Whole Foods (not the grocery store)

I recently pledged to this challenge at Eating Rules, called October: Unprocessed. The gist is to challenge yourself to a month without eating processed foods. Wilder goes on to explain what he means by processed, and it's a pretty inclusive definition: anything you can't make in your kitchen. Now, that would not be how we'd define it in this household, because we eat a lot of tofu. So, he encourages those taking the pledge to make their own exceptions, too. Although, the closer you stick to that basic rule, the more likely it is that you'll be sticking to what I encourage as a year-round rule -- eating a whole food diet.

At our house, I've begun to use the term "Nu Era Botanicals Approved" meal.  I apply this to other things (often to try to be funny), but it basically goes like so:

Poached eggs, served over spinach and tomatoes with turmeric, sea salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar?

That's a Nu Era Botanicals Approved breakfast!

It's approved because the bulk of the ingredients are whole foods, as opposed to parts of foods. To make an example of high-fructose corn syrup, (because let's face it, it's easy) all that it is is the isolated sugar found in corn. Corn, as a whole food would never taste that sweet or cause the major spike in blood-sugar levels that HFCS does.

When you realize this you can begin to regard whole foods as the moderators of our consumption. After all, isn't this the one rule everyone can agree on when it comes to the way we should eat-- everything in moderation?

Now, I wouldn't say everything. There are some things out there that should be avoided entirely and this is where the second word in my whole foods philosophy comes in. If you're eating it, it should be food. Trans fats, aspartame, MSG, any kind of food coloring, pesticides, and genetically-modified organisms are not food.

I love to share this list because it's a great jumping off point. You can build many a meal off of the Clean 15 list, especially if you're handy with a rice-cooker (or can cook rice on the stove like my talented boyfriend), and they are all whole foods!

It's also especially handy because it doesn't require you to make room in your budget for organic foods, though jumping into that game is absolutely Nu Era Botanicals approved!

Garlic Oxymel

Now that Autumn is upon us I thought I'd share a home remedy for those pesky colds, coughs, and flus. This recipe is for an oxymel syrup, which is basically just honey and vinegar. It's very tasty, easy to get the kiddos to take*, and very effective. The trick for max results with this remedy is timing. As soon as you feel like you are going to be sick, at that first sneeze, itchy throat, or achy evening take 2 tablespoons of oxymel every few hours. Mix one teaspoon into a shotglass of water and gargle it, too! You can continue to take it as and IF the cold persists. This honey syrup will keep for three months in the fridge and for a couple or a small family this should last the season.

I prepared and completed this recipe, from James Green’s The Herbal Medicine Maker’s Handbook in a total of about one hour and fifteen minutes.

Garlic Oxymel by the Late Dr. John Christopher

8 oz. apple cider vinegar
¼ oz. caraway seeds (Carum carvi), crushed
¼ oz. fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare), crushed
1 ½ oz. garlic (Allium sativum), fresh pressed
10 oz. honey

Measure apple cider vinegar into glass pot, add caraway and fennel seeds. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, add garlic. Let sit until cool. Press and strain the liquid. Add honey. Place onto low heat and simmer to the consistency of syrup.

The beauty of a remedy like this one is that it is food-derived. A goal of Nu Era Botanicals' is to bridge the gap people feel between what they eat and what they use to heal. Garlic is a powerful antibacterial, and while many love the flavor in their spaghetti, the fresh juice is very pungent, spicy, and not so appealing. As such, it is a prime example of how food can be medicine, especially when paired with honey and vinegar. Both of which are expectorants--they help cough up all the mucous that causes congestion and runniness.

I encourage you to experiment with oxymels! A basic oxymel is simply honey and vinegar in a 5:1 ratio, though you can adjust to taste. Often water is added, too. If you're like many, you already have honey and vinegar, so make it as you need it. Just these two ingredients are enough to produce results, and they happen to be a great carrier for herbs like garlic and ginger because of their pleasant taste.

I am proud to announce that this remedy will be included in the Nu Era Cold/Flu Kit which will be available soon for purchase. Please check back soon under the Apothecary link for details!

*Remember, children under 1 year of age do not apply, as they can't digest bee enzymes. Babies are sweet enough without the honey!

Summer Produce

Learn What's in Season from Edible Phoenix's website. It is an excellent resource for valley residents and visitors!

I taped this to my fridge to spark ideas for meals, treats, and as shopping inspiration.

Some staples to take from this list in particular include:

Aromatic herbs like basil, cilantro, and dill are very potent green foods, boasting high antioxidant levels. These antioxidants protect each cell from damage, including our skin cells, which are so susceptible to harm this time of year.

Carrots have the highest levels of carotenoids. These phytochemicals protect the skin from UV damage, acting like an internal sunscreen.

Any of the fleshy, juicy melons that are beginning to be available can be a delicious way to stay hydrated during these dry, windy weeks of summer.

Enjoy your summer shopping and leave your favorite summer foods or recipes in the comments!

Marta, Herbalist

Giveaways

Announcing!

I will be giving away the limited amount of Calendula oil that I have made! Comment on either of the past posts and I will send you a free ounce of Calendula oil from the Nu Era Botanicals Apothecary.

Calendula for Sunburn

Marigold is a yellow to orange petaled composite flower (daisy-like). As a topical ointment for the skin, it shines. Effective and gentle, a simple infused oil of olive or coconut can be a life-saver. It is a vulnerary - plant that promotes healing- and it's specialty is the skin. This makes it liquid gold for sunburns. It works internally as an alcohol extract or tea but used on the surface tissue it's properties can be visually witnessed. As some may know, I spent the weekend at the beach. I was sure to pack my homemade oil to test it's efficacy and, lo and behold, no achy, hot skin.

The batch I made digested for four days out in the garden. We have had a relatively mild May so I was able to leave it for longer than I'd hoped! The result is a potent, sweet-smelling oil.




Note the golden color. When you make your own infused oil at home, you want the essence of the petals to transfer to the oil. You'll know that it has reached maximum potency when the plant material is less golden than the liquid.

Since I have given all the directions for manufacturing the oil (this can sometimes be the easiest part) the more useful information, then, would be getting the calendula from the oil onto you!


To use:

This oil would best be stored in a opaque or amber container. This doesn't show off it's beautiful color, but it will preserve better this way. In addition, add 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of Vitamin E oil per ounce of infused coconut oil. Vitamin E is a master skin healer as well as a preservative to the oil. You can also add lavender essential oil or rosemary essential oil if you have it. Lavender is my favorite aroma of all time and rosemary is a close second and both of these are preservative to the oil as well. They are both also antiseptic!


After this, the oil is ready to use! To treat a sunburn simply rub a nickel sized amount between the palms and massage onto the face, arm or shoulder. Don't forget the ears!


IMPORTANT
Calendula is not a substitute for proper sun protection. If it means applying sunblock lotion, wearing a hat, or staying in the shade do what you know is appropriate for your skin health. Calendula heals damaged and vulnerable tissue, it is not a sunblock.

For an herbal/nutritional measure to prevent sunburn look forward to the next post! Hint: it's easy to get and you should begin today, Desert Dwellers!



Marta, Herbalist

Herbal Oils

Medicine Making

Solarly Infused Calendula Coconut Oil

The sun is getting strong enough, here in the Valley of the Sun, for some excellent solar infusions. In James Green's "Medicine Maker's Handbook," he recommends letting the oil stay outside, in a paper bag, for 7-10 days. Now, I am going to amend this to 2 days, out of caution. After all, it is May. I don't want to risk the oil going rancid. I will be checking it daily and giving it a little shake to see how it develops, so it is possible that I'll let it stay out longer. The idea is to not let the oil get above 115-120 degrees F. When you do this at home, keep in mind what that means to you, where you live. If you live in a sun-rich environment where it is likely to get to 120 degrees inside the paper bag, set it in the shade, or on a windowsill. Remember to shake it and monitor the temperature every day!

To prepare the oil for infusion:

• Grind the herb into a fine powder and place in a clean jar. I chose Calendula officinalis. This orange-petaled flower is commonly known as Marigold.

• Next, pour oil enough to cover the powder by a 1/2 inch. Stir this mixture then set it aside for several hours. If the oil has soaked into the powder, replace it with more. After 24 hours, measure to make sure that there is at least 1/4 inch of oil on the top or bottom of the mixture.

• Next, cap the jar tightly and place in a paper bag or cardboard box. Set outside and the warmth of the sun will soon warm the mixture. Do not allow light to hit the oil directly.

It is very important to shake or stir the mixture every day. Be aware of the weather and don't forget that the oil is out there!

This batch is heading outside for a few days and I will post again when it is finished with details about purchasing!

Marta Orozco, Herbalist

Welcome

Today will be the first official post and grand opening of the nuerabotanicals blog.

This blog is a culmination of my ongoing herbal education. I will share info, tips, deals, and advice about herbs and holistic nutrition. I am available for any of your needs and can be contacted privately for herbal consultations, nutritional planning, and education.

As I begin this journey, I have a vision of this site as a dynamic, holistic resource, but as time progresses this may take some working out. I encourage communication here, as well as any input or commentary!

Marta Orozco, Herbalist