Homemade Fruit Snacks

Homemade Fruit Snacks

4 c. strawberries
1/2 c. lemon juice
8 TBS. honey
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla
6 TBS. gelatin, found here.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ELL3MI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001ELL3MI&linkCode=as2&tag=weemre-20

Directions:
1. In a saucepan, heat strawberries and moosh (yes, I said moosh) while cooking.
2. Once all mooshed, add lemon juice, honey, salt & vanilla.
3. Slowly,(and I mean slowly) add the gelatin so it doesn't clump. Cook an additional 2 minutes then pour into a glass pan and set in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4. Use a pizza cutter, or a cuter one such as this to create your fruit snacks.
5. Enjoy!

Grain Free Bread

Ingredients (makes 1 8.5×4.5 loaf) 1 cup smooth raw cashew butter at room temperature (I use Artisana Organic) 4 large eggs, separated (mine weighed about 9 ounces in their shells) 1/2 to 2 tablespoons honey (use 2tbl if you plan to use if for sweeter dishes like french toast) 2.5 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup almond milk 1/4 cup coconut flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees. For a white colored loaf as in the photo, place a small dish of water on the bottom rack.

Line the bottom of an 8.5×4.5 glass loaf pan with parchment paper, then spread a very thin coating of coconut oil on the sides of the pan.

Beat the cashew butter with the egg yolks, then add the honey, vinegar, and milk. I’ve done this with both electric hand beaters and a stand mixer and both seem to work equally as well. I would not try to make this by hand due to the stickiness of the butter.

Beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until peaks form. I used an electric hand mixer, but if you want a bicep workout, you can also do it by hand.

Combine the dry ingredients in another small bowl. Sorry for all of the dishes!

Make sure your oven is completely preheated before adding the egg whites and the dry ingredients to the cashew butter mixture. You don’t want your whites to fall, and the baking soda will activate once it hits the eggs and vinegar.

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and beat until combined. This will result in more of a wet batter than a dough. Make sure to get all of the sticky butter mixture off of the bottom of the bowl so you don’t end up with clumps.

Pour the beaten egg whites into the cashew butter mixture, beating again until just combined. You don’t have to be gentle with this, but don’t over mix.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then immediately put it into the oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Don’t be tempted to open the oven door anytime before 40 minutes, as this will allow the steam to escape and you will not get a properly risen loaf.

Remove from the oven, then let cool for 15-20 minutes. Use a knife to free the sides from the loaf pan, then flip it upside down and release the loaf onto a cooling rack. Cool right-side up for an hour before serving.

Wrap the loaf up tightly and store in the fridge for 1 week. I actually think the loaf gets better as the days go on.

A couple of notes

So far, the only way I’ve used this bread cold and not toasted is with an AB&J, and it was delicious! It is definitely on the more dense side compared to your breads with gluten and yeast, but it’s much lighter than a lot of the gluten-free breads sold in the store that are made with rice or tapioca. The bread gets even lighter and somewhat flaky when toasted or grilled in the panini press, so that is the way I’ve preferred it.

As for the cashew butter – I love Artisana’s product. I could eat it by the spoonful. It’s pricy, but no more expensive than almond butter (and I just found out has the same fat and calorie content!).  You can make your own if you own a high-speed blender, but it takes some work. You may need to add a little coconut oil to get the extra smooth consistency that Artisana offers (I’ve used 1/4 cup oil with 1.5 cups raw cashews). If you have a lumpy cashew butter, this bread will not work. The loaf made with homemade cashew butter will also come out a little darker and a bit more moist due to the oil.

The loaf doesn’t stand very tall, so for larger slices of bread like the french toast below, slice it in half, then lengthwise.

And lastly, for all of you coconut-phobes out there- Not to fear – this bread tastes absolutely nothing like it despite the use of coconut flour!

60 Wonderful Ways to Use Baking Soda

1. Make your own “Soft Scrub”: Create a paste of baking soda and water, then add a bit of salt to  baking soda paste. Add a drop of lemon essential oil, and scrub the counter tops and sinks until they shine. The salt won’t scratch surfaces since it’s gentle, and the lemon will make everything smell fresh.

2. Clean jewelry: Make your rings sparkle by scrubbing then with some baking soda on a wet toothbrush.

3. Take out fish smell: If you have fresh fish, baking soda helps to reduce the fish odor if you marinate the fish in it for an hour before cooking.

4. Soothe insect bites and bee stings: Create a paste with baking soda and water and pat over the affected area. It will create a cool relief and draw the sting out.

5. Clean combs and brushes: Soak combs and brushes in a hot water solution.  4 cups of hot water to a ½ cup baking soda. Soak for 1-2 hours then rinse clean.

6. Smooth your skin: Create a soothing bath salt recipe  and use in a warm soaking bath to smooth your skin.

7. Clean up oil spills on your garage floor:  Sprinkle baking soda over oil and absorb the liquid, then sweep it up.  You can also sprinkle the baking soda in an oil pan and place where on floor where you car parks to catch and absorb the oils spills.

8. Create a fizzing toilet cleaner: (This is my new favorite boy bathroom smell solution!)  Pour in 1 cup baking soda to toilet water,  then 4-6 drops of Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil) essential oil, then pour in 1 cup of vinegar. Watch it fizz and foam and clean your toilet.  Swish with toilet bowl brush, for a sparkling and sanitized toilet.

9. Whiten your teeth:  Use a little toothpaste, mix in one teaspoon baking soda, plus one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide, and a 1/2 tsp. of  water. Thoroughly mix then brush your teeth for two minutes.  Repeat this once a week till you have desired results. Once your teeth are whitened, just repeat once a month.

10. Mouthwash: To make your own mouth rinse; You will need 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt,  and 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil. Add ingredients to a quart of boiling hot water and stir. Let cool and store in a glass jar with lid.

11.Homemade toothpaste: Dunk a wet toothbrush in baking soda to help whiten and freshen teeth. For a minty flavor. Make a paste of baking soda with a few drops of water and one drop of peppermint essential oil and stir together and brush away.

12. Relieve indigestion: Combine 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 drop ofpeppermint essential oil , and drink for indigestion.

13 No poo shampoo: Combine 1-2 tbsp of baking soda to 1 Cup of warm water.  Pour over hair and rinse.  ( You can make a vinegar/water rinse to use as a conditioner)

14. Relieve sunburn: To relieve pain, make a thin paste using water and baking soda. Gently apply to the burned area.

15. Clean your silver: Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to one part water. Rub the paste onto each silver piece,  then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

16. Shine up your car: Use baking soda to clean up the vehicle like you do the bathroom, it makes chrome sparkle as well as stainless steel.

17. Clean cutting boards: Freshen and clean plastic and wooden cutting boards clean by scrubbing then with a paste made from 1 tbsp of each ;baking soda, salt, and water. After you are finished rinse with hot water.

18. Exfoliate Skin:  To exfoliate your skin, make a paste using 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply to your face with your hands and rub gently to slough off dead skin, and leave your skin with a glow.

19. Oven cleaning:  Make this Oven Cleaner Recipe.

20. Soothe sore throat: Gargle with warm water and baking soda to heal and calm sore throats.

21. Detox: To relieve aches and pains, mix 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup apple cider vinegar in a warm tub of water.

22. Take out the gas from beans:  Soak dry beans in soda water overnight to remove the gas from them.

23. Clean dentures and retainers: To clean, soak dentures and retainers  in 1 cup warm water and 3 tablespoons baking soda.

24. Clean up burned pots and pans: Sprinkle bottom of burned pan.  Add one inch of water and bring to a boil.  It will remove the burned on junk fast.

25. Remove scuff marks: To remove scuff marks or grease spills from the floor, sprinkle with baking soda and then wipe with a warm, damp cloth. This is even safe for no-wax floors.

26. Make a volcano with the kids:  Vinegar and baking soda of course make a fun explosion for the kids!

27. Keeps iced tea clear:  Add a pinch of baking soda to iced tea to keep it clear and from being bitter. (Just a small amount is all it takes.)

28. Soothe itchy rashes: Add baking soda to a warn bath and soak to relieve itchy rashes and dry skin.

29. Relieve heartburn:  to relieve heartburn, drink 4 ounces of water mixed with 1 teaspoon baking soda.

30. Keep garbage cans fresh: Baking soda will keep away garbage odors; sprinkle the bottom of your garbage can, and also sprinkle the inside of the bag once you have lined the garbage can.

31. Fluff up your scrambled eggs: To make fluffier scrambled eggs , add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to three eggs.

32.Clean your stove top: Mix up a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the mixture to your glass stove top. Rub and then wipe clean.

33. Clean up cast iron skillets: To remove baked on food residue, boil a mixture of 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda in the cookware. Then re-season pan.

34. Deodorize refrigerator: Place open box of baking soda in your refrigerator.  Want a new twist on this old classic?  - try also adding a few drops of lemon essential oil, for even more freshness.

35. Remove odors from cutting board: Sprinkle baking soda on cutting board and rub with half of a lemon to remove smells from your board and freshen it up.

36. Deodorize food storage containers: To remove odors from food containers, sprinkle with baking soda and allow them to sit covered for 24-48 hours. Or you can wash them in a sink of water mixed with ½ cup baking soda.

37.. Put out small fires. Grab handfuls of baking soda to extinguish small grease fires in the kitchen.

38.  Deodorize drains: Freshen up sink drains and garbage disposals, by adding a tablespoon of baking soda and running hot water for a few minutes.

39. Reduce acid in tomatoes: To reduce acid in tomatoes, sprinkle them with a pinch of baking soda.

40. Freshen stinky clothes:  Simply add a 1/2 Cup of baking soda to the load of laundry to remove odors.

41. Scrub dirty tennis shoes: Baking soda makes a great shoe scrub.  Sprinkle shoes with baking soda, and use a dampened brush to clean sneakers.

42. Tenderize meat: To tenderize, rub meat with baking soda and allow it to sit for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator. Rinse before cooking.

43. Remove chicken feathers:  To easily remove feathers and clean, boil the chicken in a pot of water mixed with 1 teaspoon baking soda.

45. Antiperspirant: Apply baking soda under arms for quick-dry antiperspirant.

46. Clean and deodorize the fridge:  To clean and deodorize the refrigerator, make a cleaning solution using 4 cups water and ¼ cup baking soda. Wipe down the inside of all racks and drawers to make your fridge clean and fresh.

47. Unclog drains: To unclog drains, remove as much of the standing water as possible. Pour 1 cup baking soda into the drain then pour 1 cup hot vinegar. Allow it to fizz, foam and sit for 10-15 minutes and then run hot water for a few minutes.

48. Clean coffee maker: To clean your coffee maker, add ¼ cup baking soda to a pot of water. Run the water through a complete brewing cycle.

49.Reduce odors in cat litter:  After removing cat feces, sprinkle baking soda on cat litter to help freshen it up.

50. Odor eaters for smelly shoes.  Sprinkle inside of stinky shoes with baking soda  Add a drop of melaleuca essential oil if you like, and let sit overnight.

51. Dry scrub for bathroom and kitchen faucets. (this takes the place of Comet)  Sprinkle baking soda in dry form and scour (brush) in places you would use a powder type of cleanser, such as porcelain sinks, bathroom tile, and around faucets.

52. Fruit and vegetable wash: Clean pesticides off of fruits and vegetables. Add some baking soda to a sink of water and rinse your produce in it.

53. Washing machine cleaner: Baking soda can work to get rid of stains on your clothes, but it can also be used to rid your machine of sticky, stubborn, and smelly stains. (Great for the rubber on front loading washers)

54. Fabric softener: Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle of your laundry’s load for softer clothes.

55. Clean up your outdoor grill: Sprinkle with baking soda and scrub with wire brush to remove baked on charred residue.

56. Freshen  and whiten cloth diapers: Pre-soak your baby’s diapers in baking soda and water solution overnight.

57. Rose Bush Spray: Roses really do well  if you spray a mixture of a gallon of water to one teaspoon of baking soda. Put mixture in a spray bottle and mist rose leaves.  (And you can even add a 1-2 tsp of liquid soap to clean the leaves.)

58. Remove fungus and mold from plants: Baking soda is useful in the garden as an anti-fungal, helping to get rid of fungus, mold, and mildew onto affected leaves. ( make up a solution as in #57, and use on other plants as well)

59. Soothe baby’s bottom rash: Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda, to a lukewarm bath, and have baby sit in it for a few minutes to soothe diaper rash.

60.  Make your own “Carpet Fresh” deodorizer:

• 1 16 oz box of baking soda
• 20 drops of lavender essential oil
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil
• whisk together in a bowl.  store in a air tight container, such as a glass mason jar.
• Sprinkle carper deodorizer and let it sit for 20 minutes or so. Vacuum up.

Chocolate Coco Pumpkin Bars

A guilt-free, no bake treat to use up that pumpkin.

Author: Gina Matsoukas

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 10 medjool dates, pitted and soaked for 15-30 minutes in water
• 1 cup almonds
• 1½ tablespoon dark, unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoon cinnamon, divided
• ¼ cup coconut butter, softened until spreadable
• 1 banana
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons honey
• unsweetened coconut flakes for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine dates, almonds, cocoa powder and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a food processor. Process until a ball starts to form and “dough” becomes sticky.
2. Transfer to a 9×5 baking pan (a bread loaf pan) and spread/flatten out across the bottom of the entire pan.
3. Spread the softened coconut butter as evenly as possible on top of the date/nut mixture.
4. Add the banana, pumpkin, honey and remaining cinnamon to the food processor and process until smooth and fully combined.
5. Pour mixture on top of the coconut butter, spreading evenly across the entire surface.
6. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top and freeze until set. About 30 minutes.
7. Cut into 8 squares once frozen.
8. Keep bars stored in the freezer. They can be eaten directly from the freezer or thawed for a couple of minutes for a softer pumpkin top layer.

Ketchup - Fermented

The Fundamentals

14 ounces organic tomato paste (preferably in glass jars like this)
1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons organic raw honey
1 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (like this)
2 tablespoons + 1/2 tablespoon organic raw apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons liquid whey
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cayenne (where to buy spices)
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
dash of organic fish sauce (optional)

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

2. Pour into a mason jar and seal tightly, allow to ferment on the counter for 2 to 5 days (until bubbly!).

3. Serve with you favorite ketchup-loving foods! (Store in the refrigerator for several months)

Roast Chicken

http://nomnompaleo.com/post/26079656034/julia-childs-classic-roast-chicken

JULIA CHILD’S CLASSIC ROAST CHICKEN

When Julia Child recommends a fool-proof way to roast a chicken, I sit up, shut up, and listen. 

In celebration of Julia Child’s incredible culinary legacy, this week’s JC100recipe is the classic roast chicken from Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom. Her techniques and tips for roasting a bird are simple and straightforward, and produce a bird with crispy skin and juicy, succulent meat. Even if — like me — you’re too lazy to baste as often as she recommends, the chicken will taste wonderful. Just make sure to follow this guide for cooking time: 45 minutes + 7 minutes per pound [e.g. 4-pound chicken = 45 + 7(4) = 73 minutes]. Also: Use LOTS of butter.

What I love best about this recipe is that you can double it and roast two chickens at the same time. That way, you’ll have plenty of leftovers and two carcasses with which to make bone broth. Winner, winner….oh, you know the rest.

Here’s what to gather to roast two chickens (serves 6-8 people):

• 2 whole chickens, 4 pounds each
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
• 2 small onions, peeled and trimmed
• 1 bunch of fresh thyme
• 4 tablespoons of softened butter
• 1 cup of chopped carrots
• 1 cup of chopped yams
• 1/2 cup of chopped onions

Here’s how to roast the pair o’ birds:

Round up two roast chickens and pat them dry.

Liberally season the birds inside and out with salt and pepper. 

I like to salt my meat for at least a few hours and up to a day before I roast it to maximize  the flavor-boosting potential.

An hour before you’re ready to cook the chickens, take them out of the fridge to come to room temperature. At the same time, put your butter on the counter to soften, and preheat the oven to 425°F.

Once the chickens are no longer chilly, dry them off with a paper towel and stuff the cavities with lemon slices, onion, and thyme.

With a piece of string, tie the drumsticks together…

…and tuck the wingtips back behind the chicken.

Use your fingers to massage the softened butter all over the skin, and lay the chickens breast-side up on the V-rack in a large roasting pan.

Place the roasting pan in the oven for 15 minutes to brown the skin. 

Next, decrease the oven temperature to 350°F and baste every 8 to 10 minutes if you’re so inclined. (Me? I didn’t baste AT ALL. I told you: I’m lazy.)

In a bowl, toss the carrots, yams, and chopped onions…

…with the remaining butter and salt and pepper. 

A half hour after the chicken first went in the oven, add the root vegetables to the pan and toss in the accumulated juices.

Check the chicken for doneness about five minutes before the recommended weight-based cooking time (see formula above) is up. (I checked my pair of 4-pound chickens at the 70 minute mark.) Use an instant read thermometer to make sure the thighs reach 165-170° F.

Remove the rack from the roasting pan and let the chicken rest for 20 minutes prior to carving.

Spoon on the root vegetables, carve up the birds, and dig in.

Homemade Mayo

Homemade Mayo (makes about 2 cups)

• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup coconut oil

1. Whisk the egg yolks then stir in the vinegar, lemon juice and mustard if using.
2. If you’re using a food processor pour the mixture in and set it on a low setting. With the motor running slowly dribble in the oils (I mixed the olive and the coconut oils together beforehand so I could dribble them in as one) until it reaches mayo consistency.
3. If using a whisk, just beat the oil into the yolks gradually until it resembles mayo. Your arm will get sore but it’s important to add the oil slowly (it keeps the mayo stable) so, if you need to, take a break every so often rather than just chucking it all in.
4. Store in the fridge until needed (NB: it will set further in the fridge).

Chocolate Shake

Have you tried the Skinny Shake before, it tastes like a Wendy's frosty:
3/4 cup Almond Milk
about 15 ice cubes
1/2 tsp Vanilla
1-2 Tbsp unsweetened Cocoa powder
1/3 of a Banana
Blend.
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Bacon Tuna Boats

Bacon Tuna Boats (Mayo-Free!)

12April2013

3 Comments

I am loving my lunch today. A bottle of Cherry Chia kombucha and these cute little Bacon Tuna Boats. My favorite element is the use of avocado in place of mayonnaise as a binder for the tuna salad. The creamy, mild flavor brings the salad together perfectly with that nutritious boost we love about avocados. Light, fast and fresh!

Ingredients:
10 oz canned tuna fish
1/2 cup cooked, chopped bacon
2 scallions, thinly sliced (roughly 1/3 cup when sliced)
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 rib celery, small dice (roughly a half cup)
1 tsp Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning Blend
1 ripe avocado
squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about a teaspoon)
a few grinds of black pepper, to taste
2 English cucumbers

Prep:
Start with your mis en place–slice the scallions, dice the celery and chop the parsley and cooked bacon. Open the cans of tuna fish and add to a large mixing bowl. Next add the scallions, bacon, celery, parsley and Mrs. Dash seasoning blend. Combine these ingredients.

In a separate bowl, mash an avocado with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about a teaspoon) into a sauce that resembles guacamole.

Add the avocado mash to the tuna and combine well.  A few grinds of black pepper will finish the salad off, add according to your preference and mix one last time.

Homemade Lara Bars

The Basic Ratio:

one part dates + one part dried fruit + a little more than one part nuts + a smidgen of spice
(this can be adjusted ad infinitum - see my variations below and see the original recipe for additional ideas)

The Basic Gist:

Combine pitted dates in food processor with dried fruit, pulse to a thick paste
Remove and place in bowl
Combine nuts and spices/extras in food processor and pulse until chopped
Add nut mixture to bowl of dates/fruit and knead until well combined
Press out onto cookie sheets
Refrigerate until firm
Cut into bars
Store in airtight container

From upper left, clockwise: Xocolatl Fig, Apricot Almond, and Cranberry Ginger Coconut

{ Xocolatl Fig }
1 C. Pitted dates, chopped
1 C. Dried figs
3/4 C. Almonds (I used soaked and dried raw almonds)
1/2 C. Cashews (toasted briefly in the oven for extra flavor)
1 T. Dagoba Xocolatl powder (includes dark chocolate, chili, and cinnamon)
1/2 C. Sunspire 65% Cacao Organic Chocolate Chips

{ Apricot Almond }
1/2 C. Pitted dates, chopped
1-1/4 C. Dried apricots
1-1/3 C. Almonds
1/8 t. Cloves
1/8 t. Nutmeg
1/4 t. Cinnamon

{ Cranberry Ginger Coconut }
1 C. Pitted dates, chopped
3/4 C. Dried cranberries
1/4 C. Dried ginger, uncrystallized
1-1/3 C. Cashews (toasted briefly in the oven for extra flavor)1/2 C. Coconut

The first time I made these, I followed a recommendation to mold them individually in muffin tins on top of squares of pre-cut saran wrap to make it easy to pop them out, seal them up, and take them on the go. It was a nice notion, but my personality screamed for tidy little bars instead of round wanna-be-cookies, and I gave in the second time. Besides, I didn't like trying to wrangle all those little squares of plastic into place.

Bars they are, and bars they will continue to be. They're living happily inside my fridge, and I just take them out one or two at a time and pack them with my food for the day.

~ The finished product: Approximately 40 bars ~
And since I like to do the math...that's 40 x $1.50 (being generous) = Comparable to $60.00 worth of Lara goodness.
And I still have 3/4 of my bulk box of dates left!

Biscuits

The Perfect Paleo Biscuit

Makes 9 biscuits

6 egg whites

3/4 cup blanched almond flour

1/4 cup coconut flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil, chilled

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Mix almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder and salt together in a large mixing bowl.  Cut in cold coconut oil with a fork until the mixture is crumbly.  Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.  In a medium bowl whisk egg whites until they are very frothy.  Fold the egg whites into the chilled flour mixture until well combined.  Scoop about 1/4 cup of dough onto the baking sheet and smooth the top to form each biscuits, an ice cream scoop works well in this step. 

 Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.  Serve warm or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

7 Up Biscuits

7 Up Biscuits

4 cups Bisquick
1 cup sour cream
1 cup 7-up
1/2 cup melted butter

Mix bisquick, sour cream and 7 up. Dough will be very soft - don't worry :) Knead and fold dough until coated with your baking mix. Pat dough out and cut biscuits using a round biscuit / cookie cutter. Melt butter in bottom of cookie sheet pan or 9x13 casserole dish. Place biscuits on top of melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes or until brown at 425 degrees, 

Websites

againstallgrain.com, divadish.com, ellanaspantry.com, and thepaleomom.com

Medicinal Plants

Aloe Vera

source

The aloe vera grows only under the sun with well drained dry or moist soil. Although the plant tastes like turd, it’s still edible. The sap from aloe vera is extremely useful to speed up the healing and reducing the risk of infections for :

• wounds
• cuts
• burns
• eczema
• reducing inflammation

Apart from its external use on the skin, aloe vera is also taken internally in the treatment of :

• ulcerative colitis (drinking aloe vera juice)
• chronic constipation
• poor appetite
• digestive problems

Marsh Mallow

source

The plant of which marshmallows are made of. The root is taken internally to treat :

• inflammations and irritations of the urinary and respiratory mucus membranes
• counter excess stomach acid
• peptic ulceration
• gastritis

Externally, the root is applied to :

• bruises
• sprains
• aching muscles
• insect bites
• skin inflammations
• splinters

The leaves are very edible, unlike the aloe vera. They can be added to salads, boiled, or fried. It is known to help out in the area of cystitis and frequent urination.

Great Burdock

source

It requires moist soil and can grow shadeless. The great burdock is the pretty famous in the area of detoxification in both Chinese and Western herbal medicine. The root is is used to treat ‘toxic overload’ that result in throat infections and skin diseases like :

• boils
• rashes
• burns
• bruises
• herpes
• eczema
• acne
• impetigo
• ringworm
• bites

The leaves and seeds can be crushed to poultice it to bruises, burns, ulcers and sores.

Pot Marigold

source

It grows in almost any type of soil condition. It has no problem with nutritionally poor, very acidic or very alkaline soils, just as long as it’s moist. Well known as a remedy for skin problems, the deep-orange flowered pot marigold variety is applied externally to :

• bites
• stings
• sprains
• wounds
• sore eyes
• varicose veins

Internally it is used to treat fevers and chronic infections.

The tea of the petals tones up circulation and, taken regularly, eases varicose veins.

Applying the crushed stems of the pot marigold to corns and wartswill soon have them easily removable.

Gotu Kola

source

The gotu kola acts on various phases of connective tissue development and stimulates healing of :

• ulcers
• skin injuries
• decreasing capillary fragility
• stimulation of the lipids and protein necessary for healthy skin

Leaves are thought to maintain youthfulness. Crushed leaves are poulticed to treat open sores. The gotu kola can also be used to :

• treat leprosy
• revitalize the brain and nervous system
• increase attention span and concentration
• treat venous insufficiency

Camomile

source

With a sweet, crisp, fruity and herbaceous fragrance, has long been used medicinally as a remedy for problems regarding the digestive system. It has a soothing and calming effect in the area of aromatherapy, used to end stress and aid in sleep. The entire herb is used to treat common aches like toothache, earache, shoulder pain and neuralgia.

Globe Artichoke

source

A bitter tasting plant that requires a lot of sun, the cardoon has become important as a medicinal herb in recent years following the discovery of cynarin. The cardoon leaves, best harvested before flowering, helps to :

• improve liver and gall bladder function
• stimulate the secretion of digestive juices
• lower blood cholesterol levels
• treat chronic liver and gall bladder diseases
• jaundice
• hepatitis
• asteriosclerosis
• early stages of late-onset diabetes

Chinese Yam

source

A type of yam that can be eaten raw, the chinese yam can be easily grown, succeeding in fertile, well drained soil in a sunny position. It is sweet and soothing to the stomach, spleen and has a tonic effect on the lungs and kidneys. It is used internally to treat :

• tiredness
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• poor digestion
• chronic diarrhea
• asthma
• dry coughs
• uncontrollable urination
• diabetes
• emotional instability

Externally, it is applied to :

• ulcers
• boils
• abscesses

The leaf, on the other hand, is used to treat snakebites and scorpion stings.

Echinacea

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One of the world’s most important medicinal herbs, the echinacea has the capacity to raise the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections by stimulating the immune system. It also has antibiotic properties that helps relieve allergies. Basically, the roots are beneficial in the treatment of sores, wounds and burns. It was once used by the red indians as an application for insect bites, stings and snakebites. The echinacea grows on any well drained soil, as long as it gets sunlight.

Siberian Ginseng

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The siberian ginseng has a wide range of health benefits, mostly as a powerful tonic herb that maintains good health. It’s medicinal properties are used for :

• menopausal problems
• geriatric debility
• physical and mental stress
• treat bone marrow suppression caused by chemotherapy or radiation
• angina
• hypercholesterolemia and neurasthenia with headache
• insomnia
• poor appetite
• increasing endurance
• memory improvement
• anti-inflammatory purposes
• immunogenic purposes
• chemoprotective purposes
• radiological protection

Great Yellow Gentian

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The great yellow gentian root is a bitter herb used to treat digestive disorders and states of exhaustion from chronic diseases. It stimulates the liver, gal bladder and digestive system, strengthening the overall human body. Internally, it is taken to treat :

• liver complaints
• indigestion
• gastric infections
• aneroxia

Sea Buckthorn

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The sea-buckthorn has been used throughout the centuries in China to relieve cough, aid digestion, invigorate blood circulation and alleviate pain. The branches and leaves are used in Mongolia to treat gastrointestinal distress in humans and animals.

The bark and leaves are used for treating diarrhea, gastrointestinal, dermatological disorders and topical compressions for rheumatoid arthritis. Even the flowers are used as skin softeners.

The berries on the other hand are used together with other medications for pulmonary, gastrointestinal, cardiac, blood and metabolic disorders. Fresh sea buckthorn berry juice is known to be taken in the event of :

• colds
• fever
• exhaustion
• stomach ulcers
• cancer
• metabolic disorders
• liver diseases
• inflammation
• peptic ulcer
• gastritis
• eczema
• canker sores
• general ulcerative disorders
• karatitis
• trachoma

Tea Tree

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Even the aborigines have been using the tea tree leaves for medicinal purposes, like chewing on young leaves to relieve headaches. The paperbark itself is extremely useful to them as it serves to line coolamons when used as cradles, as a bandage, as a sleeping mat, as material for building humpies, as an aluminum foil, as a disposable rain coat and for tamping holes in canoes.

The leaves and twigs, eventaully made into tea tree oil, is anti fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and deserves a place in every household medicine box. Tea tree oil can be used to treat :

• cystitis
• glandular fever
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• thrush
• vaginal infections
• acne
• athlete’s foot
• verrucae
• warts
• insect bites
• cold sores
• nits
• minor burns

Lemon Balm

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The reason the plant is called lemon balm is because of the lemon minty scent of the leaves. The flowers, which appear during the summer, are full of nectar. The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, are used as :

• mosquito repellent
• herpes
• sores
• gout
• insect bites

Infusion of the leaves with water are known to treat :

• colds
• fevers
• indigestion due to nervous tension
• digestive upsets in children
• hyperthyroidism
• depression
• mild insomnia
• headaches

Peppermint

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Peppermint is sometimes regarded as ‘the world’s oldest medicine’, with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago. Pepeprmint are naturally high in manganese, vitamin A and vitamin C. Crushed leaves rubbed on the skin help soothe and relax the muscles. Infused peppermint leaves are used to :

• reduce irritable bower syndrome
• against upset stomachs
• inhibit bacterial growth
• treat fevers
• flatulence
• spastic colon

Evening Primrose

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The young roots can be eaten like a vegetable, or the shoots can be eaten as a salad. Poulticed roots of the evening primrose is applied to piles and bruises. Tea made from the roots have also been used in the treatment of obesity and bowel pains. However, the more valuable parts are the leaves and bark which are made into evening primrose oil, known to treat :

• multiple sclerosis
• premenstrual tension
• hyperactivity
• eczema
• acne
• brittle nails
• rheumatoid arthritis
• alcohol-related liver damage (alcoholics, this is for you)

Ginseng

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One of the most highly regarded medicines in the orient, the ginseng is reputable in it’s ability to promote health, general body vigor and prolong life. The roots are used to :

• stimulate and relax the nervous system
• encourage secretion of hormones
• improve stamina
• lower blood sugar levels
• lower cholesterol levels
• increase resistance to disease
• treat debility associated with old age
• treat lack of appetite
• treat insomnia

Turkey Rhubarb

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Known mainly for it’s positive and balancing effect upon the digestive system as a whole. Even children may use the turkey rhubarb as it is gentle enough. The roots act as an astringent tonic to the digestive system while larger doses are used as laxatives. Other than that, it is also known to treat :

• chronic constipation
• diarrhea
• liver and gall bladder complaints
• hemorrhoids
• menstrual problems
• skin eruptions due to accumulation of toxin

Sage

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Salvia, the Latin name for sage, means ‘to heal’. Internally, the sage is used for :

• indigestion
• flatulence
• liver complaints
• excessive lactation
• excessive perspiration
• excessive salivation
• anxiety
• depression
• female sterility
• menopausal problems

On the other hand, it is used externally for :

• insect bites
• skin infections
• throat infections
• mouth infections
• gum infections
• skin infections
• vaginal discharge

Wu Wei Zi

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Low doses of the fruit are said to stimulate the central nervous system whilst large doses depress it, while regulating the cardiovascular system. The seed is used in the treatment of cancer. Externally, it is used to treat irritating and allergic skin conditions while taken internally to treat :

• dry coughs
• asthma
• night sweats
• urinary disorders
• involuntary ejaculation
• chronic diarrhoea
• palpitations
• insomnia
• poor memory
• hyperacidity
• hepatitis
• diabetes

Milk Thistle

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It protects and improves the function of the liver (take note, alcoholics). Taken internally, milk thistle helps to treat :

• liver and gall bladder diseases
• jaundice
• hepatitis (liver inflammation)
• poisoning
• high cholesterol levels
• insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis
• the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers
• the effects of a hangover

Comfrey

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Comfrey contains allantoin, a cell proliferant that speeds up the natural replacement of body cells. It is reputed to have teeth and bone building properties in children. Safer to use externally than internally, comfrey is used to treat a wide variety of ailments ranging from :

• bronchial problems
• broken bones
• sprains
• arthritis
• gastric and varicose ulcers
• severe burns
• acne
• cuts
• bruises
• sprains
• sores
• eczema
• varicose veins

Feverfew

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A tea made from the whole plant is used in the treatment of arthritis, colds, fevers etc. It is said to be sedative and to regulate menses. An infusion is used to bathe swollen feet. Applied externally as a tincture, the plant is used in the treatment of bruises. Chewing 1-4 leaves a day has proven to be effective in the treatment of some migraine headaches.

Fenugreek

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Fenugreek seeds are nourishing and taken to :

• encourage weight gain (take note, anorexics)
• inhibit cancer of the liver
• lower blood cholesterol levels
• treat inflammation and ulcers of the stomach and intestines
• drain off sweat ducts
• for body building
• for late onset diabetes
• poor digestion
• insufficient lactation
• painful menstruation
• labor pains
• freshen bad breath
• restore a dull sense of taste

Slippery Elm

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The inner bark of the slippery elm can be ground into nutrient-rich porridge-like soup that serves as an excellent remedy for sore throats. Other than that, it can be used to soothe the digestive tract. The bark of the slippery elm was used as an abortion tool, moistened with water and inserted into the cervix, before it was banned by certain countries like the UK.

Stinging Nettle

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Long known as a nutritious addition to the diet and as a herbal remedy, the stinging nettle leaves have been traditionally used to :

• cleanse the blood
• treat hay fever
• arthritis and anemia
• excessive menstruation
• hemorrhoids
• rheumatism
• skin problems like eczema
• nettle rash
• chicken pox
• bruises
• burns

Agnus Castus

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Beneficial to female hormonal system, the agnus castus seeds and fruits are used to rectify hormonal imbalances caused by an excess of estrogen and an insufficiency of progesterone. It acts upon the pituitary gland, reducing the production of certain hormones and increasing the production of others, shifting the balance in favor of the gestagens, hormones that ‘secure’ pregnancy. Thus it has a wide application of uses in malfunctions of the feminine reproductive system and has been used with great effect in :

• restoring absent menstruation
• regulating heavy periods
• restoring fertility caused by hormonal imbalance
• relieving premenstrual tension
• easing the transition of menopause