Weeds That Heal

01/26/2017

This looks incredible!

If you've never heard of Halotherapy, you're going to want to experience it for yourself. This salt cave in Columbus, Ohio is simply amazing.

01/01/2017

09/19/2016

I found this interesting, so i thought i would share.
In doing some research, I found it is not a specific type of garlic, it's all in the way that it is processed.

Here is an instruction video i found on how to make your own black garlic, if you are so inclined.

https://youtu.be/xmjmVqw6y0E

06/21/2016

For anyone who struggles with pain or fibromyalgia, Here is some great information.

Proper diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia (FM), as well as other fatigue- and pain-related disorders, is a neglected and poorly understood niche in medicine. Fortunately, The Fibro-Fix Summit brings attention to the topic, with experts discussing FM and the many disorders improperly labeled as…

04/10/2016

Borage is a broad-spectrum herb that can help you with many things. It’s been used for centuries to treat many ailments. In fact, during the Crusades, soldiers took it to actually improve their courage. While we don’t really think it gives courage anymore, borage can do an awful lot to improve your health.

If you’re suffering from a fever or a respiratory infection, borage can be a great remedy. It can also help to relieve problems with the liver and urinary tract. So if you’re struggling with infections in these areas of the body, you may want to give borage a chance.

When using borage for the liver, you actually help your body to deal with toxins in a more effective way. You’ll allow your liver to clean itself out and function properly. This will improve your immune function, your metabolism, and provide you with a feeling of overall vitality.

People who have the blues, or mild depression, can also benefit from using borage. In addition, borage can be used to help you sleep when you’re having a restless night. Borage can actually help to restore you to sound sleep and a sound mind.

When it comes to physical conditions such as skin irritation and rheumatism, or stiff joints, borage oil can also be used. It’s similar to evening primrose oil in its ability to treat these problems. It can also be used to treat hormonal imbalances.
Irritations of the eyes, skin, and mouth can also be treated with borage extract washes. They help to soothe inflamed skin and tissues and restore comfort.

Borage can be taken in several ways. It can be used in a poultice or an infusion to treat external problems. It can also be used as a lotion. Internally, it can be used as an infusion or tincture.

Commercially available syrups can also be taken that include borage. These are wonderful for relieving problems with respiratory infections and coughs. Finally, you can take capsules of borage. When it comes to capsules, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for it.

Borage is a good overall herb to keep stocked in your home. You can take it every day to keep your health and immunity strong. You can also take it for specific problems such as skin irritations and difficulty sleeping. Having it on hand at all times will insure that you give your body what it deserves.

04/08/2016

Avocado Soup

This elegant, velvety soup is served chilled.

4 ripe avocadoes, coarsely chopped
1 small bunch fresh coriander, coarsely chopped
2 whole garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 ½ cups vegetable broth
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup grape tomatoes, sliced (optional garnish)
3-4 scallions, sliced thin (include some green)
2 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil

Chipotle chilli powder to taste

Place the chopped coriander, garlic cloves, lime juice, vegetable broth and salt and pepper in a food processor. Process until the mixture has the consistency of buttermilk, adding more of both if needed. Transfer soup to a serving bowl or soup tureen, cover and chill for at least 2 hours, but no more than 6 hours.

To serve, divide soup between four bowls. Drizzle each with a bit of olive oil and garnish with scallions, chilies, grape tomatoes, avocado chunks and a light dusting of chipotle powder. Sprinkle more coriander leaves, over each serving, if desired. Serve with crispy tortilla chips and a wedge of lime on the side.

Serves 4

04/08/2016

Billberry is a fruit that many people have used to make delicious tarts, pies, and jellies. It tastes very similar to blueberries and looks similar to them, too. However, bilberry also has an important medicinal use—it actually supports good vision.

This is especially true for people who are dealing with the complications that come from diabetes. Bilberry is thought to be full of antioxidants that help to fight the effects of environmental pollution that can cause people to age at a faster rate. This is one way it's thought to protect vision.

People who suffer from cataracts may also find that bilberry is a good herb to take. It will prevent problems that come from cataracts and allow vision to be more vibrant and brilliant.
In addition to helping eyesight, bilberry is also used to treat problems with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), bruising, and hemorrhoids. That's because it works well to improve the circulatory system.

Bilberry is also a good remedy for problems with an upset stomach and diarrhea. It can also be used to treat problems with inflammation of the mouth, throat, and stomach. All in all, bilberry is a good antioxidant that reduces inflammation and improves circulation.

Bilberry can be taken in many ways. Some people choose to continue to use the fresh berries or dried berries for medicinal purposes. Berries can be extracted for their juice and dried berries can be crushed into a powder that can be used in a pill.

The dried fruit can be eaten by itself along with a glass of water as well. It can also be used as a mouthwash with a decoction of dried berry. When it comes to treating diarrhea, it's important to use dried berries. Some people have found that the fresh berries actually make the condition worse instead of better.
If you suffer from diabetes or if you have other health problems that are contributing to poor eyesight, you'll certainly want to keep bilberry on hand. It can actually prevent problems with vision.

04/05/2016

You’ve surely enjoyed the tasty flavor of cinnamon in your favorite foods and beverages.

Cinnamon can also be used as an insect repellent. You can add a few drops of cinnamon oil to your favorite lotion to help fight off mosquitoes. Just be cautious about how much you use, because cinnamon can also irritate the skin. You’ll only need a few drops. If you can smell the cinnamon, you’ve used enough.

You can also take cinnamon oil and dilute it with water to create an insect repellent spray. This can be used on clothing and even plants to help prevent problems with pesky bugs. It’s safe to use around children and pets as well.

Cinnamon oil can also be used to kill mosquito larvae. Add a few drops to standing water where you think mosquitoes may be lurking and you’ll prevent an infestation. It’s a natural way to prevent problems from mosquitoes without using harsh chemicals. It’s also very effective.

While cinnamon provides delicious flavor for foods, you shouldn’t forget about all of the other things it can do for you. Make sure to keep plenty of cinnamon sticks, cinnamon oil, and ground cinnamon in your stock of herbs.

One word of caution—using too much cinnamon at once can cause irritation in your mouth, skin, and can even cause problems with breathing. Don’t try eating cinnamon by itself. Always dilute it with a liquid to prevent these issues. When used correctly, cinnamon is a great additive to your household routine.

04/04/2016

Hundreds of years ago bayberry was widely used medicinally. Today bayberry has nearly been forgotten. Science has shown this native American herb may have some real benefits in treating fever and diarrhea.

Bayberry root bark contains an antibiotic chemical (myricitrin), which may fight a broad range of bacteria and protozoa.

Myricitrin's antibiotic action supports bayberry's traditional use against diarrhea and dysentery. Bayberry also contains astringent tannins, which add to its value in treating diarrhea.

The antibiotic myricitrin also helps reduce fever, thus lending credence to bayberry's use among the Choctow Indians.
Myricitrin promotes the flow of bile and might potentially be of value in liver and gallbladder ailments, but as yet no research demonstrates this.

In large doses, bayberry root bark may cause stomach distress, nausea, and vomiting. Those with chronic gastrointestinal conditions, such as colitis should use it cautiously.

Bayberry changes the way the body uses sodium and potassium.

Those who must watch their sodium/potassium balance, such as people with kidney disease, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure, for example, should consult their physicians before using it.

04/03/2016

Bay laurel is a small evergreen tree, which seldom grows taller than 20 feet in the United States. Its leathery dark green leaves have wavy edges and grow on short stalks. Bay berries are dark purple or black.

If all you do with bay is add a leaf or two to soups and stews, you're missing an opportunity to use a natural soother. Bay will never replace sleeping pills, but it has a number of benefits, mainly in the area of mental health.

Low doses of bay oil have been found to sedate laboratory animals, and higher doses produce temporary stupor. The herb also reduces blood pressure in laboratory animals, but the effect is mild. Bay has never been shown to put people to sleep or lower their blood pressure, but these animal results are suggestive. Many people find that bay infusions are relaxing.

Like most aromatic spices, bay leaf oil kill disease-causing bacteria and fungi. Bay is not a powerful enough antiseptic to be used in place of appropriate medical treatment, but for minor household accidents, the fresh herb can be used externally.
Several modern herbals continue to recommend rubbing bay oil into arthritic joints, but modern research has never demonstrated any anti-inflammatory action.

Bay should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor.