Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today

Recipe: Crusty Italian Bread
Posted by: “Rina”

* Exported from MasterCook *

Crusty Italian Bread

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 12 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Bread Bread - White

Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
———— —————— ————————————————
1 1/4 cups warm water
3 and 1/2 cups unbleached bread flour — plus extra
for the counter (I use all purpose)
1 teaspoon instant yeast
2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 Cup 1/2 Cup Cornmeal — or semolina

Use dough cycle on your machine
Adjust dough ball as necessary, Add a little more flour if the dough is wet
or a little more water if it is dry.

or Food processor directions:

Combine the flour with the yeast and sea salt in a powerful 11-cup food
processor. Blend for 5 seconds. Slowly add 1 and 1/4 cups of warm (110
degree) water through the feed tube while the processor is running; the
dough should come together, forming a somewhat sticky, smooth ball. Add a
little more flour if the dough is wet or a little more water if it is dry.

Once the dough forms a ball around the blade of the food processor, process
for 45 seconds. Turn the dough out onto the counter, shape into a ball, and
transfer to a floured bowl; sprinkle it with a little flour and turn it to
coat with the flour on all sides. Cover and let rise at room temperature for
2 hours, or until the dough doubles in bulk. (Or let the dough rise in the
refrigerator for up to 24 hours, remembering to bring it to room temperature
before shaping it and letting it rise a second time.)

Plop the dough out onto a lightly floured counter. Cut it into 3 pieces and
shape each into a ball, don’t press out all the air bubbles (leaving air
bubbles ensures larger air holes when the bread is baked). Cover with a
towel and let rest for about 15 minutes. Heat your oven with a baking stone
in it to 475 degrees. (If you don’t have a stone you can use cookie sheets)

Shape balls into logs, by first flattening into a rectangles 4” x 5”, then
fold one side towards you and pinch (seal) the seam, turn the rectangle 180º
and repeat, fold toward you and seal then fold the log in half and pinch
edges together and roll it into about 14” log tapering the ends.
Cover with a towel and let Logs rise for about 30 minutes.

Slash with a razor blade and dust with flour. Use a peel or an upside down
cookie sheet that has been dusted with corn meal or semolina to move them
onto the baking stone. Lower the oven temperature to 450º and bake for 25
minutes, or until the bread is brown and crispy. You can mist with water a
couple of times during the first 10 minutes, but work quickly or your oven
will loose too much heat.

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bread-machine/
Source:
“http://www.rusticocooking.com/bread.htm#classicitalianbread";
Yield:
“3, 12” Loaves”

6,301 posted on 03/07/2010 7:31:09 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

Tartar Sauce Darling for Fish and Shellfish
Posted by: “Lynnda”

Tartar Sauce Darling for Fish and Shellfish

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 t. dried parsley flakes
1 green onion, tops included
2 T. fresh lemon juice
Salt to taste
3 T. sweet relish

Blend first 6 ingredients in blender container. Add relish and blend for about 5 seconds. Relish should not get too smooth. Place mixture in a jar, cover and refrigerate. Serve with fried fish or shellfish. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.
Source: Renny Darling
Notes from the cookbook: Some time ago, someone wrote...Americans love to eat fish with an abomination called Tartar sauce. And for a moment, I felt awful because I truly enjoy tartar sauce with Batter fried shrimp. However, I feel that it’s up to you to decide whether tartar sauce is your pleasure or not. If it is, I hope you enjoy my simple little sauce.

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2a. Pink Mayonnaise for Fish and Shellfish
Posted by: “Lynnda”

Pink Mayonnaise for Fish and Shellfish

1/2 cup cream whipped
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup chopped chives
2 T. chopped parsley
1 1/2 T. lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

IN mixer, whip cream until stiff. Add remaining ingredients and on low speed, beat until blended. Place dressing in a jar, cover and refrigerate. Serve with cold fish or shellfish. Makes about 2 cups.
Source: Renny Darling

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3. Green Goddess Dressing Darling
Posted by: “Lynnda”

Green Goddess Darling

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup cream
1 t. garlic powder
1/4 bunch parsley, remove stems, use only the leaves
3 green onions, medium sized, use the whole onion
1/4 t. MSG or Accent
Salt to taste

Mix all ingredients in blender container and blend at high speed until mixture is smooth. Pour dressing into glass jar, cover and refrigerator. Makes 1 1/2 cups.
Note: Dressing will keep for a week in the refrigerator. This salad dressing is also exceptionally good as a dip for a cold vegetable platter.
Source: Renny Darling

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4. Tomato Chili Cheese Quiche
Posted by: “Lynnda”

Tomato Chili Cheese Quiche

2 frozen pie shells (9 inch. Buy the shallow shells, not the deep dish variety)
1 can diced chile, 4 oz
3/4 pound jack cheese, grated
1 tomato sliced very very thin
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups half and half cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Bake frozen pie shells at 400 for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Divide chili, cheese and tomato slices between the 2 baked shells. Beat eggs with cream for about 2 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and mix well. Divide mixture evenly between the 2 pie shells. Bake at 350 for about 40 to 45 minute so until custard is set. Each pie serves 4
Note: I do not recommend freezing this quiche. It can be reheated but it is best served freshly baked.
Source: Renny Darling

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5. French Bread with Garlic and Parmesan
Posted by: “Lynnda”

French Bread with Garlic and Parmesan

1 French bread, cut into 3/4 inch slices
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves minced garlic
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Paprika

Place cut slices of bread on cookie sheet. Mix mayonnaise, garlic and grated cheese and mix until blended. Spread paste on rounds of French bread. Sprinkle tops with paprika. Heat in 350 oven until heated through. Broil for a few seconds to lightly brown. Serve with soup or salad.
Source: Renny Darling

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6. Chocolate Chip Toffee Scones
Posted by: “ny14467”

Chocolate Chip Toffee Scones

3 1/4 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar - plus additional
1 T. plus 1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. walnuts, toasted, chopped
1/2 c. chocolate-covered English toffee bits (or Skor bits)
2 c. chilled whipping cream
2 T. (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Preheat oven to 375F. Lightly butter 2 heavy large baking sheets. Combine flour, 1/2 c. sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Stir in chocolate chips, nuts and toffee bits. Beat cream in another large bowl until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream gently into dry ingredients. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface. Knead gently until soft dough forms, about 2 minutes. Form dough into ball; pat out to form 1 1/4” round. Cut dough into 12 wedges.

Transfer wedges to prepared baking sheets, spacing apart. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with additional sugar. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.

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7a. Camp Out Chili Dogs
Posted by: “ny14467”

Camp Out Chili Dogs

1 pound hot dogs
1 large onion — finely chopped or 3 tablespoons dried minced onion
2 15-oz cans chili with beans
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 pound cheddar cheese, cubed or grated
hot dog rolls

Combine all ingredients except cheese and rolls in Crock-Pot. Stir well. Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 10 hours or on High for 2 to 3 hours.

Add cheese just before serving and allow to melt slightly.

Serve each hot dog in a roll and spoon sauce over top.

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8a. Chocolate Chip Cinnabars
Posted by: “ny14467”

Chocolate Chip Cinnabars

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened
1/3 cup honey
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350. Grease 8 or 9 inch square pan.

In large bowl beat sugar and butter or margarine until light and fluffy. Add honey and vanilla; blend well. Add eggs, flour, cinnamon, salt and baking powder; mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread batter in prepared pan. Bake at 350* for 25-35 minutes. Cut into bars.

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9a. Cheesy Spanish Rice Chicken Quesadillas
Posted by: “ny14467”

Cheesy Spanish Rice Chicken Quesadillas

6 chicken tenderloins, frozen, boneless, skinless
1 3/4 cups water
1 box any brand spanish rice
6 flour tortillas (8-inch)
1/4 cup ripe olives — sliced
1 1/4 cups Mexican-style cheese — shredded
3/4 cup salsa
1/3 cup sour cream

Heat oven to 450 F.

Cut frozen tenderloins into 1-inch pieces.

In large skillet, combine water, rice and contents of seasoning packet; add chicken. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes.

Spray both sides of tortillas with nonstick cooking spray. Place 3 tortillas on a large baking sheet. Top each tortilla with 1/3 of cooked rice mixture, olives and 1/3 cup cheese. Top with remaining tortillas; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.

Bake 5 to 7 minutes, or until light brown. To serve, cut into wedges. Top with salsa and sour cream.

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10a. Barbecued Spareribs
Posted by: “Lynnda”

Barbecued Spareribs

2 lbs. spareribs
1 T. vinegar
4 T. soy sauce
3 T. sugar
1/4 t. Accent
1 slice ginger
1 clove garlic
1 small onion, chopped
Sparerib sauce:
1 bottle catsup
3 cups sugar
1/3 cup salt
6 medium cloves garlic, chopped fine
1/2 cup salad oil

Soak ribs in sauce for over 1 hour. Broil in oven or barbecue on grill until done. For the sauce, mix ingredients. Marinate ribs for 2 to 3 hours. Broil in oven or on grill, or bake in 350 oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Source: Unknown

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11. Balsamic Strawberries
Posted by: “Lynnda”

Balsamic Strawberries

1 pound fresh Louisiana strawberries
1/4 to 1/2 cup superfine sugar
1 1/2 t. good quality balsamic vinegar per person
Pepper to taste
Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Cut strawberries into halves or quarters, depending on the size. Place strawberries in a bowl. Fold in sugar. Add desired amount of balsamic vinegar and pepper to taste and stir gently. Chill, covered, for 4 hours. Serve over vanilla or strawberry ice cream, angel food cake of sour cream pound cake. Garnish with mint leaves. Makes a variable amount.
source: Roux To Do

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12a. Baked Round Steak
Posted by: “Lynnda”

Baked Round Steak

1 or 2 lbs. round steak
1 large onion, cut up
a little salt
1 can mushrooms
a little pepper

Cut steak for serving. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and roll in flour. Brown in pan on both sides. Place in oven and put onions and mushrooms on steak. Add 3 cups water and cook slowly for 2 hours. If not enough water for gravy, add a little.
Source: Heddy

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13. Saute of Pork Hongrose
Posted by: “Lynnda”

Sauté of Pork Hongrose

1 1/4 lbs. pork fillets, diagonally cut in 1/2 inch slices
2 T. clarified butter OR 2 T. vegetable oil with 1 T. butter
2 shallots, chopped
1 T. paprika
1 T. flour
1/4 cup plus 1 T. sherry
1/2 cup beef broth or consommé
2 oz. fresh whole mushrooms
1/4 cup half and half

In skillet, briefly sauté pork in small batches in butter, turning until no longer pink on both sides. Remove and set aside. Cook shallots with paprika in skillet for 2 to 5 minutes. Stir in flour land add sherry and broth or consommé. Add pork to sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in cream, check seasonings and reheat. Serves 2 to 3
Source: I’ll Cook When Pigs Fly

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14a. Tooter’s Taco Casserole
Posted by: “Lynnda”

Tooter’s Taco Casserole

Crust:
1 1/2 cups dry potato flakes
2/3 cup water
1 carton sour cream, 8 oz
Mix all crust ingredients and press into buttered 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake in preheated 350 oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Filling:
2 pounds ground beef
2 envelopes taco seasoning mix
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 oz)
Brown beef in skillet on medium heat. Drain fat. Stir in seasoning mix and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spread filling mixture over baked crust and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake for 5 more minutes at 350.
Topping:
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1 cup chopped tomato
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped black olives
2 cups slightly crushed nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips
Taco sauce, optional
Sour cream, optional
Top casserole with topping ingredients, arranged in layers or serve on the side for individual tastes. Cut into squares to serve. Serves 6
Source My Old Recipes and Cooking with the Warriors

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15. Spanish (Tortilla)-—w/ Veggies, Eggs, & Meat
Posted by: “RUSSIE-—— >^..^<”

SPANISH TORTILLA

1 tbs oil
1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1 large cubanelle pepper, chopped
4 oz ham, chopped
1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
8 large eggs

(Heat oven to 350 degrees). Heat oil in a skillet. Add potatoes and onion, saute 5 min. or until potatoes are tender.
*Add peppers, ham, oregano, salt and pepper, cook 3 min. or until peppers are tender. Whisk eggs in a bowl. Pour into skillet.
*(Bake 20 min.) or until center is set. Let stand 2 min. Run spatula around edge of skillet and under tortilla. Place serving platter over skillet and invert. Serve with salsa and green salad.
MAKES 4 SERVINGS OF TORTILLA...

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16. Sweet ‘n’ Sour (Cabbage) Saute-—w/ Fruit
Posted by: “RUSSIE-—— >^..^<”

SWEET ‘N’ SOUR CABBAGE SAUTE

1 tbs oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 head cabbage, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 tbs sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 nectarines or peaches, pitted, chopped

Heat oil in a (skillet). Add onion, saute 5 min. or until transparent. Add cabbage, (saute 3 min.) more or until tender.
*Remove from heat, stir in vinegar, sugar, salt and nectarines, then serve.
MAKES 6 SERVINGS OF CABBAGE...

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17. Heat up the Grill Fast-—(TIP)
Posted by: “RUSSIE-—— >^..^<”

HEAT UP THE GRILL FAST

The grill isn’t heating up quickly enough. The solution: Place a double layer of foil over the grates. By trapping the heat that’s rising up from the coals, the foil will cause the grates to get screaming hot in a matter of minutes...

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18. Strawberry Yogurt Swirl (Pops)-—w/ Lemon
Posted by: “RUSSIE-—— >^..^<”

STRAWBERRY YOGURT SWIRL POPS

1 pound strawberries, hulled
1/3 cup + 1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp lemon juice
2 cups vanilla yogurt
2 large plastic squeeze bottles
10 pop molds

Place strawberries, 1/3 cup sugar and lemon juice (in blender), puree 3 min. Pour into a large plastic squeeze bottle and screw on bottle top.
*In a bowl, stir remaining sugar into yogurt until sugar is dissolved. Pour into the second squeeze bottle and screw on bottle top.
*Fill each pop mold with strawberry and yogurt mixtures, alternately squeezing or spooning the mixtures into each mold to create a swirled pattern. Place tops on molds, insert wooden sticks. (Freeze 6 hours) or until solidly frozen.
*Remove molds from freezer. Soften slightly at room temp 5 min. (or dip molds in warm water a few seconds). Remove pops from molds. Serve immediately or wrap pops separately in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bag or container.
MAKES 10 SERVINGS OF POPS...

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19. Spiced Rubbed Roast (Pork)-—w/ Garlic
Posted by: “RUSSIE-—— >^..^<”

SPICE RUBBED ROAST PORK

1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbs sugar
1 1/2 tsp each chili powder and paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
3 pounds boneless center cut pork loin

(Heat oven to 375 degrees). Mix sugar and the spices in a bowl. Rub mixture all over pork. Place in roasting pan.
*(Roast 50 min.) or until thermometer reads 150 degrees. Remove from oven and let rest 15 min. before carving to serve.
MAKES 6 SERVINGS OF PORK...

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20. Tomato Herb (Focaccia)-—Like a Pizza
Posted by: “RUSSIE-—— >^..^<”

TOMATO FOCACCIA

2 tbs olive oil
1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes
Rosemary Leaves
Sea salt flakes or coarse salt

Brush a 9x13” pan with 1 tbs oil. Roll dough into an 8x12” rectangle. Place in pan, loosely cover and (let rise 1 hour).
*With your knuckles, make deep dents all over dough and press into corners of pan. Top with tomatoes, rosemary and salt. Drizzle with 1 tbs oil and (bake at 375 degrees) 25 min. or until golden, then serve.
MAKES 6 SERVINGS OF FOCACCIA...

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To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SimpleMeals/

6,302 posted on 03/07/2010 7:47:05 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

To: nw_arizona_granny

All-Year Blueberry Corn Muffins

1 c Buttermilk
2 lg Eggs
1/4 c Corn oil
1 c Cornmeal
1 c All purpose flour
1/2 c Packed golden brown sugar
1 1/2 ts Baking powder
1/2 ts Baking soda
1/4 ts Salt
1 Box frozen blueberries; unthawed (12-ounce)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line 12-cup muffin pan with muffin papers.
Whisk buttermilk, eggs and corn oil together in small bowl. Sift cornmeal,
flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt into large bowl. Add
blueberries and toss to coat thoroughly. Add buttermilk mixture and stir
just until dry ingredients are moist.
Spoon batter into prepared muffin pan. Bake until tester inserted into
center of muffins comes out clean, about 27 minutes. Transfer muffins to rack.
Let stand 15 minutes and serve

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10a. Blueberry Baked Native Pudding

Blueberry Baked Native Pudding

1 c Fresh or frozen blueberries
2 c Milk
1/4 c Sugar
1/4 c Stone-ground white cornmeal
1 lg Egg, lightly beaten
1 ts Grated orange peel
1/2 ts Ground ginger
1/4 ts Ground cinnamon
1/2 ts Salt
1/4 c Light molasses
1/4 c Packed brown sugar
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spray 1 1/2-quart baking dish with vegetable
oil spray. Pour blueberries into pan and spread them out evenly.
In heavy saucepan, mix milk with sugar. Place over medium-high heat and
stir until milk is simmering; gradually sprinkle in cornmeal and whisk until
smooth.
In small bowl, whisk egg, orange peel, ginger, cinnamon, salt, molasses and
brown sugar together. Whisk in small amount of cornmeal mixture. Return
whole mixture to saucepan; stir to blend. Pour mixture into prepared baking
dish over berries. Bake in preheated oven 45-55 minutes, or until knife
inserted into center of pudding comes out clean.

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NDNcookingandhomemaking/

6,303 posted on 03/07/2010 7:52:50 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

To: kimmie7; All; gardengirl

Quilters Blog:

http://makedoandmendquilts.blogspot.com/2010/02/doodle-tutorial.html

Appears to have articles about on line marketing and at home working:

http://www.glossaryblog.com/

6,304 posted on 03/07/2010 8:10:48 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

To: All; gardengirl

http://survivingthemiddleclasscrash.wordpress.com/2010/03/05/hierloom-organics-seeds-of-action-community-support-program/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SurvivingTheMiddleClassCrash+%28Surviving+the+Middle+Class+Crash%29&utm_content=Yahoo!+Mail

Hierloom Organics Seeds of Action Community Support Program

Posted by Barbara Peterson under Food Localization, Growing Your Own | Tags: community support, Gardening, heirloom, organic, seeds |
Leave a Comment

The Heirloom Organics Seeds of Action! program provides seeds and assistance, free of cost, to non-profit groups and organizations throughout North America, who are using seeds for community service projects.

Here you will see accounts of the various group projects occurring around the country, which Heirloom Organics is supporting. If you have a group you believe qualifies, you can apply to the program on these pages as well.

http://www.non-hybrid-seeds.com/soa.html

Heirloom Organics is proud to support school groups, church organizations, community gardening groups, summer camps, Native American groups, community action groups, self-reliance initiatives, open-pollinated group projects and others.

If you are in charge of a group or organization that you believe qualifies for the Seeds of Action! program, follow the link below and fill out the assistance request form and provide the following items:

http://www.non-hybrid-seeds.com/soa.html

1. A brief description of your group or program that will use the seeds.
2. A brief description of your garden plan (size, what varieties, how it will be developed)
3. A Picture of your group and/or garden plot (by e-mail)
4. Permission to publish your story.

6,305 posted on 03/07/2010 8:33:14 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

http://survivingthemiddleclasscrash.wordpress.com/2010/03/05/the-herbal-medicine-garden/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SurvivingTheMiddleClassCrash+%28Surviving+the+Middle+Class+Crash%29&utm_content=Yahoo!+Mail

The Self-Sustainer’s Herbal Garden
Posted by tempestodimare under Cooking, Food Localization, Growing Your Own, Survival, health | Tags: bee colony collapse disorder, garden, Herbs, medicinal herbs, spring |
[4] Comments

By Drina Brooke,

Certified community herbalist and professional musician

March 2010

“Spring has sprung, and the bird is on the wing.

Why that’s absurd, the wing is on the bird!”

And while the birds, bees and butterflies are winging it over to your garden, perhaps you might enjoy cultivating an herbal garden to sustain yourself, the birds, the bees and the butterflies alike. What a lovely project! Just imagine coming home to those fragrant scents, with butterflies atop the plants and singing birds in the air. Hooray for spring!

Herbs can be so fun just for home crafts projects, like herbal vinegars as holiday gifts, adding beautiful flavors to your favored dishes, making pesto, or for medicinal purposes (herein defined as cleansing and strengthening your body, thus helping it to cope with stress and heal itself. Never substitute herbs for medications without your doctor’s advice, and never wean yourself from any medication without professional supervision, as this can be dangerous. Note that drug-herb interactions may occur: Check with your doctor or pharmacist, who may also consult this website for interactions: www.herbmed.org. If you want to know more about the efficacy of herbs in comparison with mainstream medications, see the excellent pocket-sized book “Pocket Guide to Herbal Medicine” by Karin Kraft, MD and Christopher Hobbs, LAc published by Thieme. This book offers full-disclosure comparisons of the efficacy of both modalities, instructs the reader how to administer herbs in methods such as herbal body wraps, baths, steaming and teas, mentions drug-herb interactions, and is excellent ).

home.howstuffworks.com/enlarge-image.htm?term… check this out, it’s gorgeous and very creative

You can plan a formal herb garden with contrasting textures and colors, in elegant European-style geometric shapes with a fountain or waterfall at the center, with garden benches, a meditative gazebo, you name it. Mix herbs with flowers as a border along the entryway to your doorstep, and combine herbs such as rue with garlic and marigold for aphid or other pest control. Or, you can just have a simple herb patch, and the only limit is in your imagination. Even gardening space takes a back seat where container and hanging herbal baskets are concerned. Urban residents might consider using the vertical space—on poles, trellises, along a well-lit wall, you name it—-alongside vertical produce gardening.

Before you begin to cultivate your herb garden, it’s helpful to know something about the soil conditions. As with almost any garden plant, herbs want soil that drains well, has good organic matter like compost and other materials, and a correct PH balance suited to each plant. To over-fertilize also may mean a loss of essential oils, those fragrant constituents of the herbs which are secreted as anti-microbials and protect the plants from invading bugs, viruses and pests. These essential oils are also what impart the plant’s unique fragrance and flavors. As if the plant was trying to compensate for the loss of these essential oils, it begins to make too many leaves and become too shrubby, if the soil is over-loaded with too much compost or too many fertilizers. So as they say, too much of a good thing is not a good thing. It’s all about balance, isn’t it.

Clay soils should be amended with sand for drainage, adding plenty of compost and organic matter for plant food. It may be hard work initially, but to spend a bit of time digging the soil two feet deep, fertilizing and amending it with sand or whatever else may be needed, will be time well-spent. Your plants will thrive and thank you for it later. The deeper the soil is dug, the greater the encouragement of healthy root growth, which seek water and draw in nutrients from the soil. Healthy and long, strong roots mean healthier and more lush plants. Incidentally, healthy plants also tend to be more disease and bug-resistant. Win-win!

If gophers are a problem in your area, these may or may not be attracted to most herbs but to lay down chicken wire, nailed to a board to assure that the gopher cannot get in, then to pile the well-rotted compost-imbued soil on top of the chicken wire, is to seal any wannabe munchers out of the garden area. Let them enjoy their grass and ivy leaves and whatever else you have to offer them: After all, gophers deserve to live and eat too! In fact, their role in nature is to aerate heavy clay soil, so to reject them as pests is only hurting the environment. Give them space, carve out your own, and we all can co-exist in friendly agreement on this planet which will be all the healthier and happier for it. Remember that if gophers are aerating the heavy soil, they are your friends and your helpers, and you can thank them for it!

Before planning your garden, make sure you get your soil tested for heavy metals in a laboratory recommended by your local plant nursery. Contrary to popular belief, mercury can contaminate the soil even in absence of industrial causes, simply because of natural geological processes such as volcanic activity et al. That is why mainstream American herbal companies are really very good, by the way, about testing their herbal batches on a routine basis for heavy metals and other matters of concern. In your own backyard, you should do the same. Consider too that pesticides pollute the ground water, and that the bee colony collapse disorder is most noted where heavy pesticide spraying is practiced. To cultivate an organic herb or produce garden is important to survival at this point, and not just a goody two-shoes ideal.

Here is a site which links many others containing herb growing information, harvesting, planting, starting from seed, crafts projects, cooking, you name it, all with herbs as the focus:

http://www.dmoz.org/Home/Gardening/Plants/Herbs/

Here is a site with a quick-glance reference chart for herbs: Sun requirements, watering, etc and culinary uses:

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8110.html

Below, I am organizing any herbs I recommend for your herbal garden according to their known and scientifically tested medicinal functions. You can read this entire article or just skim through it by scrolling down and reading the categories (in caps and bold font) of greatest interest to you. Note that the Latin botanical names used here are the medicinal variety of the herb, and that there may be additional varieties of a lesser medicinal value or even toxic ones: Be sure to order the plants by their Latin names. Both Latin words must match in order to be the correct medicinal variety of the herb.

Keep in mind that some herbs are great for tea, but others will need to be tinctured for effectiveness (I will indicate below which herbs must of necessity be tinctured. Anything not specifically noted may be used effectively as tea, but note that this is always weaker than the tincture. The latter will always pack a greater therapeutic punch, so take note). You can learn about tincturing, making your own essential oils, herbal powders, and more from James Green’s excellent book, “The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook, A Home Manual”.

HERBS FOR DIGESTION:

German Chamomile matricaria recutita contains the constituent bisabolol, which is anti-inflammatory and thereby eases stomach pains, nausea and stomach flu symptoms. May be made into a strong tea and used as a compress on the abdomen, as well as drunk internally, in stomach ache and flu infections. Also may be used for steaming to soothe the lining of the lungs and bronchial tubes in colds, flus, bronchitis and even pneumonia (though additional herbs would be very necessary alongside this, to help clear up the infection. The chamomile would be merely a supportive adjunct, as steam. Drape a towel over your head and over the pot of tea to trap the steam, and inhale but make sure the steam is not hot enough to burn your skin, or it will burn the linings of the nose, lungs and bronchial airways. A tolerably warm steam with chamomile can be quite therapeutic, however and should be repeated several times daily). The cooled tea may be sponged on the body to reduce fevers, and to aid the healing of burns and sunburn (though aloe vera and calendula would be even better for the latter two functions). Chamomile tea rinses will bring blond highlights out of lighter-colored hair (not a hair dye though), can be made as a strong concentrate to add to a relaxing bath, and may be drunk for relaxing stress or winding down for sleep. Combines beautifully with linden flowers as a sleep aid and nervine sedative. May also be used for infant teething and colic. (Roman Chamomile lacks the mildly antimicrobial qualities of the German variety, but is otherwise a very similar plant). CAUTION: Occasional individuals may be allergic to this plant as a member of the aster family, with skin rashes and mouth blisters as allergic response. Parts used: Flowers.

Peppermint mentha peperita is so common that it bears no description. It grows near streams in damp soil, so it will need lots of water. The very cooling tea is extremely refreshing on a hot summer’s day. It helps to break up digestive gas, thereby easing out flatulence or stomach complaints such as colic, indigestion or stomach flu (alongside the even more-indicated chamomile in the latter case). Pairs very nicely with chamomile for stomach pains, and is safe to use for children. Ethnopharmacist Elizabeth William writes in her Potter’s Herbal Cyclopaedia that the extract of peppermint was sucessfully used to check histamine secretions in laboratory rats. (Nettles are very popular in histamine and other allergic reactions, so the combination of nettles with peppermint extract might be very effective). Mix the essential oil of peppermint with that of the oregano plant, and you have got a very good anti-microbial useful for earaches and stomach pains alike. Tastes delicious with lemon balm in a hot or iced tea combination. Mint leaves are a nice surprise twist in salads, too and so yummy in many Middle Eastern dishes! Parts used: Leaves.

Ginger Zingiber officinalis is a commonly-used kitchen spice which aids digestive uptake of nutrients and herbal constituents. Therefore, it is often used in combination with other herbs to aid absorption of the formula. Popularly known as an anti-nauseant, the tea is drunk by pregnant women to stave off morning sickness complaints, as well as by all in stomach flus for its anti-nauseant effect, especially if mixed with honey. Ginger helps to break up stomach gas, therefore is nicely paired with mint tea in this capacity (a tasty combination to boot). The fresh and dried root both inhibit gastric acid secretion, making it a useful herb in hyperacidic conditions. The freshly-grated root with hot water to release the constituents, may be wrapped with cheesecloth around arthritic joints. This dilates the capillaries and brings blood flow to the area, thereby stimulating healing and releasing toxic matter, and easing out arthritic pains. (This may be done with powdered mustard or cayenne as well). CAUTION #1: The skin can burn with all of the above spices, so leave on for no more than ten minutes and be sure to remove it as the skin turns a healthy pink, but do not leave it on or the skin can actually blister. Never leave a spice-wrapped patient unattended to be sure no accidental sleep and severe burning occurs. Always follow up a spice wrap or compress with olive oil to soothe the skin. CAUTION #2: Ginger prevents blood platelet aggregation, and thus thins the blood (as do garlic, ginseng and gingko, paired up with ginger as “The Four G’s which thin the blood”). Do not supplement ginger on a routine basis with blood-thinning medications, and watch for easy bruising if used frequently but when used alone, it probably is not a problem. Part used: Root (not to be confused with wild ginger, a different herb with toxic constituents and which also bears no resemblance or relationship to the spice we are talking about here).

Yarrow achillea milefolium is a beautifully decorative plant which can be dried and used in dried arrangements. It attracts butterflies and is a very good liver remedy. Its bitter flavor stimulates bile production from the liver, thereby aiding the break-down of fats and cholesterols. It may be combined with chamomile as a tea and made into a compress, to be applied to the affected area in stomach aches. Inhibits edema, is diaphoretic (will induce a sweat which helps the body to literally burn out any viruses or bacterial infections), is a natural diuretic, and may be useful in arthritis and hypertension. Part used: Herb.

Dandelion taraxacum officinale “What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered” was a quote I once saw on a teabag (source unknown). The root is an important liver remedy, stimulating bile flow to aid the breakdown of fats and cholesterols and other foods, and is a gentle liver cleanser. Very neutral taste. The leaf has a bitter flavor which also stimulates bile, but is diuretic and replaces any potassium excreted through the urine. A plant with its own innate wisdom, eh? The flower and bitter leaves may be eaten in salads (combine with salad greens and apples to cut the bitter taste). The roots are often roasted as a coffee-flavored substitute, though they contain zero caffeine and will not ease out withdrawal symptoms. But supporting the liver with the root makes sense in withdrawal none-the-less. Parts used: Leaf, root, flower.

Milk Thistle sylibum marianum is an extremely important liver herb. It generates the growth of new liver tissue, stimulates bile flow, and has a neutral thermal nature making it suitable for use in over-stimulated or sluggish conditions alike. A very powerful detoxifier. The silymarin constituent has been fed to laboratory rats prior to administering the poison aminita mushroom, and the animals showed 100% protection from the fatal toxin. Humans injected with the silymarin constituent of the herb (which is very different than using the whole herb, much more concentrated as a separate chemical) show greatly reduced fatalities up to 48 hours after accidental eating of the aminita mushroom. It is believed that the protective mechanism arises from the binding of silymarin to cellular receptor sites, thereby blocking the entry of the fatal aminita mushroom toxin. A very effective herb in cancer use as well as a liver herb. Used by nursing mothers to increase milk flow, and virtually non-toxic. There are no drug-herb interactions with milk thistle noted at this time, though studies of herb-drug interactions are ongoing and new interactions are being noted all the time. A recent study indicated that milk thistle enhances the uptake of radiation and chemotherapy in cancer patients (be sure to inform your doctor, as this could change the required medical dosage to avoid toxicity). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17548794 (this Medline summary is from 2007, but the confirmation of the research came in 2008 or 2009). As a tea it has a very neutral flavor, which may be mixed with mint or fruit juice for pleasing taste. Part used: Seeds.

Blackberries the root contains tannins, which contract and firm tissue and squeeze water out. This makes it useful in diarrhea and swollen throat or gum tissues. Part used: Root but the fruits bear no description and are well-loved!

HERBS FOR HEADACHES:

Meadowsweet filipendula ulmaria is a herb which beautifully illustrates the principle of constituents acting together, and why using the whole herb may often be more desirable than extracting isolated constituents. The salycins in the herb are in enough abundance that aspirin was once made out of the herb. Yet, even while the anti-inflammatory aspirin-like compounds are present in this herb, an innate plant wisdom also protects the stomach from bleeding as happens with the mainstream drug: Mucilage, a gel-like component, coats the digestive lining and soothes it so well that meadowsweet not only does not cause digestive bleeding or irritation as aspirin would, but in fact it was specifically used for stomach ulcers. Nature is wise, eh? Useful as anti-inflammatory and stomach remedy. Alongside other salycin-containing herbs such as white willow bark (from which aspirin is currently made) and wintergreen, it makes a good headache remedy. (Another point of nature’s wisdom: Many headache complaints may be related to digestive stagnation). Tincture for best results. Part used: Herb.

White willow salix alba: The bark contains the glycosides which convert in the body to salycins, the chemical constituent from which aspirin is made. Interestingly enough, the plant almost yields itself for man’s harvesting because the bark naturally occurs with channels about 2 cm wide and 2 mm thick. It almost asks to be peeled off and tinctured! (Must be tinctured for best results). Use like aspirin for headaches, muscle and joint pains, and to lower fevers. Most effective when paired up together with other salycin-containing herbs (meadowsweet and wintergreen). Will not hurt the stomach, thanks to the fact that the glycosides in the plant which are synthesized to salycins, are lower in concentration than would be expected considering the glycoside content, thereby protecting the stomach. Part used: Bark.

Wintergreen gaultheria procumbens has a distinctive flavor tasting like a combination of mint, camphor, pepper and who knows what…something just very distinctively wintergreen in flavor. Contains salicylic acid, the active chemical in aspirin. A ground cover which remains evergreen, hence its name. Use the leaves in teas or tinctures, apply topically as compress for muscle and joint pain relief, for sprains and neurological pains of any kind. Or tincture together with meadowsweet and white willow for headache relief. The tea will be weaker than the tincture but it may be drunk for mild headache relief. Part used: Leaf.

Feverfew tanacetum parthenium is in the aster family (and a small number of people are allergic to this plant family) and is commonly used for migraine relief, alongside other salycin-containing herbs. Feverfew lacks the salycin constituent but has sesquiterpene lactones which inhibit arachidonic acid (inflammatory acid obtained largely from dietary animal products) and prostaglandin synthesis (hormone-like chemical messengers which can be either inflammatory or anti-inflammatory in nature). It also inhibits serotonin secretion, and serotonin is involved in the causes of migraine, hence its action writes ethnopharmacist Elizabeth Williamson. Also useful in rheumatoid arthritis, to cool down fevers, and as vermifuge (to expel worms). Part used: Leaf (which tastes nauseating, so use it dried in capsules).

HERBS FOR SLEEP AND RELAXATION:

See German Chamomile, above. My favorite relaxing combination: Chamomile, linden, and orange blossom water. Really tasty and effective! Chamomile also mixes beautifully with linden flowers, below.

Linden or “Lime Flowers” Tilia platyphylla This fast-growing tree grows in Europe, and it is said that one can hear a linden tree from half a mile away, because it sings with so many bees. So this tree is great for sustaining the bees as well as people. The heady aroma from the delicate flowers, which hang down in fine feather-like clusters of creamy color, is strong and lovely yet not sickeningly sweet as some other heady perfumes are. Its leaves are delicately heart-shaped, making this a pretty tree to have around, great for shade on account of its very tall height, yet it yields itself to container gardening too. The flowers contain digestive-soothing mucilage but also is high in flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial (used in colds and flu, though I would use it as a background supportive herb and not as the main ingredient for this purpose). Experiments have shown that the extracted watery constituents bind to GABA receptors in the brain, which accounts for the herb’s sedative action. Pairs beautifully with chamomile for a soothing good-night drink. The flavor of the flowers is similar to chamomile, with a very subtle orange-like background flavor, only as a hint. This is one of my favorite herbs! Mix linden with chamomile and orange blossom water for flavor (available in Middle Eastern specialty food stores). Not only will the flavor be divine, but the anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory flavonoid content would be boosted by the combination of the orange blossom water and tilia flowers acting together. Yummy! (Orange blossom water itself is also sedative even in agitated conditions, great for helping sleep along). Linden is helpful for indigestion, headaches including migraine, colds and flu, and as soothing nervine. Part used: Flower.

See image here: http://www.naturehills.com/images/ProductImages/linden_american_big.jpg growing info here: http://www.ehow.com/how_2079819_grow-littleleaf-linden-tree.html

Passionflower passiflora incarnata: This climbing vine has a beautiful flower resembling a sunburst, if such a thing could occur in vivid purple with a dark center as is common to this exotic-looking plant. Attracts butterflies which also lay their eggs on the vine. Commonly well-known as herbal sedative, useful for bringing on a relaxing sleep, as tea but especially as tincture. Also has some antispasmodic effects. Excellent nervine for long-term use, as are chamomile and linden above. Parts used: Leaf, whole plant.

Hops or humulus lupulus is used for making beer, but also has superb sedative action. In fact it’s so good that you have to watch out: Excess long-term use may exacerbate depression. Use in moderation if you are not a depressed individual, and it is excellent for calming down the stressed body and helping to bring on a peaceful sleep. Part used: Strobiles.

Lavender lavendula angustifolia is the richest-known plant source of linalool, which has a calming effect. Make a very strong concentrated tea and add it to your bath for relaxing sleep. Christopher Hobbs LAc and Karin Kraft MD write in their book “A Pocket Guide to Herbal Medicine” that to raise the body temperature at night with a warm bath, and then to cool down, is to assist the body in falling asleep.

HERBS FOR BLOOD SUGAR BALANCE:

Diabetes is an epidemic in our country, and no wonder. With chemicals lacing our food, Leaky Gut Syndrome (see my article about this) may be an unrecognized epidemic of its own, and can be an underpinning for pancreatic insufficiency. Not to mention the sugar and corn syrup-laced foods in everything from ketchup to icecream to canned foods. To balance blood sugar, I recommend dietary measures, using the herbs below, and also strengthening and detoxifying the liver which screens the blood, breaking down some of the excess blood sugar. The liver also stores and releases metabolized sugar called glycogen. Keeping it clear and strong is one important aid in balancing blood sugar and hormones too, alongside the indicated herbs for balancing the blood sugar, below. Adrenal-supporting herbs are key as well, because the adrenals “tell” the liver when to release glycogen. To use blood sugar-balancing herbs is, however, the first line of defense alongside diet. Note that the herbs below must never be substituted for diabetic medication, which is required for sustaining life. But the use of herbs and excellent dietary habits, with lots of fiber and chromium in the diet, can at times create favorable conditions in which diabetic patients also can use less of their medication, according to Dr. Linda Rector-Page. However, to reduce one’s medication intake must of necessity require a physician’s supervision, and must never be attempted alone because of obvious concerns to health. Take your precautions, take your herbs but let your physician watch the laboratory figures very carefully and never, repeat, never reduce any medication on your own. Note that herbs work best in combinations instead of when standing alone: The combination of all the herbs below will be best than using them singly.

Blueberry leaves lower blood sugar! What a fun way to eat your way into health, huh, and feed the birds too while you are at it. Mixed with bananas, the fruit can reduce helicobacter infections which cause ulcers (as backup to other herbs which are much more effective in this situation. I would recommend deglycerinated licorice and marshmallow root among other herbs for ulcers). Another fun way to eat your way into health! Blueberry bushes require acidic soil, are prone to root rot so be sure to mulch them well with evergreen bark for acidity and to protect from excess water. They will eventually grow as tall as six feet tall and about four feet around at the top, but will take a long time to do this, a number of years. Plant a second bush for cross-fertilization, to assure better fruit bearing and be sure to select a self-fertilizing bush if you only plant one. Two will still be better for fruit bearing. Planting two feeds you and the birds too (time for us all to start thinking that way, eh? Sharing is caring, after all). Part used: Leaves (for diabetes).

Fenugreek trigonella foenum-graecum was tested on guinea pigs in a laboratory which were fed glucose syrup in order to produce experimental diabetes, and divided into two groups. Group 1 was fed only the syrup. Group 2 was fed the syrup and fenugreek fiber. Both groups were observed and compared. It was found that the group fed the fenugreek fiber gained much less weight around their abdomen (implicated in blood sugar disorders) and that when eating fenugreek fiber, blood sugar was much lower than with the group fed the glucose syrup. (Sorry as I do not have the exact figures anymore but stay tuned for an update. The figures were quite impressive, however). Used as a kitchen spice. Lowers blood sugar, contra-indicated in hypoglycemia. Grind to a powder and use capsules for best results and use daily. Part used: Seed.

Bitter melon balances blood sugar especially in diabetic situations.

Stevia stevia rebaudiana aids the body’s insulin receptivity mechanism, thereby lowering high blood sugar or raising it when it is low. Countries such as Peru that use stevia show very few diabetes and hypoglycemia rates, according to naturopathic doctor Linda Rector-Page in her “Healthy Healing” book. This is a naturally sweet herb which bypasses sugar without the carcinogenic, fibromyalgia-linked chemicals in aspartame or nutrasweet. As above it is in fact extremely healthy for the human body. Its licorice-like taste is admittedly an acquired one, but so is the saccharin flavor of its synthetic counterparts. Part used: Leaf. Use as powder (stronger) or tea (weaker).

WOMEN’S HERBS:

Vitex Vitex agnus castus watch out! Here comes one of my favorite herbs, because it’s just gorgeous. This very fast-growing shrub will jump from a five-gallon potted plant to eight feet high in no time flat, usually over one or at most two seasons. It has a fairly wide-spreading umbel, sort of a rounded shape, so plan extra space around it (not a skinny plant). Prune back each year to encourage new wood growth. Tolerates some frost but not snow or heavy frost. The flowers resemble tall and skinny lilacs, with a beautiful silvery-lavender hue. The leaves are shaped much like marijuana foliage except that they lack any serrated edge, so be sure to cue in any curious police to this fact! (The tree-like trunk on this shrub sets it apart from the marijuana plant too, it’s not even possible to confuse the two plants except for the leaves). The leaves drape very gracefully in a vase, and the fragrance is somewhat peppery-sweet. The berry tea tastes like a cross-over between mint and pepper. This herb “talks” to the pituitary-hypothalamic axis, which governs (among other things) the release of sex hormones. In so doing, the herb balances female hormones, though there may be a tendency for progesterone levels to rise somewhat. But it does not directly stimulate progesterone, per se and for the most part has actual balancing action on hormones. Useful in menopause transition, for PMS (long-term use can actually cure this disorder), endometriosis (use for one year or longer), and other female complaints, or to clear up male and female acne. Just display those lovely and long-lasting flowers in a vase! Beautiful. Part used: Berry, as tea or tincture

Pictured here in very accurate color: http://www.oranjerievereniging.nl/fotos/Vitex_agnus-castus_1.jpg

This photo shows the alba white-flowered variety and the leaves: http://www.henriettesherbal.com/files/images/photos/v/vi/d05_9049_vitex-agnus-castus-f-alba.jpg

Good vitex gardening and soil condition comments here: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/herbal/msg0916194527867.html

Master herbalist/botanist Christopher Hobbs’s detailed and long history of the vitex plant http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?Id=430

Black Cohosh cimicifuga racimosa is a popular woman’s herb on account of its relaxing the uterus in menstrual cramps, and in normalizing hormone fluctuations. Useful in menstural cramps, hormone changes like menopause and for easing out emotional distress during this phase. Master herbalist David Hoffmann writes in his book Medical Herbalism that this herb may be used to balance hormones where the ovaries have been removed or hysterectomy has occurred. He also emphasizes that while popularly known as a woman’s herb, it is very valuable in rheumatic conditions including osteoarthritis and other arthritic conditions. As a relaxant, it is helpful in easing out nerve pains such as in neuralgia and sciatica, writes Hoffmann. Often paired with Vitex for hormone-balancing effect. NOTE: This plant is not to be confused with blue cohosh, also a woman’s herb but which has just the opposite effect of the black plant. The blue cohosh stimulates uterine contractions and is quite powerful in this regard. Used carefully with a very experienced herbalist-midwife/physician, it may facilitate labor contractions but there is a risk, if over-used, that it can even rupture the uterus because its contracting power is that strong. Used carefully it can be very effective, in highly competent hands. Not for layperson’s use. Use the black cohosh instead. Part used: Dried root and rhizome

Pennyroyal mentha pulegium is related to mint, grows near streams and in damp soil, so it will need plenty of water. Use this herb carefully. It will induce a menstrual period and can cause a woman to abort her fetus. Definitely not for use during pregnancy. The pulegone constituent is toxic to the kidneys and liver in not-too-large doses, so completely avoid use of the essential oil and drink this only as a tea to be sure it is mild enough to minimize any toxicity. May be safely drunk only as a tea, to induce a menstrual period and to relieve any abdominal gas. When diluted in water the toxic constituents should be at a fairly low level, and other plant constituents also balance out the pulegone, making it fairly safe for internal use as tea. It is the essential oil product that you want to avoid completely. CAUTION: Avoid use even as tea if liver or kidney disease are present. One ounce of pulegone essential oil can kill. The required amount of pulegone to induce abortion is close to this toxic, lethal-level dose, so it is far from advisable as deaths have been reported when used as abortifacient. Keep the essential oil out of reach of children or any suicidally-inclined people! Do not administer this herb to children. Part used: Dried herb

Castor oil plant ricinus communis The oil will ease out pains from ovarian cysts and endometriosis if applied as a hot compress to the abdomen, with a hot water bottle or electric heating pad to keep the compress warm. Keep the compress on for about an hour. Very effective even in severe pain levels from cysts and other infections. (Note that hormone imbalance and candida albicans infections can cause these symptoms: See your doctor and try using the Vitex Agnus Castus above for hormone balance, along with liver-cleansing teas. The liver breaks down excess hormones in the blood, therefore to cleanse and strengthen it is one keystone in any hormone-balancing therapy). CAUTION: Seeds are highly toxic, do not grow if children are around. Prolonged internal use of the castor oil can be toxic, causing a lack of fluid absorption in the intestine yet excess gastrointestinal secretions at the same time. This creates an imbalance in intestinal fluids and an exessively damp condition. Not healthy. I suggest using aloe vera instead instead of considering castor oil as a laxative. Part used: oil expressed from leaves, seeds.

Red Raspberry Leaves Rubus Idaeus Traditionally used to facilitate uterine contractions during labor. May also aid female fertility if the leaves are drunk daily as a tea or the tincture is used (especially in combination with vitex berries, above). The tannins in the leaves are useful for diarrhea or as gargle for sore throats, will reduce tissue swelling. Part used: Leaves but the fruit are delicious for eating and the birds will be fed by them too! Grow enough for yourself and to feed the birds, and you both will be happy campers.

HERBS FOR COLDS AND FLUS:

Black Elder sambuccus nigra This very valuable tree has multiple purposes. The berries are popularly used for wine-making, but clinical studies have proven the herb to be effective against ten strains of influenza (flu) virus. A 2009 study at the University of Gainesville, Florida proved the efficacy of the extract in blocking the entry of the H1N1 virus from penetrating the human cells, thus blocking the infection. In addition, the berry extract has been proven to strengthen cell membranes, thereby making viral penetration more difficult and enhancing immunity. Also enhances cytokine activity, chemical messengers which alert immune cells to swing into action. The berry is used for colds and flu. The flowers may be used in very modest amounts for steaming along with chamomile for colds and flus, to expel mucus (expectorant) and are diaphoretic (will induce a sweat or fever, thereby helping the body to burn out any bacterial or viral infections). The leaves may be applied topically as a compress for arthritic inflammation and joint pain. CAUTION: The leaves and twigs of the tree contain cyanides which are toxic. Use the leaves externally only, but the flowers and berries are very safe for internal consumption. Tincture would be most effective for cold and flu administration, but routine tea-drinking can be useful too.

Growing info for elder http://www.elderberries.com/elderberry-sambucus-info/elderberry-planting-growing-tips/

Echinacea e. Angustifolia, purpurea or pallida Any of the above varieties are medicinal, but each is slightly different from each other. This herb inhibits the production of hyoluronidase, an enzyme which breaks down hyaluronic acid, the cement which binds cellular material together and which strengthens membranes. As the enzyme breaks this cellular material down, the membranes are weakened, thereby allowing viruses and bacteria to pass through, becoming leaky as it were. Echinacea inhibits the production of this enzyme, thereby maintaining the body’s defenses against colds and flus, writes master herbalist David Hoffmann. The polysaccharides in echinacea signal the immune system’s macrophage cells to swing into action. In addition, echinacea is an excellent lymphatic cleanser, indicated when skin eruptions such as boils and rashes appear, when tonsils or throat tissue are swollen, and in female infections. One clinical trial indicated that the immune system’s T cells were at first stimulated by echinacea, but then they dropped after ten days, suggesting that the immune system tired out by over-stimulation. This however was using a particular isolated constituent of the herb, and not when using the herb in its entirety with its buffering constituents intact. As a precaution, use safely for ten days and then take a one-week break before starting use again. The purpurea variety has less of the immune-stimulating constituents than the other two plants. May be safely used by children and adults alike. Butterfly-friendly herb. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Auto-immune disease such as lupus, MS and some forms of arthritis, cancer. Parts used: Root

Goldenseal hydrastis canadensis the yellow alkaloid called berberine is the active constituent in this herb, possessing anti-microbial properties, and also soothing to the digestive mucosa or gut lining. Use alongside echinacea for colds, flus and as mild antibiotic. Berberine also has anti-cancer activity, is anti-diarrheal, anti-fungal (Effective against candida albicans infections, especially when paired with other berberine-containing herbs such as coptis), promotes bile and other liver secretions. Extremely bitter taste, use as capsule or tincture alongside echinacea for colds and flu. Parts used: Rhizome.

Grindelia grindelia squarrosa was once used to make asthma medication. Has antibacterial action, relaxes and dilates the bronchial tubes and airways, and is useful in chest colds such as bronchitis. Relaxes the heartbeat and thereby reduces high blood pressure. A sticky, shiny, low-growing orangy-yellow flower in the aster family (the occasional person may be allergic and develop skin rashes or mouth sores). Use in conjunction with bronchial airway-dilating lobelia inflata and coleus forshkolii for asthmatic conditions. Part used: Dried flower and aerial parts. All plants for asthma must of necessity be tinctured or they will not be strong enough.

Sage salvia officinalis contains soothing essential oils that are beneficial to the gums, throat and tonsils. It is very helpful as gargle for sore throats and laryngitis, while taking down tissue swelling in the gums, throat and tonsils alike. (Always spit out the gargled matter, never swallow it because it will contain toxins). Sage leaf tea is used for nursing mothers to decrease the flow of breast milk when weaning their infants. It also will stimulate the uterus so avoid during pregnancy. A strong tea as hair rinse will bring out auburn and brown highlights in the hair. Sage when drunk as a tea will induce a sweat, helping the body to burn out cold and flu infections via fever, the body’s immune defense against infections. (Contra-indicated in high fevers, use aspirin or chamomile sponge baths to reduce a high fever and keep a close watch on the situation, stay in very close touch with your physician. High fevers can produce brain damage so don’t kid around. If there are hallucinations, administer aspirin and go to the emergency room). Master herbalist David Hoffmann writes in his Medical Herbalism book that “adverse reactions are likely only with overdoses (more than 15 g of sage leaf per dose) or prolonged use of red sage. The toxic constituent of the essential oil, thujone, causes symptoms such as tachycardia, hot flashes, convulsions and dizziness.” Again this is only in high doses. The leaf is very tasty when pan-fried in a combination of butter and olive oil, and poured over steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as zucchini. Really yummy. Part used: Leaf.

Roses can be grown not only for their gorgeous flowers, but also for the vitamin C-yielding rosehips. Simply don’t deadhead or prune at the end of the season, to allow the hips to grow, then pick and dry. Done! Use for tea or grind into a powder for capsules. A friend of mine used to make rosehip soup with honey, and it was really surprisingly tasty. She would boil up the whole and washed rosehips, then press them through a foodmill with a sieve, to strain out the hairs in the center of the hips. The resulting puree was sweetened with honey and served as a cold soup at the dinner table. Really surprisingly yummy, as said! Rose water syrup is divinely tasty and has a deeply calming effect, making your insides glow as it goes down. Same can be said of rose petal jam. Try candied rose petals on your cakes. The variations are endless, and the experience divine! Enjoy, enjoy. The Rosa Rugosa variety will yield the largest hips (but not the most beautiful bush or flowers), but I do not know which variety has the highest vitamin C content, per se (though my suspicion is with the Rugosa rose). If anybody has any further information about this, please post below! We’d love to hear from you. Note too that Vitamin C supports the adrenal glands, alongside B complex and pantothenic acid (royal bee jelly is a hugely rich source of the latter, but I never favor disturbing the bees).

ANTI-VIRAL HERBS:

Note that all below must be tinctured if anti-viral effects are desired!

Osha ligusticum porteri This is an excellent anti-viral and a specific for colds of the chest, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Tincture for best effects, and combine with all of the herbs above. Very attractive, low-growing, fern-like plant. Part used: Root

Olive Leaf olea europea the fruit and olive oil are too well-known to merit any introduction. The leaf extract (must be tinctured) is an exceptionally good natural anti-viral, effective against AIDS and sexually transmitted disease infections (according to naturopathic physician Linda Rector-Page in her Healthy Healing book), colds and flus. Part used: Leaf

St. Johnswort hypericum perforatum is a low-growing plant with yellow flowers boasting a burst of yellow stamens that brush the air with their feathery texture. Very attractive. Traditionally known as an anti-depressant, the flower also has mild anti-viral properties on account of its flavonoid content. Tincture is effective as background supportive herb in cold and flu formulas. The flowers soaked in oil yield strongly anti-inflammatory hypericins, which are excellent topical nervous system anti-inflammatories. The oil should be a rich, earthone red color for active constituent content. To be effective as anti-depressant, the tincture needs to have 0.3% hypericins, and 2-3% hyperforins present, a standardizing process which is difficult for the layperson to do. CAUTION: St Johnswort raises the P450 and CYP3A4 liver enzyme series, and therefore will interact with a long list of pharmaceutical medications, reducing their effectiveness. Occasional cases of light sensitivity and skin rash have been reported with use of the herb, but this is more rare than common. Part used: Flower.

Lemon Balm Melissa Officinalis is much-loved by bees, possibly because of its anti-viral effects (and bees have been shown to have certain amounts of viruses and fungi in their intestines, accounting partially for the bee colony die-off concern, though pesticide use ranks as the number one killer). This herb relieves flatulence and spasming in the digestive tract, is very pleasant-tasting, and offers anti-viral action due to the presence of rosmarinic acid. It inhibits the binding of thyroid hormones to receptor cells, thereby lowering thyroid hormones (although in cases of moderate or severe hyperthyroidism, I would recommend seeing your doctor and taking the medication rather than using the herb. Be very careful as hyperthyroidism can be dangerous, and the herb may not be as strongly effective in this area as other herbs can be in similarly acute situations). A very good nervine, blends nicely with chamomile for a good night’s sleep. Allow to flower for the bees’ sake, but traditionally the flowers are cut back in order to encourage better leaf growth. Part used: Leaf.

ADAPTOGENIC HERBS TO HELP YOUR BODY COPE WITH STRESS:

Ligustrum Ligustrum Lucidum this is a fast-growing tree in the olive family, with characteristically shiny leaves and purplish-black berries born in clusters. The berries are superb adrenal gland tonics, meaning that they strengthen these glands. The adrenals play a role in blood sugar regulation, in balancing male and female sex hormones, regulating heartbeat, play a role in immunity and regulate the body’s response to stress. If you have that “Tired and wired” feeling, an adrenal gland tonic may be what you need. This plant tonifies the deep qi, meaning that it strengthens the body’s immunity on a deep level without fatiguing or over-stimulating it. Part used: Berries, tinctured.

Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) eleutherococcus senticosus is an adaptogenic herb, meaning that it balances adrenal hormones and aids your body’s ability to cope with stress. Eleuthero is fairly energizing without being overly stimulating either, but can be mildly stimulating to some people. Master phytotherapist David Hoffmann writes that eleuthero ginseng increases the resistance of the heart to oxygen deprivation, thus aiding angina, hypertension and hypotension alike. May be used to recover from the trauma of surgery and other traumas, or just for adapting to stress and keeping the body even-keeled. CAUTION: Do not use with heart medications or diabetic drugs. Part used: Root.

Holy Basil, “Tulsi” or ocimum sanctum has excellent adaptogenic effects, strengthening the body’s ability to cope with stress. It imparts a sense of calm and balance, even in some agitated conditions.Helpful to some individuals for getting a good night’s sleep. Inhibits the inflammatory COX-2 enzyme and the stress-producing cortisol hormones. See Dr. Andrew Weil’s review of the plant here: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA346157/holy-basil-to-combat-stress.html and chemistry/scientific details here: http://vitanetonline.com/forums/1/Thread/394

HERBS FOR THE HEART AND MIND:

Ginkgo ginkgo biloba a tall and skinny tree with beautiful, fan-shaped leaves that flutter in the slightest breeze, creating a beautiful texture and imbued with a golden hue in the fall. The extract from the leaves strengthen the red blood cell membrane, thereby assisting transportation of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, and to almost every cell in the body. Clinical trials have shown gingko to reverse some cases of clinical alzheimer’s disease and to reduce the progression of other cases. Gingko dilates the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure and increasing circulation. It assists memory, thins the blood (do not take with other blood-thinning medications) and is virtually non-toxic. Combines very well with hawthorn as a heart remedy. Part used: Leaf, tinctured.

Hawthorn crataegus oxycanthoides is a European shrub whose berry is a popular heart strengthener. The tincture strengthens the heart muscle yet renders it more flexible, thus increasing its pumping efficiency. It elasticizes and dilates the veins, and the coronary artery. In so doing it increases the efficiency of blood pumping, adjusting blood pressure up or down. It stabilizes heart arrhythmias by blocking the ACE enzyme and the repolarizing potassium current, writes Elizabeth Williamson in the Potters Herbal Cyclopaedia. Combines very well with gingko as heart remedy.

Motherwort Leonorus Cardiaca the “Cardiaca” word or course refers to the heart, indicating this herb’s specific usefulness in this area. It stabilizes tachycardia, or irregular rapid heartbeat, especially when caused by anxiety. Often paired up with hawthorn in heart formulas. It is also a female herb, bringing on menstrual flow if absent especially from emotional causes, and may generally be used to ease out anxiety. Horribly bitter taste, so be very prepared. Best used in capsules to avoid the taste. CAUTION: May interfere with other cardiovascular treatments. Part used: Aerial parts.

Gotu Kola Centella asiatica, Hydrocotyle asiatica is a brain tonic aiding memory, used in senility alongside ginkgo, and enhances mental clarity and focus (good for students).

HERBS FOR THE BEES:

Linden Tree Flowers, see above attract lots of bees.

Oregano flowers are much loved by the bees, possibly on account of the plant’s carvacrol constituent, which is anti-viral and anti-fungal. Go figure that recent scientific research has been confirming the presence of viruses and fungi in the bees’ digestive tracts! (The greatest killers by far, however, are pesticides and truck transportation of beehives for commercial purposes, as well as feeding them sugar syrup). Interestingly enough, though thyme contains carvacrol and the bees like it, they seem to prefer the oregano which has a higher concentration of this constituent. Even urban residents can set out pots of oregano to help sustain the bees. Allow it to go to flower instead of practicing the old tradition of pinching them back, to attract and feed the bees.

Bottlebrush is a favorite of the bees.

Ivy flowers when our 60-year-old ivy hedge is covered with blooms, the hedge sings from across the yard, and is practically a hive full of bees. So many hundreds, maybe thousands of bees are on it. However keep in mind that our ivy hedge frames our large yard and is about ten feet high.

Lavender flowers seem to be a great favorite.

Citrus plants are high in anti-microbial essential oils which would help to kill off infections in the bees’ systems.

Pelargonium and geranium flowers are also high in anti-microbial essential oils.

HERBS FOR FIRST AID:

For beestings: Be sure the stinger has been removed. If there is an allergic reaction such as anaphylactic shock, get to the nearest emergency room immediately!

Rub garlic or onion on the bite, leave on for as long as tolerated without undue heat or burning sensations on the skin. Plantain leaf can be effective too, crush the leaf to get as much of the juice as possible on the bite.

For head lice and microbial infections: Tea tree oil mixed with shampoo to kill headlice. Mix one or two drops with water to apply to infected cuts and sores.

For infected gums: Grapefruit seed extract or tea tree oil as disinfectant, myrrh (contracts and firms gum tissue), clove oil for pain

Echinacea and goldenseal tincture for cuts and wounds, infections

Aloe vera and/or calendula flowers as tea for burns, sunburn, skin rashes, diaper rash

For sun poisoning: Sponge down with room-temperature chamomile tea (do not use cold to avoid shock), drink electrolyte-replacing drinks such as diluted orange juice with a pinch of salt, and get to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible if faintness, confusion or other symptoms are present. Take aspirin to reduce any fever that does not respond to a cool sponge bath.

Here’s a really beautifully-designed formal herb garden, European castle-style just to inspire viewers: http://www.cookingisfun.ie/admin/uploads/herbgarden.jpg

Happy Spring, happy gardening and peace to all! —Drina

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

* Spring is finally here!
* Down at the bottom of the garden, among the birds and the bees…
* Thoughts on Wings

6,306 posted on 03/07/2010 8:41:27 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

To: All; DelaWhere

http://doctorherbie.wordpress.com/2009/09/06/broccoli-and-tomatoes-enriched-with-bioactive-chemicals/

Broccoli and tomatoes enriched with bioactive chemicals
September, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Broccoli and tomatoes enriched with bioactive chemicals

A line of work that I fully agree with.

Feeding Tomato and Broccoli Powders Enriched with Bioactives Improves Bioactivity Markers in Rats

Ann G. Liu, Sonja E. Volker, Elizabeth H. Jeffery and John W. Erdman, Jr.

Division of Nutritional Sciences and Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, 905 South Goodwin Avenue, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801

J. Agric. Food Chem., Article ASAP Publication Date (Web): August 3, 2009

Abstract

Many studies have evaluated the cancer -preventive potential of individual bioactives from tomatoes and broccoli, but few have examined them within the context of a whole food.

Male Copenhagen rats were fed diets containing 10% standard tomato powder, tomato enriched with lycopene or total carotenoids, standard broccoli floret, broccoli sprouts, or broccoli enriched with indole glucosinolates or selenium for 7 days. All broccoli diets increased the activity of colon quinone reductase (NQO1). Indole glucosinolate-enriched broccoli and selenium-enriched broccoli increased hepatic NQO1 and cytochrome P450 1A activity.

These results demonstrate that the bioactive content of vegetables affects both tissue content of bioactives and activity of detoxification enzymes. Enhancing bioactive content of tomatoes and broccoli may enhance efficacy in the prevention of prostate cancer.

Categories: Medicinal plants · herbs properties · medicinal foods · medicinal herbs · nutraceuticals · plants properties
Tagged: food as medicine, functional foods, herbal cure, herbs medicinal substances, plants extracts

6,307 posted on 03/07/2010 8:54:07 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

http://newurbanhabitat.com/2009/06/03/simple-herbal-tonics-brews-for-beginners/

Simple Herbal Tonics: Brews for Beginners

June 3, 2009 by newurbanhabitat

tonic

So you read my last article Herbs Made Easy: The Art of Simpling, and you’re ready to plunge in and make an herbal tonic? All that’s left is picking an herb and making an infusion. Remember the characteristics to look for when picking an herb.

It should:

* be safe
* be mild
* be food-like
* grow where you live.

Even though the plant grows in your area, even outside your back door, it’s safer and easier to buy some of the dried herb at your local health food or herb store at first. You can move on to growing or wildcrafting and preserving herbs later if you wish. Herbs are usually inexpensive by bulk. Look for herbs supplied by local organic growers or reputable wildcrafters, and make sure the store cleans and changes their jars or bins frequently. If you can’t get dried herbs where you live, you can mail order them from Mountain Rose Herbs or another bulk herb company.

Here are three good, safe, nutrient-rich herbs to start experimenting with:

Dandelion

dandy leaves

The herbalist Richard Mabey calls dandelion “one of nature’s greatest medicines.” And herbalist Joyce Warwell points out that it’s a prime ingredient in over half of the herbal blends on the market today and has a stellar safety record – no known “drug interactions, cumulative toxic effects, or contraindications for use.” She adds, “There is probably no existing condition that would not benefit from regularly consuming dandelions.”

dandyEvery part of the dandelion is edible. The leaves contain vitamins A, B, C, and D, potassium, iron, lutein, and other nutrients. They can be eaten in salads or dried and made into tea. They are a powerful diuretic, but unlike pharmaceutical diuretics they don’t leach potassium from the body. Warwell writes that dandelion “stimulates liver function, reduces cholesterol, fights diabetes, and stimulates digestion.” And Tierra adds that it decreases high blood pressure, cures skin eruptions, and quells a stomachache.

The flowers can be made into wine, tea, or even fritters, as blogger Steadymom illustrates here .

Dried dandelion roots contain vitamins, minerals, and potassium and make a powerful liver-stimulating tea. According to Tierra, “even serious cases of hepatitis have been cured, sometimes within a week, with dandelion root tea.” And roasted dandelion root makes a tasty coffee substitute.

Stinging Nettle

nettles

The herbalist Susan Weed calls nettles “one of the finest nourishing tonics known” and contends that “the list of vitamins and minerals in this herb includes nearly every one known to be necessary for human health and growth.”

Weed writes that nettle infusions not only supply calcium, phosphurus and vitamins A and D, but all are in a readily assimilated form. Nettles also contain iron and vitamin C; the vitamin C ensures that the iron is well-absorbed by the body, making nettles an excellent remedy for anemia. Nettles are also high in protein. Their high vitamin and mineral content make nettles an excellent all-around tonic.

Nettles are also used to encourage the flow of breast milk in nursing women, lower blood sugar levels, slow profuse menstrual bleeding, treat eczema, heal arthritis and gout, and cure hay-fever allergy symptoms. Externally, nettle compresses can stop bleeding or heal hemmorhoids, eliminate dandruff, and slow hair loss. Does that sound like a lot of uses for one plant? Well, that’s far from all. Check out the book 101 Uses for Stinging Nettles by Piers Warren for more.

Alfalfa

According to Tierra, alfalfa means “father” in Arabic, perhaps referring to the plant’s “function as a superlative restorative tonic.” Alfalfa leaves are highly nutritious, containing vitamins C, D, E, and K, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, and protein.

Alfalfa’s historically been used to restore vitality and increase appetite in both horses and people. It’s also used to treat cystitis, prostatitis, peptic ulcers, fever, insomnia, inflammation, and arthritis, as well as to increase the flow of breastmilk in nursing women, reduce inflammation, and regulate the bowels.

How to make a nourishing herbal infusion

I’ve been making herbal infusions for years, using Susan Weed’s infusion method:

1. Place one ounce of dried herb (about a cup) in a quart jar.
2. Fill the jar to the top with boiling water
3. Put the lid on tightly and steep for 4-10 hours. (I usually let it steep overnight.)
4. Strain and pour a cup, and store the rest in the refrigerater.
5. Drink 2-4 cups a day.
6. Drink the entire infusion within 36 hours or until it spoils.
7. Use whatever remains to water house plants, or pour over your hair after conditioning as a final rinse.

Dandelion, nettles, and alfalfa are mild herbs that have been ingested for thousands of years with excellent safety records, however they aren’t for everyone. If you have a medical condition or take any medications, check with your doctor, an herbalist, or a pharmacist first. And it’s a good idea for everyone to be cautious about what goes into your body. Read about whatever herbs you plan to take, seeking books and websites written by reputable herbalists, and be alert to the rare chance of allergic reaction or side effects. But don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Nutritious herbal tonics are great additions to a healthy, happy life.

Sources:
The New Age Herbalist by Richard Mabey
The Herbal Home Remedy Book by Joyce A. Warwell
The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra
Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susan Weed
The Herb Book by John Lust

[I did not know I was making simples, for the hot summer over the years, I took a handful of peppermint, chamomille and lemon grass, all of them dried and put them in a jar, poured boiling water over them and when cool put in the refrig.

I made it super strong, so only a small amount was needed for tea, served with ice, it beats any tea made, even Lipton’s tea.

I always made Liption tea for company, but the other for me and laughed at those who don’t drink herbal products, once they tried a glass, drank from the herbal jar, instead of the reg. tea.

I don’t take the leaves out, they will settle to the bottom or use a tea strainer.

granny]

6,308 posted on 03/07/2010 9:21:25 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

To: nw_arizona_granny

And my bookmark file gets longer and longer...

great quilting blog! Loved the “Doodle” quilt.

Looking at the other now.

6,309 posted on 03/07/2010 9:26:40 PM PST by kimmie7 (THE CROSS - Today, Tomorrow and Always!)

To: nw_arizona_granny

Thanks for all the great recipes! I’ll read through now until my Melatonin kicks in. Then...to bed! Hopefully the Melatonin will do such a good job that hubby’s snoring won’t be an issue.

6,310 posted on 03/07/2010 9:31:48 PM PST by kimmie7 (THE CROSS - Today, Tomorrow and Always!)

What zone are you in, Dela? We’re in 6 and going to get our seed potatoes Thursday. I’ve got peas to plant too.

6,311 posted on 03/07/2010 9:32:59 PM PST by kimmie7 (THE CROSS - Today, Tomorrow and Always!)

To: nw_arizona_granny

I’m trying this one soon:

PORK AND BEANS BREAD

15 ounce can of pork and beans.
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup vegetable oil (not canola, not olive...vegetable oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecan or walnuts (measure after chopping)
3 cups all purpose flour

Spray two 9 inch by 5 inch loaf pans with Pam or another cooking spray.

Don’t drain the pork and beans. Pour them into a food processor or blender, juice and all, and process them until they’re pureed smooth with no lumps.

Place the beaten eggs in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the pureed pork and beans and mix them in well.

Add the vegetable oil and the vanilla extract. Mix well. Add the sugar and mix in. Then mix in the baking soda, baking powder, salt and Cinnamon. Stir until everything is incorporated.

Stir in the chopped nuts.

Add the flour in one cup increments, stirring after each addition.

Spoon half of the batter into each loaf pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 50 to 60 minutes, and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Remove from pans and cool on a wire rack. Can be stored in the freezer for 3 months

6,312 posted on 03/07/2010 9:45:54 PM PST by kimmie7 (THE CROSS - Today, Tomorrow and Always!)

Heirloom Apple Conservation

National Effort Launched to Recover and Utilize Endangered Heirloom Apples

The Renewing America’s Food Traditions (RAFT) alliance is launching a Forgotten Fruits initiative to return America’s
most endangered heirloom apples to orchards, backyards, farmers’ markets, restaurants, home kitchens and cider houses.
RAFT has christened the year 2010 as the “Year of the Heirloom Apple” to engage food communities in restoring 90
heirloom apple varieties to each region of the country and to simultaneously renew culinary traditions associated with
American apple culture.

Over the next month RAFT is launching this initiative in Appalachia - the richest region for heirloom apples on the
continent - with events in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. The launch includes the internet release of its
Forgotten Fruits Manifesto and Manual. This publication builds upon the Collective wisdom and work of more than a dozen
of America’s elderly heirloom apple experts - a team nicknamed the “Buena Vista Social Club of Forgotten Fruits.”

Of some 15,000 to 16,000 apple varieties that have been named, grown and eaten on the North American continent, only
about 3,000 remain accessible through nurseries. Roughly nine out of ten apple varieties historically grown in the U.S.
are at risk of falling out of cultivation and falling off our tables.

Over the last century, apple culture and diversity in America have dramatically declined. RAFT partners have been
concerned that just one apple variety, the Red Delicious, now comprises 41% of the entire American apple crop. Eleven
common varieties produce 90% of all apples sold in chain grocery stores.

What’s more, much of the apple juice, puree and sauces consumed in the United States are now produced in other
countries. As the overall number of apple trees in cultivation decline to a fourth of what it was a century ago, the
number of apple varieties considered threatened or endangered has peaked at 94%. These are not just abstract
statistics, for they affect our health and the health of our landscapes.

RAFT has determined a previously-unrecognized catalyst of the decline in the variety of apples available to growers.
Over the last 15 years the United States has lost roughly 600 independently owned nurseries. These nurseries formerly
harbored most of the place-based heritage apples on the continent, but their business has been usurped by the
garden-and-lawn departments of big-box stores which offer far fewer varieties.

Perhaps just as problematic is the dramatic loss of traditional knowledge about apple cultivation and varietal usage
that has occurred over the last half century. The skills of grafting, pruning and preparing apples in diverse ways are
as endangered as the apples themselves.

The worst may be yet to come. Climate change may be one of several natural and man-made factors that have dramatically
reduced the number of chill hours apple-growing areas receive. These weather shifts have led to predictions that within
four decades, apple production may be lost from orchard-rich regions like the Central Valley of California and from
southern Pennsylvania.

However, there are signs of hope. Despite the economic downturn, heirloom and antique apple varieties are being
successfully marketed at many of the 5,000 farmers’ markets and 2,500 Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) projects in
the U.S. Some CSAs, like the one of Mortez’s Mountain Apples near Boone, North Carolina, specialize in introducing
customers to a wide variety of delicious heirlooms. Consumption of hard cider is also on the rise in America, offering a
means to use many heirloom varieties not suited for eating fresh. Among chefs and cider-makers, future market prospects
for heirloom apples look good.

The Renewing America’s Food Traditions Alliance is now proposing that at least 90 endangered apple varieties in each
region be earmarked for recovery to our orchards, cideries, restaurants and kitchens. RAFT will be releasing its first
regional list of apples for recovery - including over a hundred heirlooms unique to Appalachia - at the Marketing
Opportunities for Southern Farmers conference on February 27th at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina.
To find out ways you can celebrate the Year of the Heirloom Apple, go to http://www.raftalliance.org and
http://www.garynabhan.com.

RAFT is an alliance of food, farming, environmental and culinary advocates who have joined together to identify, restore
and celebrate America’s biologically and culturally diverse food traditions through conservation, education, promotion
and regional networking. Gary Nabhan is founder of Renewing America’s Food Traditions Alliance
(http://www.raftalliance.org).

For further information contact:
Gary Nabhan gpnabhan@email.arizona.edu, Regina Fitzsimmons pimareggie@gmail.com, Kanin Routson kaninroutson@gmail.com,
(all at 520 621-5774), or Ben Watson BWatson@chelseagreen.com, John Bunker john.p.bunker@gmail.com, Tom Burford
burford@msn.com and Dan Bussey yorkshireman@hughes.net.

permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/permaculture

6,313 posted on 03/07/2010 9:48:15 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

http://www.carolinacountry.com/cgardens/thismonth/march06guide/straw.html

How to Grow a Straw Bale Garden
By Kent Rogers | March 2006

* Intro
* Preparing Your Bales
* Growing Your Garden
* Download the FULL article as a

Straw Bale Garden
Click to enlarge

Introduction

Kent Rogers of Wake Forest has successfully cultivated a vegetable garden in bales of straw. Carolina Country’s report on his idea last year drew attention from gardeners and others across the state. Kent points out that the method produces good-looking, healthy plants without weeds, and is especially convenient for people who don’t have a large plot of ground to till, or who are physically unable to do a lot of kneeling, bending, raking and hoeing. Here is some of his advice for people interested in straw bale gardening.

Preparing Your Bales

It takes 10 days to prepare your bales.

* Days 1–3: Water the bales thoroughly and keep them wet.
* Days 4–6: Sprinkle the bales with 1/2 cup of ammonium nitrate (32-0-0) per bale per day, and water it well into the bales. I didn’t have any trouble finding ammonium nitrate from my local ag-supply store. They sold it in 40-pound bags. I have heard, however, that some people have had difficulty finding it in more urban settings. Ask around.
* Days 7–9: Cut back to 1/4 cup of ammonium nitrate per bale per day and continue to water it in well.
* Day 10: No more ammonium nitrate, but do add 1 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer per bale and water it in well.
* Day 11: Transplant your plants into the bales. I used a spatula to make a crack in the bale for each plant. Place the plant down to its first leaf and close the crack back together as best you can.

Web links to articles on straw bale gardening:

http://www.nicholsgardennursery.com/strawbales.htm
http://www.county.ces.uga.edu/chatham/hay_bales.htm
http://www.co.clay.mn.us/Depts/Extensio/ExAPHydr.htm

Growing Your Garden

You can start your garden with seeds if you use some topsoil on top of the bales, but I transplanted all of my vegetables from flats and trays purchased from local nurseries.

I initially used 20 bales of wheat straw. The plants in the wheat straw were doing so well that I got 10 more bales of oat straw to see how that would do. (Pine straw won’t work.)

I recommend getting bales that have been tightly baled. The oat straw bales I bought were lighter and baled looser than the wheat straw, and I learned that they don’t hold as much water. I paid about $2.50 for each bale.

Use bales that have synthetic twine if you can find them. The twine won’t rot and it will hold the bales together longer. If the bales use regular twine, that’s no problem. You may have to put a stake at the end of the bales. The bales I used had regular twine, and they started to rot and break, but I arranged 10 in each row, so the bales tend to hold each other together.

I oriented my bales with the strings off the ground. You can do it either way, but I like the twine off the ground. The transplanting seemed easier with the bales oriented with the strings off the ground. You can decide which way to orient yours.

If you make more than one row of bales, put them wide enough apart so your lawnmower can get between them. And because you’ll be watering them, I recommend placing the bales where the water will drain away from your house or away from where you’ll be walking.

How many plants per bale? Try two tomato plants per bale, three peppers, two squash, two sets of cucumbers.

Be prepared to stake the tomatoes and peppers. I recommend 6-foot stakes for the tomatoes. I used tobacco sticks last year, but they are too short. My tomatoes grew way over the tobacco sticks.

I didn’t plant any okra last year, but they will probably do well. You’ll definitely have to stake them.
I don’t think corn will work too well. The plants will be too top-heavy.
I water the bales in the morning and after sunset. You can’t over-water because any excess will just run out of the bales. Soaker hoses will work. The main thing is not to let the bales get dried out between watering.

I started out using some Miracle Grow once a week for a couple of weeks. Then I sprinkled in some 10-10-10. You don’t want to over fertilize.

The bales will start to sprout wheat or oat straw, but that is no problem. If the grass gets too much for you, just whack it off with a knife. I give my bales a “haircut” every so often with a steak knife. It takes no time at all.

One thing I’ve noticed—and this could be just a fluke—is I have not had to spray my plants with any pesticides such as Liquid Sevin. I haven’t had any worms, bugs or other pest bother my straw bale garden. Maybe it has something to do with the plants being off the ground.

Be prepared to use new bales each year. I don’t think they will be suitable for two years in a row. You can burn them, use them for mulch or bust them up and set new bales on them next year.

Kent Rogers is a member of Wake Electric, a Touchstone Energy cooperative. You can contact him by mail at 13028 Powell Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, and by e-mail at kent.rogers@earthlink.net

6,314 posted on 03/07/2010 10:06:25 PM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

To: nw_arizona_granny

Thank You! That 6 grain loaf and the blueberry muffin recipes sound mouth watering!

6,315 posted on 03/07/2010 11:40:29 PM PST by JDoutrider (Send G. Soros home! Hell isn't half full!)

This is starting out to be one of those years - all the best plans go out the window and you garden by the seat of your pants.

Hi Delawhere! After last years garden fiasco, I hope the weather, will cooperate with us this season!

If this melt off continues I have plans to import some engineered topsoil to cover the acreage I'm beginning to clear of trees and stumps now. Going to be spendy, but clay up here just isn't garden friendly like the adobe clay I had on my acreage out west. Too much time and effort was expended last year with poor results... if we are to break our backs doing what must be done, that will change!

6,316 posted on 03/08/2010 12:02:33 AM PST by JDoutrider (Send G. Soros home! Hell isn't half full!)

easy accidental lemon egg drop soup
Posted by: “Sandi”

The other day I accidentally thawed out chicken broth instead of chicken
soup for lunch. I added two eggs (whisked them in with a fork), a little
lemon juice and some leftover rice. It was wonderful!

Sandi

Real http://www.realfoodforhealthandpleasure.blogspot.com/ Food for
Health and Pleasure Blog

Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo. ~ H. G. Wells

——————————————————————————————————— To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/healthycheapcooking/

6,317 posted on 03/08/2010 12:36:35 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

Chocolate Cherry Bundt Cake

1 chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup oil 2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 can cherry pie filling
1 cup chocolate chips

Mix cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla with mixer. The batter will be very thick and Heavy. Add cherry pie filling and mix in with mixer (yes - Use the mixer to blend the cherries will break up some) You can do this by hand but as the batter is thick it does take awhile and a bit of strength. Or you can do both.

Add chocolate chips and stir with a wooden spoon. Grease (Pam) a Bundt pan and fill with batter-level out Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes or until test done Cool In pan for 15 minutes remove from pan.

When cooled sprinkle with confectionery sugar.
Pat W Menifee Ca

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BakingMixes/

6,318 posted on 03/08/2010 12:53:50 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

i made a loaf of yeast corn bread today, using the bread machine to
knead it and then removing it prior to the final rise to finish by hand.
I wanted a larger loaf than the one I posted a few days ago, so I
modified this recipe:

Yeast Corn Bread
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1-1/4 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
3 tablespoons butter, softened (I used 2 tbsp butter, one of olive oil)
2 tablespoons sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
2-1/4 to 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water. Add the cornmeal,
milk powder, butter, sugar, salt, 1-1/4 cups flour and remaining water.
Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8
minutes. Place in a bowl coated with cooking spray, turning once to coat
top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down; shape into a loaf. Place in a 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pan
coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30
minutes.
Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to
a wire rack to cool. Yield: 1 loaf (16 slices).

I added a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten because my flour was only 3%
protein.

The bread is very good - I’m on my second slice now and it’s not even
suppertime. I’ll make it again.

Mary

Aloha,

I’m just about out of vanilla cordial, so I started to make more today. It’s super easy, tasty, and can be used instead of vanilla extract in recipes. It sounds like something this group might like, so here’s the recipe.

Vanilla Cordial
based on a recipe from “Gifts of Food” by Susan Costner
submitted by mirthfullady 3/5/10

4 or 5 vanilla beans (at least 5 inches long)
1 liter Vodka (I prefer Grey Goose)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Optional: vanilla bean for packaging

Cut each vanilla bean into 4 pieces, then cut each section length-wise in half. Put vanilla bean pieces into full vodka bottle, or another clean, dry bottle with a tight cap. (If putting vanilla into a clean, dry bottle, now add the vodka to the bottle.) Close the bottle. Shake well.

Put the bottle somewhere you will remember to shake it every other day or so. Let it steep for 2 or 3 weeks. (Tasting it will let you know when it’s ready, but don’t taste too often.) ;)

Filter the vanilla vodka into a clean, decorative bottle with a coffee filter or cheese cloth.

Make a simple syrup by adding the 1 cup of sugar with the 1/2 cup of boiling water and stirring until it is completely dissolved. This should take 2 or 3 minutes. Cool completely.

Add the simple syrup for the bottle of extract and shake well. Add optional reserved vanilla bean. Make sure the bottle closes tightly.

For best results the cordial should be allowed to mature for 1 month or more before using.

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FoodPreservationDryingCanningAndMore/

6,319 posted on 03/08/2010 1:10:56 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

Corn Fritters

12 Ears of Corn, Grated Salt and Pepper to taste 6 Eggs
Separate the eggs. Beat the yolks and mix in the corn. Beat egg whites
and add corn mixture to whites. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fry in hot oil
in a skillet until golden brown, turning once.

________________________________________________________________________
5a. Apple-Cranberry Salsa

Apple-Cranberry Salsa

2 large, sweet apples (Macintosh or Granny Smith), cored and cut into
1-inch chunks
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
6 tablespoons lime juice
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons honey
2 cups onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups bell pepper (red, yellow and/or green)
2/3 cup fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 - 2 small cans chopped jalapeno
2 teaspoons salt
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Put apples and cranberries in a food processor or blender and pulse just a
bit; do not puree. Put this into a large bowl and toss with the remaining
ingredients. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for
at least 12 hours. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
by: Dale Carson / Indian Country Today

________________________________________________________________________
6. Comfy Winter Stew & Chunky Potato Soup: by: Dale Carson / Indian Cou

Comfy Winter Stew

2 pounds butternut squash, cubed, ½-inch
1 cup chopped onion
1 can pinto beans
1 can white northern beans
2 cups plum tomatoes, fresh or canned
2 cups corn kernels
2 cups chicken (or vegetable) broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon oregano (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1cup cooked meat, chopped (chicken, buffalo, pork, â€¦) *optional

Saute the onion and add to the rest of ingredients in a large stock pot.
Cook on low for 40 minutes to an hour to let flavors blend. If stew is too
thick, add just a little water or more broth.

Chunky Potato Soup

4-6 large potatoes, with or without skins
3 strips bacon
½ sweet Vidalia onion, chopped
1 quart chicken broth*
2 cups water
1 tablespoon flour
2 cups grated cheese (mild cheddar, Monterey jack)*
Salt and pepper to taste

Cut the potatoes into bite-size chunks and cook them in the chicken broth
and water for about 25 minutes, until soft-ish in a large pot. Meanwhile,
cook the bacon slowly in a frying pan. When done, remove and drain on paper
towel. Saute the onion in some of the bacon fat until translucent. Add the
cheese to the cooked potatoes, then the onions using a slotted spoon,
sprinkle in the flour, salt and pepper, crumble bacon over all and stir gently
to blend.

At this point, you may add a little pinch of cayenne, a little milk or
cream if desired. Do not boil, simmer just long enough for texture to be
creamy, boiling will coagulate cheeses and milk.

* Low fat dairy products may be substituted.

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NDNcookingandhomemaking/

6,320 posted on 03/08/2010 1:33:42 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( garden/survival/cooking/storage- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2299939/posts?page=5555)

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