Showing posts with label ashwagandha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ashwagandha. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

DIY Vegetable Bullion




 

       As much as I love spending time in my kitchen, and as much as I’d love to be able to take the time to make certain foods 100% from scratch, I also have the very modern problem of not having the time on my hands, all the time, to do so. Some things that tend to help me make sure my family is fed in the healthiest way possible involve preparing certain staples to keep either in my pantry or my freezer. One of those things is bullion. I know, I could easily buy bullion (and have done so before) at the store, so why bother making it? One of the reasons is that I am not always able to find the healthiest, most natural bullion in the stores. A lot of bullion tends to contain ingredients that are not the best, such as MSG. Another reason is that sometimes I want to make something a little different and the flavor of the bullion kind of restricts my creativity. If I have my own bullion blends on hand, I can customize them almost endlessly, and I can also make sure that they are healthy. So here are some of my favorite blends for DIY Bullion.




1. This is the basic flavor profile of just about every kind of bullion. Want something more exotic? Try replacing some of the herbs in this for other seasonings. Try throwing in a little lavender or mint to give it more of an interesting flavor. Try using all Indian or Mediterranean seasonings.



Basic Vegetable Bullion Powder


Ingredients
3 tbsp Garlic Powder
3 tbsp Onion Powder
2 tbsp Parsley Flakes
1 tsp dried Sage
1 tsp dried Oregano
1 tsp dried Basil
½ tsp dried Rosemary
½ tsp Turmeric
½ tsp Celery Seed
½ tsp Sea Salt
½ tsp Black Pepper




Instructions:
     Add all ingredients to a jar and shake or to a bowl and whisk thoroughly until blended well.

     To use, for broth, combine one heaping tablespoonful to one cup hot water: 1 Tablespoon mix + 1 cup hot water. You can also use this as a seasoning blend for a wide variety of foods.

To make it more powdery:
     Add all ingredients to the blender or food processor and process/blend until the desired consistency is reached. Because the final product is broken down more, you’ll want to adjust the measurements when using to 1 teaspoon mix + 1 cup hot water.



2. This one reminds me of a beef bullion, because of the mushrooms. They add a very “meaty” kind of flavor to the mix.


Magical Mushroom Bullion


Ingredients
1 ounce dried Wild Mushroom Mix (Really, you can use any mushrooms you find tasty. Morels are delicious, but pricey. Many people use Shitake here, sometimes I just use Maitake.)
3 tbsp Garlic Powder
3 tbsp Onion Powder
2 tbsp Parsley Flakes
1 tbsp powdered Reishi
1 tbsp powdered Shitake
1 tbsp powdered Chaga
½ tsp dried Thyme
½ tsp dried Oregano
½ tsp Turmeric
½ tsp Celery Seed
½ tsp Sea Salt
½ tsp Black Pepper


Instructions:
     Place mushrooms into a clean spice grinder, blender, or food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Allow a couple minutes for the powder to settle. Remove the lid to you food processor and add all other ingredients. Pulse and process until a fine powder.

     To use, for broth, combine one heaping teaspoonful to one cup hot water: 1 Teaspoon mix + 1 cup hot water. You can also use this as a seasoning blend for a wide variety of foods.

3. I love lemon chicken soup. This is my attempt at creating a vegetarian bullion with that same flavor profile. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.


Lemon Pepper Vegetable Bullion


Ingredients
2 tbsp Garlic Powder
2 tbsp Onion Powder
2 tbsp Parsley Flakes
1 tbsp dried Lemon Zest
½ tsp Black Pepper
½ tsp dried Lemon Balm
¼ tsp dried Oregano
¼ tsp dried Basil
¼ tsp Turmeric
¼ tsp Celery Seed
¼ tsp Sea Salt



Instructions:
     Add all ingredients to a jar and shake or to a bowl and whisk thoroughly until blended well.

     To use, for broth, combine one heaping tablespoonful to one cup hot water: 1 Tablespoon mix + 1 cup hot water. You can also use this as a seasoning blend for a wide variety of foods.

To make it more powdery:
     Add all ingredients to the blender or food processor and process/blend until the desired consistency is reached. Because the final product is broken down more, you’ll want to adjust the measurements when using to 1 teaspoon mix + 1 cup hot water.


4. This bullion blend is one that I use when my family is going through majorly stressful times. It’s full of adaptogenic herbs that help us to deal better with stress. If you don’t like the herbs I have chosen, feel free to substitute your own favorite adaptogens.


All’s Well Bullion


Ingredients
2 tbsp Garlic Powder
2 tbsp Onion Powder
1 tbsp Parsley Flakes
½ tsp dried Sage
½ tsp dried Oregano
¼ tsp powdered Reishi
¼ tsp dried Rosemary
¼ tsp Turmeric
¼ tsp Celery Seed
¼ tsp Sea Salt
¼ tsp Black Pepper


Instructions:
     Add all ingredients to a jar and shake or to a bowl and whisk thoroughly until blended well.

     To use, for broth, combine one heaping tablespoonful to one cup hot water: 1 Tablespoon mix + 1 cup hot water. You can also use this as a seasoning blend for a wide variety of foods.

To make it more powdery:
     Add all ingredients to the blender or food processor and process/blend until the desired consistency is reached. Because the final product is broken down more, you’ll want to adjust the measurements when using to 1 teaspoon mix + 1 cup hot water.





     If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Feel free to play around with these recipes and experiment with different seasonings. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Find me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on Teespring, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, Become a Patron!

Friday, June 7, 2019

Ashwagandha




     Stress. We all experience it. Some of us deal with it much better than others. There are some herbs that have been known to help with stress in one way or another. One of my favorites is Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera. This Indian herb, used for centuries in Ayurvedic Medicine, is most well known for it's ability to help our bodies adapt to stress and to flush out the stress hormones a lot faster. However, it's also a great herb to call upon in a number of other situations.

     Native to India, and a member of the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family, Ashwagandha is one of Ayurveda's most important herbs. It has become so popular that it is now cultivated in western Asia, Yemen, and China. Some farmers are also trying to establish this herb, and other important Ayurvedic herbs, in America as well.

     The name “Ashwagandha” actually comes from Sanskrit, and it translates to “the smell of a horse.” This comes from a few places, the first is that the fresh root smells like horse urine (eeew), the second is that it has a reputation as a great herb to help one attain the “stamina of a horse” in certain bedroom activities (yep, we all know what I'm talking about here).


Medicinal Uses:


Scientific Name- Withania somnifera

Common Names- Ashwagandha, Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng, Poison Gooseberry

Parts Used- The roots and leaves are used traditionally, but most Western herbalists only use the roots.

Summary of Actions- Adaptogen, Alterative, Analgesic, Cardioprotective, Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Slight Sedative, Nerve Tonic, Diuretic, Nutritive Tonic, Thyroid Stimulant, and Aphrodisiac.

Ayurveda- Ashwagandha is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine, so much so that it is considered one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda. Ashwagandha is used to help balance vata and kapha in excess. It can also unbalance pitta due to it's heating and building nature. However it's mostly used to balance vata, helping to strengthen and nourish healthy muscles and reproductive systems.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Known as Nan Fei Zui Jia in TCM, Ashwagandha works on the Lung, Heart, and Spleen meridians. It tonifies Qi, building immunity, strength, and aiding in recovery. It tonifies Lung Qi, helping to clear coughs, recover from illness, and lightens any “heaviness” in the chest. It tonifies the Spleen, helping to increase appetite, reduce diarrhea, improve memory, and reduce mental confusion. It also tonifies Jing, increasing male fertility and preventing impotence. But it's most well known for calming Shen, which reduces anxiety and other stress disorders, and helps improve sleep.

Stress, Anxiety, and Depression- Ashwagandha is considered to be one of the best adaptogens by many herbalists. It helps the body to adapt to stressful situations, reducing anxiety and helping to relieve some of the symptoms associated with depression. It does this, largely, by reducing the cortisol levels in your system. This helps to relieve adrenal fatigue as well, which helps to boost energy naturally, improve sleep, and improve mood.

Joint, Back, and Arthritic Pain- Ashwagandha is a great anti-inflammatory with some analgesic properties. This means that it helps reduce swelling and can also help reduce the feeling of pain in certain areas. Traditionally it has been used to treat joint and back pain, especially when associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal- Because of the amazing ability of Ashwagandha to help reduce stress, and help the body to recover from stress, it can be used to greatly reduce the impact of withdrawal from drugs and/or alcohol.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels- Ayurvedic medicine has been using Ashwagandha as a treatment for diabetes for a very long time. Recent studies have shown that it has potential in this area as it has been proven to lower blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.

Circulatory System- Not only is Ashwagandha a great anti-inflammatory, but it also helps to strengthen the heart muscles and control cholesterol. It's also been shown to have some hematopoietic properties, helping to increase the production of new blood cells. This makes for an excellent combination to help strengthen and protect the entire circulatory system.

Thyroid Function- Ashwagandha has been known to help increase the production of the thyroid, which can increase libido, reduce joint pain, and help improve skin conditions that are a result of hypothyroidism.

Memory and Brain Function- Ashwagandha is currently being studied for it's possible use in treating cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's. It's also a traditional treatment for senility, memory loss, and seizures.

Contraindications and Warnings- Large doses can cause abdominal discomfort and/or diarrhea. Pregnant women should use caution with this herb as large doses could cause early delivery. Ashwagandha does interact with certain types of medication, so check with your doctor before adding this herb to your routine.


     I only included a basic introduction to this amazing and beautiful little herb. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.



References:


7 Amazing Benefits of Ashwagandha Root for Women: Global Healing Center: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/7-amazing-benefits-of-ashwagandha-root-for-women/

11 Ashwagandha Benefits for the Brain, Thyroid, and Even Muscles: Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/ashwagandha-benefits/

12 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha: Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-ashwagandha-benefits

15 Proven Benefits of Ashwagandha: Organic Facts: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-ashwagandha-or-indian-ginseng.html

As Overview on Ashwagadha: African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/

Ashwagandha: Banyan Botanicals: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/herbs/ashwagandha/

Ashwagandha AKA Winter Cherry: White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/ashwagandha-winter-cherry/

Ayurveda Medicinal Herb – Ashwagandha: Ayurveda for You: https://ayurveda-foryou.com/ayurveda_herb/ashwagandha.html

Benefits of Ashwagandha: Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318407.php

What is Ashwagandha?: The Chopra Center: https://chopra.com/articles/what-is-ashwagandha

Why You Should Take Ashwagandha With Milk?: The Ayurveda Experience: https://www.theayurvedaexperience.com/blog/ashwagandha-with-milk/





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     Welcome to Bat Lady Herbals.  I have been fascinated by herbs and various herbal uses for quite a few years now.  Plants are amazing t...