Medicinal Uses of Dandelion

Growing up, I remember always being sad when my parents would spray weed killer on dandelions or chop them down with the lawnmower. Imagine my delight when I researched all of the medicinal value in dandelions! They have been, and always will be, a welcome addition to my garden. :)

Digestion problems, sluggish liver and/or gallbladder function:
*As a bitter herb, dandelion root stimulates gastrointestinal functions. An infusion of roasted root is an alternative to coffee and, if taken before or heavy meal, can pleasantly stimulate digestion and handle issues with the liver and/or gallbladder

Instructions:
*Infuse 1/2 tsp- 2tsp. dried or roasted dandelion root in each 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes and strain. Drink 3 cups per day. If using roasted root, add milk to taste but avoid sweeteners because they diminish the herb's effectiveness.


As a Detox and Diuretic:
*Feeling sluggish or run-down? It might be time to detox. Dandelion leaves have powerful diuretic activity. They promote the production and excretion of urine and also stimulate the liver and gallbladder. The leaf is also a wonderful source of potassium, so if you need this nutrient, try this tea:

Instructions:
*Infuse 1-2 tsp. dried dandelion leaves in each 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes and strain. Drink 3 cups per day.


For additional information, see: references and warnings

Medicinal Uses of Chamomile

Chamomile's highly scented flowers possess powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. If taken as an infused herbal tea, it can help with a number of problems: improving appetite, easing anxiety, lessening tension headaches, calming and healing the stomach after nausea, relaxing the body to get rid of insomnia issues, and calming children with teething problems.

To make a Chamomile herbal tea infusion:
Boil 1 cup of water per 1-3 tsp. dried chamomile or 1-3 tbsp. fresh chamomile. Let it steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain and drink 3 to 4 cups per day. Children over the age of 4 years can take a third to half of the adult dosage.

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Medicinal Recipe: Rosemary Tea

Rosemary tea makes a great mouthwash for halitosis and general bad breath. It can also reduce flatulence and stimulate the smooth muscle of the digestive tract and gall bladder and increase the flow of bile.

Rosemary Herbal Infused Tea
*Put 1-3 teaspoons of either fresh or dried rosemary leaves (fresh and dried rosemary are equally potent) into each 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and let it steep for 5-10 minutes (again, due to its' potency, you do not need to let it steep as long as most infused teas). Strain and enjoy. Sweeten with honey, stevia, or lemon to taste.

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Medicinal Recipes: Using Peppermint

There are many ways to use peppermint medicinally. Here are a few suggestions:

At the first sign of a cold:
Take a mixture of elderflower, peppermint, and yarrow. Infuse 1 tsp. of each dried herb (or 1 tbsp. of each fresh herb) per 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 20 minutes. Strain, and add 1tsp. of honey and 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper.

This should decrease the intensity and the discomfort of a cold or a flu. In addition, sipping this tea during a cold or flu will promote perspiration and reduce body temperatures.

To reduce nausea:
Peppermint is good for nausea because it has antispasmodic actions in the gastrointestinal tract.

You can either make a tincture and add 10-15 drops of the peppermint tincture to water, or you can infuse 1 tsp. fresh or dried peppermint leaves to each 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain. Take it 3-4 times per day.

For irritable bowel relief:
Peppermint is an ideal remedy for people with irritable bowel syndrome, again, due to its' antispasmodic effects.

You can either make a tincture and add 10-15 drops of the peppermint tincture to water, or you can infuse 1 tsp. of fresh or dried peppermint leaves to each 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain. Take it 3-4 times per day.

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Medicinal Recipe: Digestion

If you are having gastrointestinal problems, this is an excellent infused herbal tea to take to strengthen your digestion system:

* Peppermint leaves (2 parts)
* Lavender flowers (4 parts)
* Thyme (5 parts)

Steep 2-3 tsp. dried herb mixture or 2-3 tbsp. fresh herb mixture in 1/2 cup boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. Strain. Take 1 to 1-1/2 cups a day, in small sips.  You may make a larger batch to last for a few days.

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Herbal Iced Tea: Lavender and Lemon Balm

Lavender and Lemon Balm Iced Tea Quencher 

Fresh and thirst-quenching, this cool summer iced tea is perfect for a garden party or simply to calm nerves and aid digestion. Makes about four 8-ounce servings.

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves, chopped OR 1 tablespoon dried leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lavender buds OR 2 teaspoons dried buds
• 2 cups hot water
• 2 cups cold water and ice
• Fresh lemon for garnish

1. Steep lemon balm and lavender in hot (80- to 90-degree) water about 3 minutes.

2. Add cold water and ice.

3. Serve over additional ice with lemon wedges.

Medicinal Recipe: Anise or Fennel Seed Infused Tea or Tincture

To relieve that fullness feeling and bloating from indigestion, Anise and Fennel helps relieve the pain and discomfort as well as flatulence.

Dosage:
1) Grind up 1 teaspoon of ripe anise or fennel seeds to release the essential oil.
2) Infuse them in boiling water and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain.
3) Drink up to 3 cups per day.

The seeds can also be tinctured using two ounces of
seed per on-half quart of brandy and some lemon peel. Let the
mixture sit for twenty days. The dose is one teaspoon as needed.

For additional information, see: references and warnings