Thursday, March 31, 2011

Healing With Berries Pt. 2

G'morning everyone...welcome to Part 2 of healing with berries.
If you missed part 1 from yesterday's post, feel free to read that one before this one, or this one before that one...whichever you choose is fine as there is no need for a particular order.

Ready to start healing? Read on then m'friends!

~Peace~




Healing With Berries Pt. 2


Juniper (juniperus communis)~Juniper is an evergreen shrub that produces blue-black spherical berries. A flavoring for gin, these berries are a powerful detoxifier. They are used to treat cystitis caused by bacterial infection. Juniper promotes the flow of urine, helping to reduce water retention and preventing the formation of kidney stones. Juniper berries stimulate the kidneys and adrenals, purifying the blood. By clearing waste from the body, they help relieve gout. Menstrual flow is promoted by juniper and it can be used to strengthen uterine contractions during labor. ****!if you are pregnant speak to your doctor before using!****




Wu Wei Zi (schisandra)~The berries from this Chinese vine provide a tonic that rejuvenates the kidneys, immune and nervous systems, circulation and digestion. Strengthening to the adrenals and kidneys, wu wei zi is used to treat hepatitis. Containing more than 30 types of lignans, it protects the liver against toxins and is useful in drug and alcohol detox programs.

The adaptogenic qualities of the herb help it balance the nervous system. It improves mental clarity and reduces irritability and forgetfulness. It also relieves depression, anxiety and sleep disturbed by dreams and is believed to be an aphrodisiac, improving sexual stamina and restoring male libido.





Elderberries (sambucus nigra)~Clusters of blue-black berries follow the creamy blossoms of eldrflower. They are extremely nutritious, containing vitamins A and C. and viburnic acid, which induces perspiration, helping to sweat out colds and chills. Elderberries' antiviral and anti catarrh properties make them a popular treatment for colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses, especially when taken at the beginning of an infection. Elder's anti-inflammatory action treats neuralgia and sciatica. The berries are also detoxifying for skin conditions such as acne.






Yew (taxus brevifolia) {NOT FOR HOME USE}~This slow-growing evergreen tree, found mainly in America, has fleshy red berries. All parts of the plant are very poisonous giving rise to many folk legends and superstitions. The poisonous nature of the tree is due to alkaloids and diterpenes.

One diterpene found in yew, taxol, has potent anticancer actions. Taxol from yew is now widely prescribed for the treatment of ovarian and breast cancer. It is also used in some homeopathy treatments.




Bilberry (vaccinium mytillus)~Bilberries are harvested in late summer from this ground-hugging shrub. The berries are antiseptic, astringent, diuretic and nutritive. They are a circulatory tonic for varicose veins, chilblains and hemorrhoids. Bilberry desserts are a laxative for constipation and can treat diarrhea by inhibiting growth of bacteria. Bilberries are also a useful remedy for premenstrual bloating, and they enhance the micro-circulation of the blood to the eye, reducing eye strain, increasing night vision and retarding cataracts.





Jambul (syzygium cumini)~This tropical berry of Australasia has powerful carminative and astringent properties. It is prescribed by herbalists for treating type-1 diabetes. It lowers blood and urine sugar levels, and reduces the fatigue and increased urination associated with diabetes. It is reputed to be hypoglycemic.

Jambul provides soothing relief from indigestion, gas and stomach cramps. Ti can also be beneficial for treating epilepsy under medical supervision. *
***Do Not Use For These Conditions Without First Talking  With Your Doctor****




Blackcurrant (ribes nigrum)~Small, shiny black berries hang down after the flowering of the blackcurrant shrub. They are rich in vitamin C and bioflavoinoids, which increase resistance to infection. Take as a warm cordial to fight winter colds and flu. Blackcurrants also contain proanthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory actions, making them helpful in easing asthma, hay fever and other inflammatory conditions. They have anti laxative properties that ease diarrhea and calm indigestion.





Saw Palmetto (serenoa repens)~The dried berries of this native American herb have traditionally been used as an energy tonic. Their modern application is in treating benign prostate enlargement. Saw palmetto is effective in reducing pain and inflammation. it is also used as a urinary antiseptic for the treatment of cystitis.

Saw palmetto is both nourishing and strengthening. You can use it to aid recovery in wasting illnesses. It builds body tissue, stimulates the appetite and combats debility. It is used to treat male impotence, lack of sex drive and premature ejaculation. I can also help urinary tract inflammation and soothe painful urination.




Raspberry (rubus idaeus)~Succulent, red hairy berries are produced from a prickly shrub. The berries are packed with vitamins A, B1 and C, making them a nutritious summer treat. Juice from the berries makes a pleasant-tasting, fever-reducing remedy for children's chills. The juice also relieves cystitis, indigestion and rheumatic aches and pains. The leaves of the shrub are used to promote labor (Never use with a doctors assistance!)




Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Healing With Berries Pt. 1

G'day everyone.....

Today I am going to share with you the healing properties of wild berries...Using this information, you will be able to harness the healing magic of berries, both wild and cultivated, from all around the world...

So dig into the juicy-ness of berry healing magic!

~Peace~





Healing With Berries Part 1


Rose Hips (rosa canina)~Rose hips are most valued for their vitamin C content. They contain 60 times more than citrus fruits They are also rich in bioflavins, which enhance the body's ability to absorb vitamin C. This vitamin is vital for sustaining life in all your body cells and helps to protect you from infections and illnesses, such as colds and flu. The hips' astringent properties make them a valuable treatment for stomach weakness and diarrhea.







Hawthorn (crataagus monogyna)~This small thorny shrub produces little white-fleshed fruit in a rich red coat. Hawthorn berries are a valuable restorative heart and circulatory tonic. They help to rebuild collagen in the blood vessels, lower cholesterol and remove accumulated plaque.

 Excellent fr complaints associated with circulation, hawthorn is used to treat chilblains and varicose veins. It is also a valuable herb for strengthening the heart muscle without causing unwanted side effects, such as increased blood pressure. Hawthorn also supports the nervous system, making it a remedy for nervous tension, insomnia and stress-related disorders.



Strawberry Tree (arbutus unedo)~The warty, red, berry-like fruits of this Mediterranean tree have powerful antiseptic and astringent properties. They are a valuable remedy for urinary infection, especially cystitis. A gargle of the fruit juice is helpful in treating throat infections and as a drink it stems diarrhea.


Strawberry tree berries are generally used in jam or wine. All parts to the plant contain ethyl gllate, which has strong antibiotic activities against the Mycobacteruim bacteria.

****Do not use if you are suffering from any type of kidney disease****





Cranberry (vaccinium macrocarpon)~This North American evergreen shrub gives round, red berries. Cranberry juice is a classic herbal remedy for cleaning the urinary tract, especially for  cystitis ad urethritis. It is highly alkaline, helping to re-balance the pH of the urine, flushing out acidic-loving E. Coli bacteria. It also stops recurring infections b preventing bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls. Long-term use can prevent kidney stones. Cranberry, containing potassium, beta-carotene, and vitamin C.




Strawberry (fragaria vesca)~Succulent strawberries contain a wealth of vitamins- A, B complex, C and K as well as folic acid and potassium. Incorporate strawberries into your diet to maintain a healthy heart and immune system. Juice from the berries makes a cooling drink for chills and is a tonic for the liver. Use a healing poultice to soothe eczema and other skin conditions such as mild sunburn.





Chinese Wolfberry (lycium chinense)~A Chinese blood tonic, also know as gou qi zi, these berries help to nourish the blood by increasing the absorption of nutrients by the blood cells. Chinese wolfberry also improves circulation and stems bleeding. The berries are cleaning to the kidneys and liver and are believed to protect the liver from environmental toxins. The Chinese take the berries to help failing eyesight.

Chinese wolfberries are rich in vitamin B1, B12 and C; they contain 500 times more vitamin C than an orange and more beta-carotene than carrots. People from the area of Inner Mongolia, to which it is native, are reported to often live past 100 years of age.




Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Posts To Continue Tomorrow

Merry Tuesday My Faithful Followers

Due to appt. issues, I won't be posting until tomorrow.

Sorry about the inconvenience, in the meantime feel free to check out my previous posts...lots of great helpful info.

Thank you so much for bearing with me..

Friday, March 25, 2011

The Magical Side Of Flowers

G'morning my faithful readers!

Today I am going to share the magical side of flowers! Flowers have given us the gift of beauty from the beginning of time, but for centuries, flowers have been used in magic to ward off evil spirits, protect our homes, and for personal material and mystical gain.

So read on to learn how flowers are not just for smelling!


~Peace~




The Magical Side Of Flowers



Althea (althea officinalis)~Carry althea in sachets and burn it as incense to attract good spirits. It is also believed to help stimulate the senses of psychic perception. Althea is commonly known as marshmallow. Its ideal habitats are marshy fields and sodden areas.











Betony (stachys officinalis)~Due to its protective and purificatory properties, betony is placed beneath pillows to protect the sleeper from nightmares. In Roman times betony was believed to cure 47 different ailments. Traditionally, betony was burned on Midsummer bonfires to which people would jump over during a purification ritual.








Blackberry (rubus villosus)~Traditionally, blackberries were baked in pies to celebrate the harvest at Lammas in August. You can also use the berries and leaves in spells to bring wealth, but only if picked before Sept. 29.









Borage (borago officinalis)~Carrying borage flowers, it is believed to protect the wearer from the winds and to give courage. Borage is also believed to help fight off tiredness. Drinking borage tea is believed  to help promote psychic abilities when drank before meditation.









Burdock (arctium lappa)~For protection, burdock is burned as an incense. At the time of a full moon, the roots can be gathered, dried and cut into small pieces and hung from a red thread as a protective amulet.










Buttercup (ranunculus acris)~The tradition of some cultures, is to rub buttercup onto a cow's udders during the festival of Beltane. This is said to encourage the cow to produce plenty of milk.










Chamomile (anthemis nobilis)~To remove curses and other negative spells, chamomile was sprinkled around the home. This herb is favored by superstitious gamblers and can be used wealth spells to attract money.









Chicory (chicorium intybus)~Harvesting this flower with a golden knife in silence at midnight on Midsummer was believed to  make the bearer invisible to all those in the immediate area and open any locks that is touched.









Chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum segetum)~This flower was believed to protect against evil spirits and even the wrath of the gods.It was also thought to ease the passage of recently deceased loved ones into the next life.







Coltsfoot (tussilago farfara)~The leaves of this plant can be used as an ingredient in charm bags to promote peace and tranquility. Coltsfoot has also been smoked since the time of Ancient Rome to help gain visions when scrying.







Dandelion (taraxacum officinale)~Burying dandelion flowers at the northwest corner of the house was said to bring favorable winds. Blowing the sees off dandelions also show how long you will live - a year per seed remaining on the head.









Dogwood (cornus florida)~To ensure that any wish you make comes true, place the sap of dogwood onto a hanky on Midsummer Eve and carry with you.








Foxglove (digitalis purpurea)It was believed that by growing foxglove in the garden, you could protect the home from witches and fairies and stop them from entering the grounds of your property.










Heather (calluna vulgaris)~For centuries it has been believed that by carrying this plant with you provides good luck, although you shouldn't wear it at night as it is believed to attract ghosts.









Lilac (syringa vulgaris)~Keeping lilacs in the garden is believed to provide your home with protection from all evil. Though keeping it in the house is considered unlucky.








Thursday, March 24, 2011

Bed Time Beauty!

G'morning Everyone!

Sleep is essential to your over-all health, for your body to restore and replenish...adding these pampering bed time recipes will help your body look and feel beautifully rested in the morning.....

~Peace~








Bed Time Beauty Recipes



Night Time Lotion~Massage this vitamin packed lotion into your washed face and body before going to bed at night to wake up with soft smooth skin:
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup distilled water
  • 1 tbsp vitamin E oil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tsp wheat germ oil
  • 1 tbsp grated beeswax
In a glass container, dissolve baking soda in the water and set aside. In a small saucepan or microwave safe dish, mix the oils and wax is melted. Heat the soda water mixture but do not boil and then pour it into a blender. Blend on slow speed, slowly adding the oil-wax mixture in a steady stream. Mix well and transfer to a heat-resistant container. Allow the mixture to cool. The lotion will thicken as it cools.

Yield: 6 oz




Lullaby Massage Oil~This massage oil, with it's mixture of lavender and chamomile, is the perfect cure for insomnia; and the almond oil is skin conditioning:
  • 1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers
  • 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
  • 5 drops lavender oil
Place the chamomile flowers in a small saucepan and pour the almond oil over them. Gently warm the oil for a few minutes, but do not boil. allow the oil to cool; then strain out the flowers. Add the lavender oil and pour into a clean  bottle. Slowly massage a small amount onto dry skin or tired muscles.

Yields: 4 oz



Relaxing Lavender Bath~Take this perfect oatmeal and lavender bath after a hard day to clam your body and mind. The oatmeal and soda baking soda soothe sensitive:
  • 1 cup dried lavender flowers
  • 2 cups oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
In a blender or food processor combine all ingredients and process until you have a smooth, fine powder. Pour 1/2 cup into your bath under running water.

Yield: 28 oz



Eye Rest Pillows~These little silk pillows are pretty and simple to make and are an effective way to ease eye strain and relax at the end of the day.
  • 2 rectangle pieces of silky material, 5"x9"
  • 1 cup flaxseeds
  • 1 tbsp dried lavender
Stitch the material together to form a small sack, and fill it with flaxeeds and lavender. Stitch the remaining end close. Lie down with the pillow over your eyes. To calm inflamed skin, cool the pillow by placing it in the refrigerator.



Evening Nail Oil~Massage this rich combination of natural oils onto your nails before going to bed to straigthen and condition them. do this every night to see improvement in a few short weeks. You can find lecithin at your local natural food store.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp liquid lecithin
  • 1/4 tsp vitamin E oil


Combine all ingredients and mix well. Dab a small amount on your fingers and rub thoroughly into your nails.

Yields: 1/2 oz





Wednesday, March 23, 2011

More Delicious Herbal Smoothies

Hello and welcome to today's post!

Today I am going to finish sharing herbal smoothies, like I was supposed to yesterday; I had a last minute addition for "Featured Artist Tuesday. So keep reading for some delicious recipes.

~Peace~




5 More Healthy Delicious Herbal Smoothies



Lean Green Smoothie ( weight loss )~After a long cold winter, and treat filled holidays, you may be thinking of getting back on the weight loss track, this recipe is loaded with water-packed foods that are low in sugar and boosts the metabolism with a serving of green tea:
  • 1 seedless cucumber, chopped
  • 1 cup honeydew melon balls, frozen
  • 1 cup green tea, chilled
  • 1 handful mint leaves, chopped
Add to the blender the cucumber and melon balls, then pour in the green tea. Top with the mint and blend. Enjoy!



Purple Passion Smoothie ( heart health )~Red wine, dark colored grapes, even grape juice are known to protect the heart. Get seedless grapes to avoid a gritty texture. The silken variety of tofu blends quite well with the other ingredients.
  • 2 cups seedless concord grapes ( add ice if using non-frozen fruit )
  • 1 cup passion fruit juice
  • 1 cup silken tofu
Blend all until smooth, enjoy!



Citrus Cooler (mental focus)~Inhaling the scent of lemons stimulate our brainwaves, aiding our concentration. In aromatherapy, basil is also used for mental focus. This is a great smoothie to drink before a big exam or an important project:
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 handful lemon basil
  • 2 cups sorbet
Add lemon basil to boiling water and let steep for five minutes. Strain and chill the liquid. Add basil water to a blender and top with lemon sorbet. Blend until smooth.



Relaxation Smoothie (stress relief )~In aromatherapy, lavender is one of the toughest stress-relieving herbs. This smoothie hits the spot after a hot relaxing shower:
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup lavender buds
  • 1 cup frozen vanilla yogurt
  • 1 vanilla bean, cut length-wise
Simmer water and add lavender buds. Steep for five minutes, do not boil. Remove from heat, strain and chill the liquid. Add frozen yogurt to blender. Scrape vanilla from the pod and toss into blender. Add lavender water and pulse until smooth.



Very Berry Smoothie (disease fighter )~This smoothie combats many illnesses, including cancer, with a full day's  supply of fruit and a great boost of antioxidants:
  • 1/2 cup frozen black cherries
  • 1/2 cup frozen boysenberries
  • 1 cup frozen blackberries
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup vanilla yogurt
Blend all ingredients until slushy. Add extra juice if needed.