My Love of Herbs

I love to garden! I love the Plants! I love Herbs!!! One of my favorite things about these beautiful plants is that they are all around us. There are so many benefits to these plants not only to our physical bodies but also to our emotional well being. I love the easy access that we have to these plants, as they are literally growing under our feet and readily available to all those who seek them. I began my journey into studying herbs and all there wonderful uses and became a certified herbalist. I hope to educate others about the different uses herbs have and there value in our lives. I hope you enjoy them as much I do.

Moringa

 

 

 

Moringa is a plant grown in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The leaves, bark, roots, and seeds of the moringa tree can be used. Its a great plant to have in your garden.  Here is mine growing like a champ, enjoying all the rain we are getting.  


 


 

Here are some of the potential health benefits of moringa:
 

*   High in nutrients: Moringa leaves are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are particularly high in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.
 

*   Lowers blood sugar levels: Moringa may help to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. A study published in the journal "Nutrition Research" found that moringa extract reduced fasting blood sugar levels by 11% in people with type 2 diabetes.
 

*    Reduces cholesterol levels: Moringa may also help to reduce cholesterol levels. A study published in the journal "Phytomedicine" found that moringa extract reduced total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in rats.
 

*    Boosts the immune system: Moringa is a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
 

*   Improves bone health: Moringa is a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health. A study published in the journal "Nutrition Research" found that moringa supplementation improved bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
 

*    Protects against inflammation: Moringa has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a contributing factor to many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
 

*    Has anti-cancer properties: Moringa has been shown to have anti-cancer properties in lab studies. However, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in humans.
 

*    May help with weight loss: Moringa may help with weight loss by suppressing appetite and increasing metabolism. A study published in the journal "Nutrition Research" found that moringa extract reduced calorie intake and increased fat burning in rats.
 

* Add to your cooking  salads and/or smoothies.
 

* Enjoy a nice cup of tea.

 

Moringa Peppermint Tea Recipe:

2tsp Moringa

1tsp peppermint

2 cups water

Heat water, pour over herbs, let steep for 10 min, strain 

 

Sip, Relax and Enjoy!  

 

Spiritual Uses of Moringa


Moringa has been used for spiritual purposes in many cultures around the world. In India, it is considered a sacred tree and is often used in religious ceremonies. It is also believed to promote spiritual growth and enlightenment.

In some African cultures, moringa is used to protect against evil spirits and witchcraft. It is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

In the Amazon rainforest, moringa is used in shamanic rituals to connect with the spirit world. It is also believed to have healing properties and is used to treat a variety of ailments.

Moringa can have a positive impact on our spiritual well-being. It is a powerful plant that can help us connect with our inner selves and the divine.

Here are some specific spiritual uses of moringa:

  • Meditation: Moringa can be used to help us focus and concentrate during meditation. It can also help us to relax and open our minds to spiritual insights.
  • Rituals: Moringa can be used in religious or spiritual rituals to cleanse and purify the space. It can also be used to invoke positive energy and blessings.
  • Healing: Moringa can be used to promote spiritual healing and growth. It can also be used to treat a variety of physical ailments, which can free up our energy and focus for spiritual pursuits.
  • Protection: Moringa can be used to protect us from negative energy and influences. It can also help us to ward off evil spirits and witchcraft.
  • Prosperity: Moringa is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. It can be used to attract positive energy and abundance into our lives.


Janice Neuzil - Sharing what I love with you!

 


 



 

Lemongrass

 

 

The history of lemongrass dates back thousands of years. It is native to Southeast Asia, where it has been used for culinary, medicinal, and insecticidal purposes. The first record of lemongrass cultivation dates back to 17th century texts from the Philippines.

In the early 1900s, a Sri Lankan researcher named J.F. Jovit began to take an interest in studying the plant. He found that lemongrass had a number of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Jovit's research helped to popularize lemongrass around the world.

By the late 1940s, lemongrass essential oil was being produced in Florida and Haiti. In 1951, citronella, a closely-related essential oil, was displayed at the London World's Fair, which helped to further increase interest in lemongrass. Today, lemongrass is one of the most popular essential oils throughout the world.

There are two main types of lemongrass: East Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). East Indian lemongrass is native to India, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand. It is more commonly used for medicinal purposes. West Indian lemongrass is native to Malaysia and is more commonly used in cooking.

Lemongrass is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used fresh, dried, or in essential oil form. Fresh lemongrass can be added to soups, stews, and curries. It can also be used to make tea or infused water. Dried lemongrass can be used to make potpourri or added to incense. Lemongrass essential oil can be used in aromatherapy, massage, or skin care products.

Lemongrass is a good source of antioxidants and has been shown to have a number of health benefits that may include:

    Reducing inflammation
    Killing bacteria
    Boosting the immune system
    Reducing stress
    Improving sleep
    Relieving pain
    Soothing the skin



Here are some ways to use lemongrass:

    Tea: Steep fresh or dried lemongrass leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
    Infused water: Add fresh or dried lemongrass leaves to a pitcher of water and let steep overnight.
    Essential oil: Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to a diffuser or massage oil.
    Food: Add fresh or dried lemongrass to soups, stews, curries, and stir-fries.
   

 Here are some of the spiritual uses of lemongrass:

    *Purification: Lemongrass is often used to cleanse spaces, objects, and people of negative energy. It can be burned as incense, added to a bath, or used in a spray.  
    *Protection: Lemongrass is believed to ward off negative energy and protect against evil spirits. It can be worn as a talisman, hung in the home, or burned as incense.
    *Clarity: Lemongrass is said to promote mental clarity and focus. It can be used in meditation, yoga, or other spiritual practices.
    *Communication: Lemongrass is said to encourage open and honest communication. It can be used to improve relationships, resolve conflict, and facilitate spiritual growth.
    *Spiritual connection: Lemongrass is said to help connect with the divine and higher realms. It can be used in rituals and ceremonies to promote spiritual enlightenment.

Here are some ways to use lemongrass for spiritual purposes:

   *Burn lemongrass incense in your home or sacred space to cleanse the energy and promote positive vibes.
    *Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to your bath to relax and clear your mind.
   * Make a lemongrass spray by mixing a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Use it to spritz around your home or body to cleanse and protect.
    *Wear a piece of jewelry made with lemongrass, or carry a small sachet of lemongrass with you.
    *Meditate with lemongrass essential oil or fresh lemongrass leaves to promote clarity and focus.
    *Add lemongrass to your spiritual practice, such as yoga or prayer.


Lemongrass spearmint tea 

 

 

1tsp lemon grass

1tsp spearmint 

2 cups water

heat water let steep for 10 min. Drink hot or cold

Sit back, relax and enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Janice Neuzil - Sharing what I love with you!

Rosemary

I am loving the smell of the rosemary that is growing in my garden.   

 


 

Here is a little history about rosemary that I thought you might enjoy.  

 

Rosemary has a long and rich history of use. It is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, and has been used by humans for centuries for its culinary, medicinal, and spiritual properties.
 

The first recorded use of rosemary dates back to 5000 BC, when it was used by the Egyptians for embalming. The Greeks and Romans also used rosemary, and it was considered to be a symbol of love, fidelity, and remembrance. In fact, the name "rosemary" comes from the Latin words "ros" (dew) and "marinus" (of the sea), and it was believed that the plant grew from the tears of the goddess Venus.
 

Rosemary was also used for medicinal purposes by the Greeks and Romans. It was believed to be helpful for a variety of ailments, including headaches, fevers, and stomachaches. It was also used as a tonic to improve memory and concentration.
 

In the Middle Ages, rosemary was used in many different ways. It was used to flavor food, make perfumes, and as a disinfectant. It was also used in religious ceremonies, and was often burned as incense.
 

Rosemary continued to be used for its medicinal properties during the Renaissance. It was also used as a cosmetic, and was added to soaps and lotions.
 

In the 17th century, rosemary was introduced to North America by the colonists. It quickly became popular, and was used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
 

Rosemary is still used for its culinary, medicinal, and spiritual properties. It is a popular herb in many cuisines, and is also used in essential oils, perfumes, and cosmetics. It is also still believed to be a symbol of love, fidelity, and remembrance.
 

Here are some of the ways that rosemary has been used throughout history:
·    Culinary: Rosemary has been used as a flavoring agent in food for centuries. It is commonly used in soups, stews, roasts, and grilled meats. It can also be used to flavor vegetables, salads, and dips.
·    Medicinal: Rosemary has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes, including treating headaches, fevers, stomachaches, and sore throats. It has also been used to improve memory and concentration.
·    Spiritual: Rosemary has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. It is believed to have purifying and protective properties. It is often burned as incense or used in holy water.
·    Cosmetic: Rosemary has been used in cosmetics for centuries. It is believed to help improve hair growth and prevent hair loss. It can also be used to treat dandruff and dry scalp.
 



 

Here are some ways to use rosemary.
 

*  Add fresh or dried rosemary to your cooking.
*  Make rosemary tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried rosemary leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
*  Dry rosemary and hang around your house 

*  Dry and make smudge sticks

 


Spiritual uses of Rosemary:

 

Rosemary has long been associated with spirituality and magic. It is believed to have many protective, cleansing, and healing properties. Here are some of the spiritual uses of rosemary:
 

Protection: 

Rosemary is often used to protect against negative energy, evil spirits, and bad luck. It can be worn as an amulet, placed in sachets around the home, or burned as incense.
    

Cleansing: 

Rosemary is a powerful cleanser of both the physical and spiritual body. It can be used to cleanse a space, an object, or even yourself. To cleanse a space, burn rosemary incense or scatter rosemary leaves around the room. To cleanse an object, place it in a bowl of rosemary water. To cleanse yourself, take a rosemary bath or make a rosemary tea and drink it.
    

Attraction: 

Rosemary is said to attract love, luck, and prosperity. It can be worn as an amulet, placed in sachets around the home, or burned as incense.
    

Awakening: 

Rosemary is said to awaken the senses and promote spiritual growth. It can be used in meditation, yoga, or other spiritual practices.
 


 

Ways to use rosemary for spiritual purposes:
 

Smudging: Smudging is a traditional Native American practice of using smoke to cleanse a space. Rosemary is a popular herb for smudging, as it is believed to have strong cleansing and protective properties. To smudge with rosemary, light a bundle of rosemary and wave the smoke around the area you want to cleanse.
   

Making an herbal bath: Add a handful of rosemary leaves to a bath to promote relaxation and clarity.
    

Diffusing essential oil: Rosemary essential oil can be diffused in the air to promote positive energy and improve concentration.
   

Making a talisman: A talisman is an object that is believed to have magical properties. You can make a talisman with rosemary by tying a sprig of rosemary to a piece of jewelry or carrying it in your pocket.

 

Janice Neuzil - Sharing what I love with you!

Elderberry

Elderberry is a flowering shrub or small tree that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The elder berry has a long history of use and folklore in traditional western practices.The flowers or berries of elder are used for their health benefits.  Although the branches and leaves are poisonous, the small stem which is sometimes left on the berry is safe. 

 


Some of the potential benefits of elderberry include:

  • Reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. Several studies have shown that elderberry extract can reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu symptoms. For example, one study found that people who took elderberry extract for three days had a 25% reduction in the severity of their cold symptoms and a 33% reduction in the duration of their colds.
  • Boost the immune system. Elderberry contains antioxidants that can help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
  • Reduce inflammation. Elderberry contains flavonoids, which are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural immune response, but chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of chronic diseases.
  • Protect against cancer. Elderberry contains anthocyanins, which are flavonoids that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Anthocyanins have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in laboratory studies.
  • Improve heart health. Elderberry contains anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve heart health in laboratory studies. Anthocyanins can help to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and protect against the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
  • Improve sleep. Elderberry contains flavonoids, which have been shown to improve sleep in laboratory studies. Flavonoids can help to increase the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate sleep.
  • Reduce stress. Elderberry contains flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce stress in laboratory studies. Flavonoids can help to increase the production of endorphins, hormones that have mood-boosting effects.

Elderberry is generally considered safe for most people when taken in recommended doses. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking elderberry if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any underlying health conditions.

Here are some ways to add elderberry to your diet:

  • Make your own elderberry syrup or extract.
  • Add elderberries to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal. Elderberries can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal for a delicious and nutritious boost.
  • Make elderberry tea. Elderberry tea can be made by steeping dried elderberries in hot water. 

How do you like to use elderberries? Let us know!

 

Click here to see our video on how to harvest elderberry. 

 

Janice Neuzil - Sharing what I love with you!

Honey Garlic Syrup

Here is a great recipe for when you want to knock out that cold or flu or just work on building up your immune system.   This is one of the first things I recommend to people when they come down feeling sick.

Enjoy !!!

 






















 Janice Neuzil ~ Sharing what I love with you!



 

Herbal Tea ~ Infusions vs Decoctions

Herbal teas also know as herbal infusions and tisanes, are beverages made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material in hot water.
What is the difference between infusions and decoctions ?  Infusions are steeped. Heat up the water pour it over your herbs and let them sit for about 5-10 min or longer. They are ideal for flowers and leaves. Decoctions are simmered. They are good for extracting the properties of hard roots, dried berries, barks, and seeds. You heat up your water, turn down to a simmer and add your herbs.  Let simmer for about 10 – 20min.  

1-2 tsp of herbs and spices to 1 cup of water is a great ratio.  

Feel free to play around and experiment. Have fun creating your prefect cup of tea.
 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







Enjoy your tea!!!


Janice Neuzil - Sharing what I love with you!

Cilantro

 

Enjoying fresh Cilantro from the garden today.


  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, is a popular herb that is used in many different cuisines around the world. It has a distinctive, slightly citrusy flavor that can add a refreshing touch to dishes. In addition to its culinary uses, cilantro also has a number of potential health benefits.
 

If you are looking for a flavorful and nutritious herb to add to your diet, cilantro is a great option. It can be added to salads, soups, stews, and sauces, or it can be used to make salsas, chutneys, and other condiments.
 

It is low in calories and fat, and it is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
 

Here are some of the health benefits of cilantro:
·    Helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Cilantro contains antioxidants that can help protect your heart against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of heart disease.
·    May help to lowers blood sugar levels. Cilantro contains compounds that can help lower blood sugar levels. This is beneficial for people with diabetes or who are at risk of developing the condition.
·    Fights inflammation. Cilantro contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is a major factor in many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
·    Boosts the immune system. Cilantro is a good source of vitamins A and C, which are essential nutrients for a healthy immune system. Vitamin A helps protect the body against infection, while vitamin C helps the body produce white blood cells, which fight infection.
·    Improves digestion. Cilantro contains fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Fiber helps to keep the digestive system running smoothly and can help to prevent constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.
·    Promotes healthy hair and skin. Cilantro is a good source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for healthy hair and skin. Vitamin A helps to keep the hair follicles healthy, while vitamin C helps to produce collagen, which is a protein that gives skin its strength and elasticity.

Janice Neuzil – Sharing what I love with you!


Top