red clover infusions

i have added red clover (Trifolium pratense) to my daily infusions. prepared same as the nettle infusions - 1 ounce to 1 quart of boiling water - steep overnight - strain - drink. red clover has so many benefits. here are a few:
• contributes to bone health
• high in phytoestrogens (complex topic for me to explain all of it -
  but they help with menopause)
• helps prevent breast cancer, osteoporosis and strokes
• eases anxiety and confusion
• helps muscle and joint pain
• keeps skin healthy

more on oatstraw

i posted earlier about my daily nourishing infusions - and made a small comment about oatstraw (Avena sativa) - but since i am now doing either nettles or oatstraw on a daily basis i thought i'd write about oatstraw a little more.

to make an infusion - use one ounce of dried herbs in a jar and cover with one quart boiling water. stir it a bit to get all the herb wet. let it sit overnight and then next morning strain off the herb and drink the infusion throughout the day.

infusions draw out beneficial vitamins and minerals. they are helpful because you get the highest quality nutrition - and by getting vitamins and minerals from a whole source rather than extracted materials - such as a supplement pill form - our bodies assimilate them better.

oatstraw acts as an anti-depressant and restorative nerve tonic. it is ideal if you are stressed, exhausted, nervous or sad. if you use it regularly it eases inflammation in your body. it is a great source of calcium to strengthen bones, teeth, and nails. to get your daily calcium supplement add a little horsetail (Equisetum arvense) in the infusion. oatstraw nourishes your nervous system and cleanses your circulatory system. it will help alot if you are just plain worn out.

in the garden

this is what i have in the herb garden right now and then a brief basic description on how the herb can be used medicinally. they can be prepared in an infusion (steep in hot water for at least four hours) or for stronger medicine - a tincture (soaked in alcohol for 4-6 weeks).

what is that sentence i am supposed to say now ? something like: these statements have not been evaluated by the food & drug administration. they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. consult with your health care practitioner for proper use. there.

thyme (Thymus vulgaris) - antiseptic properties - can be used as a mouthwash, skin cleanser, anti-fungal agent for athlete's foot and anti-parasitic for lice

sage (Salvia officinalis) - for mouth sores and sore throat. for sore throats, mix sage tea with apple cider vinegar and salt for gargling

lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - a benefit for stress, anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression

rosemary (Hyssopus officinalis) - a digestive aid. treats depression and headaches. use as an expectorant and for muscle spasms

marjoram (Origanum majorana) - relief from symptoms of hay fever, sinus congestion, indigestion, asthma, headache, dizziness, colds, coughs, and nervous disorders. marjoram essential oil has been one of my favorites for headaches - a few drops on forehead and temples

catnip (Nepeta cataria) - very mild herb medicinally. it has calming and sedative effects. which surprises me since cats go bonkers for this stuff !

parsley (Carum petroselinum) - a vitamin and mineral powerhouse. a natural breath sweetener. eat the leaves right off the plant to combat breath odors

feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) - helps dramatically in some cases of migraine, arthritis pain, painful menstruation, rheumatism, and muscle spasms

lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla or Lippia citriodora - confused on the latin name here) - relief of digestive tract spasms, reduction of fever, strengthening of the nervous system. has the ability to break down cellulite, and has a soothing, healing and toning effect on the skin

basil (Ocymum basilicum) - digestive and anti-gas properties. also for stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation, headaches, and anxiety

comfrey (Symphytum officinale) - a priceless herb for wounds, sprains, bruises

valerian (Valeriana officinalis) - a central nervous system relaxer and a sleep aid

common rue (Ruta Graveolens) - the leaves applied externally will ease the severe pain of sciatica and headaches

horehound (Marrubium vulgare) - benefits chronic cough and asthma

spearmint (Mentha spicata) - relieves hiccough and flatulence

chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) - a remedy for hysterical and nervous affections in women (!) has a wonderfully soothing and sedating effect

calendula (Calendula officinalis) - a remedy for the pain and swelling caused by bee or wasp sting. a lotion from the flowers helps sprains and wounds

infusions

every night i make an infusion of either nettles (Urtica dioica) or oatstraw (Avena sativa). infusions draw out the minerals and vitamins from the herbs. since they are a whole source, our bodies assimilate them easier. much better than taking a vitamin/mineral supplement in pill form. i just put fresh/dried herbs into a glass jar and pour hot water over them. they should sit at least four hours - roots and bark eight - i let mine sit overnight. nettles is rich in calcium, potassium, protein, b carotene, chlorophyll, trace minerals, iron, vitamins a, c, d and k.

in the picture is a nettles infusion... and fresh lemon verbena (Aloysia Triphylla) infusion.