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Herbal hodgepodge |
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Many flowers can be eaten! Borage, rosemary, calendula, chives, onion tops, dandelion, clover, fennel, geranium, nasturtium, rose, and violet petals make colorful additions to salads. Some essential oils can be added to food but may evaporate when heated. Try adding one drop of neroli to fresh whipped cream. It’s delicious on chocolate pudding! Other essential oils that may be used in small amounts for flavoring include anise, rose, geranium, mint, ginger, clove, and rosemary. Use only one drop or the taste might be bitter. Aromatic honey is easy to make. Add a drop of lemon, ginger, clove, or peppermint essential oil to a fourth cup honey. Stir well and use in tea or on toast. Fresh culinary herbs make healthy additions to the diet. Try bay, oregano, rosemary, or savory on beef. Use anise, caraway, cumin, parsley, rosemary, or thyme on pork. Add basil, rosemary, tarragon, and dill to chicken and fish. In days before refrigeration, meat that smelled “off” was wrapped in layers of green herbs like basil and rosemary before cooking. The herbs saved many hungry people from food poisoning by drawing out and neutralizing rancid toxins. Herbs can help provide optimal healing after dental surgeries. One week before surgery, eat a healthy diet of fresh vegetables, dried beans, whole grains, fresh garlic, and a whole fresh pineapple. Pineapples cost less than $5.00 and will give your body the enzymes it needs for speedy healing. Pineapples contain bromelain which stops inflammation, fights infection, and shortens recovery time. Also, during the week before your surgery take a teaspoon of grape seed oil or other OPC (a flavonoid derived from grape seeds, pine bark, or red wine), get plenty of Vitamin C (citrus or rose hips), B vitamins (like wheat germ), and beta carotene (carrots, sweet potatoes) daily. Cut out grease, high fat dairy, and sweets. Even if not undergoing surgery, try the above directions for one week and see how you feel. Massage helps the body, too. Massage is a wonderful tool, but there are times when it is not appropriate. Never massage a person that has a fever or the abdomen of anyone with high blood pressure (or ulcers). Do not massage the legs of anyone with varicose veins, diabetes, phlebitis, or blood vessel problems. Massage no closer than six inches on either side of bruises, cysts, skin breaks, or broken bones. Massage people with swollen limbs gently. If in doubt, contact a professional! Synergy is often used in herbal medicine. An example is ginseng and licorice. These herbs are good to use individually, but together they offer exceptional benefits. Combined, ginseng and licorice balance body sugar and increase immunity with amazing results. Many factors work together to form good synergy in our lives. Good diet and regular exercise, aromatherapy and massage, and prayer and meditation are all good examples. * Bromelain supplements may affect heart rate. Never add absolute essentail oils to food. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medicines. |
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Janice Boling © 2010 - 2013 By Janice Boling - All Rights Reserved
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