Saturday, November 26, 2011

Mother's Milk Tea

This is a great herbal tea for mothers who want to increase their milk supply & get wonderful daily nourishment too.

1/2 cup nettle leaf
1/2 cup red raspberry leaf
1/2 cup alfalfa leaf
1/4 cup orange peel
1/4 cup fennel seed
1/4 cup blessed thistle
1/4 cup fenugreek
1/4 cup dandelion

Mix together in a large bowl. Store in an air tight glass jar. Brew in single servings or large batches. Drink daily & enjoy!





Wednesday, November 23, 2011

I'm thankful for....Digestive Tea!

What are you thankful for?
I'm thankful for many, many things this year including wonderful herbs.

This year herbs have helped me have an enjoyable pregnancy, grow a healthy baby, and have a quick & easy delivery. Herbs have nourished me mentally and physically during post-postpartum, and have helped me produce an abundant milk supply. Herbs have kept me from getting sick many times & boosted my immune system. Herbs have helped me adapt to my new life as a sleep-deprived Mama and given me the stamina to make it through the day. Herbs helped me relax during those times when I am stressed. Collecting & harvesting herbs has helped keep me grounded, appreciative, and in awe of the natural world. I am thankful to have taken this path into herbalism. I'm thankful for knowing how to make my own medicine and not have to rely on chemicals that poison our bodies & the Earth. I'm thankful for the seasons, the water, the air, the sun, the moon, & the plants!


Enjoy the bounty of turkey, stuffing, vegetables, bread, and pies. Enjoy friends and family.
Enjoy herbs!


After Dinner Digestive Tea

1 part orange peel, dried or fresh
1 part ginger, fresh, chopped or grated
2 parts fennel seeds


Pour boiling water over mixture in large glass jar and cover. Let steep for at least an hour. Strain herbs and serve after Thanksgiving dinner (or any meal) to help aid in digestion & soothe bloated, upset stomachs :)

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Combination Herbal Extracts



Four 1/2 oz combination herbal extracts for sale at my Etsy shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenFeatherHerbs


Sleepy Time...Promotes sleep & deep relaxation

Cold & Cough...relieves bronchial congestion, cough, & cold

Lymph Love...Helps sore throats, swollen glands, tonsillitis, & general lymph swelling

Goodbye Stress...Relieves stress, headaches, & nervous exhaustion





What is a tincture?

A tincture is a liquid extract of an herb or combination of herbs. Tinctures preserve the active constituents of an herb, have a long shelf life, and are easy to use. Great for people who do not have the time to make their own herbal medicine or are "on the go". Tinctures can easily and effortlessly be administered by adding to water, tea, or taken directly.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Fire Cider aka ACV Potion

from the Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine



Fire Cider (also known as ACV Potion in my house)) is a popular kitchen remedy amongst many folk herbalists, especially in the Northern parts of North America. What is it? Its an herbal vinegar extraction that relies on a few main ingredients: Garlic, Ginger, Chili Peppers and Horseradish. YIKES! Garlic from Mrs M Grieve's A Modern Herbal says: “It formed the principal ingredient in the 'Four Thieves' Vinegar,' which was adapted so successfully at Marseilles for protection against the plague when it prevailed there in 1722. This originated, it is said, with four thieves who confessed, that whilst protected by the liberal use of aromatic vinegar during the plague, they plundered the dead bodies of its victims with complete security”



Fire Cider Remedies is a stimulant, purgative, antimicrobial, and more. It is sweet, sour, spicy and pungent. It tastes so good; many people keep it out and even add it to some of their food dishes. You can use it on cold mornings to wake up and get your circulation going. You can use it to help resolve colds and flus. Sometimes people add other herbs in the mix, sometimes not. It is a lovely addition to your herbal first aid cabinet.




The basic recipe:

Assemble Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Local Honey, Organic Garlic, Organic Ginger, Organic Horseradish, Organic Chili Peppers(or garden chili peppers), a knife, clippers, and quart sized mason jar

Chop up all ingredients and fill you a mason jar with equal parts peeled garlic, ginger, horseradish and chile peppers. If you are sensitive to chile peppers, you may want to add less. Fill the mason jar with Apple Cider Vinegar, covering the plant material. Screw the top on. The extraction process takes about a month, shake often.

After a month, strain out plant matter and add ½ cup of honey to the remaining liquid. Bottle and store. Dosage varies, from 1-2 tsp as needed. Some amendments include: burying it for a month(adding a little earth magic), adding beets, or nettles, chickweed, cleavers, or other nutritive weeds, adding maple syrup instead of honey....etc. Make up your own recipe!