Posted on 07/24/2009 3:37:21 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny
Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition Category: Roundups | Comments(15)
Did you hear about the guy that lives on nothing? No seriously, he lives on zero dollars a day. Meet Daniel Suelo, who lives in a cave outside Moab, Utah. Suelo has no mortgage, no car payment, no debt of any kind. He also has no home, no car, no television, and absolutely no “creature comforts.” But he does have a lot of creatures, as in the mice and bugs that scurry about the cave floor he’s called home for the last three years.
To us, Suelo probably sounds a little extreme. Actually, he probably sounds very extreme. After all, I suspect most of you reading this are doing so under the protection of some sort of man-made shelter, and with some amount of money on your person, and probably a few needs for money, too. And who doesn’t need money unless they have completely unplugged from the grid? Still, it’s an amusing story about a guy who rejects all forms of consumerism as we know it.
The Frugal Roundup
How to Brew Your Own Beer and Maybe Save Some Money. A fantastic introduction to home brewing, something I’ve never done myself, but always been interested in trying. (@Generation X Finance)
Contentment: A Great Financial Principle. If I had to name one required emotion for living a frugal lifestyle it would be contentment. Once you are content with your belongings and your lot in life you can ignore forces attempting to separate you from your money. (@Personal Finance by the Book)
Use Energy Star Appliances to Save On Utility Costs. I enjoyed this post because it included actual numbers, and actual total savings, from someone who upgraded to new, energy star appliances. (@The Digerati Life)
Over-Saving for Retirement? Is it possible to “over-save” for retirement? Yes, I think so. At some point I like the idea of putting some money aside in taxable investments outside of retirement funds, to be accessed prior to traditional retirement age. (@The Simple Dollar)
40 Things to Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home. A great list of both practical and philosophical lessons to teach your kids before they reach the age where they know everything. I think that now happens around 13 years-old. (@My Supercharged Life)
Index Fund Investing Overview. If you are looking for a place to invest with high diversification and relatively low fees (for broader index funds with low turnover), index funds are a great place to start. (@Money Smart Life)
5 Reasons To Line Dry Your Laundry. My wife and I may soon be installing a clothesline in our backyard. In many neighborhoods they are frowned upon - one of the reasons I don’t like living in a neighborhood. I digress. One of our neighbors recently put up a clothesline, and we might just follow his lead. (@Simple Mom)
A Few Others I Enjoyed
* 4 Quick Tips for Getting Out of a Rut * Young and Cash Rich * Embracing Simple Style * First Trading Experience With OptionsHouse * The Exponential Power of Delayed Consumption * How Much Emergency Fund is Enough? * 50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind * Save Money On Car Insurance
Dog Biscuit Mix in a Jar
Posted by: “~*Piper*~”
Dog Biscuit Mix in a Jar
1 quart wide-mouth canning jar
1 dog biscuit cookie cutter
16 inches of a pretty ribbon
1 large envelope. (Punch a hole in the upper left hand corner.)
1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup instant nonfat dry milk powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar or white sugar
Pinch of salt
1. Type baking instructions (see below) on a pretty piece of paper or card
and tuck inside the envelope.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine: 1 cup all-purpose unbleached flour, 1
cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup instant nonfat dry
milk powder, 1 teaspoon brown sugar or white sugar, pinch of salt .
3. using a funnel, pour dry ingredients into the jar. Close jar tightly.
4. Tie dog biscuit cookie cutter and instruction card around the top of the
card with a pretty ribbon.
Instruction Card:
Make Your Own Dog Biscuits
1. Position a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat it to 250 degrees F.
Place Dog Biscuit Mix ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Add in 1 large
egg, 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese,
1/4 to 1/2 cup (or more) hot chicken broth, beef broth or very hot water.
2. Make dough that’s very heavy, but not sticky. Add more flour or water, 1
teaspoon at a time if dough is too moist (use flour) or too dry (use hot
water).
3. Turn out dough onto a floured pastry cloth and knead 8-10 times until
elastic. Let dough rest for 5 minutes. Roll out dough 1/2 of an inch thick
and cut with a dog-bone shaped cutter. Place cookies close together as they
will not spread.
4. Bake for 1 hour, rotate the baking trays in the oven (turn tray around
180 degrees), and bake them another half hour. Cool the cookies in the pan
for 1 minute, and then transfer to a wire cake rack to cool completely.
Source Kitchencraftsnmore
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Non-Edible-Recipes/
Thank you, Cindy and Jacque. Based on Jacque’s response this afternoon I made a delicious soup based on Mark Bittman’s The Minimalist Cooks Dinner:
Chickpea Soup with Sausage
The cooking liquid of chickpeas, unlike that of most other beans, is so good-tasting that it makes the basis of a great soup, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and some aromatic vegetables, for example. Purée some of the cooked chickpeas, then stirm them back into the soup, and it becomes deceptively, even sublimely, creamy.
1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas
5 garlic cloves, peeled and cut into slices
3 sprigs rosemary or thyme
1 medium to large carrot, cut into small dice
1 celery stalk, peeled and cut into small dice
1 medium onion, cut into small dice
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 Tsp minced garlic
1/2 pound Italian or garlic sausage, grilled or broiled and cut into thin slices, optional
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, or to taste
1. If you have some time, soak the chickpeas for several hours or overnight in water to cover (if not, don’t worry). Combine the chickpeas, sliced garlic, and herbs in a large saucepan with fresh cover to cover by at least 2 inches. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat, and simmer, partially covered, for at least 1 hour, or until fairly tender. Add additional water if necessary, and skim any foam that rises to the top of the pot.
2. Scoop out the herbs and add the carrot, celery, onion, salt, and pepper into the pot. Continue to cook until the chickpeas and vegetables are soft, at least another 20 minutes. Remove about half of the chickpeas and vegetables and carefully purée in a blender with enough of the water to allow the machine to do its work. Return the purée to the soup and stir; reheat with the minced garlic, adding additional water if the mixture is too thick.
3. Stir in the sausage and cook a few minutes longer. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then serve, drizzled with the oil.
Wine: Chianti, a red from the South of France, or any other light but assertive red
Serve with: Bread or Olive Oil Croutons; Roasted peppers
Bittman’s “Keys to Suceess”: Soaked or not, the cooking time for beans is somewhat unpredictable, depending largely on how much moisture they have lost during storage (older beans, being drier, require longer cooking times). Generally speaking, soaked chickpeas will take about 90 minutes to become tender; unsoaked ones will take about 30 minutes longer.
Bittman’s “With Minimal Effort”:
1. To use canned chickpeas, rinse 4 cups chickpeas and combine with 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock and the vegetables as in Step 2 above. Cook until the vegetables are tender, then proceed as above.
2. Omit the sausage, or substitute leftover bits of cooked chicken, beef, pork or lamb. Or cook something especially for the soup, like shrimp or more vegetables.
My variations to Bittman’s main recipe:
Added celery tops to cooking water, removed when I removed the thyme
Added the rest of a container of vegetable stock that was already opened in my fridge.
Used 1/4 lb turkey sausages made with sundried tomatoes (that gave it a lot of extra flavor)
Added chopped mushrooms that were about to die in the fridge
Added chopped parsley at the end to give it a splash of green. Would have added spinach, chard, or anything else green that was about to die
Didn’t add olive oil
Was very delicious. Hope it freezes well!
Enjoy,
lena
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/healthycheapcooking/
Pasta Pizza
Recipe By : Real Food for Real People
Serving Size : 6 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Main Dish Pasta
Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
———— —————— —————— -———— -———— —
8 ounces Angel Hair Pasta
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Olive Oil
1/3 cup Chopped Green Bell Pepper
1/4 cup Chopped Sweet Onion
1 1/4 cups Pasta Sauce
4 ounces Sliced Pepperoni — (or other pizza meat)
1/4 cup Sliced Black Olives
2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Prepare angel hair pasta as directed on package. Rinse and drain. Set aside. In 6-inch nonstick skillet, combine 1 teaspoon olive oil, green pepper and onion. Cook over medium high heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Set aside. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat in 10-inch nonstick skillet. Spread angel hair pasta in skillet. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes or until lightly browned on underside. Turn pasta crust onto plate. Slip crust back into skillet browned-side- up. Reduce heat to medium. Spoon sauce evenly over crust. Top evenly with sliced pepperoni and prepared vegetables and the olives. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook for 5 - 7 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cut pizza into wedges and serve.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 347 Calories; 12g Fat (32.6% calories from fat); 22g Protein; 36g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 22mg Cholesterol; 896mg Sodium.
Exchanges: 2 Grain(Starch) ; 2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 2 Fat.
*Note: Please forward this recipe post to as many people as you like. All I ask is that you forward the entire message, and that you encourage the recipient to subscribe. Thank you so much! Kaylin
Temperence K. asked for a beef stroganoff recipe using less costly cuts of meat. Here is one:
Skillet Beef Stroganoff
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
3/4 to 1 cup sliced onion
6 tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 to 1 1/2 pounds round steak, about 1/2-inch thick, cut into thin strips
1 1/4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup sour cream
In a food storage bag or shallow bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour, salt, and pepper; dredge meat in the flour mixture. In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook mushrooms and onion in 4 tablespoons of butter until tender. Remove vegetables from the butter; set aside. Add remaining butter to the skillet. Brown beef quickly in butter; sprinkle with remaining seasoned flour left after dredging. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce; heat through. Stir the 2 tablespoons of flour into the sour cream until smooth. Add sour cream mixture to the meat mixture, stirring to blend. Add mushrooms and onions; cook over low heat until thickened and hot. Serve over hot rice or noodles.
Jack Poulter On an Island in the Pacific
For Temperance in regard to Beef Stroganoff
You can use any cut of beef for the stroganoff. I have used round steak and had the butcher put it through the meat tenderizer, or even not. I simmer mine for several hours and it becomes so tender from the long slow cooking. I also discovered if you put the milk and sour cream all in the pot from the beginning and cook it altogether for the entire time, it tastes so much better than adding it at the last few minutes.
jbrecipediva
Temperence,
I make Beef Stroganoff with ground beef or chicken or tuna or turkey... sometimes I leave out the meat altogether!
1 lb ground beef
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup pasta
1 cup sour cream
1 can beef broth
Brown the meat and mushrooms. Drain the oil. Add the beef broth and pasta. Cover and cook 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente or to your liking. Add sour cream, mix and cook till heated through.
For a creamier stroganoff, substitute the sour cream with cream cheese!
Barrie
Conversion Charts: http://www.realfood 4realpeople. com/convert. html
Archives: http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/RealFood4RealPeople/
Pickled Cukes n Garlic
Posted by: “Neal”
I have been making a lot of quick pickled vegetables
lately. They’re ready within a day or two of being
made. You can vary the flavoring ingredients. Here
is the recipe I made for lemon verbena pickles.
2 cups water
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon dill seeds
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
2 6-inch sprigs lemon verbena
1-1/2 cups white vinegar
2 pounds pickling cucumbers, quartered lengthwise
Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in salt
and sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat. Add seeds
and lemon verbena. Allow to cool to room temperature.
Add vinegar. Place cucumber quarters in a nonreactive
container. Pour brine over them and place a glass plate
on top to keep them submersed. Cover the container with
plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator. Pickles are
ready after 1 day and will keep for 1 week refrigerated
in an airtight container.
The original recipe I based this one on had fresh dill
and garlic included. Black peppercorns would be nice.
I sometimes put in some red pepper flakes, like I did
last month with some dilled green bean pickles for my
herb society meeting.
The main thing is to get the proportions of water to
vinegar, sugar, and salt and then make whatever changes
you want to the flavoring ingredients.
Neal O’B.
http://herbsociety.tripod.com
This plant grows freely in so many places it would be a shame not to use it as much as possible. And to do so we must learn more about it. The site below is very informative. Lot more info at the site than I copied below so explore it if you intrested. Judith
Huggs,
Judith in Bama
God is not mad at you, no matter what
A Golden Torch: Mullein’s Healing Light
by Kiva Rose on November 10th, 2009
15 Comments
Common Names: Mullein, Punchón, Gordolobo, Wild Ice Leaf, Our Lady’s Flannel, Hag’s (or Hedge) Taper, Torches, Candelaria, Quaker’s Rouge,
Botanical Name: Verbascum spp.
Parts used: root, leaf, flower, flower stalk resin
Energetics – Root: neutral, sl. drying. Leaf: cool, sl. moistening. Flower: cool, neutral
Taste: salty, bland, vanilla
This velvet leafed plant with its brightly bloomed flowerstalk is one of the most easily recognized and well known of almost any wild or domestic medicinal herb. Around here, the old-timers refer to it as Indian Tobacco and even the most botanically impaired individuals tend to know at least one of its names, although it often comes out as a slightly mangled “Mew-lin” or “Mully-in” from those who’ve only read about the oddly titled herb on paper. It is believed that the name Mullein comes either from the French word moleine of Celtic origins, meaning “yellow” or from the Latin mollis, meaning “soft”.
Although not native to North America, this now ubiquitous weed was quickly and widely accepted into the materia medica of this continent’s indigenous peoples, which itself is a clear indication of its broad applicability and benevolent nature. I view Mullein as an important guardian plant, emphasized in how it followed European immigrants to the Americas, and served to create an herbal bridge between old world and new world healing traditions, to the point that very few herbalists or folk healers could imagine a practice without this beloved and widespread remedy.
Mullein makes a very appropriate first herbal ally for many children or beginners in herbcraft. Its safe, wise and grounding presence helps take us deeper into not just this its own medicine, but into all herbal medicines. This plant provides itself as a guiding light and guardian for all healers who live within its range. Simultaneously a towering torch herb and fluffy comforter once called Our Lady’s Flannel, it has a long history as a benevolent and nurturing sentinel to healers, children and all those who ask for its assistance.
Maude Grieve said that:
“Both in Europe and Asia the power of driving away evil spirits was ascribed to the Mullein. In India it has the reputation among the natives that the St. John’s Wort once had here, being considered a sure safeguard against evil spirits and magic, and from the ancient classics we learn that it was this plant which Ulysses took to protect himself against the wiles of Circe.“
I have also seen Mullein flower tincture work very well in guiding and providing focus and grounding to those who feel they have lost their way or can’t see their path. They often feel in the dark and disjointed, and the confusion leaves them tense and with a deep sense of abandonment.
Consider it the perfect plant for those “hiding their light under a bushel”, instead of letting it shine, usually from fear of rejection or out of confusion of how to shine. Mullein will help provide the internal sense of safety and confidence needed for them to grow into their glory.
Some view this large plant with its tall phallic flower stalk and dermatitis-causing hairs as quintessentially masculine in nature, but my experience with its velvet soft leaves, first year basal rosette and sensual flowers is that this is truly an herb that teaches balance through wholeness and by embracing seeming contradictions, for it is both rigid and flexible, soft and hard, cuddly and prickly, weedy and elegant.
Medicinally, this is an infinitely multi-purpose plant and Tommie Bass himself said
“Mullein is an old-timer. I don’t think there is any ailment that Mullein wouldn’t give some relief. Everyone should have dried mullein leaves or roots in their medicine cabinet at all times.”
Additionally, it has essentially no toxicity and is both powerful and gentle in action, making it an ideal herb for children to work with.
Because of the multi-faceted nature of Mullein, I’ve divided this monograph into sections applicable to the various body systems for easier reference and comprehension.
Respiratory System
Many people think of Mullein as primarily a respiratory, and while its use is really much wider than that, it certainly does excel in its healing and protection of this part of the body. For respiratory issues I primarily use the leaf, and consider it to be indicated wherever there’s a tight yet wheezy hacking cough, especially where the cough tends to come and go, indicating constriction beginning to go chronic. It is doubly indicated where there is respiratory dryness leading to difficulty with productive expectoration, and I often combine it with Mallow root for this particular difficulty. Jim McDonald elaborates a bit on Mullein’s usefulness in dry coughs:
“The leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant, and among the first remedies to be thought of in treating congestion and dry coughs, as they are an excellent expectorant. An expectorant aids the lungs in expelling mucous and phlegm by loosening it from the walls of the lungs and allowing it to be coughed up; thus, Mullein will stimulate coughing, even though that’s the symptom being treated. What Mullein is really doing is assisting the body’s natural response to congestion – coughing – to be more effective.”
Not only soothing and expectorant, it also helps prevent infections from settling into the delicate respiratory tissue. This makes it suitable in a great array of respiratory distress, wherever there is dryness or constriction, including many cases of asthma and other chronic respiratory disease or distress. Matthew Wood notes that in many cases where this remedy is appropriate, there will be concurrent lung and kidney weakness.
For acute episodes of respiratory constriction, utilizing Mullein leaf as a smoke inhalation can be very useful and provide near immediate results. For many people, the most practical way to do this is to take a couple of medium sized dried leaves and rub them between the hands until they’re broken down and fluffy. Then set the leaves into a brazier or incense holder, light on fire and then allow to smolder. Breathing in the distributed smoke often helps to calm respiratory spasms without requiring direct inhalation from a pipe or herbal cigarette, and is preferable for children and those with delicate lungs.
I include Mullein leaf and root in most of my lung tonic formulas and have made especial use of it in this year’s batch of Elderberry Elixir for added respiratory tonification and protection. It’s gentle and neutral enough in nature that its presence will never do harm and will most often help a great deal.
The leaves and flowers are also useful in many chest salves, and while it doesn’t have the penetrating volatile oils of the typically used mint, eucalyptus and so on, the aromatics of those herbs combine well with Mullein and seem to carry its lung healing effect much further into the body.
If there’s one thing Mullein is famous for, it’s as an oil for ear infections. The warm oil is useful where wax is causing a blockage and/or pooling of moisture but in general, I prefer the flower tincture for most infections, as it adds the drying action that helps to speed healing form most bacterial infections. Additionally, I find Mullein flower to be much more effective in the treatment of chronic ear infections when combined with Elderberry tincture. Be aware that if there is any chance of a ruptured ear drum, nothing at all should be placed in the ear and immediate medical attention should be sought. Also, if chronic ear infections persist with herbal treatment, a dairy intolerance should be considered and/or probiotic therapy in the form of fermented foods or supplementation.
Lymphatic and Immune System
Mullein (any part) can be used internally or externally as a poultice for lymphatic stagnation, especially where there are hard, impacted feeling glands or a sense of having rocks rather than glands. The leaves can be simply dipped in boiling water and, when cool enough, placed upon the afflicted area. Or the fresh leaf can be pounded and applied to the area as needed.
For acute cases, or sudden onset of severe lymphatic backup, I like to combine Mullein with Alder and something diffusive such as Beebalm or Ginger to get it moving quickly. In more longterm or chronic situations, I am more likely to pair with a less cooling lymphatic such as Redroot.
Along the same lines, Mullein can be very useful in the correction of long term sore throat caused by hypoimmunity and lymphatic stagnation, especially as an infusion with a small amount of Sage. Rose should be added where there is a specific sense of rawness or burning.
Musco-Skeletal System
While ethnobotany and old herbals make it clear that Mullein is a very traditional remedy for troubles of this body system, it is only recently that Midwestern herbalists Matt Wood and Jim McDonald have brought it back to a well deserved popularity for these uses. Both Jim and Matt are both well known for their experiences with Mullein as an assistant to structural alignment of all kinds, from unset bones to slipped discs, and particularly where there is notable swelling. This use has been proven over and over by many herbalists including myself, in both animals and in humans. For a good understanding of where it might be appropriate, think about the odd structural deformities that can occur in the Verbascum’s flower stalk, the way it can look kinked and bent radically out of shape. If your spine feels like that, this is probably the remedy you need, and if the problem is neck specific, consider combining it with a bit of Vervain for addition alignment assistance.
It is also indicated where there is significant pain in the hips, especially upon rotating the hips inwards or outwards, and it feels like you have a corkscrew rather than a lower back. This sort of issue is often especially painful at night when attempting to sleep. Flower or root tincture before bed, and sleeping with a firm pillow between you legs will often great lessen or altogether resolve the issue.
Mullein reduces inflammation and pain, making it a perfect herb for use where delicate, complex bones such as in the hand or feet have been broken and cannot be set, or where there are complicated alignment issues in the spine (even in the lower spine and hips). I have noticed that it is often doubly effective in difficult slow healing injuries when combined with Horsetail tincture.
In addition to these specific indications, Mullein leaf, root or flower is an appropriate and gentle herb for almost any ailment related to the alignment of joint, bone or tissue. I use the salve, poultice, infusion or tincture in any case of broken bones, sprained joints, arthritis, and chronic joint pain. While Mullein itself may not always be able to fundamentally correct such difficult issues as chronic pain, it can often offer great healing, pain relief and ongoing assistance in the re-alignment process.
I have many times over now seen very small doses (3-5 drops) of Mullein root tincture greatly lessen chronic, achy arthritis of the hands, hips and other achy areas. I also find that a salve or liniment made of the same is very helpful symptomatically.
Nervous System
I find the flower best for acute pain from a recent injury or a severe flareup of a chronic injury. It’s often most appropriate where there’s overwhelming, usually sharp or burning pain, especially in the joints, spine (including neck) and locations of old breaks in the bone. The flower provides a sense of calm, peaceful well-being and is particularly indicated where severe pain is causing a sense of darkness, depression or hopelessness.
The root seems better for chronic pain, especially in relation to joint problems, old injuries and arthritis that feels achy and bone deep. Hard swellings with pain in either acute or chronic cases are a specific indication for Mullein. It also provides grounding where the pain threatens to unglue us or send us spiraling out of our bodies to retreat from the incessant pressure of constant pain.
Both flower and root can be useful in the treatment of nerve damage or pain that directly stem from or relate to a broken bone or misaligned joint, such as many cases of sciatica. I usually combine it with a more directly nerve associated herb like Skullcap or Vervain for such an application.
The flower is the strongest relaxant nervine, but both the root and leaf also have noticeable relaxant qualities, although they effect different people to varying degrees. For some, the leaf infusion, with it’s slightly odd but nutty flavor, is quite enough to send them for a long nap, while others feel only a vague calming impression from the draft.
I learned from Michael Moore to use Mullein flower tea and/or tincture as a treatment for the Herpes Simplex virus, especially for women where triggered by hormonal fluctuations combined with stress. I usually combine it with Elderberry Elixir, Linden infusion, topical Mugwort application and the appropriate supplements and dietary measures, and have had great success with this particular regimen as long as stress levels are kept under control.
Urinary System
Verbascum root will be found useful for incontinence due to chronic cystitis, especially when combined with an appropriate mucus membrane tonic. It is very specific to cases adult incontinence childhood bedwetting as a result of a weak trigone muscle. In fact, I consider it worth trying in any bedwetting situation not clearly related to emotional trauma and/or sexual abuse. Michael Moore says that:
“The root is also a diuretic and urinary tract astringent. One-half teaspoon in one-fourth cup of water drunk before retiring will increase the tone of the triangular base of the bladder (the trigone) and aid in preventing bed-wetting or incontinence, and is frequently useful for prostate inflammation or simple urethral irrititation in both sexes following sexual calisthenics.”
I have not yet had the chance to utilize it in a case of prostate inflammation but I can certainly vouch for the fact that it works very well for bedwetting in children as well as general urethral irritation from infection or irritation.
Additionally, it should be thought of wherever there are both kidney and lung weakness together especially with water retention, and if there is great fatigue and difficulty urinating, Goldenrod should also be thought of. However, kidney disease can be a very serious thing, so please be careful and see a health care practitioner if there is any chance of infection or organic disease.
External Applications
Mullein is an ancient wound herb and soothes inflammation and pain while preventing infection, reducing swelling and aligning tissue for the best possible healing. It is specifically indicated where is a hard swelling of some kind and/or where there is a jagged wound unlikely to knit back together without significant scarring. Salve can be made from just leaves, just flower or some combination of root, flower or leaf depending on the need.
Tinctured plant can also be included in liniments for chronic or acute pain related to muscular stress or damage in addition to its use as a liniment for broken bones, misalignment or joint damage and pain. For use on slipped or bulging discs where there is sharp pain or burning, consider combining Mullein flower tincture with Chokecherry and Rose tincture for a more effective blend.
The Resin
The black resin exuded by the scored flower stalk, is somewhat more strongly vanilla like in flavor than the rest of the plant. It is also mildly mind altering, and when collected and concentrated into a tincture, can definitely provide some perspective shifting experiences, and can be a worthy psychotropic ally for some individuals. More about this in future posts.
In Conclusion
To whatever system and in whatever way Mullein is applied, it brings illumination and guidance and alignment to those who ally with it. Hold a leaf up to the sun and look at the light is refracted liked stain glass. Spend some time with the dew-kissed flowers and notice the intense golden mood they invoke. Dig the root, brush away the sand and dirt and run your fingers over its earthy firmness. Whenever all your other herbal allies allude your understanding and the subtleties of your craft escape your understanding, come back to the Mullein. Sit with the plant, drink the tea, carry the root in your pocket, do whatever you need to do to get up close and personal with this plant, and most likely, you’ll find your way lit by one of our species most persistent, gentle and dependable guardians and guiding lights.
Preparations & Dosage: Tincture, oil or infusion of all or any parts is useful depending on the situation. Mullein tends to be a fairly low dose herb, it is safe in nearly any quantity, but is strong enough that most adults only require a dose of 3-7 drops a few times a day of the tincture.
Cautions & Contradictions: None, except the chance of contact dermatitis caused by those fuzzy little hairs. The name Quaker’s Rouge is an allusion to the use of the leaves by young girls to make their cheeks rosy, which worked because of the irritating hairs. This is also why I don’t recommend using Mullein leaf as toilet paper, because for some sensitive individuals, a rash and certain discomfort can result.
References and Further Resources
A Modern Herbal by Maude Grieve
Personal correspondence with and Mullein monograph by jim mcdonald.
Personal correspondence with Susan Hess
Mullein Monograph by Ryan Drum
The Book of Herbal Wisdom, The Earthwise Herbal: Old World and unpublished writings by Matthew Wood
Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West Michael Moore
Herbal Medicine: Trends and Traditions by Charles Kane
Mountain Medicine by Darryl Patton
Categories: Materia Medica
This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 9:20 pm and is filed under Materia Medica. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
LOT more info at this site below:
http://animahealingarts.org/?p=854
I love working with Mullein! Its a beautiful and useful plant. I first heard of it by people who advocated putting mullein leaves in your shoe. Check out this site:
http://www.biffle.info/images/house-garden/mullein.pdf
Michelle
If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies.
. Mint: cooking with it
Posted by: “Judith
I saw my first robin last week and today I saw my first plowed garden of the year even tho we still have some snow in hidden places. Spring is upon us and can’t wait to taste that first fresh mint tea!
~~MINT AND LEMON DRESSING~~
Delicious on a spring salad with chicken or fish! (see our two recipes below for delicious chicken and fish dishes!)
Ingredients:
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint* leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves*
**Substitute mint leaves with 1-2 drops of peppermint or spearmint oil.
Directions:
Stir together olive oil, lemon juice, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of mint or the mint oil until well blended. Set aside for 2 hours.
When using fresh mint: Strain mint out of dressing with a fine mesh strainer. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves and serve.
Found on allrecipes.com.
~~BROWN SUGAR CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES~~
Our Mint Christmas Elves have made chocolate chip cookies before (see recipe way down below), but here is a variant of this all time favorite treat…
This Aromatherapy Foods™ recipe made with pure essential oils makes very flat, crispy chocolate chip cookies. They will spread a lot on the pan while baking. If you enjoy cookie pieces these cookies are ideal for cutting into bite-sized pieces before they cool. Or you can remove them immediately from the baking sheet and allow finishing cooling on a rack.
Ingredients:
Half pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus some for baking sheet
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 - 6 drops pure peppermint essential oil
3 cups all-purpose pastry flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 - 2 cups chocolate chips
Preparation and Baking Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment; set aside.
In small bowl, cream butter until smooth, then add sugars, and beat until smooth. Beat in eggs, vanilla and peppermint oil.
In a large bowl, sift together dry ingredients. Slowly stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips.
Drop 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie onto baking sheet; space dough 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake until golden, 8-10 minutes. Remove cookies immediately and allow to cool. Makes sixty 3-inch cookies.
PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for cooking. For best flavors and results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use organically grown and wild crafted essential oils that have been tested for purity and are pesticide free.
About the Author
KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, Oregon, USA. She has utilized essential oils in her professional practice for more than 30 years, and teaches aromatherapy workshops, including cooking with essential oils. KG is the Director of PurePlant Essentials Organic Aromatherapy and a specialist in formulating aromatic blends for healthy living.
Found on http://chocolaterecipes.diy-home-tips.com
~~CHOCOLATE MINTS~~
12 oz. chocolate chips
14 oz. can condensed milk
1 teaspoon peppermint flavoring
Melt chocolate and milk slowly over low heat. Stir in peppermint. Drop by small spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let dry and set for several hours or overnight. Store in a covered container, but do not refrigerate.
Found on http://chocolaterecipes.diy-home-tips.com
~~BASIL MINT CHICKEN~~
This is a Get Mint Trading Co. favorite. Not only a delicious recipe, but also healthy, easy and great to cook for, I say... Eastern?
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
3 Tbs soy sauce
1 1/2 Tbs honey
1 clove crushed garlic
1 Tbs chopped mint
1 Tbs chopped basil
2 Tbs olive oil
1/4 cup warm water
Place chicken breasts in shallow baking dish. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Refrigerate for 1 hour or more. Bake for 45 minutes on 375F. Serve hot or cut into strips for a salad. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4.
~~GRILLED SWORDFISH WITH LEMON, MINT AND BASIL~~
Hmmm, another favorite this spring! A delicious dish for the seafood lover. Of course, with mint.
Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves*
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 (5 to 6-ounces each) swordfish steaks
*Substitute with 3-4 drops of spearmint oil if no fresh mint is available.
Directions
Prepare the grill (medium-high heat). Whisk the oil, mint, lemon juice, basil, and garlic in a medium bowl to blend. Season the lemon and olive oil mixture with salt and pepper, to taste.
Brush the swordfish steaks with 2 tablespoons of the lemon and olive oil mixture. Grill the steaks until just cooked through, about 3 minutes per side (depending on thickness of steaks). Transfer the steaks to plates. Spoon the remaining sauce over and serve.
~~CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA~~
For one of our holiday newsletters we tried our hands on a batch of mintalicious chocolate-mint cookies! Made from scratch, these are a real treat on a cold winter day, fun to make and with the right packaging, unique and thoughtful giveaways!
You can make different varieties and then give them as little gifts to neighbors, friends, the mailman, the Get Mint Trading Co. team ;), the baker, party hosts or your coworkers. Make it a gift to remember during the holidays when you present them in one of these fun Christmas mugs that you can buy for just a dollar at the 99 cent stores!
You need:
2 sticks of salted butter
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup (packed) brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
15 drops of Get Mint Trading peppermint oil
Preheat the oven at 375F and line a baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper.
Cream the butter in a large bowl. Add the white and brown sugar and mix until smooth. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mix well.
IN a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking soda. Combine this with the egg mixture and mix until corporated, adding the chocolate chips about halfway through.
Take a teaspoon of white sugar and add about 15 drops of Get Mint Trading Peppermint Oil. Mix well into the dough.
**Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up.**
Drop dough by rounded teaspoon, about two and a half inches from each other, on the cookie sheet. Keep in mind to make them small enough to fit in a Christmas mug or tin. Place in heated oven and bake for about 14 minutes, or until the edges are nice and brown...
Let the cookies cool off completely before you place them on a dish. Wrap them up in Christmas mugs, tins or boxes! With colored cellophane and some ribbon you have a personal gift ready to put under the tree! Don’t forget to taste them yourself...
*** MINT ANGEL CLOUD CAKE
At this year’s Get Mint Trading Co’s Christmas party, Linette surprised the crew with this beautiful cake. Here is the how to:
You need:
1 pkg. (16 oz.) angel food cake mix
24 large marshmellows
6 milk chocolate candy bars with almonds, chopped
2/3 cups milk
1 tsp sugar
2-4 drops of peppermint oil
1 carton (12 oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
hard peppermint candy (crushed) for decoration
Following the directions, prepare the angel food cake, using a 10 in. tube pan. Let cool.
Combine the marshmellows, candy bars and milk in a small saucepan, and cook and stir until melted over low heat. Take a teaspoon of sugar and add 2-4 drops of peppermint oil, mix into mixture until well distributed. Transfer to a bowl and let cool. Fold in 3/4 cup whipped topping.
Cut the cake horizontally into three layers and place the bottom on the serving plate. Spread a third of the chocolate-mint mixture on top and repeat layers twice. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
Frost top and sides of your cake with the remaining topping. Crush the hard candy and sprinkle on top.
Enjoy!!
http://www.crosbymintfarm.com/in-the-kitchen/
Huggs,
Judith in Bama
God is not mad at you, no matter what!
Re: Lavender question
Posted by: “Deborah
Here in the TX Hill Country Provence is best here. Lavender doesn’t like wet feet so be sure it is in a place that drains well. I had one plant in the perfect place for 10 years and it was a really nice plant until this past summer. Our drought and heat did it in. Now I need to start all over again. Debbie
http://russellhillranch.blogspot.com/
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnHerbGarden/
Okay Granny, mmm mmm mmm, cakes! The pound cake is one cake I’ve never tried making from scratch. The market has plenty of options of readi-made for soaking in various fluids, etc. A regular pound cake soaked in creme de cacao is one of my favorites. Also one soaked in melon liquor is great. Both freeze well if, like me, there are only cats around to eat ‘the rest of the story’, so I’ve learned to prepare things which can have half of it frozen for later.
Invirase (saquinavir): Ongoing safety review of clinical trial data
Audience: HIV/AIDS and cardiological healthcare professionals, patients
FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients that it is reviewing clinical trial data about a potentially serious effect on the heart from the use of Invirase (saquinavir) in combination with Norvir (ritonavir), antiviral medications given together to treat HIV infection.
The data suggest that together the two drugs may affect the electrical activity of the heart, known as prolonged QT or PR intervals. A prolonged QT interval can increase the risk for a serious abnormal rhythm called torsades de pointes. A prolonged PR interval can cause the electrical signal responsible for generating a heart beat to slow or even stop, known as heart block.
FDA’s analysis of these data is ongoing. The agency will update the public as soon as this review is complete. However, healthcare professionals should be aware of this potential risk for changes to the electrical activity of the heart. Invirase and Norvir should not be used in patients already taking medications known to cause QT interval prolongation such as Class IA (such as quinidine,) or Class III (such as amiodarone) antiarrhythmic drugs, or in patients with a history of QT interval prolongation.
Patients should not stop taking their prescribed antiviral medications. Patients who are concerned about possible risks associated with using Invirase and Norvir should talk to their healthcare professional.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
* Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
* Phone: 1-800-332-1088
* Mail: return the postage-paid FDA form 3500, which may be downloaded from the MedWatch “Download Forms” page, to address on the pre-addressed form
* Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
Read the complete MedWatch 2010 Safety summary, including a link to the Drug Safety communication and News Release, at:
Oh, gee. The FDA is watching out for us again.....
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2010
Release # 10-146
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 255-9237
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Bristol Model and Martha Stewart Collection® Enameled Steel Tea Kettles Recalled Due to Burn Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Copco and Wild Leaf Tea Co. Bristol model and Martha Stewart Collection® Enameled Steel Tea Kettles
Units: About 132,000
Distributer: Copco, a division of Wilton Industries Inc., of Woodridge, Ill.
Hazard: The handle on the tea kettle can come loose, posing a burn hazard to the consumer.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received eight reports of the handle becoming loose or deformed. One minor burn to hands has been reported.
Description: This recall involves Copco and Wild Leaf Tea Co. Bristol model and Martha Stewart Collection® Enameled Steel Tea Kettles with enamel finishes in white, crème, blue, cobalt, sand, red and green.
Sold by: Mail order, online and by retailers nationwide, including Macy’s and Linens ‘n Things from October 2005 through January 2010 for about $35.
Manufactured in: Thailand
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these tea kettles and contact Copco for a refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Copco toll free at (866) 255-9237 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday, and between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. CT Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.copco.com
To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10146.html
********************************************************
‘CPSC 2.0’ Launches Product Safety Agency into Social Media — Learn more at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09346.html
* Visit our new blog, OnSafety at www.cpsc.gov/onsafety
* See our videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/uscpsc
* Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/OnSafety
* See our photos on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/uscpsc
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
http://www.biolsci.org/v05p0706.htm#headingA11
A report released by the International Journal of Biological Sciences states that three types of Monsanto corn, cause cancer and organ damage in mammals.
In what is being described as the first ever and most comprehensive study of the effects of genetically modified foods on mammalian health, researchers have linked organ damage with consumption of Monsanto’s GM maize.
Three varieties of Monsanto’s GM corn – Mon 863, insecticide-producing Mon 810, and Roundup® herbicide-absorbing NK 603 – were approved for consumption by US, European and several other national food safety authorities.
The Committee of Independent Research and Information on Genetic Engineering (CRIIGEN) and Universities of Caen and Rouen obtained Monsanto’s confidential raw data of its 2002 feeding trials on rats after a European court made it public in 2005.
The data “clearly underlines adverse impacts on kidneys and liver, the dietary detoxifying organs, as well as different levels of damages to heart, adrenal glands, spleen and haematopoietic system,” reported Gilles-Eric Séralini, a molecular biologist at the University of Caen.
Their December 2009 study appears in the International Journal of Biological Sciences (IJBS). This latest study conforms with a 2007 analysis by CRIIGEN on Mon 863, published in Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, using the same data.
The researchers conclude that the raw data from all three GMO studies reveal novel pesticide residues will be present in food and feed and may pose grave health risks to those consuming them.
They have called for “an immediate ban on the import and cultivation of these GMOs and strongly recommend additional long-term (up to two years) and multi-generational animal feeding studies on at least three species to provide true scientifically valid data on the acute and chronic toxic effects of GM crops, feed and foods.”
This may be the reason we see bee colony collapse disorder and massive butterfly deaths. If GMOs are wiping out Earth’s pollinators, they are far more disastrous than the threat they pose to humans and other mammals.
http://tree-in-the-sea.blogspot.com/
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AntiTerrorismCoalition/
http://flu.gov/news/blogs/blog20100222.html
Flu Home > News, PSAs & Outreach
Protection Against 2009 H1N1 To Be Included in 2010-2011 Seasonal Flu Vaccine
February 22, 2010
A key U.S. Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee recommended today that protection against the 2009 H1N1 virus, which was first identified last April, be included in the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine starting this fall. That means that, barring some unforeseen circumstance, this fall, most Americans will be able to return to the traditional routine of having one flu vaccine to protect them against the major circulating flu viruses. As is always the case with seasonal vaccine, younger children who have never had a seasonal vaccine will still need two doses.
Today’s recommendation to include protection against the 2009 H1N1 flu strain in next season’s flu vaccine was made by the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. The committee’s recommendations typically guide vaccine manufacturers in preparing each season’s flu vaccines. The World Health Organization has made the same recommendation.
This recommendation will go into effect for next fall’s flu season. In the meantime, you can still protect yourself against the H1N1 flu by getting your H1N1 vaccine now. Supplies are still available and getting immunized now can protect you against H1N1 while it continues to circulate. H1N1 has led to nearly 260,000 hospitalizations and approximately 12,000 deaths in the United States. Use our handy vaccine locator to find a vaccination location near you.
Kim Komando has a page of real work from home sites/links:
http://www.komando.com/toolbox.aspx?mode=print&id=8254
I will be cheese AND SPINACH pie. I love spinach. <<<
I never cared for spinach, until on a camping trip, Myrt opened a can of it and set it on the wood campfire.
Love it that way.
Discovered that I even like the dehydrated spinach too.
Also good is pigweed greens.
My 92 years young Mother loves chocolate ice cream on Cherry Pie. <<<
I am very willing to try it.
I could not go out in the fields and woods without seeing food everywhere!<<<
People make a mistake today, in not knowing what can be eaten in the wild, for so much of it is better for you than what is being eaten from the stores.
I think its name was Meslan, something like that, a fancy green in the seed catalog, which I ordered of course, planted in the greenhouse and ate all winter, kinda a mild mustard green, steam it with butter or raw with ranch dressing, very good.
In the spring, when I attacked the weeds in the front yard, the joke was on me, for my fancy green had been growing there wild all the time.
Guess most are plain vanilla...<<<
I am with apple pie.
Welcome and glad you took time to come and read.
Join in any time, we can always use more folks minds here.
“Because the Indians are cutting wood like crazy!”<<<
Perfect, explains it all and I am still laughing.
Agreed, can’t beat free.<<<
Maybe it was not you, asking about free things, LOL, I get to make a few mistakes, don’t I?
It worked, you checked in, so we know you are ok.
Makes you belive in miracles for sure!<<<
Yes, there is always something new in a greenhouse, that is why I so enjoyed having it attached to the house, so much to see and so nice to see it if you need a break, or with that first cup of coffee in the morning.
A regular pound cake soaked in creme de cacao<<<
Now that would be a taste treat.
Nothing wrong with a goodie or two in the freezer.
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