Author Archives

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Cramp Bark

Name:  Crampbark

Latin:

Other Common Names:

Parts Used:  Bark

Vitamins & Minerals:

Used for:  This is one of the rarer herbs that can be used for the female reproductive system.  It relaxes the ovaries and uterus, meaning that it can both help to stop a miscarriage, and ease a rough period.  It is also a stimulant to the kidneys, increasing their ability to clean the body.  The relaxant and anti-spasmodic effects are not merely useful for the uterus, so this herb can be used in preparations for other muscular issues as well.  This herb can also be used in pain preparations, as it has rejuvenating effect on the nervous system, strengthening and easing it over time.

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Oats (Avena Sativa)

Name:  Oatstraw

Latin:  Avena Sativa

Other Common Names:

Parts Used:

Vitamins & Minerals:  Silica, B Vitamins, Calcium

Used for:  This is a nutrient rich herb that is quite good used as either a tonic infusion, or as a solid foundation for herbal teas.  It is particularly high in silica, and assists in the assimilation of calcium.  I have found it to have a synergistic effect with other herbs, strengthening their effects.  Due to the action it has on calcium absorption and the amount of silica it contains, it helps to build stronger nails and bones, and makes hair healthier.  Due to the sorts of vitamins it contains, it also has mild anti-depressant effects, and helps to calm anxiety.  As it is also high in calcium, it can assist in relaxing the muscles and nerves.  The combination of nutrients and effects make this herb a nerve tonic, toning and rehabilitating the nervous system over time.  They also have enough mucilage that they function as a nerve cushioner, soothing and healing inflamed nerve endings.  Oats are also a good basis for foods for convalescing.  They are easy to digest, easy to flavor, and are gentle enough that they can usually be eaten following a high fever, a bout of food poisoning, or nasty flus.  Oats are also good for the skin, and a wonderful choice for toiletries.

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Tea

Name:

Latin:

Other Common Names:

Parts Used:  The leaves

Vitamins & Minerals:  Tea is an excellent source of antioxidants.  Also contains quercetin and Vitamin C.  Tea is a natural stimulant, rather like coffee, but adds more nutrients to the mix.  The longer you steep the tea, the more nutrients will be extracted, but some teas become unfathomably bitter if you let them steep too long.

Used for:  General bone and heart health.

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Red Raspberry (Rubus Idaeus)

Name:  Raspberry

Latin:  Rubus Idaeus or Rubus Strigosus

Other Common Names:

Family:  Rosaceae

Parts Used:  Leaves and Berries

Vitamins & Minerals:

Used for:  This herb is considered to be one of the best for later on in pregnancy, and can be used to tone and condition the uterus, regardless of whether or not you are pregnant.  However, it is also a blood thinner, and I do not suggest that anyone with a history of miscarriage utilize this until the pregnancy is well established.  After birth, raspberry will help to increase milk supply.  It is also used to help combat post-partum depression.  Fresh raspberries steeped in vinegar are a heart tonic.

Use in tandem with:

Directions & Warnings:  Raspberry is a blood thinner, and should be used with caution if you utilize prescription blood-thinners.

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Good Daily Rituals (Natural Answers)

Start the day with 2 o oz glasses of filtered water.  End with one.  Sometime over the course of the day, take an antioxidant, 25-50 mg B-complex, and 500-1000 mg Vitamin C.  Supplement those 3 morning and evening glasses of water with 2-5 more during the day.

Pack your diet with good fats:  fish, olives, nuts, seeds, and beans.

Filter wash water before using it.   More of the harmful stuff is absorbed through the skin during a shower or bath or doing dishes than you absorb from drinking it.

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Golden Seafood Casserole (Alice Wesner)

Originally this recipe was discovered in a book that came with some cookware.  It has been altered to personal tastes since.

1/4 c butter
1/4 c flour
2 c milk
(salt and pepper)
3 boiled eggs, sliced
6 -8 oz frozen shrimp
1 can tuna, drained
3 oz cooked mushrooms
7 1/2 oz crabmeat
4 oz cheddar, grated
2 c breadcrumbs mixed with 1/4 c melted butter  (Or whatever amount seems right, using that ratio.  How many breadcrumbs you need depends heavily on the size and shape of your casserole.)

Make white sauce with butter, flour, and milk.  (Melt butter, carefully stir the flour into it, add milk.)  In 2 qt casserole, layer eggs, shrimp, sauce, tuna, suace, mushrooms, sauce, crabmeat, sauce.  Top with breadcrumbs.

Bake 1 hour at 325.