Herbal Remedies Three

My herb collection just keeps growing, yes. A man does need a hobby after all. My tinctures are done as well, so I can testify towards the effectiveness of some of these herbs in that form. The others I've only used externally so I can give them a thumbs up in that respect(as can over a thousand years of herbal lore).

Pokeroot - This is probably the most dangerous herb I'll mention, so take note of that. You are to take a single drop of the tincture per day to help overcome colds, chest infections, etc.. as it works as cleanser of the lymphatic system among other things. Do not use for more than two weeks and dear lord, do not overdose(I've heard stories of people becoming lightheaded and ill from 2-3 drops a day). From my experience it's quite effective though.

Pleurisy Root - It is an herb for the affliction within it's very name, "Pleurisy"(known to me as "The Royal Clusterf*ck", but that's another discussion). Pleurisy is when the pleura, a membrane between your lungs and chest wall become inflamed to a viral or fungal infection(rarely the latter). It's insufferably painful, causes severe, unexplainable weight loss, and basically makes you meaner than a rabid wolverine on cocaine. So basically, anything that can help with it's pain is a godsend(the hospital just gives you tylenol or vicodin and tells you to duke it out). It's an expectorant, a diuretic, a cathartic, and an anti-spasmodic. As well as helping with the inflammation a bit. The only thing to worry about is the diuretic part, as it could cause a potassium or calcium deficiency if used in the long term.

Devil's Claw Root - This is probably one of the more popular up-and-coming herbs used today. It's an anti-inflammatory and a pain killer used for chronic issues such as arthritis and cancer(I've heard first hand about it being a supplement for cancer patients from doctors). It's also sometimes used as a digestive aid, though that is up in the air. This is easily found in Europe in Standardized extracts, especially in Germany(Germany has a regulated medicinal market of herbs, unlike the US). It needs to be used continuously to be most effective, but it has been shown to be effective.

Yarrow - This is a perennial herb of ancient renown. It was known as herbal militaris because the fresh or re-hydrated leaves can be applied to wounds to help staunch the blood flow and as an antiseptic. It is also used internally for the treatment of severe bruises and inflammation, both useful after battles. Yarrow is also said to help induce sweating, lower fever, help digestion, and aid in menstruation. It's a must have in the cabinet of just about anyone.

Myrrh - Yes, Myrrh. As in "Frankincense, Myrrh, and Gold" kind of Myrrh. This tree resin, likely originating in what is present day Somalia/Yemen Region, used to be worth it's weight in gold to the people of the biblical times. This is because it's a potent anti-septic, often used today to ensure oral sanitation and hygiene. Myrrh is also a component in some perfumes/incense and liqueurs. I use it to make a toothpaste along with a few other things.

Herbal Remedies Two

I'm jumping into Herbal medicine more and more these days. Since pleurisy has become my White Whale of sorts and doctors don't really seem to be helpful in anyway, herbs are my last refuge. I recently ordered a stock of herbs for respiratory ailments, most notably "Pleurisy Root", to treat the affliction of that name. I've discovered some other herbs of use in the meantime though.

First, however, it is good to know how to make a tincture:

Get your hands on some decent quality, 80 or 100 proof potato vodka(I use Luksusowa). Warm apple cider can also be used, from what I've heard. Mix one part herb per five parts alcohol and let it sit for at least four weeks, preferably six. While it is brewing, I recommend putting them in a canning jar and tightly sealing the lid; store in a cool, dark place as well. At the end of the brewing time, strain the herb out, squeezing it strongly to get all the fluid you can. Store it in amber bottles to protect from sunlight damage and make sure it's away from children, as they are very potent and can cause harm if misused.

Another Warning: Do not ingest essential oils of herbs unless you have the

expressed consent of a medical professional. Most are highly toxic in even small amounts.

Thyme - This stuff is truly a lifesaver. It is a potent anti-septic(especially if you have the refined oil, though that is dangerous to use internally, a few teaspoons will kill you), a digestive aid, and an excellent cough remedy. To make thyme tea, seep 1-2 tsp in a cup of boiling water for ten minutes. The stronger the tea, the better really. Also, if you mix in around 2 tbsp of honey per cup of extremely strong thyme tea and cook it down, you can make your own cough syrup. To use as an anti-septic, make a tincture and apply a few drops to the cleaned wound.

Cayenne(Red Pepper) - It is more proper to say "Red Pepper", as Cayenne is not actually a very common pepper in terms of quantity of sale in the US and any truly hot pepper will do the job. It can be used as a digestive aid, chronic pain, shingles, and cluster headaches. It is most commonly taken as an infusion, where 1/4-1/2 tsp will be used per cup of water after a meal(it will probably upset your stomach if you haven't eaten). To help with chronic pain, mix 1/2 tsp of the powder per cup of warm vegetable oil and apply to the areas in pain. Before you think that's just going to burn and feel unpleasant, remember that capsaicin, one of the active constituents of Red Pepper, is commonly used in pain creams and lotions. And don't forget to just put some in your food for some spice!

Cloves - I unremittingly love cloves in pretty much any context. I love clove tea, cloves in my smoothies, cloves in my hot toddies, and cloves in my baked goods, naturally. Cloves, besides being delicious, can serve three very useful functions: a digestive aid, a disinfectant, and an oral anesthetic. The last is most commonly done with the essential oil: as your doctor about that stuff that they rub in your mouth before shots; it most likely contains clove oil. If you drink clove tea it is much less potent but it will still cause a slight numbing of the tongue and mouth. As a digestive aid, make the tea out of 1-2 tsp of ground cloves per cup of boiling water and let it steep for at 10 minutes. I warn you,

however, that if you're new to the tea you'll want to err on the side of less, not more, as the tea is very strong tasting. The tea can also be used as mouthwash.

Allspice - This is actually the berry of a large tree found in the Caribbean(native) and south of the Border in various places. It can do basically all the same functions as cloves can, though it is not an anti-bacterial. The tea of 1 tsp of the powder per cup of boiling water is a good digestive aid and a slight oral anesthetic. If you live somewhere that you can get the fresh berries, you can crush them and apply that to painful joints and muscles for some relief. For us northerners, it is just a delightful tea and spice.

Cilantro(Coriander) - As a digestive aid, it is not a very potent one compared to peppermint or chamomile. However, coriander seeds have an amazing citrus and sage flavor that is a delight in a tea. Seed 1 tsp of bruised seeds(or 1/2 tsp powder) per cup of water for five minutes. The fresh, bruised leaves can also be used as a temporary anti-septic.

Pysillum - I guarantee you that you have seen this plant more than pretty much any plant in your life. It grows literally anywhere; it pops through sidewalks, in fields, in your yard, even through the heat of blacktop. The brand named laxative aid Metamucil is basically ground pysillum seeds. What is this prevalent herb? The plant in flower:

If you still don't recognize it, get the hell out of your house and go look at your sidewalk. You will find that, and its' large broad leaves fairly shortly. The leaves are what I'm more interested in anyway. Take the leaves, crush them, and apply them to rashes, bites, burns, or anything that itches and it'll take away all that sensation within a few minutes. The small leaves can also be eaten as a salad green; the larger ones are more bitter and stringy, so avoid them.

As a general rule of thumb, limit the intake of tincture to 1-3 mL(.2-.6 teaspoons. A shallow 1/4 tsp to shallow 3/4 tsp) and infusions(tea) to three cups a day. Always check for verification, as some herbs you want a very small amount; I'll mention that in my next herbal post.

Harvest Co-Op

I was literally giddy with joy today. Why? Because I not only found Eden Organic tomatoes(the only canned tomatoes I've personally seen that are only tomatoes, no citric acid crap), I also found some Willow Run soybean margarine at the same place. What is this nice place you ask? Why, the Harvest Co-Op Market, right by Central Square in Cambridge, MA. I know, not very useful for anybody who's not in the Boston metro area, but very useful to us(it's the only place I know of that sells either of these goods). Also, the place being a co-op has fringe benefits:
- Community owned and proceeds go to them, not some unknown corporation
- Have local produce when in season
- Mostly fair-trade and organic
- Has a nice cafe that serves many different teas
- Bulk spice area(I don't buy spices in bulk usually due to contamination concerns. However, I always buy Bay Leaves and whole seeds in bulk, as they are always extremely overpriced, especially Bay leaves).
- They're nice people.

They also have white willow bark in bulk form, as to make a tea from. As far as I know, the tea is supposed to be fairly bitter but still have the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. They also sell gelatin and vegetable capsules(which I do not trust) in bulk, so I guess one could make their own white willow bark pills, if you had a way of measuring the weight needed for each pill. I just don't know how safe it is to buy the herb in bulk.

It's a bit of a hike from Boston College, but it was well worth it. Check the nice people out.

Hummus, Tabouli, and Baba Ganoush

Never buy hummus. It's terribly overpriced and extremely easy to make yourself. That is, if you have a food processor. You can do it in a blender or by hand as well but it's a considerably larger pain to do so(but still much more cost effective). Tabouli is also quite easy to make, though it does take some more ingredients you may not have on hand and a bit more time. Still, it's a much better choice than buying it greatly overpriced. Baba Ganoush is much more work compared to the other two but still worth doing yourself(especially for us corn-allergics who dislike buying such things).

Hummus

Can of Garbanzo Beans(15 or 19 ounces)
Fresh Juice of 1 Large Lemon
3 Tablespoon of Tahini(sesame seed paste, often found with Indian or Southeast Asian foods in the store)
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil(I always use more than this to get the proper consistency. The more you put in, the smoother it will get, to a point. Too much and you'll have some freakish oily soup.)
4-5 Cloves of Fresh Garlic, Minced
A Pinch of Sea Salt.

You can put just about anything you want in hummus to be honest, here are a few other recommendations: green olives, marinated artichokes, pine nuts, or parsley.

Put everything in the food processor together and blend until smooth. It should hold quite a long time in the fridge if you use fresh garlic, as it is an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial all in one.

Tabouli

1 cup Bulgar Wheat, presoaked
1.5 cups Parsley, finely minced
2 tablespoons Mint, finely chopped
1.5 Green onions, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon Ground Pepper
1/8 teaspoon Ground Cumin
1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt, extra fine
1 Medium tomato, seeded and diced(I recommend something fleshy, like a Roma)
1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 medium cucumber, or 1 small one, peeled and sliced
1/2 head Romaine lettuce
1.5 tablespoons olive oil

Soak the Bulgar in 2 cups of water for one hour. After one hour, drain(it won't soak all the water up, don't worry). Mix all the ingredients excluding the lemon juice, oil, cucumber, and romaine lettuce leaves. Add the lemon juice, toss, and chill for one hour. Mix in the olive oil by tossing and serve upon the lettuce leaves arranged in a spoke fashion. Sprinkle on the cucumber on the top. Serves 3-4. It will last a few days in the fridge.
Note: I swiped this from Bob's Red Mill, though their product is by no means necessary. I haven't made my own in quite a while so I cannot verify the safety of that brand's product either.

Baba Ganoush
Adapted from David Lebovitz

3 medium-sized eggplants
1/2 cup tahini (roasted sesame paste)
1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
3 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1/8 teaspoon chile powder
a pinch or two of cummin
1 tablespoon olive oil
a half bunch picked flat-leaf parsley or cilantro leaves

Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- Prick each eggplant a few times, then char the outside of the eggplants by placing them directly on the flame of a gas burner and as the skin chars, turn them until the eggplants are uniformly-charred on the outside. (If you don’t have a gas stove, you can char them under the broiler. If not, skip to the next step.)
- Place the eggplants on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until they’re completely soft; you should be able to easily poke a paring knife into them and meet no resistance.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Split the eggplant and scrape out the pulp. Puree the pulp in a blender or food processor with the other ingredients until smooth.
- Taste, and season with additional salt and lemon juice, if necessary. Chill for a few hours before serving. Serve with crackers, veggies or toasted pita chips.

Storage: Baba Ganoush can be made and refrigerated for up to five days prior to serving.

Herbal Remedies

I recently messed up my food perpetrating Shenanigans that, in retrospect, were not so wise. But then again, so are most shenanigans. However, due to corn being in the vast majority of medicines I can't really take any of them(this is true for all of us corn-allergists). So I've been slowly moving into the land of herbs/spices to help cure or at least stymie my ailments enough to make them manageable. Here are a few that I've been using recently:

White Willow Bark- This is the natural equivalent to aspirin and in my personal opinion, quite the godsend. I took this constantly while I had pleurisy and it helped relieve the swelling and pain a bit. It's more expensive than aspirin but even people who aren't allergic to corn have told me that it's much more effective than aspirin is, so it's worth it. The only corn-free version I can find isn't vegan and it's basically the only place I'll make an exception to my veganism.

Turmeric- Turmeric is most commonly known as a flavoring in middle eastern/indian dishes or as a coloring. However, turmeric is also an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory. If you want it as an antiseptic, merely make a paste out of it with water, apply to the cut area, and cover it with a band-aid or the like. As an anti-inflammatory, take around 1 tsp of the ground turmeric with around 2-3 tsp of raw honey orally. It will taste fairly unpleasant but it will help.

Bromelain- This is a "sulfur-containing proteolytic digestive enzyme that is extracted from the stem and the fruit of the pineapple plant" according the National Institute of Health. Now Foods makes a Quercetin with Bromelain pill they say is corn-free and I think it's trustworthy. Anyway, Bromelain can function as an anti-histamine and an anti-inflammatory. Considering how bloody hard it is to get an anti-histamine that is corn-free and doesn't make you really groggy, this is useful to have around.

Peppermint- Peppermint is at once calming and energizing. The methanol will help clear up your respiratory system, allowing ease of breathing and a slight comfort when ill. It is also said, along with wintergreen and other forms of mint, to help with increasing appetite. One's stomach and bowl can also be calmed by peppermint, making the tea excellent to have during a bout of indigestion. It's essential oil(once properly diluted, naturally), can also help with headaches when applied to the temples.

Honey - Once again, I'm one of those dirty vegans who will still eat honey. That being said, I very rarely use it in cooking because I prefer Maple Syrup(as it stays a liquid at room temperature, while raw honey does not). Honey, besides being delicious, has many useful properties though. It is an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Put some on the pad of a bandage and put it over a wound and it'll keep it nice and clean for quite a long time. It is also an excellent thing to pick-me-up in herbal teas(especially peppermint) and makes the aforementioned turmeric palatable(or at least able to put down). I've also been told that regularly eating raw honey can help with pollen allergies if you eat honey that was produced off of the same kind of things you're allergic to; it must be raw honey though.. As a side, but important, note, never give an infant under 1 1/2-2 years old honey; there is a possible risk of dormant bacteria being in the honey and their immature immune and digestive systems cannot handle it(they can get Botulism, which is a very serious and possibly fatal illness). Avoid processed honey as well, as it could be artificially sweetened or have some corn-derived processing.

Lavender- Lavender is actually another useful plant within the mint family. It is also excellent for its calming and soothing effect. Lavender is often used to fill small bed pillows to add a pleasant smell to the beds as well as help in making the restful mindset. It's essential oil, when diluted, can also be applied to the skin as an anti-inflammatory and does wonders for aroma-therapy. It's not an herb I use terribly often but I wouldn't want to be without it, either.

Garlic- Garlic is one of the loves of my life. The flavor that garlic gives to food, cooked or raw, is amazing and surpassed by very little in my mind. It also has a plethora of medicinal uses: it's an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, lowers cholesterol, and will help keep away insects and ticks. My brothers regularly eat it raw when ill, though it may be a bit harsh for some people in that form. I've also read that if one eats a combination of the raw and cooked garlic on a frequent basis, it have anti-carcinogenic effects. It's also rumored to help control and lower blood sugar levels but that's somewhat up in the air. The only downside of garlic consumption is, if one eats enough of it, it causes halitosis, a fancy word meaning one exudes a somewhat unpleasant, garlic-y smell. Seeing its many benefits makes it worth in my opinion, though.

Ginger- Ginger, in the form tea usually, is known to help with indigestion and motion sickness(also vomiting due to pregnancy). It is also used for colds, coughing, and other like illnesses throughout southeast asia. Other uses haven't really been studied much and have a great variety of claims.

Fenugreek Tea

I said I would look into the tea and lo and behold; here we are. It's very easy to make with a very unique flavor. I had two of my friends try it as well and while we all found it appealing, it is somewhat difficult to put your finger on. I would say it tastes lightly of molasses or maple syrup. It has a mellow sweetness with a deep, cooked flavor. It is often compared to slightly burnt sugar but in more of a caramel way then a burned way. It's commonly sweetened with honey when drunk but I think if one put a dried date in the pot while it was being made or even while it's soaking afterwards it would give a delightful flavor. Here's how you make it though:

Put one teaspoon of whole fenugreek seeds in a pot per cup of water. Boil vigorously for five to ten minutes, remove from heat. Allow the seeds to seep in the water for another ten to fifteen minutes, strain them out, and drink while still hot(you can refrigerate it for later if you want but I don't know how good it tastes cold).