How to Make an Immune Booster Smoothie

How to Make an Immune Booster Smoothie



Give your immune system a boost if you sense a cold or flu starting to affect your body. A fresh immune booster smoothie works at fighting symptoms of a cold or flu. The smoothie explained in the following steps directly boosts your body to fight pathenogens.







Things You'll Need:





1 cup of purified water




Lemon (peeled with some white rind remaining)




Orange (peeled with some white rind remaining)




Half a pear




Stevia to taste




Garlic clove




Pinch of fresh oregano




Cayenne pepper (optional)









1


Set up a blender on the counter.





2


Add a cup of purified water.





3


Put in the lemon, orange, garlic clove, pear, oregano and Stevia.





4


Turn blender on low to mix the ingredients. Once the ingredients mix up, turn the blender to high for about 20 to 30 seconds.





5


Pour the smoothie into a glass. Smell the aroma of the drink.





6


Sprinkle your optional cayenne pepper on top of the drink and mix with a spoon.





7


Drink down the smoothie immediately. This ought to do the trick in helping your body fight any kind of cold or flu-causing germs.








Tips & Warnings










Lemons remain one of the best sources of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost the immune system of the body.








Many consider garlic a "wonder herb" because of its properties, repelling everything from vampires to the common cold and flu.








A study by the USDA reports that oregano offers the greatest antioxidant effects of all other herbs.








A pathogen is a biological agent known to cause illness or disease to the body.








When making an immune boosting smoothie, avoid using sugars. Sugars lower the immune system. Stevia sweetens naturally without any grams of sugar, calories or carbohydrates.



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How to Make an Herbal Tea to Treat ADD

How to Make an Herbal Tea to Treat ADD



Many people don't like the side effects that prescriptions have on them which are used to treat overly hyper activity. Here are some tips for those who have discussed natural remedies with their doctor. This is a simple, inexpensive, and effective method for using home-made natural alternatives to treat the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder.







Things You'll Need:





1 Ounce Ginko Biloba or St. John's Wort (whichever you prefer) in the form of dried leaves




1 Quart Jar of Boiling Hot Water With Lid









1


Put 1 Ounce Of The Dried Herb Leaves Into The Jar Of Boiling Hot Water.





2


Screw On The Lid Firmly And Allow To Steep Until It Is Completely Cool.





3


Strain Out Dried Herb Leaves. Enjoy Tea In Your Favorite Cup.








Tips & Warnings










Make sure and talk to your doctor before beginning to use any types of medicines, supplements, herbs, or vitamins. Check into allergies, safe amounts, and the side effects of stopping any prior medicines. As with any treatment, herbal alternatives do take time to work and different people react differently to remedies.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2289266_herbal-tea-treat-add.html

How to Make an Herbal Tea for Digestion

How to Make an Herbal Tea for Digestion



I don't know about you, but when I have a big meal, I don't really feel that great afterwards. I'm tired, sluggish and I feel really full. All of the energy my body has left is being used for the digestive process and it seems to suck the life out of me.

Thankfully, I've learned that there are certain herbs out there that help with digestion. Any herb that has bitter properties, such as dandelion leaf (which can be pretty strong) or chamomile (which has mild bitter properties) are great for digestion. The bitter principals in these plants help stimulate the digestive juices. When consumed before, during and/or after a large meal, it can really help keep your energy up because it helps the digestive system do its job even faster.

I have a favorite tea blend that I reach for to help my digestion. This blend includes herbs that are readily available to me. I pick dandelion leaves in the spring and early summer and let them dry to use year round. In addition to having a mild bitter action, chamomile can also help ease stomach aches and cramps. The peppermint and spearmint are included to help flavor the blend, ease flatulence and help control any muscle spasms.

This recipe is written using the simpler's method, which means that the measurement is calculated in "parts." Just choose a measurement such as a teaspoon or a tablespoon to use in place of the "parts." So if you choose a teaspoon and the ingredient reads "2 parts peppermint," you'll add 2 tsp. of peppermint to the blend.







Things You'll Need:





3 Parts dried chamomile flowers




2 Parts dried dandelion leaves




1 Part dried peppermint leaves




1 Part dried spearmint leaves




Airtight container









1


Take some time to find the highest quality herbs you can. If you are able to pick and dry your own, do so. If not, find a reputable source in your area. You can also order online. Check Resources below for a link to my favorite supplier, Mountain Rose Herbs.





2


Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.





3


Transfer to an airtight container such as a mason jar or a plastic storage container. Cover and store in a cool, dark and dry place.





4


When ready to drink, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of the herb. You may want to use a tea strainer to make it easier. You can have one cup before your meal, one during, and/or one after.








Tips & Warnings










Make sure to see a doctor if you're in a lot of pain or if you have symptoms such as severe heartburn or stomach aches.








Consult with a physician before taking any of these plants, just to make sure it's safe.



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How to Make an Herbal Tea Blend for Strong Nails

How to Make an Herbal Tea Blend for Strong Nails



My nails have a tendency to peel and crack. I've learned that if I feed my body with the right minerals, my nails get a lot stronger. So, I created this herbal tea blend to help fix my problem.

A few years ago I started drinking this blend several times a day. After about a month, my nails were stronger and longer than ever. The key to this tea is that it is rich in a mineral called silica. Our modern diet is depleted of this mineral because of soil quality. It seems that adding more of it to my diet really helps my nails. Here is how to make it.







Things You'll Need:





3 tbsp. chamomile flowers




2 tbsp. spearmint




2 tbsp. oatstraw




1 tbsp. stinging nettle




1 tbsp. horsetail




Medium mixing bowl




Wooden spoon




Airtight container









1


Add all of the herbs to the mixing bowl and stir gently with the wooden spoon. Make sure all of the herbs are high quality.





2


Transfer the herbs to an airtight container. I like amber glass jars, but a plastic container works just fine.





3


Cover the container and shake it well. You'll want to shake it once or twice before you measure out the herbs for your tea. As the herbs sit, they settle. In this blend, the chamomile flowers will likely rise to the top.





4


To make the herbal tea, use 1.5 teaspoons for every cup of water. You can make a few cups in advance and store it in the fridge.








Tips & Warnings










I love this blend iced.








Make sure you see a doctor to rule out all possible causes of your weak nails.



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How to Make an Herbal Tea Blend for Stress

How to Make an Herbal Tea Blend for Stress



I've created an herbal tea blend that is designed to calm me down when I'm under stress. In the beginning stages I opt for something gentle that will help nourish my nervous system, and if I deal with the stress early, it won't escalate into a bigger problem. Left untreated, chronic stress can lead to a host of health problems including anxiety, high blood pressure and weight gain.

The thing I like about this blend is that it is gentle and safe to use every day. I love the taste of it by itself. However, a drop of honey also makes it taste very good. Here is how to make it--so you too--can de-stress the next time you're feeling the pressure.







Things You'll Need:





3 tbsp. oatstraw




2 tbsp. chamomile flowers




2 tbsp. rose petals




1 tbsp. spearmint




1 tbsp. lemon




Small mixing bowl




Wooden spoon




Airtight container









1


Make sure that you find the highest quality herbs available. I like Mountain Rose Herbs (see link in Resources below).





2


Add all of the herbs to the mixing bowl. Stir gently with the wooden spoon.





3


Transfer herbs to an airtight container. I like amber glass bottles because the herbs stay fresh longer.





4


To brew a cup of tea use 1 1/2 tsp. of the blend for every cup of boiling water.








Tips & Warnings










All of the herbs should be in their dried form.








See a physician if your stress persists. You'll want to have a checkup to make sure your health hasn't been affected.








It is also important to ask your doctor if it is OK to take these herbs in the first place.



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How to Make an Herbal Tea Bath

How to Make an Herbal Tea Bath



After a hard day of work, there is nothing more therapeutic than a hot, relaxing bath. Adding certain herbs is believed to make the bath more relaxing (lavender), healthful (comfrey), or even invigorating (rosemary). The herbal tea bath is an alternative way to use herbs in the tub, without the risk of getting bits of herb in the bottom of the tub.







Things You'll Need:





handful of herb of choice




water




2 quart pan









1


Place handful of fresh herb in pan.





2


Fill pan with water, cover with lid, and boil for about 15 minutes.





3


Strain herbs. Pour tea directly into bathwater before entering tub. Check water temperature before getting in.








Tips & Warnings










Always make sure that you are not allergic to an herb before using in bathwater.








Consult an herb book before using an herb.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2296488_herbal-tea-bath.html

How to Make an Herbal Salve

How to Make an Herbal Salve



Natural healing arts have used herbal salves for centuries to cure bruises, cuts, illnesses and infections. Making herbal salves is simple once you have collected all the things you need.







Things You'll Need:





Enamel pan




Wooden spoon




Small condiment jars with lid




Grater




2 ounces of infused oil




2 tablespoons grated beeswax




Essential oil fragrance (optional)









1


Heat 2 ounces of infused oil in an enamel pan until slightly warm. Infused oils contain therapeutic ingredients of oil and herbs with herbs infused into the oil.





2


Stir in 2 tablespoons of grated beeswax using a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until oil and beeswax are completely blended together. Enhance the mix by adding 1 or 2 drops of a favorite essential oil for fragrance if desired.





3


Set a small open jar near by and pour the preparation into the jar. Allow it to cool to a solid form.





4


After the preparation has completely cooled, screw on the lid tight. Label the jar and include the
date
it was made.





5


If the preparation is too hard, add more oil by reheating the mixture and go through the process again. If the preparation is too soft after cooling, add more beeswax by reheating the preparation.








Tips & Warnings










Avoid overheating the infused oil and beeswax, or your herbal salve will be ineffective.








Make sure you use the best of infused oils and beeswax. If you are adventurous, you can try making your own infused oils.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2100495_make-herbal-salve.html

How to Make an Herbal Remedy for Edema

How to Make an Herbal Remedy for Edema



Edema is the swelling of the body, particularly the legs, ankles and feet, due to too much water retention in the body's tissues. Edema can be caused by
pregnancy
, sunburn, some medications, eating too much salt or other serious conditions such as heart failure, kidney or liver disease. While the cause of your condition should be discussed with your doctor, there are herbal remedies you can use at home to help reduce edema and relieve the discomfort and pain it causes.







Things You'll Need:





1 tsp. fresh taraxacum (dandelion)




Cucumber




2 tsps. comfrey




2 tsps. coltsfoot




Soft, clean towel









1


Reduce salt and fat in your diet by including more raw foods. The most important ingredient in herbal remedies is lots of water and fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating fresh raw fruits and vegetables can help your body to eliminate salt and toxins that are causing edema. Salt is often the culprit in edema, as it causes water retention in the body, so trying to eliminate salts and eating fresh foods will greatly reduce your symptoms.





2


Take two cups of dandelion tea daily, a natural diuretic that can help to reduce the swelling of edema. Dandelion is also highly nutritious, as its leaves are high in vitamins A, C, D and B as well as zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, choline, calcium, boron, copper and silicon. Boil 1 cup of water and remove from heat before adding 1 tsp. of fresh dandelion. Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes, then strain the herbs and drink.





3


Eat one fresh whole cucumber daily. Many herbal remedies include fresh cucumber, as it has many healing properties. Cucumber will help to eliminate toxins from the body, and reduce water retention caused by edema.





4


Make an herbal poultice from comfrey and coltsfoot that you can apply directly to the effected area. Boil four cups of water and remove from heat. Add two teaspoons of comfrey and two teaspoons of coltsfoot and allow to steep for five minutes. Strain the herbs, soak a towel in the water and apply to the affected area for 20 minutes three times a day.








Tips & Warnings










Edema can be a symptom of a serious health condition, so always consult your doctor or naturopath before taking herbal remedies or attempting to treat yourself at home.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2099293_make-herbal-remedy-edema.html