Posted by Karen on May 14, 2019 in Interesting Reads

As we are entering the Winter season in South Africa, I thought it wise to do a post on general Winter cures. Note that this is only a list of general herbs.  Please consult with a trained medicinal herbalist before administering herbal remedies in order to verify combinations and dosages. INTERNAL REMEDIES IMMUNE BOOSTING HERBS Echinacea Thyme Myrrh Pau D’arco Onions & Garlic Green Tea MULTIVITAMIN HERBS Catnip Parsley Cranberry Lemon & Chilli (Vitamin C) COLDS ...

Posted by Karen on Apr 2, 2019 in Interesting Reads

In this post I listed a few herbs for specific ailments concerning babies younger than 6 months. Note the following statements regarding remedies for babies younger than 6 months: Avoid internal use. If need be, some remedies can be taken by the breastfeeding mom in order to treat the baby. This said, herbs are still safer to use than any conventional medicine. Please consult with a trained medicinal herbalist before administering herbal remedies. INCREASING BREAST MILK...

Posted by Karen on Mar 4, 2019 in Interesting Reads

PREPARATION & USE OF TINCTURES Tinctures are prepared by soaking ground herbs (each one separately) in alcohol (I use Cane) and shaking daily for a period of 14 days. I prepare them in a 1:5 ratio (herb:cane) when using dried herbs, and a 1:3 ratio when using fresh herbs. After two weeks, each tincture is extracted through a wine press lined with muslin cloth. Tinctures are filtered twice, combined (if need be), bottled and labelled in amber dropper bottles. The active...

Posted by Karen on Feb 22, 2019 in Interesting Reads

PREPARING MARIGOLD OINTMENT Marigold ointment is a very effective remedy, which I recommend for many applications, including the following: Fungal infections; eczema & acne Nappy rash & cradle cap Cuts & Wounds Bruises, strains & sprains Minor burns & scalding Sore & tender nipples during breastfeeding Insect bites & stings I need to have the following ready: Clean surface and work area Clean rubber gloves 500g Emulsifying Ointment 60g...

Posted by Karen on Feb 15, 2019 in Interesting Reads

HOW TO USE HERBS Herbs can be used in many different forms – Infusions, Decoctions, Tinctures, Capsules, Infused Oils, Ointments, Creams, Compressions, Essential Oils, Floral Waters, Poultices, Juices, etc. Herbal remedies can be taken internally and/or be applied externally. It is often advisable to treat complaints from the inside and outside simultaneously. Aromatherapy, as a complementary therapy, forms an integral part of holistic healing. The fact that essential...

Posted by Karen on Feb 6, 2019 in Interesting Reads

In the process of classifying herbs, it is very important that one differentiates between the scientific or botanical name, the constituent(s) of each herb, its properties, and what the usage is. One needs to distinguish specifically between them in order to fully grasp the healing potential of herbs. The scientific name is the botanical name given to a specific plant to avoid confusion throughout the world as to which plant is being referred to. The constituents relate to...

Posted by Karen on Jan 29, 2019 in Interesting Reads

Medicinal herbalism is the study of the natural healing abilities of plants/herbs and the treatment of different ailments with them. In herbalism, we use the whole plant, or parts thereof, in many different forms. A very high percentage of conventional medicines are based on properties in plants. The specific active ingredient needed is extracted from the plant, chemically enhanced, and used to treat a specific symptom/condition. The particular active ingredient comes with...

Posted by Karen on Apr 5, 2018 in Interesting Reads

WEIGHT LOSS / FATBURN Voordele van vetverbranding: Verbranding van vet genereer sowat 20 keer meer energie as die verbranding van suiker Skep opgeruimde gemoed & lewenslus Help die liggaam om dieper slaap te genereer Toename in gemoedsrus Verbeter sametrekking van die vel – gevolglik verjongend Help die liggaam om van selluliet ontslae te raak Detoksifisering vind outamaties plaas Onmiddellike gewigsverlies Toename in spiermassa My own philosophy I could never go on a...

Posted by Karen on Feb 16, 2015 in Interesting Reads

Flu and Sinus Tea This is an excellent Herbal Tea recipe to treat a blocked nose, colds, flu, earache, bronchitis, etc. 2 * Box Mullein 1 * Box Ginger 1 * Box Thyme 1 * Box Sage Mix the contents of the boxes in a large container and store in a cool, dark place. Add one liter of boiling water to a quarter cup of mixed herbs. Infuse, covered, for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain. Drink half a cup of warm tea 4 – 6 times throughout the first day. Use 3 times a day from day 2. Do not...

Posted by Karen on Feb 5, 2015 in Interesting Reads

In hierdie artikel lys ek ‘n hele aantal handige kruie teenoor spesifieke kwale, wat ‘n mens met ‘n geruste gemoed saam kan stuur op kinderkampe. Hierdie kruie behandel bykans enige onmiddelike aangeleentheid. Indien verbetering nie spoedig te bespeur is nie, is dit wys om professionele raad by ‘n kruiekundige of dokter in te win. Die dosisse kan aangepas word vir volwassenes. Dis ook lekker om hierdie kruie saam te neem op toere en vakansie!...

Posted by Karen on Jan 27, 2015 in Interesting Reads

When you want to start any treatment with herbs, it is important to know what Herbalism is.   Herbalism makes use of natural healing qualities of whole plants (herbs) in order to treat a range of illnesses. There are several advantages when using the whole plant: Imbalances created within the body are less than with conventional medicine; the likelihood of side effects is reduced, and all the active ingredients within the herb act together, thereby increasing the benefits....