Wormwood ~ Useful Bitter Herb

How many times have any of us come home from a great vacation, only to come home and be a little bloated and "draggie" from all the vacation foods we ate that are not normally in our diets? ESPECIALLY, if we went to a seaside area and enjoyed local seafood. 

Or do you eat a lot of sushi or under-cooked meat and have a bloat and maybe some gas that just won't go away?

Chances are that while enjoying the local seaside cuisine or under-cooked meat, you have unintentionally brought home a little "friend." 

For those of us who are normally land locked, eating sea food that is not from our geographical area or eating the raw fish in sushi or for those who do not properly cook through their meats, worms and parasites may have crept their way into your diet. 

Yes, sad but true. Eww.

But . . . there is a very easy way to rid yourself of those little "friends." A truly bitter herb called Wormwood.

The true bitterness of this herb is part of what helps to rid those varmints from our bodies. As with all bitter herbs, it stimulates the stomach, liver and gallbladder, making it an excellent parasitic and worm cleanse.

Even though Wormwood is best known as a parasitic cleanse, it also has other benefits . . . 

As mentioned, it stimulates the digestive juices in the digestive tract, stimulating bile to help with bloating, gas, reflux and other digestive issues. It is also known to ease stomach pain, help with anemia, ease a fever and is a mild antidepressant.

 From my own home apothacary

Wormwood may be used in several ways ~ blended with other bitter herbs in an infusion (a strongly brewed "tea" made from the leaves, made to sipped on throughout the day), a tincture (a liquid, medicinal herb or herb blend; very easy to make, just time consuming), a capsule or your own tea. When using as a tea or infusion DO NOT SWEETEN, the bitterness is part of the cure, and only take on a daily basis for 2-4 weeks at a time.

So, the next time you bring home a little uninvited "friend" from vacation or restaurant meal, remember that you can easily evict them with the bitter herb, Wormwood.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

**See obligatory disclaimer at bottom of blog**

**Please consider fully cooking your meat. As my husband has been known to say to rude waiters who turned their noses up at our request for "well done" meat: "I grew up on a cattle and hog farm, if you knew what they ate, you'd want yours well done, too."

Homemade Liquid Roll-On Deodorant

I am always on the lookout for my next favorite homemade personal care item. And I have found another one!

For years, I have made my own homemade SOLID deodorant and I absolutely love it. It works so very well and lasts a long time. But a couple of months ago, I saw a recipe from Mountain Rose Herbs for a LIQUID roll-on deodorant that was just too good not to try. And now, I think I have a new favorite.

And, of course, I HAD to play with it a little and make it more my own, so here is my recipe:

I changed 2 of the suggested essential oils . . . 

Clary Sage not only lends a yummy herbal fragrance, but it is a known odor-cutter. If you know someone who suffers from chronic body odor, clary sage will reduce the odor immensely. 

Lavender not only calms down our senses but calms down any skin issues. If you gave yourself a little knick while shaving your underarms, lavender will take the edge off of the pain, but it's anti-bacterial properties will helps stop any bacteria and inflammation.

Frankincense is ALWAYS good for skin. It also has anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and skin healing properties. Frankincense helps anything to do with the skin for any skin type.

You Will Need:

~1-1/2 TB witch hazel
~1/2 TB vegetable glycerin
~1/2 ts pink sea salt (aka: Himalayan, "real" salt)
~5 drops clary sage essential oil
~5 drops lavender essential oil
~4 drops frankincense essential oil
~1 oz. size roll-on bottle (mine is from Mountain Rose Herbs)

Directions:

1) Add oils to the bottle, first
2) Add sea salt
3) Add witch hazel and vegetable glycerin
4) attach the roll-ball top securely
5) shake before each use

Be sure to let me know who much you love your new deodorant.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

REVIEW ~ 101 Easy Homemade Products for your Skin, Health and Home

I was recently asked to review a brand new book on some of my favorite subjects: homemade skin care, health care and home care. And I need to tell you if EVER there were a great "what-book-would-you-recommend-for-newbies" book, THIS IS IT!

101 Easy Homemade Products for your Skin, Health and Home by Jan Berry, founder and blogger at The Nerdy Farm Wife.

It has EVERYTHING you are looking for in a book chock-full of information . . . 

~Right from the start, it has a sweet homey cover that just draws you to it

~Even the Table of Contents is exciting  to read: Getting Started . . . , Nontoxic Herbal Skin Care, Naturally Soothing Salves and Balms, Exotic Body Butters and Lotion Bars (oooo, ahhh), Easy, All-Natural Cream and Lotions, Garden-Fresh Bath Soaks and Salts, Beautiful Bath Melts and Scrubs, DIY Lip Care, Luscious Hair Care, Simple Homemade Soaps (any kind your little heart desires), Herbal Home Remedies, Nontoxic Solutions for the Home. And even All-Natural Pet Care!

~The book, itself, is made in such a way that all you have to do is lay it open . . . anywhere, on any page . . . and it will lay open. No laying something heavy on top, no bending or breaking the spine, it simply lays open so that you may read your recipes while your hands are busy.

~The photography is simply beautifully done and all photos were taken by Jan, herself.

~Jan has added a very detailed Resource List of some of her favorite websites.

~Something I don't believe I've ever seen anyone else do, in many of her recipes, Jan has included substitute ingredients and adjustments for using fresh or dried herbs.

~One of my favorite parts is her extensive listing of various herbs, their benefits and a list of recipes she has used them in along with the page number so that you can go right to the recipe.

Jan and her family live in rural Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and as mentioned above, is a writer and photographer for the popular blog: The Nerdy Farm Wife. She write for HobbyFarms.com and Natural Herbal Living Magazine and has been featured in many other publications.

You may follow Jan at these links:
https://thenerdyfarmwife
https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdyFarmWife/
https://instagram.com/nerdyfarmwife
https://pinterest.com/nerdyfarmwife/

I am SO very excited to recommend this book to you. If you know someone who is thinking about growing herbs and making their own homemade skin, health and home care THIS is the book you need to gift them with. And if you purchase a copy for yourself, BE SURE to let me know how much you LOVE this book! 

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Making Heap Big Medicine

I know I usually write about my medicinal teas, but I also like to make capsules for our family. 

THE Man was fighting off a virus-bug that is going around his office, so I needed to make some more goldenseal capsules and while I was at it, I made some more ashwagandha capsules. 

Just as an FYI, I like to use size 0 capsules which are generally 350-500 mg per capsule. You can get empty capsules at most health food markets.

Making your own medicine is easy-peasy. Make it ahead of time so that you always have it on hand.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

*Please see the obligatory disclaimer at the bottom of the page*

Damiana Herb ~ So Many Uses

 Damiana from my home

apothecary

Every-now-and-then, you come across an herb that has a "certain reputation." And then, as your knowledge of herbs expands, you find out that it's reputation has really cut it's other benefits short. 

Such is the case with Damiana. Yes . . . it is well known among herbalists, and herbal enthusiasts, that this pretty little bitter herb can be useful as an aphrodisiac, and many people are quite insistent about it . . . but . . . that is nipping the OTHER benefits of this herb, right in the bud.

As a bitter herb, you can count on Damiana being very effective as a tonic herb. These herbs are great to restore digestive function, stimulating those digestive juices. Also restoring a tired and debilitated nervous system.

Something that our family uses it for is for are those nasty UTI's, also helping with cystitis. A generous amount blended with a little Uvi Ursi herb in a tea, 2-4 times a day, can do wonders for a UTI. For an even stronger dose, make your own tincture. Making tinctures is far easier than you may think.

Damiana tea is also a mild laxative. If you need something a little stronger, use your tea ball and make a tea blend of Damiana and Senna. **NOTE** Start with a small amount of Senna and use more only if you need more. It's a powerful laxative herb. 

This herb with the nearly perfect green leaves and pretty little yellow flowers can be used as a mild anti-depressant, helping with nervous tension and anxiety. If you are facing something pressing or have had a hard, hurried day, sit back with the pleasant, light herbal taste of Damiana tea. Feel your heartbeat easing back into a gentle rhythm and feel your head start clearing of all the clamor of the day. Along with this, Damiana also helps with menstrual cramps and headaches. 

And for our menfolk, Damiana has developed quite a reputation as a testosterone-builder, helping with impotence. So, if you don't want your dear husband to take those pharmaceuticals ~ that you can't control the dose and also bring many side-effects with them ~ give a daily tea of Damiana a try. He will enjoy a light, tasty mug of tea and he may just be pleasantly surprised. 

Our Lord is a very good God and He knows exactly what His children can benefit from.

Let me know how you enjoy this valuable little herb, Damiana.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

*Please see the obligatory disclaimer at bottom of page*  

Easy Peasy Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Every year, my family looks forward to the days of fall when we go to our favorite larger grocery stores and find our Duncan Doughnuts Pumpkin Spice Coffee. 
 
OH. MY. It is a seasonal delight.

But . . . for that last 2 years, it has been quite the challenge to find it before OTHERS who evidently also find it and hoard it for the cold Ohio winter like squirrels hoarding nuts.

What's a Pumpkin Spice Coffee lover to do?

Well, leave it to my dear friend, Balinda ~ who also knows that "necessity is the mother of invention" ~ to bless our family with the answer . . . Add pumpkin pie spice to your coffee!!!

This is so easy and you will LOVE it.

 

You Will Need:

~ drip coffee maker
~ your favorite drip coffee
~ powdered pumpkin pie spice (I use Frontier)
~ measuring spoon (for heaping TBs, we like ours strong)
~ any extras you prefer (sweeteners/creamer/milk)
~ a generously sized mug

 

Directions:

1) For every 2 heaping TBs of coffee you use, add 1 ts of pumpkin pie spice powder; I put my spice in the middle of my spoons of coffee, it seems to blend better.

2) Brew coffee as usual

3) pour into your mug, add any extras you prefer; we use coconut sugar OR sucanat and yummy, gorgeous, sweet milk from a local farm.

 

 This coffee is to yummy that I

had to post this picture

again :-D

4) Enjoy.

So now, our problem is salved forever!

Let me know how much LOVE this homemade pumpkin spice coffee. 

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Herbal Harvest

Well . . . I'll bet you thought I had dropped off the face of the earth. Nope. THE Man has been doing some projects from home and has needed the the computer ~ on top of that, I've been working crazy hours at the health food store. It has simply been a crazy fall for us.

BUT . . . I did want to show you that I had one of my best herbal harvests ever! 

One of my most abundant were my rosemary plants. Oh my, they were almost 3 feet high. I've never had such large, lovely rosemary.

I also had echinacea, sweet basil, lavender, sage, dill, oregano, cilantro. 

Here are some of my lavender, sage, sweet basil and rosemary.

I love the smell of my fresh herbs hanging up to dry in my kitchen. 

What was in your garden this year?

Thanks, again, for your patience with my absence. And thank you, to those of you who emailed or commented on my Facebook to make sure I am OK. Love you all.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Men's Health Tea

I am married to the most wonderful, godly man. That's why I refer to him as "THE Man". . . because to me . . . well . . . he is. We will soon be married 31 years! WOW. Where did the time go?!

I try very hard to take care of him. He does deal with some issues as a result of a car accident he was involved in about 7 years ago. And . . . as with so many men . . . they turn into 8 year old boys when it comes to taking something for their own good ;-) ~ whether a supplement, a pain killer or sometimes even eating foods that are good for them.


But something that I recently mixed up is definitely a hit with THE Man, and that's my Men's Health Tea. 


He enjoys using my medicinal tea blends and I think it's because they don't seem like medicine, they taste like they are something good for you. When it's high allergy/sinus times, he asks for and enjoys my sinus tea blend. When he can't sleep, he asks for my sleep tea. When his back aches, he likes a blend that takes away the pain. And when certain "manly" issues began, he asked me if I thought I could "mix me up" a tea that would help?

Why, OF COURSE I CAN! :-D 

So, as I do so often, I started looking through my herbs, did some research and put together my own special blend. And THE Man REALLY likes it. He drinks at least one mug full and many times, two a day.

It's simple, it's easy, it's tasty and all you need to do is put these ingredients together in a glass jar to keep them fresh and you will have it whenever you need it. 

You Will Need:

**This recipe makes a large batch so that it's already mixed for future uses**

~~large 3-fingered pinches of . . . 

~saw palmetto berries ~ one of the most well known, and highly effective herbs for the prostate
~white willow bark ~ an effective pain killer that has been used for years, especially for headaches and joint pain
~nettle leaves ~ an anti-inflammatory that is one of the best herbal sinus relievers, opens up the breathing passages
~whole cloves ~ pain reliever, calming, warming and is just plain yummy in a relaxing mug of tea
~skullcap ~ a calmative and aids in relaxing, pain relief and even hysterics
~dried orange peel ~ a good dose of vitamin C for keeping his immunities built up
~holy basil ~ one of the best adaptogen herbs; calms, relaxes, and is wonderful for the adrenal glands for stress relief
~hyssop ~ wonderful healing, tonic herb; helps with joint pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, wrinkles, blood flow
~whisk
~small bowl
~glass jar with air-tight lid
~tea ball or infuser

Directions:

1) put the large 3-fingered pinches (or more) of each herb into the bowl
2) whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended but not so much that they turn to powder
3) carefully pour the herbs into the glass jar and keep in a cool, dry place

To Use:

~fill tea ball or infuser with 1 ts. of the mix per cup OR 1-1/2 ts per mug
~heat water to boiling
~put filled tea ball or infuser into a mug and pour hot water over the herbs
~let steep for at least 10 minutes
~add honey if desired
~enjoy

**NOTE** to make this a nice, soothing night time version, add a small pinch of Valerian root to an individual serving.

Let me know how your man likes this tasty, helpful blend.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

How Does My Garden Grow? . . . .

. . . Let me show you . . . 

This year, I didn't plant any veggies. With my busy schedule and because varmints got into my cucumbers, zucchini and squash the last two years, nope . . . didn't even plant tomatoes. I went the easy route and just planted herbs and some wild flowers. I'm still happy with what I have.

I have echinacea and lavender . . . 

echinacea, rosemary, sage, basil and English Daisies . . . 

I love my sage bush, it's now about 5 years old and when it blooms it's full of gorgeous purple flowers.

This year, I went with simply seeding the front bed with two large packages of assorted wild flowers and I couldn't be happier with how pretty and happy-looking they are.

I still have chamomile, dill, cilantro and oregano on my kitchen window sill. I'm debating whether to take them outside in planters.

Special kudos to our friend, Chet, who did all the preparing and weeding for me, this year, to make it look so good and to my DD#2 who often helps me keep it looking so nice and healthy.

What did you plant this year?

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<>< 

Homemade Healthy Tonic Tea

Well, here we are, the middle of July and already I am hearing early sounds of fall ~ the cicadas are already "calling" fall to the area, just as doves (a.k.a. rain crows) call when rain is coming. So, does that mean that we will have an early fall? Mmmmm . . . we can only hope. Only the Lord knows for sure, but as much as I love fall, I wouldn't mind.

And as fall has it's own charm ~ abundant color, the smell of leaves burning, crisp cool air that charms us outside for a walk after donning our favorite sweater; or curl up with a cup of tea and your favorite comforter for cozy night by the fire.

Fall is also a time when we need to make sure that our immune system is boosted and working at it's peak.

Government school and private school kids will be going back into the classroom and breathing in a host of new germs; homeschool kids will be rejoining their clubs, gym classes, sports, dance and other group activities where they will, also, be greeted by others' germs. And if your family's immune system isn't built up, germs will be passed around to each other like a supper plate. 

Almost daily, I enjoy my favorite Wellness Tea blend, but from time-to-time ~ especially if a family member has a cold or if I start to feel some little tickle that could be the precursor of something coming ~ I boost my medicinal tea up a notch and mack my Tonic Tea.

You Will Need:

For a large batch ~
~1 TB. freshly grated ginger root
~1/2 ts. cinnamon
large 3-fingered pinches of . . . 
~lemongrass
~astragalus root
~licorice root
~echinacea leaf OR root (I prefer the root)
~lemon essential oil
~1 large tea ball OR 2-3 small tea balls
~tea pots ~ 1 for boiling water, one for steeping ~ OR 1 medium pot

Directions:

1) fill a tea pot or medium cooking pot with water
2) fill a tea ball(s) with first SIX ingredients
3) bring water to boil 
    ***if you are using the tea pots, once water comes to a boil, place tea ball into pot and pour water into pot...
    ***if you are using a pot, place tea ball into pot of water and let come to boil...
4) once water boils, remove from heat ~ steep for at least 15 minutes, more if you want it stronger
5) then remove tea ball and discard used herbs
6) add 3-6 drops of lemon essential oil to the tea and stir a little to blend
7) fill your tea cup or mug
8) add local honey to taste, if desired
9) settle down, get comfy and drink in that tasty immune-building tea . . . ahhhhh . . .

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Mullein ~ Useful for All Ages

So often, we use only certain parts of an herb. A whole, beautiful plant may have to be harvested simply for the root, or leaves or flower. However, there are some plants that have value in every part. One of those is Mullein.

Mullein is most commonly known from being used in earache drops, and well it should be as there is hardly anything better! But it is a plant full of healing properties.

The leaves and beautiful, long, yellow flowers are wonderful in a poultice or salve for nearly any and every skin irritation ~ rashes, insects bites, minor cuts ~ AND even for respiratory tract infections and congestion.

You can also use the leaves and flowers in a tea, or infusion, for any bronchial distress ~ colds with deep chesty coughs, bronchitis and asthma ~ best used with local honey. 

Mullein tea, or a syrup made by mixing the tea with honey, can also give some relief to constipation.

In the above mentioned earache remedy, SOME people say to use only the flowers, many use the dried leaves. You may want to try both and see what works best for you. However, unless you grow your own, the dried leaves are more readily available from suppliers. This same oil can be used for far more than earaches, though. You can use the oil in any of your homemade creams, salves, balms and it can be used on insect bites, oozing sores (covered with a bandage), treats bruises and pain similar to Arnica and can be a great relief for hemmorrhoids. 

Another use for the oil? Beard oil! It shines, de-tangles and aids in growth.

You will need:

~1/3 c. freshly chopped OR 1/2 c. dried mullein leaves OR (for stronger medicinal oil) 1/3 c. dried mullein flowers OR 1/2 c. dried leaves
~2 c. olive oil
~1 large garlic clove (NOT FOR THE BEARD OIL!!!)
~small or medium pot
~mesh strainer 
~glass measuring cup with pour spout
~small funnel
~amber dropper bottles

Directions:

1) Put all ingredients into the pot
2) Start warming on medium heat JUST LONG ENOUGH to tell that it's starting to warm nicely, THEN lower heat to medium-low to low and simmer for 1 hour for beard oil OR 1-1/2 hours for stronger medicinal oil
3) Let cool for about 1/2 hour
4) Strain into a pourable measuring cup
5) using the small funnel, carefully pour into your dropper bottles
6) be sure to date your bottles, this should last around 5-6 months

To Use Medicinal Oil:

~For earache: tilt head with aching ear facing up, carefully drop 2 drops in affected ear, put a SMALL piece of cotton in ear, keep head tilted for 3-5 minutes to allow oil to flow into ear.
~For boo-boos: drop 2-3 drops onto a cottom ball or directly onto the sore, GENTLY tap to apply.
 
For beard oil: 

~drop 2-3 drops into palm, rub hands together, and rub throughout the beard.

What a wonderful, useful herb.

Have you used mullein? Tell us how.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Bergamot ~ A VERY Essential Oil

"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels [12-1/2 lbs.] of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia - all according to the sanctuary shekel - and a hin [about 4 qts.] of olive oil. Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil.'" ~Exodus 30:22-25

Something I am continually amazed at is God's provision for His children. Herbs and plants for health and medicinal purposes. Whether used in a tea, a tincture, a poultice or expressed into lovely, potent essential oils ~ God has provided for our health and wellbeing without depending upon synthetics. 

As I think about what to share here at Marmee's Pantry, not only do I like to tell you about herbs, oils and home remedies that are pretty common (because, everyday, there are precious newbies starting out in this exciting venture of medicinal herbs and oils. And since we were all new to this at one time, we must not forget about them), but I like to share information about some of the more over-looked but incredibly beneficial herbs and oils, as well. 

One that is so often over-looked is BERGAMOT [berg'-a-moe]. This precious oil is a little different than most essential oils because it actually comes from the peel of an odd cross between a lemon and a lime. Amazing. 

Now, for all you tea drinkers out there ~ you know that wonderful Earl Grey tea you love so much? Bergamot is what gives it that fruity-fragrant taste! Drinking Earl Grey tea (or adding a couple drops of Bergamot essential oil to your favorite herbal tea) not only tastes great, but it is actually a detox. It can rid your body of parasites, intestinal worms, viruses, icky fungi growths, ease nasal congestion, help your digestive and urinary tracts, can help with upset stomach, gas and indigestion. For digestive issues, you may drink Earl Grey, OR add a couple drops of Bergamot to your favorite herbal tea OR rub a few drops onto you tummy for relief.

And how often have you thought, "This tea smells and tastes so good that I think I could wear it as a perfume"? Well . . . guess what else Bergamot is used for? You guessed it ~ Bergamot is often found in perfumes, colognes, deodorants (because it can stop perspiration ~ that's why it's in my homemade hot flash essential oil) and room sprays.

 

And since it is so effective in reducing perspiration, it is also very effective in reducing a fever. Simply put a couple drops in the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and inhale deeply; and try putting a drop on each temple.

Some other things that can be helped simply by inhaling Bergamot from your hands, a homemade inhaler or in a room diffuser, is that it can help with hormonal mood swings, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue and lowering blood pressure (because it helps your body's production of dopamine) and normalizes cholesterol (get off of those statins!). And it is FANTASTIC for your mood and to give you a more positive attitude ~ it's like L-Theanine in an essential oil. :-) Did I say it's good for your mood? ;-)

 

Does your child have a boo-boo or a scratch? Take advantage of Bergamot's anti-bacterial, anti-septic, disinfecting ability by putting a few drops on a Q-tip or cotton ball and using it on the scratch just as you would any other anti-septic ointment. Apply as often as needed. You may also find that insect bites, acne, cold sores, chicken pox and shingles heal a little quicker by using Bergomot on the eruptions.  

As I was saying earlier, Bergomot is often found in fragrances ~ men's fragrances, in particular. Dr. Axe has a yummy recipe that I especially like on THE Man. 

You will need:

~5 drops of cedarwood essential oil
~3 drops of bergamot essential oil
~2 drops of sandalwood essential oil
~1 cup of vodka (70% or better)
~glass roll-on OR spray bottle

Directions:

1) add essential oils to bottle, first
2) add vodka almost to the top of the bottle, leave room to shake before using
3) use as any other cologne

**WARNING** Unfortunately, as near perfect as this oil sounds, sadly it has a couple of draw-backs. DO NOT use this oil if you are pregnant or nursing and be careful of your sun exposure. And, as always, ANYONE can be allergic to ANYTHING.

How to YOU use Bergamot, this VERY essential oil?

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

**PLEASE READ the obligatory disclaimer at bottom of page** 

Ashwagandha ~ Amazing Ayurvedic Herb

One of my very favorite tea blends is my Adrenal Recovery Tea. One of the herbs that helps to make it such a refreshing, soothing, recovery tea blend is the Ashwagandha root. 

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic (Indian) herb, with adaptogenic properties . . . meaning that they miraculously adapt to what your body needs; whether rejuvenating or calming. 

Similar to Skullcap, Ashwagandha is wonderful for an easy sedative for calming one down, lowering heartrate during stress and even calming hysterics. And because of that, it works so very well in restoring and strengthening your adrenal glands. With these restorative abilities, it helps some with bringing back some life and vibrancy to the elderly and people who suffer from chronic conditions such as chronic fatigue and is a good source of iron for those with anemia. 

Not only is Ashwagandha wonderful in my tea blend, but it's good all by itself for those under any sort of stress ~ short or long lasting conditions. If you are working long hours, if you are trying to help your body build immunities and bounce back from an illness, if you are a new mommy or a care-taker and you are constantly under stress from being constantly in demand ~ a soothing mug of Ashwagandha tea will help immensely. 

Besides all of that, Ashwagandha is also an inti-inflammatory. So, similar to Turmeric, is helps with blood flow, helps with male fertility, soothes joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis pain, reduces blood pressure; better circulation clears the mind so that you may think clearer, restores vitality during those long work days when you are physically exhausted, and is even considered a cancer preventative.

See why this is such an important herb for not only your adrenals, but for your all-over-feel-good-health?

Just one more of those herbs that make you wonder: How did live without this?

What do you use Ashwagandha for?

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<>< 
 
***WARNING*** This is a mild abortifacient - DO NOT take while pregnant!
**Please see the obligatory disclaimer at bottom of page**

Homemade Hot Flash Essential Oil Roll On

Well, ladies, if you haven't suffered with those dreaded peri-menopausal or menopausal hot flashes and night sweats . . . you will . . .

Those nights when you feel like you could fry an egg on your tummy, only to freeze five minutes later when the flash is over and the perspiration starts to evaporate. Those come-out-of-nowhere flashes in the middle of the grocery when all you want to do is crawl into the ice cream freezer. 

Yep, been there, done that.

I've used a number of things ~ some have worked well, some have worked "OK" but not strong enough, some have worked for a while but seemed to have had a short life-span, and some just didn't work at all.

In the health food store where I work, many women come in because of someone's advice and run right for the black cohosh. And then, when the bottle is finished, they come back in because it didn't live up to the hype. (Let me stop here and say that, YES, it does work for SOME women, just not all.) Something I often recommend is 1,300 mg daily of Evening Primrose Oil.

This works for many women but has a tendency to run it's course. (I used this for quite a while, myself, and got a lot of benefit from it.)

But something that many seem to have not heard of is an herb called Chaste Berry, or also commonly known as Vitex (or Chaste Tree). Vitex has the double blessing of not only being useful for peri-menopause and menopause symptoms, but can also be useful for premenstrual syndrome, cramps, premenstrual acne, breast tenderness and irregular periods. Vitex has also been used in the treatment of infertility, uterine fibroids, tremors and Parkinson's Disease (because it produces dopamine)

But for those in the peri-menopause/menopause years, we especially benefit from it for hot flashes, night sweats and the moodiness that they bring by balancing our progesterone and estrogen levels.

I have to tell you that I love my hot flash roll on. It has brought me GREAT relief. Even if you are past the major hot flash/night sweat stage and you rarely get them anymore, keep this roll on in your cupboard for those irregular occurrences; for hot, humid days, or for those stressful times that make your heart palpitate and cause you to break out in a cold sweat. 

 And there it is . . . the little 

bottle that brings me BIG relief.

You will need:

(for 1 oz. bottle)
~10 drops vitex essential oil
~6 drops clary sage essential oil (to cut down on sweat and body odor that may be caused from hot flashes)
~6 drops lavender essential oil (anti-stress, calms the mind and body)
~10 drops peppermint essential oil (cools the body)
~6 drops thyme essential oil (works with vitex to balance hormones)
~3 drops bergamot essential oil (relieves depression, anxiety, pain, balances hormonal changes, helps with night sweats and hot flashes, helps with mood and emotional wellbeing)
~jojoba OR grape seed oil (I use food grade oils for my carriers oils)
~1 oz. roll on bottle OR essential oil dropper bottle

Directions:

1) drop essential oils into bottle
2) pour carrier oil into bottle, leaving enough room to thoroughly shake to blend
3) snap roller ball securely onto bottle
4) shake before each use 

To Use:

1) shake well before each use
2) roll (OR drop 3 drops if you use an essential oil dropper bottle) onto any of these places, as needed: back of neck just below hair line, on neck, on wrists, behind knees, on tops and bottoms of feet.

FOR EXTRA STRENGTH:

ADD:

~4 more drops of vitex essential oil
~3-4 more drops of clary sage essential oil
~7 drops of wintergreen essential oil

As an aside, please do not forget to take care of your Adrenal glands. This will also help with your mood and to manage stress while your body works it's way through all of the changes.

Be sure to let us know how much you LOVE this Hot Flash Oil!

What products have worked for you?

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><      

**Please read the obligatory disclaimer at bottom of page**