Going Herbal – “30 herbs you can start using today for food, cleaning, personal care & health…”
“Going Herbal” contains everything you need to know to get started with herbal treatments – it includes a brief history of herbal remedies, a guide to buying, growing your own, and storing herbs and essential oils. It also includes a collection of recipes showing you how to easily make tea, lotions, personal care products and more from 30 common herbs from aloe vera to yarrow…
You can download the full 156 page guide right now here….
The following is a brief section extracted from “Going Herbal”…
Ginger…
In China, India, and other parts of Asia, ginger has a long and storied history as a highly prized food item and herbal medicine. Most people only know ginger (Zingiber officinale) for its role in stir fries and in ginger ale, but it is an ancient herb that has been cultivated in the East for thousands of years.
Cultivation Of Ginger…
Though it is most prominent in Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking and medicine, ginger is also cultivated in North America, South America, Australia, and other parts of the world. Because it can be expensive in the West, those who consume ginger regularly choose to grow their own. The ginger plant requires little attention and can be easily grown in a pot indoors.
To sprout ginger from root stock:
Get some fresh ginger rhizomes. Choose ones that already have growth buds. These are tiny protrusions that look like little horns at the end of each piece or “finger”.
If you got your ginger from a store, it is best to soak them overnight, as they have likely been treated with a growth retardant.
You can either plant the ginger in a shallow tub or pot with some good potting soil or directly into the ground. Cut the ginger into pieces and plant each piece 2 to 5 inches into the soil, about 6 to 8 inches apart.
Cover the ginger pieces lightly with soil.
Water your ginger plants regularly but don’t over soak them. At the end of the season, the leaves of your ginger plants will start to fade. You can then harvest the ginger for culinary use and for replanting.
Tips On Growing Ginger…
Ginger is a tropical plant. It loves sunlight, humidity, and rich, moist soils.
If you’re keeping your ginger plant indoors, put it in a sunny spot where it will receive plenty of sun in the morning and dappled sunlight in the afternoon.
Ginger is not suited to frost, strong winds, and dry or waterlogged soil. Mix compost with your potting soil. If there is not enough humidity where you live, mist your ginger plants regularly.
Medicinal Uses Of Ginger…
Ginger is widely known as an herbal remedy for an astounding number of ailments…
Fight nausea – Ginger is an effective anti-vomiting remedy and you and can now buy anti-nausea medication that includes it. Taking raw ginger, ginger powder, or an infusion of ginger helps prevent and relieve motion sickness and pregnancy-related dizziness and nausea. Ginger also helps reduce nausea in chemotherapy and post-surgery patients.
Keep your tummy healthy – Ginger has beneficial enzymes that heal and protect the gut. It stops the formation of ulcers, neutralizes excess acids in the stomach, and eliminates diarrhea-causing bacteria such as E. coli.
Take ginger for good heart health – Ginger’s extraordinary ability to fight inflammation is extremely helpful to the heart, where inflammation can become chronic and lead to serious diseases. It also stimulates blood circulation and lowers cholesterol levels.
Dodge the common cold – A natural immune booster, ginger has antibacterial and antiviral properties that protect you from airborne diseases such as the flu and the common cold.
Take ginger and boost your mood – A ginger a day makes the blues go away! Some studies report that taking ginger on a regular basis can help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Sweat out a fever with ginger – Ginger has a “warming” effect that will help you sweat out a fever. It can also reduce pain and fight infections.
Prevent the big C – Scientists have found that there are chemicals in ginger that fight cancer cells in test tubes. More tests need to be done to see if they will have the same effect on humans but, for sure, ginger has anticancer properties.
…and a host of other serious problems!
This powerful herb has also been found effective in treating or reducing the pain caused by osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, alcoholism, toothaches, frostbite, liver disease, flatulence, dysmenorrhea, colic, indigestion, and hypertension.
How To Make A Ginger Tea…
Ginger tea tastes great and has a soothing aroma perfect for post-spa sessions and after-dinner relaxation.
A cup of hot ginger tea relieves the pain and discomfort from sore throats and clogged noses, and is a comforting drink to have when ill, stressed, or just feeling out of sorts. A recommended part of Ayurvedic morning cleansing routines, ginger tea is thought to flush out toxins and restore warmth to the body.
It is also supposed to reduce your craving for sweet and salty foods. Some health practitioners suggest drinking a cup of ginger tea before every meal and eating the ginger in the tea to prevent post-meal digestive problems.
To make ginger tea, check that your gingerroot is fresh and plump. If it is dry and wrinkled, the ginger has been in storage for too long. The inside will be woody and lack flavor.
Fresh ginger does not need to be peeled. Just grate it about an inch off the root into your tea cup. If you feel as though you need a bit more precision than that, peel it and chop thinly. About 3 ounces sliced ginger is enough for your tea.
Pour boiling water over top and let it steep 2-3 minutes.
Add honey and lemon to your taste. Let the ginger pieces settle to the bottom of your cup and top it up with more hot water as you drink.
How To Make Ginger Oil…
Ginger oil has so many uses!
As a massage oil, it leaves a gently warming sensation perfect for aching joints, sore muscles, upset stomachs, and menstrual cramps. It can also be used by breastfeeding moms suffering from blocked ducts – just don’t get any on your nipple; your baby might not like the taste!
Ginger oil can also be used as a salve and moisturizer. Add it to some very hot water and inhale the steam to unclog your nose and relieve flu symptoms. Add it to your bath water for a relaxing soak.
If you use a high-quality edible oil, you can even add it to your salad!
The more moisture in your ginger oil, the more likely it is that mold will grow. Letting the ginger oil cook over a couple of days gives all the moisture in your ginger enough time to completely evaporate – and your house will smell divine!
Place 3 cups fresh, chopped ginger and 3 cups oil (olive, sesame, jojoba, coconut, or palm) in a small crockpot. Turn it to the lowest setting with the lid slightly ajar and let it gently cook for a few days.
Check often so that the mixture does not burn or boil.
Strain the ginger and oil mixture through a piece of muslin cloth, squeezing out as much oil as possible.
Let it sit, covered with a cloth, for a day. Transfer it into a storage jar, seal tightly and label. It should keep about six months in a cool, dark place.
“Going Herbal” contains everything you need to know to get started with herbal treatments – it includes a brief history of herbal remedies, a guide to buying, growing your own, and storing herbs and essential oils. It also includes a collection of recipes showing you how to easily make tea, lotions, personal care products and more from 30 common herbs from aloe vera to yarrow…
You can download the full 156 page guide right now here….
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