#before i used to drink a mix with valerian and lemon balm which have a sort of sedative effect
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Whats in sleepytime tea
This is complete with the armchair and fireplace where. PR Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra Wellness H. PR Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Herbal Tea 20 Co. A bedtime classic Sleepytime herbal tea is made with calming chamomile spearmint and lemongrass that not only relaxes you at night but smells amazing. Their Tension Tamer tea actually has catnip in it so I wouldnt be surprised if Sleepytime does too. The connection is so heartfelt that in 2016 we recreated the Sleepytime Cottage at our headquarters. Sleepytime is an herbal tea aimed at helping you fall asleep faster and have a more restful sleep. Sleepytime Extra Tea contains Chamomile Ti. Shopping Link httpamznto2DGO6Ui Sleepytime Extra Tea by Celestial Seasonings tastes great and is effective. Lavender which has a soothing and calming scent is also commonly included Other ingredients found in sleepy teas include valerian root passionflower lemon balm spearmint and. Peppermint lemongrass hibiscus rosehips chamomile valerian root cornflowers natural peppermint flavoring Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Herbal Tea 6 Pack. Posted by WeekendJen at 534 AM on OctoAs an aside there is no valerian in Sleepytime tea by Celestial Seasonings. Chamomile is one of the global superstars of teas used for sleep and relaxation in general. What has the consumer response been to the Sleepytime Bear over the decades. We then add valerian long trusted as a natural sleep aid for an especially calming cup Sleepytime is the original bedtime tea. 6 Boxes Celestial Seasonings Wellness Tea Sleepyt. Its found in many brands of herbal tea either alone or mixed with other plants. Its ingredients include chamomile spearmint lemongrass blackberry leaves and orange blossoms.Ĭelestial Seasonings Herbal Tea Sleepytime 40 Count Pack Of 6 Amazon Com Grocery Gourmet Food Sleepytime Extra Tea contains. Chamomile is also a surprisingly versatile cocktail ingredient: we find that it’s smooth taste pairs perfectly with complex, aromatic gin in a Chamomile-infused take on a classic gin fizz.And if you enjoy the process of making tea from scratch its relatively easy to make. What’s more, its stomach-soothing effects means it’s a great digestif after a heavy evening meal. How best to enjoy Chamomile teaĪs mentioned earlier, Chamomile is the perfect mellow cup to drink as the last thing before your head hits the pillow. So, as well as its natural sleep-promoting effects, it can be drunk throughout the afternoon and evening as a caffeine-free alternative to regular tea, ensuring an even more restful night. Like all our herbal teas, Chamomile tea contains absolutely no caffeine. It’s believed to soothe indigestion and period pain due to its muscle-relaxing properties, as well as being a natural way to boost the immune system and relieve symptoms of anxiety, making it far more than just a sleep aid. However, Chamomile tea is well-loved for many other health benefits too. It’s a natural sedative and muscle relaxant, meaning it’s the perfect cup to drink in bed to prepare for a refreshing night’s sleep. Health benefits of Chamomile teaĬhamomile is renowned for its sleep-inducing properties, which have led to its nickname: sleepy-time tea. It has a silky mouthfeel and yet remains a clean, delicately floral herbal tea, and even from the very first sip it feels wonderfully soothing. True to the origins of its name, Chamomile has gentle notes of apple, and there is a mellow, honey-like sweetness in the cup. Instead, as our post on this topic notes, it is technically a herbal infusion, or ‘tisane’ – but we just call it a tea to keep things simple. Like our other herbal teas, Chamomile is not a ‘true tea’ in the sense that it does not come from Camellia Sinensis, the tea bush. The small golden blossoms are packed with a wealth of health benefits: chamomile has been used for medicinal purposes since the Ancient Egyptian times, where it was revered for having healing properties and was even used as a skincare cosmetic, a tradition that continues to this day in the form of hair oils and face washes. Once the flower heads are picked, they are kept whole and slowly dried to ensure the best possible flavour. Our Chamomile is grown on the plains of Eastern Croatia, where the flowers get more than their fair share of sunbathing done: whole fields are blanketed in gold by the thriving plants. A close cousin of the daisy, Chamomile’s yellow flower heads and white petals follow the sun across the day. It’s an apt description: these delicate flowers thrive in almost any soil and have a sweet apple-like scent. The name ‘Chamomile’ comes from the Ancient Greek words kamai (earth) and melon (apple).
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I'm honestly surprised people don't seem to use St.John's wort as a recreational drug...
#does it just not have the same effect for others?#i drank st john's wort tea on its own for the first time#before i used to drink a mix with valerian and lemon balm which have a sort of sedative effect#so those i think softened the effect of st. john's wort#becasue damn that stuff had me running around the house with a grin and babbling on joyfully#i decided out of nowhere to set off to the pub alone even!#it was like some stimulant!#i heard people combine it with kratom to self-medicate for depression#but i honestly don't think i'll ever combine it with kratom that sounds like waaay too much#i was way fast and careless with just this kratom sounds like a baad idea#but my depressive thoughts and gloomy mood definitely disappeared from it!#i'm no longer experiencing the same excited glow as when i drank it#but i'm still feeling so calm and serene#it's super interesting#sometimes i'm surprised people don't think of certain things as really effective when they are things i very clearly experience the effect#like do various substances just affect me easier than others?#two cups of coffee can put me on a caffeine high too#though i do only experience it with stimulants interestingly#i feel the effects of caffeine and kratom a lot more than anyone else i know#and apparently st. john's wort too#i'm really glad this plant just happens to be a thing readily avaiable#it might just save my life for the time being#will definitely be important in staying productive and functioning until i get to therapy#rambling
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8 Best Teas for Anxiety & Stress Relief
( Image from Pinterest )
Are you a coffee addict? I know I used to be one. For me, it was 3 cups of coffee a day and it definitely didn't keep the doctor away. I slowly realised that it didn't really help with my health, mood and appearance. I would wake up every morning feeling groggy. I wouldn’t be able to start a proper conversation without coffee and it didn't help with my anxiety either. Took me a while but I finally found a better beverage to indulge.
Hi, my name is Anamida and I am now a tea addict.
Nothing like a warm cup of tea to slow you down and brighten up your day. So here are some of my favourite teas that has helped me with my daily life.
Chamomile Tea
One of the most well-known fragrant teas that has an apple like aroma. It is a flowering herb (which has zero caffeine) that looks like a tiny daisy and is widely used as a natural medicine due to its health benefits.
Helps relieve anxiety disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and stress
Many rely on chamomile as a muscle relaxant. It acts like a natural sedative and helps reduce muscle spasm because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Great for people who suffer form indigestion, gastrointestinal disorder, insomnia, chronic cramps, and seizures. It is the perfect drink to help you unwind at night and is beautiful paired with honey and cinnamon. If you still have a hard time dozing off, try pairing it with lavender.
May have side effects such as drowsiness so don’t drink and drive. Not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please consult with your doctor.
Rose Tea
Just like chamomile tea, rose tea has its own unique health benefits. If you enjoy spending your free time at the spa, they would usually provide a flower bath filled with rose petals. Why is that?
High in Vitamin C and helps reduce stress
Great to put in your skin care routine because it is antioxidant. Helps lighten visible scars, speeds up healing and boost immune system. Rose tea works the same once it is in your system. It may also help women with menstrual discomfort and heavy flows. If phlegm starts to build up, rose tea is a natural phlegm breaker, especially when paired with rosemary.
Green Tea
It lives up to its name because its green and leafy. Unlike chamomile, green tea has caffeine. But it doesn't make you jittery as to drinking coffee.
Packed with nutritions
Green tea is an anti-aging beverage and just like rose tea, it is antioxidant. But not a lot of people know that it is antibacterial too. So if you decide to have Japanese food for dinner, green tea helps with getting rid of the fishy aftertaste and smell in your mouth because it helps fight bad breath.
It also helps people with high blood pressure or anxiety because green tea lowers your blood pressure. But if you suffer from anaemia, it may have side effects so please consult with your doctor. I find green tea a great drink for daytime especially during meditation. Overall, green tea is great for the body and mind.
Peppermint Tea
The safest tea to consume for all ages. Just like green tea, it looks green and leafy but it is caffeine-free. So kids can enjoy it as well.
Anti-Inflammatory
When I think of peppermint, I think of candy canes and Christmas. Because of its cooling sensation, peppermint tea helps with stress, headaches, colds, and tummy aches. I find it very useful after eating a heavy meal because it gives a boost of energy when feeling fatigue. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it eases tension, migraine, stomach bloating and gas. You can also use peppermint as a mouthwash. Good for gargle especially after a wisdom tooth extraction.
If you are on diet, I come bearing good news. It has ZERO calories so not to worry. If you are allergic, consult your doctor.
Lavender Tea
Best known for healing pain and anxiety. It is one of the most top fragrance, from teas to soaps and oils. It is loved by many because of it’s calm and soothing aroma.
Natural sedative, antidepressant and reduces inflammation
Can be taken pure or paired with chamomile if you find yourself tossing and turning in the middle of the night. It consists of zinc, magnesium and potassium which may help if you’re in need of a better and longer sleep.
Lavender tea contains high amounts of antibacterial, antioxidants and anti-fungal. Just like rose tea, it boosts immune system and makes it easier for the human body to fight viral infections.
It is also reported to heal wounds, burns and eases mild eczema. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, lavender tea also supports digestive health. It can help stomach pain, gastric, nausea and diarrhea.
If you find yourself having an allergic reaction, consult with your doctor right away.
Valerian Root Tea
Another best known flower plant used to treat insomnia, headaches and anxiety. If you’re a herbal tea addict, then valerian root tea might be the tea for you. It has a strong earthy smell which is great to consume before or after meditation.
Reduces OCD symptoms and digestive problems
Valerian root tea is a natural pain killer and muscle relaxant. It calms the nerves and is good for those who suffer from seizures and heart palpitations.
May have side effects such as drowsiness. Do not take with medication or alcohol. Please consult with your doctor.
Lemon Balm Tea
It is traditionally used to treat heart palpitations which is best for those who suffer from anxiety and severe panic attacks.
Improves mood and focus
Lemon balm tea is a leafy herb which has antibacterial properties. Because of its refreshing lemon scent, it is reported to lighten up your mood and helps you focus better. When mixed with peppermint, it helps reduce inflammation, bloating and soothes constipation. Also reportedly to reduce PMS and weight gain.
Please consult with your doctor before consuming because lemon balm tea lowers blood sugar level. Avoid if you have hypothyroid because it clashes with thyroid medications.
Passionflower Tea
Passionflower is an exotic vine flower with purple and blue petals. It is traditionally used to soothe the nervous system which helps with stress, anxiety and depression.
Regulates blood pressure and mild hypertension
The same as most of the teas I’ve listed down, passionflower tea is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. May help with mild cuts and bruises. Stress and anxiety may lead to hair loss. The chemicals in passionflower have soothing and sleep-inducing effects which also helps treat dry hair, irritated scalp and insomnia.
Avoid when pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid if you have heart problems because it interferes with blood thinning and other medications. Consult your doctor before consuming.
Thank you for reading The Kyoshi Weekly.
Let’s heal together,
Anamida
#mentalhealth#mentalhealthawareness#mentalhealthsupport#anamida#thekyoshiweekly#anxiety#depression#stress
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@ayetothezee i found some drinks that’d really help so here they are according to this site:
Warm Milk
The reason why many mothers and scientific experts alike swear by warm milk is because milk contains significant amounts of the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is also present in meals full of carbohydrates, which is one reason why many people feel sleepy after eating a big meal. Once tryptophan is consumed, it's converted to the natural hormone melatonin in the body, which helps to regulate our natural sleep state.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is also particularly high in magnesium, which is another important nutrient that can improve sleep quality.
Malted Milk
Malted milk contains plenty of vitamin B, zinc, iron, phosphorous, and magnesium — a blend of minerals that's perfect for helping you relax before bedtime.
Valerian Tea
The valerian herb is now frequently used to help treat sleep disorders, particularly for people who suffer from insomnia. Usually, it's combined with lemon balm, hops, and other herbs known to cause drowsiness. Unfortunately, the only problem with this sleep solution is that you need to be willing to take regular naptime breaks, as valerian can become quite addictive.
Decaffeinated Green Tea
Green tea contains the amino acid known as theanine, which has been proven to help reduce stress and promote more restful sleeping patterns. While the high caffeine levels of regular green tea cancel out those benefits when you're starting your morning, decaffeinated options can be perfect for bedtime.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea, like warm milk, is another more traditional option in the world of natural sleeping solutions. Experts have recommended the use of chamomile for years as an aid for those who suffer from insomnia. Often, this tea is very calming and soothing — as well as being caffeine-free. Sometimes, people will pair their chamomile tea with other natural remedies, such as magnesium supplements, to help enhance the effects.
Herbal Tea with Lemon Balm
The last of our tea-based suggestions is just about any caffeine-free herbal tea. When mixed with lemon balm, herbal teas can make a perfect sleep aid for anyone seeking a natural way to drift off. Lemon balm, which is also known as balm mint in some areas, is a fantastic option for busting stress, fighting off insomnia, and promoting healthy sleep.
To make the best herbal tea, start by washing about 10 lemon balm leaves and adding them to your teapot with boiling water. Let the lot steep for about five minutes before adding a spoonful of honey and drinking it while it's hot.
Pure Coconut Water.
Coconut water is brimming with ingredients that can help you sleep better, such as magnesium and potassium, which help to relax muscles. This drink is also full of vitamin B, which is known for helping to reduce stress levels.
Banana Smoothies
Another fruit-based sleep-assisting option is a banana smoothie, which can be made quite easily before bedtime and is fantastic for promoting healthy sleep patterns. All you need is to blend a small banana with some almond butter and milk for a delicious smoothie. Not only will this healthy beverage help you fight off midnight snack cravings, but it also contains plenty of magnesium and potassium to promote muscle relaxation.
Tart Cherry Juice
A small study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2010 found that drinking about 16 ounces of tart cherry juice during the day could result in a significant decrease in insomnia. The study was later duplicated and produced similar results.
Part of the reasoning behind this effect is that cherries are full of melatonin — an antioxidant that's been known to regulate sleep cycles.
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Best Herbal Sleeping Aids
Herbal Sleeping Aids For Adults
How to treat insomnia with Easy Home remedies?
Hi dear readers. Today I will tell you how to Treat Insomnia with folk Remedies. After all, insomnia is not as safe as it seems. Sleep Disorders adversely affect the internal organs, the heart, the vessel and the Immune System. Insomnia interferes with the concentration of attention, memory and work capacity.
What are the causes of insomnia?
The very first thing is stress, depression. Changing work, a difficult financial situation, saying goodbye to a loved one in a loved one can all cause insomnia. Insomnia may be due to illness, a person cannot fall asleep if something bother him.
As a rule, chronic insomnia is a consequence of another disease, and after eliminating the cause which has led to insomnia, insomnia goes on itself.
Doctors in this case are always categorical, prescribing sedatives and hypnotics. I want to tell you how to treat insomnia with folk remedies. My grandmother suffered insomnia and tried a lot of folk remedies, I will tell you what she used to do with insomnia and what kind of folk is found in the fight against insomnia.
With insomnia, my grandmother made a pillow for herself, filled it with dry herbs. The pillow lies with her in the bed. It is necessary to mix a portion of the herb of thyme, mint, wormwood and bumble-bee. The aroma of these herbs really works very well on the body, helps to calm down and fall asleep. Grandma advised such a means of insomnia is one of her acquaintances, it turned out to be effective so I share it with you.
Herbal Sleep Remedies Boots
Melissa tea, has a wonderful taste and aroma and helps cope with insomnia. Spoon tea melissa you must pour a glass of boiling water, add honey or sugar to taste. This tea calms and has a mild hypnotic effect. There is one, but this tea should not be taken under reduced pressure as it lowers the pressure. But my grandmother suffers from high blood pressure, so this grandmother drank tea before going to bed, tea helped me fall asleep quickly. How to reduce the high pressure of folk remedies can be found in my article "".
Hops cones help cope with insomnia. They have a calming and hypnotic effect. A teaspoon of dry and chopped hop cups should be poured with a glass of boiling water, the grandmother insisted on such a 15-minute infusion in a sealed container. Then filter, take a half glass twice a day to taste the added honey or sugar. Half a glass of infusion she took for lunch and half a glass at night just before bed. The course of treatment should be for one month, so we will take a two-week break, and if necessary repeat the treatment.
Lavender helps deal with insomnia. I really love the scent of lavender, even from one species to the lavender rising mood, not to mention the smell. Lavender oil calms the nervous system, it has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. Just a few drops of lavender oil should be added to the scent lamp and your room will be filled with a wonderful scent. The aroma soothes, helps to fall asleep faster. You can also put a few drops of oil on a handkerchief and inhale the scent of lavender oil.
Take a spoonful of ground valerian root, pour it into a glass of cold boiled water. Insist in 6 hours, then extract the infusion, take a tablespoon five times a day, as a sedative.
Herbal Remedies Sleep Disorders
Drink hot milk at night with a spoonful of floral natural honey. Honey and milk have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, help to calm down and quickly fall asleep.
I also know that the "cold colors" have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, helping to fall asleep faster. It is recommended to look at objects of blue, blue, green for a while before going to bed.
With sleep disorders due to nervous overload, you can drink a darkened tincture. Tincture of motherwort helps cope with nervous and emotional overwork, irritability. Tincture of motherwort can be purchased at the pharmacy, drink 30 drops three times a day, for one month.
My grandmother drinks mint tea for insomnia. Brew it lightly, a teaspoon chopped, dried herbs mint pour a glass of boiling water, insist for 15 minutes, strain, drink in warm form over a glass at night. For taste in mint you can add honey.
Before going to bed, always go in fresh air. Do not overwhelm at night; 18.00-19. 00, noon should be light. Before going to bed, take a hot bath, add a small infusion of valerian, mint, lemon balm to the bath. About the medical grass Melissa, I already wrote on the blog, read the article you can.
How to treat insomnia with folk remedies, you know, and if you have your documented genocide that helps fight insomnia, you can share them with us below in the comments. I hope the people brokers that my grandmother will use will also be effective for you. Don't forget that to find out and eliminate the causes of insomnia, you need medical attention, which is important for your health.
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CREATE YOUR OWN APOTHECARY
by Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs
Herbal Tinctures for Health and Well-Being They may be small, but these extracts pack a powerful herbal punch. Discover the multiple benefits of tinctures, and how to make and use them to stay healthy.
Crafting stellar herbal remedies in your kitchen that surpass anything you can buy in stores is easy and fun. The basic method simply entails packing herbs in a jar, covering them with something, such as alcohol, vinegar, or honey and then straining them after a few weeks. Alternatively, they can be simmered on the stove and then strained.
Here, we’re going to talk about tinctures, a liquid extract made with alcohol. Alcohol is as good as water, and sometimes better, for extracting most plant constituents, and it makes a far more concentrated product. Instead of drinking a whole cup of tea, you take just 1/5 to 1 teaspoon of the tincture. Dilute your tincture in a little bit of water (or whatever drink you like) when you take it because the high alcohol content can burn your mouth. Alcohol extracts have a long shelf life — 5 to 10 years! — and they do a fine job preserving fresh plant properties that get lost in the drying process. They absorb rapidly into the body, bypassing digestion.
In typical doses of 1 to 3 milliliters, you’ll get very little alcohol effect from your herbal tincture. However, some people with alcohol issues (including addiction, allergy/sensitivity, special diets, and religious concerns) may want to avoid alcohol entirely. Instead of tinctures, herbal remedies including glycerites, vinegar, oxymels, powders, capsules, and teas all are effective ways to make use of plant medicine.
Tricky Tinctures
The alcohol proofs (percentages) offered in my recipes work as a general rule for most herbs (see Making Sense of Proof and Alcohol Percentages). However, some herbs and constituents require different treatment. Research individual plants for specific recommendations, but here are some general exceptions and considerations:
Mushrooms: Polysaccharides (the complex starches in mushrooms that support the immune system) extract better via hot water decoction than in a typical tincture. You can cheat the system by doing a double-extraction tincture. This is ideal for mushrooms, which have an additional confounding factor of chitin fibre blocking the availability of many useful constituents; several hours of hot water extraction helps break that chitin down to release the mushroom’s constituents.
Resins: Resins repel water and require high-proof alcohol of 70 to 95 percent (151- to 190-proof) for optimal extraction. Pure resins include pine resin/pitch, Boswellia, and myrrh. Pure resin tinctures are finicky in blends, sometimes precipitating out into a resin glob at the bottom of the bottle. High-resin herbs (which are not quite so finicky but still do best with relatively high alcohol extractions) include evergreen needles, poplar buds, and turmeric root.
Mucilage: Mucilage repels alcohol and extracts best via cold water, though hot-water extracts also work. High-mucilage herbs include marshmallow and slippery elm. I usually use tea or powder rather than alcohol extracts of these herbs, though a low-alcohol (30 percent or less) tincture or syrup offers some benefits for formulation.
Minerals: Alcohol doesn’t extract minerals, though a double-extraction tincture would. Double extraction simply means straining the marc (the dregs or leftover herb), decocting it, and then adding the tea to the tincture. Alternatively, some herbalists make a separate decoction and tincture to blend together. Vinegar is a better solvent for minerals, and so are super-infused or decocted tea and food forms. Mineral-rich herbs include nettle leaf and oat straw.
Tannins: Tannins provide astringent, tightening, and toning activities. They love to bind to alkaloids, minerals, and other constituents, precipitating out into chunks and making your tincture gloppy and less effective. Add 10 percent food-grade glycerine to high-tannin plant tinctures (or formulas that include high-tannin plants), such as most barks, bacopa, and yellow dock, to stabilise them and improve their shelf life. High-tannin tinctures and formulas still have a shorter shelf life, but the glycerin extends it from a few months to as long as a few years.
Holy Basil: Tinctures and Beyond
Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum or tenuiflorum), part of the mint family (Lamiaceae), is a delicious, aromatic herb that excels at relaxing the mind and body, improving cognition, and lifting the spirits. In addition, it also helps lower blood sugar, modulates cortisol, decreases inflammation, improves digestion, and helps strengthen the immune system to protect against common pathogens. It’s best in tea, tincture, vinegar, honey, capsule, glycerine, hydrosol, water, and seltzer.
Heat-Loving Aromatic
Holy basil (also called tulsi) jumps for joy when everything else in your garden bows in submission to hot-as-Hades midsummer temperatures, and begins rapidly producing useful medicine, provided you’re watering it enough in good, well-drained garden soil. This plant comes from India, and several cultivars are used somewhat interchangeably. ‘Kapoor’ or ‘Temperate’ tulsi thrives and produces best in temperate gardens. If your seed catalogue offers one type and doesn’t specify the cultivar, it’s probably ‘Kapoor,’ which may also self-seed. Some types are perennial in warm zones or if brought indoors. Also called sacred basil and O. tenuifolium, ‘Kapoor’ tulsi produces nonstop flowers, which you can trim regularly to use for tea, water, and medicine, and to encourage growth.
Calm-Energy Zen
Inhaling and consuming this aromatic herb reminds me of doing yoga, meditating, or surrounding myself with incense. The intense, sweet flavor includes hints of clove, mint, and basil. As an adaptogen and nervine, holy basil both calms and energises the spirit, quells anxiety and grief, and brings clarity and focus to the mind. As a cortisol modulator, it not only eases stress but also lowers blood sugar, bad cholesterol, and triglycerides, and reduces sugar cravings. As an anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibitor, it helps fight many chronic diseases and eases pain, especially when combined with other anti-inflammatory herbs, such as turmeric, ginger, rosemary, and ashwagandha.
Great Protector
Holy basil is associated with the Hindu god Vishnu and is used for medicinal protection in Ayurveda. It fortifies the immune system to fight infection, increases digestive function and juices, and protects against ulcers and radiation. It may stimulate anti-cancer activity, and it fights both oxidative stress and inflammation with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Holy basil could take a spot in almost every garden — it’s that kind of plant. As a flower essence, it brings sacred sensuality.
Safe for Most People
Holy basil is safe for adults and children and rarely interacts with medications, though some may find its digestive effects too stimulating. If you’re prone to hypoglycemia, take it with meals or lightly sweetened with honey. A few people paradoxically feel anxious with holy basil, or simply don’t like it.
Harvesting, Preparing, & Using Holy Basil
Regularly trim the top 1/2 to 2/3 of the flowers and leaves, which will keep the plant happy, producing more vital growth. Use fresh or dried.
Part Used: Aerial in flower.
Tea: 1 teaspoon dried herb per cup, 1 to 3 cups daily.
Tincture: 1 to 3 milliliters, 1 to 3 times daily, solo or in a formula. The fresh 1-to-2 ratio in 95 percent alcohol (best) or dried 1-to-5 ratio in 50 to 60 percent alcohol.
Honey, Oxymel, Glycerite, Syrup: 1 teaspoon as needed (heavenly!).
Capsules/Powder: 500 to 2,000 milligrams crude herb daily.
Other uses: Cordial, infused water, seltzer/soda, hydrosol.
Holy basil and lemon balm: Calm energy, mood lift, anti-anxiety, great for workaholics to de-stress and before bedtime
Holy basil and rose: Gladden the heart, ease stress, lift spirits
Holy Basil Beverages
Holy basil’s fabulous flavour and nerve-soothing, stress-busting properties make it a favourite beverage herb. Use it dried in tea. Fresh sprigs (including those blossoms you trim off to encourage growth) can be steeped in hot water, cold water, or seltzer — one of the great joys of summer! Try holy basil solo, or consider these delightful garden blends:
More Ways to Use Calming Herbs
Simple tinctures: All these plants make excellent simple (single-ingredient) tinctures, ideally from the fresh plant material, which is far more potent. Choose the one best suited for you, or blend them into a formula. Fresh plant vinegar, oxymels, or glycerites can also be used. For calm energy, also consider ashwagandha or milky oat seed. For gentle sedation, try passionflower, blue vervain, or low-dose lavender.
Additional teas: Along with holy basil beverages, consider chamomile, lemon balm–mint, or lemon balm-linden tea.
Aromatherapy: Lavender or rose essential oil, hydrosol, glycerite, or potpourri helps bring things down a notch when diffused, left to waft through the air, or rubbed on the skin.
Flower essences: Use betony, blue vervain, dandelion, lavender, lemon balm, skullcap, valerian, and others. Take a few drops on the tongue, add to water or tea, mix into tinctures, apply topically, or spray in the air.
Making Sense of Proofs and Alcohol Percentages
Proof % Alcohol Examples Best For
190 95% Ethanol Fresh plants, resins
(grain, grape, (preferred), diluting with
sugarcane) water for other % alcohol
151 75% Grain alcohol, Fresh plants, resins
vodka
100 50% Vodka Dried plants, acceptable
for fresh plants
80 40% Vodka, brandy Topical liniments, acceptable
for dried and fresh plants
Tinctures, which are easy to take and readily absorbed by the body, are plant medicines made most often from herbs steeped in alcohol or an alcohol-and-water mixture. Alcohol is efficient at extracting an herb’s active constituents and preserving them; tinctures can be stored for as long as two years, preferably in dark bottles and away from sunlight.
Tinctures are readily available for purchase at health-food stores and some drugstores and supermarkets. They may also be prepared at home using grain alcohol of at least 80 proof, such as vodka. Do not use methyl alcohol, denatured alcohol or rubbing alcohol because all are either toxic or unpalatable (avoid all contact with methanol). Although most tinctures are made with vodka, you can also use other spirits, such as whiskey, rum or gin. For an alcohol-free tincture, you can use glycerine or vinegar to extract the plant properties.
Making Tinctures
To make a tincture, use 4 ounces finely chopped or ground dried herbs. Put them in a container that can be tightly sealed. Add 1 pint of 80 proof vodka or other grain alcohol and tightly seal the container. (If you use fresh herbs, such as a whole plant, use 190 proof grain alcohol, otherwise, the water in the fresh herbs will dilute the tincture too much.) Store in a dark place for two weeks, and shake well each day. Then, pour the mixture through a wine press lined with a muslin bag, and press into a jug. Pour the strained liquid into dark, sterilised bottles. Label the bottle with the name of the herb and when you made it. If you like, you can include information such as part of the herb used, whether it was fresh or dry, and what percentage of alcohol was used.
You can tincture many herbs. To get started, take a look at what is in your garden. It makes sense to start with herbs that are easy to get and have varied medicinal uses. Lemon balm, for example, is an antiviral and mood-elevating herb. You can also tincture peppermint, spearmint, lavender, echinacea, skullcap, and many other herbs.
Did you know? The usual ratio for tincturing is 1 ounce of dried herbs to 5 ounces of alcohol. Sometimes a 1:10 concentration is used instead.
Using Tinctures
Tinctures may be taken straight or added to a cup of hot water with a little honey or fruit juice if desired. You can also just pop a dropperful in your glass of water, or, if the taste repulses you, put it inside a capsule. The standard dosage is 1 teaspoon of the tincture three times daily but check with your health-care provider if you’re unsure about doses.
Many herbalists believe that tinctures—or liquid herb extracts—are more quickly assimilated by the body than other herb forms. But when you take tinctures can affect how well they work. In most cases, it’s best to take them between meals, when absorption isn’t slowed by food.
There are a few exceptions, however. It’s better to take bitter herbs just before meals to improve digestion and to take sleep-aid herbs before going to bed.
Timing Tinctures
• Barberry: Before meals
• Gentian: Before meals
• Ginseng: Between meals
• Milk Thistle: Between meals
• Peppermint: After meals
• St. John’s Wort: Between meals
• Valerian: Before bed
Sage Tincture Recipe
Sage has antiviral properties. You can gargle with the tincture, or you can take it at the first sign of a cold. This sage tincture recipe is a simple folk remedy to try at home with your herbal harvest. Don’t overthink it: Grab some herbs, bring them inside and try it out.
• Sage leaves
• 190-proof alcohol
1. Gather a few handfuls of sage leaves from your garden. Bring them inside, wash and dry them. When you think the leaves are dry, spread towels on the countertop, cover with a layer of sage leaves and let air dry for a few hours or overnight.
2. Chop up the fresh sage, and place the herb in a clean, dry 1-pint glass jar. Cover the herb with the alcohol.
3. Put the lid on, and place in a cool, dark place (like a kitchen cabinet) for 2 weeks, shaking thoroughly every day.
4. Remove the jar from the cabinet, take off the lid, cover the top of the jar with cheesecloth and strain out plant material as you pour the tincture into a coloured glass container. (Cobalt blue or amber glass keeps out harmful sunlight.) A bottle with a dropper attached to the lid makes it easy to administer your tincture.
Echinacea is an antiviral effective at fighting colds and flu and promoting healing of infections. Take this tincture when fighting an infection or traveling, or apply it topically to minor inflammations such as hangnails and bug bites.
Echinacea Tincture Recipe
• 1 cup fresh echinacea buds, flowers, leaves and stems rinsed, chopped and pounded
• 1 cup 190 proof ethanol alcohol (Everclear) and 1 cup distilled water
1. Place the prepared herb in a clean jar. Cover with the solution of alcohol and water. Keep in a cool, dark place, shaking twice daily, for 48 hours (these delicate plant parts require less time than many others).
2. Filter tincture through a food-grade screen. Pour the finished tincture into a brown glass bottle and label.
Fresh Plant Tincture Recipe With minimal preparation time, you can make fresh plant tinctures.
If you have fresh plant material available, go with that for a tincture rather than using dried herbs. It’s almost always better, and in some cases, it’s really the only way to go.
I love making fresh plant tinctures. With minimal preparation time, you’re rewarded with a fantastic extract, and you really experience your plant. High-proof alcohol sucks the water out of the plant and makes a better extract, but if you don’t have access to it, see the note for alternatives. Here are the materials to get started:
Ingredients
1 part by weight fresh herb
Scissors or clippers
Scale
Jar with a tight lid
2 parts by volume 190-proof alcohol*
Directions
1. Coarsely chop your plant material with clippers or scissors, weighing it out as you chop.
2. Shove the material into the jar — for leaves and flowers, squeeze in as much as is humanly possible. For best results, use a jar that exactly fits what you need without extra space.
3. Cover to the top of the jar with alcohol (it’s more important to keep it covered). You may need to hold the plant material down as you fill the jar, and use a knife or chopsticks to remove air bubbles. Secure the lid, but no need to shake. Store the jar in a cool, dark place. Open the jar a few days later to top off the contents with a little more alcohol.
4. After at least 1 month, strain the mixture through a cloth. Squeeze out as much extract as you can with your hands. A potato ricer, wheatgrass juicer, or hydraulic tincture press will also work well here.
5. Pour into a dark glass bottle and store in a cool, dark, dry spot. The tincture will keep for 3 to 10 years.
*Note: 190-proof vodka is sold in some states as ethanol or grain alcohol, though you can purchase food-grade organic grape and sugarcane ethanol online. Some states have banned 190-proof but offer 151-proof grain alcohol or vodka in stores, which will suffice. If this is not available, substitute 100-proof vodka, 80-proof vodka, or 80-proof brandy. The higher the proof, the stronger the extract.
Dried Plant Tincture Recipe Tincture dried plants when fresh ones aren’t available.
We usually tincture dried plants when fresh ones aren’t available; for example if you buy rather than grow them. For most plants, fresh is preferred, but dried will do. However, a few plants are actually best tinctured when dried. Elderberry, elderflower, cherry bark, and alder bark have mild toxins and/or nauseating properties that are eliminated in the drying process. Many adaptogenic roots, such as ashwagandha, are traditionally dried first to enhance potency.
Ingredients
1 part by weight dried herb
Jar with a tight lid
5 parts by volume 100-proof vodka*
Directions
1. If desired, grind herb coarsely in a blender or crush with a mortar and pestle. This improves extraction but isn’t absolutely necessary. Place the herb in a jar.
2. Cover herb with alcohol. Secure the lid and shake well. Store jar in a cool, dark place. Shake regularly, every day or so.
3. After at least 1 month, strain the liquid through a cloth. Squeeze out as much extract as you can with your hands. A potato ricer, wheatgrass juicer, or hydraulic tincture press will also work.
4. Pour into a dark glass bottle and store in a cool, dark, dry spot. The tincture will keep for 3 to 10 years.
*Note: Vodka, preferably 100-proof (50 percent alcohol), works well for most dried plants, but 80-proof brandy or vodka (40 percent alcohol) works in a pinch. Or mix 60 percent 190-proof ethanol with 40 percent filtered or distilled water to get approximately 60 percent alcohol in your finished tincture. As noted earlier, use 10 percent food-grade vegetable glycerine with your alcohol for high-tannin plant material.
Mellow Me Glycerite Recipe Although you could make this blend as a tincture, it has a more pleasant, sweet flavor as a glycerite.
Consider this blend a daily tonic or an effective drink when you just need to chill out but still function during the day. It has calming, mildly energising, heart-gladdening, and cognition-enhancing properties. While you could easily make this blend as a tincture (it would actually be a little stronger medicinally), it has a more pleasant, sweet flavor as a glycerite. Thank herbalist Steven Horne for this fast medicine-making technique! Feel free to skip an herb if you don’t have it or don’t like it. For an 8-ounce canning jar, you’ll need about 2 ounces of total prepped herbs by weight and 5 ounces by volume of glycerine.
Ingredients
2 parts fresh holy basil flowers or aerial parts, chopped
2 parts fresh milky oat seeds, whole
2 parts fresh lemon balm aerial parts, chopped
1 part skullcap or passionflower aerial parts, chopped (optional, for added sedation)
1 part rose petals
Canning jar with a two-part lid
100 percent vegetable glycerine
Directions
Combine and tightly pack the herbs in your jar, not quite to the top.
Cover with glycerine, leaving a little headroom as you would for canning.
Cap it, and submerge it in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, and then let simmer for 15 minutes.
Allow cooling enough to handle before straining, squeezing as much liquid as possible. Store in a cool, dark, dry spot. Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (3 to 5 squirts) twice daily or as needed.
https://crookedbearcreekorganicherbs.com/2019/07/07/create-your-own-apothecary/
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The Tea Witch
[This piece of original fiction is a bit different. I asked Facebook friends for up to three words (I asked for nouns, but one misread and though verbs). Altogether I got twelve words. From these twelve words I had to make a story. I had a rough outline in two hours, and wrote the story in about four (there was more research involved than I expected). So, please enjoy this madlib-esque writing experiment! At the end of the post I’ll tag on the twelve words.]
The Tea Witch
by S.W. Wildwood (homepage) (facebook) (twitter) (goodreads)
Drinking tea at a quarter past one was an important part of Valentina’s daily routine. Of course, Winifred drank her tea as well, though being a hippopotamus calf, she drank mangrove root tea. After tea time, Valentina would tend to her garden. Oh, it was one of her greatest joys, aside from tea time itself. In her garden grew all kinds of plants in rows she had prepared with very much care. With that chore accomplished it would be time for her botany studies. A plant witch of her tender age had to start learning early in order to know every bloom and bark there could be. After studying, it would be time for tea once again, and dinner, followed by a bath and then bed for Winifred, who used such a large tub. Valentina would stay up a little later to look at the stars. From the roof of her cottage it was quite a sight, then she’d join Winifred in their bed of heather and lavender.
Every day went much the same way and Valentina was glad. She had moved away, far from the bustling cities, with their lights and their noise and their never ending crowds. They frightened Winifred terribly, and Valentina too, had to admit they’d made her uneasy. Life in her valley was more splendid by far. The valley was the place proper a young witch could study in peace, and grow her plants without worry, aside from Winifred’s occasional frolicking. Out in the garden, in their neat, little rows grew, chamomile and mint, roses and lilies, jasmine and peonies, thistle and catnip, nettles and clover, even skullcap and yarrow. All around the garden, like stationed guards, stood trees of all sorts, the tea tree, of course, along with willow, spruce, and birch, and even some red fynbos bushes spread in between. They were all meant for the blending of tea. For nothing relaxed her nerves more and young Valentina, you see, was very experimental.
Her porcelain teacup half-emptied Valentina was just pondering what sort of tea she’d prepare for dinner when there came a great thump! Bump! Galumph! And even a whumph! Winifred scurried from her bowl of mangrove tea, hid under the lacy tablecloth where she shivered like a nervous bride. It was very clear whatever was outside Valentina would have to face it alone. Though a little scared, she didn’t worry terrible much, for she knew all of those living in the (usually) quiet, peaceful valley. Valentina set her teacup down and stood. She straightened her pleats and her plaits and went for the door. The witch took a deep breath and opened the door. She very nearly closed it at once for what she saw on the other side. For all of those who made home in the valley this was a thing, a creature of terrible size, she’d never seen or known.
The doorknob shuddered in her small shaking hand. The thing rampaged on the meadow, not so far from her front gate. It was covered in long white hairs and speckled in black, fuzz grew along its spine and there was no face to discern. Valentina, who had at least some practice with creatures of terror, gave out a small greeting and asked for its name. At this the beast raised up one end, maybe its head, turned for Valentina’s cottage and crashed through her gate. It tore through the roses and tramped over thistles. Well, that did it. Valentina’s fear snapped like the petals and stems. She grabbed up her besom and waved it about hurling curses and plagues to drive it away.
Valentina’s curses bounced off the beast like wet sponges. Her plagues sparked off the white wiry hair and black spots like little fireworks. Well, she had only herself to blame really. Valentina never studied curses and plagues, only plants and all of their uses, primarily tea. Still this creeper and crusher of plants had to go! She raised her willow branch broom again and caught sight of a green eye under all the muck. She stopped and watched. The monster trampled her plants, but it went for the trees. There it rubbed and it scratched as though it itched all over on every bit. Valentina saw a tail, fat and spongy, still a little green not turned that ghastly white. It was– but how!?
Sphag the moss dragon was her dear friend, but he was usually covered from snout to tail tip in plush, squishy moss, most soft. He had shown her this plot, for it’d be best to grow plants, being so near the river. Sphag had flown to gather the saplings she needed. Why, he’d even given her some moss to try to make tea from the back of his horns. Long, thin, white drooping fibers now hung from his horns. The stuff covered his ears and his eyes, it grow in fluffs from between his toes and scales. Sphag quieted his rampage while he itched all his itches along rough bark and Valentina leaned in. Sphag had a terrible case of mildew it seemed. And, Valentina owed it to him, and her studies, to see that he was cured. Her very self, as a plant witch, was at stake.
Although it unnerved her to see Sphag in such a monstrous state she inched ever closer, over snapped branches and stems, crushed petals and stamens, and tired awfully hard not to cry. Sphag, the infected, lifted his head when she was in reach. Again she saw that green eye, undoubtedly Sphag’s, but ready to rampage all over again. She entreated to Sphag with her usual greeting, a curtsy and wave. It seemed to placate him, perhaps somewhere, under all of the mildew a remnant of the moss dragon remained. The thought gave her hope, even as crepuscular rays filtered through the pollen and debris from the trees. With twilight upon them she’d put Winifred to bed, no bath tonight. She asked Sphag in simple words and a spell to his mind to please wait, only a short while. She’d return in a moment and she cure this dreadful ail. The words and the spell seemed to reach him at last, for he slumped the ground, all energy spent.
Valentina went to work at once. First, there was Winifred who had to be fed and put into bed, she moaned once she realized she’d get no bath that night, but after a kind explanation Winifred went to bed as the brave hippo calf she was, knowing Sphag needed help more than she needed suds. With Winifred tucked away into dreams Valentina scoured her books for some cure. While she read a book she began a kettle of water boiling with the wave of a hand; without even looking she mixed the tea blend Sphag always loved best. Several ideas now floated in her head, there were a few possible reasons which might explain Sphag’s dreadful condition. So she called him inside to her tea service, all beautifully spread. There were buttery crumpets with marmalade made of star snapdragons and, of course, clotted cream for the scones.
Sphag dragged his bulk through the front door she magically enlarged to save her poor walls from crumbling. The end of his snout all covered in white, scraggly hairs sniffed to find the tea. There came a moan from inside the mass, Sphag must recognize the sprig of cinnamon, she gasped in hope. A single black speckled claw touched the delicate teacup’s thin handle and, like a wave, mildew rippled from Sphag to the tea, all of it spoiled, and the cup too, left covered in white hairs and black specks. Valentina did her best not to show her disgust, although she did not take up Sphag’s paw to reassure him she’d make this all right. She declared aloud, instead, she knew it was a curse. And that was a start, somewhere, somehow, at the very least.
Gathering her most prized tea leaves, harvested by the moon rabbits and sent from the stars. This time she gathered water from the river outside, where the moon was reflected, for the best effect. The moon leaves steeped in the moon reflection water for precisely three minutes and thirty-three seconds, not a tick more, and not a tick less. While the tea cooled, for it had to be for its purpose, Valentina searched for her tea-telescope, a personal invention. She unscrewed the lens, making the tealescope look more odd than before. It was long and cylindrical of course, but with none of the segments, for that’d let the tea out. So her work began! With tealescope in one hand and a cup of moon tea in the other Valentina was never more careful. She poured the precious moon tea down the long tapering neck of the tealescope. It was filled to the rim, leaving only a spoonful of moon tea left, she lamented. Sometimes friends were more important than tea, she told herself as she screwed back the lens.
With a quick sip of the last of the moon tea, divine even cool, Valentina lifted the tea-filled telescope and looked not at the sky, but at Sphag instead. Though her classmates and teacher had mocked her tealescope none could deny it was wonderfully useful in finding the nest of a nasty curse. Unblinking, Valentina looked through the porcelain tealescope and through the moon tea from Sphag’s tail to his back, from his throat to his snout, and from– there! In his lungs was the source. And what a terrible curse it was for one of Sphag’s kind: Draco Pulmo Spirare. More simply, dragon’s lung mildew, the more Sphag breathed the farther the mildew grew. Why, his lungs were full of the stuff! Valentina would have to work fast!
Out to the poor garden she ran, basket on arm. She gathered the crushed chamomile heads, valerian and lavender, skullcap and lemon balm. These she crushed up, the tea would taste a bit grassy, but it’d do its job quick. That job, namely, was to put Sphag to sleep. In a blue glass bottle she gathered oil from the tea tree and shoved a handful of fresh peppermint into her pocket. Back inside Valentina took little time to prepare the sleeping draught and Sphag took it without any fight, nice but concerning and no doubt the mildew to blame. Water diluted the tea tree oil and she set the bottle in front of Sphag’s snoring open mouth and popped on an odd cap with a coiled string off the top. Then, mask tied to her face and stuffed with minty leaves, Valentina began to fold herself up, smaller and smaller.
Witches, you see, are by law required to choose two area of study. Valentina had chosen plants, and for her second she chose paper and all the ways to use it, the simplest was folding. Though folding oneself was not nearly as pleasant, she folded as small as she could and grabbed a great toothbrush as a knight wields his sword. Brush in one hand Valentina grabbed the hose she’d attached to the blue bottle and ran into Sphag’s mildewy mouth. Inside on his tongue black spots lined the walls and white hairs grew from the floor, making it difficult to wade through. Yet, still she went on, down and down and down his long throat until at last was a door she could scarcely make out the plaque that read: Left Lung.
Her first battle was freeing the door of all the little roots hairs that held it firmly closed, when working these doors swung free to and fro. Oh, poor Sphag, how difficult it must have been to get this far. She decided at once she’d really forgive him for mussing her garden. At last the door opened with a quick snap and noxious air rushed out to choke Valentina. She was ready! She had come prepared! She flipped the switch on the nozzle and the hose sprayed and Valentina breathed through her mint-filled mask. The inside of Sphag’s lung thoroughly soaked the Draco Pulmo Spirare shriveled and broke, but it wasn’t enough. She’d have to scrub every corner of Sphag’s enormous lungs to make sure neither hair nor spot were left.
And so, she did. Valentina batted strings of the clumpy mildew down from the lung roof overhead. She scrubbed the ceiling first, for it would be most difficult. Once cleared she rinsed it with the hose and washed it clean. Then she trudged through the muck that came up to her knees. She began in the farthest corner and scrubbed hard with the toothbrush. She pulled all the mildew out, sweeping and sloshing through the boggy water until she brushed it all out the Left Lung door and out through Sphag’s snoring mouth. Well, that was half her work done, she admired as she wiped sweat from her brow, but one doesn’t leave a war half won.
Back inside she tromped, right up to the Right Lung door. She began the whole process right over again, all the way from the start. By the time she had scooped and pushed all the mucky water out the right lung and down off Sphag’s tongue the black spots had faded and the white hairs gone. Once outside again Valentina washed her brush with a bit of the water and then decided, just to be safe, she ought to flood his whole system. So, although, no more mildew she saw she rinsed each lung once more. It’d be even more awful, negligent even, if she left any spore to sprout again. Satisfied at last, and overwhelmingly tired, Valentina left Sphag and unfolded herself. She burned the toothbrush over the stove and poured what little water was left down the sink’s drain.
Tired and sore she turned to look at Sphag, still sleeping, but his moss had returned and was lush, soft, springy, and plush. No remnant of the dreadful mildew remained. She had saved her dear friend and the dragon was again healthy and green. Valentina conjured up some paper and scribbled a note. She set the table for two and prepared the tea leaves for hot water and then outside she stumbled.
Sphag woke at half ‘fore nine and drew a deep breath, amazed there was no more pain. He searched the room to thank Valentina, who he knew he could count on to know just how to save him. Instead the table was laid with dandelion jelly and apricot scones, two cups waited with clover tea in their strainers, and a folded note was tucked under the kettle that sat cold. Sphag took out his spectacles for he was very near sighted and read Valentina’s letter, which read:
Dearest Sphag, my dear mossy friend,
The mildew is gone. Never fear, I cleaned every corner. As of yet I am very tired from being so small and cleaning so much, so, if you’ll please have tea and breakfast with Winifred. I will be asleep on the roof outside, please don’t wake me until just before noon.
All my love,
Valentina
So, Sphag turned on the kettle and caught himself in the mirror. True to her word all his moss hung long where it ought, and was short and fuzzy where it should. Winifred came tottering in at precisely nine o’clock and squeaked a happy laugh to see Sphag whom she knew. Sphag in turn did his duty well, preparing tea and scone for the hippopotamus calf. While Winifred ate Sphag tried to create a satisfactory story of how he’d been cursed, for Valentina would definitely ask. And though Draco Pulmo Spirare was terrible indeed, if Valentina found out he’d been cursed for cheating at cards with the old warlock in the north caves Valentina would devise something much worse. He had less than three hours to worry and fret, and think of a way to thank the small tea witch.
[Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed it, please follow me somewhere and reblog/share the story. The words I had to use were “calf, valley, unnerve, drive, toothbrush, crepuscular rays, lily, telescope, mildew, moss, placate, and tea service”.]
#madlib fiction#original fairy tale#S.W. Wildwood#fairy tale#original writing#author in progress#dragon#moss#hippopotamus#witch#tea#booklr#readlr#writlr#books#reading#writing#writing challenge
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Growing Valerian: Taking Root in the Garden
I have been growing valerian (Valeriana officinalis) for years in the medicinal section of my herb garden. Native to Europe and Asia, this calming herb also grows well in North America. Sometimes known as garden heliotrope or nature’s Valium, because of its calming qualities, valerian has been used medicinally since the 4th century. Talk about an herb with an ancient pedigree!
Growing valerian made sense since I was already growing and using other “calming” herbs on my healing herbs list — herbs like chamomile, motherwort, hops, and lemon balm.
This perennial can grow up to four feet tall here in southwestern Ohio. It’s cold hardy through Zone 4. Valerian dies back to the ground in the winter but shoots up new growth in early spring.
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Growing Valerian from Seed
Valerian is easily grown from seeds or seedlings. Valerian seeds don’t last long in storage. You’ll want fresh seeds no older than one year.
Indoors
Seeds can be started indoors four weeks prior to transplanting in late spring. I prefer planting seeds in peat pots filled with a seed starter mix. Place seed onto soil, then cover with a quarter-inch of soil, tamping gently.
Sprinkle evenly with warm water.
Grow lights and fluorescent lights help germination, but a warm environment, with a southwestern facing window, works well, too.
Water as needed. Soil should stay moist but not sopping wet.
When seedlings sprout their second set of leaves, usually within four weeks, they are ready to be transplanted outdoors.
Outdoors Direct Sow
Choose a permanent site for growing valerian seeds outdoors. Take into consideration that valerian can grow up to over five feet, depending upon conditions. I plant mine in the back of the herb garden where it makes a lovely border. Valerian likes a pH of between 5.5 and 7.0.
Plant seeds in fall, or early spring. General garden soil is fine. If your soil is poor, amend it with compost or well-aged manure.
Place seeds gently onto soil, then cover with a quarter-inch of soil, tamping gently. Plant a foot apart and thin later as needed. Water well and keep moist.
Growing Valerian from Seedlings
Growing herbs outside after they reach the seedling stage is easy to do. Regular garden soil is fine, but if you need to amend the soil, do so with compost or well-aged manure. Valerian likes a very moist, well-drained soil.
Space seedlings about two feet apart in the ground. As mentioned, valerian is a large plant, so it needs lots of room. Valerian can send out runners, so keep that in mind when planting. If that happens, simply separate the plants with a spade in spring. In fact, you’ll find when growing valerian, that it may become invasive.
Valerian mother plant in bud.
Many folks prefer planting herbs in pots. Growing valerian in pots or other containers is doable.
If you let the plant go to seed, the seed will fall from the plant and produce seedlings in the spring.
“Babies/runners” growing in spring.
Harvesting Valerian
My valerian has white flowers; other varieties may have pink flowers. The flowers have a somewhat strong scent, which I think smells a little like vanilla. Other people think the whole plant is strong smelling, but not in a nice way. I will tell you the roots have a strong, somewhat musty odor. I have heard that the odor dissipates once the roots are dry, but that has not been the case with me. They still smell strong! But interestingly enough, when the roots are brewed into tea, the odor goes away, leaving a faintly woodsy, pleasant aroma.
Cut Flowers for Bouquets
You’ll notice when growing valerian, the flowers it produces will be in abundance. I like to cut the flowers for bouquets. This also keeps the plant from going to seed and spreading. Another bonus for keeping the flowers cut is that this can help the roots become more potent medicinally.
Valerian has an abundance of flowers.
If you have several generations of valerian, dig up the older, more mature plants for medicinal use and let the younger ones grow. Older roots have more potency than young ones. (Roots may take up to two growing seasons to be large enough to harvest).
Drying Roots
First, start by digging up the whole plant with roots. This is best done in the fall when all the energy has gone back into the roots or very early spring before top growth begins. Clean the roots gently so they don’t bruise, drain, and chop up if you’re drying in a dehydrator or warm oven.
Leave the roots whole if you’re drying them naturally in a warm environment away from drafts and sun. This method takes the longest.
Dried valerian root.
Valerian Plant Uses
Do you have trouble falling or staying asleep? Overstimulatedated after a trying day? Then you’ll welcome valerian as a calming, subtle medicinal. Valerian has many uses, the most popular of which is for a good night’s sleep, sans the grogginess upon awakening that sometimes accompanies sleep aids.
Valerian may have the same effect on cats that catnip does. Our cat, Rain, loves valerian. She will happily roll and loll around in the roots and leaves.
Our cat Rain loves valerian!
There are various ways to use valerian medicinally. I like to make both teas and tinctures.
Valerian Tea
Don’t boil the water! If the water is too hot, some of the phytochemicals may be destroyed.
Ingredients
To every eight ounces of hot water (85 degrees F), stir in one of the following:
1 tablespoon fresh root
1 teaspoon dried root
2 tablespoons fresh leaves
2 teaspoons dried leaves
Instructions
Cover and steep for at least 10 minutes or up to 30, so that all the good nutrients are infused gently into the warm water.
Strain, and if the tea has cooled too much, simply warm it up a bit.
After you make it once, adjust the proportions to your liking.
I like to sweeten the tea with raw honey. Sweet dreams!
Valerian tea brewed from leaves.
Valerian tea brewed from roots.
Ahh, warming valerian tea!
Valerian Tincture
Valerian tincture is expensive to buy, inexpensive to make. I prefer tincturing the root; some herbalists tincture the flower for a less potent tincture.
Alcohol tinctures last several years in the pantry and are easy to tote. Your body doesn’t need to digest a tincture, so it goes to work right away.
Ingredients
Fresh or dried valerian root
Vodka
Instructions
Fill a glass jar or bottle halfway up with dried valerian root. If using fresh root, fill the jar all the way up.
Pour 80 to 100-proof vodka over the root and fill the jar.
Label with the start date.
Place in an area away from light, like the pantry. Let mixture steep for four to six weeks. Shake occasionally.
Strain, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
Fill a small medicine bottle that has a dropper cap. Pour the remaining tincture into a glass jar and store in a cool, dark place.
Valerian tinctures: Vodka on left; Brandy on right.
Valerian Tinctures: Vodka on left; Brandy on right.
How to Use a Tincture
Put a dropper full into some warm water. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that four to six mL is the appropriate daily dose for insomnia.
Tip:
To make the tincture more palatable, substitute brandy for the vodka.
What’s a Good Substitute for Alcohol?
Try an organic vegetable glycerin. One recipe I found uses 75 percent glycerin and 25 percent water. This tincture lasts up to a year.
Who Should Not Use Valerian
Valerian is contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women, but otherwise is a safe herb for adults to use when needed for stress or sleep-related issues.
Check with your healthcare provider regarding valerian use for children. Again, it is generally considered to be safe, but dosages may be different.
Side Effects
My research indicates side effects are fairly rare.
If an allergic reaction occurs, like a rash, hives, or difficulty breathing, discontinue use.
In some people, valerian has the opposite effect. They become more stimulated instead of becoming calmer. If that happens, discontinue use.
I think common sense comes into play here. You know it’s for you if after drinking the proper dosage, you feel an overall sense of calm and well being. That’s exactly how I feel after enjoying a cup of valerian tea or a dropper full of tincture into warm water.
Legend and Lore
Legend has it that valerian is the herb Peter Piper used to lure the rats out of his town. Supposedly, he rubbed the root all over himself and since valerian is intoxicating to rats, they followed him and his music right out of town! Some cats find valerian root as enjoyable as catnip, so don’t be surprised if you have to push your furry friend out of the way when harvesting valerian root!
Do you grow valerian? We’d love to hear any tips you have on this beautiful and useful herb.
Growing Valerian: Taking Root in the Garden was originally posted by All About Chickens
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Herbal Healing Recipes
Acid Indigestion: Warm a cup of milk and steep four or five Eucalyptus leaves in it. Drink this to ease discomfort
Aqua Vitae: Considered and excellent elixir of health for hundreds of years, this liqueur may be prepared and taken once a day, like a vitamin.
To a liter of brandy add five or six Bay leaves, a teaspoon of Cardamom seed, a teaspoon of Clove, two teaspoons each of Angelica, Chamomile, Lemon rind, Fennel seed, Licorice, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, several slices of Ginger root (to your taste), and a handful of Juniper berries along with sugar or honey to sweeten.
This may be warmed to incorporate the Herbs, or left in a sunny window, then strained after about a month.
Athlete's Foot: Besides keeping your feet dry and powdered with Orrin root, try a vinegar rinse (one cup water, one teaspoon cider vinegar) to which one tablespoon Thyme and Red Clover have been added. Soak for 15 minutes.
Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!
Bee/Wasp Stings: A drop each of tincture or Myrrh or onion juice will help draw out the poison
Boils: Paint the sore with a tincture of iodine, Caster Oil, cohosh root and sassafras root mixed with one half pint of whiskey.
Bruises: Take one pound of Almond oil with one cup each Arnica flowers, Balm of Gilead and St John's Wort, all of which should be bruised, and warm over a low flame. When the oil has taken all the color out of the buds, cool and strain the liquid, applying as needed to the bruised area.
Burns: A poultice made from wheat flour, molasses and baking soda will relieve a burn and often hasten the healing process.
Canker Sore: Sorrel soaked in warm water until soft, then strained as a tea should help clear them up more quickly.
Chapped Skin: To one ounce wax add four ounces of Glycerin and four to five drops of oil of roses (or other scent you like). Warm until well mixed and apply as needed.
Coughs: In three pints of boiling water, place Peppermint leaves, one cup of rum, one half cup Lemon juice, one once Cinnamon Bark and one ounce Comfrey root. After these are well blended, strain and add half a pound of sugar and two ounces of honey, bringing the entire mixture to a rolling boil. Cool and store in an air tight container for use as a cough syrup.
Dandruff: An excellent after shampoo rinse for Dandruff can be made by taking one cup each Violet leaves, Peppermint, nettle, Red Clover, Witch Hazel, and Rosemary. Mix them together. Before shampooing, warm a quarter cup of the dried Herbs in two cups of water for your rinse.
Earache: Use ten drops of Anise oil, sweet Almond oil, onion juice and a pinch of Pepper tied in a small cloth and placed in the ear (carefully). Then wrap your head in a warm towel for 15-20 minutes as you lay on the opposite side of your body.
Eye Rinse: In a half pint of water, warm one ounce of Elder Flowers and a half teaspoon of salt. Strain and use as needed to refresh eyes or relieve itching.
Fever: Warm one quart of whiskey with the peels of two oranges and one Lemon. Take two teaspoons after each meal.
Heart Burn: To four ounces of water add two teaspoons each of Cinnamon, Lavender flower, baking soda, Peppermint leaves and one half teaspoon ground Ginger and allow to steep like a tea. Strain and drink warn in half-cup quantities after meals.
Infections: To ten ounces petroleum jelly add two sliced onions and two ounces each Beeswax, honey and elder leaves. Warm over a low flame for about 30 minutes. Strain and apply to the wound with a clean dressing.
Itching: Blood root pulverized and steeped in apple vinegar until well incorporated will ease the itch. Lotions made from aloe, lanolin, Coconut Oil, and/or Cocoa Butter also help greatly. Another alternative is a poultice made from two tablespoons each Tansy, Catnip, Horehound and Hops mixed with vinegar.
Liniment: To one pint of cider vinegar add one ounce of aconite root, and a teaspoon each tincture of Myrrh, oil of cedar, Peppermint, Clove, wormwood and Thyme. If you do not have the Herbs in oil form, the whole herb may be warmed in the cider then strained for use. For a lineament which will be warm to the skin, add two teaspoons Camphor, one teaspoon Bayberry and one teaspoon Cayenne Pepper to increase Circulation.
Nose Bleed: It is said that if you make chewing motions with your mouth while your fingers are in your ears, this will stop the bleeding
Poison Ivy: Tincture of one pint Black alder Bark to one quarter water and one cup Olive Oil. Wash frequently. A viable and easier alternative is to make a poultice of Clay mud.
Sleeplessness: Two raw onions eaten before bed with a healthy portion of bread and butter is said to aid sleep. However, due to the sensitive nature of many stomachs, I would recommend Valerian, Catnip and Peppermint tea as a good substitute.
Sore Throat: A gargle made from Black tea with a teaspoon of Lavender flowers, a quarter teaspoon salt and a quarter teaspoon vinegar will help reduce pain. An alternative to this is Sage tea mixed with honey and Lemon.
Stomach Ache: A tea of Mint, strawberry leaf, Catnip and blackberry with one tablespoon of brandy should ease the stomach. An alternative is brown rice which is pulverized and allowed to stand in warm water for 15 minutes. To this add a dash of sugar, Nutmeg and an equal quantity of boiled milk is added then drunk.
An elixir said to ease sour stomachs is made from two pints of brandy, a half teaspoon of Clove, two teaspoons Cinnamon, and a pound of blackcurrant. Soak all together for two weeks and add sugar to taste. Take by the teaspoon after meals.
Sty: A used tea bag which is still warm, applied to the sty overnight will help greatly
Toothache: Oils of Peppermint and Clove mixed with a bit of rum and applied directly to the tooth should ease the pain until you can get to a dentist.
Warts: A wild turnip or sliced potato rubbed on the wart for 3 days and then buried is supposed to be a sure cure. While I cannot say if this actually works, there are many reports to indicate that it does!
Disclaimer: The author and poster of these remedies takes no responsibilities for any harm caused by the use of these recipes.
Safe, Effective Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies
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From: The Urban Pagan. Author: Patricia Telesco
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http://www.natural-holistic-health.com/herbal-healing-recipes/
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Sleepytime Snooz Review: Don’t Buy Before You Read This!
Sleepytime Snooz is a liquid sleep aid that uses natural ingredients to try and help the user fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. The product states that it is intended for occasional sleeplessness, and is not intended for long-term use.
It is sold typically is packs of two 2.5 ounce bottles available in three different flavors. The user is supposed to drink the entire bottle approximately 30 minutes prior to when they plan to go to bed.
Currently, the most highly rated sleep aid on the market is Fenotrex according to a group of review experts. The experts were convened and assigned with the task of evaluating all of the sleep aids that are on the market and rating them based on their formula and the results they provided their customers, and they found that Fenotrex stood above the rest. If you’re having trouble with sleep and want to learn more about Fenotrex, simply follow this link.
Top Rated Sleep Aids of 2017
Do You Know the Best Sleep Aids of 2017 ?.
Sleepytime Snooz Ingredients and Side Effects
A full list of ingredients is made available through the vendors that sell the product, and they also offer a look at the supplement facts label. It is primarily a proprietary blend, meaning that specific dosage information for most of the ingredients is not made available. Transparency in a product’s formula is important so that the user knows exactly what they are putting into their bodies and how it could potentially affect them.
Here are all the active ingredients that are included in the product:
Magnesium Chamomile Flowers Extract Hops Extract Valerian Root Extract L-Theanine Juiube Seed Extract Relora Lemon Balm Lean Extract Melatonin
Chamomile Flowers Extract: An herb that is derived from a flower and used to make medicine. It can be used to treat a variety of disorders, including intestinal gas, ADHD, diarrhea, restlessness, and trouble sleeping. It contains chemicals that can promote relaxation, as well as reduce swelling or inflammation in some users. By reducing anxiety, it helps many users relax their brain prior to going to sleep.
Valerian Root Extract: An herb that is mostly used for treating sleep disorder, particularly for those who suffer from insomnia. The supplement functions as a sedative for the brain as well as the nervous system, which reduces anxiety and stress, making it an effective treatment for those who cannot get to sleep because they can’t shut their brain off. Additionally, it can be used to treat issues such as depression, fear, excitability, and hypochondria.
L-Theanine: An amino acid that is often found in green tea. It can be used to treat issues such as high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, and anxiety. It’s function in this product is to relax the user’s mind to allow them to drift off to sleep, as it has a chemical structure that helps to transmit nerve signals within the brain.
There are so many sleep aids to choose from that it can be overwhelming, so find the right one for you by viewing this list of the top 10 sleep aids on the market.
EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this supplement with a proven sleep aid such as Fenotrex for better results.
Sleepytime Snooz Quality of Ingredients
The product would seem to feature a pretty good mix of ingredients that are often utilized in other sleep aids because they have shown to be effective. That said, the lack of specific dosage information leaves the consumer in the dark as to what exactly they will be putting into their bodies, and there are countless sleep aids out there that use quality ingredients, but don’t get results because the wrong dosages are used.
Relora is not a common ingredient in sleep aids, and it seems that not much substantial research has been done on the ingredient. It is apparently a combination of two types of Chinese tree bark that is intended to reduce stress, but consumers should be wary of an ingredient that is not backed up by much clinical examination.
Don’t let bad sleep ruin your day, find a solution by taking a look at the top 10 sleep aids on the market now.
The Price and Quality of Sleepytime Snooz
A price for Sleepytime Snooz was not able to be located, because by all account it is no longer being produced or sold. It is not listed anywhere on the manufacturer’s site, and there are pages dedicated to the product on online retailers like Amazon and Lucky Vitamin, but they both state that it is not currently available and give no indication that it will be coming back anytime soon.
After some digging, it looks like just a two-pack of the drink used to sell for about $3, and it used to be able to be purchased in cases of 12, which works out to under $20. That said the consumer would have to buy multiple cases if they wanted a monthly supply.
Business of Sleepytime Snooz
Sleepytime Snooz is a product of the company Celestial Seasonings, which specializes in selling different types of teas. It does not appear that they sell or produce Sleeptime Snooz any longer as it is not listed on their website.
Here is the contact information we could find for the company online:
Address: 4600 Sleepytime Drive, Boulder, CO 80301-3284
Phone Number: 1-866-972-6879
Email: No email address is provided, but there is a page on the site to submit questions electronically.
The company is accredited with the Better Business Bureau where their page features a handful of customer complaints over a number of years. It also appears that in 2014 they were the target of a class action lawsuit, because one of their products was falsely labeled as “all natural” when there are allegedly pesticides found in the product.
Follow this link to learn about the top 10 sleep aids on the market according to a group of review experts.
Customer Opinions of Sleepytime Snooz
The product was sold through the manufacturer’s website and several other online vendors, so objective reviews were not hard to find. From what we saw, the consumer reactions to the product were generally quite negative, as many complained about the taste and that it simply didn’t work. This may be related to why the product does not appear to be being sold anymore.
Here are some of the consumer reviews that we could locate online:
“I would do anything to be able to get a good night of sleep, but drinking this nasty liquid was too much.”
“This is a waste of money. It tastes awful and doesn’t work at all. I bought an entire case that I am probably just going to throw out.”
“The taste matters and this stuff just isn’t stomachable for me. Just the smell turns me off.”
The top 10 sleep aids on the market have been identified by review experts, and you can learn of their findings by clicking here.
Conclusion – Does Sleepytime Snooz Work?
Unfortunately, it seems that the market has already decided the fate of Sleepytime Snooz. The idea of drinking a small amount of liquid rather than taking capsules or tablets may have been appealing, but the overall consumer reaction to Sleepytime Snooz was that the taste was too bad to tolerate, and the results simply weren’t worth it.
As we were unable to find the product for sale anywhere, and it is not even mentioned on the manufacturer’s website, a consumer would really have to search to get their hands on this product, and we don’t see any compelling reason why they would. For the most part, taking medicine is unpleasant in some way, but Sleepytime Snooz was simply too unpalatable for most to tolerate, and the results it provided weren’t substantial enough to offset having to attempt to choke down the liquid every night.
As it stands, the top-rated sleep supplement on the market is Fenotrex, because of the overwhelmingly positive customer response and a blend of ingredients that have been shown to be effective in treating many aspects of sleeplessness. The product can potentially give you more control over your sleep patterns, allow you to get to sleep faster, and give you more energy when you wake up.
The potent mix of ingredients that make up the formula have all been tested individually by third parties and have been confirmed to be safe and useful for sleep trouble. Of course, the product is also produced in a GMP certified facility for safety. If you’d like more information about Fenotrex and how it can benefit or improve you sleep, just click here.
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The Top 5 Sleeping Aid Supplements of 2017
Not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep is one of the worst feelings.
Whether you had too much caffeine that day or a stressful upcoming task had you tossing in bed, we can all think of a recent time when we had trouble falling asleep.
If you have difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep, you should consider a sleeping aid supplement.
Many times they are taken to treat sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea, a common condition that affects how much and how well you sleep.
Most sleeping aid supplements are considered sedative hypnotics (1). These kind of supplements contain ingredients that are used to chemically induce and maintain healthy sleep sessions.
Below is a list of the best sleeping aid supplements on the market according to price, customer reviews, and product quality. Then, we broke down what exactly sleeping aid supplements are and how they work.
So what’s the best sleeping aid on the market?
1- Vita Balance Nature Sleep
Lowest price we found
Nature Sleep is our #1 recommended sleeping aid on the market, because of it’s premium blend of natural ingredients and exceptional product quality.
It’s also one of the more affordable sleeping aids on the market, so you get a nice supply of a potent supplement for a nice price.
Outstanding reviews. Here’s one left by James from San Francisco, CA:
“I suffered from severe sleep loss and restlessness all of my life. I’ve been taking Nature Sleep for 2 months now and I have never felt more light and refreshed waking up in the morning”
Not only does Nature Sleep help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, it also helps you wake up feeling well rested allowing you to happily start your day.
Main Ingredients:
Magnesium – activates enzymes, contributes to energy production, and helps regulate levels of calcium, copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin D, and other important nutrients in the body
Melatonin – hormone produced by the pineal gland in your brain, responsible for making you feel sleepy
Goji Berry – a red Chinese berry known for feeling of well being and calmness, better athletic performance and quality of sleep, and weight loss
Lemon Balm – has calming effects on the brain and as such are used to aid anxiety, sleep problems, and restlessness
Chamomile – a compound in chamomile called apiden is linked to feelings of relaxation and anti-anxiety effects
Valerian – feelings of drowsiness, and in a tapered dose can help with insomnia, muscle and joint pain, and several psychological stresses including anxiety and hysteria
Buy Nature Sleep Online
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2- DRIFTOFF Natural Sleep Aid
Lowest price on Amazon
DRIFTOFF takes you from wired to sleepy in just a few minutes.
One of the best selling sleeping aids on Amazon, DRIFTOFF is the #2 recommended sleeping aid with a unique formula that helps you get a great night of rest AND helps you feel energized the next morning.
Ingredients in this blend include melatonin, valerian root, chamomile, GABA, l-tryptophan, lemon balm, and hops.
The combination of these additives and natural herbs helps you fall asleep quickly, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling energized rather than waking up drowsy and lethargic.
The supplement is made with only natural, non-habit forming ingredients, separating it from dangerous prescription sleeping medicines.
They offer a 60-day 100% money-back guarantee that you will be satisfied with their product, even if you empty the bottle.
Buy DRIFTOFF on Amazon
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3- LUNA Natural Sleeping Aid
Lowest price on Amazon
LUNA’s natural sleeping aid is one of the most popular sleep aid supplements on the market, but they certainly aren’t the cheapest. Some consider the supplement to be a bit overpriced.
However, their products are third-party tested for quality and purity and are made with natural, drug-free ingredients that are non-habit forming.
They offer a 100% guarantee that you will feel more relaxed before bed, stay asleep all night, and wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
Each capsule contains: 5mg Magnesium (as bisglycinate chelate), 100mg L-Theanine, 75mg Valerian extract (root), 75mg Chamomile extract (whole plant), 50mg Passion flower extract (whole plant), 50mg Lemon balm extract (whole plant), 50mg Hops extract (flower), 50mg GABA, 3mg Melatonin, Vegetable Cellulose, and Vegetable Magnesium Stearate.
60 capsules in a bottle, take 1-2 capsules 30-60 minutes before going to bed with 8 oz of water.
Buy LUNA on Amazon
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4- SOMNIS Natural Sleep Aid
Lowest price on Amazon
This particular brand of sleeping aid supplements takes a more simple approach to improving sleep than other leading brands in the industry.
The unique natural blend of SOMNIS includes just melatonin, GABA, l-tryptophan and vitamin B6. While vitamin B6 is common in energy drinks for alertness, it can also improve your quality of sleep as well by helping to regulate your metabolism (2).
A healthy dose of melatonin makes SOMNIS sleeping aid supplements one of the most effective brands on the market. SOMNIS Natural Sleep Aids are manufactured in the USA under the careful supervision of an FDA registered facility located in California.
One capsule per serving, each bottle contains 60 servings.
Buy SOMNIS on Amazon
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5- ZENWISE LABS Sleep Support
Lowest price on Amazon
Known as a “calming supplement” ZENWISE created a well-liked sleep formula that includes non-habit forming ingredients.
Some of the ingredients include magnesium, melatonin, l-taurine, l-theanine, chamomile and 5-HTP to help ease your body into more consistent nightly rest and help with overall sleep cycle benefits such as improved rapid eye movement (REM).
The supplement also helps you wake up feeling energized and refreshed, helping you take on your day in a good mood and feeling productive. It’s is made in the USA and manufactured in FDA registered facilities that are both NSF and GMP certified.
Take 2 capsules per serving, about an hour before going to bed.
Each bottle contains 60 vegetarian capsules (30 servings).
Buy ZENWISE Sleep Support on Amazon
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Honorable Mention – California Products SLEEP
Lowest price on Amazon
This sleeping aid not only improves your sleep quality, but also helps the muscles in your body recuperate while you sleep.
Recommended for people with high levels of exercise and fitness.
The goal of the supplement isn’t just to induce a temporary tiredness, it works to help regulate your body into regular sleep patterns so that you no longer have to rely on sleep aid supplements.
While it only contains 1mg of melatonin (a mild dose compared to other leading sleeping aids), they have good reviews on Amazon and aren’t a bad option at all.
Each capsule contains magnesium, l-theanine, GABA, phellodendron root powder, mucuna pruriens, 5-HTP, and melatonin. 60 capsules per bottle.
Buy California Products SLEEP on Amazon
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How do sleeping aids work?
All sleeping aids supplements work with your brain to induce drowsiness. Most over-the-counter sleeping aid supplements contain antihistamines (3) which are a type of pharmaceutical drug that stops the activity of histamine receptors in your body.
This results in the induction of drowsiness, coaxing your body into sleep mode and helping you feel tired.
There are two types of antihistamines that are most popular among leading sleeping aids supplements: diphenhydramine and doxylamine (4). Both of these are very common for effectively treating occasional sleeplessness and reducing the difficulty of falling asleep.
So why is adequate sleep such a big deal?
Well, lack of sleep can impose great risks in your life. Drowsiness from lack of sleep has been linked to car accidents, poor job performances, relationship troubles, memory problems, job-related injuries and even mood disorders.
Not getting enough sleep can also lead to a greater risk for heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
How are sleeping aids taken?
Before you take any sleeping aid supplement, make sure that you visit your physician if you are on any medications to discuss any possible complications.
Also, make sure you take time to read the medication guide so you understand exactly how and when to take your sleeping aids, as well as being familiar with all the possible side effects.
Do not take a sleeping aid until right before you are going to bed. Optimally, this would mean within about 15 minutes or less before you plan on sleeping.
Before taking a sleeping supplement for the first time, since you do not know the exact effect it will have on your body, make sure that you are not taking it the night before an important meeting or activity on the following day.
Generally, sleeping aid supplements should only be taken when you are sure that you can stay in bed for at least seven hours. Also, remember never to mix alcohol with sleeping aid supplements since alcohol increases the sedative effect of sleeping aids.
Taking prescription sleeping pills can lead to drug abuse or drug dependency so it is very important to follow the advice of your doctor, should you go the prescription route.
What are the side effects of sleeping aids?
While the most common possible side effect for over-the-counter sleeping aids is usually drowsiness, prescription sleeping aids may include more severe side effects.
These include dizziness or lightheadedness, gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and nausea, headaches, severe allergic reactions, prolonged drowsiness, daytime memory loss and performance problems, and even falling asleep while driving or eating.
Some sleeping aid users have also experienced feeling tired, fuzzy-headed and having trouble waking up the morning after.
Sleeping aid supplements are not safe for pregnant or breast-feeding mothers.
It may also increase the risk of nighttime falls and injury in elderly adults. If you have medical problems such as kidney disease, high blood pressure or seizures, consult with your doctor first before taking any sleeping aid supplements.
Some rare and serious side effects of sleeping aid supplements that can occur with prolonged use includes facial swelling, allergic reactions, hallucinations, memory lapses, suicidal thoughts or actions, and complex sleep-related behaviors such as sleep walking.
Also, one side effect of prolonged sleeping aid usage is rebound insomnia (6) which is a resurgence of sleeping troubles once you stop using the sleeping aid. In other words, your body learns to depend on the supplements.
Often, the withdrawals of stopping end up being worse than the original insomnia. This kind of insomnia may cause bizarre and disturbing dreams that can result in panic attacks and increased levels of anxiety when you wake up.
Bottom line is, only take a sleeping aid if you really need it and stick to the recommended dosage and you should be fine.
Recap
It’s safe to say that you should only result to sleeping aid supplements if you are absolutely sure they are needed.
Sometimes, simply including more daily exercise and improving your diet with adequate protein and vegetables is all it takes to get you back on track with healthy sleep habits. If you eat better, you sleep better.
If you are set on buying a sleeping aid supplement, take a look at our rankings at the top of the page for the best sleeping aid supplements on the market.
More Supplement Rankings
Best Greens
Best Fiber
Best Calcium
Best Beef Protein
Best Fish Oil
Best Meal Replacement Shakes
Best Raspberry Ketones
Best Garcinia Cambogia
Best Nitric Oxide
Best Pre-Workout
Best Taurine
Best Creatine
Best Joint Support
Best Multivitamins for Men
Best Multivitamins for Women
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(see more)
The post The Top 5 Sleeping Aid Supplements of 2017 appeared first on Health Ranks.
from Health Ranks http://healthranks.org/sleeping-aids/
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10 Ways to Beat Insomnia and Get Better Sleep
Two-and-a-half years ago, I experienced a terrible case of insomnia. I took the sleeping drug Lunesta (eszopiclone), which afforded me a few wonderful nights’ sleep until I realized it substantially increased my anxiety during the day. Within a week on the drug, I became addicted, experiencing more and more withdrawal (anxiety) symptoms. Other sleep aids had the same effect — even over-the counter medications like Benadryl (diphenhydramine). So I was forced to figure out how to get my sleep back on track naturally.
I asked anyone I knew who had ever suffered from sleep problems for tips on catching some quality ZZZs, and spent lots of time researching ways to get some shut-eye without taking drugs. Although it felt like I was the only one awake at night, I certainly wasn’t alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-quarter of the U.S. population occasionally does not get enough sleep, while nearly 10 percent experience chronic insomnia. Sleep problems are associated with a number of chronic illnesses and, according to the CDC, are a real threat to our nation’s health.
For the last month I’ve been battling the beast of insomnia again — it’s common when you taper off of any medication — so I’m back to compiling techniques I’ve learned from other folks who lie awake at night.
Here are some natural remedies that have allowed them to get a better night’s sleep.
1. Herbal Teas
Many of my friends who suffer from sleep problems have benefitted from drinking different kinds of herbal teas an hour or two before they go to bed at night. You can make your own from dried herbs: Put a teaspoon of your mix into a tea ball or tea bag and add to hot water, or try some tea bags from a trusted boxed brand. You want to include or look for ingredients such as lavender, valerian, chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm, ashwagandha, holy basil, rosemary leaf, and dill seed. Some popular tea brands include Sleepytime, Yogi Tea (I like their Honey Lavender Stress Relief tea and Calming tea) and Traditional Medicinals (especially their organic Nighty Night tea and Cup of Calm tea).
2. Essential Oils
For nearly 6,000 years, essential oils have been used for therapeutic purposes — sleep issues included. Several people in my online depression community use lavender oil to help them relax before bed and to help them sleep. They either apply a few drops to their temples before going to bed at night or spray a lavender mist on their pillow. I’ve used lavender oil myself for about a year now, and I do think it’s helpful. Other calming essential oils include valerian, vetiver, roman chamomile, and marjoram.
3. Meditation and Relaxation Tapes
A few years ago when my daughter couldn’t sleep, we would listen to calming meditations by Lori Lite designed for children. They were very effective in helping her to relax her body and mind enough to drift off to sleep. There are all kinds of sleep meditations and apps on the market today. Mashable published a good list awhile back. Personally, I like the meditations by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, founding director of the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society in Worcester, as well as its stress reduction program.
Dr. Zinn’s voice soothes me more than any other meditation guide. A friend of mine swears by the meditations found on the free app CALM. Of course, you don’t need a guide to meditate. Sometimes just paying attention to your breath on your own — concentrating on your belly as it rises with each inhale and lowers with each exhale — or concentrating on a bodily sensation is a great way of calming yourself down.
4. Soothing Music and White Noise
Many of the apps listed above come with soothing music and white noise. Some nights, I’m not up for listening to instructions on how to relax each of my muscles or reminders to pay attention to my breath. I simply visualize myself lying by the ocean, listening to the waves on the shore, or I concentrate on my breath as I listen to nature sounds. So I have a few apps and soundtracks of just ocean waves and rain and water streams that are helpful for unwinding. Other people I know like to listen to soothing music, instrumental melodies, or simple white noise.
5. Cooler Temperatures
According to California-based clinical psychologist Arlene K. Unger, PhD, becoming overly heated is a common cause of sleeplessness. As one of the many helpful hints in her book Sleep: 50 Mindfulness and Relaxation Exercises for a Restful Night’s Sleep, she advises wearing lighter pajamas, keeping the window slightly open, and possibly ditching the heavy covers. I know people who sleep much better with a fan. The breeze and white noise create a conducive sleeping environment.
6. Melatonin and Other Natural Supplements
There are several natural supplements that can help relax the nervous system and assist sleep. The most common are melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle, and the amino acid l-theanine that’s typically found in teas. Valerian, GABA, kava, and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) are others. I’ve found the combination of magnesium and calcium to be effective at times. Some natural sleep aids that combine various supplements include Neuroscience’s Kavinace Ultra PM, Genestra’s Calm-gen, and Nature Made’s Sleep supplement.
7. Epsom Salts Baths
Taking an Epsom salts bath in the evening has been one of the more effective parts of my sleep hygiene routine. Epsom salts are a mineral compound containing magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. When used in a warm bath, they allow magnesium to be easily absorbed into the skin, which promotes a feeling of calm and relaxation.
According to a 2012 study in the journal Neuropharmacology, magnesium deficiencies induce anxiety, which is why the mineral is known as the original chill pill. I simply add two cups of the lavender-scented Epsom salts with added potassium and zinc to my bathwater. I then turn off the bathroom lights and use a lavender candle.
8. Prayer Beads and Mantras
You need not be a devout Catholic to use prayer beads: They’re employed in all of the world’s religions as part of meditative practices. The process of repeating a prayer or mantra over and over again while thumbing the beads can be very relaxing and soothing. Personally, I’ve slept with a rosary since I first experienced insomnia two years ago. The prayer beads have become my safety item, much like a child’s blankie, and give me comfort in the middle of the night when I wake.
9. Yoga
Any kind of yoga primes the parasympathetic system and promotes relaxation, taming the stress responses that cause insomnia. I’ve found hot yoga to be especially beneficial for sleep because, in addition to doing the healing postures, sweating releases stored toxins (so it’s very cleansing). Certain postures like these 19 listed in Yoga Journal are especially helpful for sleep. Doing them in the evening, or even when you wake at night, can soothe your central nervous system. Practicing Savasana (Corpse Pose) in particular before sleeping can promote deep rest, according to yoga instructors I know. There are also some apps you can download, like Yoga for Insomnia, that will help guide you through the postures.
10. Audiotapes and Free Lectures
Reading in periods of sleeplessness helps many folks I know doze off into slumber. But as a highly sensitive person, the light wakes me up. According to some Harvard research, all light-emitting e-books and screens negatively affect our sleep — even the Kindle. I therefore prefer to listen to audiotapes. Lately, I’ve been listening to the book Wherever You Go, There You Are by Kabat-Zinn. It’s a collection of small chapters about mindfulness that is effective at calming me down. Since audio books can be expensive, you might consider downloading university lectures, which are free content, from iTunes U — the section of Apple’s iTunes music store devoted to higher education.
Join Project Hope & Beyond, the new depression community.
Originally posted on Sanity Break at Everyday Health.
from World of Psychology http://ift.tt/2jgQ1Hw
via IFTTT
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10 Ways to Beat Insomnia and Get Better Sleep
Two-and-a-half years ago, I experienced a terrible case of insomnia. I took the sleeping drug Lunesta (eszopiclone), which afforded me a few wonderful nights’ sleep until I realized it substantially increased my anxiety during the day. Within a week on the drug, I became addicted, experiencing more and more withdrawal (anxiety) symptoms. Other sleep aids had the same effect — even over-the counter medications like Benadryl (diphenhydramine). So I was forced to figure out how to get my sleep back on track naturally.
I asked anyone I knew who had ever suffered from sleep problems for tips on catching some quality ZZZs, and spent lots of time researching ways to get some shut-eye without taking drugs. Although it felt like I was the only one awake at night, I certainly wasn’t alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-quarter of the U.S. population occasionally does not get enough sleep, while nearly 10 percent experience chronic insomnia. Sleep problems are associated with a number of chronic illnesses and, according to the CDC, are a real threat to our nation’s health.
For the last month I’ve been battling the beast of insomnia again — it’s common when you taper off of any medication — so I’m back to compiling techniques I’ve learned from other folks who lie awake at night.
Here are some natural remedies that have allowed them to get a better night’s sleep.
1. Herbal Teas
Many of my friends who suffer from sleep problems have benefitted from drinking different kinds of herbal teas an hour or two before they go to bed at night. You can make your own from dried herbs: Put a teaspoon of your mix into a tea ball or tea bag and add to hot water, or try some tea bags from a trusted boxed brand. You want to include or look for ingredients such as lavender, valerian, chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm, ashwagandha, holy basil, rosemary leaf, and dill seed. Some popular tea brands include Sleepytime, Yogi Tea (I like their Honey Lavender Stress Relief tea and Calming tea) and Traditional Medicinals (especially their organic Nighty Night tea and Cup of Calm tea).
2. Essential Oils
For nearly 6,000 years, essential oils have been used for therapeutic purposes — sleep issues included. Several people in my online depression community use lavender oil to help them relax before bed and to help them sleep. They either apply a few drops to their temples before going to bed at night or spray a lavender mist on their pillow. I’ve used lavender oil myself for about a year now, and I do think it’s helpful. Other calming essential oils include valerian, vetiver, roman chamomile, and marjoram.
3. Meditation and Relaxation Tapes
A few years ago when my daughter couldn’t sleep, we would listen to calming meditations by Lori Lite designed for children. They were very effective in helping her to relax her body and mind enough to drift off to sleep. There are all kinds of sleep meditations and apps on the market today. Mashable published a good list awhile back. Personally, I like the meditations by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, founding director of the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society in Worcester, as well as its stress reduction program.
Dr. Zinn’s voice soothes me more than any other meditation guide. A friend of mine swears by the meditations found on the free app CALM. Of course, you don’t need a guide to meditate. Sometimes just paying attention to your breath on your own — concentrating on your belly as it rises with each inhale and lowers with each exhale — or concentrating on a bodily sensation is a great way of calming yourself down.
4. Soothing Music and White Noise
Many of the apps listed above come with soothing music and white noise. Some nights, I’m not up for listening to instructions on how to relax each of my muscles or reminders to pay attention to my breath. I simply visualize myself lying by the ocean, listening to the waves on the shore, or I concentrate on my breath as I listen to nature sounds. So I have a few apps and soundtracks of just ocean waves and rain and water streams that are helpful for unwinding. Other people I know like to listen to soothing music, instrumental melodies, or simple white noise.
5. Cooler Temperatures
According to California-based clinical psychologist Arlene K. Unger, PhD, becoming overly heated is a common cause of sleeplessness. As one of the many helpful hints in her book Sleep: 50 Mindfulness and Relaxation Exercises for a Restful Night’s Sleep, she advises wearing lighter pajamas, keeping the window slightly open, and possibly ditching the heavy covers. I know people who sleep much better with a fan. The breeze and white noise create a conducive sleeping environment.
6. Melatonin and Other Natural Supplements
There are several natural supplements that can help relax the nervous system and assist sleep. The most common are melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle, and the amino acid l-theanine that’s typically found in teas. Valerian, GABA, kava, and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) are others. I’ve found the combination of magnesium and calcium to be effective at times. Some natural sleep aids that combine various supplements include Neuroscience’s Kavinace Ultra PM, Genestra’s Calm-gen, and Nature Made’s Sleep supplement.
7. Epsom Salts Baths
Taking an Epsom salts bath in the evening has been one of the more effective parts of my sleep hygiene routine. Epsom salts are a mineral compound containing magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. When used in a warm bath, they allow magnesium to be easily absorbed into the skin, which promotes a feeling of calm and relaxation.
According to a 2012 study in the journal Neuropharmacology, magnesium deficiencies induce anxiety, which is why the mineral is known as the original chill pill. I simply add two cups of the lavender-scented Epsom salts with added potassium and zinc to my bathwater. I then turn off the bathroom lights and use a lavender candle.
8. Prayer Beads and Mantras
You need not be a devout Catholic to use prayer beads: They’re employed in all of the world’s religions as part of meditative practices. The process of repeating a prayer or mantra over and over again while thumbing the beads can be very relaxing and soothing. Personally, I’ve slept with a rosary since I first experienced insomnia two years ago. The prayer beads have become my safety item, much like a child’s blankie, and give me comfort in the middle of the night when I wake.
9. Yoga
Any kind of yoga primes the parasympathetic system and promotes relaxation, taming the stress responses that cause insomnia. I’ve found hot yoga to be especially beneficial for sleep because, in addition to doing the healing postures, sweating releases stored toxins (so it’s very cleansing). Certain postures like these 19 listed in Yoga Journal are especially helpful for sleep. Doing them in the evening, or even when you wake at night, can soothe your central nervous system. Practicing Savasana (Corpse Pose) in particular before sleeping can promote deep rest, according to yoga instructors I know. There are also some apps you can download, like Yoga for Insomnia, that will help guide you through the postures.
10. Audiotapes and Free Lectures
Reading in periods of sleeplessness helps many folks I know doze off into slumber. But as a highly sensitive person, the light wakes me up. According to some Harvard research, all light-emitting e-books and screens negatively affect our sleep — even the Kindle. I therefore prefer to listen to audiotapes. Lately, I’ve been listening to the book Wherever You Go, There You Are by Kabat-Zinn. It’s a collection of small chapters about mindfulness that is effective at calming me down. Since audio books can be expensive, you might consider downloading university lectures, which are free content, from iTunes U — the section of Apple’s iTunes music store devoted to higher education.
Join Project Hope & Beyond, the new depression community.
Originally posted on Sanity Break at Everyday Health.
from World of Psychology https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2017/01/23/10-ways-to-beat-insomnia-and-get-better-sleep/
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Herbal-Remedy-Teas 4
Cramp Tea
1 teaspoon Cramp Bark
1 teaspoon Red Raspberry Leaves
1 teaspoon Dong Quai
Take this tea in coffee cup full glasses. This makes enough for two cups. The tea is only good for six hours.
Detox Tea
1 Teaspoon Pau D’Arco (Taheebo)
1 Teaspoon Cascara Sagrada
1 Teaspoon Echinacea
Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil. Place herbs into the water, cover tightly and let steep for five minutes. I cup two times a day should help. If bowels are loose, dilute combination in 2 to 2 1/2 cups water.
Dry Congestion Tea (For thick congestion and irritated mucous membranes.)
2 parts Eyebright
1 part Catnip
2 parts Thyme
1 part Goldenrod
Steep 1-1/2 to 2 tsp in a larger cup, such as a coffee mug, for 10 minutes. You will likely need lemon or honey, as this remedy is rather bitter. Very soothing. Try to stay warm while drinking, and for a time afterwards.
**If you experience any discomfort or unpleasant effects while
drinking this tea, discontinue use. All herbs listed above are
generally safe, though precautions should always be taken when
using any type of medicine.*
During cold or sinus season Tea
1 small handful (about 1/4 cup) dried thyme
1 small handful (about 1/4 cup) dried feverfew flowers
1 large handful (about 3/4 cup) dried peppermint leaves
1 Tablespoon dried and rubbed or crushed sage
End of Your Rope Tea
1 Tablespoon Chamomile
1 Tablespoon Peppermint
Put in a tea ball and steep in boiling hot water for five minutes.
Epilepsy Combination
1 tsp Valerian
1 tsp Skullcap
1 tsp Hops
Bring water to a boil and add herbs. Cover pot with lid and let steep for 5 minutes..
Tea For Digestive Problems
1oz. chamomile
2/3 oz. peppermint
1 oz. caraway seeds
2/3 oz. angelica
Use 1 tsp of the mixture per cup of hot water. Steep the mixture 10 min. and strain.
This tea soothes the gastrointestinal tract and stimulates digestive activity, making it useful for stomachaches or a too-full feeling
Heartburn Tea
1 tablespoon Chamomile
1 table spoon Peppermint
2 pods Star Anise
Boil pods for 5 minutes and steep the chamomile and peppermint in the Anise tea. Drink one cup every hour for two hours before bedtime.
Hops Sleep Blend
2 ounces Hops, dried
2 ounces of chamomile, dried
1/2 ounce Eucalyptus leaves, dried
1 ounce Lemon Balm
1 ounce Orris Root powder
3 drops Lemon Balm essential oil
Memory Minder Tea
1 tsp Gingko Biloba
1 tsp Panax Ginseng
1 tsp Peppermint
Bring two cups of water to a boil. Add herbs and place a tight lid over the pot for five to ten minutes. Take one cup in the morning and one cup around mid-day.
Stop that Cough Tea
1 tablespoon Slippery Elm
1 tablespoon Mullein
1 tablespoon Catnip
1 tablespoon Liquorice root bark
Boil the bark first in two cups worth of water for 10 minutes. Place the rest of the herbs in a coffee filter and place the filter in a strainer. Strain the Liquorice tea through the strainer into a mug and drink. Honey and lemon can be added.
Super Relaxer Tea
1 part (1 teaspoon) Valerian root (dried)
1 part (1 teaspoon)Chamomile flowers (dried)
In a Teapot pour in 2 mug fulls of hot water (not boiling)
steep for 5 mins. Strain or remove tea bags.
Add honey if desired. This is great at night before bed
Stop that Cough Tea
1 tablespoon Slippery Elm
1 tablespoon Mullein
1 tablespoon Catnip
1 tablespoon Liquorice root bark
Boil the bark first in two cups worth of water for 10 minutes. Place the rest of the herbs in a coffee filter and place the filter in a strainer. Strain the Liquorice tea through the strainer into a mug and drink. Honey and lemon can be added.
Super Relaxer Tea
1 part (1 teaspoon) Valerian root (dried)
1 part (1 teaspoon)Chamomile flowers (dried)
In a Teapot pour in 2 mug fulls of hot water (not boiling)
steep for 5 mins. Strain or remove tea bags.
Add honey if desired. This is great at night before bed
Tranquility Tea
Mix:
2 parts Red Clover blossoms
2 parts Rose Hips
1 part German Chamomile flowers
1 part Peppermint leaves
Very Odd Cure for Bad Breath Drink tea.
Researchers from the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago say compounds in tea can slow the growth of bacteria in our mouths, which is the primary cause of bad breath. The magic ingredients are antioxidants called polyphenols, and they are found in both green and black teas.
t’s the bacteria that live on the back surface of the tongue and in the deep pockets between the gums and teeth that make our breath smell bad. The bacteria “make horrible, smelly stuff,” lead study author Christine D. Wu explained to Reuters in an interview. “That’s why we get bad breath.”
Wu and her colleagues showed in earlier studies that black tea can slow dental plaque formation and help your toothpaste work more effectively. Her latest laboratory experiments have shown that tea’s polyphenols not only inhibit three species of bacteria that cause halitosis, but also stop an enzyme that causes the formation of hydrogen sulfide–the ultimate culprit for rotten breath.
But here’s the catch: Tea won’t sweeten your breath. So don’t throw out the mouthwash just yet. “All we can say is that a cup of tea will produce more than enough of these active materials to affect the bacteria,” she said. “Remember, this is a lab study. In the mouth, bacteria are protected by all sorts of things.”
Baby Sleep Tea
1 tsp hops
1 tsp Chamomile
Place 4 cups of water into a glass or porcelain pot and bring to a boil. Take the pot of the heat and add the herbals. Put a tight lid on the pot and let it steep for five minutes. Strain out herbals.
Place in four ounce glass bottle after it is cool enough for baby and let them drink it.
Depression Tamer Tea
1 tsp St John’s Wort
1 tsp Gingko Biloba
Place 1 cup of water into a glass or porcelain pot and bring to a boil. Take the pot of the heat and add the herbals. Put a tight lid on the pot and let it steep for five minutes. Strain out herbals. Place in a cup and sweeten with honey of desired.
http://kitchenwiccan.com/whats-brewing/herbal-remedy-teas/
Picture https://www.gettyimages.com
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Herbal-Remedy-Teas 3
Tea For Health
1 tablespoon China black tea
2 teaspoon fennel
1 teaspoon mint
2 teaspoon rose hips
1 teaspoon elder flower
2 teaspoon hops
1 teaspoon mullein
Tea for Nervousness
1 ½ oz Peppermint leaves
1 ½ oz Lemon Balm leaves
Use 1 tsp of mixture per 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 minutes & strain.
Tummy Tea
A wonderful tea blend to enjoy after a big meal or hectic day.
1 cup dried peppermint (or other)
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried sage
Crush ingredients and mix well. Store in an airtight container. Steep 1 heaping tsp in a cup of boiling water for 1 minute. Sweeten with honey.
Upset Stomach Tea
8 oz Peppermint leaves
8 oz Lemon Balm leaves
8 oz Fennel seeds
Use 1 tsp of mixture per 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 minutes; strain.
Urinary Infection Tea
1 teaspoon uva ursi
½ teaspoon each corn silk, cramp bark, marshmallow root and rose hips
1 quart water
Simmer herbs in water for a couple of minutes, then steep them for 20 minutes. Strain herbs. Drink 2 to 4 cups daily. To make sure the infection is gone, continue taking the herbs for 2 days after the symptoms disappear.
Winter Tea
Boneset
Echinacea
Peppermint
Just use equal parts of each, or pre-made tea bags…3 bags, one of boneset, 1 of echinacea, and 1 of peppermint.
Wise Woman Tea
A wonderful menopause tea. Gently calms, cools and balances.
1 part motherwort
1 part sage
1 part nettle leaves
1 part each lemon balm & mugwort leaves
1 part chaste tree berries
1 part horsetail
Place all herbs in a tea ball or bag, put in your nicest or most favorite cup or mug, and cover with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Remove tea ball or bag, and add sugar, honey, sweetener, milk, cream or whatever, to taste. Beauty From the Inside out!
Honeybush tea
Is a pleasant way to keep the body well hydrated with fluids This herbal tea has many health benefits! Honeybush has nearly the same properties as Rooibos. It is caffeine free low in tannin, and very rich in antioxidants. It contains no additives, preservatives or colourants.
The mineral found in Honeybush are Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Copper, Zinc, manganese Iron and fluoride. According to ongoing research Honeybush also contains Isoflavones & Coumestans, Xanthones, Flavones, all known to promote good health and are also known to help prevent certain cancers.
Honeybush has anti-spasmodic properties which means those with weak digestion can easily enjoy this tea. It has been a treatment for colic in babies .It also helps to relieve insomnia.
Tea – Pain Killer
The herbs you can choose from are as follows:
Lady´s Mantle (herb)
Raspberry Leaf (herb)
Yarrow (herb)
Chaste Tree Berry
Fennel Seed (for the stomach)
Peppermint (for the stomach)
Valerian (for the stomach)
Use(1) part each (choose a total of five including one for the stomach) and steep like a tea.
Stress-Reducing Rest
1/2 cup sweet hops
1/2 cup mugwort
1/8 cup sweet marjoram
All the following recipes have the same measurements. Unless otherwise stated, they were brewed in a coffee maker or tea brewer. Measurements: 1 tablespoon of each type of herb
1 tablespoon of honey to sweeten the tea
Sore Throat
Liquorice root
Slippery Elm
Peppermint
The Common Cold (zinc tablets should be taken at the first sign of a cold)
1 1/2 tablespoons of Liquorice root already brewed in a pot enough for two cups.
Elderberry tea bag
Chamomile
Steep the tea bag in the Liquorice Root infusion and add in the Chamomile. This can be done in the coffee maker, but the Liquorice brew must be cool enough to be cycled through the machine.
Stomach Ache (nausea)
Must be done in a pot on the stove.
I pod of Star Anise per cup
Chamomile (bag or tea ball)
Fever Buster Tea
Catnip
White Oak bark
Chamomile
Must be ingested as hot as the person can take it. Chamomile can be substituted for any other fragrant herb. It is added in only for taste.
Dry, raspy cough
Liquorice Root
Slippery Elm
Mullein
Catnip
Chamomile
Honey
Lemon 1 wedge
(equal amounts of each to fit in a tea ball)
Aches and Pains Tea
1 Tablespoon White Willow Bark
1 Tablespoon Catnip
Put in a tea ball and steep in boiling hot water for five minutes. Drink as hot as you can stand it, then lie down for a nap.
Blood Builder Tea
1 tsp Rose Hips-crushed
1 Tsp Butcher’s Broom
1 Tsp Yellow Dock
Bring 31/2 cups of water to a boil. Remove water from heat and add herbs. Place a tight lid on the pot. Let the mixture steep for five to ten minutes. Drink one cup three times daily. Yields three cups.
Constipation Tea
1/2 teaspoon Cascara Sagrada
1 teaspoon Chamomile
Take in one dose before bedtime. One coffee cup full should do it.
kitchenwiccan.com/whats-brewing/herbal-remedy-teas/
Picture https://www.gettyimages.com
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