Nutmeg – Culinary and Medicinal

GRASONVILLE, MD – Thursday morning – Nutmeg is a wonderful aromatic spice. The nutmeg tree, which can grow up to 60 feet tall, is native to the Molucca Islands in the South Pacific. The tree produces a peach shaped fruit known as the nutmeg apple which is discarded for the seed inside. The fruit splits when ripe to expose a pecan sized nut wrapped in a bright red netting. The netting which when dried is yellow in color is called mace. Mace is used in Indian and Asian cuisine and is also used in baked goods. Mace is milder in flavor than nutmeg. Nutmeg is used for seasoning vegetables, white sauces, pasta fillings and meat dishes. Of course, we are most familiar with nutmeg as the wonderful flavor in pumpkin pie and eggnog. Nutmeg loses its flavor quickly when powdered so it is best to use the whole nutmeg and grate with a nutmeg grater.

Medicinally, nutmeg is good for the cardiovascular system, promotes concentration, reduces joint inflammation, is good for diarrhea and upset stomach. Be aware that nutmeg is toxic in large doses so don’t use more than 2 tablespoons of grated nutmeg or 10 drops of essential oil a day. Also nutmeg and nutmeg essential oil have other cautions so be sure to check out the cautions before using.

Nutmeg essential oil is used for digestion, bloat, dyspepsia, sea sickness and muscle pains. It is a stimulant and is also good for nervous and intellectual fatigue. This oil can also produce colorful and intense dreams.

Nutmeg Tea (for upset stomach)

Add a small pinch of nutmeg to peppermint tea or sprinkle nutmeg over one tablespoon of honey to soothe an upset stomach.

Myrrh – Herbal and Medicinal

GRASONVILLE, MD – Thursday morning -  Myrrh is a resin from a tree and is harvested much in the same manner as frankincense. Myrrh is very antiseptic so you will see it in many products for mouth and gum health such as toothpaste, gargles and mouthwash. Myrrh is also an ingredient in healing salves and liniments for its antiseptic properties. Myrrh is used in Chinese medicine for arthritic and circulatory problems and in Ayurvedic medicine for its tonic and rejuvenation properties. Myrrh has cautions with regard to not using if you are pregnant and is not for use with children. Myrrh is also good for mature, wrinkled or aging skin.  Myrrh essential oil has a warm, earth, woody scent and is used for athlete’s foot, bronchitis, chapped skin, gums, bad breath and toothaches. The scent is said to have a cooling effect on heated emotions, brings tranquility to your spirit, peace and inner stillness. So try some myrrh or myrrh essential oil and experience its healing effects on body, mind and spirit. >>Candace     Listen to Candace’s podcast report – GO>>

Holiday Aromatherapy Blend

Use 5 drops each: Frankincense essential oil, myrrh essential oil, cedarwood essential oil and orange essential oil. Blend oils together in small bottle and place a few drops into an aromatherapy diffuser to scent your home for the holidays.

Frankincense – Herbal and Medicinal

Frankincense is an herb of legend, an herb rich in religious history and a wonderful herb used in incense blends. Frankincense is an aromatic resin obtained from the Bosweillia tree. Frankincense is tapped from this tree through scraping the bark so the resin seeps out and hardens into what is called “frankincense tears”. These trees grow in some of the toughest environments and are considered to be more medicinal the harsher the growing conditions. Frankincense has a woodsy, spicy and fruity scent. It elevates the spirit and soul and is relaxing for nervous tension.

Frankincense, the herb, is seldom used internally but is used in aromatherapy and incense blends. Frankincense is anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-depressant, stimulates new cell growth, helps prevent wrinkles, is used on stretch marks and helps counteract aging — also heals wounds, is an expectorant, treats coughs and colds and is a gastric tonic.

Frankincense has an essential oil that is considered non-toxic and non-irritant and used externally only. The essential oil is also very antiseptic, in a diffuser helps to reduce anxiety and tension by slowing and deepening breathing, assists in easing worry, agitation and is very refreshing. So the next time you need a relaxing and spirit raising moment, try putting some frankincense into a diffuser and let your tension drift away.  >>Candace

Frankincense Stretch Mark Remedy

Place 2 drops each of frankincense essential oil, lavender essential oil and neroli essential oil into an unscented lotion or carrier oil such as olive or almond oil. Rub gently into areas with stretch marks.

Honey – Much more than just a sweetener!

GRASONVILLE, MD – Thursday morning – Much more than just a sweetener, honey is produced by honey bees and is derived from the nectar of flowers. Honey is a mixture of sugars and other compounds – mainly fructose and glucose. Honey has been used medicinally for at least 2,700 years. Honey is very antiseptic and antibacterial. Honey treats a variety of ailments and is healing to the skin, great for wound healing, inhibits growth of fungi and bacteria, aids digestion, is calming, dissolves mucus, is high in potassium, soothes raw tissues and helps the body retain calcium. Honey also helps balance acid accumulations in the body, and is nourishing with Vitamins B12, B6, iron, manganese and amino acids. Honey is great for your skin. You won’t believe how great your skin feels if you gently rub honey onto your face and then rinse it off. Amazing for the skin. Honey is good in a gargle to soothe a sore throat. Honey and lemon juice is good for coughs and good in some arthritic conditions. You can also smear honey on ringworm or athletes foot 2 – 3 times a day to heal. Honey is so much more than just sweet! Add a bottle of honey to your herbal pantry and use it for its wonderful medicinal qualities or on biscuits – like we do at our house!  >>Candace

Honey and Vinegar Tonic

1 teaspoon organic honey
1 teaspoon organic apple cider vinegar
a bit of water

This mixture is a tonic for the whole body. Use daily and take it consistently for best results.

Chamomile – just relax!

GRASONVILLE, MD - Thursday morning – Chamomile. The word just speaks “relaxing”. A cup of chamomile tea is SO relaxing, eases pain and indigestion and aids sleep. Remember that Peter Rabbit’s mother gave him chamomile tea to ease his stomach ache. There are two different chamomiles – one is Roman chamomile and the other is German chamomile. They are totally different plants but they have similar uses. German chamomile is considered to be the “real” chamomile and is considered to be stronger medicinally. German chamomile is an annual plant and harder to grow. Roman chamomile is a perennial plant and easy to grow. As I mentioned, chamomile tea is just so soothing, relaxing and is also good for stomach aches, for insomnia and cramps – is also great in herbal bath recipes and for the skin and hair. Chamomile is a cousin to ragweed so if you have ragweed allergies, you might be allergic to chamomile. Both chamomiles have essential oils. German chamomile essential oil aids tranquility, is very relaxing, helps in skin conditions, is a tonic, is pain relieving, anti bacterial and helps relieve deep emotional baggage. Roman Chamomile essential oil relieves PMS symptoms, eases depression, helps overcome insomnia, nervousness, irritability, helps you be emotionally stable and find inner peace.  Chamomile is so good for the daily stresses in life. Sit down today and treat yourself to a cup of chamomile tea! >>Candace

Candida Yeast Infection Bath (for vaginal yeast infections)

Place a small amount of warm water into bathtub (enough to sit in). Add 1 drop of German chamomile oil and 2 drops of tea tree oil per gallon of water. Mix oil into water well and soak. Very helpful for itching and inflammation.

Clay – Who knew?

Clay. A long time ago I was told that a mixture of red clay and cold witch hazel extract was a great treatment for poison ivy rash. I tried it and it really works. The clay draws the toxins up to the surface of the skin and really helps heal poison ivy. I know that clay is really important in herbal cosmetic blends but until recently I really didn’t know why. There are many types of clay used – red clay, white clay, green clay, bentonite clay and kaolin clay just to name a few. Clay is used because it reduces swelling and inflammation, draws out impurities, exfoliates, stimulates circulation, cleanses and does not draw the oils from the skin. Clay actually raises the temperature of the skin releasing toxins.  Wow, so much from something so simple! Clay is made from hundreds of years of decay and compression of debris and rainwater in different regions. Clay is very high in minerals. In many parts of the world clay is eaten and is supposedly very good for what ails you. P.S. Did you know that kaolin clay is an ingredient in Kaopectate, Rolaids, Di gel, Mylanta and Maalox. Who knew? Here’s to your wellness! >>Candace

Basil – Medicinal and Herbal

Grasonville, MD – Thursday morning - We usually associate basil with Italian food such as pasta and pizza. Sounds yummy doesn’t it! In ancient times, basil was thought to possess magical powers and so it was used to make elixirs of love. Today we love basil as a seasoning for all types of food and as a culinary herb it is good for digestive issues.  Medicinally, basil is anti bacterial, anti fungal, good for colds, digestion, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, sleep problems and headaches. Gargling with basil teas will help a sore throat.

Basil also has an essential oil which is used externally in a carrier oil against stress, indigestion, nausea and aids circulation. Basil essential oil does have some cautions so be sure to research the cautions before you use it.

If you grow basil in your garden, harvest it by freezing it because basil loses its essential oils when dried. It’s time to spice up your life with basil.! >>Candace

Basil Inhalation

Boil water in a sauce pan and then add a handful of fresh basil leaves to the pot. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the basil vapors to relieve cold symptoms.

Candace Liccione – Herban Living – Bee Pollen

GRASONVILLE, MD – Thursday morning – I would imagine not too many people know what bee pollen really is. Most of us have heard of it and know it is good for us but not what it is. It is pollen collected by the bees. It takes at least 50 trips worth of pollen to bring 1 gram of pollen back to the hive. Bee keepers actually place scrapers in the hive entrance to remove pollen from the bees on their entrance back into the hive. Bee pollen is used medicinally for energy, stress relief, as a general body tonic, to enhance your immune system and for physical and mental performance. Because it is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, bee pollen stimulates the metabolism and promotes healthy growth. Bees give us other products such as royal jelly which is food that is fed to queen bees, propolis which is a resinous substance collected from trees and used to block fungi, bacteria and viruses  in the hive and of course, honey which is also really, really good for you!. There is a caution for people who have pollen allergies may be allergic to bee pollen. Next time you are out in the garden take a moment to appreciate the bees who work so hard for other bees and for us! >>Candace

Thyme – Culinary & Medicinal

GRASONVILLE, MD – Thursday morning – How much thyme do you have in your life? Ah yes, a play on words that I just couldn’t resist! Thyme is a wonderful plant to have in your garden. It is easy to grow and is a nice low border plant that tolerates drought conditions well. Thyme, of course, is great for cooking. It adds flavor to many recipes and helps you digest your food better by stimulating production of gastric juices while it relaxes gastrointestinal muscles and relieves mild cramps and gas. Thyme is great to flavor meats, soups, stews, lamb, poultry, tomatoes, eggs and in stuffing. Thyme is always more flavorful when used fresh. Thyme is a powerful germicide; it is anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic for respiratory issues, astringent and good for bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis and asthma. Thyme also helps relieve insect bites, bee stings, joint paint and helps heal athlete’s foot. You can’t ask much more from an herb! >>Candace

Thyme Tea (for respiratory infections)

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

Place herbs into a tea infuser and place into large cup or bowl and pour 2 cups boiling water over infuser. Steep 20 minutes. Drink throughout the day in 1/2 cup doses to soothe coughs and break up phlegm.

Visit us: www.inspiredathome.com

Rosemary – Medicinal and Culinary

GRASONVILLE, MD – Thursday morning – Rosemary is for remembrance and that is exactly what rosemary is good for in herbal medicine. Rosemary has such an invigorating scent that perks up you and your brain! Rosemary is easy to grow in warm climates but more challenging in cold climates. Rosemary, of course, is a wonderful culinary herb that is used in many meat, fish and poultry recipes and I love to make rosemary potatoes as they are simply delicious. Rosemary can also be added to soups and stews so be sure you have lots of rosemary in your spice cupboard. Medicinally, rosemary really shines as it is so great for improving circulation, helps digestion, eases muscle aches and pains, stimulates the flow of blood to your head and scalp so it is good for your hair and for memory issues! Rosemary is a good tonic herb that assists your entire body to just be healthier! Here’s to your wellness! >>Candace

Listen to Candace’s Inspired at Home Radio podcast report - GO>>

Rosemary Tea

This tea is stimulating and strengthening to your body. But, don’t drink it before bed, as it may keep you awake!

1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon peppermint leaves

Place herbs into a tea infuser and place into tea cup. Pour boiling water over the tea infuser and steep 3 – 5 minutes. Enjoy this tea during the day to strengthen and stimulate your body.