July - Herbal Recipes

 

 

June is a time when Spring is in full bloom.  Gardens everywhere are flourishing including the precious herb gardens with favorites like oregano, sage, parsley and thyme.  These wonderful herbs not only give delicious flavor to a variety of foods but also can be used to heal the body and relax the mind.

The following simple recipes can be used to access the healing properties of a variety of herbs. 

Herbal Tea using Leaves, Flowers and Seeds

1. Place 2-3 tablespoons of herb in a container with a tight fitting lid.
2. Pour 1 quart of boiling water over the herbs.
3. Cover the container and let steep for 1 hour.
4. Strain.

For one cup of tea use approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons of herb per cup of water.

Herbal Tea using Root Herbs

1. Bring one quart of water to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to simmer.
3. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of root herb. 
4. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Steep for at least one hour to overnight.
6. Strain and drink 3 to 4 cups per day.

Use the same tablespoons of herb for 2 days.  Root herbs are strong.  For one cup of tea use approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons of herb per cup of water.

 Herbal Infused Oil

1. Place the herbs and the extra virgin olive oil in a glass jar.  Make sure the oil covers the herbs by about an inch.  Cover tightly.
2. Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot and let steep for 2 weeks.
3. Strain the oil through cheesecloth or muslin.
4. When the oil has been poured off, put the herbs in the cheesecloth or muslin and wring thoroughly, squeezing every drop of the precious oil from the plant material.
5. Then add a fresh batch of herbs to the oil and infuse for 2 more weeks.
6. Strain again.

This method will give you a very potent medicinal oil.

 Herbal Bath

1. Use 3 to 4 ounces of herb to make a very strong herbal tea, strain and add the tea to the bathwater.
- or -
1. Bundle mixed herbs in a large cotton scarf or clean nylon stocking and tie it directly onto the nozzle of the tub.
2. Run hot water through the herbal bundle until the tub is half full.
3. Toss the bundle in to the tub and adjust the temperature with cold water.
4. Soak in the bath for 20-30 minutes to enjoy the full benefits of the herbs.
 
The temperature of the water will affect the healing quality of the bath.  Cool to tepid water is excellent for lowering a fever or normalizing the system. A warm bath is relaxing and soothing to the nervous system.  Cold water is stimulating and contracting and will firm and strengthen the entire system if you are brave enough to endure it.
 
 Herbal Syrup
1. Use 1 ounce of herb to 1 quart of water.  Over low heat, simmer the liquid down to 1 pint
2. Strain the herbs from the liquid
3. To each pint of liquid, add 1 cup of honey (or other sweetener)
4. Warm honey and liquid together. Mix well.
5. Bottle, label, and date.  Refrigerate.
 
Will store for months

 Gingered Honey

1. Grate 1 part fresh ginger to 1 part honey.  Mix well.
2. Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid
 
Add to hot water, tea, beverage, or eat a spoonful
Good for nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness,
cold, flu, and congestion.
Will last for months if refrigerated
 
 Herbal Vinegar
1. Collect fresh herbs (can use dry)
2. Fill a clean jar just below the brim with herbs
3. Pour vinegar over herbs.  Fill the jar to the top and completely cover the herbs (very important!)
4. Take a piece of wax paper and cover the jar
5. Seal with a tight fitting lid
6. Label and date jar. Keep in a warm dark place for 4 to 6 weeks
7. Strain herbs from vinegar
8. Enjoy on salads, veggies, sauces, etc.