SPROUTING PART 2 – HOW TO SPROUT YOUR OWN SEEDS
For an actual demonstration on how to sprout check out my DVD, “Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone” visit http://herbalinstructions.com/
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
➣ A glass jar, any size from about 1 litre to 4 litres will do; wide mouth jars are the most practical
➣ Nylon mosquito screen, big enough to cover the opening of the jar and rubber band to secure it
➣ Fresh water
➣ Seeds for sprouting
a. I suggest you begin, using only one type of seed per jar. Once you have gained some experience, have fun experimenting, creating your own special mixes.
b. How many seeds to use? As the seeds absorb the water and begin to sprout, they will expand; different seeds will expand to different degrees. For example, radish seeds will expand more than sunflower seeds.
As a rule, fill the jar up to 1-2 cm with dried seeds. Using too few or too many, does not matter. You will learn quickly the proper amounts for the different types of seed you use.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. CLEANING
A. Place seeds in (wide mouth) glass jar; when using larger seeds like peas use more seeds
B. Cover jar with mesh and secure with rubber band
C. Rinse by adding water, swirl and drain
2. SOAKING
A. Add cool water, 5 – 10 cm above seeds and let sit 4 – 8 hours or over-night;
NOTE: The length of time for soaking the seeds depends on the type of seed used; check internet for soaking charts or refer to my next post.
B. Drain water, rinse and drain water again. Seeds should be damp but not “swimming” in water.
3. GROWING
A. Invert and prop jar at an angle in a bowl so that excess water can drain; preferably keep in dark place.
B. Twice a day rinse seeds with cool/room temperature water, swirl jar gently, drain and repeat step 3A.
C. Depending on the seeds, it will take 2 – 5 days for the seeds to sprout to a length of ½ – 5 cm when they are ready to be enjoyed.
4. EATING & STORING
Eat sprouts right away or store them in the fridge in a glass container or plastic bag. Treat them like you would any other food that can spoil.
Meal Suggestions
Sprouts can be added to salads, sandwiches, tacos, wraps, soups (just before serving), spaghetti sauce, omelets, green drinks and baking (1/2 cup of sprouts per loaf; add to liquid ingredients). Sprouted seeds may also be sautéed, blanched or steamed.
Sprouting beans will soften them enough, making them suitable for creating spreads such as hummus.
BE CREATIVE and most of all ENJOY!
To order the DVD “Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone – A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating You Own Herbal Preparations”, visit http://herbalinstructions.com/order-dvd/
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
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
Insect Bites
Biting insects including wasps and hornets are plentiful this year and can take some of the joy out of summer for some of us. Spit poultices from Plantain or Fireweed leaves can be a life saving tool. When neither one is available you could simply use mud (add water to dirt to make a paste). The mud applied to a nasty insect bite right after I got stung while filming the DVD, brought instant relief (see picture). It also helped to avert an allergic reaction. See more on the DVD at www.herbalinstructions.com.
Carrying a small spray bottle with (apple cider) vinegar while out and about may also prove to be helpful. When applied directly to a mosquito bite it will prevent the swelling and itchiness. I have no personal experience how it might work for other insect bites, but it would definitely be worth a try.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Some people respond with an over-sensitivity to even minor mosquito bites. If this is your situation, I suggest you look at your diet and eliminate all foods you suspect you are allergic/sensitive to. In my practice I have seen people who, almost miraculously, have stopped reacting to mosquito bites after changing their diet, for example taking out all gluten. Prior to this they were not able to leave the house without certain medications because even a simple mosquito bite triggered an enormous reaction such as huge swelling that would last for days. This makes total sense to me.
Happy herballing and green blessings,
Gudrun
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.
Sunscreen – yes or no?
Summer is here and with it for many of us the question: sunscreen – yes or no?
What causes more harm: the sun or the reaction of the chemicals of sunscreen with our body?
If yes to sunscreen, how to pick the right one?
Following are some interesting facts and answers. Please share freely with as many people as possible.
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.
WEEDS FOR WELLNESS – A GUIDE TO YOUR BACKYARD PHARMACY
PLANTAIN – PLANTAGO MAJOR
Plantain is one of the most versatile herbal medicines. We can use the leaves, seeds and roots but I will focus on the use of the leaves in the post. Most of you will have come across it. Most commonly around here we find broad-leaved Plantain (Plantago major). The plant grows along waysides, in gardens, lawns, pastures, meadows and cultivated fields. The leaves are very broad ovate and surround the stem in a basal rosette.
Plantain, just like so many other so-called weeds, is rich with nutrients including vitamins A, C, K, zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and silicic acid. Remember that the nutritional value of any (edible) plant depends greatly on the soil it is growing in. Silica promotes tissue repair, in this case specifically in the lungs. Zinc enhances immune system function. Plantain also contains mucilage. Mucilage has a soothing effect on any tissue.
Internally Plantain is primarily used for any respiratory tract challenges, it restores the lungs and helps to expel mucous. It is helpful in conditions such as coughs including nervous cough, bronchitis, lung infections, allergic asthma and any other congestion incl. sinus and ear infections. I always have a jar of dried leaves on hand in the winter for my grand children. As a tea it can also be useful in cases of urinary tract infections or simple irritation.
Internally and externally it is a great wound healer for sores, cuts, scratches, dog bites, ulcers and burns. Applied as a poultice it provides instant relief from insect bites. Chew on a few leaves to get the juice from the plant flowing and apply directly to the irritated area(s). It is amazing how good this feels.
Plantain has many more usages but these are the most common ones.
As food you can add some leaves to the Jungle Juice or salad, use as spinach (cook only for a few minutes) or as a potherb. The younger leaves are preferable to older ones. And of course, you can make an herbal tea from the leaves as well.
I highly recommend that you get out there, harvest this miracle herb and add it to some of your dishes. But not only this, make sure you dry some for use in fall and winter in case a nasty cough gets hold of you.
Happy herballing and green blessings,
Gudrun
WEEDS FOR WELLNESS – A GUIDE TO YOUR BACKYARD PHARMACY
CHICKWEED – Stellaris media
Chickweed is one of my favorite herbs. You can use all aerial parts of the plant. My husband has gotten into trouble more than once when he got rid of it from garden beds. Chickens and small birds enjoy feeding on Chickweed as well – probably the reason for its name. Chickweed is very nourishing, it contains many minerals and vitamins such as vitamin C, copper, iron, phosphorus and potassium.
My preference is to use Chickweed raw in salads, added to smoothies and the Jungle Juice, and as a garnish on sandwiches and in wraps. The flavour is mild and as with many herbs the younger plants are preferable. Especially when using it raw for salads and toppings, the stems of more mature plants get stringy, so you may only want to us the (flowering) tops. Try mixing it into cream cheese or make a herbal butter by adding chives and chickweed and maybe a bit of flax oil.
You can also add Chickweed to soups and other cooked dishes. However, you don’t want to cook Chickweed for more than a few minutes; therefore I suggest you add it towards the end after any other vegetables and greens have their required tenderness.
Medicinally Chickweed is very soothing to the skin. I like to use it externally for skin conditions such as eczema and itchy skin. It also has a cooling effect. Apparently the herb is also used as a tea in natural weight loss programs; however, I do not have any personal experience with this application. Less well known is the fact that Chickweed helps to soothe stomach ulcers and other digestive ailments.
Have fun, be creative and I hope you will enjoy Chickweed as much as I do.
Green blessings,
Gudrun
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