Oregano can be frozen by packing ice cube trays with chopped leaves and pouring water or oil over them, but I only recommend this method if you intend on using it for soups, sauces or stews.

DIY Oregano Oil: To make your own Oregano Oil, pour olive or coconut oil over a jar full of fresh oregano leaves. Place the jar in a pan of boiling water for 10 minutes. Place the jar in a sunny window for 2 weeks.  Shake the jar once daily. After 2 weeks, strain the oil and store in a dark colored bottle in a dark, dry place.

**SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Pregnant women should avoid Oregano Oil. Dilute Oregano Oil before using on skin.

*** All information intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions***

HERBAL MEDICINE: Cayenne Soreness Oil

This past weekend, we went to Cedar Point. It was my first trip back since I was about 15 years old. It certainly looked much different than I remember, but even more so, was the difference in the soreness the next day! Here's a simple little home remedy  alternative to Tylenol or Ibuprofen for those sore shins, calves and ankles!

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil OR Coconut Oil

1 Tbsp. Cayenne Powder

Mix cayenne powder into carrier oil thoroughly til a paste is formed. Rub cayenne oil into sore muscles and joints. Takes roughly 10 - 15 minutes to activate. You will notice a warming/tingling sensation. Re-apply when necessary. 

*Wear gloves or wash hands immediately after application, avoid touching eyes. 

*DO NOT USE on areas with open wounds.

*Cayenne may stain fabrics, apply carefully!

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:

CAYENNE: External and internal pain reliever, analgesic, antibacterial, rubefacient. Cayenne's high concentration of salicylates (Capsaicin) is believed to decrease the concentration of the chemical "Substance P" used by nerve cells to transmit pain signals. Improves circulation, dialating capillaries by both topical and internal doseages.

Can also be used long-term to treat arthritis and fibromyalgia pain. The effectiveness of increases over time.

***All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.

HERBAL MEDICINE: Sage (Salvia Officinalis)

The other day I was on the phone with a friend of mine, and asked her if she'd like some of our surplus Sage. Although many of our crops did poorly in this cooler-than-usual, drought-like summer, the Sage I had planted last year grew into what I can only describe as a "bush". Naturally, our conversation floated towards Thanksgiving in all it's Sage flavored glory... But did you know that Sage can be used medicinally? It's benefits go well beyond well seasoned meat!

Sage, a member of the mint family, is native to the Mediterranean region. It is named for the Latin word "salvia", which means "to heal". It was first used as a meat preservative in ancient Rome, but by the 10th century some cultures even believed Sage held the key to human immortality! Throughout history, as trade lines expanded, many cultures came to prize Sage for it's healing abilities. It is used by Native Americans in purification and protection ceremonies.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES & USES:
Antiperspirant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, antioxidant, digestive aid, diuretic, mild hormonal stimulant. The active ingredients in Sage include: camphor, cineole, flavonoids, pinene, rosemarinic acid, salvene, tannins, thujone, and fresh leaves contain Vitamins A and C.

Most often taken as a tea to soothe sore throats and break a fever, as a gargle for irritated gums, or used as a poultice on wounds and insect bites. Sage Tea has also been known to aid in the treatment of menstrual and menopausal issues, and to help reduce breast milk when weaning.

Sage Tea: Pour 1 c. boiling water over 1 tsp. crushed dried leaves. Steep for 10 minutes. Do not strain before drinking. A dash of Lemon Balm and Rosemary can be added for flavor and for stress relief.

Sage Gargle: 1 c. boiling water, 2 Tbsp. Sage, 1/4 tsp. salt. Steep Sage in boiling water for 20 minutes. Strain out the bits of sage and add salt. Gargle for sore throat or irritated gums.

Sage Poultice: Mix a small amount of dried Sage with a few drops of warm water until a paste forms. Either apply the paste directly to the affected area, or wrap paste in a muslin cloth and hold it to the wound.

HOW TO GROW:
Sage is a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. It is generally grown from seed sowed indoors under lights or outdoors in early spring, or from cuttings from established plants. Seed germination, depending on soil temperature, is roughly 10-14 days. Soil should be kept moist, but not completely wet. If growing indoors, use a spray bottle to distribute water lightly. Plants should be transplanted about 18 inches apart, in direct sunlight. They are drought resistant and should be fine with just a good weekly rain. Sage can be grown in a container with proper drainage and brought indoors for the winter in cooler climates.

HARVEST & PRESERVATION:
Simply harvest leaves  from stems in mid-summer before the flowers bloom for peak flavor. Never harvest more than 2/3rds of the leaves from the plant. You can either dry the leaves by hanging them in small bunches in a dry, ventilated area away from direct light, or using a dehydrator set to 95 degrees. They can be frozen by packing ice cube trays with chopped leaves and pouring water over them. This method is only recommended if you intend to use it in soups and sauces.

*SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Should be avoided as a medical treatment by pregnant and nursing mothers. Concentrated sage oils are toxic. DO NOT ingest.*

***All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.***

HERBAL MEDICINE: Honey Ginger Lemon Tea

This tea can be drunk cold or hot as a general wellness tea, or sipped hot for cold, flu, and upper respiratory ailments.

INGREDIENTS:

1 c. Boiling Water
1 Tea Bag (black or green tea)
1/8" Slice Fresh Ginger
1/2 tsp. Raw Honey
1/2 tsp. Lemon Juice

Combine ingredients in a coffee mug, cover, and steep for 10-15 minutes.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:

GINGER: Anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, antioxidant, immune-boosting, decongestant. It's anti-inflammatory properties soothe a sore throat. Proteolytic enzymes contained in ginger stimulate circulation, and aid in joint and cartilage repair. Can aid in soothing an upset stomach, including motion and sea sickness!

RAW HONEY: Anti-bacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, immune-boosting. Honey contains antioxidants, proteins, minerals and other compounds to strengthen the immune system. Anti-bacterial properties fight off organisms that cause respiratory infections, while antimicrobial actions soothe a sore throat. Natural sugars contained in honey help boost energy levels. Heals cuts and burns when applied topically, too!

LEMON: Anti-bacterial, antiviral, immune-boosting. Lemons contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, limonene and other substances that strengthen the immune system and fight infection. It's also a mild laxative and digestive aid.

***All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.***

***Honey should never be given to babies less than 1 year old per National Honey Board. They haven't developed a tolerance for a particular strain of bacteria called "Clostridium botulinum".***

HERBAL MEDICINE: Carrie's Cold & Flu Upper Respiratory Concoction

I swear by this "concoction" if used at the first sign of illness. The ingredients contain natural antibiotic, antiseptic, and decongestant  properties. 

INGREDIENTS:

1 c. Broth 

2 Cloves Fresh Garlic, whole (no substitutions)

1 Sprig Fresh Oregano (or 1/4 tsp dried)

1/8 tsp. Cayenne Powder

Pour boiling broth over other ingredients, cover and steep for about 10 minutes. Sip broth, be sure to EAT THE GARLIC cloves. Oregano leaves are edible as well.

RX: 3 times daily at the first onset of symptoms up to three days. See a doctor if illness persists more than three days or immediately in case of high grade fever.

*Any flavor broth can be used, homemade or with powdered. I prefer Knorr Tomato with Chicken.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:

GARLIC: Antibiotic, antiseptic (internal and external), antimicrobial, antioxidant. When garlic is chewed or crushed, the compound Alliin combines the enzyme Allinase, and a powerful antibiotic chemical Allicin is formed. Allicin boosts production of white blood cells, strengthening the immune system. Garlic is also kills the bacteria which causes stomach ulcers, treats intestinal worms, and can aid in healing mild skin infections when juice is applied topically.

OREGANO: Antiseptic (internal and external), antibacterial, fungicide, disinfectant, antioxidant. Oregano contains Carvacol and Thymol, which have antibacterial, antiseptic and fungicidal properties. It soothes sore throat, can aid in cough suppression, and when served in a steamy broth, can open sinus passages. Oregano contains a plethora of vital nutrients, too, such as Vitamins B3 and B6, Potassium, Zinc, Iron, and Protein!

CAYENNE: External and internal pain reliever, antibacterial, decongestant. Capsaicin in the active ingredient in Cayenne. When used to treat upper respiratory symptoms, it helps alleviate headache, open sinus passages, and soothes sore throat. Topical ointments made from Cayenne are used for natural treatment of joint and muscle pain, too. Cayenne can also prevent and heal ulcers by killing off the bacteria that causes them.

***All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.***