The Miracle of Herbs for your Health Needs – How to Make Herbal Medicine
08 Apr 2011 1 Comment
in Flu & Cold, God's Green Herbs, recipes, tea Tags: Echinacea Tincture, fever herbs, flu tea, herb kit, Herbalism, organic herbs, Tincture kit
Everyone that has read my articles, taken my classes or heard me speak knows that I am absolutely in love with herbs and nature.
I am also moved by the simple beauty that God created all the herbs, plants, fruits and vegetables that are ultimately used in even the most aggressive forms of cancer and disease. Something so simple to grasp and yet millions of people have to die each year including children because as a society we care more about the green paper then truly finding cures that are embedded in Gods wonderful creation. I can only pray that my passion for health and my research of many years can be of help to as many people who are open to hearing.
I went on a mission a long time ago. And I invite you to partake in your own mission to better health. One of the things you can do to expand your knowledge base is try out some herbal medicine recipes and judge for yourself their effectiveness. I started treating sty’s, nausea and many other ailments at home many years ago. First because I know how effective food and herbs are in helping our bodies fight disease and sickness. I also wanted to use non toxic remedies that would not affect my children in any way or give them cancer or any other debilitating disease later in life.
Now in my herbal lab I have about 100 or more organic herbs, tinctures, glycerites, salves, teas, spices and organic beauty products that I have formulated myself. I make sure to keep an ample stock of these items at home and in the office because I never know when someone is going to ask me for a sore throat tea or a compress for pink eye.
After getting asked from many people I decided to start sharing some of my herbal medicine recipes with others and making them available on several websites online.
Today I wanted to share with you just one of the herbal kits that I have available. It’s LCO’s Tincture Kit for beginners and is a no brainer for anyone age 20 to 100.
So what’s a tinctire kit?
A tincture is a liquid extract of an herb. It is made by soaking herbs in a drinkable alcohol. Tinctures are super concentrated herbal concoctions. I tend to do about 3 to 4 dropper-fulls 2 to 4 times a day everyday if I am not feeling well. Tinctures work because they are made in a base of alcohol like Vodka or Brandy which breaks down the herbs and pulls out the medicinal qualities.
And now, you can make your own tinctures with no difficulty and have enough bottles on hand to last you all year for just a fraction of the cost for what you pay for just one 2 ounce bottle at the health food store.
I have created a step by step instructional guide with this kit that comes with 2 bags of organic herbs, 2 glass tincture bottles, labels and two organic cotton muslin bags for straining. The only thing you will have to purchase is your vodka or Brandy. You will also need a jar with a lid for steeping the herbs and a jar with lid to store any extra tincture. I find that re-cycling pasta sauce jars works wonderfully.
Grab this kit while it lasts as it is specially priced for spring and will go quickly.
Choose from:
Immunity Rescue – Intense immunity booster with over 8 organic herbs possessing anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.A must have for families.
Help my Tummy – Fantastic blend or organic herbs that help with stomach upset, gas and indigestion. Another fantastic blend to keep on hand.
Nighty Night – A mixture of organic herbs to help you unwind and relax.
AstraE (Astragalus & Echinacea) – Immunity booster and viral infection fighter. Great for those traveling or those going around sick people.
Fever Assist – Made with herbs that promote perspiration which in turn cools the body down resulting in a lowering of fever. We use this in tincture, glycerite and tea form.
Click on the picture below to purchase!
How do I make a tea with organic loose herbs and what on earth is a Decoction?
04 Nov 2010 3 Comments
in God's Green Herbs, tea, Baby & Child Health, Green Living, Flu & Cold Tags: tea, moms, chamomile, Echinacea., Herb, Infusion, Melissa officinalis, organic herbs, Steeping, Decoction, how to make tea, how, cup of tea, loose herbs
Today I had a friend call me to ask how she should make an infusion (cup of tea) with the Organic loose Lemon balm and Echinacea she purchased from La Chica Organica’s herbal store.
She was a little confused because she had heard me on a CD I did where I am teaching moms how to prepare a decoction for their little ones. This CD is not available on this site, but will be available in the future in the form of a video.
So just in case you’re wondering here is how you make a cup of tea.
Now I must interject here for a moment and let you know that depending on the herb you are using you might have to make a decoction instead of an herbal tea infusion. Decoctions are another way to prepare herbs for your cup of tea.
An Infusion is also called steeping. Steeping is best when using plants, soft leaves, and flowers that have volatile oils. Peppermint, Lemon Balm and Chamomile flowers are examples of herbs you would prepare for tea using an infusion.
A Decoction is always made by cooking the herbs. Decoctions are meant for roots, stems, barks, seeds like Fenugreek and coarse leaves. The reason its important to cook the herbs is that by cooking you are allowing the herbs to break down and release their medicinal properties into the water. Elderberries, Astragalus, and Echinacea root are samples of herbs you would prepare as a tea with the decoction method.
If you’re making an infusion with your loose herbs you will have to:
Boil water and once its boiling turn off heat. Place your organic loose herbs in a glass tea-pot, glass or ceramic jar or cup. Then pour the boiling water over the herbs, cover and let steep for 15 minutes to 30 minutes depending on your preference for strength. Once steeping is complete strain your tea, sweeten with raw organic honey, coconut nectar or stevia and enjoy.
To make a decoction:
Put herbs and water in a pot together. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling reduce heat keep covered and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Once your done strain and enjoy with your favorite sweeter as mentioned above.
Now if making tea is not your thing but you want to take herbs to boost your immunity or help with digestion or set the stage for a good nights sleep you might consider making a tincture with La Chica Organica’s super easy, inexpensive tincture kit. You can read all about it here.
<Have a great weekend>
LCO
Herbal Tinctures to help you during Flu Season
25 Oct 2010 Leave a Comment
in Allergies and Asthma, Flu & Cold, God's Green Herbs, Green Living, organic food Tags: Common cold, Echinacea., Herb, herb kit, Infection, organic herbal kits, organic herbs, tincture
Because we are getting into the winter season where colds and the flu abound I was asked by some friends to please make available a tincture kit with instructions that can be made at home and allow everyone to have the healing goodness of immunity boosting herbs at your disposal all winter long.
But why would you want to buy a tincture kit? Well for starters your saving a huge amount of money if you make the tinctures yourself vs buying only 1 bottle at the health-food store for $20. My kit costs $20 and will make you over 7 tinctures bottles of 2 ounces each. Click here to purchase.
So what is a tincture anyway? A tincture is a liquid extract of an herb. It is made by soaking herbs in a drinkable alcohol. Tinctures are super concentrated herbal concoctions. You only need a few drops several times a day but I tend to do about 3 to 4 dropper-fulls everyday if I am not feeling well. Tinctures work because they are made in a base of alcohol like Vodka or Brandy which breaks down the herbs and pulls out the medicinal qualities.
You can make these with little to no difficulty and have enough bottles on hand to last you all year for just a fraction of the cost for what you pay for just one 2 ounce bottle at the health food store.
I have created a step by step instructional guide with this kit and its so easy a 5th grader can do it. The guide comes with one bag of organic herbs, sample set pictured above. You have a choice of Organic Olive Leaf, Organic Echinacea, bag of Organic Lemon Balm or you can have a bag with all 3 herbs mixed together for a super immunity punch. You will also get 2 glass tincture bottles, labels and two organic cotton muslin bags for straining. The only thing you will have to purchase is your vodka or Brandy. You will also need a jar with a lid for steeping the herbs and a jar with lid to store any extra tincture. I find that re-cycling pasta sauce jars works wonderfully. This kit is priced super low at just $25 plus $5 for shipping. Click here to purchase any one of these kits. You can also purchase additional tincture bottles for $3 each or four tincture bottles for $11
Here are some interesting facts from a few of my herb books about the herbs available in this kit. As you will read, they are a must for every household.
Olive leaf is a natural antibiotic and antioxidant that can help or prevent many diseases. The active compounds have been reported to act as an anti-microbial agent, which slows invaders enough for the body’s natural immune system to react. It exhibits powerful anti-parasitic and anti-fungal properties that fight over one hundred viral and bacterial conditions. The result is a natural antibiotic and antioxidant with similar effects to garlic and onions. Olive leaf tea can be enjoyed regularly as a preventative or used directly to combat ailments. It also works to lower high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, improve respiratory response, improve skin health, heart disease and fatigue. Olive leaf can rejuvenate your vitality and energy, enhance your immune system, supports your cardiovascular system and promote general health and well-being.
Echinacea is often put in combinations with other herbs. It is an excellent infection fighter and is used as a powerful natural antibiotic.
- Especially good in glandular infections and problems. A good cleanser for glands and the lymphatic system.
- One of the best herbs for helping enlargements and weakness of the prostrate gland.
- Used in ear aches, strep throat, lymph glands.
- Effective blood purifier. Used for blood poisoning and poisonous spider and snake bites.
- Used in combination with goldenseal, Yarrow and Cayenne to form a powerhouse infection fighting formula. Also combined with myrrh in place of goldenseal for people with hypoglycemia.
- Works well with chickweed to help weight loss.
Lemon Balm has been prized by bee keepers since earliest time. It was credited with the ability to attract and nurture swarms of bees, and as a remedy for their stings. By herbalists, it has long been favored for use in all complaints that were supposed to “proceed from a disordered state of the nervous system.” The London Dispensary (1696) says, “An essence of Balm, given in Canary wine, every morning will renew youth, strengthen the brain, relieve languishing nature and prevent baldness.” John Evelyn wrote, “Balm is sovereign for the brain, strengthening the memory and powerfully chasing away melancholy.” According to King’s Dispensatory, “Lemon Balm is moderately stimulant, diaphoretic, and antispasmodic. A warm infusion, drank freely, has been a serviceable diaphoretic in febrile diseases and painful menstruation, and to assist the operation of other diaphoretic medicines.”
Indicated Internal Usages:
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Cold and Flu Cocktails/Remedies – What you Should Have on Hand!
06 Oct 2010 6 Comments
in Allergies and Asthma, Baby & Child Health, Flu & Cold, God's Green Herbs, Green Living, organic food, Preggo Mama, Stress, tea, vitamin d, Vitamins & Supplements Tags: balm, cold, Colostrum, Echinacea., flu, garlic, green, health, Herb, homeopathic, Immune system, immunity, immunity boosting herbs, Influenza, Joe Shmoe, Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, natural cures, olive, organic herbs, Oscillo, Oscillococcinum, Smoothie, thyme, tincture, Vodka, winter
Is there a cold or flu virus lurking around the corner? Did you just go to the store and open up the refrigerated section then a few minutes later rub your eyes?
It’s amazing how easily we are exposed to nasty viruses and bacteria. All it takes is for Joe Shmoe to sneeze and cough right on the handles of the store refrigerators and then you come strolling along completely unaware that the door handles are covered in yuck. You open them, get your goods and go on your merry way. A few minutes later you robotically rub your eyes or nose and whala – the connection is made. Those nasty germs are on their way into your body.
First let me lovingly say that if you are a Joe Shmoe, please do us all a favor and COVER YOUR MOUTH when you cough or sneeze. Carry a pack of tissues with you so you can use and discard as needed. Also be sure to cleanse hands after each explosion of germs. It’s very irresponsible and inconsiderate to know that you’re sick and sneeze and cough all over the place without covering up and washing your hands afterward. You are promoting sickness in the community of pregnant moms, babies, young adults, parents, the elderly and even pets.
So what are some things you can do to reduce your chance of getting sick and or help you if you do get sick? What I am going to say might shock you but it’s often overlooked.
SLEEP.
Yes, if and when your body is under attack you must sleep. Make sure you are getting at least 7 hours of un-interrupted sleep at night although 9 hours is ideal especially when the body is under stress. Your body can survive for days and days without food but your organs can start to shut down after just 5 days without sleep. So please get your rest if you can, it’s very important. Another important factor is water intake. Your body needs water at least 8 to 10 glasses a day in order to function properly. Your brain alone is composed of over 75% water. Not to mention the rest of your body consists of about 60% water.
Just think of a raisin all shriveled up. That could be your brain or your lungs you know. It’s actually been studied that people with asthma that drink more water and stay hydrated were found to have less attacks. So hydration with good old water is very important at all times.
Now to the other stuff.
Before I start giving you what I use let me make it clear that if you want to be healthy you have to act like your trying to get healthy. Yes, organic herbs and supplements can help a body under attack but you must deal with the problem from the inside out and not simply treat a symptom. If you eat a diet mainly of cooked foods and do not take additional enzymes, probiotics and minerals you are going to run your body down and in turn have a weakened immune system that will fall prey to any and every viral or bacterial infection floating in the air. A healthy diet is the key to maintaining a strong immune system.
OK, now that I got that out of the way, lets talk about my health cocktails. I have all kinds of cocktails: bath cocktails, breakfast cocktails, immunity cocktails, you name it I’ve got it.
- Some of the foods, ingredients & herbs I use in my emergency cold and flu cocktails are: Organic Olive Leaf , Organic Lemon Balm, Organic Ginger, Organic Garlic, Organic Thyme, Greens and Grasses in smoothies, Colostrum, Organic Herbal Baths, Organic Powdered Rose hips (Vitamin C), vitamin D3, herbal salts, Organic Cayenne Powder, Organic herbal antiviral antibacterial tinctures & glycerites.
- Want to boost immunity then do a smoothie with Organic Greens. We drink one every morning for breakfast and add in powdered Colostrum and powdered Rose hips. La Chica Organica has a fantastic blend of Greens/Grasses available, please email me for product information and pricing.
- Making pasta be sure to crush lots of fresh garlic. If you have a mortar and pestle make a paste with a pinch of Cayenne and toss it over your cooked pasta with some olive oil. Garlic is a fantastic antiviral and anti-inflammatory herb. Cayenne has been used for years as a nasal decongestant and has been used for centuries to treat asthma, fevers, sore throats, respiratory infections, and digestive problems.
- Take a bath in Thyme or Mama’s Cold & Flu Rescue bath that helps when the body is fighting a cold or flu. Be sure to check out a 2 part audio teaching I did on bathing with Thyme, here.
- Got the stuffy’s and congested? I enjoy using an awesome Organic balm that I make called Mariana’s Winter Balm. It’s gentle but effective for rubbing on a congested chest and feet. I have 3 samples to give away for anyone interested. Please post a comment below by 8pm Friday October 8th 2010. The first 3 comments will be contacted via email and will be mailed a sample within the next 2 weeks. I just ask that you cover $3.99 for packaging and shipping costs. This balm will be available for purchase soon.
- Another fantastic food to keep on hand is Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil. Coconut Oil does not contain Trans-Fats, is Gluten-Free, Non-Toxic, Hypoallergenic, and contains Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal, and Anti-parasitic healing properties. Coconut oil is a fantastic way to aid and support your overall Immune System functions.
If you would like a 10 ounce container of La Chica Organica’s Coconut Oil you can order by emailing me at LaChicaOrganica@gmail.com. Each container is at an affordable price of just $4. I add a teaspoon to my smoothies 2 times a day. It’s so yummy.
- I also have found that drinking a tea several times a day with 1 or more of my immunity boosting herbs is a wonderful way to stay healthy and aid the body during sickness. But if teas are not your thing or you simply don’t have time you might consider making a tincture like the one in the picture below. A tincture is a liquid extract of an herb. It is made by soaking herbs in a drinkable alcohol. Tinctures are super concentrated herbal concoctions. You only need a few drops several times a day. Tinctures work because they are made in a base of alcohol like Vodka or Brandy which breaks down the herbs and pulls out the medicinal qualities.
You can make these with little to no difficulty and have enough bottles on hand to last you all year for just a fraction of the cost for what you pay for just one 2 ounce bottle at the health food store.
I have created a step by step instructional guide with this kit that comes with 2 bags of organic herbs, 2 glass tincture bottles, labels and two organic cotton muslin bags for straining. The only thing you will have to purchase is your vodka or Brandy. You will also need a jar with a lid for steeping the herbs and a jar with lid to store any extra tincture. I find that re-cycling pasta sauce jars works wonderfully.
Grab this kit while it lasts as it is specially priced for winter and will go quickly. Click here to order
Choose from:
Immunity Rescue – Intense immunity booster with over 8 organic herbs possessing anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.$25
Help my Tummy – fantastic blend or organic herbs that help with stomach upset, gas and indigestion. $25
Nighty Night – A mixture of organic herbs to help you unwind and relax. $25
AstraE (Astragalus & Echinacea) – Immunity booster and viral infection fighter. $25
Fever Assist – made with herbs that promote perspiration which in turn cools the body down resulting in a lowering of fever. $25
**You can also purchase additional tincture bottles for $3 each or four tincture bottles for $11** Click here to order
- If you are really miserable with a flu you can take homeopathic meds which are a fabulous alternative to pharmacy drugs. We love Oscillococcinum. Oscillococcinum (Oscillo®), one of the world’s most popular natural flu medicines, it can reduce the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms when taken at the onset of symptoms. Oscillo works without causing side effects, does not interfere with other medications, and is safe for both children (older than 2 years of age) and adults. For $2 coupons you can use at your pharmacy or grocery store click here
- Clinical studies show that Oscillo reduces the severity and duration of flu symptoms
- Great taste and convenient to take
- No side effects or interactions with other medications
- Good for everyone 2 years of age and older
- Weekly consumption of Vitamin D3 is very important during cold a flu season. You can read about which vitamin D3 to take by clicking here.
- One last thing to remember is that green is good. The more green you consume the better your overall health will be.
That’s all for now.
Signing Off! La Chica Organica
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