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| “Every
flower of the field, every fiber of a plant, every
particle of an insect carries with it the impress of
its Maker and can-if duly considered-read us
lectures of ethics or divinity." |
| -Sir
Thomas Pope Blount (1649-1697)
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Contents
Reaping the
Harvest: How to Preserve Foods from Your Garden
Complimentary
Therapies for Alzheimer's Patients
Get
Involved
Herbal
Crafting & Cooking:
Lovage &
Basil Soup
Scents:
Sexy, or Not So Sexy?
An Herb to
Know: Chicory
Recommended
Reading & Listening
Marketplace
Herbal
Conferences
Herb
Database
Library
of Articles
Wellness
Center
Music
Store
Book
Store
Non-Toxic
Cleaning
Natural
Baby Care
Natural
Cosmetics
Garden
Center
Gift
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Calendar
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Reaping
the Harvest: How to Preserve Foods from Your Garden
Drying foods is a natural
alternative for people with limited time and limited
space for storing frozen or canned foods. Almost any
food can be dried, but those most popularly dried are
fruits, herbs, and a few vegetables including
mushrooms.
Blanching or Dipping
Drying foods does not stop the enzymatic action that
causes fruit to mature and decay; it only slows it
down. Some foods keep well without pretreatment, but
others deteriorate in color, flavor, texture, and
nutrients for months after drying unless treated.
Pretreatment can mean blanching or dipping the foods.
For more information about blanching, see the section
on preparing vegetables for freezing earlier in this
chapter. Dipping can be accomplished using various
preparations.
Salt water dip.
Dissolve 6 tablespoons flaked pickling salt in 1
gallon of lukewarm water. To keep fruit from
darkening, slice or chop it directly into the water.
Soak for no more than 5 minutes or the fruit will
absorb too much water and acquire a salty taste. Drain
before loading onto drying trays. This is not
recommended for those on a low-sodium diet.
Ascorbic acid dip.
Ascorbic acid is a form of vitamin C. Dissolve 2
tablespoons of ascorbic acid crystals, 2 tablespoons
of ascorbic acid powder, or 5 crushed, 1-gram vitamin
C tablets in 1 quart of lukewarm water. Slice or chop
fruits directly into the solution. When 1 to 2 cups of
fruit accumulate, stir and remove the fruit with a
slotted spoon. Drain well before drying.
Fruit juice dip. Dip
peaches, apples, or banana slices into 1 quart
undiluted pineapple juice or 1 quart lukewarm water
into which 1/4 cup of lemon juice has been stirred.
Soak for 5 to 10 minutes and drain well before drying.
Drying Food in a Dehydrator
You will get the most consistent results from a
dehydrator, and dehydrator drying is so trouble-free
you can leave a dehydrator operating overnight or
while you’re at work. If a load is almost dry at
bedtime, reduce the heat to 105-degrees F to
110-degrees F and go to bed. By morning, the food will
be ready to store.
1. Clean your work
surface and assemble knives, peelers, a cutting board,
measuring cups and spoons, a bowl (if pretreating), a
colander, and a heavy towel. Dehydrators come with
their own drying trays.
2.
Select young, fresh vegetables and fruits that are
table-ready or slightly immature. Wash, then drain on
towels.
3. Preheat
dehydrator to the desired temperature. Recommended
temperatures are 115-degrees F for uncooked fruits,
120-degrees F for  vegetables
and some cooked fruits, and 110-degrees F for leafy
herbs.
4. Peel, slice,
dice, chop, julienne, halve, or leave whole, depending
on recommendations for the fruit, vegetable, or herb.
Pretreat or blanch according to recommendations for
each.
5. Spread foods
evenly over dehydrator trays in thin layers. Different
foods can be dried at the same time, but very moist
foods should not be dried with almost-dry foods, nor
should you combine foods with strong odors or flavors.
6. Dry according
to times specified for each food. Rotate the trays
front to back, side to side, and top to bottom at
least once. Also stir the food or turn it.
7. Package dried
foods in airtight bottles, jars, or plastic bags.
Store in a cool, dark place.
Drying Food in a Conventional
Oven
Drying food in an oven has the advantage of
controlled, even temperatures, but the disadvantage of
poor air circulation. Prepare foods as you would if
you were using a dehydrator (see previous page). You
will need a large, easily readable thermometer that
registers 100-degrees to 150-degrees F, an electric
fan, and commercial or homemade drying trays.
1. Set the
thermometer on the top oven shelf and preheat to the
desired temperature. Recommended temperatures are
115-degrees F for uncooked fruits, 120-degrees F for
vegetables and some cooked fruits, and 110-degrees F
for leafy herbs.
2. Prepare the
food, then spread it sparsely but evenly over the
drying trays.
3. Place the trays
in the oven. To improve air circulation, allow 1 inch
of space on each side, 3 inches on top and bottom, and
2 1/2 inches between trays. In addition, leave the
door ajar a few inches and place an electric fan in
front of the door to blow away moist air.
4. Dry according
to the directions for each food. Stir or turn the food
occasionally and rotate the trays front to back, side
to side, and top to bottom every 2 to 3 hours.
5. Package the
dried foods in airtight bottles, jars, or plastic
bags. Store in a cool, dark place.
— from
The Busy Person’s Guide to Preserving Food
by Janet Chadwick
illustrations by Judy Eliason, Alison Kolesar, and
Elayne Sears
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Complimentary Therapies
for Alzheimer's Patients
Source: health-news.co.uk
LONDON
By Rebecca Oppenheim
Bright light therapy and aromatherapy can ease symptoms of
Alzheimer’s disease such as agitation and sleep
disturbances, according to research.
Scientists from Manchester Royal Infirmary
looked at 48 nursing home residents diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s or other diseases that cause memory loss,
dementia or mental confusion.
The results, presented at the Congress of the International
Psychogeriatric Association in Chicago, US, revealed that
patients who sat in front of a bright light box for two
hours each morning for two weeks slept longer and more
deeply than those who sat in dim light.
The benefits were found to be significantly greater during
the winter months when the days are shorter and people are
exposed to less sun.
Harry Allen, one of the researchers, said, “Sometimes the
ability to control these symptoms can make all the
difference between being able to keep a loved one at home or
institutionalisation.”
For people who cannot afford light boxes, Dr Allen
recommends planning activities during the brightest part of
the day and says outings to parks, gardens or even just the
back garden can help. Even activities performed in front of
a bright window can be useful, he said.
“Most of us have had the experience of feeling our mood
improve when we are exposed to bright sunlight. Too often we
shut people with dementia up in dark rooms with little
opportunity to see the sun or other bright light, which can
make their symptoms worse,” he said.
Other research presented at the congress found that
aromatherapy reduced agitation in people with severe
dementias. One group of patients were exposed to lemon balm,
an essential oil that was applied in a base cream by a brief
massage, while sunflower oil, an odourless substance, was
used for the second group.
The scientists, from the University of Newcastle, found that
over a four-week period, 35 per cent of patients in the
lemon balm group showed an overall improvement in agitation
levels, compared to 11 per cent in the placebo group.
Professor Clive Ballard, lead researcher, said, “Patients
exposed to lemon balm also showed significant improvements
in the quality of life, including a decrease in social
withdrawal and an increase in constructive activities.”
__________________________________
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Chicory
(Cichorium intybus)
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Family:
Compositae
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Common
names: Succory, Wild Succory, Hendibeh
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| Range:
Most of Europe, South Africa, New Zealand,
Australia, Middle East, North America |
| History: Chicory
is a prolific plant that makes itself known
in difficult places where nothing else will
grow. Some consider it a weedy
nuisance, while others appreciate its
stately beauty and culinary virtue. The
flowers are of particular interest because
they open and close according to the sun and
and location. In fact, Linnaeus
considered Chicory to be one of the
flowers in his "floral clock" at
Upsala due to the flowers opening precisely
at 5am in the morning and closing at 10am
each day in that latitude.
Some linguists maintain that the name Succory,
which translates in Latin to mean
"to run under," was applied to
chicory due to the fact that the plant's
roots run to great depths and it is very
difficult pull up. Chicory is
one of only two species that comprise the
genus Cichorium. Endive is the
other.
The roots are commonly dried and ground
to make a caffeine-free coffee substitute,
although the plant does have a bitter
flavor. The young leaves are sometimes
used is salads or eaten as a vegetable, as
the ancient Romans once did. In
Europe, it is often grown as fodder for
livestock.
Medicinally, chicory has been used to
treat skin disorders, gout, jaundice and to
reduce an enlarged liver. As a
poultice, chicory was thought to improve
inflammations, swellings, bruises and eye
disorders. In India, the plant is
often still by herbalists used to treat
dyspepsia, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and
skin allergies. The Commission E has
approved its use to improve a poor appetite
and dyspepsia. Animal studies have revealed
that chicory preparations can lower pulse
rate and cholesterol levels in rat liver and
plasma.
Constituents: sesquiterpene
lactones, tartaric acid, hyperoside,
hydroxycoumarins (umbelliferone).
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Herbal
Crafting & Cooking
The
undertone of celery, contributed by the lovage,
enhances this quick, easily made Lovage-and-Basil
Soup with a lovely pale green color. Increase
the tanginess by using lemon basil. Or, augment the
sweet-spicy aroma by mixing in some cinnamon basil.
If your basil is in flower, garnish the soup with
some of the blossoms.
You
will need:
•
2 tablespoons butter
•
1 tablespoon canola oil
•
2 cups chopped yellow onions
•
1/2 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch
pieces
•
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh lovage stems and
leaves
•
2 cups vegetable stock or canned vegetable broth
•
1/2 cup dry white wine
•
1/2 cup water
•
1 cup fresh basil leaves
To
make:
Heat the butter and oil in the saucepan over
medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook,
stirring, for about 6 minutes, or until
soft. Add the potatoes and lovage and cook,
continuing to stir, for about 5 minutes, or
until the potatoes lose their raw look and
the lovage becomes soft. Add the stock or
broth, wine, and water, and cover. Reduce
heat to low and simmer until the potatoes
are very tender, or about 30 minutes. Add
the basil and cook for 30 seconds. Remove
from heat and purée in a blender, food
processor, or food mill. Serve immediately
or refrigerate and serve cold.
Yield:
4 to 6 servings |
— from
The Herbal Palate Cookbook by Maggie Oster and Sal
Gilbertie
Scents: Sexy,
or Not So Sexy?
by D.A. Colvin
Among the distractions that invade our
space via the Internet and media are commercials
that persuade us to buy fragrance products. When you
think of fragrance what comes to mind?
Perhaps, you think of sexy perfume that drives your
man wild. Maybe you want sexy, smooth and baby young
skin with talcum powder. Maybe you want a rugged
scent that attracts a lovely lady for a date. One
factor that motivates people to improve self-esteem
and appeal is romantic intimacy.
What happens when the products used for intimacy
enhancement are toxic and repel the opposite sex?
According to the National Academy of Science as of
1999 more than 15% of the population suffers from
fragrance and chemical sensitivity and cannot
tolerate the exposure. That number is steadily
rising. Environmental health awareness writer Andrea
DesJardins states that the FDA does not regulate the
fragrance industry. Andrea DesJardins also states
that of the 5,000
different chemicals less than 20% have been tested
for toxicity levels. Because there is no scrutiny
thousands of chemicals are used to manufacture
fragrances. The result is a toxic brew. One of the
detriments of using fragrance is that it’s
difficult to stop the usage. According to Anne
Cheyne, contributing writer for the Camp Hill
Medical Centre in Nova Scotia, Canada, the chemicals
in the fragrance product desensitize the nerves and
cells. What this means is that as a person uses the
product their nerves experience a dull-like
sensation and become somewhat numb to the chemicals.
When one is dowsed in fragrance the scent weakens
and the user’s senses diminish. Those who don’t
wear fragrance and are sensitive will immediately
detect the scent. This would explain why fragrance
users find it strange when a sensitive person is
repelled by it.
When watching commercials depicting sexy women
covering their bodies with a beautifying product
your first thought is that your skin will feel just
as young. You’ll stop the wrinkles. Your new
sensual feminine hair will glow with sexy
highlights. Everlasting youthful beauty is the
biggest motivation that keeps cosmetics sales on the
rise. Look at the listed ingredients. Usually
you’ll see a long paragraph, indicating that this
product you’re using is loaded with ingredients.
Chances are those ingredients are toxic, especially
the ones you cannot pronounce. There’s a
well-known expression that many health-oriented
people live by when buying products. That expression
is “if in doubt, do without." This simply
means that if you don’t understand the ingredient
you should avoid it.
According to Anne Cheyne one of the biggest
problems is that many products claim to be
“unscented” and “fragrance-free”.
Considering that this really isn’t the case this
can confuse consumers. While the product may appear
to be fragrance-free the product is still scented
and contains potentially toxic chemicals to the
sensitive user.
It’s time for the million-dollar question:
What’s the solution to this toxic problem?
Feeling appealing and having a high self-esteem is
important. It’s a natural instinct and should be
nurtured in a non-toxic earth-friendly manner.
Hygiene and cleanliness are basic needs. In truth
you don’t need a dozen products for cleanliness.
This is a fallacy. Try a natural, organic
all-purpose cleaning product with a subtle aroma of
pine, spruce, and fir that you can also use for
bathing; Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds. It’s very
effective and efficient. My husband and I have used
it for many years for all our cleaning needs and
it’s helped us to save hundreds of dollars and our
health.
It’s important to vote with your wallet shopping
in a natural food store. If you want stylish lively
hair, natural product companies like Aveda, Aubrey
Organics, and Paul Penders have wonderful
moisturizing products. These companies exude
compassion and integrity for personal health and
that of the planet and animals as well. The herbal
aromas are wonderful and a small amount is long
lasting. If it’s highlights you want, I would
suggest consulting with an Aveda hairdresser. If dry
skin plagues you massage it with creamy moisturizing
Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Hand and Body Lotion.
Aveda colorful makeup is beautiful and aromatic.
When you want to smell appealing and feel
rejuvenated, organic essential oils like geranium
and sandalwood are wonderful. There’s one for
every mood. When searching for cosmetics look for
familiar ingredients like geranium, lavender,
sandalwood, and rose essential oils without the
added chemicals.
For every beauty need there’s an effective organic
plant-derived product that will enliven your skin
and make you feel wonderful. Your local natural food
store has an array of products to try. The right one
will appeal to you. All you need is an openness to
learn. The sky’s the limit and your health is
worth it!
D.A. Colvin is a natural living
writer and consultant. She and her husband, Bryan,
share their wisdom and experience from their own
personal journey with those who are ready to
simplify and detoxify their life. For more
information please visit their web site at: http://www.bodyearthself.com
Their e-mail is: forestdeva@care2.com
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Organic
Essential Oils
Organic
Bulk Herbs
Herbalist
Supplies
&
More!
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Recommended
Reading & Listening...
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Herbal Conferences
| September 4–7: Natural Products
Expo East. Washington, DC. Contact: New Hope
Natural Media/Penton Media. Ph: 303/939-8440. Website: www.newhope.com.
September 5: Biodiversity and Conservation in
Texas Lecture Series: Overview of Texas Biogeography and
Conservation. Austin, TX. Part of a free series of
seven lectures organized by the Botanical Research Institute
of Texas (BRIT) and hosted by the Lady Bird Johnson
Wildflower Center, this lecture will be led by Andrew
Sansom, Executive Director, International Institute for
Sustainable Water Resources, Southwest Texas State
University and former director, Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Ph: 512/292-4200. Website: www.wildflower.org.
September 5-7: 18th Annual Breitenbush Herbal
Conference. Portland, OR. This year's theme is
“Herbal Passions” and the conference will include
workshops, herb walks and, hands-on experiences, most of
intensive length. Beginner through advanced classes as well
as professional continuing education credits will be
available. Ph: 503/236-2220 Website: www.trilliumeducation.org.
September 5-8: East Asian Healing Therapies Class
Series. Takoma Park, MD. Presented by the Maryland
Acupuncture Society, classes will discuss traditional
techniques for modern practices, treatment of acute
conditions, and the Chinese energetics of food. Continuing
education credits available. Contact: Maryland Acupuncture
Society, MAS Seminar Registration, P.O. Box 5498, Takoma
Park, MD 20913.
September 8-9: Hepatoxicity Assessment for
Botanical Dietary Supplements Workshop. Bethesda,
MD. Sponsored by the NCNPE, School of Pharmacy, The
University of Mississippi, the "Hepatoxicity Assessment
for Botanical Dietary Supplements" will take place
September 8-9 at The Four Points Sheraton in Bethesda
Maryland. Also supported by the Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition of the Food and Drug Administration, the
collaboration will focus on improved quality and safety of
botanical dietary supplements. Contact: Walter Chambliss,
Assoc. Dir., NCNPR, the Cochran Research Center, Univ. of
Mississippi, University, MS 38677. Ph: 662/915-1005. Fax:
662/915-1006. E-mail: wchambli@olemiss.edu.
Website: www.olemiss.edu/depts/ncnpr.
September 8-9: National Institute on Drug Abuse,
Colorado University Health Sciences Center, Annual
Conference. Westminster, CO. As in other fields of
medicine, a gap exists in the drug abuse treatment field
between clinical practice and scientific research. By
bringing together leading drug abuse treatment
clinicians and researchers, this conference will provide an
opportunity to further bridge that gap. Sponsored by The
National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Rocky Mountain
Clinical Trials Network (CTN) Node, together with the
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Colorado
Department of Health Services, Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Division, and the Signal Behavioral Health Network, Inc.
Website: www.mac1988.com/blendingcolorado.
September 8-12: XII Congresso Ítalo Latino
Americano de Etnomedicina. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Sponsored by the Istituto Italo-Latino Americano (IILA),
Roma Societa Italo-Latinoamericano di Etnomedicina, the
Universade Federale do Rio de Janeiro, and the Pestana Rio
Atlantica Hotel, this year's theme is "Nuno Álvares
Pereira." Website: www.farmacia.ufrj.br/silae.
September 12-15 -- Intensive Seminar in Botanical
Medicine in the Green Farmacy Garden in Fulton,
Maryland, taught by James Duke, Eric Yarnell & Kathy
Abascal. For more information go to website <http://hometown.aol.com/greenpharmacy/augustseminar.html>,
email <greenfarmacygarden@yahoo.com>
or call Holly Vogel 301/854-3951.
September 14-17: CRN 2003 Conference. Tucson, AZ.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition's annual conference on
dietary supplements will allow time for networking while
featuring experts specializing in various aspects of the
dietary supplements including science, regulation, and
legislation. Contact: Verna Breland. Ph: 202/204-8001.
E-mail: vbreland@crnusa.org.
Website: www.crnusa.org.
September 16-19: China Association of Fragrance
& Cosmetic Industry Exhibition. Guang Dong,
China. See new cosmetics products while learning
manufacturing and marketing techniques at technical
exchanges and lectures during this exhibition. E-mail: mail@fnfnet.com.
September 19-20: 15th Annual Green Nations
Gathering. Rock Hill, NY. Held at Iroquois springs
and sponsored by Green Nations, this diversified of the
finest herbal teachers; alternative health practitioners;
food, water and environmental activists; and spiritual
ecologists will include workshops, lectures, and plenary
sessions. Ph: 802/293-5996. E-mail: greenpam@aol.com.
Website: www.greennations.org.
September 19-21: Conference on Homeopathy and
Biotherapies. Las Vegas, NV. Sponsored by Dolisos,
this conference will include lectures by Marc Delliere, MD,
and Michel Bouko Levy, MD, as well as sessions on women and
children; stress and synergy between homeopathy,
oligotherapy, and gemmotherapy. Ph: 800/461-1400 ext. 226.
E-mail: info@dolisos.ca.
September 20: 2nd Annual Ginseng Festival.
Catskill, NY. Sponsored by the Catskill Kiwanis Club and the
Cornell Co-op Ext., activities at this event will include
workshops, lectures, a variety of vendors offering ginseng
products, crafts and refreshments. Ph: 518/622-9820.
September 20-21: Cultivating the Herbal Medicine
Woman Within with Kami McBride. Vacaville, CA.
Held at the Living Awareness Institute, this experiential
herbal studies class is for women studying herbal medicine
as a deepening relationship with the earth and a way of
life. The course takes place one weekend a month September
2003 through April 2004 and provides CEU credits for nurses.
The Living Awareness Institute classroom and gardens are a
sanctuary for women to reclaim their heritage as herbalists
and healers. Ph: 707/446-1290. Website: www.livingawareness.com.
September 21-26: International Symposium on the
Chemistry and Biology of Marine Organisms.
Kolympari, Greece. Held on the island of Crete and sponsored
by the Phytochemical Society of Europe, this symposium will
feature lectures on metabolites from marine organisms,
evaluation and exploitation of marine natural products,
advances in marine biology and biotechnology, and more.
Contact: Prof. Vassilios Roussis, Univ. of Athens, School of
Pharmacy, Panepistiomiopolis, Zografou, Athens GR-157 71,
Greece. Fax: +30210 7274592. E-mail: oussis@pharm.uoa.gr.
September 25-28: Yoga Expo. Los Angeles,
CA. Will feature the many varieties of practice, the best
known teachers and luminaries, as well as the people and
companies who serve the Health, Fitness and Wellness field.
Contact: Nina Merson. Ph: 818-906-2700. E-mail: Nina@YogaExpo.com.
Website: www.yogaexpo.com.
September 26-October 1: Global Summit on
Medicinal Plants in Mauritius Island. Mauritius.
The main theme of the conference is 'Recent Trends in
Phytomedicine and Other Alternative Therapies for Human
Welfare'. It will draw attention to the vital importance of
medicinal Plants and Other Therapies in Health care. There
will be exciting programmes of plenary lectures, oral, and
poster presentations and round table discussions. Website: www.cenfound.org/global/global.html.
September 26-October 5: International Congress on
Traditional and Natural Medicine. Havana, Cuba.
This is a special U.S. delegation being organized to attend
the conference; the theme is "All united in pursuit of
one goal: a better quality of life through health." The
conference will include an exchange of scientific papers and
discussions among experts; poster exhibits; open debates
with participation of researchers and practitioners; invited
papers; and visits to research centers, universities,
hospitals and clinics. Contact: Rachel Bruhnke, Natural
Medicine Conference, c/o Global Exchange 2017 Mission
Street, Suite #303, San Francisco, CA 94708. Ph:
415/255-7296, ext. 354. E-mail: rachel@globalexchange.org.
Website: www.globalexchange.org/tours/.
September 27-October 6: Ayahuasca Healing Retreat.
Bahia, Brazil. The retreat will include Ayahuasca
ceremonies, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, full moon
sessions with shamanic drums on the beach, massage and
hydrotherapy, three more optional days for salvia divinorum,
and excursions. Website: www.ayahuasca-healing.net.
E-mail: silviap@house.com.ar.
September 27-October 5: BioNat 2003. Havana, Cuba.
Experience how acupuncture and other alternative therapies
have already been integrated into both the healthcare system
and medical schools in Cuba at this international congress
on natural and traditional medicine. Contact: Ana Perez. Ph:
415/255-7296. E-mail: ana@globalexchange.org.
September 28–October 1: Worldnutra 2003.
Las Vegas, NV. Fourth Annual international conference and
exhibition on nutraceuticals and functional foods. ABC
founder and Executive Director Mark Blumenthal will be
speaking at this event. Website: www.worldnutra.com.
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Source:
American
Botanical Council (ABC)
DISCLAIMER:
The contents herein are not intended and should not be
construed as being in any form or manner an attempt at
diagnosis, therapy or medical advice. While the editors and
contributors strive for accuracy, neither collectively nor
individually do we assume responsibility for injury and
specifically disclaim any warranty, express or implied, for
any products or services mentioned herein. If a medical
condition exists, we suggest that you seek competent
attention and or/counseling by a qualified health
practitioner.
Copyright
2003, The Herbal Muse Press
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