Medicinal Herb Post – Sage

Medicinal herb post #36

Sage – Salvia officinalis written July 30, 2018

Believe it or not this sun loving perennial is actually apart of the mint family, Lamiaceae. There are more than 750 varieties. The officinalis variety is hardy in zones 4-8 so it grows well here in our Utah climates, as do many other kinds. It prefers well draining soil. Sage is actually easier to propagate from root cuttings rather than start from seed. I whack mine back every spring to a medium ball shape. Harvest the leaves from spring through fall.

Sage is a great astringent helping to tone and pucker inflamed tissues, so it’s great for sore throats, mouth sores and diarrhea. It is also effective in drying up mothers milk when a woman is ready to wean her toddler. It’s antiseptic properties make it useful for fighting off the cold/flu. Sage is a mild hormonal stimulant, promoting regular cycles in women and relieving symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and night sweats. It also has antiviral and antifungal properties to help treat infections. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy and/or nursing.

Here’s a simple sage syrup for sore throats or mouth sores… Make a tea from the sage leaves, 1 Tbsp loose dried herb for every cup of water. Add equal parts honey once steeped and strained. Add a few drops peppermint essential oil. You can also add a small amount of echinacea tincture to it too. Pour into bottle and use as needed.

Years ago I found an amazing herb seasoning that I couldn’t find again. I looked at the ingredients in the bottle and decided to make it myself. I grow each herb in my yard and use equal parts dried. I throw it into everything, from soup to spaghetti and more. Here’s the recipe https://rootedemily.com/?p=1802

This grilled herb chicken recipe is my absolute favorite! So flavorful!https://rootedemily.com/?p=210

July 27, 2018December 6, 2019

Medicinal Herb Post – Rosemary

Medicinal Herb Post #35 written July 30,2018

Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis

Native to the Mediterranean, Rosemary means “dew of the sea” as it grows wild along the sunny hillsides next to the sea. It is a perennial in zones 7-10, like warmer climates in St. George. There is a variety named Arp that is supposed to do well here in Northern Utah. I have yet to find a micro-climate in my yard to get it to live through our colder winters. But I keep trying . I’ve had a few live, but only if the winters are mild. Rosemary prefers full sun. It doesn’t like to be over watered, but it doesn’t want to be completely dried out either. Spray the leaves with a water bottle in between waterings weekly to keep it happy. I always keep one in a pot and bring inside during the winter months to use for cooking. Be sure to keep it in a sunny window and/or under lights or powdery mildew will take over. If you are growing one outside just be sure to trim any dead branches that may be affected by cold temps. When harvesting, cut the sprigs almost to the ground working from the outside in, all the way around the plant, leaving the center to continue growing. Rosemary is easily propagated by cuttings. Snip a 6-8 inch branch and place 3 inches of it in a small cup of water. Place on a sunny windowsill and watch is root out over the next few weeks. Transplant to a pot and then into the ground the second year.

Rosemary is well known for improving memory and increasing concentration through circulation improving brain fog, mild depression and headaches caused by vasoconstriction. It’s mildly simulating because it increases oxygen levels within the cells. It does this through improving circulation and can help with cold hands and feet. It is really beneficial for those with vein issues when used with hawthorn berries and gotu kola.

Rosemary helps the body break down fats and food waste improving digestion. When the essential oil is applied to the hair after a shower while the pores are still open within 2 minutes is can stimulate the mind, hair growth and eliminate dandruff. It can help ease muscle tension and headaches and can even work for mild depression. It contains anti-inflammatory properties which can attribute to being a mild pain reliever.

Here’s a great brain tonic: use equal parts ginkgo leaf (harvest at the end of the growing season), gotu kola leaf (if you have it), holy basil, rosemary leaf and peppermint leaf. Make a tincture or tea. Use daily, 1 tsp as a tincture 3x a day or 1 tsp as a tea at the end of the day. Herbs always take time before they start working, usually a few weeks. I like the saying use early, often and after for them to be effective.

Rosemary is also a great antiviral. It can be used for chest infections and clears excess mucus from the sinuses and lungs.

One of my favorite cookies is a rosemary butter cookie. Believe me, you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Here’s the recipe https://rootedemily.com/?p=1541

I love adding rosemary to my breads. For every 2 loaves I make, I add 1-2 tablespoons depending on your taste preference. Here’s a great recipe for a yummy chewy rustic loaf. https://rootedemily.com/?p=197

Another great idea is to infuse rosemary into olive oil over the stove top on low heat for 30-45 minutes. Turn into a salad dressing, a dip for bread or a garnish in soup.

Next time you throw a pot roast in the crock pot or roast chicken add rosemary to it. It not only tastes amazing, but it will help with digestion too.

I’d love to hear how you use rosemary! 🙂

July 27, 2018August 4, 2019

Medicinal Herb Post – Oregano

Medicinal Herb Post #34 written July 26, 2018

Oregano – Origanum vulgare and other spp.

Oregano is a sun loving perennial that reseeds easily in rich soil if allowed to flower and go to seed. Keep it cut back regularly and it will keep producing spring, summer and fall. I like to dry it and use throughout the winter for cooking. Oregano means “joy of the mountains”. Historically it was often used to make crowns for the bride on her wedding day. The Greeks would make a poultice to relieve aching muscles, wounds and bites. I like using Greek oregano for its hotter flavor and stronger medicine.

Oregano is also part of the mint family, Lamiaceae, so it is going to effect our nervous and and want to kill something. It’s a strong antibacterial, killing everything in its path. Be careful to replenish your gut bacteria when using medicinally. It is helpful with colic and bloating. It is also detoxifying and a good respiratory expectorant. It can help regulate menstrual cycles and relieve toothache pain, sore muscles and pain from bug bites.

My favorite supplement that contains oregano I take when I feel like I’m getting sick is called Immunity Shots from California Naturals. You can get it off Amazon. I have kicked strep throat with it twice. Use 6 sprays every 30 minutes the first day and then every few hours after until symptoms subside. Be sure to buy the refill bottle too.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes and uses.
https://rootedemily.com/?p=68

July 27, 2018August 4, 2019

Medicinal Herb Post – Basil

Medicinal Herb post #33 written July 26, 2018

Basil – Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil)

This sun loving annual is part of the mint family (Lamiaceae), with a square stem and alternating and opposing leaves. It has over 150 different varieties of its kind like lemon, cinnamon and holy basil to name a few. I like to grow it from seed under lights and put outside as starts. I also directly seed into the ground after Mother’s Day. I have found that directly seeding into the ground produces better. But I still like the starts to give me a few early leaves to use in cooking. Don’t let the plants flower by keeping them cut back and they’ll continue to produce all season long. It’s Greek meaning refers to “kingly” or “royal herb”. Historically it was used for royalty in healing salves. We use it today as a culinary and medicinal herb.

Basil effects the digestive and nervous systems (because it’s a mint ). It will help with stomach issues like bloating, cramps, nausea and vomiting. Basil regulates gut flora so it supports the immune system. It is on the calming spectrum of the nervines. A mild sedative that can help with headaches, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia and irritability. It also contains antibacterial properties and can help relieve itch and pain from insect bites. There are no contraindications.

A word about Holy Basil… or otherwise known as Tulsi. It grows wild throughout India and is considered a highly regarded plant in Ayurvedic medicine, second most holy herb next to the lotus flower. It’s the only basil that reseeds itself in my garden. It is used regularly for restoring vitality and renewing energy on a regular basis. It can be made into a tincture or a tea.

Try making a tea with basil, lemon balm and chamomile for headaches and even stomach aches.

I love homemade pesto. I make enough to freeze and get us through the winter until next season. I use almonds instead of pine nuts so it’s much cheaper and I think it tastes better. Here’s my recipe… https://rootedemily.com/?p=394

Here are a few of my other favorite recipes.
https://rootedemily.com/?p=1325
https://rootedemily.com/?p=1999
https://rootedemily.com/?p=1529
https://rootedemily.com/?p=1346

What do you use basil for?

July 26, 2018

Shingles-Herpes-Cold Sore Salve

This salve works! The key ingredient is Lemon Balm or Melissa officinalis. It kills any strains of the herpes virus from shingles and chicken pox to genital herpes and cold sores. It will definitely shorten the duration of any outbreak. The plants are simple to grow and use. Here’s how to make it yourself.

Recipe

Equal parts
Dried Lemon Balm leaves (anti-viral)
Dried Calendula flowers (accelerates cell reproduction/healing)
Dried Marshmallow leaves and flowers (soothing to inflamed painful tissue)
Fresh or dried St. John’s Wort flower buds (anti-viral and calms burning nerves for pain)

Place herbs in a quart jar, cover and let steep in the sun for 4 weeks or use the stove top method and simmer on very low heat for 1 hour. Be careful not to burn the herbs.

Strain the herbs through a mesh strainer and cheese cloth or other thin cloth. Squeeze the oil from the plants getting as much as you can.

You can see the deep reddish-orange medicinal color from the herbs that have infused into the olive oil. It’s the Calendula and St. John’s Wort that give it this color. You should measure out about 4 cups of oil.

For every cup of infused oil you will need 1/4 cup packed shredded beeswax. I use only one grater for beeswax and never bother to wash it because it won’t ever come clean. Good thing beeswax is naturally antimicrobial. Melt the beeswax and oil together on very low heat until just melted. Check to see if the salve is the right consistency by spooning a little and placing into the freezer for a few minutes to set up. If you feel like you want it to be a little more firm then add more beeswax.

While the beeswax is melting get 16 2-ounce or 8 4-ounce jars ready. Once melted add a few dropperfuls of vitamin E oil and about 60-80 drops Melissa essential oil. I like using the Melissa blend from Butterfly Express. It’s much cheaper than the real thing and does a great job.

I like filling the jars with either a turkey baster or medicine syringe. Label and date. Keep in the fridge for long term storage. Use as needed.

July 23, 2018August 4, 2019

Medicinal Herb – Gumweed

Medicinal Herb Post #32 written July 23, 2018

Gumweed – Grindelia spp.

This little happy weed is a perennial that grows in poor dry soil. Although some have said their experience with it has been shown to be an annual or biennial. I’ve also grown it in fertile soil in my own back yard too. You’ve probably seen it along road sides when driving through the canyons. It’s found just about anywhere in the southern parts off the US and Mexico. It has yellow flowers that produce a resinous substance, that is considered the medicine. The parts used are the buds that contain the most amount of resin, flowers and leaves. Ariel parts should be picked when you can see the gummy resin on the buds and flowers and then dried. The fresh resinous sap requires Everclear, 95% alcohol, when making into a tincture. 100 proof vodka will do, just use as needed without straining.

Gumweed is a great antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antibiotic, making it a fabulous herb for any respiratory problem from asthma to bronchitis, emphysema and even whooping cough. Because it’s a great antibiotic and vulnerary (accelerates wound healing) it can be used topically on wounds (Native Americans used it specifically for poison ivy), burns, insect bites, rashes and even eczema. It can be used fresh as a poultice topically. Gumweed can be beneficial when used for bladder infections, but not meant to be used in large doses because it can be hard on the kidneys. Those who have kidney issues shouldn’t take it internally.

I make an asthma tincture for my boys using equal parts gumweed, lobelia, mullein and Brigham’s tea. It works really well for them.

I like to use it in a natural antibiotic ointment! I infuse calendula and gumweed into olive oil. Strain and add beeswax and manuka honey with oregano essential oil. Works wonders!

July 23, 2018August 4, 2019

Medicinal Herb – Cayenne

Medicinal Herb Post #31 written July 23, 2018

Cayenne – Capsicum annuum and all other hot peppers included.

This annual is easy to grow in fertile soil and full sun. I like to start seeds indoors the first part of March, keeping them 1 inch below T8 lights on a shelf in my kitchen. Just like any solanaceous plant it does like a little protection from the really hot afternoon sun. The fruit is the medicine. It can be used fresh or dried.

Cayenne is a very versatile herb. The active ingredient, capsaicin specifically stimulates circulation throughout the body. This can do a lot of things like improve digestion (believe it or not, it’s great for ulcers because it increases mucus production in the stomach), it can stimulate the release of endorphins, increase blood flow to help relieve pain when used topically for arthritis, bursitis, muscle/joint aches and healing wounds faster. It also contains a chemical called substance P that is known to numb nerve pain. It has an amazing amphoteric ability to do opposite things in the body. For example it can lower and raise blood pressure by increasing vascular elasticity, improving the function of the cardiovascular system. It’s a natural antibiotic, antihemorrhagic (stops bleeding internally), styptic (stops bleeding externally), anticatarrhal (which means it breaks up mucus in the respiratory system) and a good nervine stimulant. The application of cayenne is really important to consider. For increasing elasticity within the vessels taking a capsule is fine. But when you need it to soothe a sore throat or help the stomach to produce more mucus to heal an ulcer it must be taken in powder form or tincture form outside of a capsule otherwise it just passes through the intestines and doesn’t do what you need it to do.

When the Pioneers came across the plains to Utah, Brigham Young required each family to carry cayenne to help break up the catarrh or mucus when they got sick. It has also been used historically for shock and heart attacks. Cayenne is a must have tincture to keep in your first aid kit. Recent studies have shown that it can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Cayenne is generally safe, however it should be used with caution when handled directly. Be sure to wash hands well after touching. Small amounts of this herb goes a long way.

A great formula for kicking a cold faster is to use equal parts echinacea root powder, Oregon grape root powder, half part marshmallow root powder, half part cayenne powder. Put into capsules or mix with a little water, roll into small little balls easy enough to swallow and dry. At the first sign of a cold take 2 capsules every 2 hours until symptoms subside, then decrease to using 2 capsules 3x a day for 2 more days.

You can also make a salve with cayenne for arthritis and painful joints by heating up 2 tablespoons cayenne powder in a cup of olive oil on very low heat for about an hour. Add 1/4 cup beeswax until melted. Use wintergreen essential oil if desired and pour into jars to set up. Be careful not to touch your eyes after using. You can also add other herbs to the salve like arnica, bay leaves, chamomile and dandelion flowers.

I’d love to hear how you use cayenne! 🙂

July 19, 2018

Emily’s Skin Salve

This stuff is my go to for everything! I’ve been making it for years and sharing with friends and family. There are so many stories people have shared with me about the salve that continue to surprise me. It is the best thing for sun burns, alleviating the pain, but also shortening the redness and burn time for healing. It is great for bug and allergic reactions from plants, cuts, scrapes, gashes… you name it. One particular story really touched me. My Father in law lost a leg in Vietnam and wears a prosthetic leg. It causes sores to weep and bleed where it attaches to his leg. He tried all kinds of creams and prescriptions, but to no avail nothing worked. I gave him some of my salve to try and to all of our surprise the sores started to heal. He keeps a jar and uses it regularly as it is the only things that helps the reoccurring problem from use. If you don’t want to make it yourself I do sell it. Just contact me through my contact page.

Recipe

Comfrey leaf and root (accelerates healing and rapid cell repair)
Calendula flower (also accelerates healing and is a natural antibiotic)
Plantain leaf (accelerates healing and draws out toxins)
Chickweed flower and leaf (soothing especially for itchy bites or stings)
St. John’s Wort fresh flower and leaves (pain relieving anti-inflamm`atory especially for burns)
Yarrow leaf and flower (natural antibiotic, antiseptic and stypic which stops bleeding)
Mullein leaf (anti-inflammatory)
Lobelia leaf and flower (antispasmodic which helps with pain and helps repair damaged nerves)
Wormwood leaf and flower (antiseptic)
Marshmallow leaf, flower and root (soothing to inflamed tissues)

You don’t have to use all of these herbs, but they do each play an important role. I prefer the solar infused method. I place each herb in a quart jar almost to the top, then cover with olive oil. Cover and let steep in the sun for 4 weeks (you can go longer if you want). Strain all the herbs and measure the amount of infused oil you have. Add 1/4 cup of beeswax for every cup of oil. Melt together and add essential oils of your choice. I like lavender and tea tree. I also add vitamin E as a preservative. Pour into jars and label. Keep in the fridge for ling term storage. Should stay good for 2 years or more if kept cold.

July 19, 2018July 19, 2018

Natural Hand Sanitizer

This recipe is super easy and alcohol free or if you want a little rubbing alcohol in it you can use half witch hazel and half rubbing alcohol. I feel like the orange, lemon and tea tree essential oils do a good job disinfecting. This recipe is also safe for small children who shouldn’t absorb rubbing alcohol into their skin as it can be too toxic for them.

Recipe

8 ounces witch hazel or 4 ounces witch hazel and 4 ounces rubbing alcohol
8 ounces aloe vera gel
20 – 30 drops each orange, lemon and tea tree essential oils

Mix everything together and pour into bottles. Label and date.

July 18, 2018July 18, 2018

Soothing Herbal Bath Scrub

I love this stuff! It is super hydrating, mineralizing, exfoliating and smoothing for the skin. You can easily make this large batch or cut it in half.

Recipe

Mix together in a large bowl the following ingredients.
1 cup dried calendula flowers
1 cup dried chamomile flowers
4 tablespoons dried lavender buds
2 tablespoons dried rose petals
2 cups fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil
2 cups Bokek Dead Sea Salt or other sea salt
4 cups Epsom Salt
40 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Place in jars and top with a lid. Label and date. Keep in the fridge for long term storage. Use in shower or bath after washing. Rinse and dry.