Tuesday Try A New Taste - Midsummer Feast

As I did for Beltane, I now do for Midsummer - but further in the future, so if you see something you like, you actually have time to make it…LOL I am going to do a non-vegetarian meal today, and a vegetarian menu next Tuesday.

So…Eat, Drink & Be Merry!

Easy Mead
from Llewellyn's Witches' Calendar 2000; written by Breid Foxsong

Ingredients:

• 1 quart dry cider (hard or alcohol-free)
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup sliced citrus fruits
• 3 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks

Combine in a container just large enough to hold everything. Seal and refrigerate, shaking or stirring daily for five days. Strain before drinking.

 

 

Old Fashioned Root Beer
From Excellent Recipes for Baking Raised Bread, from the Fleishman Company, 1912.

Ingredients:

• 1 cake, compressed yeast
• 5 lbs, sugar
• 2 oz, sassafras root
• 1 oz, hops or ginger root
• 2 oz, juniper berries
• 4 gallons, water
• 1 oz, dandelion root
• 2 oz, wintergreen

Wash roots well in cold water. Add juniper berries (crushed) and hops. Pour 8 quarts boiling water over root mixture and boil slowly 20 minutes. Strain through flannel bag. Add sugar and remaining 8 quarts water. Allow to stand until lukewarm. Dissolve yeast in a little cool water. Add to root liquid. Stir well. Let settle then strain again and bottle. Cork tightly. Keep in a warm room 5 to 6 hours, then store in a cool place. Put on ice as required for use.

Summer Salsa
Source Unknown

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon marjoram
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 small Serrano peppers
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 small purple onion, diced small
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped small

Stir together the thyme, marjoram, basil, and olive oil. Stir in the lemon and lime juice. Remove the seeds from the Serrano peppers, and mince the remainder. Stir in the minced Serrano peppers, purple onion, red pepper, and cilantro. Allow to sit for at least half an hour before serving to blend flavors.

Chilled Cucumber Soup
by Anna Franklin and Sue Phillips
found at White Wicca

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1/2 pt plain yogurt
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Chopped fresh mint
• Dash olive oil

Place the cucumber and yogurt in a liquidizer and blend until smooth. Add the oil and seasoning and blend a little more. Chill in the fridge. Garnish with the fresh mint to serve.

Green Nations Herb Bread
Source Unknown

Ingredients:

• 1 c white or wheat flour
• 2-2 1/2 cups assorted grain flours of your choice (or more white/wheat flour if you wish)
• 1/2 to 1 cup assorted herbs
• 2 T sugar
• 1 1/2 t salt
• 1 1/4 oz yeast (1 pkg.)
• 1 1/4 c milk
• 2 T vegetable oil
• 1 egg

In a large bowl combine 1 c flour, sugar, salt and yeast and set aside. In small saucepan heat milk and vegetable oil until lukewarm. Be careful not to get your milk and oil too hot or it will kill the yeast. Add egg and warm liquid to flour mixture and mix well. Allow to sit for 3-5 minutes. With wooden spoon stir in herbs and remaining flour to make a soft dough. Turn dough out onto lightly floured board. Knead until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if needed. Dough should be elastic without being overly sticky or stiff. Place dough in warm greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise in warm place, free from draft, until doubled in bulk, 45-60 min. Punch down dough, knead and place on a pizza pan or cookie sheet, cover with a tea towel and allow to rise again to double it's size. If you feel fancy sprinkle sesame, poppy or dill seed on top before baking. Heat oven to 400 ° and bake for 35-40 minutes or until done. Serve this bread warm with butter and honey.

What herbs you use depends totally on your personal tastes. Some suggestions: powdered rosemary, parsley, basil, cumin, coarse cracked black pepper, fennel, dill, dried and powdered radish tops, flaked dried carrot tops, nettle greens, calendula petals, finely ground dandelion greens, and thyme.

Orange Honey Butter
Found at Pagan Poet

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons Grated Orange Rind
• 3 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
• 1 Tablespoon honey

Combine the orange rind, powdered sugar, butter and honey in a small bowl and blend until well mixed. Chill slightly and serve with Green Nations Herb Bread, scones or biscuits.

Herb Roast Chicken
From Red Deer & Elenya @ University of North Carolina

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Dry white wine
• 1 Lemon (juice of)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 4 pounds Chicken, quartered
• 1/2 cup Olive oil
• 1/2 cup Tomato sauce
• 1 Onion, minced
• 1 Green pepper, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin

In a shallow dish combine wine, lemon juice, garlic, 1 /4 teaspoon oregano and pinch of salt. Add chicken, turning to coat well and marinate for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350° F. In a saucepan combine remaining ingredients and 1/4 teaspoon oregano and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes. Put chicken in a baking dish and top with sauce. Bake for 1-1/2 hours, or until done.

 

 

Litha Mushrooms in Cream
Source Unknown

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Mushrooms
• 2 T. Butter, melted
• 1 C. Cream
• Fresh thyme, parsley, garlic, rosemary, or other herbs of your choice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Clean but do not peel the mushrooms. Pat dry with a paper towel. Place them in a single layer in a buttered baking dish and dribble the melted butter over them. Bake at 400° until soft (about three minutes). Pour the cream over the mushrooms and turn the oven to 250° so the cream does not boil. Sprinkle with your choice of fresh, chopped herbs and a dash of salt and pepper before serving,
Serves 4.

The sudden appearance of wild mushrooms and their rapid growth were once believed to be a sign of magic. Campestri Agaricus (meadow mushrooms, those white caps commonly purchased in the produce section of the grocery store) growing in a circle were thought to be faerie circles where those wonderful, immortal creatures danced. Mortals were warned not to enter such a place or to fall asleep in a faerie circle because they were believed to be gateways to Faerie. Mushrooms in Cream honors the Fey Folk. Unless you are an experienced mushroom hunter, it is best to use mushrooms purchased through your green grocer. I like to use crimini mushrooms, who are in reality,  portabellos picked before they reach mature growth stage, large cap size. When picking through the mushroom bin on the produce aisle, always look at the under side of the caps and choose mushrooms whose gills have not yet opened.

Frosty Strawberry Pie
Submitted to All Recipes by: Jill D

Ingredients:

• 1 (3-oz) package strawberry flavored gelatin
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1-1/4 cups boiling water
• 1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker crust
• whipped cream
• walnut halves (optional)

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water and gradually add ice cream, stirring until melted.Note:If pie is to be chilled 3-4 hours before serving, increase to 1-1/2 cups water. Chill until thick but NOT set (15-25 minutes), and then fold in strawberries and pour into pie crust. Chill until firm; garnish with whipped cream and walnut halves. A very yummy summer treat....and you can substitute sugar-free gelatin. Be sure to keep it refrigerated! Garnish with whipped cream and walnut halves.
Makes 1 - 8 or 9 inch pie.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Fair Use Notice: This page may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This website distributes this material without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in 17 U.S.C § 107.

Tuesday Try A New Taste – Midsummer Feast

Today I am going to post the makings of a full Midsummer meal or feast – appetizer, main course, breads, dessert & beverage : ) This way, if you decide to use them, it’s all in one place *grin*

Appetizer

Ginger-Scented Tomato and Cabbage Soup with Fresh Mint
Source unknown

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces small pasta, such as alphabets
• 2 onions, coarsely chopped
• 3-5 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 10-15 fresh mint leaves
• salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper to taste

Cook the pasta, drain and set aside. Lightly sauté the onion and garlic in butter until softened. Stir in the ginger and carrot and cook for a few moments; add tomatoes, broth and cabbage. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender (15-20 minutes). Adjust seasoning. Ladle the soup over several spoonfuls of pasta per person. Season each portion with a sprinkling of fresh mint and serve immediately.

Main Dish:

Summertime's Bounty Pie
found at Recipe Source

Ingredients:

• 1 Envelope Soup Mix (Choose one of the following soup mixes to use in the recipe: Onion, Onion-Mushroom or Beefy Onion)
• 1 1/2 lb Lean Ground Beef
• 2 c Fresh Bread Crumbs
• 8 oz Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt
• 1 Large Egg
• 1/4 t Thyme or Basil Leaves
• 1 T Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 6 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 3 1/2 c Hot Cooked Assorted Veggies

Conventional Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl, combine soup mix, ground beef, bread crumbs, sour cream or yogurt, egg and thyme or basil. Sprinkle flour into 9-inch pie pan. Press ground beef mixture onto bottom and sides of prepared pan, shaping edges 3/4 inch above pan and forming a center "well." Bake 40 minutes, drain. Fill with 3/4 cup cheese, then vegetables and remaining cheese. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Microwave Directions:

In 9-inch glass pie plate, prepare ground beef mixture as above. Heat, uncovered at HIGH (Full Power) 9 minutes, turning plate every 3 minutes; drain. Fill as above and heat 3 minutes on HIGH (Full Power) 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand covered 5 minutes before serving.
Makes 6 Servings.

With Bread : )

Solstice Herb Bread
Found at Ashling’s Enchanted Forest

Ingredients:

• 3 C. flour
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 pkg. dry active yeast
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh chives
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp. fresh thyme
• 1 1/4 C. hot water
• 2 tbsp. Crisco

Preheat oven to 375 F. Mix 2 cups of the flour, sugar, salt and yeast in a large bowl. Add herbs, water, and Crisco. Beat slowly, stirring in remaining cup of flour until smooth. Scrape batter from sides of bowl and let rise in a warm place for 35 minutes or until it doubles in bulk. Punch down and beat with a spoon for about 15 seconds. Place dough in a greased loaf pan, patting down and forming a loaf shape with your hands. Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes or until it again doubles in bulk. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Brush top with butter or margarine and remove from pan to cool.

Dessert:

* Mocha Cream Icebox Pie *
Found at CD Kitchen

It's summertime - when everyone looks forward to the season's festive, holiday, outdoor picnics and barbecues. There's no better way to prepare for summer celebrations than with an array of simple desserts guaranteed to dazzle and delight. If you're looking for something really different, try a delicious Mocha Cream Icebox Pie. It makes a spectacular treat that is sure to have them asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup strong coffee, espresso, or coffee liqueur
• 1 half-gallon vanilla ice cream, softened
• 2 chocolate premade cookie crusts
• whipped topping
• liquid chocolate topping

Blend strong coffee with softened ice cream. Divide ice-cream mixture into two premade cookie crusts. Top with whipped topping, cover with plastic lid and pop into the freezer. When guests arrive, cut out a wedge and drizzle with liquid chocolate topping.

And every good meal needs an accompanying beverage:

Iced Apple Jasmine Tea
unknown source for recipe, Sarah the SwampWitch added the magical attributes from her BoS

Magical attributes of Jasmine: Love, prosperity, meditation, psychism, Moon.
Magical attributes of raspberries: Protection; love.
Magical attributes of Apples: Love, good luck, Wise choices, Health, Insight.
Magical attributes of honey: attraction, solar magic. (Additional Honey uses can be found here, here & here.)
Magical attributes of lemons: Longevity, Purification, Marriage, Joy, Faithfulness.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. cold Jasmine tea
• 1/2 c. fresh raspberries
• 1/2 c. apple juice
• 1 c. ice
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

In a blender, combine all ingredients.Blend until smooth and serve over ice in a tall glass.
Makes four 6-ounce servings.

And as an after dinner relaxer – ok, it probably won’t relax you, but you know what I mean lol:

Capaleeno
From Cook’s Recipes

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup malt or frappe powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup ice
• 1/4 cup espresso
• 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup

Place ingredients into blender, blend until smooth and serve.
Makes 1 serving.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from `this blog.

Sunday Surprise – Honey/Hive Product Cosmetics

Spring is coming! And hard on the heels of Spring, is Summer. Folks are now starting to think about getting out the warm weather clothes…The ones that show a bit more skin. Skin that tends to get dry & ignored throughout the cold winter months. So with that in mind, her are some recipes to help you get your skin – and hair for that matter – ready for Summer showing off. These all use either Honey or Beeswax, along with other natural ingredients. Have fun! Materials needed, other than hive products, are readily available at drug stores and health stores.

*Compliments of Mooncrafts Newsletter* 

Honey Hand Lotion

• ½ cup Vaseline petroleum jelly
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons glycerin
• 1 tablespoon liquid lecithin

Melt the petroleum jelly over a double boiler. Add the remaining Ingredients and heat for several minutes until the mixture is smooth and well mixed,
Makes about ¾ cup. 

Honey-Rosewater Hand Lotion

•   1 tablespoon Irish moss
• ¼ cup rosewater
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ cup water
• 1/3 cup glycerin

Combine the water and Irish moss, and simmer over low heat until the mixture is thick, about 10 minutes. Strain the mixture to remove the Irish moss. Combine the strained liquid with the remaining ingredients.
Makes about one cup.

Beeswax Hand Cream 

•   ¼ cup beeswax
• ¼ cup almond oil
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon bee pollen
• ¼ cup Vaseline petroleum jelly
• ¼ cup glycerin
• 2 tablespoons liquid lecithin

Melt the beeswax and petroleum jelly together over a double boiler. Add the remaining ingredients and heat for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and heated. Pour into a container while still hot since it will   harden as it cools. Makes about 1¼ cups.

Beeswax Coconut Hand Cream 

• ¼ cup beeswax
• 3 tablespoons baby oil
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 1/3 cup glycerin
• Melt the beeswax. and coconut oil over a double boiler.

Add the remaining  ingredients and heat until mixture is smooth, for about 4 to 5 minutes. Pour  into a container while still hot since it will harden as it cools.
Makes   about 1 cup.

Bee Pollen Hand Cream 

• 1/2 cup petroleum Jelly
• 1/2 Cup glycerin
• 1/3 cup beeswax
• 2 tablespoons bee pollen

Melt the petroleum jelly and beeswax over a double boiler.Add the glycerin   and heat for several minutes until the mixture is smooth and well heated. Add the bee pollen and pour into a container while still hot since the mixture does harden as it cools.
Makes about 1¼ cups. 

Beeswax Cold Cream 

• 1/3 cup beeswax
• ¼ cup glycerin
• 1 tablespoon liquid lecithin
• ¼ cup baby oil
• ¼ cup almond oil
• 1 tablespoon bee pollen

Melt the beeswax over a double boiler. Add the remaining ingredients and heat for several minutes until well mixed. Pour into containers while still hot since it will harden as it cools.
Makes about 1½ cups.

Honey Cold Cream for Dry Skin

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 tablespoon ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon liquid lecithin
• 2 tablespoons bee pollen
• 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon rosewater or cologne water

Combine all ingredients and mix well. This cream has a slightly grainy and oily texture, and in addition to using as a cold cream, it can be used for sunburn and for applying as a conditioner to the hands before doing outside work, such as gardening.

Makes about ¾ cup.

Beeswax-Almond Hand Cream 

• ¼ cup beeswax
• ½ cup almond oil
• ½ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup rosewater

Melt the beeswax and coconut oil over a double boiler. Add the
remaining ingredients and heat until well mixed, several minutes. Pour into a container while still hot since it does harden as it cools.
Makes about 1½ cup.

  Honey Cleansing Cream 

• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon liquid soap
• ½ cup glycerin

Place the ingredients in a screw top jar, cover and shake well.
Makes about 3/4 cup.

Honey Cleansing Lotion 

• ½ cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon bee pollen
• 1½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
• ¼ cup honey

Soften the gelatin in the water for several minutes. Then dissolve the gelatin mixture over low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until the mixture is clear.. Add the remaining ingredients. Makes about 1 cup.

Honey-Rosewater Cleansing Lotion 

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon bee pollen
• ¼ cup rosewater
• 2 teaspoons liquid soap

Combine the ingredients in a screw top jar. Cover and shake well.
Makes about ½ cup.

Honey-Oatmeal Face Mask

• 3 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup oatmeal, ground fine
• 1 tablespoon bee pollen
• 1 tablespoon beaten egg, buttermilk, heavy cream or sour cream, optional

Combine the ingredients and mix until smooth. Apply to the freshly washed face, and let set on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off.
Makes enough for 1 application. 
 

Honey-Avocado Face Mask 

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder
• ¼ avocado, medium size, mashed

Combine the ingredients and stir until smooth. Cucumber puree may be substituted for the avocado, using ¼ cup puree. Avocado is good for dry skin, while cucumber is better for oily skin. Makes enough for 1    application. 
 

Honey Protein Face Mask 

• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice or cider vinegar 
  1 tablespoon bee pollen
• ½ teaspoon wheat germ oil or glycerin
• 1 egg white, at room temperature (1 small whole egg may be substituted) 

Combine the honey, pollen, and lemon juice. Mix well until the honey  softens. Add the remaining ingredients. 
Makes enough for 1 application.

Honey Face Mask for Oily Skin 

• 4 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup finely chopped parsley

Combine the ingredients and stir until smooth.
Makes enough for 1   application.

Honey Face Scrub 

• 2 tablespoons bee pollen
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon liquid lecithin
• ¼ cup each of almonds, walnuts,   oatmeal, whole wheat flour, corn meal
• 1 tablespoon rose water
• ¼ cup water

Combine all the dry ingredients. Add the honey, rose water, and liquid lecithin. Stir until smooth, and add in enough of the water to make a smooth paste.
Makes about 2 cups. 

Honey Hand Cleanser 

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon liquid soap
• 1/4 cup almond or walnut oil

Combine the ingredients and mix until smooth.
Makes about 1/3 cup.

Soapless Hand Cleanser 

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon oatmeal or ground almonds
• 1 tablespoon glycerin
• 2 tablespoons witch hazel

Combine the ingredients and mix until smooth. This may be used to remove dirt from the hands and fingernails, and is less drying on the skin than soap and water.
Makes enough for 1 application. 

Beeswax Lip Balm 

• 2 tablespoons beeswax
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Melt the ingredients over a double boiler. Pour into container
while still hot since it will harden as it cools.
Makes about 1/4 cup.

Honey Egg Shampoo 

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons liquid soap
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon wheat germ oil or almond oil
• 1 tablespoon rosewater or cologne

Place all the ingredients in a screw top jar, cover and shake well.
Makes about 2/3 cup

Honey-Pollen Shampoo 

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup glycerin.
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 1/4 cup orange flower water or cologne
• 2 tablespoons bee pollen
• 1 teaspoon liquid soap
• 1 tablespoon alcohol

Place the ingredients in a screw top jar, cover and shake well.
Makes about 1¼ cups.

Honey-Milk Conditioner For Oily Hair 

• 1/3 cup hot water
• ¼ cup glycerin
• 2 tablespoons liquid lecithin
• 1/4 cup Sage
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons dry buttermilk powder

Combine the hot water and sage, and let set for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid, and discard the sage. Add the remaining Ingredients to the strained liquid, and mix well. Apply to freshly shampooed hair, let sit on hair for about 2 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Makes about 1/2 cup.

Honey Herbal Hair Conditioner 

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup glycerin
• 1/4 cup sage
• 1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers  or cup nettle leaves
• 1/4 cup rosemary leaves
• 1/2 cup witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon liquid lecithin

Place all the ingredients in a screw top jar. Shake well and let
sit for 1 hour. Strain to remove herbs, discard the herbs and pour the liquid back   into the jar.
Makes about 1/2 cup.

Honey Treatment for Very Dry Damaged Hair 

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Stir for a minute or so until the mixture is smooth. Apply to
freshly shampooed hair, and let soak in for 10-12 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Makes enough for 1 application. 

Blond Hair Highlighter 

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon Irish moss
• 1/4 Cup molasses

Soak the Irish moss in the water for 5 minutes. Then simmer for several minutes over low heat until the mixture is thick. Add the remaining ingredients. Apply to freshly shampooed hair and let soak for 3-5 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water.
Makes about 1 cup, enough for two applications.

Jack "Gray Crow"

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Wednesday What Herb Is This - Herbal Cold and Flu Care

Herbal Cold and Flu Care
Found at Khakani’s Mystical World
****Disclaimer:****

This herbal information is intended as an introduction to how medicinal herb plants can be used as remedies for cold, flu & similar ailments. It is intended for educational purposes only. I am not a medical professional and I cannot prescribe what herbs are right for you. I cannot answer medical questions, so please do not ask me (or any other complete stranger for that matter) to prescribe herbal remedies, cures, treatments or to guess what is wrong with you. If you use herbs, do so responsibly. Consult your doctor about your health conditions and use of herbal remedies. Herbs may be harmful if taken for the wrong conditions, used in excessive amounts, combined with prescription drugs or alcohol, or used by persons who don't know what they are doing. Just because an herbal remedy is natural, does not mean it is safe! There are herbs that are poisonous such as Poison Hemlock, Jimson weed, and many more.

Colds and Flus can strike at any time throughout the year, regardless of when, they always stink!
Here are some recipes for herbal "concoctions" to help you get thru,  whether you are the one feeling down or a family member. Whip some up  and make a basket for a friend or co-worker that hasn't been feeling  well. No matter how you choose to use them I hope they bring some relief! If you find yourself at a loss trying to reconcile the herbs listed to something you can find in today’s world, you can go to Joelle’s Sacred Grove and reference her wonderful herbal cross-reference information.

Garlic Honey Cough and Cold Syrup

Peel garlic cloves, put into a jar. cover with honey. Set in warm place for 2 weeks or more until the garlic turns opaque. Take 1  teaspoonful as needed. Dilute with a little water or lemon juice for
children.

Onion Cough and Cold Syrup

Slice an onion, cover it with honey, let stand overnight. Strain, take a teaspoonful 4-5 times daily as needed.

Cherry Horehound Syrup

• 2 ounces honey
• 2 ounces water
• 1 ounce vodka
• 1 oz wild cherry bark
• 1/2 oz horehound syrup
• 1/2 oz rhubarb syrup
• 1/2 oz wild ginger syrup

Boil and the honey & water, skim. Add vodka,syrup of wild cherry bark, horehound syrup, rhubarb syrup, and wild ginger syrup. Shake well before each use. Take one teaspoon as needed or every hour.

Cough Syrup Combo

• 2 part Elecampane Root
• 1 part Horehound
• 2 parts Musk mallow or Marshmallow Root.

Combine all the herbs, cover in honey and keep warm for 1 day. Strain herbs and use as needed.

Anise Tea for Coughs

Using Anise as a cough remedy is now supported by science. It has been a traditional treatment for coughs, bronchitis and asthma. The herb contains creosol and alpha-pinene that loosen bronchial secretions and make them easier to cough up. Gently crush 1 teaspoon of anise seeds per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-20 minutes and strain. Drink up to 3 cups per day.
As a tincture, take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day. For children and the elderly begin with low-strength preparations and increase in strength if necessary.

Cough Combo

Equal parts of Coltsfoot, Mullein and Licorice. Combine all herbs and use 1-2 tsp. per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes.

Whooping Cough

• 1 part White Horehound
• 2 parts Mouse Ear
• 1 part Sundew
• 1 part Coltsfoot
• 1 part Thyme

Mix all ingredients together. Use 1-2 teaspoon to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes.
Old Fashioned Mustard Plaster

Mix one part mustard powder with 4 parts of flour. Add enough water to make a thick paste. Rub a little warmed olive oil over the chest then apply the mustard paste to chest, lung areas and upper back, keeping it in place with a clean cotton cloth. You can use powdered ginger root instead of mustard as well.

Ginger Root Tea

Ginger helps fight and kill influenza virus and increases the immune systems ability to fight infection.

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 cup of boiling water
• Pinch of cayenne
• lemon juice and honey to taste

Steep 10 minutes. Drink as little or as much as you desire throughout the day.

Fenugreek Tea

Fenugreek's soothing mucilage may help relieve sore throat pain, cough, and minor indigestion. Gently boil 2 teaspoons of bruised seeds per cup of water. Simmer 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. To improve flavor add, honey, lemon, anise or peppermint. Do not give medicinal preparations to children under 2. for older children and the elderly start with low strength preparation and increase strength if needed.

Sore Throat

• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (or to taste)
• 1 cup water

Boil water, add honey and lemon. Drink to relieve sore throat.

Other remedies:

Gargle with hot salt water. 1/2 teaspoon salt to 8 ounces of water 4-5 times a day.
Licorice Root - Suck on Licorice candy made from real licorice or drink a tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of licorice root in 1 cup of hot water for 3 minutes.
Blackberry - Eat blackberries to relieve mouth sores and sore throat.
                 Tea: Use 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep 10-20 minutes, drink up to 3 cups per day.
Echinacea - 2 teaspoons per cup of water, bring to a boil then simmer for 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus loosens the phlegm in the chest, making it easier to cough up. Studies show Eucalyptus kills influenza, a virus that causes the  most serious form of flu. It also kills some bacteria so may help prevent bacterial bronchitis, a common complication of colds and flu.
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried crushed leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cup per day. Not for children under 2.
Horehound - Horehound is commonly used as a cure for children’s cough, cold and croup. This herb has expectorant properties that loosen phlegm from  the chest. Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried herb to 1 cup of boiling water. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, drink 3 times a day.
Horehound Candy

• 1 cup horehound tea
• 4 cups sugar
• 2 cups dark or light corn syrup

Boil horehound leaves to make a good strong tea. Drain reserving 1 cup of liquid. Add the cup of tea to the other ingredients and boil until it just starts to caramel. Put onto a flat greased cookie sheet. Start cutting with kitchen shears or scissors as soon as it starts to harden on edges.

Allergy Relief Formula

• 2 parts Fenugreek
• 1 part Horehound
• 1/2 part Black Cohosh
• 1/8 part Lobelia.
  

Bronchitis

• 2 parts Elecampane
• 1 part Goldenseal
• 1 part Licorice
• 1 part Wild Cherry Bark
• 2 teaspoons Honey.

Combine all the dry herbs together, insuring that they are well mixed. Take 1 ounce of the dry mixture and place in a 8 ounce jar, or a mug that can be covered completely. Pour 6 ounces hot water over herbs and let steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain  off the herbs and add 2 teaspoons of raw honey or to taste. Drink 6 ounces 3 times a a day.

Cold and Flu Combo

• 3 parts Echinacea
• 3 parts Goldenseal Root
• 2 parts Pau D Arco
• 2 parts Peppermint leaf
• 2 parts Mullein
• 1 part Ginger Root

Combine all of the herbs together. Place 2 Tablespoons of mix in jar that can be completely covered. Pour 6 ounces of hot water over the herbs and seal. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain herbs. Drink 1 cup 3 times a day. Inhale the tea to relieve sinus congestion.

Elecampane Tea

Elecampane is used for chronic lung conditions, asthma, bronchitis, colds and pleurisy. Simmer 1/2 ounce of dried root in one pint of  water for 20 minutes. Drink after meals.

Bergamot Tea

Bergamot is a rich source of thymol, an aromatic antiseptic. Helps nausea, vomiting and upset stomach. Infuse 1 teaspoon dried bergamot in one cup of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes. Strain and add honey to taste.

Cold Sores

• Bergamot
• Eucalyptus Oil
• Tea Tree Oil.

Combine & apply as needed

Lemon Balm

2 Teaspoons dried lemon balm to 1 cup of water. Steep 15-20 minutes. Sweeten with honey and give for fevers, cold and flu symptoms.

Influenza

• 2 parts Boneset
• 1 part Elder Flower
• 1 part Peppermint

Mix all together and use 1-2 tsp. per cup of boiling water. Drink as hot as possible.

Sinusitis

• 1 part Echinacea
• 1 part Goldenrod
• 1 part Goldenseal
• 1 part Marshmallow leaf.

Mix all ingredients together and use 1-2 teaspoons per cup of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes and drink 1 cup every 2 hours.

Hay Fever

• 2 parts Elderflowers
• 1 part Ephedra
• 1 part Eyebright
• 1 part Goldenseal

Mix all herbs together. use 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water, let steep 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup up to 3 times a day.

Tonsillitis

• 2 parts Echinacea
• 2 parts Poke root
• 2 parts Red Sage
• 1 part balm of Gilead.

Mix all herbs together and use 1-2 tsp per cup of boiling water. Simmer for 10 minutes and drink 1 cup every 2 hours.

Blood Purifier for Colds

• 2 oz. Echinacea root
• 1 oz Yellow Dock root
• 1 oz. Golden Seal root
• 1/2 oz. Ginseng root

Powder herbs and mix together. Put into size 00 capsules and take 2 capsules 3 times a day for 10 days. This combination is good for just about any illness.
Found and Posted By Witch of the North. Blessed be to you all

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Wednesday What Herb Is This - Honey

While Honey is not an herb, per se, it is a natural substances, and as such qualifies for this Daily subject, as far as I'm concerned - and it's mine, so that's all that matters, right..?

Old Honey Based Remedies
*Never give honey to infants under 1 year as it can
make them deathly ill with botulism.*

Home Remedies and Beauty Secrets
In olden times, man used honey for almost every
illness of the body and mind. Honey was good for the
stomach and intestinal disorders. It was used as a
gentle laxative. Honey was also used as a sedative.
Modern research has found that honey increases blood
calcium and has the same effect as a glass of milk
before bedtime. Honey is good for the skin. Its'
antibacterial properties make honey a good natural
remedy for open wounds, skin rashes, and burns. It was
the base for many home remedies such as cough syrup,
diarrhea cures and even a cure for bedwetting:

Burn Cure
Mix one egg yolk, one tablespoon of honey and one
tablespoon of olive oil. Spread onto surgical gauze
and place on the burned area. When the dressing dries,
repeat the treatment until the healing is complete.
The pain should subside and disappear completely in a
short time.

Diarrhea Cure
Mix one teaspoon of honey in eight ounces of barley
water in a glass and drink. This will stop summer
diarrhea.

Bedwetting Cure
Before a child goes to bed, make sure he has no liquid
refreshment. Just before he goes to sleep, give him at
least 3 to 4 teaspoons of honey.

Tranquilizer
Before going to bed, steep one cup of chamomile tea,
fresh or dry mint leaves, and one teaspoon of honey
for three minutes.

Cough Syrup 1
For a simple cough syrup, mix equal parts of honey and
lemon juice and use as needed.

Cough Syrup 2
Blend well 1/4 cup of glycerin and a 1/4 cup of honey
and a tablespoon of fresh lime or lemon juice. Keep in
a jar tightly covered and take a teaspoon every two
hours, or as needed.

Cough Syrup 3
Mix equal parts of honey, bourbon whiskey, and lemon
juice for a truly exceptional cough syrup. Take as
needed.

Tonic
Two teaspoons of honey and two teaspoons of apple
cider vinegar taken in a glass of water one or more
times a daily, will replenish the body's minerals.
Take as needed when doing mental or physical work.

You may enjoy these beauty secrets some date back to the
time of Cleopatra!

Honey Facial
Starting with a perfectly clean face, pat on enough
honey to cover. Lie down for 30 minutes and relax.
Clean the face with warm water and a clean washcloth.
If your face is oily, add a little apple cider vinegar
or lemon juice to the rinse water.

Oatmeal Facial
Mix 1/3 cup of finely ground oatmeal with enough honey
two or three teaspoons) to make a smooth paste. Spread
the mixture over the face but not around the eyes and
let it remain for thirty minutes. Rinse face and pat
dry.

Facial for Acne
Mix 1/3 cup of honey with 2/3 cups of water. Pat
gently all over the face or affected areas. Let this
mixture remain for 20 or 30 minutes, rinse well and
pat dry.

For Dry Skin
Mix 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil with 2
tablespoons of honey. Blend and spread over a clean
face and neck and allow to remain for 15 minutes or
more. Rinse face with lukewarm water and pat dry.

For Oily Skin
Mix one tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of lemon
juice, and 2-3 drops of milk. Mix into a smooth paste
and spread over face and neck. Allow to remain for 10
to 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water and pat
dry. Do not use more than once every 2 weeks or once a
month if your skin dries up to much.

Honey Hand Scrub
Mix three tablespoons of finely ground cornmeal, two
tablespoons of honey and one tablespoon of cornstarch
in a small, unbreakable container. Leave near the sink
and use as you would any hand soap. Softens, cleans
and soothes the hands, and should always be rinsed
with cold water.

Hand Cream
8 egg yolks
2 cups of honey
2 cups almond oil
1/2 pound bitter almonds, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon oil of orange
Beat egg yolks with honey, add almond oil gradually,
and then almonds and oil of orange. Apply small amount
to hands to maintain a youthful appearance.

Sources:
Cooking With Honey by Judy Powers
Gleanings in Bee Culture by Connie Krochmal
Beeswax Elegance by Dr. Arnold Krochmal

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Tuesday Try A New Taste

As Beltane is fast approaching, here is a Beltane themed recipe. I found this at Wicca and they sound abslutely yummy! :

Fried Honeycakes

From Wisteria's Faery Recipes

These cakes are not unlike those made on the night before Beltane by women around the turn of the century. These cakes were left in the garden to please Faery visitors.

1/2 cup sweet white wine

2 tablespoons sugar

1 egg

1 cup honey

2/3 cup flour

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Oil for frying

1/8 teaspoon salt

Beat the wine & egg in a medium bowl. Combine the flour, cinnamon, salt & sugar in a small bowl. Stir into the egg mixture. Let stand 30 minutes. Combine the honey & nutmeg in a small bowl. Heat 1/2-inch of the oil in a frying pan until hot, but not smoking. Drop the batter into the oil 1 tablespoon at a time; fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Dip into the honey.

Yield: 1 1/2 Dozen.

Can also be eaten on Lammas and the Day of the Dryads.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.