Tag home remedies

Spices for all seasons

It’s almost time to get ready for back to school, work! Once I get in to the full swing of summer, I also like to replenish my stock of herbs. For me,  I always make sure that my kitchen is fully stocked with my choice of 5 kitchen spices that heal and nourish the body. Not only that, these spices have been used for centuries as natural remedies, flavorings, and nutritional enhancers.

Why you need them

Regardless of your taste preferences, everyone should have a stash of spices and herbs that have a variety of uses. It’s never a good idea to really on one form of healing and supplementation. Also, as someone who grew up in a family that used natural remedies, supplements, etc, I don’t believe that western medicine has the monopoly on healing! As a matter of fact, a lot of indigenous remedies and supplements from around the world were “appropriated” by the pharmaceutical industry. While I want go into all the details here, I will say that good health is rooted in the foods, spices and herbs we put into our bodies. Plus, I firmly believe the notion of food being our natural medicine.

My must-have list of 5 kitchen spices that heal

At the top of my list is ginger! For obvious reasons, ginger is a must-have because it has so many benefits. Not only that, there is a lot of data that supports the healing benefits of ginger. Not only does it enhance your recipes, it is a great digestive aide,  cold and flu remedy, etc. Ginger is an Anti-Inflammatory, soothes the stomach, helps wit regulating blood sugar, and so much more. Ginger is central to a number of my homemade cold and flu remedies for those cold winter months as well.

Another important spice is cinnamon. While most people often associate it with baked goods and desserts, cinnamon also has a number of health benefits. Like ginger, cinnamon has been used for centuries as a curative, as a flavor enhancer for both sweet and savory dishes, etc. Cinnamon also helps with digestion, regulating blood sugar, and contains trace nutrients needed by the body.

Other spices on my list of 5 kitchen spices that heal 

Next, are cloves. For centuries cloves have been used as a natural food preservative as well as herbal remedies. It is naturally anti-microbial and an anti-oxidant. Believe it or not, cloves have both anti-oxidant and anti-microbial effects that many other spices. That also includes a number of fruits and vegetables. To read up more on the benefits of some of the most beneficial spices to have in your kitchen, check out my favorite recipe posts right here

Cloves aren’t just great for sweet dishes or your favorite winter or iced chai. Cloves add both flavor and healing to soups, tinctures and a variety global recipes. My next must-have often fly’s under the radar of most folks. Fresh ground black pepper is so common and so underrated. It is a good source of the mineral manganese which is important for bone health and regulating the metabolism. Did you also know it’s important in the wound healing process? Black pepper may also improve cholesterol levels, gut health and help control blood sugar levels.

Last but not least is turmeric. These days more people are familiar with this lovely spice. It is also a traditional ingredient in curry powder and gives it that distinctive yellow color. Turmeric is widely used around the globe as an anti-inflammatory. It’s now a popular aide to help reduce inflammation and joint pain. I often add it to soups, stews, smoothies, etc for that extra health boost. Some might argue about the dosage, but if you add it often and regularly enough, that goodness will build up!  Again, I won’t go into all of the heath benefits but healthline.com gives more details on the benefits of turmeric. It gives a delicious earthy flavor to most dishes and is easily disguised in smoothies, soups and stews too.

Exploring the spice world

Needless to say, there is a vast world out there when it comes to spices! Also, this is just a short list of the spices I typically use in a variety of recipes. Don’t be afraid to try new spices and even your everyday options in new ways. Spices have been used for centuries in a myriad of ways based on trial and error. As humans discovered other applications for these spices through observation, trial and error, etc, we’ve found new uses for them. As a matter of fact, some spices were used for medicinal purposes before someone discovered that they were awesome for cooking too!

Bottom line, humans are curious and adaptive creatures when it comes to both food and environment. Needless to say, this is just one area where that creativity and ingenuity shines through. So, step out of your comfort zone and try these 5 kitchen spices that heal as well as enhance recipes around the world!

Sleepy Time Tea and Tincture

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My belief about herbal remedies

It worked for my ancestors, and I’ve since learned and agree, that it’s better for my own health and wellness. I’m a firm believer that the cure for any condition should never be worse than the actual sickness itself. Having said that, when in doubt seek advice fr your medical doctor, a certified naturopathic doctor, trained healthcare professional, etc.

**As always, make sure you check with your healthcare provider to ensure that these ingredients are safe for you to consume, especially if you have medical conditions or medicines that might interact with any of these ingredients!!

**Please also note that this post contains affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Herbal teas for your home remedy cubby

Almost every culture has its own version of herbal teas, tinctures, and infusion. So it comes as no surprise that in this day and age, we’re all bringing in out these old tried and true recipes.

As a matter of fact, the more we learn and share from one another the better. Even now, I’ve got new twists on old recipes and created some new ones too.

The 3 herbal teas you need

Every year I add new favorites to my list of tea must-haves for throughout the year. But these are 3 herbal tea blends you need to beat the flu season for sure! Just an FYI, this post does include affiliate links from which I receive a small percentage at no cost to you!

1. Elderberry echinacea spiced tea.
2. Ginger Rosehip tea with chamomile, which is great for the nighttime and promotes restful sleep.
3. Spiced Mint  Turmeric tea.

A few benefits from these recipes

Star anise:

The oil produced by star anise contains thymol, terpineol, and anethole, which is used for treating cough and flu. Anise also helps improve digestion, alleviate cramps, and good for reducing nausea. Consuming star anise tea after meals helps treat digestive ailments such as bloating, gas, indigestion, and constipation

Black peppercorn:

 This spice has anti-inflammatory properties as well. It also improves circulation and reduces pain and swelling of joints in between the fingers. Plus, it helps fight diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

Chamomile:

This is one of my favorites ingredients and is included in the 3 herbal teas you need to beat the flu and cold because of its soothing effects. Chamomile promotes sleep, soothes stomach aches, reduces stress, period pains, helps with anxiety, and is also anti-inflammatory. Its benefits are too many to list here alone, but you’ll definitely want to keep this one handy!

Mint:

Mint eases digestion, is antiviral and antibacterial. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps with mucous build-up.

Echinacea: 

Widely known for its many health benefits, echinacea reduces inflammation, improves immunity, and lower blood sugar levels. Also, it’s used as a natural pain reducer, helps with digestion as well as skin-boosting benefits too!

Elderberry:

Many people believe elderberries to be one of the most potent natural plants for fighting cold and flu viruses. Not only that, they are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, boosts, fights infection, and supports the immune system. You can read more about the power of elderberries in my earlier recipe post here!

Turmeric: 

This root is an anti-inflammatory, is a potent antioxidant, and supports joint health.

More beneficial spices

Ginger:

Great for immune boosting, ginger is also an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, improves digestion, and supports cardio health.

Raw honey:

Raw honey has many health benefits including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties as well as rich in anti-oxidants. Honey is also excellent for soothing sore throats and digestive issues.

Srilankan cinnamon: 

Also known as Ceylon cinnamon, this spice is also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. It’s also a great antioxidant with cancer-fighting properties too!

Allspice:

Another favorite of mine, allspice helps relieve gas, bloating, and stomach upset. Did I also mention, it too has anti-inflammatory benefits?

All your ingredients

1. Echinacea (I use dried echinacea)
2. Elderberry (dried)
3. Mint (fresh mint is preferred for this recipe)
4. Black cardamom
5. Star anise (whole) or ground
6. Ginger (fresh or powdered)
7. Turmeric (I use the powder for convenience)
8. Black peppercorn
9. Raw honey
10. Rosehips (whole)
11. Chamomile (dried)
12. Srilankan cinnamon
13. Allspice (ground)

All about the teas

On a quick note, I only use organic and naturally sourced ingredients in my tea because I always want to make sure that I’m not using anything that has pesticides or is contaminated. Having said that, some of my sources are available on amazon.com and you can just click on those links or source the ingredients yourself! As always, don’t forget to consult your healthcare provider before using any of these ingredients as some may cause drug interactions, allergies, etc for some individuals!

The big 3 recipes for me!

1. Spiced elderberry and echinacea tea: 2 teaspoons dried elderberries, 1 teaspoon echinacea, 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, 1/4 teaspoon allspice with raw honey and lemon to taste.
2. Ginger rosehip tea: 1 teaspoon ginger powder, 1 teaspoon dried rosehips, 1/4 teaspoon echinacea, 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorn, 1/4 teaspoon star anise, plus raw honey and lemon to taste.
3. Spiced mint turmeric tea: 1 teaspoon organic turmeric powder, 1/2 cup fresh cut mint, 1/4 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorn, with raw honey to taste

A few tips about herbal teas

Since these are herbal teas, they are caffeine-free and can be taken throughout the day. Also, these ingredients need to be steeped in hot water since these ingredients are the more delicate parts of their parent plants. These include the leaves, berries, flowers, and seeds used in all three recipes.

Making your herbal tea (infusion)

To make your tea blends, combine all the ingredients, pour hot water over all the ingredients in a large glass cup (or kettle), steep (aka, infuse) for 30-45 minutes. This will maximize the extraction of all those flu and cold-fighting properties! When you’re ready to drink your tea, simply add your honey and or lemon to taste. You can also drink these cold or hot after your infusion time is complete and each recipe creates enough for at least two cups. Enjoy!

Before you go

This the perfect time to start preparing for the cold and flu season but there’s also no need to panic if you’ve taken the time to add some home remedies to your medicine cabinet. Add that to your self-care and fitness strategies (read the post right here) and you’ve got the recipe for a healthy you this season!

Also, take the opportunity to get more support for your fitness and self-care journey with one of my transformational programs right here! Need to take baby steps? Start here!

About the author

Tonye Barango-Tariah is a Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. She helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. This means that she helps each woman in a way that is unique to each woman. By doing this, she’s better able to help them transform their lives from the inside out. Her ultimate goal is to help women become healthy and empowered through the transformative self-care journey!

Why a spiced elderberry and echinacea tincture?

With everything that’s happening today (i.e. global pandemic), this certainly isn’t the time to neglect your health. That’s why I’m pulling out my spiced elderberry and echinacea tincture today!  Fall and winter are usually the seasons when we tend to bone up on our teas, infusions, and whatnots, in preparation for the flu season. Over the last few years, I’ve begun to pull back on the use of over-the-counter medicines in favor of home remedies and traditional health support herbs, etc.

My thoughts on conventional cold and flu drugs

Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and place for conventional pharmaceuticals, but I’ve since come to appreciate and realize that traditional remedies can be far more effective and less damaging to the body. I’m not making any health claims here, but for me, I believe traditional medicines seem better able to work in harmony with the body’s own natural mechanisms for healing itself.

Going back to my roots

Drawing on the traditional teachings of my own ancestors within my family as well as my own experience as a novice in herbalism, this is my preference. Always consult your own healthcare provider for any treatment regimes or medicines.  This simple spiced elderberry and echinacea tincture is one I love and have added to my home remedies cabinet! It’s cheaper and works best for me and mine even as I’m sharing this recipe with you.

**As always, make sure you check with your healthcare provider to ensure that these ingredients are safe for you to consume, especially if you have medical conditions or medicines that might interact with any of these ingredients!!

**Please also note that this post contains affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Making my  batch of spiced elderberry and echinacea tincture

I always start with organic or homegrown ingredients especially, when it comes to something you’re going put in your body. If you’re like me and don’t have tons of space for a large backyard garden, I love the versatility of dried berries. Organic all the way baby, even the spices! There are so many recipe options for elderberry tinctures out there. I’m using this combination of spices and other ingredients because it not only tastes good, but the spices also have some healing benefits as well!

Simple things you’ll need for this recipe

1. 1 cup of organic dried elderberries.
2. Use high-quality alcohol like vodka or you can use rum. Just make sure it has a high concentration of alcohol; 80 proof).
3. 1/4 cup of organic dried echinacea.
4. 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground nutmeg.
5. Next, add 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder.
6. You will also need 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
7. 1/4 cup of organic raw honey (to be added after the curing process).
8. Small and medium-sized wide-mouth mason jars.
9. 1 oz Dropper bottle
10. Cheesecloth (or a fine-mesh sieve)

About the two main ingredients

Echinacea: 

Well known for its many health benefits, echinacea reduces inflammation, improves immunity, and lower blood sugar levels. Also, it’s used as a natural pain reducer, helps with digestion as well as skin-boosting benefits too! Extensive research has been done on it’s medicinal properties and confirmed to be antifungal and antibacterial and is safe with few side effects. Also, for maximum effectiveness, it’s best to take it at the first signs of illness.

Elderberry:

Elderberries have been widely studied in Europe and believed to be one of the most potent natural plants for fighting cold and flu viruses. Not only that, they are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, boosts, fights infection, and supports the immune system. Elderberries have powerful antiviral properties and are helpful for treating upper respiratory infections and reducing fever.

How to make your elderberry and echinacea tincture

Take all of your dry ingredients, including the spices, and fill your jars ½ – ¾ full. Next,  completely cover them with the vodka or rum and then tightly cover your mixture with the lid. Then, gently invert your mixture several times to ensure that the alcohol is fully incorporated. Store it in a cool and dry place (I use my pantry) for 4-6 weeks, periodically inverting it for the entire time frame.

Once it’s ready, simply strain the mixture with a cheesecloth or fine mesh (be sure to get as much liquid out as possible) and pour it into a dropper bottle or small jar. Don’t forget to date and label your tincture and include the recipe.

A quick note on storage

No refrigeration is needed because of the high alcohol content used in the process. This is why it’s important to use at least 75 proof or higher vodka, rum, etc because it has much lower water content plus a longer shelf life (a year versus a few weeks!).

Before you go

There are so many health benefits to be found in a variety of fruits, veggies, and herbs. From tinctures and syrups to dried fruit and vegetable snacks. Read my post on making nutritious homemade dried fruit snacks here!

About the author

Tonye Tariah is a Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. She helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. This means that she helps each woman in a way that is unique to each woman. By doing this, she’s better able to help them transform their lives from the inside out. Her ultimate goal is to help women become healthy and empowered through the transformative self-care journey!