Category Archives: Herbs and Herbal Remedies
Hemp Seeds.. another super food
Another item that I like to keep on hand is hemp seeds. I often use hemp seeds and bee pollen on top of salads or in my salad dressings. It’s another “super food” and I love them. Hemp seeds can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, sprouted, made into hemp milk (kinda like soy milk), prepared as tea, and used in baking. The fresh leaves can also be eaten in salads. My suggestion is to eat them raw in order to receive all the awesome health benefits. Did I mention that they taste really great and nutty?!
- Hemp seeds are one of the most nutritionally complete foods on earth
- They contain all 9 essential amino acids
- They contain all the essential fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6) and are heavily mineralized
- Shelled hemp seeds contain 36.6% protein, making them by weight the highest protein food on earth, with the exception of algae
- Hemp seeds contain an amazing quantity of raw protein that includes sulfur bearing amino acids utilized to build strong hair, nails, muscles, skin, and connective tissue
- Many people have protein allergies(milk, soy, peanuts) but no reported cases of hemp allergies have been reported so it’s a wonderful protein substitute.
- Hemp seeds are the only known food that contains the exact ratio of essential fatty acids (one part omega 3 to three parts omega6)
- Hemp seeds are the highest natural source for GLA (gamma linolenic acid); a type of super omega 6 fatty acid that has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps maintain hormonal balance.
- The seeds also contain a significant amount of lecithin, a nutrient that is excellent for building internal organs.
- Hemp seeds are one of the most mineral-rich foods on earth.
Bee Pollen: Nature’s Superfood
So.. I figured I would go over some info about some of the herbs.. what they do and why I use them. I am starting off with Bee Pollen. No, it’s not an herb.. but I wish that everyone would keep a supply of bee pollen on hand. The health benefits are amazing.. it’s called nature’s superfood for a reason!
So, what is bee pollen? Bee Pollen is one of the richest and purest natural foods ever discovered, and the incredible nutritional and medicinal value of pollen has been known for centuries. Pollen grains contain male germ cells that are produced from all plants and flowers. This is essential in order to ensure that plant life throughout the world continues by a process involving fertilization and plant embryo formation. One teaspoonful of pollen contains approximately 1,200 pellets or 2.5 billion grains, each of which has the capacity to supply those factors that are necessary in order to fertilize and reproduce the particular species that it represents. Pollen gathered by bees is superior to that obtained directly from flowering plants. The bees are extremely discriminate about selecting the best pollen from the millions of grains that are present. Of these, only two types are found, namely, anemophile pollen grains (which are not collected by bees, and produce allergic reactions) and entomophile pollen grains (which are collected by bees, and possess greater nutrient content).
Here are some facts about bee pollen:
- Pollen contains the richest known source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, amino acids, hormones, enzymes, and fats, as well as significant amount of natural antibiotics .
- Most of the known vitamins in pollen exist in perfect proportion, which further enhances their value.
- All forms of bee pollen contain higher amounts of vitamins B1, B2 and E than found in fruits, berries and green vegetables.
- One gram of fresh raw pollen contains from 7 to 15 mg. of vitamin C, along with traces of vitamin E (tocopherol).
- Bee pollen contains up to 59 different trace minerals, and all minerals found in pollen are present in a highly digestible form
- The protein content of pollen ranges from 10 to 35 percent with a mean average of 20 percent. Forty to fifty percent of this may be in the form of free amino acids. All pollens contain the exact same number of 22 amino acids, yet different species produce varying amounts. The amino acids found in whole dry pollen fluctuate between 10 and 13 percent (26.88% protein or albuminous substances). This equals from 5 to 7 times the amino acids found in equal weights of beef, milk, eggs or cheese.
- Approximately 35 grams of pollen each day will supply all the body’s protein requirements. The body will more effectively utilize the protein in food if there is a larger selection of amino acids available.
- The heating of pollen will destroy the valuable enzymes and vitamin C content.
- Bee pollen also contains active antibiotic substances that immediately destroy harmful pathogenic bacteria upon contact.
- The ingestion of pollen on a regular basis for a healthy person will usually accomplish the following:
- Protect against any insufficiencies in vitamins, minerals and amino acids — especially during pregnancy, lactation, and intensive physical or mental work.
- Permit achievement of optimal physical and intellectual output.
- Forestall any internal metabolic disorders that eventually generate various disease-conditions.
- Bee Pollen is extremely valuable as an adaptogen by assisting in both weight gain or loss, as well as in the reduction of hypertension or increasing the overall metabolic functions. Bee Pollen both regulates and stimulates the metabolism in the human organism by supplying the missing factors (or catalysts) that other foods do not provide while neutralizing the catabolic effects of various toxins, environmental pollutants, synthetic drugs or food additives, thereby producing healthier cells, improved health and well-being and a longer life-span.
- During many years of testing, pollen has been notable for its lack of harmful side-effects. Few medications rank with bee pollen in terms of its lack of toxicity. It is a completely natural product that is well tolerated by the body and compatible with all other forms of therapy. In addition, it is easy to digest and suitable for all ages. Furthermore, it provides increased protection and greater resistance against any invasive or harmful pathogenic bacteria, and provides increased and sustainable energy-levels throughout the entire organism.
- Allergy attacks brought on by pollen are normally produced by wind-carried pollens, and not by bee-collected pollens. Wind-generated pollens usually stimulate a cleansing process throughout the entire respiratory tract, especially among those who consume excessive quantities of mucus-producing foods during the winter months.
- Bee pollen may be safely administered by everyone, even those persons who are prone to allergies such as hayfever, as they will usually suffer no ill-effects. Allergenic properties are always neutralized by the nectar and enzymes secreted by the bees.
- Raw honey has been specifically recommended by many professional allergists as having an immunizing effect upon the majority of pollen-stimulated allergies. This is usually a direct result of the pollen and related substances that are found in both unfiltered and uncooked honey which, when ingested, form a natural oral immunization against allergies.
- Do not begin using bee pollen with a dose larger than 1 tablespoonful, twice a day. After one week, gradually increase the dosage from 1 tablespoonful up to 4 tablespoonfuls. One ounce of bee pollen (4 tablespoonfuls) is equivalent to three cooked meals in terms of nutrient content.
- Pollen should be kept refrigerated or stored in a cool, dry place at all times in order to protect its vital qualities. Cooking is not advisable, due to the destruction of essential enzymes caused by excessive heat.
Making an herb garden
If you are like me.. you will want to start your own herb garden. You can grow a wide variety of your own herbs which will cut down on the expense of buying bulk herbs online. Most of the herbs that I grow are more for cooking though many of them are perfect for teas, tinctures, and adding an amazing smell to just about anything.
How do you get started growing your own herbs? First you determine what sort of space you will be using to garden. If you have a yard, you can do it outside in the ground. Another great option is a raised flower bed. This can be done outdoors on top of the ground or on a porch or screened in porch. If you don’t have a yard.. or a porch.. you can do an herb container garden.
I havn’t ventured into the realm of raised beds though I hope to do so one of these days. I do however have an in ground herb garden as well as container gardens up on my porch. The process is fairly simple. First you figure out what herbs you would like to grow.. then you look them up and see if you can grow them in your area. Here, in Statesboro,GA.. we are zone 8b. Some herbs that are easy to grow.. and grow very well are sage, oregano, thyme, basil, lavender, rosemary, st johns wort, chamomile, tarragon, lemon verbena, etc…
My suggestion would be to start with plants. I have never had very good luck with starting anything other than wildflowers from seeds. Strange since I can grow a number of rare and unusual supposed “hard to grow” plants but I cannot start herbs from seeds. I tried it this year and produced one measly dill sprout, spearmint, some oregano which seems to finally be taking off, sage that looks less that wonderful and one basil plant. Some of my lovely from seed plants :
If you do start from seeds however the process is simple:
- Pick out your seeds.. I suggest buying organic seeds but that’s just me
- Either invest in the little peat seed starter that you add water to or take an old cardboard egg carton and poke one little hole in each egg compartment
- Then, make a mix of soil and peat moss.. and add it to your egg carton slots (If you are using seed starters skip this step)
- Moisten the soil before sowing your seeds. (I recommend no more than 3-5 seeds per compartment.)
- Now .. you are ready to go. Let it sit in full morning sun .. misting it daily until you see sprouts. ( Some folks cover their seeds to help retain moisture)
- Once your sprouts have 4 leaves, you are ready to transplant
- Now, pick out a window box or pot.. and transplant your babies. They should start growing like crazy!!
- I recommend a good water once a day during the summer.
What’s in my medicine cabinet?
Whats in my medicine cabinet? I have several staples that I try to keep around at all times. I usually buy in bulk and have plenty to use for all my herbal needs for quite some time. As I find a new recipe or combination of herbs I want to try, keeping the basics on hand is always convenient. Here is my list.
Powdered herbs (mainly for internal/capsule use)
- Echinacea
- Wild Cherry Bark (NOT recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding moms)
- Valerian
- White Willow
- Fenugreek
- Blessed Thistle
- Fennel (new to the list by accident.. but am loving taking it)
- Holy Basil
- Burdock Root
- Milk Thistle
- Stinging Nettle
Bulk Herbs (flowers/rough cut herbs mainly for use in teas/tinctures/salves)
- Chamomile
- Calendula flowers
- Rose Petals (red usually)
- Lavender flower heads (usually grow my own.. plant died this year )
- Raspberry Leaves
- Alfalfa dried
- Cramp Bark
- Passionflower
- Plantain leaf
- Rosemary (Grow my own and dry)
- Sage (grow my own and dry)
- Mint (grow my own and dry)
Essential Oils
- Lavender
- Tea Tree
- Cedar (mainly for my hubby)
- Lemongrass
- Clary Sage
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Geranium
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Ginger root ( either powder,fresh or dried)
- Garlic ( either cloves or minced)
- Bee Pollen ( will cover this more in depth but a MUST HAVE!!)
- Hemp seeds
- Flax Seeds
- Lemongrass (either fresh or dried)
The Beginning of Herbal Remedies
I have been getting a lot of requests to give some advice/tutorial advice on herbs and making things with them. I have gathered my herbal knowledge through years of research and experience. It all really starts at an issue.. then looking up the natural remedies/herbs that could help with it.. then taking that info and applying it. Herbs are typically trial and error. There are certain herbs that work really well for some folks.. and not at all for others. There are some herbs that my own body will ” Get used to” thusly, making certain herbs not as effective unless you take a short break from them. So.. keep this in mind when you start using herbs. Pay attention to the effects and how long they seem to work.. and as with anything.. pay attention to any side effects you may experience.
I have several books that I can recommend that are great resources. I know a lot of you moms have very little time to sit down and commit to a whole book. These books are great for you!! You don’t need to read the book from cover to cover .. just look up what you might be wanting to learn about or make. For example: Coughs or Skin Promblems. Just look up that info and take it from there. Here is my list of recommended books:
- The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines by Charles W. Fellow and Juan R Avilia (very comprehensive herb dictionary of sorts that lists the basic info side effects and drug interactions, I keep this one handy on the table)
- Medicine of the Earth by Susanne Fischer-Rizzi ( legends, recipes, remedies and cultivation of healing plant/not all encompassing but a fun read with lots of information)
- The Herbal for Mother and Child by Anne McIntyre ( a must have for all mothers.. this book has been so useful)
- Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar ( This is a great reference for women’s ailments. I don’t use it all that often but it has proven to be a great supplemental resource)
- The New Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown ( not as handy as my little pocket reference but is all encompassing with their info. Also great if you are considering growing/cultivating/and using your own herbs)
- Eating for Beauty by David Wolfe (this one isn’t really an herbalist manual.. rather has a TON of good info on the foods and herbs to eat to help with skin problems and general good health. I don’t subscribe to an all raw diet like he does.. but this book has been proven to be VERY helpful for me)
Also.. the wonderful source of the internet. Don’t be afraid to look up herbs online. Two of the very best and reliable resources are http://www.mountainroseherbs.com and http://www.thebulkherbstore.com
I break up my herb usage into categories. Internal usage and external. A while back I decided to buy a capsule machine and make my own capsules of herbal supplements.. the ones I use regularly.. I not only found it to be a huge saving.. but also really fun to have more of a role in the things that I take. I usually sit down and make a while batch of 100-200 capsules at the time… and store them in old medicine bottles with new labels. The only thing you really need for this is :
- A capsule machine
- Capsules
- Bulk herb of your choice (powdered)
- A plate or other flat surface to sit your machine on
- OPTIONAL glass mason type jar to store your herb powders in
You can mix herbs while making capsules. You would want to make sure you are using complimentary herbs and pretty much doing it half one and half the other.
I suggest Mountain Rose Herbs or The Bulk Herb Store for all your bulk herb needs.
Stay tuned for upcoming posts on the subject. I will be sharing recipes and tutorials for all your basic herbal remedies that I make. Some will be tutorials with photos and some without…and as always I am happy to share any info on any particular herb or method.. so feel free to ask any questions!!