advance dental care: 2008

Creole Spice Blend

Paprika is the base for this smoky Creole spice blend that's hot and very flavorful. Use it to spice up your meats and vegetables. For the best results, use a quality paprika. Many of the imported varieties have either a sweet or very spicy flavor, use a blend or go with the sweet. Better yet, this spring, try planting a variety of paprika peppers and dry them for your own ground paprika blend.

Beef Jerky is Easier to Make Than you Think

If you are a lover of beef jerky and are not making your own, you know that buying it can take a bite out of your wallet. What you might not know is how easy it is to make yourself. Whether you have a dehydrator, barbecue, smoker, or just an oven, with a little preparation and some time you can have healthy, homemade beef jerky quickly and inexpensively.

Beef jerky is lean meat cut into thin

Harvesting Coriander - Coriander Tea

If your cilantro is calling it quits for the season, don't forget to harvest the coriander seeds for winter use. Shake the seed heads into a paper bag, allow them to dry completely in a cool, dark place, and store them in an airtight container.Medicinal Uses for CorianderCoriander seed is a powerful, natural anti-bacterial agent. It can be used to flavor both sweet and savory dishes, and has

Checking Your Herbs for Freshness

Even though we love our homegrown herbs, we all probably have supplemental spices in our cupboard. If you've wondered about the freshness of your dried ginger or nutmeg, you're not alone. Don't pitch those herbs before you check their freshness dates. McCormick, the spice giant, has a nifty site where you can check the freshness code on the bottom of your herb and spice bottles. Give it a

Growing and Using Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel is a perennial that grows to five feet high. It has hollow stems and brilliant green, feathery leaves. Because all parts of the plant can be used, it is an almost perfect herb. A native to the Mediterranean, fennel has been an import wherever native Italians have traveled. In many areas of the world, it now grows wild.

Growing Fennel

Fennel is an easy plant to grow. It will thrive in

Put Your Bread Maker to Good Use

If your bread maker has been gathering dust in a cupboard, pull it out and come with me on a bread making adventure. It was with mixed feelings that I opened my new bread machine on Christmas morning a few years ago. I'd never been that fond of bread, and in a two-person household we go through less than a loaf a week. I smiled politely. "Wow," I said. I’d heard that without preservatives, bread

About Nutmeg

I've been a nutmeg lover ever since my mother first sprinkled a little on top of my Christmas eggnog. It was good then, but it's better now that I grate my own. If you think nutmeg is a spice that belongs in the back of the cupboard, think again. Its mild flavor can be deceptive because it isn't as aromatic as cinnamon, or as aggressive as allspice, but nutmeg has something amazing

Beat the Heat

While you are enjoying all of this hot summer weather, don't forget to protect your herbs. Water them in the morning and never spray the leaves of your outdoor plants during the hottest part of the day. Deep water herbs at least once a week, and be sure to pinch the stems of any herbs that are starting to bolt. This will help extend the useful life of annuals for a couple of weeks.If you are

Make a Lavender Wand

By the beginning of summer, you should have enough lavender up and ready to make lavender wands. Lavender wands are always popular gifts for birthdays and around the holidays. I make a big batch during the summer, and tie them into my Christmas gift bows. These wands are an aromatic addition to a lingerie or linen drawer, closet, or laundry room. Lavender permeates the area in which a wand is

Christmas Gift Ideas: Seed Packets with Markers

Christmas is coming. . . really. I'm sorry to remind you, but it is. One of the many great things about herb gardening is that you have the raw material for some wonderful gifts. If you plan ahead, you can make unique herb offerings quickly and inexpensively. For the next couple of months, I'll be giving you some examples.Here's one: Fabric Wrapped Herb Seeds with Popsicle MarkersThis fall,

Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors

Many herbs are well suited to domestic life and thrive indoors. With some attention to their special needs, you can keep an indoor herb garden that will give you fresh herbs year round.

Indoor Herb Lighting

The biggest challenge to the indoor herb gardener is light. Lighting is critically important to all plants, but herbs seem to be especially sensitive to the right light conditions. If

How to Make a Basic Tea Rub (Oh, and Some Variations)

Chef Ming Tsai has quite a presence on the web, and he uses rubs to create some wonderful recipes. One of his signature rub ingredients is tea. Other cooks have picked up the practice of using tea as a flavor base in rubs, artfully incorporating them in anything from mouthwatering BBQ to sea scallops. I don't know where the practice started, but I'm glad it did.If you'd like your next seared tuna

Growing Bay Leaf (Bay Laurel)

Bay or sweet bay (Laurus nobilis) is the leaf from a tree in the Laurel family. It's an evergreen that originated in the Mediterranean, where it grows to a height of 40 feet. Bay laurel is beautifully appointed with medium sized, glossy, green leaves. It is not winter hardy in areas that experience freezing weather.

Luckily, bay can be cultivated in a container and brought indoors to

Make Your Own Old Bay Seasoning Blend

One of the most well known of the crab seasoning blends, Old Bay Seasoning sold by McCormick & Company (and others), is a household staple in many parts of the United States.

It is less dependent on salt than some other popular seasonings – but delivers good flavor. Prepare a shaker full of goodness by creating your own Old Bay Seasoning mixture. Here's how.

Old Bay Seasoning Recipe

6 bay

Want an Herbal Teeth Whitener?

Try Sage and StrawberrySage has been used as means of whitening discolored teeth for centuries, and it still works today. Together with strawberry, it's a natural solution for treating a yellowed and dingy smile.Make a paste of one large sage leaf, one strawberry, and one teaspoon of baking soda. I blend the ingredients in a mini-food processor. Apply the paste to your teeth for five to ten

Make Your Own Garlic Juice or Powdered Garlic

Make your own garlic juice and garlic powder. The process takes some time because it involved peeling lots of garlic cloves. You may decide afterward that buying prepared garlic products is easier and just as tasty, but every herb fanatic should try it once.Here's how.Instructions for Making Garlic Juice1 bulb of garlicMesh strainerCoffee FilterPeel one bulb of garlic (this will give you a

Recipe for Bechamel Sauce With Herbs

Bechamel sauce, white sauce, is one of the most basic sauces used in cooking. It's an easy sauce to make if you remember to keep stirring the ingredients throughout. Never stop stirring, use medium heat, and pick a thick pan that will evenly distribute the heat.Some béchamel recipes call for heavy cream, while others make due with whole milk. Some will even cheat and use milk, but up the butter

Moussaka Recipe with Aubergine (Eggplant)

My friend Emily's grandmother was Greek and taught her some great Greek dishes which she's shared with me over the years. She's actually partly responsible for my interest in herbs and spices. One of her best recipes is for Moussaka. I've updated some things, grilling the eggplant and using sun dried tomatoes instead of tomato paste, but otherwise it's pretty close to her grandmother's

Greek Herbs and Spices

Greece has an ancient, almost mystical culinary tradition. Whether you are interested in making a nice moussaka, Greek salad, or stuffed grape leaves, you'll want to know something about the signature herbs of this sun kissed Mediterranean country. So, get out your olive oil, phyllo dough, feta cheese and kalamata olives, tune up your bouzouki, and lets explore Greek flavor. Follow the links to

Dittany of Crete

I am a devoted Harry Potter fan. I don't know what it is about the wizarding world, but it makes me happy just thinking about it.In rereading the final book in the series, The Deathly Hallows, Harry and his friends get themselves in quite a few scrapes. It's interesting that Hermione, a young female wizard, is the one who performs most of the first aid. Often she's the only girl-woman around.

Vermiculite

Vermiculite is heat expanded mica. It is often used as a starting medium for seeds and cuttings. Sometimes referred to as a soilless medium, a feature that makes it free of disease, vermiculite has no nutritional value, so some sort of liquid fertilizer should be used when propagating plants with using this method.As a additive to potting soil, vermiculite helps create a friable, light, mixture

Wicking

Drawing moisture upward through capillary action. Potted plants that need to be watered often respond well to wicking. Fill a dish under the plant's pot with marbles or small stones, and then with water just short of the top of the stones. Thread twine from the top of the plant's pot, through the root ball of the plant, and out the drainage hole. Trail the twine into the reservoir under the

Transpiration

The process in which a plant releases water through pores on its leaves.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.

Heal-In

The temporary placement of plants in an interim medium until they can be planted in their permanent containers.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.

Tropical

A typically warm and humid growing region that doesn't experience freezing temperatures.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.

Semi-Tropical

A warm and often humid growing region that experiences infrequent temperature drops below freezing.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.

ornamental

A plant that is grown for its visual appeal.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.

Harvesting Herbs

The process of harvesting the herbs you've cultivated is one of the most satisfying aspects of growing them. The fragrance of cut herbs fills the air around you, permeates the skin of your hands, and makes you feel blessed. Your basket is full of different textures and shades of the most peaceful green, and all of your harvest can be useful.

In the fall, I've made a workbench for myself on our

Lavender Salt

My friend Eric was interested in making lavender salt to sprinkle on asparagus and wilted spinach salad. It's tasty and easy to make. Here's how.Recipe for Lavender Salt4 tbsp. dried lavender flowers1 c. fine salt (Coarse salt doesn't work as well.)Glass jar with a tight fitting lidMuslin fabricFirst ProcedurePlace two tablespoons of lavender flowers in a length of muslin and wrap securely with

Make Your Own Portuguese Linguica Sausage

Linguica is a robust Portuguese sausage that receives far less attention than it deserves. Unlike its cousin, chorizo, linguica is more flavorful than hot, and takes full advantage of its signature ingredient, paprika. Linguica works as well with egg and fish dishes as it does with beef in hearty stews. If you are having trouble finding a local source for this under-appreciated delicacy, try

Friability

Soil texture that is evenly loose, light, and crumbly.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.

Herbaceous

A plant with soft tissues. Not woody.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.

What Is a Plant Cultivar

Grape tomatoes next to a standard cherry tomato.

A blending of the terms "cultivate" and "variety", a cultivar is a cultivated plant rather than one occurring in nature. The term refers to "new" strains of existing plants which are produced by breeders or enthusiasts. Some examples are peach colored pansies, grape tomatoes, or chives that don't set seed. (This last is a bit alarming.)

Dampening Off

A disease in young plants in which the stems are attacked at the soil line by fungus.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.

Cachepot

A plant container that does not come equipped with a drainage hole.

Complete Fertilizer

Fertilizers that contain nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are considered complete because they provide the three minerals absolutely necessary for plant growth.

10-10-10 Fertilizer - By the Numbers

This is usually represented on the front of the fertilizer container with three numbers separated by hyphens. Like: 12-10-5. The first number is the nitrogen content, then phosphorous and

Air Layering

Propagation by slicing a section of woody stem and securing the open cut with a damp medium like peat moss. After roots form, the new plant is removed from the parent.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.

Make Lavender Sugar Cookies

You might think it's a little too hot to be baking, but it's not too hot to start harvesting your lavender buds. Once you've made lavender sugar, you can make some very tasty lavender sugar cookies. They are buttery and have that added lavender zing. You might even want to pair them up with some refreshing lavender ice cream. Start making your lavender sugar now: Lavender Sugar Cookies.Sometimes

Acidifier

An acidifier is any soil amendment that decreases the soil's pH. This would include:Substances That Increase Soil Acidity SawdustPeat mossSulphurWood chipsCottonseed mealLeaf moldCoffee grounds (Be sure to compost them first.)Herbs and Plants That Love Acidic SoilSorrel (French), blueberry, honeysuckle and dandelionThis is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better.

Acidic Soil

Soil is acidic, neutral, or alkaline depending on its chemical composition. Acidic soil has a pH lower than 7.0 (neutral).Different plants need different soil. Modifying soil to make it more acidic or alkaline is a common practice when keeping plants. To make soil more acidic you can add the ingredients listed below, but use caution when making adjustments. You can also add timed release

Acclimate

The process of adapting a plant to a different environment. This is usually a undertaken in slow stages. Seedlings are typically acclimated to outdoor environments by allowing them more and more time outdoors in gentle weather after having been germinated indoors, in a cold frame, or in a greenhouse.This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a

How To Start a Vermicomposting Bin

You can make fertile, odorless compost, even if you live in an apartment. If you want to go green in your garden or with your houseplants, why not start a vermicomposting bin? Vermicomposting uses worms to convert newspaper and table scraps into some of the best compost around. All it will take is some space in a closet or basement, table scraps, and a small bin. Oh, and the worms! It's easy, and

Make Peppermint Ointment

The menthol in peppermint relieves aching muscles and joints. This peppermint ointment is easy to make. It has a milder and more refreshing aroma than over the counter mentholated products, but has the same benefits. If you haven't made a medicinal or cosmetic preparation yet, this is a good one to start out with.Peppermint Ointment1 cup olive oil1 cup fresh peppermint leaves½ oz beeswax1 vitamin

Make Dill Bread

An excellent choice with fish, egg dishes, or potato soup, this dill bread is light and fluffy. Use your bread maker for this one. I like to make dill bread when we have salmon steaks. It's also a hit with shrimp scampi. Another added bonus is that leftover bread can be made into croutons that go great on salads.Dill Bread RecipeWet Ingredients1 unbeaten egg3/4 cup feta cheese (heated to room

Dandelion Jelly

I am a lover of herb related rubs, blends, jellies, vinegars, an oils. I post quite a few myself, but found a beauty I wanted to share from the new about.com herb site.Amy Jeanroy has her site looking great, and has posted a wonderful recipe for dandelion jelly. I don't know about you, but one summer when I was in my teens, I read Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury and have had a soft spot in my

Lemon Balm Vinegar

This lemony vinegar makes a great light dressing for fruit salad as well as an interesting and unexpected addition to asparagus, broiled pork, and steamed carrots.Lemon Balm Vinegar Recipe1½ cups chopped lemon balm leaves3 cups white vinegar¼ cup sugar¼ cup honeyPlace lemon balm in a clean wide mouth jar and cover with vinegar. Seal tightly. Allow to age in a cool, dark cupboard for six to eight

Getting Ready for the Holiday

I'm going to do a little Sunday recap for all those folks out there who'll be cooking Thanksgiving dinner. I've been writing content for the food section of TLC.com, a Discovery Channel website. They have lots of interesting cooking related information.This is stuff you might not easily find elsewhere, like how to cook a meal for ten in an hour, why kids love ketchup, and who invented the

Comfrey in the Garden

As a medicinal herb, comfrey (Symphytum officinale) was so prized that it was called "knitbone" and "bruisewort" as a tribute to its miraculous healing powers.

Although there are modern concerns about taking comfrey internally, it is still recommended as an external preparation for skin problems, cuts, sprains, burns, and to reduce swelling. Comfrey's leaves and root can contain a cornucopia of

Ten Gardening Safety Tips

Spring herb gardening is in full swing, so I thought I'd throw up a few reminders for all of us:Bend from the knees, and don't pick up objects heavier than you can handle.Take a moment to put on your garden gloves. They protect more than your fingernails. Gloves can also protect you from cuts and bug bites.Drink plenty of water in hot weather.If you are going to be working in the sun, wear a

Planting Tansy

Tansy is a hardy perennial with fernlike leaves. In the garden it does double duty as a nice fill in plant, and as a great insect repellent.Growing TansyPlant tansy in a spot that gets good morning sun and some afternoon shade. It prefers well-drained soil that stays on the dry side. A lavish spreader, be sure to give your plants plenty of room. In fall, the dense, flat, yellow flowers can be

Make a Five Star Herb Vinegar

If you want deluxe vinegar for your vinaigrette, marinades, sauces or stews, here is a wonderful addition to your cooking arsenal that will use some of your first fresh herb crop this spring. Remember to clean all the herbs well, and try to harvest them in the morning before the temperatures start to heat up. Oh, and if the end product is a bit strong for your taste, you can mix it with plain

Growing Basil

Basil is an annual with many varieties. It is a bit of a chameleon, coming in a range of sizes, leaf colors, leaf shapes, and aromas. A fast grower, basil is native to Asia and Africa, and has a solid, if not revered place in the kitchen.

Growing Basil

Cultivate basil in full sun and provide it with well-drained soil that has a layer of mulch to reduce moisture loss. Basil can't tolerate frost

Make Herb Croutons

Herbed croutons are easy and inexpensive to make and are a great use for stale bread.They make a tasty addition to French onion soup and add a satisfying texture and crunch to salads. You can even crumble them into your meatloaf and meatballs.Herbed Crouton Recipe1 tablespoon dried marjoram1 teaspoon dried thyme1 tablespoon dried parsley1 tablespoon garlic powder1 teaspoon onion powder1 teaspoon

Make a Mint Julep

With the Kentucky Derby coming up, it's time to get into the spirit by learning to make a mint julep. It isn't for every taste, but everyone should try it once.

The recipe consists of two parts: First you need to make mint syrup. I like to use peppermint and spearmint for a more dense flavor, although you can probably use either.

Mint Syrup Recipe
2 cups water
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 cups fresh

Growing Mint

Mint is the first herb I ever saw growing in the ground. I was about ten and brushed up against it at the nursery where my mother was shopping for edging plants. I was shocked that a plant could smell so strong, and be so true to the aroma I most associated it with – candy canes and gum; both big winners in my book.

That chance encounter started my life long interest in herbs. I've kept many

Keeping Cats Out of the Garden

I have been inundated with requests for tips on keeping cats out of the garden. Here are my personal favorites:

For some years, I had big problems with cats in the flowerbeds. These days our dog, Harry, takes care of the problem, but before he decided to come live with us I developed some guerrilla warfare tactics that worked for me.

Cover A Cat's Favorite Hideouts

If you watch the areas that

Uses for Parsley

Parsley is a great "medley" herb. It plays well with others to create a dish with a nice blending of flavors. It is one of the key ingredients in bouquet garni, and is a familiar herb in any number of salad and egg dishes, stuffing, and soups. When using parsley, add it toward the end of the cooking cycle unless you are planning on discarding it (as with bouquet garni).Parsley has long been

Growing Parsley

Flat Leaf (Italian) Parsley

Parsley may be the most easily identified of all of the herbs. It is a common resident of the bins and shelves of produce departments around the world, and is the most beloved garnish available for the table. In the garden, there are two common varieties: curly and flat leaf (Italian) parsley.

What is a Biennial Herb or Plant

Both curly leaf and flat leaf

Lavender Ice Cream

If you are taking a needed rest from your gardening, or gardening prep duties today, spare a few minutes to look at my lavender blog. I have a recipe for Lavender Caramel Ice Cream that makes a nice summer treat.If you are heading out to the plant nursery or garden shop later, don't forget to pick up a couple of English lavender plants. Lavender can be a great addition to your garden, kitchen,

Starting an Herb Garden

A while back, I wrote a brief article about starting an herb garden. It has some good summary information that will be helpful if you are just getting started. Give it a quick read at: Planting an Herb GardenWhen you've finished, the posts below will give you more in-depth tips. If you need background on specific plants, the side bar listing on the left will give you shortcuts to recent articles

Hardening Off Herb Seedlings

If you are planning on putting your delicate seedlings out soon, don't forget to prepare them for the outdoors first. "Hardening off" your immature plants by introducing them to nature in small increments will help avoid setbacks. It's sad to see your seed starts fail, so do everything you can to prepare them for the greater world by following a few simple instructions:Start the Hardening Off

Growing Marjoram

Marjoram is a tender perennial herb in the oregano family. It's frequently placed on the oregano page of herb texts, so it's easy to miss sometimes; and in the garden, too, it can look like oregano, with its small gray-green leaves and bushy habit. Marjoram is a very different plant, though. I've heard it described as a milder oregano, but that seems like giving it short shrift. Marjoram is mild,

Growing Oregano

Oregano is a half hardy perennial with small green leaves and purple (sometimes pinkish) flowers. It reaches a height of 12 to 18 inches. The common term 'oregano' can refer to a number of plants, some of which have very little flavor. The Greek oregano (Vulgare hirtum) is considered the most flavorful for cooking purposes, although Italian oregano is also used. I should add here that marjoram is

Get Rid of Japanese Beetles

My garden was a buffet for Japanese beetles until I discovered a trick for banning them.

I read a number of discouraging articles about how difficult it is to get rid of them. I also tried looking at commercially available traps, only to read about the hazards they present to pets, and how they have to be kept cleaned out (ugh). I even read that the traps can attract more beetles than they

Lemon Balm Tea

For a refreshing tea, try lemon balm. It makes a good mid-morning pick-me-up, and in the evening with a little lavender honey it will help you relax. Oh, and it tastes great too. Take a little trip over to my tea blog for the recipe and a link to information on growing lemon balm in your garden: Lemon Balm TeaIf you're not a tea drinker but have been wondering what all the fuss is about,

Make Your Own Bouquet Garni

The term bouquet garni comes from the French, meaning garnished bouquet, and was made up of sprigs of tied, fresh herbs that were used to season the stew or soup pot. Before serving, the bound herbs were removed and discarded.

Bouquet garni has changed over the years, but there is agreement that the original term probably referred to a combination of parsley, thyme, and bay leaf in a ratio (

Thyme for the Garden

I couldn't help the play on words . . . although I tried. Thyme is the traditional herb of courage, and was often used as an ingredient in teas, soups, and as a main ingredient in tokens and sachets to encourage good luck in battle, in overcoming shyness, and in 'winning the day'. The word thyme may well derive from the Greek thymon, which means courage.Growing ThymeThyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a

Relaxing Lavender Tea

Good morning, everyone! Happy Saturday.When you take a break from your busy schedule this afternoon, try making some relaxing lavender tea. Here's how: Lavender Tea RecipeLavender is a sedative and antispasmodic. A cup of hot lavender tea will relax those tight muscles in you neck and back, and reduce some of that tax-time worry. The recipe calls for English Breakfast tea, but your favorite brew

Thoughts on Economy - Preparing for a Frugal Christmas

If the economic news is getting you down and thinking ahead to the holidays is a nightmare, there's a bright spot on your gift-giving horizon. Start an herb garden! Many of the herbs you grow will make great, inexpensive gifts this fall. You can start now.Start Planning for Your Craft Projects Early Watch for sales and snatch up those decorative bottles, Epsom salt, sea salt, essential oils, wax,

Make Baja Crema (Variation on Mexican Crema)

A creamy accompaniment to fish tacos, vegetable dishes, egg dishes, and hummus, Baja Crema is a delicious combination of tart and smooth. I've added some spice to the traditional Baja Crema, giving it some unexpected zip.Baja Crema Recipe with Herbs (lime thyme, dill, and garlic)1 cup mayonnaise1 cup sour cream3 tablespoons fresh lime juice1½ teaspoons grated lime peel½ teaspoon fresh dill½

Chamomile Herb Profile (Anthemis nobilis)

Worshiped by the Egyptians, chamomile has been a favorite in the garden for centuries. Short and lacy, with miniature daisy-like flowers, this half-hardy perennial has many uses both in the garden and out.

Growing Chamomile

Be sure to give chamomile full sun and light, well-drained soil. It thrives in mildly acidic conditions, and the liberal addition of sand is welcome. Keep it moist in

Herb Hummus With Dill

Hummus is one of life's great treats. Even before it became popular in the U.S., I was a fan of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), and used them in soups and salads. This easy hummus recipe spices things up a little. Give it a try on a hot summer day. It's filling and refreshing.Herb Hummus With Dill Recipe1 (12 – 15oz) can of chickpeas2 tablespoons tahini2 tablespoons lemon juice2 tablespoons lime

Make a Great Tasting Herbal Tea for Indigestion

If you have occasional trouble with indigestion or gas, try a delicious tea brewed with ginger and cardamom. Both ingredients are time honored herbal remedies for stomach ailments, and they're delicious, too. Here's how:Ginger Tea with Cardamom RecipeCut a 1 ½ to 2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peal and slice very thin. Set aside.Boil three cups of water in the microwave or stove top. If using the

Make Your Own Lemon Balm Hair Rinse

Herbal hair rinse can have some substantial benefits. It gently deep cleans hair and helps control dandruff, and it increases your hair's natural shine and highlights. The addition of beer as part one of the rinse process also helps add body and volume to limp or thinning hair.Where mass produced hair rinses can contain waxes that build up on your hair, or chemical stabilizers to prolong its

Herbs To Grow in Problem Areas

Herbs grow well along walls, sheds, and fences, adding color and texture to areas that can appear bald and unwelcoming. A little herbal green near posts, downspouts, faucets, and pet pens can camouflage unsightly areas and add a little whimsy and panache to a bare spot. If you want to dress up a plain or neglected area with herbs, the following lists should help:

Herbs to Grow Along the

Lemon Balm, The Scent That Refreshes -Your Hair

If you're a busy woman with a schedule to keep, but want a pick-me-up in the middle of the day, or an effortless and natural way to make your hair smell wonderful after hours in a stale office, try lemon balm.

Refresh With Lemon Balm

Lemon balm grows easily in the garden or indoors, and its fresh, light fragrance is the perfect wake-up in the morning, or when you are starting to get

Dill Vinegar Recipe

Dill in flower

Dill lends itself well to herbal vinegar. Add it to fresh vegetables from the garden like carrots, cauliflower, or cucumbers. It also makes a nice low cal ingredient in salad dressing, sauces, and marinades. Make up a batch to instant-pickle your peppers, or spice up your mustard crusted salmon.

Dill Vinegar Recipe

Ingredients

3 cups of cider vinegar
8 to 12 sprigs of fresh

The Facts About Dill

Dill is a popular pickling herb with an impressive historical pedigree. Its uses date back to the bible. That lanky, fernlike, yellow flowered plant you see in the produce department of your grocery store was once so valuable that it was kept under lock and key. And even though its monetary value has plummeted over the centuries, its appeal hasn't.

The Colorful History of Dill

Once an

Easy Lavender Bubble Bath Recipe

You can use relaxing lavender aromatherapy oil to make an indulgent but inexpensive bubble bath. Here's how:

Lavender Bubble Bath Recipe

1-1/2 cups of water
3/4 cup unscented shampoo (an inexpensive shampoo works fine)
3/4 tsp. salt
15 to 20 drops of lavender oil
red and blue food coloring (optional)

Combine all ingredients but food coloring and blend well.

Combine food coloring in a

Sterilize Garden Soil

If you have a bad patch of soil, one that's been giving you problems that chemical solutions just don't completely fix, try a more natural solution. Cook your soil clean. I've created a post on my gardening blog that explains the steps. Take a look: Sterilize Your Garden Soil

Periwinkle, A Shade Loving Herb

One of the lovelier flowering herbs, periwinkle (Vinca major) is a popular shade plant that isn't picky about soil as long as it drains well.Propagating Periwinkle In spring, it can be divided or propagated from cuttings. Take five-inch lengths of stem and place them in a porous potting mix. Provide plenty of water and dappled light until they root. Periwinkle also roots readily as it creeps

Herbal Flea Control and Your Dog

Rosemary Flea Control

Don't let fleas get out of hand this summer. Natural herbal flea control can help you get a handle on fleas. Eucalyptus is a natural enemy of fleas, and eucalyptus oil is used in some flea control preparations.

To foil the nasty little pests in your home, place eucalyptus in dog bedding, under carpeting, and in furniture. Sachets of eucalyptus can also be placed in

The Spider in my Garden

Spring is here, and boy am I ready. One of my favorite memories of last season was a friendship I developed with a spider that lived in my garden. She'd built her web along the deck railing and could be seen in her spot at its center each morning. I started watching because she'd decided to set up shop right next to the chair where I sat to drink my morning coffee. Being a decent housekeeper, I

Start Your Seeds Between the Sheets

If you save your garden seeds from year to year and wait expectantly to see if they'll germinate in their peat pots, there's a way to make the process easier, faster, and less expensive.

Start Seeds Between Sheets of Paper Towels

For the last few years, I've started my questionable (older) seeds between sheets of paper toweling, and then transferred them to starter pots once I was sure they

Herbal Astringent Skin Treatment With Sage

Sage is a natural antibacterial and makes a good oily skin astringent that helps deep clean and tone.Sage Astringent1 Heaping tablespoon fresh sage chopped fine¼ Cup white vinegar¼ Cup boiling waterSteep fresh sage in boiling water until the liquid cools to room temperature. Strain carefully and add vinegar.Apply to clean skin with a cotton ball twice a day. Pay particular attention to the T-zone

May Wine, May Punch

In order to make traditional May wine, you need to infuse dry white wine, often Rhine wine, with dried woodruff.Recipe for May Wine with WoodruffAdd a half cup of dried woodruff to a bottle of dry white wine, seal, and store in a dark place (like a cupboard), shaking occasionally, for two weeks to a month.A few hours before serving, strain, add six tablespoons of sugar, shake, and chill.When

Thoughts on Lemon Balm (Melissa)

Flowering lemon balm

Lemon balm is one of my favorite herbs. It has a light, sweet, lemony fragrance that can be used in many ways in your cooking and crafts. It is also easy to grow.

Lemon Balm Potpourri

One of its traditional uses is in potpourri, where it works well with lavender, rosemary, and rose petals. Be sure to use a fixative to prevent the fragrance from dissipating to quickly.

Sage Tips and Facts

Sage is a very handy herb. When used as a seasoning for game, it evens out the strong 'wild' flavors. It adds depth to sausage and other fatty meats, and minced fresh, enhances the flavor of creamy cheeses. Sage will usually compliment most foods that contain onion as a major ingredient, and Sage is a good companion for ginger, both in the garden and in cooking.In the medicine cabinet, sage tea

Growing Rosemary

Growing rosemary can be a breeze in warm climates. Since it does well as a houseplant, it can also be grown easily in colder climates if brought indoors in winter. Check out my article on rosemary for more details: Growing Rosemary. There are now also frost tolerant rosemary varieties that are hardy to Zone 5. For some modern, cold hardy cultivars, take a look at my post: Growing Rosemary in

Laying out Your Herb Garden

Preparing the soil and selecting the plants or seeds is only part of the adventure, now comes the layout. Let's recap for a moment.

You have prepared your soil by amending it and working it to a depth of at least six inches. The site you have selected has at least six hours of sunlight each day, and does not sit in a boggy area or in a spot that's riddled with tree roots. Great start!

Now

Easter Thoughts

With Easter coming up, I thought I would make some recommendations about how to celebrate this holiday in a way that will help make your family more ecologically aware. Please visit my holiday blog for thoughts on how gardening can educate a new generation about environmental issues: New Ideas for Easter

Soil Considerations for Your Herb Garden

Although herbs can tolerate poor soil, the addition of organic material and good drainage are important for the growth of healthy plants. Stressed plants are more susceptible to disease and insect attack. The preparation of good soil will go a long way toward guaranteeing a healthy herb patch.Good garden soil contains at least 25% humus. Humus is organic material that can be compost, manure (use

Herb Locations

Like real estate, important considerations for plants are: location, location, location. Areas that are exposed to high winds, brutal heat, constant heavy shade, abundant shallow tree roots, and standing water are not good choices for most plants, and certainly not for herbs. If you have problem spots that need planting solutions, there are specialty selections that will help you deal with these

Plant Terms Defined

Before we start discussing plans for an herb garden, let's define some terms. Herbs and vegetables fall into three broad growing categories that will help you understand what type of future you can expect from them.Annual Herbs DefinedPlants that complete their life cycle in a single season are said to be annual. That season often starts in the spring and ends with the first frost, but with a

What's the Difference Between an Herb and a Vegetable?

Herbs differ from vegetables in that they are primarily used as an accompaniment and not served alone. Vegetables can be eaten alone, cooked or raw. Many herbs can be raised with vegetables, and they can make good pairings to promote a pest free growing environment. Herbs are commonly resistant to pests because they have strong flavors and aromas that many pests avoid.Because they are hardy and

What's the Difference Between Herbs and Spices?

There is some overlap, but the basic difference between an herb and a spice is that spices are considered tropical or semi-tropical in origin. They can be composed of leaves, bark, roots, dried fruits, seeds, or nuts. Almost all spices are imported, and can come from vines, shrubs, or trees.

Growing and Harvesting Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) grows from a spreading, tuberous rhizome. It does well in moist fertile soil in warm winter areas. If you've seen ginger in the grocery store, the root looks like a flattened, beige, segmented bulb. The foliage is tall and dark green in color, springing from upright, rigid stems. Even in areas that experience a hard frost, ginger can be grown in large pots and

Starting Garlic From Cloves

You can start garlic from the bulbs you buy at your local grocery store. This is true of regular and elephant garlic. Here's how.

Starting Garlic from Cloves

Separate the cloves and let them dry on your counter for a few days, but don't peel the paper off. Prepare potting soil to which you have added sand or another loosening agent. If you are planting garlic directly into the garden and have

Produce Department Herb Plants

The next time you head off to your local produce department, take another look at the fresh herb plants. Usually tucked in an out of the way corner, often by the sacks of peanuts and dried fruits, the culinary herb plants will usually be sitting in black moulded plastic trays. They're green and hardy, or at least they start out that way.They make me a little sad every time I walk by, and I

Plant Tea This Spring

There are many herbal teas that are made from ingredients that you can grow in your garden easily: sage, ginger, apple mint, saffron, chamomile flowers, peppermint, dandelion, lemon balm, fennel, and lemon thyme among others, all make good teas that can be blended for their unique flavor and restorative properties. When planning your herb garden this year, don't forget to make a spot for tea

Dried Herb Ideas – Useful Decoration

When I bring in my chili pepper crop, I always dry a batch on the dehydrator (after blanching them in boiling water for about five seconds), and string them on heavy twine with an upholstery needle. This long garland of bright red peppers decorates my kitchen, and pinch-hits as a last minute source of chili peppers for homemade burritos and chimichangas. I will usually take the season end peppers

Growing Herbs - A Natural Way to Go Green

Going green is the latest trend, and thank heavens, but herb gardeners have been doing it for ages. What better way to stay healthy, season your food, decorate your home, deal with pests, and treat your minor ailments than with home grown herbs.Growing Herbs is a Natural way to Begin a Greener LifestyleGrowing herbs is a great start on becoming a gardener and an environmentalist. Herbs generally

Headache Remedy - Accupressure, Aromatherapy, and a Foot Bath

If you suffer from headaches and are reluctant to take conventional painkillers, there's a fast and easy way to get relief. Take a footbath.Soaking your feet and applying gentle acupressure to the base of your toes while you're doing it will be as effective a many other methods, maybe more so. Include the relaxing benefits of aromatherapy by adding some lavender to the water. If you've made a

Making Lavender Scented Candles

Candle making is inexpensive, and once you've done it a few times, it's easy too. Whether you are going in for the more expensive beeswax candles, are opting for parafin, or are thinking about recycling old candles that are lying around the house, combining candle making and aromatherapy can be a great way to enhance your environment, your mood, and your sense of accomplishment.Herb Scented

Planting Spring Seeds Indoors

I wrote an article a few days ago and have posted a link to it at the bottom of this page. It will give you some good tips and tricks for starting seeds indoors in February or March. I have thought of an additional tip that can be fun.I've started seeds between sheets of paper towels. Check it out: Starting Seeds Between the SheetsSmall peat coins can be a useful starting medium for seeds, but I

Herb Gardening in the Desert

Keeping herbs in the desert can be challenging, but they provide so much value to your home and garden that they are worth some extra effort.Herbs and Desert SoilHerbs are often native to poor soils, but desert dirt has special problems when it comes to sustaining plants. The presence of salts and acidic minerals makes gardening herbs and other temperate plants more difficult. Raised beds that

Make Lavender Water

Lavender water is a good way to add the fragrance of lavender to your linens, general cleaning, and crafts.Lavender Water Recipe4 Cups Distilled Water5 Tablespoons of Vodka (Cheap Vodka is okay)30 Drops of Essential Oil of LavenderMix thoroughly and decant into decorative bottles, atomizers, or all-purpose spritzer bottles.You can also use it in spritzer bottle when ironing clothes, or pour it

Snuggle up With Lavender in Your Bed Pillow

Put your dried lavender flowers to good use in helping you get a restful night's sleep. Just tuck a muslin bag filled with a tablespoon or two of dried lavender flowers into your pillow or under your sheets near the top of the mattress. The essential oil in the lavender will help your body relax by helping to slow your central nervous system.Just try it once and you'll be hooked. If you suffer

Make Lavender Facial Scrub

Lavender facial scrub uses the antibacterial properties of lavender and the soothing qualities of almonds to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin. It smells wonderful, and can be a great overall relaxing agent if you apply the scrub while you are still in the bath or shower. Consider it a small aromatherapy benefit to the process.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, the almonds are particularly

History of the Wild Mustard Plant and the Conquistadors

One of my favorite stories about herbs involves the Conquistadors. The mustard plant was introduced to the Americas by the conquistadors or their attendant Padres (depending on who you're listening to), who planted the fast sprouting seeds to mark their trails. The fast-flowering plants were seeded to show them a golden road back along their route (the yellow brick road?).An annual, wild mustard

Make Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gayo is a refreshing summer salsa made from fresh ingredients. An uncooked chow-chow, pico de gayo is easy to make and is full of vitamins and minerals. Use it as a dip, condiment, or as an ingredient in more complex dishes like chimichangas, omelets, or rice dishes.What Types of Herbs are in Pico de GalloPico de Gallo uses some herb favorites like cumin, cinnamon, garlic, cilantro,

No Tears Onions

If you think that onions are the spice of life, you'll be pleased to learn that scientists in New Zealand have perfected a no tears onion. Using the wonders of biotechnology, they were able to switch off the gene controlling the enzyme that causes us to cry. This discovery could put an end to the days of slicing onions for your French onion soup under water, and other strategies for chopping

Herb Notes for February

The following are a few thoughts on the herbs I keep around the house.Peppermint Grow peppermint in a glass of water. A kitchen window is great for this. It will root readily and be available for garnishes all winter long. Fresh peppermint is a flavorful addition to English Breakfast tea, or hot chocolate.ChivesIndoor grown chives make a convenient substitution for green onion in omlettes and

Making Peel and Eat Shrimp

If you've eaten peel-and-eat shrimp at the local buffet, you know what tasteless shrimp is like. Not only that, those poor crustaceans also have the consistency of rubber balls. The key to delicious, juicy, tender, homemade, peel-and-eat shrimp is in not overcooking them.Pick Your ShrimpYou can now find de-veined raw shrimp in your grocery store. This is your best bet for an easy shrimp making

The History of Tussie-Mussie

Have you heard of the infamous and misunderstood tussie-mussie? Currently thought of as a nosegay, or compact bouquet of flowers and herbs, it has a colorful, if obscure, past with hilarious connotations. In light of its modern bridal and festive associations, I really couldn't pass on the irony.The language of flowers, having robust historical and literary antecedents, includes this little gem,

Growing Your Own Saffron

Saffron is an expensive spice that has a very distinctive flavor and aroma. It is prized throughout the world, but often only used for special-occasion dishes because it is so expensive.By weight, saffron is the most expensive spice on the planet.

Where Does Saffron Come From, Anyway?

Saffron comes from the three stigmas of an autumn blooming crocus plant, the Crocus Sativus. The

Using Herbs for Dental Care

Because commercial toothpastes and other tooth cleaners and whiteners contain harsh abrasives, detergents, and bleaches, you can give your teeth a break by buying herbal toothpastes, or making your own. Here are some tips for quick, effective tooth care:A sage leaf rubbed over the teeth and gums will help clean them and make them feel smooth and fresh.Alpine strawberry rubbed over the teeth can

Do Poppy Seeds Contain Drugs?

The poppy is a red flower with a thick seed pods that carry the popular poppy seeds used in cooking. Although there's been a great deal of misinformation about the ability of poppy seeds to create false positives in drug testing, more modern testing does not confuse culinary poppy seed ingestion for drug use, and you shouldn't refrain from eating or using poppy seeds in cooking because of it. If

Make Lavender Sugar

For an unexpected and rich taste, try making your own lavender sugar. This is a unique treat that's easy to make and fun to use.Uses for Lavender SugarLavender sugar is a great alternative to vanilla sugar as a topping for candies, cakes, and other pastries. It's also a wonderful sweetener for tea. You can leave your lavender sugar white, or use food coloring to give it a slight tint. Either

Herbs for Oral Health

If you've had concerns about the use of strong mouthwashes and toothpastes, consider their safer and gentler alternatives. Herbal oral products provide antibacterial protection without the fillers and stabilizers associated with major manufacturer's brands. They also often drop the strong bleaches, chemical antibiotics, and dyes that you've come to accept from the more common drug store

It's Not Too Late to Protect Your Plants from the Cold Weather

The cold weather is upon us, and if you live where there's a freeze, be kind to your plants. Check to make sure that plants that are borderline for your growing zone are well mulched and protected from the wind chill and freezing temperatures. A Calla lily that survived last year's mild winter may not make it to spring this year without a little help. Be good to your plants when the

Make Lavender Bath Salts

Bath Salt Ingredients

Reduce stress by bathing with lavender. Lavender aromatherapy can help you relax and regroup. Use your bath to get the aromatherapy benefits of lavender while enjoying the natural muscle relaxers in Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). Magnesium sulfate has also been proven to reduce your blood pressure and adrenalin levels.

When you have a few moments, make some lavender

Homemade Ginger Beer

Ginger beer is a light, refreshing ale that you can easily make at home. Brewed with yeast, it is a unique beverage that will become a summer tradition at your house. It's great to make with the kids, and there's something magical about waiting for it to be "done" and ready to drink. Create a memory for your children this season by making ginger beer.

Ginger beer recipes are plentiful on the

Free Herb Catalogs

Below is a listing of free herb catalogs; some are snail mail and some are PDF files. Happy Shopping! Click on the name to go to their request pages.

Horizon
Herbs

Mountain Valley Growers

Mountain Rose Herbs

Nichols Garden Nursery (PDF Download)

Richters

Prairieland Herbs (PDF Download)

Medicinal Herb Plants

Sand Mountain Herbs (online only)

Sandy
Mush Herb Nursery (Download only)

Using Herbs for Breast Enlargement

I am asked this question frequently, and there is no easy answer. Although I do recommend herbs to relieve the symptoms of menopause, my feeling about using bulk herbs for this purpose is pretty negative. The idea of increasing breast size without surgery is, I'm sure, attractive, but realistically, the impact herbs can have on developing your breasts without having serious side effects is

Four Thieves Vinegar

In my explorations of the history and uses of lavender, I came across some interesting information about Four Thieves Vinegar. I'd heard of it before, but didn't know what it meant:

The Legend of Four Thieves Vinegar

One version goes that in the 1630's, when the plague was raging in France, the town of Toulouse was beset with looters. Four looters were apprehended, but rather than punish them

Make Your Own Herbs de Provence

Herbs de Provence is a robust mixture of herbs made popular in the southeastern region of France. It is often used in the preparation of grilled meats, fish and vegetable stews, and is usually added before or during cooking.

Changes in Herbs de Provence Over Time

The ingredient ratios have altered over the years, and ingredients like tarragon, chervil and fennel have been added to some

Hops - More than Just an Ingredient in Beer

The history of hops can be traced back to first century (A.D.) Rome, where it was used as a vegetable and as a decorative plant. Several hundred years later it had spread throughout Europe and was in widespread use in brewing.

Healthful Benefits of Hops

The xanthohumol in hops is showing promise in preliminary trials in inhibiting the growth of breast, ovarian, prostate, and colon

Herbs and Foods that Can be Toxic To Your Pets

For many of us, our pets are members of the family, and there are unpublicized hazards that can impact their health.Household Dangers to Your PetYou may not know it, but using high heat with your non-stick pans can be toxic to your birds, that aspirin and aspirin-like pain relievers can kill your cat, and onions can be toxic to your dog.Chocolate and raisins can also be harmful to your dog, and

Lavender in Literature (Quotes about Lavender)

Lavender has a long literary past. With a fine fragrance, medicinal and culinary value, and a history of favor at court, lavender waxes poetic in these memorable quotes and passages:

Lavender and Culpeper
(The Complete Herbal, 1652)

Being an inhabitant almost in every garden, it is so well known, that it needs no description.

Lavender and John Gerard
(Herball, 1597)

The floures of

Lavender History and Lore

If you are a lover of lavender, then its associations with luck from the early St. John's Day festivals, and its reputation as an anti-plague herb, are tidbits you'll enjoy with your morning coffee.

Books like "The Book of Herb Lore" by Lady Rosalind Northcote, with its historical and literary references, add another dimension to the herb-keeping hobby. Lavender is one herb with a rich and

Keep Lavender Indoors

Lavender makes an attractive and useful indoor plant. When kept in a sunny window, it brings its unique fresh fragrance to your living space. A lavender plant requires little care, preferring to dry out between waterings, although it needs good air circulation, so don't crowd it with other houseplants.The Best Lavender to Pick as a Houseplant French lavender (Lavendula dententa) adapts well to

Propagating Lavender

Lavender can be propagated from cuttings, seed, or division.

Propagating Lavender from Cuttings

Lavender is easy to grow from cuttings in spring or fall. Take young stems with a heel attached and dip them in rooting compound. Plant the stem cuttings in sandy soil in a sunny spot that's sheltered from the wind. Lavender is also easy to propagate indoors if you have a sunny window.

Propagating

Understand the Different Types of Lavender

English Lavender

Lavender is enormously popular, but not all lavender is created equal. Using different varieties of lavender will yield different results, and knowing the right lavender for your garden or intended use will help your project be more successful. Lavender flowers can be large or small, and lightly shaded or vivid, depending on the variety you choose. There are even

Remove Mineral Deposits and Sterilize Your Plant Pots

When I can't work in the garden, most of the houseplants are dormant, and the new season's seed catalogs haven't arrived yet, I turn to cleaning.

One of my regular winter chores is to remove scale and mineral deposits from my plant pots and trays. I used to live with the chalky waterline that marked most of my pots, but now I use vinegar to clean them before spring.

Clean Mineral Deposits

The Healthful Benefits of Cranberries

You may not be growing them in your garden, and they may technically be a fruit, but cranberries are proving to be very beneficial to your health.I didn't design this blog to discuss current medical research, but time to time some things just jump out at me. I figure, like me, you enjoy understanding the uses of your herbs better. I think this leads naturally to an interest in the uses and

Growing Lavender

Lavender is one of the most easily distinguished, popular, and restful of fragrances. It is attractive to both men and women, and is the main fragrance in a wide range of beauty and home products.

Lavender Planting Tips

Lavender likes a well drained, sunny spot, and can tolerate dry conditions. It prefers sandy soil to which lime has been added, and will grow from 18" to three feet. New

Log Under Interesting Gadgets - The Neti Pot

If you are one of the few people who hasn't heard of the neti pot (also referred to as the salt lamp or nose bidet), it is an ingenious Indian device used to irrigate nasal passages. A "do it yourself" appliance, the neti pot can give you relief from cold or allergy discomfort without drugs.

The neti pot has a pour spout and handle, and is a little larger than a tea cup. It's a great solution

Can We do it All?

I just received my first seed catalog in the mail and watched a useful cable how-to on composting. My original plan for the day included writing notes about both these topics, as well as making a batch of scented bath salts. Well, I made the bath salts, but the rest is going to have to wait for another time.When? you ask. I don't know. Tomorrow maybe.So, to the question of the day: Can we do

Garlic as a Pest Deterrent

I have a garlic update since I blogged about keeping rue and garlic together near your roses.Japanese Beetle DeterrentI've mentioned that you can grow garlic and rue with roses to keep pests like the Japanese beetle away. In a past garlic post, I admitted that I've never gotten a harvest of large bulbs from my garlic, probably because I plant them in spring. Spring garlic plantings won't develop

Propagate Aloe Vera

I get lots of requests for information on propagating Aloe Vera, so here is my take on the subject.Watch For Aloe Vera Plant PupsAs a succulent, Aloe is easy to keep and grow. It requires well-drained, loose, sandy soil that is low in nutrients. It needs room, lots of it, because it's a fast grower during the summer months. From a central whorl, it sends up small shoots or "pups". Your plant has

Natural Hangover Remedies

If you're feeling a little the worse for wear after your New Year's Eve celebration, try taking some honey. Naturally high in fructose, honey will help your body metabolize any residual alcohol. Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water will help too.Other herbs that will help you deal with the day after headache and sour stomach are: ginko seeds, ginseng, cherry birch bark, mint, and