Category: Herb Wisdom

In the Weeds: Red Clover

5/24/2016

Who did I spot this morning on my way to start my day? Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) pictured below was smiling in the parking lot of a North Shore-LIJ Health System. She is a friend to women and used throughout herbal generations because of rich in isoflavones which are plant chemicals that when brewed as a tea act like estrogens (phytoestogens). A wonderful aid for hot flashes, PMS issues, breast health and improved blood circulation. I am in love with red clover. She is my friend as well. Don't confuse her with Milk Thistle in your garden though as they look slightly similar. Wonderful as a hormone balancer, breast health aid, circulation of blood and osteoporosis prevention. Wonderful as a tonic tea hot or cold....no sweetener needed as it also sweet. Brew overnight and enjoy! RICH in calcium, chronium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamin and Vitamin C. Organic Red Clover is available in EthnicTea Herbals online store. Feel free to take her home with you! #herbalistathome #friendtowomen #plantpowered #thewellnesskitchen #powertotheweeds #herbwisdom #herbwise #urbanherbalist #plantlovers #plantlifestyle #livefoods
#love #thebushqueen

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Cocao

9/9/2013

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Cocao
(Theobroma cacao)

Enjoying food is part of enjoying life and I can’t imagine the pleasure of eating without the pleasure of chocolate. I love the color and the taste. How about some chocolate syrup over some coconut sorbet on a hot summer day? What about some hot chocolate with some fresh cashew milk with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg on a cold or rainy day with a wonderful book?

Add some cocao to your life! Hundreds of studies have shown that raw dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants that promote heart health and may prevent many cardiovascular-related conditions.

Dark chocolate is made from cocoa beans removed from the pods of the cacao tree. They can also be ground into powder or made into cocoa liquor and made into cocoa butter.

During menstruation women crave chocolate because of the body’s need for higher magnesium. Magnesium is necessary for muscles and nerves to function and is involved especially in the metabolic process that converts food into energy.

Chocolate is love. Chocolate contains phenethylamine, which triggers the release of endorphins. This reaction is similar to the one that people experience when they fall in love. As a result, chocolate supports a happy mood. It is also very high in magnesium, which is one of the most abundant minerals in the body, with more than 50% located in the skeleton.

So go out get some chocolate love!

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DANDELION

9/8/2013

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                                                           Dandelion
                                        (Taraxacum officinale)
                                        Power to the weeds! There is no herb more resilient and beneficial to the human than the dandelion. Its happy sunny flowers grow virtually on every lawn waiting to serve us. The whole dandelion is edible and should be eaten as a tonic food.

Dandelions are a wonderful support for the liver, blood, kidneys, bladder, spleen, pancreas, stomach and intestines. It is recommended for stressed-out, internally sluggish and sedentary people. Anyone who is battling excessive fat, white flour, and concentrated sweeteners could benefit from a daily cup of dandelion tea or fresh dandelion salad.

The leaves are nutrition packed and I used it with great resolve as part of a wholistic regime to support my nutrition in conjunction with its cousin and my great supporter Nettle during a period of health crisis ...and I made it through!

Dandelions are higher in beta-carotene than carrots. The iron and calcium content is phenomenal, greater than spinach. It is high in protein and you also get vitamins B-1, B-2, B-5, B-6, B-12, C, E, P, and D, biotin, inositol, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and zinc from this superstar plant.

The dandelion root contains the sugar inulin, which doesn't produce the rapid production of insulin, as refined sugars do. So it comes typically to the aide of those with mature-onset diabetes and supports those with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is a great great blood purifier also balancing the water balance in the body to keep it at healthy levels.

Dandelion leaf tea infusion also good at dinner time. Its bitter elements encourage the production of proper levels of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. Even after the plant gets bitter after a strong infusion, it never becomes intolerable and is rich in vitamins and minerals that rush to the aid of people who are run-down. After a while the body craves the bitter as it is one of the tastes that the senses need for balance.

So again, say it loud and proud “Power to the Weeds!”

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Thyme

8/30/2013

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Broad Leaf Thyme (Coleus Amboinicus Lour)

Yes you can grow your herbs in an urban dwelling. YES YOU CAN!

Pictured left in my urban herbal oasis check out my two pretty plants of Broad Leaf Thyme aka Cuban Oregano, among many other known names, soaking up the sun through the window in my wellness kitchen!

This is truly a wonderful plant. It is extremely easy to grow and these are flourishing from a cutting that was gifted to me by a lovely lady --Ms. Norma. In addition to its use fresh picked from my windowsill garden it is awesome in anything you are preparing that calls for thyme. It is so very yum yum with very thin slices of its very young fleshy somewhat hairy light green leaves in salads with some ripe avocados, tomatoes and red onions with other spices (I will put that recipe in another blog post!)

Thyme is also a good alternative cure for adult respiratory ailments like cough, asthma and bronchitis as a TEA of course! Pick, brew and drink. "Tea as Medicine!"

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mullein

1/16/2013

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Mullein Leaf & Flower
(Verbascum thapsus)

Last week I went ice skating with a few dear members of my herbal family. I never ice skated before but I’m proud of my rollerblading, roller skating, yoga and bike riding skills so I figured how hard can it be it’s all about balance. Right? Right, hmm well after skating confidently for about 15 minutes I fell flat on my back, BOOM and hit my head too!
Thank God it was not more serious, but when I got home not only my head, but my back was hurting.

I went to my herbal pantry and Mullein greeted me. As a tea I infused it with my other friend White Willow Bark and it soothed my bruised back and quickly reduced the pain.

Just look at Mullein and its proud stalk and its similarity to the human spine. Need to stand up straight? Have back pain? This powerful herb may be of service for you. It works wonderfully internally as a tea and externally as an oil or salve. As a poultice or a bath this herb is also said to lubricate the synovial membranes –joints in the neck, elbow, back and knees; easing pain and speeding recovery time. Also as oil or warm compress it treats earaches or inner ear disorders in adults and babies. And I’m not done singing its praises: It is a great expectorant loosening thick mucous and stimulating cough, relieving bronchitis, colds and flu and serving as a soothing anti-inflammatory remedy for the respiratory tract with its high content of saponins and mucilage. As a compress, it also relieves inflamed skin conditions such as eczema, bruises, hemorrhoids, dermatitis and acne. Enjoy and embrace Mullein! Drink to your health and healing! I have been doing so!

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Red Clover

11/30/2012

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Red Clover
(Trifolium pratense):
This beautiful field herb is a pleasure not only to look at but also to have in your tea cup, smell, sip and enjoy during your wellness travels!

It’s loaded with calcium, magnesium, profuse amounts of protein, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and E plus it's a powerful blood detoxifier which supports heart health. Isoflavones in Red Clover help to increase HDL cholesterol---the good kind!

It has been found to contain at least four anti-tumor compounds including daidzein and genistein which have been fond to combat breast cancer. Red Clover blossoms are also a great friend to women supporting healthy estrogen levels.

It as also a wonder support to men! It is high in antioxidants, especially tocopheral, a form of Vitamin E. One cup a day is a powerful blood purifier and detoxifier offering great support to the liver. No wonder it is known by other names such as “God-given” and “prized herb.”

I enjoy it greatly and you will too! Please visit the EthniciTea NYC Herbal Shop to purchase Red Clover Leaves & Blossoms Tea Blend.

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In the Weeds: Red Clover

Cocao

DANDELION

Thyme

mullein

Red Clover

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