Depression

Depression is a serious problem for many people today. There are some herbal teas that should help bring cheer to the depressed. However, please note that depression is best cured in combination with doctors, exercise, etc.

Here are some combinations of herbs to make the best herbal teas for depression:

*lavender flower infusion, taken 3 times a day
*lavender and rosemary infusion, taken 3 times a day
*any combination of lavender, rosemary, and skullcap, 3 times a day
*vervain, taken 3 times a day
*vervain and skullcap, taken 3 times a day

Herbal tea infusion:
*Use 1-3 tsp. of dired herb or 1-3 tbsp. fresh herb per 1 cup boiling water. Let it steep for 20-30 minutes, strain and sip slowly.

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

Rosemary: An essential product for cosmetics and household use

Rosemary is an amazingly versatile herb. You can use it for cooking, for medicine, for cosmetics, and for household products. Here are some non-edible recipes that use Rosemary:

Hair Rinse

Rosemary and thyme have been used for centuries to darken hair and keep it soft and silky. They also have natural antiseptic properties, which give this rinse the added bonus of keeping your scalp healthy and clean. After several uses, you will notice the results. Herbal rinses need to build up over time, but the advantage is that your hair will darken quite subtly and naturally.  

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves or 1⁄2 tablespoon dried
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1⁄2 tablespoon dried
• 2 cups boiling water

1. Place herbs in a glass bowl and pour boiling water over them. Allow leaves to steep until cool. Strain liquid and pour into a clean container.

2. To use: After shampooing, pour the rinse over your hair. Do not rinse.

Rosemary Disinfectant and Deterrent

*Simmer a handful of Rosemary leaves and small stems in approx. 2 cups of water for 30 minutes. The less water, the more concentrated the disinfectant will be. Strain and pour into a spray bottle and use to disinfect your home. It can be used to clean sinks and bathrooms or give a fresh scent to your rooms. Add dishwashing detergent to get rid of grease on surfaces. Store any excess in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

*Make a weak infused tea (1-3 tsp. dried herb or 1-3 tbsp. fresh herb per 1 cup boiling water, simmer for 10-15 minutes and strain) and use as a rinse on your dog after washing to deter fleas 

Rosemary Facial Steam 

*As a facial steam, rosemary gives your face a cooling sensation as well as stimulating blood circulation.

*Make a infused tea (see above recipe for instructions) and pour into a large bowl. Put your face above the bowl, preferably with a towel over your head and enjoy the facial steam! 

For additional information, see: references and warnings 

Sweet Herb Sorbet

I haven't tried this yet, but it sounds delicious, plus, the possibilities of additional herbs and tastes mean fun experiments!

Sweet Herb Sorbet
*1/2 cup superfine sugar
*1 cup water
*1/4 cup leaves of either spearmint, apple mint, lemon balm, or rosemary
*juice of 1 lemon
*1 egg white
*extra leaves of chosen herb for decoration

Directions:
1) Place sugar in a saucepan and add the water. Bring to a boil, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved.
2) Chop the herb leaves and add to the pan. Cover, then remove from the heat. Leave to infuse for 20-30 minutes. Test for flavor; if it is too light, bring to the boil again then leave to infuse for 15 minutes.
3) Strain the liquid and add the lemon juice. Transfer the mixture to an ice-cube tray and freeze for 2-3 hours.
4) When the sorbet is semifrozen, whisk the egg white until stiff and fold it into the mixture. Return to the freezer for a further 3-4 hours or until frozen.
5) Serve the sorbet in individual dishes, and decorate with extra herb leaves. Enjoy!

Recipe located in: Lesley Bremness, The Complete Book of Herbs, pg. 185

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Rosemary

Name:
*Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)


Description:
*evergreen perennial
*best in zones 8-11
*many varieties that vary from bushes to hedges, etc.

Parts Used:
*Leaves, both fresh and dried
*Flowering tops, both fresh and dried

Position:
*full sunlight
*excellent drainage, though tolerant of any type of soil
*In colder areas, grow plants in pots outdoors and take inside in the winter

Propagation:
*propagate by tip cuttings taken in early fall or spring. Use a rooting hormone and extra heat in order to germinate
*the seeds germinate poorly, it is really best to propagate this plant through tip cuttings

Maintenance:
*regular light pruning helps shape the plants
*if you are mulching your plants, use gravel, gritty sand, or pebbles next to Rosemary b/c organic mulches cause fungal rots
*Do not over water b/c it causes rot/fungal issues
*regular trimmings help prevent fungal problems

Harvesting:
*In milder climates, take clippings of rosemary at any time of the year, then air-dry in a well-ventilated place. When completely dry, strip the leaves from the stems and store in airtight bottles.
*Major harvests should be done before flowering
*In cooler climates, only take clippings before frost.
*If you only take 25% of the plant for harvesting at a time, you can get multiple harvests from the plant

Medicinal:
*It acts as a stimulant to the nerves and to circulation (improves them)
*It is a popular remedy for combating fatigue and depression
*Excellent enhancer of memory and concentration by increasing blood flow to the head
*A digestive remedy that eases cramping, bloating, and gas
*Helps with headaches, blood pressure problems, and heart problems

Cooking:
*Aids in the digestion of fats
*It has a cooling, pine-like scent and a strong taste
*It complements strong flavors (wine, garlic, etc.), starchy foods (bread, potatoes, etc.), rich meats (lamb, pork, etc.), and soups and stews.
*Use them finely chopped or remove the whole sprigs before serving.
*Fresh herbs are better for cooking than the dried ones

Companion Planting:
*If planted next to carrots, it is reputed that it repels carrot flies
*It is beneficial to sage (enhances flavor, makes it healthier, etc.)


For more information, see: references and warnings