Herbal Home Fresheners for Spring

     Spring is just a month away, but here in Florida it feels almost like Summer.  I don’t know about you, but I’ve been hit pretty hard with the “spring cleaning” bug, wanting to organize my storage, clear out things I don’t need, etc.  I figured that if I’d been feeling this burst of clean energy (sorry for the pun), you might be feeling it too.  So here are a few recipes I turn to when I want to freshen up my home. 

A Quick Word on Ingredients

Lavender is one of my favorite herbs to use around my home because it helps to repel bugs.  Mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, just about anything.  Lavender is also very calming, stress reliving, promote healthy and restful sleep, and its antiseptic, so it literally cleans the air while deodorizing!  I am very cautious about it, however, because I have a cat.  Cats do not process lavender well and over time a harmful build-up can occur in their livers.  So I do my best to keep my cat out of direct contact with lavender as much as possible.   

Lemon Balm also helps repel bugs and helps to clean the air.  The scent uplifts the mood, and to harmonize the body and mind.  It has been known to help those who feel pressure easily and have a tendency to emotionally shut down. 

Hops is not the most pleasant of scents, but for people who have problems getting to sleep (and staying asleep), hops can be invaluable.  Hops is an amazing sedative that also works to duce anxiety, relieve pain, reduce respiratory distress, relieve headaches, soothe menstrual pains, and many other things.  This is a great herb to include in a sleep sachet to help with sleep apnea.  I do have one major caution when looking at this herb.  If you are prone to depression, please do not use hops.  Its sedative effects can also increase symptoms of depression. 

Rosemary is another herb that is amazing to include in just about everything.  It helps to uplift the mood and energize your mind, it improves memory, relieves stress, lowers anxiety, improves concentration, and is such a powerful antibiotic that it can help purify the air and prevent the spread of bacterial infections.  There is a major caution to think about with this herb, however.  If you or someone in your home is prone to seizures, rosemary essential oil (as well as eucalyptus and camphor) is so stimulating to the brain that it may bring about a seizure.  I have actually witnessed this first hand.  So please use caution if you know someone who is prone to seizures.  However the herb itself is typically safe to use as long as you do not use too much of it at once (it takes 70 lbs of rosemary leaves to make 5 oz of essential oil).

Pine is a great, fresh smelling scent.  It’s also very cleansing!  It has amazing antiseptic properties and helps to promote improved circulation as well as immune function.  Pine helps to boost mental energy and reduce the symptoms of stress.  It also removes anxiety and tension while refreshing the spirit which makes it an excellent mood enhancer.  It can also help to improve memory and concentration.

Citrus of all kinds are great at keeping your home smelling fresh.  Citrus is also an excellent mood booster and energizer.  It helps to improve focus and alertness while calming and relaxing.  Citrus, in general, helps to open up creativity, calm the occasional restlessness, and increase joy. 

Other Herbs to consider using for these recipes include basil, thyme, anise, cinnamon, clove, or really any culinary herb you can think of.  You can also consider using rose petals, jasmine flowers, chamomile flowers, lemongrass, and sprigs from aromatic trees (spruce, juniper, etc).

Baking Soda is a deodorizer, not a cleaning agent.  It will help remove ugly scents from your carpet and furniture, but it will not remove stains.

High Proof Alcohol of any kind can be used in the room sprays, but I prefer vodka as it is virtually scentless.  It also helps to preserve your spray and it evaporates quickly preventing residue from forming when it lands on surfaces.  You can also use a good quality vanilla extract in place of the vodka.  This will sweeten the scent and mellow out harsher/stronger smells.

Essential Oils not only make your home smell great, but they can also help balance your emotions and improve your mood.  I’ve included a few good mixes at the bottom but feel free to experiment and try your own!

Carpet and Furniture Freshener

Ingredients:

½ cup Baking Soda

1-2 tsp ground, Dried Herbs (I prefer to use Lavender, but there will be some good mixes below)

10-15 drops essential oils of your choice (I’ve listed some good blends below)

Instructions:

Combine ingredients and sprinkle the powder directly onto your carpet 5 minutes before vacuuming.  You can also sprinkle the powder after vacuuming as well, or even on your furniture.  It works particularly well to help get the musty smell out of your mattress.  Just sprinkle the powder directly onto your mattress and cover with a fresh, fitted sheet.  You’ll experience the fresh and wonderful scent every time you get into your bed.  Depending on the herbs you use, you can even use this powder for your pet bed.  Cats do not respond well to lavender, so for this use, I would recommend leaving lavender out.  Lemon Balm or Mint might be a good substitution.

Storage:

This powder is good as long as you can smell the herbs well.  As far as containers go, some people use recycled parmesan cheese containers, some people use salt and/or pepper shakers, some people use mason jars with holes punched in the top.  I almost always prefer glass storage containers, but for this I just use a stainless steel spice shaker that you can find just about anywhere, and it’s pretty darn cheap.

  Fresh Scented Room Spray

Ingredients:

¾ cup Water

2 tablespoons High Proof Alcohol or Vanilla Extract (for a sweeter scent)

20-30 drops essential oils of your choice (I’ve listed some good blends below)

Instructions:

Combine ingredients in an 8 oz spray bottle.  Shake well and spray away!

Storage:

These sprays should last for several years as long as the water is pure (distilled is the best, but if you have access to good quality tap water, feel free to use it) and the oils are good quality.  This is not an internal use product, so feel free to store/use in a plastic bottle.

Herbal Sachets

What you need:

Muslin or Cotton Bag (you can make your own, or buy them)

Dried Herbs of Your Choice (whole herbs, not ground)

10-15 drops essential oils of your choice (I’ve listed some good blends below)

Instructions:

Combine herbs and oils in a bowl.  Carefully pour them into a bag.  Secure the bag well (sewing works best, but you can buy a strip of iron-on tape if you are not interested in sewing).  Place your sachets in a sealed container in a warm, dry, dark place for a few weeks to cure.  You can put the sachet in your pillow case to help you sleep, in your linen drawer to help keep your linens smelling fresh, in the pocket of a winter coat during the long summer, you can even put them in your bath to help relax you after a particularly stressful day.  There are so many possibilities for these little bags.  You can also use the herb and essential oil mixture as decorative potpourri.  

Essential Oil Blends to Start With:

1.Invigorating Citrus                                             2.Simply Clean

    10 drops Mandarin Essential Oil                           5 drops Lavender Essential Oil

    5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil                          5 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil 

                                                                                         5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

   

3.Essentially Citrus                                              4.Lavender Citrus

    5 drops Mandarin Essential Oil                             10 drops Lavender Essential Oil

    5 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil                             5 drops Lime Essential Oil

    5 drops Lemon Essential Oil                                   5 drops Lemon Essential Oil

    5 drops Lime Essential Oil   

    

5.Spring Flowers                                                 6.Focus and Clarity

    10 drops Jasmine Essential Oil                             10 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil

    5 drops Geranium Essential Oil                             5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

    5 drops Lavender Essential Oil                              5 drops Pine Essential Oil

       

7.Woodland Mist                                                8.Cheerful Chai

    10 drops White Fir Essential Oil                            5 drops Cardamom Essential Oil

    5 drops Juniper Essential Oil                                  3 drops Cinnamon Essential Oil

    5 drops Pine Essential Oil                                       3 drops Clove Essential Oil

    5 drops Frankincense Essential Oil                       2 drops Ginger Essential Oil

    

9.Stimulating Living                                         10.Romance

    10 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil                           10 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil

    5 drops Lavender Essential Oil                                5 drops Jasmine Essential Oil

    5 drops Basil Essential Oil                                       5 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

    2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil                            2 drops Patchouli Essential Oil

    

    Dried Herb Mixes to Start With:

1.Simply Citrus                                                        2.Spring Flower Garden

    ½ oz Grapefruit Peel                                                 ½ oz Rose Petals

    ½ oz Lemon Balm                                                     ½ oz Jasmine Flowers

    ¼ oz Lemongrass                                                       ¼ oz Lavender

    ¼ oz Lime Peel                                                           ¼ oz Hops

    ¼ oz Orange Peel

3.Soothing Sleep                                                       4.Spice It Up

    ½ oz Lavender                                                           ½ oz Cardamom

    ½ oz Hops or Lemon Balm                                       ¼ oz Cinnamon

                                                                                           ¼ oz Clove

                                                                                           ¼ oz Ginger

5.Eastern Influences                                                 6.Lavender Citrus

    ½ oz Jasmine Flowers                                                 ½ oz Lavender

    ¼ oz Anise                                                                    ¼ oz Lime Peel

    ¼ oz Cardamom                                                           ¼ oz Grapefruit Peel

                                                                                             ¼ oz Lemon Balm

    

7.Bug Away                                                             8.Fresh Linen

    ½ oz Lavender                                                            ½ oz Juniper Berries

    ¼ oz Lemongrass                                                        ¼ oz Lemongrass

    ¼ oz Lemon Balm                                                      ¼ oz Lemon Balm

    ¼ oz Basil                                                                    ¼ oz Mint

    ¼ oz Thyme

   

9.Creative Inspirations                                             10.Simply Relaxation

    ½ oz Orange Peel                                                          ¼ oz Lavender

    ¼ oz Lime Peel                                                              ¼ oz Rose Petals

    ¼ oz Rosemary                                                              ¼ oz Cinnamon

    ¼ oz Pine                                                                        ¼ oz Lemon Balm

    ¼ oz Mint

         I hope you enjoy making your home smell fresh and inviting!  Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Resources:

Experience Essential Oils: Citrus Fresh Essential Oil: http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/citrus-fresh-essential-oil.html

Experience Essential Oils: Lemon Balm or Melissa Uses: http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/lemon-balm-uses.html

Mother Nature Network: 8 Health Benefits of Rosemary: http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/8-health-benefits-rosemary

Organic Facts: 7 Proven Benefits of Lavender: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/lavender.html

Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Hops Essential Oil: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/hops-essential-oil.html

Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Pine Essential Oil: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/pine-essential-oil.html

   

   

   

    

Migraines

     Sometimes I notice trends in what people ask me. This week I noticed a certain trend that was associated with migraines. I have had a good handful of my friends and associates asking my advice on how to deal with their migraines. So I figured that I would put a good portion of the general parts of my advice here, where everyone can find it.

     So what is a migraine? According to Medical News Today a migraine is “a severe, painful headache that can be preceded or accompanied by sensory warning signs such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound.” You can probably tell by this, simplified, definition that migraines are not your typical headache. The scientific community, and western medicine, do not know what causes migraines, but they do identify that migraines are an imbalance of the chemicals in your brain most likely brought on by abnormal brain activity. Some people blame hormones, others stress, but either way they are painful and can last a number of days.

     The triggers to migraines are as widely varied as the people who experience them, some people can't even pinpoint their triggers. However, there are a few that I can list here:

• Dehydration
• Allergies including seasonal allergies, food allergies, and food sensitivities
• Bright or flickering lights, loud or unexpected noises, smokey rooms, temperature or pressure changes, and strong smells including certain perfumes
• Physical and emotional stress, including tension, anxiety, excitement, and depression
• Physical states such as jet lag, exhaustion, or exercise
• Smoking, or exposure to smoke
• Alcohol
• Skipping meals or fasting
• Hormonal triggers such as birth control, PMS, or other menstrual cycle fluctuations
• Tension headaches
• Certain medications such as birth control, hormone replacement, and some sleeping medications
• Lack of sleep

     Though the symptoms are varied as well, but there are some more common symptoms that typically indicate migraine. Some of these even occur hours, or days, before the migraine starts. Some of these can even occur after the migraine is over. Most of these symptoms are unique to migraines and not experienced through the course of a normal, tension headache. Also, many of the symptoms of migraine can be confused with minor stroke, so if you are a sufferer of chronic migraine and experience a stroke-like symptom that is unusual for your migraines, please get to an emergency room and get checked out. The list of common migraine symptoms follows:

• Moderate to severe pain, most often throbbing, usually confined to one side or the other
• Increased pain during physical activity or when exposed to bright light, flickering light, loud noise or any of the previously mentioned triggers
• Inability to perform regular activities due to pain
• Feeling sick or being physically sick
• Increased sensitivity to light, sound, and smell
• Some people experience sweating, temperature changes, stomach ache, or diarrhea
• Soreness and/or tingling in one side
• Vertigo or double vision
• Auras (perceptual disturbances) are common

     A word on auras. Auras are disturbances in your sensory perception. Many of the more common ones include visual changes such as loss of vision on one side, zigzags in objects, or a lost of contrast in structures. Auras can also be confusing thoughts or experiences, the perception of strange lights, pins and needles in the extremities, difficulty speaking, unpleasant smells, or muscle stiffness.

     Is there a natural way to combat these horrible headaches? Yes, there is, but which one works is all dependent on what causes the particular migraine. The first option is to identify your triggers and do your best to avoid them. As an example, if you get a hangover headache after just one drink, you might be experiencing a migraine. The best way to deal with this particular migraine is to avoid alcohol. Not all triggers are that easy to avoid or even that easy to identify. So what can be done about other migraines?

Hydrate! The number one cause of almost all headaches is dehydration. Even if your migraine is not directly triggered by dehydration, your migraine can be worsened by it. Make sure you drink plenty of water. This goes double for those of us in warmer climates who may sweat out more water than they think.

B Vitamins! B vitamins are linked to reduced stress, loss of weight and even a reduction of headaches. Many people have reported a reduction in frequency of migraines after supplementing with either B12 or B2 (riboflaven).

Relaxation! A lot of headaches and migraines are caused by stress. Using relaxation techniques can help prevent them. Try getting regular massages, meditation, prayer, weekend trips to the forest or beach, etc.

Acupuncture! Acupuncture is amazing at all kinds of pain management. Migraines respond well to acupuncture treatments, but make sure to follow all of the dietary rules that may come with it, or your migraines may come back.

Herbs! There are a good number of herbs that may prove beneficial for migraine sufferers.

• Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium has traditionally been used for headaches, including migraines, fevers, colds, and a number of other ailments. There are a few contraindications, so check with your local herbalist and/or doctor before adding this herb to your daily regimen.
• Butterbur Petasites hybridus got it's common name because it was once used to preserve butter during the warmer months. However, it has also been used for a number of physical ailments including headaches and migraines.
• Peppermint Mentha balsamea essential oil is a fairly effective oil for most pain, including that of headaches and migraines. A tea of the leaves can also be mildly effective in certain situations.
• Willow Salix spp. is one of the plants that contains the active ingredient used to make aspirin. It has been used for headaches and migraines in many cultures for hundreds of years. It's also great for muscle ache, arthritis, and a number of other painful ailments.

     There are a number of herbs and solutions out there for quite a few migraine sufferers. I hope this helps you start down to road to health and relief.

Resources:

Healthline: Migraine Herbal Home Remedies from Around the World: http://www.healthline.com/health/migraine-herbal-home-remedies-from-around-the-world#Overview1

Migraine Trust: Acupuncture: https://www.migrainetrust.org/living-with-migraine/treatments/acupuncture/

Medical News Today: Migraines-Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148373.php

Prevention: 16 Highly Effective Migraine Solutions: http://www.prevention.com/mind-body/natural-remedies/migraine-causes-and-cures

Rose Elixir

     Herbal elixirs are fabulous things to keep around the house.  Not only are they great for first aid and sore throats, but they’re tasty and can be made into some fabulous cocktails and delicious food.  I even pour some over my favorite desserts.  Since tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, I figured that I would introduce herbal elixirs with one of my favorites, Rose Elixir. 

     Rose elixir is one of my most indispensable items in my home first aid kit.  Not only is it great for burns, poison ivy, bug bites/stings, rashes, sore muscles, and minor wounds.  It’s also great for sore throats, menstrual cramps, panic attacks, shock, and helps to calm people down after trauma.  Combining this with Rescue Remedy is a very effective way to help people stay calm in traumatic situations. 

A quick word about the 3 basic ingredients:

Rose is a great herbal ally to keep in mind.  Its astringent (which makes it great to use in beauty products), anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and cooling.  Rose helps to elevate the mood and move the blood.  It is a fairly well-known aphrodisiac that also helps to calm and soothe the nerves.  Just remember that when you use roses, you want to make sure they haven’t been sprayed with herbicide or insecticide. 

Honey is one of the best first aid remedies around.  It’s antifungal, antibiotic, antimicrobial, helps initiate the healing process in skin, speeds up the healing process, nourishes skin, and is full of vitamins and minerals.  Honey can improve athletic performance and makes a great sugar substitute.  Honey is also a great, natural preservative. 

Vodka/Brandy is used to help extract the beneficial constituents (natural chemicals) from the rose petals, but it also acts as a preservative.  When shopping for alcohol for elixirs, you want something that is a minimum of 80 proof.  Any drinkable alcohol can be used, vodka and brandy are my usual choices, but sometimes I switch it up and use gin (for that refreshing juniper flavor), tequila, or rum.  Whatever you feel is good for you. 

Rose Elixir

1 pint Mason Jar

Rose Petals

Honey

Vodka/Brandy

Plastic Wrap

Fill the Mason jar with rose petals, leaving ½ inch at the top.  Fill 2/3 of the way with alcohol of choice.  Fill last 1/3 with honey, leaving a little space at the top.  Cover the jar with plastic wrap before sealing it with the lid.  Roses have a tendency to eat through metal, the plastic wrap will protect your seal.  Allow your elixir to sit in a cool, dark place for 3-6 weeks.  Shake daily.  After the time is up, strain the elixir through a sieve/coffee filter.  Enjoy!

Vanilla Rose Martini

3 oz Vanilla Vodka

1 oz Rose Elixir

Rose Petal garnish

Combine the Vodka and the Elixir in a shaker with ice.  Shake vigorously and strain into chilled martini glass.  Garnish with a rose petal.

 

Honey Rose Lemonade

1 cup Honey

1/2 cup Rose Water

1/2 cup Rose Elixir

1 cup Lemon Juice

2-3 cups Sparkling Water

Combine honey, elixir and rose water in a pot.  Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and stir until completely dissolved.  Allow mixture to cool.  Add in lemon juice and dilute with sparkling water.  If you want it sweeter, add more honey dissolved in warm water. 

     Like all of my recipes, these can be modified to suit your needs or taste buds.  You can use whatever herbs you want.  Some good ones to try when you feel adventurous include hibiscus, elderberry, lemon balm, rosemary, violet, or lavender.  Get creative!  Have fun!  And let me know what you think in the comments below!

Resources:

Bach Flower Remedies: Rescue Remedy Information: http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-information/

Healthy Green Kitchen: Rose Petal Elixir: http://www.healthygreenkitchen.com/kivas-rose-petal-elixir.html

Herbs of Grace: A Rose is a Rose: http://www.herbsofgrace.com/Homeopathy/tag/rose-elixir/

Medicine Woman’s Roots: Wild Rose Elixir: http://bearmedicineherbals.com/wild-rose-elixir-a-favorite-first-aid-remedy.html

Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Honey: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/health-benefits-of-honey.html

Steth News: The Many Benefits of Rose Elixir: http://www.stethnews.com/1408/the-many-benefits-of-rose-elixir-how-to-make-your-own/

Nothing Says “I Love You” Like Damiana

    Valentine’s Day is just around the bend, and it just so happens to be put right into one of the more stressful times of the year (tax season), which means some of us may need a little help getting “in the mood.”  Damiana, Turnera diffusa, is one of those amazing herbs that provides a bit of relaxation and stimulation in just the right ways.  It also has a few other benefits that make it worth looking at for those few who don’t need the aforementioned help. 

Herb Overview:

Family: Turneraceae

Genus: Turnera

Species: diffusa, aphrodisiaca

Common Names: Damiana, Mexican Damiana, Mexican Holly

Parts Used: Arial Parts (everything above the ground)

Properties and Actions: Increase libido, relieve depression, reduce blood sugar, calm nerves, reduce spasms, dry secretions, stimulate digestion, antiseptic, kidney tonic, energy tonic, general tonic, increase urination, and mild laxative.

     Damiana is native to Mexico, Central and South America, and the West Indies.  It was used by the Aztecs as an aphrodisiac, by Mexican women to stimulate lovemaking, and is commonly included in herbal remedies for prostate health.  Science has not determined its usefulness yet, but traditional medicine has made this herb the go-to for most sexual issues for both men and women.  Some people have also recorded that they experienced a mild euphoria after consuming damiana, almost like the effects of cannabis.  The euphoric effect and the sexual stimulation make this a great herb to use in place of alcohol as well.  Some people have also reported that after taking damiana, their alcohol cravings have been reduced. 

     All playfulness and speculation aside, what does damiana actually do?  Traditional medicine uses damiana as a sexual stimulant and to treat both erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia.  This is most likely due to the fact that damiana increases circulation to the sexual organs in the human body, and increases their sensitivity as well.  Damiana is also a great hormone balancer and is used quite often to help women who suffer from premenstrual tension (PMT) as well as women who are going through menopause.  It is a natural anti-anxiety and anti-depressant, the effects of which can be most clearly witnessed when you are actively feeling down or out of sorts before drinking the tea.  In many cases, the feeling of well-being will be almost immediate.  Many people have smoked damiana in order to wean themselves off tobacco, and with a great degree of success.  Since damiana is both antiseptic and diuretic, it is often used in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs).  Many traditional medicine systems also use damiana for bronchitis and asthma. 

Cautions and Warnings:

     As with all herbs, respect should be given and caution should be used.  Damiana does tend to increase libido as well as fertility in women, and sperm count in men.  Consume this herb with family planning in mind.  Some people have reported erotic dreams shortly after beginning regular consumption, however these tend to dissipate after a week or so.  Damiana also has a history as an abortifacient herb (can cause abortions), so please do not use damiana while pregnant.  There is a chance that, with prolonged use, it could interfere with the body’s ability to absorb and use iron.  But this usually only happens when consumed more than 3 days a week for long periods of time.  However, this is definitely an effect that should be monitored if you are prone to anemia.  Also, since damiana does have the effect of lowering blood sugar, if you are diabetic you should exercise caution with this herb.  Avoid it if you are hypoglycemic or taking medications to lower your blood sugar.  This effect is only a concern when consuming the tea, tinctures should be safe, but your blood sugar should be monitored just in case. 

     I hope everyone has a wonderfully romantic Valentine’s Day this year!  If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below!

Resources:

Annie’s Remedy: Damiana: http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail201.php

Happy Herb Company: Damiana: http://happyherbcompany.com/damiana

Henriette’s Herbal: Properties and Uses of Damiana: http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/bios/bios-king-damiana.html

Herbal Resource: Damiana – A Medicinal Herb: http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/damiana-herb.html

Herb Wisdom: Damiana: http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-damiana.html

Mayo Clinic: Anorgasmia in Women: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorgasmia/basics/definition/con-20033544

Mayo Clinic: Erectile Dysfunction: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/basics/definition/con-20034244

Raintree: Damiana: http://www.rain-tree.com/damiana.htm#.WJfu31MrJ1s

Herbalist and Astronomer

     Often we don’t realize how our lives can be changed so much by just a few revelations.  One revelation I had as a young girl was just how much the present depends on history.  If certain people didn’t do certain things in the past, we would not be who we are today.  This is just as true in our individual lives as it is in to the world in general.  One man who shaped the course of history in medicine is Nicholas Culpeper. 

     Nicholas Culpeper’s life started with tragedy.  He was born just 13 days after his father died, and being that his father left no official heirs when he died, all of this titles and lands were given over to other men.  As such, Culpeper was raised by his mother and her family in Isfield, Sussex.  His grandfather was one of his biggest influences in his early days.  As a child, Culpeper was fascinated by the stars and by his grandfather’s clock collection.  His grandfather taught him Greek and Latin, as well as introduced him to the works of Ptolemy.  Which all helped feed his growing interest in Astronomy.  But it was his grandmother who introduced him to the medicinal use of plants.

     At the age of 16, Culpeper was sent to Cambridge University.  Since his father and grandfather were both ministers, his family had decided to send him to study theology and become a minister himself.  Culpeper, however, had other ideas.  He never really took his theological studies seriously, instead studying anatomy and the medicinal uses of herbs.  He also spent quite a bit of his time in taverns and playing games.  He even picked up the newest trend of smoking.  However, he never did finish his Cambridge education. 

     He had secretly planned to elope with the heiress Judith Rivers.  He had known her from childhood and they knew that their families would not consent to the marriage.  Sadly, her coach was struck by lightning on the way to their rendezvous.  Culpeper was overcome with grief and sorrow by the news.  This caused him to leave University, and the news of both the affair and his leaving University caused his grandfather to disinherit him.  He had also burnt his bridges at Cambridge, so any hopes of completing his education to be a minister were dashed, as well as any hope to go back to University to study medicine.  His grandfather suggested that he become an apothecary. 

     Culpeper was taken on as an apprentice to the apothecary Francis Drake, in London.  In return, Culpeper taught Drake Latin.  During his training, he studied the same book that his grandmother had introduced him to in his youth, Gerard’s Herbal.  He even got to learn from Thomas Jefferson who was an assistant of the Apothecary Society and was editing the recently expanded Herbal.  Culpeper became extremely proficient with the herbs found in the Herbal, as well as quite a few other herbs.  So proficient that he took over the apothecary business when Drake died.

     Culpeper’s move to London was beneficial, not only to his herbal and medical knowledge, but also to his astrological knowledge.  Culpeper studied with William Lilly, an astronomer in London, who urged him to pay attention to the planetary influences on his patients in order to regulate their prescriptions.  Culpeper became increasingly influenced by astrology and studied as much as he could.  His classical training in Greek and Latin was of a large help in this as most of the astrological texts were written in these languages. 

     During his studies, he developed what was to become his life-long mission.  He wanted to put natural medicine and medical knowledge back into the hands of the people.  All of the people, not just the nobility and scholars.  To this end he translated a few of the great medical texts into English, wrote a few books, and was labeled a quack and charlatan by many of the physicians of his day.  Despite all of the negative press, Culpeper was a well-known and very successful herbalist.  He has written a great number of books, and translated even more.  A Complete Herbal has even been continually in print since he originally wrote it. 

     One of the ideas he is most well-known for in the herbal community is the correlation of astronomy to the plants and to the human body.  He believed that the plants are able to channel and use the influence and energy of the planets.  The plants could then be used as food and medicine and give us those energies in our consumption of them.  Culpeper required his students (and asked his readers) to study the symbolism associated with each herb’s planet and use that to correctly administer the herb itself.  An herb associated with the sun, being warming and strengthening to the vital force (life force), would be used to strengthen a weakness.  The sign/constellation Taurus is associated with the throat, so an herb under that sign would be used for issues concerning the throat.  He also taught many other uses for astronomy in medicine, such as the appropriate times to plant and harvest the plants based on their heavenly associations. 

     Culpeper’s health failed him in later years.  But he left 79 manuscripts with his wife Alice.  Alice published quite a few of these while the English allowed free publishing, until Charles II was restored to the throne.  Thanks to these works, we are given a unique 

glimpse into the world of medicine in the 17^th century.  We can also draw several parallels to some of our philosophies today.  Thank you Nicholas Culpeper for pioneering the way for natural medicine to come back into the hands of the people.  And thank you all for reading this brief footnote in the life of an amazing historical figure.   

   

Resources:

Greek Medicine: Nicholas Culpeper: http://www.greekmedicine.net/whos_who/Nicholas_Culpeper.html

Skyscript: Nicholas Culpeper Herbalist of the People: http://www.skyscript.co.uk/culpeper.html

Grapefruit Honey Hairspray

     I have difficult hair, to say the least.  Its crazy curly and throughout my early life I tried EVERYTHING to straighten it enough to be manageable.  Nothing ever worked.  I even practically destroyed my hair with a variety of chemical treatments.  Still not straight.  About 10 years ago, I finally gave up the fight and started down the road to loving my hair.  When I began learning about herbs and the natural way to do just about everything in life, I made it a point to learn about natural hair products.  I have now been making my own hair gel for about a year, but for some reason I never considered trying hairspray.  

     Early this month, when my husband and I were sick, we picked up a bag of organic oranges at the grocery store.  I took one with me to my day job and cut it open to find out that it was not an orange at all.  In fact, it was a grapefruit.  Gross!  I am not a big fan of grapefruit, in fact it’s pretty safe to say I detest the taste of them.  I do use the essential oil in a few oil blends, and I like grapefruit in some bitters that I use.  However, I was now the proud owner of an entire 5lb bag of grapefruit.  There’s only so much grapefruit bitters I can make, and I do not have the proper licensing to make my own essential oils.  So I started looking up alternative ways to use grapefruit and found a few recipes for hair products.  After looking at several recipes, some of which did not include grapefruit as an ingredient, I came up with a recipe to test out.  Let me tell you, this hairspray really works!  I washed my hair and left out my usual gel, instead I sprayed my hair with this homemade hairspray and let it dry.  No frizz, nice hold (without the usual crunch that gel leaves), and smells great!  So I’m sharing this wonderful recipe with all of you in hopes of spreading the joy of homemade, good for you, hair products!

A Quick Word on Ingredients

Grapefruit promotes hair growth, removes buildup, naturally lightens hair color (any citrus fruit does this, but it works best with just the juice, adding the grapefruit to your hair recipes do not lighten to the same degree), detangles, treats dandruff, and makes your hair shine.  It’s also great for those of you who have oily hair. 

Coconut Oil is an ingredient I added to the recipe because grapefruit can strip your hair of oils, and my hair is quite dry (like most curly hair is).  Small amounts of coconut oil can also help reduce, or even prevent, frizz.  But if coconut oil is not for you then you can substitute argan oil, avocado oil, or even olive oil.

Honey is great for your hair, it nourishes your hair to make it shine.  It also makes a great moisturizer because it attracts moisture.  So for my fellow Florida girls, honey is great because it uses the humidity to help your hair!

High Proof Alcohol is my preservative in this recipe.  However, small amounts of alcohol can also make your hairspray work better.  While larger amounts of alcohol can dry your hair and create frizz, small amounts of alcohol can help ensure an even spread of your hairspray for a better hold.  It can also decrease the time it takes for your hair to dry. 

Essential Oils not only make this hairspray smell great, but they can also help your hair needs.  Some good essential oils to look into include: lavender, geranium, vetiver, cedarwood, rosemary, sandalwood, chamomile, and clary sage.

Grapefruit Honey Hairspray

Ingredients:

4 cups Distilled Water

1 Grapefruit, quartered

4 tablespoons Raw Honey

2 tablespoons Coconut Oil

2 tablespoons High Proof Alcohol of your choice

10-15 drops essential oils of your choice (my favorite blend is 6-8 drops lavender, 3-5 drops vetiver, 3-5 drops rosemary)

Instructions:

Combine water and grapefruit into a pot and boil on medium-high heat until the liquid is reduced to half.  Reduce the heat to low.  Remove the grapefruit quarters, squeezing until all liquid is squeezed out.  Add in the honey and coconut oil.  Cook on low, and stir until coconut oil and honey are well incorporated.  Cover and remove from heat.  Let cool, but don’t let the solids form completely on top, if this happens, just heat up on the stove until melted.  Using a funnel, pour cooled liquid into container of your choice.  Add in the alcohol and essential oils.  Close up with a spray top.  Shake well, and shake before each use. 

 

    This recipe will last for several months, however if you think it is beginning to smell funky, throw it away and make some more!  I hope you enjoy making your own hairspray and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Resources:

Cosamo: Benefits of Using Grapefruit on Hair: http://cosamousa.com/Benefits-of-using-Grapefruit-on-your-Hair

DIY Natural: Homemade Hairspray: https://www.diynatural.com/how-to-make-hairspray/

Hair Buddha: Top 5 Essential Oils for Hair and Scalp: http://www.hairbuddha.net/essential-oils-for-healthy-hair/

Honey Fanatic: Is Honey Good For Your Hair?: http://honeyfanatic.com/401/honey-good-hair/

How To Hair Girl:  Honey Silk and Shine: http://www.howtohairgirl.com/2013/07/honey-silk-and-shine/

Naturally Curly: Alcohols and your Hair: http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/all-about-alcohols/

No Poo Method: Essential Oils for Hair: http://thenopoomethod.com/essential-oils-hair/

WebMD: Wave Bye-Bye to Damaged Hair: http://www.webmd.com/beauty/natural-oils

Wellness Mama: Coconut Oil for Hair: https://wellnessmama.com/2162/coconut-oil-for-hair/

Wellenss Mama: Homemade Natural Hairspray: https://wellnessmama.com/11624/natural-hairspray-recipe/

Food For Thought: The Connection Between Diet and Mental Health

     Comfort food.  We’ve all heard of it.  We’ve all had those days where we just want something familiar and comfortable to eat.  In many instances, just the smell of these dishes cooking is enough to lift our spirits.  In some cases, they are a crutch for us in our darkest moods.  These instances leave no room for doubt that food can affect our moods.  However, comfort food isn’t the only food that can do so, and in many cases our choice of comfort foods can actually hurt our mood later on.    

     In recent years, there seems to have been a major increase in the occurrence of mental illness and mood disorders.  With this increase, researchers have begun looking more and more into causes and new treatments.  One thing that has seemed to come from this is a deeper look into the connection between your gut and your brain.  Most of us have heard of the Central Nervous System (CNS), the brain and spinal cord, or the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), nerves and gray matter.  However, there is another nervous system that most people never learn about.  That nervous system is the Enteric Nervous System (ENS).  The ENS lines our gastrointestinal tract and help to digest our food by controlling blood flow and secretions.  While this seems pretty straight forward, this nervous system is so complex that many people refer to it as our “second brain.”  Our gut communicates with our brain in many ways, so many that science is still trying to figure out what it’s all about.  One thing that we do know is that our gut is connected to mood disorders and autism. 

     In 2013, there was a major study done on mice that had the same behavioral pattern as humans with autism.  These mice were introduced to a certain strain of bacteria that changed the balance of bacteria in their guts.  When this change occurred, these mice showed a remarkable change in behavior as well, becoming more social and less anxious.  Similar studies have been performed since, studies that have changed how doctors view both mental illness and digestive disorders.  This change has led to a trend where doctors are prescribing depression medicine to patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in a hope to improve the communication between their gut and their brain. 

     This connection between our nutrition and our mental health makes even more sense when you consider the fact that our brains are always working, and like every other organ or system in our body, our brain needs fuel.  We know that proper nutrition provides the right kind of fuel for our body to work, but what is proper nutrition for our brain?  There have been a number of studies on this subject as well, and most of them agree that processed foods and foods high in sugar are the worst foods for your brain.  Diets high in these foods can lead to mood disorders, such as depression, as well as impaired brain function.

     We also have to remember that our brain is made up of 60% fat, and uses fat as its primary fuel source.  This means that we need to keep a decent amount of healthy fat in our diets for proper brain function.  This is a primary example of why “low fat” foods can actually be dangerous for us.  Many of the foods that are labeled “low fat” in the grocery store are actually loaded down with sugar and trans fats to make them taste better, to encourage repeat purchases. 

    

So what should we avoid to keep our brains healthy? 

·         Sugary Drinks

·         Excessive Caffeine

·         Refined and Sugary Foods

·         Trans Fat – fried foods, margarine, baked goods, processed snack foods

·         In some cases, Dairy

Ok, now what should increase to provide our brains with the right fuel?

·         Omega 3 Fatty Acids – oily fish (salmon, trout, and mackerel), walnuts, flax, olive oil, eggs, and dark leafy greens

·         Whole Grains (in some cases people feel better leaving these out as well)

·         Fruits and Vegetables

·         Organic and Home Prepared Foods are best!

     I hope that I have given you some “food for thought” in this entry.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below in the comments! 

Resources:

Dr. Axe: The Gut-Brain Connection: https://draxe.com/gut-brain-connection/

Greatist: How Eating Fat Can Make You Smarter: http://greatist.com/eat/healthy-fats-best-foods-for-brain-health

Harvard Health: Nutritional Psychiatry: http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626

Mental Health America: Healthy Diet: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/healthy-diet-eating-mental-health-mind

Mental Health Foundation: Diet and Mental Health: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/d/diet-and-mental-health

Psychology Today: The Gut-Brain Connection: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201404/the-gut-brain-connection-mental-illness-and-disease

Safe Harbor: The Role of Diet in Mental Health: http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/the-role-of-diet-in-mental-health/

Wellness Mama: Can Your Food Affect Mental Health?: https://wellnessmama.com/31032/food-mental-health/

Golden Milk

     Winter has finally come to Florida.  In Central Florida, we’ve had nights in the 30’s with wind chill down to the 20’s.  For many people this means staying inside in an attempt to stay warm, but my husband and I are both very happy to start bonfires and cozy up next to them with the hot beverage of our choice.  For my husband, it’s always coffee, though I’ve never been a big fan myself.  Hot tea is good, but I’m picky about my teas (I’m a tea snob…what can I say?).  So my hot beverage of choice has almost always been hot chocolate.  However, I have been slowly switching over to something else (and dragging my husband with me).  The beverage I’ve been consuming can be served warm or cold (though I prefer it warm) and has amazing medicinal benefits. 

     Golden milk is not necessarily a “milk” at all.  The traditional recipes call for coconut milk, coconut oil, honey, and turmeric.  I like to spice mine up a little, with ginger and black pepper.  Other people like to add a touch of cinnamon and cayenne, or use maple instead of honey to sweeten it.  You can also choose to make it with regular milk, or any non-dairy milk of your choice.  I tend to jump between using coconut milk, cashew milk, or regular milk.  The basic recipes start off with adding a paste to your “milk” and cooking them together, so I’m including a basic turmeric past recipe, I usually just make it all at once without making the paste.  Keep in mind that turmeric can be very bitter if not cooked long enough.  Don’t be afraid to cook it a little extra if you feel you need to.  

A quick word about the 3 basic ingredients:

Turmeric is a close relative of ginger and has many of the same medicinal properties.  However, the most notable thing about turmeric is called curcumin.  Curcumin is most notorious for its anti-cancer properties.  It has been proven to actually prevent blood flow to tumors.  Without the blood flow, the tumors can’t grow.  Curcumin actually helps to modify the genetic code in cancer cells and destroy them, as well as helping to prevent healthy cells from mutating into cancer.

Coconut Milk contains lauric acid which is not commonly found in nature.  Lauric acid is used by your body to make monolaurin, which actually helps destroy certain, lipid-coated, viruses.  Some lipid-coated viruses include HIV, herpes, influenza, and measles.  So coconut milk actually helps your body fight off these diseases.

Coconut Oil is necessary for these recipes because turmeric is fat-soluble.  This means that the beneficial compounds in turmeric can only be used when certain fats are present.  Coconut oil contains the healthy fats needed for our bodies to be able to use turmeric. 

Basic Turmeric Paste

½ cup Turmeric Powder

1 cup Water

1 ½ teaspoons Black Pepper

5 tablespoons Coconut Oil (warmed up into a liquid)

Combine all ingredients, except the coconut oil, in a pot and cook, stirring, until they form a thick paste (about 7-10 minutes).  Remove from heat and whisk in the coconut oil until fully incorporated.  Refrigerate and hold up to 2 weeks.

Golden Milk from the Paste

1 teaspoon Turmeric Paste

2 cups Coconut Milk

Honey to taste

Combine all ingredients, stirring or whisking to combine.  Heat until just under boiling.  Once heated and combined, you can serve it hot or cold.

Golden Milk with Ginger

1 tablespoon Coconut Oil

1 inch Turmeric, freshly grated or sliced (or 1 teaspoon dried powder)

1 inch Ginger, freshly grated or sliced (or 1 teaspoon dried powder)

1 pinch Black Pepper

2 cups Coconut Milk (or milk of your choice)

Honey to taste

Combine the coconut oil, turmeric, ginger, and black pepper in a pot on the stove.  Cook them together, on low-medium heat, about 7-10 minutes.  Add in the coconut milk and a little honey.  Raise the heat to medium-high and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously.  Remove from heat and cover.  Let sit 10-15 minutes.  If you need more honey, now is the time to taste and add it.  Strain and serve, warm or cold. 

Golden Milk with Cinnamon

1 tablespoon Coconut Oil

1 inch Turmeric, freshly grated or sliced (or 1 teaspoon dried powder)

1 inch Cinnamon Stick (or ½ teaspoon dried powder)

1 pinch dried Cayenne powder

2 cups Coconut Milk (or milk of your choice)

Honey to taste

Combine the coconut oil, turmeric, and cayenne in a pot on the stove.  Cook them together, on low-medium heat, about 7-10 minutes.  Add in the coconut milk, cinnamon stick, and a little honey.  Raise the heat to medium-high and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously.  Remove from heat and cover.  Let sit 10-15 minutes.  If you need more honey, now is the time to taste and add it.  Strain and serve, warm or cold. 

     Like all of my recipes, these can be modified to suit your needs or taste buds.  Some options, instead of using milk and honey, use bone broth and serve warm.  This makes a savory beverage, or a great soup stock.  Try adding Chai spices like cardamom and clove, along with both cinnamon and ginger, to make a Golden Chai Milk.  Have fun!  Experiment!  And let me know what you think in the comments below!

Resources:

Epicurious: Golden Milk Turmeric Tea: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/golden-milk-turmeric-tea

Fresh Bites Daily: Golden Milk: http://www.freshbitesdaily.com/turmeric-milk/

Gimme Some Oven: Golden Milk (hot or iced): http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/golden-milk-turmeric-milk/

Mercola: What is Golden Milk?: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/09/21/golden-milk.aspx

Wellness Mama: Turmeric Tea: https://wellnessmama.com/223/turmeric-tea-recipe/