Jungle Juice Recipe
Thank you for your interest in my signature drink. Here is the information and recipe you were asking for. The u-tube video, demonstrating how to create this delicious concoction, is a segment taken from my DVD, Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone. A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Own Herbal Preparations. The DVD is available from my website, www.herbalinstructions.com or you can contact me directly.
Click link below for recipe:
Happy herbaling and green blessings,
Gudrun
BOUNTIFUL HARVEST & CREATIVITY
Despite the amount of rain and cool temperatures, some plants have done very well this year. So many plants and vegetables give us food and pleasure during the summer but I often wonder how we can make use of their precious gifts all year round. So this year I decided to harvest some of my Nasturtium leaves and flowers, both of which are edible. I created a colourful “Nasturtium butter” by cutting some flowers and leaves into fine pieces and mixing them together with some lime zest into softened butter. This will be a special treat for the winter months. I also dried some of the leaves which can be used in a tea to sooth a cough or cold. As a powder the leaves will add a peppery flavour will to many dishes.
For the first time this year I have been using a food dehydrator to dry some of my herbs. The humidity in the air has made it almost impossible to air dry herbs the conventional way – on drying racks or hanging them up by the stem.
Happy harvesting and green blessings,
Gudrun
HEMP HEARTS – BEST SOURCE OF PROTEIN
Hemp Hearts (shelled hemp seeds) are the best source of protein, essential fats — rich in Omega — vitamins and enzymes on the Earth. Rocky Mountain Hemp Hearts contain twice as much protein compared to other kinds.
Rocky Mountain Hemp Hearts are grown without herbicides or pesticides. The products are made fresh daily, priced to sell quickly and shipped in small lots. They contain a natural antioxidant (Vitamin E) that keeps them fresh for many months at room temperature. Nothing has been added to the Hemp Hearts from Rocky Mountain. Nothing has been removed but the shell. The list of health benefits is almost endless – both for healthy individuals and those dealing with (chronic) health issues.
Hemp Hearts compared to other foods:
– contain more amino acids than milk, eggs or meat
– complete source of protein
– contain about 47% oil, 86% of which is omega 3, 6 and 9
– contain all essential fatty acids required for health
– provide plenty of energy without the use of sugar, caffeine etc.
– suitable for anyone unable to digest gluten, dairy, nuts, meat and sugar
– perfect for those avoiding carbohydrates
– supports and encourages proper bowel function
Hemp Hearts can be enjoyed in cereal, salads, baked goods, added to sauces, mixed with yogurt and fruit…
I strongly recommend to make Hemp Hearts part of your daily health giving regime!
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
SONG OF THE FLOWER
I am a kind word uttered and repeated
By the voice of Nature;
I am a star fallen from the
Blue tent upon the green carpet.
I am the daughter of the elements
With whom Winter conceived;
To whom Spring gave birth; I was
Reared in the lap of Summer and I
Slept in the bed of Autumn.
At dawn I unite with the breeze
To announce the coming of light;
At eventide I join the birds
In bidding the light farewell.
The plains are decorated with
My beautiful colors, and the air
Is scented with my fragrance.
As I embrace Slumber the eyes of
Night watch over me, and as I
Awaken I stare at the sun, which is
The only eye of the day.
I drink dew for wine, and hearken to
The voices of the birds, and dance
To the rhythmic swaying of the grass.
I am the lover’s gift; I am the wedding wreath;
I am the memory of a moment of happiness;
I am the last gift of the living to the dead;
I am a part of joy and a part of sorrow.
But I look up high to see only the light,
And never look down to see my shadow.
This is wisdom which man must learn.
Kahlil Gibran
The Magic of Mother Earth
The abundance and beauty of the Earth at this time of the year in the Peace Country is amazing. I encourage you to bring some of the magic of Mother Earth into your home by adding the wild greens to your food, preparing a cup of tea with fresh plants or harvesting and drying herbs for later use. Goldenrod is one of those amazing herbs you can see everywhere right now.
Goldenrod is a fairly tall plant with beautiful, vibrant golden-yellow flowers. You will find it in dry woodlands, forest clearings and roadsides.
The Latin name Solidago originates from “solidus” & “ago,” Solidus, meaning “healthy and strong,” and ago meaning “to make whole.” Both of these terms refer to the plant’s ability to heal wounds.
Some common names for Goldenrod from various cultures also give an indication for its medicinal use as a wound healing herb, for example in Germany the herb is often called “Fastening Herb”. In fact in ancient German history Goldenrod was gathered as a wound herb before engaging in battle, just in case it was needed.
However, the focus today for its use has shifted from a wound healing aid, to a very reliable herb to support the kidneys. It promotes the elimination of urine and is applied for acute as well as chronic conditions of the kidneys and bladder including inflammation. In addition, it has been found to support the body during times of upper respiratory infections, especially when dealing with a chronic situation.
For medicinal purposes the leaves and flowers (early flowering stage) are being harvested and may be used fresh or dried. The fresh leaves and flowers can be used for wound healing or made into a tea, which can also be used as a wound wash. The dried herb may be used in the form of a tea as well but also as a tincture. A tincture is an alcoholic extract of a plant and is more concentrated than an herbal tea. The “crafty” person might want to try to use the flowers as a natural dye.
This summer Goldenrod has been brightening up the landscape in so many places and the quality of it has been superb. Many times you will find it being “infested” with many small bugs, but this year the only insects I have watched enjoying the bright, yellow flowers are butterflies and bees!
If you are not sure how to prepare the herbs, remember that the DVD Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone provides clear and easy to follow instructions, teaching a great variety of herbal preparations. Check my website www.herbalinstructions.com for more information.
Disclaimer
This information is not intended for the use of diagnosing any disease, condition or prescribing any treatment whatsoever. The use of any of the herbs and preparations is the sole responsibility of each individual and does not replace the services and advice of a medical practitioner and qualified healthcare provider. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your individual medical situation. No responsibility is assumed should the information be used in place of a licensed medical practitioner’s services.
WEEDS FOR WELLNESS – A GUIDE TO YOUR BACKYARD PHARMACY FIREWEED
Epilobium/Chamerion Angustifolium
The pale purple, pinkish flowers of Fireweed are lavishly decorating our landscape right now. You can watch bees swarming around the plants, they love the flowers. Fireweed is apparently the only plant in the world that has purple pollen. It is the first plant to grow after a fire, preparing the soil for other plants and trees to follow. Fireweed provides both food and medicine for us. Hippocrates said: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” How true this is.
The FLOWERS, UNOPENED BUDS and YOUNG LEAVES of Fireweed make a great addition to any salad, and of course, I add any of them to my Jungle Juice. The young shoots can be prepared like asparagus. A tea made from the LEAVES may simply be enjoyed as a beverage or used for medicinal purposes in cases of enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH). Note: Some sources suggest that Fireweed tea has a slight laxative effect whereas others say it is being used for certain forms of diarrhea. Therefore, be your own judge and enjoy the tea in moderation until you know how it affects you – this, of course, holds true for anything you ingest or put on your skin.
As mentioned in an earlier post, a SPIT POULTICE made from the leaves, just like Plantain, will provide great relief from insect bites – numbing the pain as well as reducing swelling and allergic reactions. I have heard from numerous people this year who have made use of this knowledge and were able to avoid hospital trips while watching the magic of the plant world unfold in front of their eyes. The gifts of nature are all around us. The poultice can also be used to minimize bruising and help draw slivers.
The FLOWERS, some sources include the leaves as well, provide effective relief for hemorrhoids. For this purpose, make an infused oil which can be used as is or made into suppositories. It is advisable to look at diet, lifestyle and liver function when dealing with hemorrhoids.
A decoction made from the WHOLE HERB, including the ROOT, has traditionally been used as an anti-spasmodic in the treatment of (whooping) cough and asthma. The preparation was allowed to cool before taken internally.
Fireweed can be considered a survival food with anti-inflammatory properties. It is relatively high in nutrients including vitamin C, beta-carotenes, calcium and magnesium. Always remember though, that the nutrient content (and flavour) of a plant varies greatly with the soil it is grown in.
RECIPE SUGGESTIONS
1. Add leaves, flowers and/or buds in any salad
2. Slightly steam young shoots until just tender. Melt butter, add lime juice, pour over Fireweed. Sprinkle with seeds/and or nuts on top (almonds, hemp hearts…)
Adjust proportions to your own liking. Remember, I consider myself a “free-flowing cook”. No recipe will ever turn out the same.
RESOURCE – QUESTION: Not sure how to prepare infusions, decoctions, infused oils etc? You find all these and many more preparations in my instructional DVD (over three hours of hands-on instructions): Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone – A Practical Guide to Creating Your Own Herbal Preparations. www.herbalinstructions.com. Subtitles in English, German, French and Spanish included as well as an appendix with all the recipes – just like a book.
Today’s Words to Ponder
Just a reminder in case your mind is playing tricks on you today:
You matter
You are loved
Your laughter is beautiful
And your presence on this Earth makes a difference whether you see it or not.
– Author Unknown
WILD ROSE – My Favourite Recipes for this time of the year
Have you noticed the abundance and colour variations of the Wild Rose flowers this year?
They are so bountiful and a delight to all of our senses. You might have noticed that a lot of different insects use the flowers as their home or resting place.
Wild Rose is also a Bach Flower essence, opening the heart and bringing joy into a person’s life.
Here are two of my all time favorite recipes.
1. WILD ROSE FLOWER WATER
Pick some flower petals and put them in a glass filled with spring water. Let sit in the sun to allow the essence of the flower to infuse into the water. Let sit for 1/2 hour to several hours depending on your taste preference.
Enjoy as is or with some ice. If you wish, you may eat the flower petals.
2. WILD ROSE FLOWER HONEY
Pick the flower petals and place on the honey. Honey that has not been processed is typically hard so you need to soften it slowly at low temperature. You can soften it first and then mix the petals into it, or what I do, I add the petals and let them do “their job” while the honey is softening.
Once the honey is soft, I like to stir the petals in with a wooden chop stick only to watch them come up to the surface again after a while. You can pick out the flower petals if you wish but you can also leave them in the honey.
Enjoy as a spread on a rice cake, on pancakes or with ice cream, or just straight from the spoon – whatever your heart desires.
DELICIOUS SUPERFOOD POWER BALLS
This recipe is a treat packed with powerful nutrition, providing energy while satisfying the desire/craving for sweets. It is a delight to watch my grand children devour this true treat. If I want this treat to last for a few days, I have to hide it in the fridge – away from anyone – small and large!
Why is it that the “treats” commonly used to reward children for “good behaviour” etc. are in most cases damaging to the children’s health? I have always been puzzled about this phenomenon while raising my own children.
As always, every time I create this recipe, it turns out a little different. I suggest you use the recipe as a guideline and be creative. Work with what you find at home in your pantry. Many of the ingredients are interchangeable. The consistency of the dough is what is important in order to be able to roll it into balls.
RECIPE – ENERGY BALLS
Ingredients
- 20g Powder: spirulina, mushroom, kale etc.– any one or any combination
- 20g Chi seeds
- 100g Shredded coconut
- 80g Almonds
- 80g Walnuts
- 150g Pitted dates
- 20g Cacao powder
- 50g Dried fruit: goji berries, apricots, cranberries etc. – any one or any combination
- 2 Tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp Coconut oil
- 1 Tbsp Maple syrup
- Shredded coconut for decoration
Instructions
1. Cut dates in small pieces and soak for about 30 minutes
2. If using dried apricots for example, cut them into smaller pieces as well
3. Process soaked dates, nuts, seeds and dried fruit in food processor until somewhat crumbly
4. Add cacao powder, vanilla, coconut oil and maple syrup
5. Process in food processor until the mixture has a dough like consistency. I may add a bit of honey, extra vanilla etc. to get the right sweetness and consistency
6. Form into small balls
7. Decorate by rolling each one in shredded coconut
8. Keep in fridge in an airtight container
ENJOY!
DELICIOUS FLAVOURS FROM NATURE
Even though we have not had much of a summer, I am happy to have captured a few great moments.
One of my favourite is to create drinks with the delicate and subtle flavours of nature.
There really is no recipe; as always my favourite recipes are easy to create.
I add flowers to my glass of water, let the glass sit in the sun (or not) for a short while before enjoying it.
Needless to say, you only want to use nontoxic, edible flowers. I suggest, you do NOT use the flowers from plants bought at any of the stores because most of them will have been treated with chemicals.
Examples of flowers: Dandelion, Borage, Wild Rose, Fireweed, Pansies, Lilacs.
Be creative and enjoy.
Green Blessings,
Gudrun
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