Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today

http://www.herbs2000.com/articles/09-09-08_tamiflu.htm

New H1N1 Treatment For Patients With Tamiflu-resistant Viruses

A group of doctors have recently stated that a new and unauthorized medication for swine flu may be brought to use to treat patients suffering from Tamiflu-resistant viruses. A group of British doctors have detailed the manner in which they made use of intravenous variety of the anti-viral Relenza to cure a 22-year-old woman who had been suffering from acute swine flu. The details of the treatment process adopted by these British doctors have been published in the medical journal Lancet. It may be mentioned here that Relenza is normally breathed in through the nose and is not licensed for administration as an intravenous injection.

In fact, the woman treated by the British physicians for swine flu had of late endured chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s disease. The woman’s lungs were filled with fluid and she was even put on a ventilator to facilitate her breathing following the swine flu infection. Incidentally, the condition of the patient continued to worsen irrespective of the fact that she was being administered Tamiflu, inhalable Relenza and other medications for several days.

Consequently, the doctors attending on the woman settled on trying out an unusual technique to administer the medicine into the patient’s body as her lungs were incapable of absorbing the anti-viral medications in the normal method. Having obtained the requisite permission from the woman’s family as well as the hospital authorities, the doctors administered the patient an unauthorized intravenous form of anti-viral zanamivir or Relenza made available by the drug’s manufacturer Glaxo-Smith-Kline PLC. Soon after the unlicensed intravenous administration of the inhaler, the patient recuperated. And surprisingly enough, there was no adverse side effect owing to the experimentation by the British physicians!

According to Michael Kidd, the lead author of the study undertaken by the British physicians and a scientist of the University College London, the outcome of this medical experimentation is likely to offer a third alternative to cure patients who are not responsive to anti-viral therapy as the lungs are unable to receive active medication. Kidd further said that though they are now certain that the woman did not suffer from Tamiflu-resistant virus, the intravenous zanamivir may perhaps be administered to cure similar ailments.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has, in a statement, declared that the treatment adopted by the British physicians to cure the woman may only be applicable in exceptional situations, as the availability of the medication is not only difficult, but the process is also unauthorized. Nevertheless, the healing process may prove to be beneficial for patients who have a poor immune system, for instance, people who have had chemotherapy or are suffering from ailments like HIV, as they are at an extreme risk of having viruses that are resistant to medicines. According to a WHO spokesperson Gregory Hartl, the alteration in the use of the anti-viral drug from being an inhaler to an intravenous injection is a rational alternative in such instances. It may be mentioned here that while Tamiflu is the most common preliminary healing drug for swine flu, at times, physicians also make use of the inhaler Relenza.

Though just a few swine flu viruses that are resistant to the drug Tamiflu have been selected thus far, the virus is capable of transforming into a resistant variety as it continues to spread more. In fact, extensive resistance to the Tamiflu drug has been observed during a recurring breed of H1N1 that is vaguely associated with swine flu. At present, the countries that provide the Tamiflu drug include Britain. In fact, these nations may also accelerate the materialization of viruses that are resistant to the medicine. Although the WHO recommends that Tamiflu should be saved for the most susceptible people, such as pregnant women and children, Britain offers the Tamiflu medication to any individual who is suspected to have been contaminated by the virus.

According to Michael Kidd, the inhaler Relenza, which was administered as an intravenous injection despite being unlicensed, may also prove to be beneficial to cure other acutely ailing patients who are affected by flu and may even reduce the period of their hospitalization. In fact, this may actually lessen the burden on the hospitals, as people would be less inclined to occupy the hospital beds during the ensuing winter. Incidentally, it is apprehended that the swine flu endemic may stage a come back.

Apart from the use of the inhaler Relenza as an intravenous injection to cure the woman in Britain, a similar case has been reported from Australia. Incidentally, this particular patient in Australia is said to have been cured of swine flu infection.

Meanwhile, it needs to be mentioned that majority of the countries in the northern hemisphere are now endeavoring for a desperate preparation to tackle the swine flu season that is in the offing. However, it needs to be noted that no inoculation capable of combating the swine flu virus is likely to be available before October.

While the spread of the swine flu virus is still not vigorous, the Word Health Organization (WHO) apprehends that as many as two million people may be affected by the virus across the globe. And in a situation like this, the pandemic is able to overpower the health system worldwide.

http://www.herbs2000.com/articles/09-07-08_acetaminophen.htm

Acetaminophen Taken In Excess Can Harm Liver

There are lots of people who consider acetaminophen, an analgesic for mild pain that is used as an antipyretic to treat many conditions such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds and fevers as one of the beneficial drugs and prefer to store it in their medicine cupboards. However, when you take this apparently harmless painkiller in excess, it may lead to the non-functioning of the liver. In other words, if not used judiciously, acetaminophen may really prove to be fatal.

According to the head of clinical pharmacology and toxicology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Dr. David Juurlink, that acetaminophen is being considered by many as a beneficial medication suitably emphasizes the fact that it is the dosage that actually makes a difference between a medicine and a poison.

Meanwhile, a two-day meet of experts was organized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently to talk about ways and means to lessen overdoses from acetaminophen - an element present is several drugs sold without valid prescriptions. Such medicines include painkillers such as Tylenol and cough and cold medicines like Nyquil.

It may be mentioned here that similar to the majority of the drugs available in the market, acetaminophen too is removed from the body through the liver. But the drug is eliminated from the body only after it is absorbed by the liver, which transforms it into different amalgams. Dr. Juurlink states that one of the metabolites, known as NAPQI or N-acetyl-p-benzo-quinone imine, may prove to be poisonous for the liver in high measures.

It is shocking to note that thousands of Canadians are admitted to the emergency departments of different hospitals every year with liver inflammation caused by overdoses of acetaminophen. According to Dr. Juurlink, while many of the patients take the drug on purpose to cause them harm, there are many others who ingest excessive dosages of the drug unwittingly. It is possible that some of the patients who take overdoses of acetaminophen may do so by ingesting different medicines containing the drug at the same time. Dr. Juurlink is of the view that they may be taking Tylenol to cure arthritis and soon ingest Percocet, Sinutab or any other medicine containing acetaminophen. Moreover, many of these patients may be taking twice the daily dose prescribed for them assuming that it would help them to recover faster. It may be noted that though the primary ingredient in the prescribed painkiller Percocet is the narcotic oxycodone, the medicine also encloses acetaminophen and this often makes the pain reliever a deadly medication.

Dr. Juurlink, however, pointed out that people cannot be blamed for taking acetaminophen over dosages for they are not aware of the threats associated with this drug. Most people consider acetaminophen to be a beneficial drug and hence they may be simultaneously taking Tylenol to get relief from pain and Percocet without actually realizing the perils. Besides, it is very simple to take acetaminophen beyond the prescribed dose as people often get tempted to take more of the medicines containing the drug thinking that it would help them to alleviate their problems faster, Dr. Juurlink said, adding that eventually this procedure only spells trouble for these unsuspecting patients.

According to Dr. Juurlink, the consumers should be cautious while using medicines containing acetaminophen and whenever they purchase any cold and cough medication without a valid prescription they need to essentially go through the ingredient list of the medicine to find if it contains acetaminophen. At the same time, he advises the consumers never to take over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol beyond the prescribed dosage falsely assuming that it would alleviate their pain more rapidly. This may damage the functioning of the liver and eventually prove to be fatal. In addition, the patients must always inquire from their physician or pharmacist about the ‘hidden’ sources or elements in drugs such as Percocet or Vicoden, Dr. Juurlink counseled.

He warned that as long as a patient took anything between one and four grams of acetaminophen daily there is no threat of any harmful reaction in the liver. However, exceeding this dosage, which is the existing highest daily dose of acetaminophen recommended for adults, is bound to invite problems for the patient. “One to four grams of the drug daily is beneficial, but when it is eight grams, it is dangerous,” Dr. Juurlink cautioned.

It may be mentioned here that the medical experts at the FDA have already recommended lowering the present maximum daily dosage of acetaminophen bought without valid prescriptions from four grams or eight tablets of a medicine like Extra Strength Tylenol that contains the drug. However, it is unfortunate that these FDA experts were not asked to suggest a substitute daily maximum dosage of acetaminophen. As a result, no change could be effected in the daily maximum dosage of the drug.

” It’s me again Margaret “ (Ray Stevens??)

BREAKING - Mandatory Flu Vaccines For Children In New Jersey (No joke)

thread here:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2351020/posts

I remember ( I think it was 3 ) sugar cubes for polio and you had a little card with the dates...

but that was another world.. another time .. another place...

http://www.herbs2000.com/articles/09-09-25_antibodies.htm

Antibodies And Severe Diseases

If the claims made by a group of Australian researchers are true, the medical science already possesses a weapon that could be exploited to effectively combat the deadly swine flu and largely decrease the death toll owing to the pandemic. According to a group of researchers in Australia, they have discovered a hint regarding the reasons that make swine flu a life-threatening disease. During the course of their research, these scientists found that when women become gravely sick after being infected by the new H1N1 virus during their pregnancy, the intensity of a particular antibody that is identified for its role in combating viruses as well as enable the body to respond to vaccine depletes drastically.

In addition, the scientists have found that the levels of the antibody were not as low or restrained in women who were somewhat sick. According to Dr. Lindsay Grayson, the director of infectious disease at Austin Health - a group of three hospitals in Melbourne, they think that they might have chanced upon something very exciting. The scientist further said that they believe that it was for the first time ever that a link or relationship has been noticed between critical flu of any type and a restrained, but conceivably significant immune deficiency.

The researchers stumbled upon the detection when Dr. Claire Gordon, an associate of Dr. Grayson, called for an examination that observed the levels of antibody, not merely by their category, but also scrutinized the separate sub-groups enclosed by those categories of antibody. The order for investigation was given in the case of a critically ailing person whose condition was deteriorating exceptionally rapidly and the group researches was deliberating if administration of immune globulin, a blood produce enclosing antibodies collected from donated blood would be of any help to cure the patient. The examination confirmed that the level of the antibody known as IgG2 was deficient in the patient. According to Dr. Grayson, the results of the test came as a surprise to them. As a result of this, the scientists began calling for similar tests on all the patients admitted to the hospital’s ICU owing to swine flu infection.

In an interview from San Francisco, where the findings of the report were presented at the annual convention of the American Society for Microbiology - ICAAC, Dr. Lindsay Grayson said that during their examination of all the patients admitted to the ICU with swine flu infection, they came across a startling revelation. Surprisingly, they discovered nearly all the patients suffering from a deficit IgG2. The researchers found that the level of IgG2 in the acutely ill patients was approximately one third of what was present in patients who were somewhat ill.

So far, the researchers have only conducted examinations of pregnant women suffering from swine flu infection. However, Dr. Grayson and his colleagues are of the view that it would be worthwhile to expand the purview of their research and include other patients too as subjects of their study, to find out if the IgG2 deficit is able to make clear as to why only a small number of victims of the swine flu infection suffer seriously, while the majority of such persons simply endure the flu only for a short while.

Dr. Grayson has stated that previous researches have shown around two to twenty per cent people normally suffer from some type of antibody shortage. However, not everyone among these people would be suffering from deficiency of IgG2. He further said that three of the four seriously ill patients who were treated with immune globulin managed to survive contrary to the forecasts made by people who looked after these patients. Chief Microbiologist at Toronto Mount Sinai, Dr. Donald Low said that although the findings of the Australian researchers are basically a sort of groundwork on the subject, they are definitely likely to explicate the reason as to why the natives are more vulnerable to acute illness if they happen to be infected by the new H1N1 virus. According to Dr. Low, the theory regarding the use of immune globulin to treat acutely ill swine flu patients needs to be researched further.

Dr. Donald Low says that a further research into the subject would be something similar to a fishing exploration, but, at the same time, he asserts that such a move would definitely be valuable. He said that the end result of the matter is that this hypothesis is something that needs to be thoroughly investigated. According to him, the research may well result in a remedial inference and possibly will be an indicator for women who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill when they are contaminated by the H1N1 virus. Contrary to the views of Dr. Donald Low, Dr. Anand Kumar, an expert on intensive care unit (ICU) from Winnipeg who has attended several critically ill swine flu patients during the last spring and early summer, was not very positive regarding the findings of the Australian research team.

In a e-mail message, Dr. Anand Kumar said that the findings of the research by Australian team of scientists was nothing surprising to him as this is what he had anticipated in any person falling gravely sick following infection by the new H1N1 virus. Dr. Kumar who is also an expert on infectious diseases said that during serious illness it is very natural that the level of all antibodies would decrease and it is directly proportionate with the acuteness of the ailment. In other words, the more severe the ailment is, the greater is the fall in the antibody level. At the same time, Dr. Kumar was of the view that treating the swine flu patients with antibodies collected from other people does make sense. However, he emphasized that the immune globulin should be essentially harvested from people who have convalesced from a bout of swine flu and possess the antibodies that are precise to the H1N1 virus.

Dr. Lindsay Grayson has acknowledged that at this juncture, his team members were not sure whether there is a cause-and-effect association at work in this case. In other words, this means that lower level of IgG2 in patients incline them to suffer more acute illnesses once they are infected by the H1N1 virus. However, Dr. Grayson is not ready to accept that the opposite is at work, meaning that the contagion by the virus results in low levels of IgG2.

Dr. Lindsay Grayson asserted that he does not believe that the swine flu is responsible for the low IgG2 levels, but it is on the contrary. It is this new virus H1N1 that is affecting people who are already suffering from a deficiency of the IgG2 antibody. According to Dr. Grayson, the number of people who become severely ill following contagion by H1N1 is still definitely very less and the issue needs to be explored further, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. At the same time, he pointed out that the cases of swine flu infections are on the decline in Melbourne. Nevertheless, Dr Grayson admitted that presently around 16 out of 19 acutely sick swine flu patients suffered from extremely less content of IgG2 antibody in their system in comparison to three out of 20 patients H1N1 infected patients who endured restrained sickness.

The group of researchers from Australia examined healthy women enduring pregnancy and discovered that approximately 60 per cent of them suffered from low IgG2 antibody levels to some extent. This finding has actually made them think that this may perhaps be one of the alterations in the immune systems that happen in order to enable pregnant women to hold a foreign body, a fetus, without discarding it. However, Dr. Grayson has pointed out that it is important for them to find out if the IgG2 level in these women goes up to the standard level after giving birth to their babies.

Dr. Lindsay Grayson has admitted that although his team’s findings are yet to prove their theory, it is essential for the medical practitioners in the Northern Hemisphere treating the most acutely suffering swine flu patients in the ensuing weeks and months to consider examining their IgG2 antibody levels as well as making use of immune globulin - a blood product that is frequently administered to gravely sick patients infected by some kind of bacteria.

He said that in several respects this means application of the universal rule that most medical practitioners use to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections. Now, they have made a significant study and the same may be applied to treat patients suffering from flu, especially those who are critically sick following infected by the new H1N1 virus, Dr. Lindsay Grayson concluded.

http://www.herbs2000.com/h_menu/1_beauty_skin.htm#top

Herbal Skin Care

The surface of your skin needs to be kept moist as well as clean, to protect it from the harmful effects of drying wind, burning sun and environmental pollution. All preparations used either to cleanse, tone, moisturize or nourish the skin should be used in moderation. Always remember that your skin is alive, breathing and eliminating, and that its delicate balance of pH, moisture and immunity can easily be damaged by too much cleansing, toning, and moisturizing which clog the pores.

The preparations you use on your skin will vary according to your skin type, the time of year, your general health and the atmosphere you live in. When applying anything to your skin, always be gentle; do not drag the skin or rub it too vigorously. Avoid extremes of temperature such as facial saunas or cold water splashes to wake you up in the morning. Make-up is best avoided as far as possible as it tends to clog up the pores; it dries and ages the skin as well as making it look dull and lifeless.

Herbal ingredients can do much to help your skin to look and feel better. As the recipes show, you can use ingredients derived from plants to produce bracing astringents, soothing emollient lotions and creams, and deep-cleaning masks and steam facials. But remember that the health of your skin depends on a number of factors age, diet, heredity, stress, exercise, and sleeping habits as well as environmental influences such as humidity and sun exposure.

Sage astringent

This can be especially refreshing if kept in the refrigerator and applied while cold. Tincture of benzoin, a preservative, is sold by specialty druggists. This preparation is for external use only and should not be taken internally.

* 1/2 cup dried sage
* 1/2 cup vodka
* 4-5 drops tincture of benzoin

Put half the sage in a jar and pour the vodka over it. Cap the jar tightly and let it stand for a week. Strain, reserving the liquid and discarding the sage. Put the rest of the sage in the jar, add the liquid, and let it stand for another week. The liquid should have a strong herbal odor. If you would like it to be stronger, repeat the process, using another 1/4 cup sage. Strain the astringent into a clean bottle, using a fine filter, such as a coffee filter. Add the tincture of benzoin, cap the bottle tightly, and shake well.
This astringent is even better made with fresh sage. Use about 1/2 cup, loosely packed, each time you fill the jar.
A milder astringent. Dilute with distilled water or substitute a less astringent herb, such as chamomile.
A more bracing astringent. Add from 2 to 4 tablespoons of witch hazel extract or substitute a more astringent herb, such as yarrow.

Rose water-glycerin lotion

Quite likely a favorite of your grandmother, this traditional mix makes an effective basic moisturizer and hand lotion. A version is sold at any drugstore, but if you make your own, you can vary the proportions to suit your skin and its seasonally changing condition.

* 1/2 cup rose water
* 1/4 cup glycerin

Use prepared rose water or make it by adding 1 teaspoon soluble rose oil to 1/2 cup distilled water. Blend the rose water with the glycerin until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Pour it into a clean bottle and cap.
A thinner lotion, for oily skin. Mix 2/3 cup rose water with 2 tablespoons glycerin.
A thicker lotion, for dry skin. Mix V3 cup rose water with 1/3 cup or more glycerin.
Rose water-glycerin gel. Dissolve I teaspoon plain gelatin in 1/2 cup hot water; blend in 1 teaspoon oil of rose and 3 tablespoons glycerin.

Aloe vera cold cream

Aloe adds an interesting texture to this traditional cleansing and moisturizing cream. An 18-century-old formula calls for expensive oil of roses, but olive oil and rose water make a good, moderate-priced substitute. Anhydrous (water-less) lanolin is available from specialty druggists. Beeswax can be found where sewing notions are sold. Pick a favorite essential oil for scent: oil of rose or lavender will heighten the cream’s floral fragrance; oil of eucalyptus or peppermint will give it a refreshing, healthful smell.

* 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
* 1/3 cup olive oil
* 1 tablespoon white beeswax
* 2 tablespoons anhydrous lanolin
* 2 tablespoons rose water
* 2-3 drops essential oil (rose, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint)

Use a wire whip or a blender to mix the aloe gel thoroughly into the oil. Set the mixture aside. Melt the beeswax with the lanolin in the top of a double boiler. Slowly stir in the oil mixture. Then remove the pan from the heat and stir in the rose water and the essential oil. Keep stirring as the mixture cools and thickens. Just before it begins to solidify, pour it into a jar with a screw-on lid.

An herbal steam facial

Steaming moisturizes the skin, cleans out the pores, and increases the surface blood flow. Herbs can make it both more stimulating and soothing. For the ingredients below you can substitute other aromatic or astringent plants, such as dried sage and yarrow leaves, lavender flowers, and fresh or dried parsley. Make herbal steam baths in a large bowl instead of the sink; the herbs can clog the sink’s drain.

* 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
* 1 tablespoon dried peppermint or dried spearmint
* 2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers
* 1 tablespoon dried elderberry flowers
* 2 teaspoons powdered licorice root
* 1 quart boiling water

Crush the fennel seeds with a spoon. Then put them together with the other herbs in a large heat-proof bowl, and pour the water over them. Put your face over the bowl and cover your head with a towel, forming a tent. Keep your face about 12 inches from the water. Steam for 5 to 10 minutes. Then pat your face dry and apply a moisturizing cream to keep the absorbed moisture from evaporating.

Cleansing

Removing dirt and make-up is best done once a day at night, unless your skin is very oily, in which case it may be necessary to cleanse in the morning as well. Cleansing creams and lotions are preferable to water and most soaps, which can over-dry the skin and damage its pH, especially if your skin is dry and sensitive. However, unperfumed natural soaps and rainwater are suitable for many people for face washing.

CLEANSERS FOR OIL SKIN

For simple cleansers you can use tepid infusions of either elder flowers, yarrow, sage, lady’s mantle, calendula or chamomile to rinse the face. Rose water is also useful. Cucumber is an ideal cleanser for oily skin. Mix a little cucumber puree with half a pint of milk and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Shake well before use. Alternatively if you grate half a cucumber and boil it in half a pint of milk gently for three minutes, cool, sieve, and bottle it, it will keep for a week.

Fennel helps to remove dirt and impurities from oily skin. Bran, oatmeal, or cornmeal can be used daily as facial scrubs to help absorb excess oil on the skin. Take a small handful of fine oatmeal and mix a little water, milk or buttermilk with it to make a paste, and wash the face gently with it. This will help prevent blackheads.

Almond milk cleanser

* 2 teaspoons ground almonds
* 1/4 teaspoons rose water

Blend for 2 minutes, strain and bottle.

Buttermilk and fennel cleanser

* 1/2 cup (125 ml) buttermilk
* 2 teaspoons fennel seeds

Heat the milk and crushed fennel seed slowly for 30 minutes in a double boiler. Leave to cool and infuse for 2 hours. Stain and bottle; this keeps in a refrigerator for up to a week.

CLEANSERS FOR DRY SKIN

Apricot oil is nourishing and moisturizing and makes a good cleanser. Wash off any excess oil with a tepid infusion of chamomile or elderflower. Lemons will help restore the acid pH of the skin.

Chamomile cleansing milk

* 1/2 cup (125 ml) full fat milk
* 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chamomile flowers

Heat together very gently in a double boiler for half an hour, but do not allow to boil. Leave to cool for 2 hours, strain, refrigerate and use within a week.

Lemon cleansing milk

* 1/2 small pot of natural yoghurt
* 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 ml) lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon (15 ml) safflower or almond oil

Blend the ingredients together and use within 3 days.

CLEANSERS FOR DRY TO NORMAL SKIN

Sweet almond oil is cleansing and nourishing and is excellent for removing dirt and make-up. Remove excess oil with elderflower or chamomile in tepid infusion.

Orange flower cleansing cream

* 1 oz (25 ml) Soya oil
* 1 oz (25 ml) almond oil
* 1 oz (25 ml) orange flower water
* 1 oz (25 g) cocoa butter
* 1 tablespoon (15 g) beeswax
* 5 drops essential oil of neroli

Mix and warm the oil. Melt the cocoa butter separately, then stir into the oils. Melt the beeswax and stir it into the oil mixture. Add the orange flower water, leave to thicken and cool. Stir in the essential oil as the mixture thickens; spoon into jars. Neroli stimulates the formation of new skin cells.

Glycerin and rose water cleansing cream

* 4 tablespoons (60 ml) lanolin
* 2 oz (50 ml) almond oil
* 1 tablespoon (15 ml) glycerin
* 3 tablespoons (45 ml) rose water
* 6 drops essential oil of rose

Melt the lanolin in one pan and heat the glycerin and almond oil to the same heat in another. Mix the two together, slowly stirring all the time. Add the rose water gradually, leave to cool and stir in the rose oil.

CLEANSERS FOR ANY SKIN

Buttermilk makes an excellent cleanser and can be mixed with juice or puree of lemons, strawberries, tomatoes, honey or beaten egg white.

Olive oil cleanser

* 2 teaspoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon honey

Mix together and apply; rinse off with a tepid infusion of chamomile or elderflower.

Sage cleanser lotion

* 1 teaspoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon honey
* 2 drops cider vinegar
* 2 teaspoons sage infusion

Combine the oil and honey, and warm. Add warm sage infusion and the vinegar; stir well.

Toning

Regular toning after cleansing, a bath or facial steaming, is important to keep the skin firm and fine in texture. It counteracts any tendency to large pores, and sagging of the skin, and will help eliminate excessive oiliness and any residue left from the cleanser. Skin tonics are generally prepared with astringent fruits or herbs which have a refreshing and stimulating effect on the skin.

Cucumber juice

Wash a cucumber (organically grown for preference) and put it through a juice extractor (or in a blender, then strain off the juice). Wipe the juice over your face and leave it to dry.

Horsetail toner

* 1 tablespoon oatmeal
* 2 tablespoons (30 ml) horsetail infusion

Simmer oats in a cup of water for 5 minutes. Strain and use the water as gruel. Combine one teaspoonful with horsetail infusion and bottle. Keep in a cool place for 2 - 4 days. Apply it to the face and neck and leave for 10 - 15 minutes. Rinse with tepid water or rose water, pat dry.

Rose water and witch hazel toning lotion

* 4 tablespoons (60 ml) lemon juice
* 4 tablespoons (60 ml) witch hazel
* 4 tablespoons (60 ml) rose water
* 3 drops essential oil of lavender

Mix all the ingredients together and bottle. Shake well before using. This lotion will help to restore the acid skin mantle, close the pores, tighten and freshen the skin

Several herbs can be used in tepid infusions as skin fresheners; these include chamomile, yarrow, sage, mint, lady’s mantle, elderflowers and fennel. Add one or two drops of tincture of benzoin, to help preserve the lotion a little longer, per cup of infusion.

Moisturizing

Light oil, creams or lotions can be applied to the skin regularly to protect the skin from the effects of winds, sun, central heating, and environmental pollution. Avoid using heavy oils or creams as they do not allow the skin to breathe properly. It is best only to moisturize in the morning and leave the skin to breathe freely at night.

Simple moisturizes can be made using the oils of avocado, wheat germ, almond, safflower, apricot, sunflower, and olive which are all moisturizing and penetrating. Apply the oil lightly to the skin, leave to soak in for a few minutes and then wipe off any excess. Egg yolk, cream, melon juice, brewer’s yeast, buttermilk, honey, oatmeal, almond meal and peach juice are also moisturizing.

MOISTURIZERS FOR OIL SKIN

Avocado and nettle moisturizer

* 1 teaspoon beeswax
* 2 teaspoons emulsifying wax
* 4 teaspoons (20 ml) avocado oil
* 2 tablespoons (30 ml) strong nettle infusion
* 4 drops essential oil of cedarwood

Melt the waxes together, warm the oils and stir in to the waxes. Mix in the infusion. Allow to cool and mix in the essential oil.

Witch hazel and buttermilk moisturizer

* 4 tablespoons (60 ml) buttermilk
* 2 teaspoons (10 ml) witch hazel
* 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml) apricot oil
* 2 teaspoons almond oil

Put the ingredients in the jar, screw on the lid and shake well.

MOISTURIZERS FOR DRY TO NORMAL SKIN

Rose moisturizer

* 1 teaspoon beeswax
* 1 teaspoon lanolin
* 1 tablespoon (15 ml) almond oil
* 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) wheat germ oil
* 3 tablespoon (45 ml) rose water
* 6 drops essential oil of rose or rose geranium

Melt the beeswax and lanolin together while stirring. Warm the oils and gradually mix into the wax mixture. Slowly add the warm rose water while stirring. As the mixture cools and thickens, stir in the oil of rose. Spoon into jars.

Avocado moisturizer

* 1 ripe avocado
* 1 teaspoon honey
* 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
* natural yoghurt

Put the stoned avocado in the blender, add the honey and lemon juice and enough yoghurt to make it into a stiff cream. Cool for half an hour, massage into the face and neck, leave on for a few hours then rinse.

MOISTURIZERS FOR ANY SKIN TYPE

Buttermilk and calendula lotion

* 2 teaspoons (10 ml) buttermilk
* 2 teaspoon apricot oil
* 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) almond oil
* 1 teaspoon calendula infusion (steep until cold)

Put the ingredients in a jar, screw the lid on and shake well.

Witch hazel and rose lotion

* 1 teaspoon (5 ml) almond oil
* 1 teaspoon rose water
* 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml) witch hazel
* 1 teaspoon honey

Warm the ingredients and combine them in a glass jar, screw on the lid and shake well.

Elderflower and cucumber lotion

* 2 tablespoons (30 ml) almond milk
* 1 teaspoon (5 ml) almond oil
* 1 teaspoon cucumber juice
* 1 drop tincture of benzoin

Combine ingredients in a jar, screw on the lid and shake well.

Face masks

If you have normal to dry skin and keep it cleansed and toned regularly, you need only occasionally use face masks for deeper cleansing and conditioning. If your skin is particularly oily you could use a face mask about once a week to tone the skin, particularly after steaming the face. When you have chosen and made your recipe, spread the mask mixture evenly over clean skin, avoiding the delicate areas around the eyes and lips. Lie down and relax, leaving it on for about ten minutes or until it sets. Rinse off thoroughly with tepid water and apply toners or fresheners to enhance the tonic effect. Herbal infusions to suit your skin type can be mixed with fuller’s earth to make “mud” packs.

An oatmeal face mask

This recipe combines two ingredients-oat-meal and almonds-traditionally regarded as deep-cleansing agents that are highly beneficial to the complexion. You can use prepared almond meal or you can make it by grinding almonds to a fine powder in a blender or food processor. For a smoother-textured mask, substitute the special colloidal oatmeal sold at the drugstore. Refrigerate the leftover infusion and use it as a face wash.

* 1/2 cup boiling water
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
* 1 1/2 tablespoons regular oatmeal
* 1 tablespoon almond meal

Pour the boiling water over the rosemary, steep for 15 minutes, and strain. In a separate bowl, crumble the dried oatmeal with your fingers; then mix in the almond meal. Add just enough of the rosemary infusion to make a thick paste. To use the mask, first wash your face and steam it or apply a warm, wet washcloth for a few minutes. Gently spread the paste on your face, avoiding the eyes and lips. Leave the mask on for 15 to 30 minutes, letting it dry completely. Wash it off with a soft cloth soaked in lukewarm water.

An astringent mask.

For oily skin, substitute an astringent, tannin-rich herb such as agrimony, lady’s-mantle, raspberry leaf, or yarrow for the rosemary.

A stimulating mask.

Instead of rosemary, use peppermint, elderberry flower, eucalyptus leaf, or some other herb that has an invigorating effect on the skin.

A smoothing mask.

To help soften rough, dry skin, heat 1 or 2 teaspoons flaxseed, kelp, or another mucilage-rich herb in water until it thickens. Then add it to the oatmeal-almond mixture instead of the rosemary infusion. Dampen the dry mixture with a little water first. Aloe vera gel can also be substituted.

A richer mask.

For dry skin, substitute an egg yolk mixed with 1/4 cup honey for the rosemary infusion. If the mask is too thick to apply easily, add a little milk or yogurt.

Papaya skin treatment
The enzyme in papaya (a fruit that resembles a melon) helps remove dried flaky skin. Do not leave the papaya on your face too long, since it also tends to dry the skin.

* 1 wedge of papaya fruit

Cut a wedge from a ripe fruit and save the rest to eat. Scrape off the seeds. Scoop out the fruit pulp and mash it. Smooth the pulp over your face. After a couple of minutes, wipe it off with a washcloth. Splash your face with cool water.

MASKS FOR OIL SKIN

Egg white and lemon face mask

* 1 egg white
* 1/2 teaspoon honey
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Beat the egg white stiff, and add a few drops of lemon juice and the honey.

Brewer’s yeast and witch hazel face mask

* 4 oz (120 g) brewer’s yeast
* 1 tablespoon (15 ml) witch hazel
* 2-3 drops peppermint oil

Mix together into a paste and apply.

Strawberry face mask

* 4 oz (120 g) mashed fresh strawberries
* 2 tablespoons (30 ml) powdered milk
* 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice

Mix together and apply. Rinse off with a little lemon juice or cider vinegar in warm water.

MASKS FOR DRY SKIN

Brewers yeast and comfrey face mask

* 3 teaspoons (15 ml) ml strong comfrey leaf infusion
* 1 teaspoon runny honey
* 1 teaspoon brewer’s yeast
* 1 teaspoon natural yoghurt
* 1 teaspoon avocado or olive oil

Blend together the honey and yeast. Then add the yoghurt and comfrey, stirring until it makes a paste. Pat your face with the oil then apply the paste.

Egg yolk and olive oil face mask

* 1 egg yolk
* 1 teaspoon olive oil

Beat the two ingredients together, and apply.

MASKS FOR ANY SKIN TYPE

Egg yolk and lemon face mask

* 1/2 lemon
* 1 egg yolk

Hollow out a space in the cut lemon just big enough to hold the egg yolk. Put the unbroken egg yolk in and leave overnight. Cover your face and neck with the egg yolk which will have absorbed some of the oils from the lemon. Leave for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse. This combination will cleanse, nourish and tone the complexion.

Comfrey face mask

* 4 tablespoons (60 ml) comfrey leaf infusion
* 1/2 teaspoon arrowroot
* 2 teaspoons (10 ml) apricot oil

Stir the arrowroot into the warm comfrey infusion; heat in a bowl or jar in hot water until it thickens slightly. Remove from the heat, add the oil and shake well; cool. Apply to face and neck.

MASKS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Chamomile and honey face mask

* 2 tablespoons unprocessed bran
* 3 tablespoons (45 ml) chamomile infusion
* 1 teaspoon (5 ml) runny honey

Mix ingredients together and apply. After 10 minutes rinse off with chamomile infusion.

Marshmallow face mask

* 2 tablespoons (30 ml) strong decoction of marshmallow root
* 2 tablespoons natural yoghurt
* fine oatmeal

Mix the infusion and yoghurt together. Stir in enough oatmeal to make a paste. Apply to the face.

http://www.herbs2000.com/h_menu/1_beauty_hair.htm#rinses

Herbal Hair Care

Herbs have long been associated with hair care and are often ingredients in conditioners, shampoos, and rinses. The most highly regarded herb for the hair is rosemary, reputed to be a good general conditioner that leaves the hair silky, shiny, fragrant, and very slightly darker. Two other hair herbs that have had many devoted fans over the centuries are sage, prized as a darkener and conditioner, and chamomile, believed to brighten fair hair and soften all hair. Mullein’s golden flowers are also supposed to intensify blond highlights. Tradition also asserts that parsley thickens hair and enriches its color, southernwood increases growth, burdock root controls dandruff, and stinging nettle conditions hair as well as helps cure dandruff. Any number of plants, ranging from kelp to yarrow, will supposedly curb hair loss and stimulate growth-but none, unfortunately, has been scientifically proved effective. Other herbs, such as lavender, simply leave the hair with a delightful scent.

As with the beauty preparations the recipes here are starting suggestions meant to show how you can use herbal preparations. Experiment to find the best combination of ingredients for your hair. The ingredients are all common plant or household items.

The condition of your hair is a good indication of your general health and nutrition. Hair loses its shine when you are tired and run down, unwell or unhappy. Hormonal changes, sun, chlorine, wind and chemical hair treatment can also affect the condition of your hair. A healthy diet is essential to beautiful hair so make sure yours includes plenty of vitamins A and B, minerals such as calcium, iron, iodine, zinc, and silica, as well as protein and essential fatty acids.

The kind of shampoo you use is also important. Many commercial shampoos are largely made up of alkaline detergents which strip the natural oils from the hair and scalp. Avoid washing your hair frequently as this can over stimulate the scalp and increase oiliness of the hair. Choose a natural bristle brush as nylon brushes damage the hair and cause split ends.
Shampoos

Bouncing bet natural shampoo
The lathering herb bouncing Bet is often called soapwort. You can substitute 2 tablespoons of the more sudsy dried bouncing Bet root, if it is available. For variety, replace chamomile with rosemary, southernwood, or lavender-or sage for dark hair. Expect to use more of this natural shampoo and to see less suds than you would with a commercial preparation. Pure grade borax is sold in drugstores.

* 3 tablespoons dried bouncing Bet herb
* 1 1/2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers
* 1 teaspoon pure-grade borax
* 2 cups boiling water

Put the bouncing Bet herb, chamomile flowers, and borax in a heat-proof jar or other container that you can cover tightly. Pour in the boiling water and stir well. Let the mix steep, loosely covered, until cool. Then cap the container and shake well. Let it stand for a day or so, shaking every few hours. Strain.

Herbal castile shampoo
Made from olive oil-based castile soap, this shampoo lathers as profusely as commercial shampoos, cleans well, rinses off easily, and is much gentler. Use pure castile soap-either powdered or flaked or grated from a solid bar. Liquid castile soaps usually have peppermint or other ingredients already added to them. Use chamomile if your hair is light; sage if it is dark. Feel free to add a tablespoon of southernwood, stinging nettle, or another traditional hair herb. Or add an aromatic ingredient such as lemon or orange peel.

* 1/4 cup dried chamomile flowers or 1 tablespoon dried sage leaves
* 2 tablespoons dried rosemary leaves
* 1 tablespoon dried peppermint
* 2 1/4 cups distilled water
* 2 ounces castile soap
* 3 drops oil of peppermint or eucalyptus
* 2 tablespoons vodka

Put the dried herbs in a heavy saucepan. Add the distilled water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Then cover and steep for about 30 minutes. Strain the liquid into a mixing bowl; squeeze the herbs to remove all the liquid before discarding them. Put the castile soap in the saucepan and pour in the herbal brew. Simmer over low heat until the soap dissolves completely; stir regularly with a wooden spoon. Let the mixture cool; it should be thin and creamy. Then mix the drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil into the vodka and stir into the shampoo mixture. Pour the mixture into a jar and cap it. Let stand in a warm place for 3 or 4 days before using.

Quick herbal shampoo
The fastest and easiest way to make an herbal shampoo is to mix a strong infusion of an hair herb with a mild shampoo.

* 1 heaping teaspoon dried sage, rosemary, or stinging nettle or 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
* 1/4 cup boiling water
* 1/4 cup baby or other mild shampoo

Add herbs to the water. Turn off heat, steep for 30 minutes, strain, and mix into shampoo.

Conditioners

Herbal conditioning oil
To give this conditioning oil time to absorb the herbal essences, prepare it a week before you intend to use it. You can substitute any of the traditional hair herbs or other plant oils such as sunflower, soy, corn, peanut, and jojoba. Olive oil can be substituted if it is not too robust in odor, but avoid strong - smelling sesame oil. Once you find a combination you like, double or triple the quantities and store the extra in a capped bottle.

* l/2 cup dried chamomile flowers
* l/4 cup dried rosemary leaves
* 1 cup safflower oil

Put the herbs in the top of a double boiler and add the oil. Heat the mixture for 30 minutes; then pour it into a wide-mouthed jar. Cover the jar with a couple of layers of muslin, held by a string or rubber band. Let the jar stand in a warm place for a week or so. Stir every day. When the oil has a pronounced herbal aroma, strain it into a clean container.
Warm 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the oil (depending on the thickness and length of your hair) over very low heat for a few minutes. Wet your hair with hot water and squeeze it out. Then, spread the warm oil through your hair with your fingers until it is fully coated. Cover your hair with a plastic bag or a shower cap; pin it up first, if necessary. To keep the oil warm, soak a heavy towel in hot water; then wring it out and wrap it securely over the plastic covering. When the towel cools, wet it again. Treat your hair for 20 to 30 minutes. Shampoo it twice.

Herbal egg conditioner
Use this conditioner following the procedure described in the previous recipe. Or simply warm it and apply it to the hair for 15 minutes before shampooing.

* 2 teaspoons lemon juice
* 1 heaping teaspoon honey
* 1 egg
* 2-3 drops oil of rosemary
* 1/4 cup safflower or other vegetable oil

Add the lemon juice and honey to the egg and beat them together. Pour the mixture into the top of a double boiler and heat, stirring, until it is warm and creamy. Let it cool. Then mix the rosemary oil in the vegetable oil and slowly add it to the egg mixture while whipping with a whisk to blend. You can substitute 1/4 cup of Herbal Conditioning Oil (see previous recipe) for the vegetable oil and the rosemary oil.

Rinses

Blond highlighting rinse
For best results, use this rinse regularly and dry your hair in bright sunlight. Shampoo and rinse well with plain water first.

* 2 cups water
* V2 cup dried chamomile flowers
* 2 tablespoons dried mullein flowers
* 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
* Juice of 1/2 lemon

Bring the water to a boil; then lower the heat and stir in the chamomile and mullein flowers. Simmer for 30 minutes; then cover and steep for several hours or overnight. Strain, squeezing the liquid from the herbs. Then stir in the orange blossom water and lemon juice. Pour the rinse through your hair several times, catching the liquid in a large bowl.

Deepening rinse for dark hair
Use as a final rinse after shampooing and rinsing well with plain water.

* 2 cups boiling water
* 2 tea bags of regular beverage tea
* 1/4 cup dried sage leaves
* 2 tablespoons dried rosemary leaves
* 1 tablespoon dried stinging nettles

Pour the water over the tea bags and steep covered for 15 minutes. Remove the tea bags, squeezing out the liquid. Reheat the tea to the boiling point. Then pour it over the dried herbs. Cover and steep for 30 minutes to an hour. Strain. Pour the rinse through your hair several times, catching the liquid in a bowl.

Herbal vinegar rinse
This rinse helps to restore the hair’s natural acid balance and to remove dulling traces of soap. If bergamot is not available, you can substitute another fragrant herb from the mint family, such as basil or peppermint.

* 1/4 cup dried rosemary leaves
* 1/4 cup dried bergamot
* 2 cups clear cider vinegar

Put the dried herbs in wide-mouthed jar. Heat the vinegar until it is just about to boil and pour it’ over the herbs. After the vinegar cools, cap the jar. If the lid is metal, screw it on with a couple of layers of plastic wrap under it, so that the acidic vinegar will not react with the metal. Let it stand in a warm place for a week. Shake vigorously every day. Using fine cheesecloth in a funnel, strain the vinegar into a bottle and cap it. To use, dilute 1/3 cup of the vinegar with 2 or 3 cups of warm water and pour it over the hair one or two times as a final rinse.

Quick herbal rinse
Any infusion made with an hair herb can be used as a quick rinse. Let the infusion cool to lukewarm before using it.

* I to 2 tablespoons dried sage, rosemary, or stinging nettle
* 2 cups boiling water

Put the herbs in the boiling water, turn off the heat, and allow them to steep for 15 minutes. Strain and apply as a rinse.

Flaxseed setting lotion
Try combing in this mixture to give body to thin, limp hair.

* 1/3 cup flaxseeds
* 1 cup water

Crush the flaxseeds with a spoon. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Then reduce the heat and stir the flaxseeds into the simmering water, a teaspoon at a time, until the mixture thickens. Strain out the seeds and thin the mixture to the desired consistency.

[All the posts from this site, contain many hidden urls....]

http://www.herbs2000.com/h_menu/hfd_1_hfd.htm

Herbal Medications For Dogs

Despite the fact that the aromatic plants are the basis of most medicinal drugs, it is important to note that herbal medication is at variance with the traditional remedies. Unlike in the instance of the traditional medications, herbal remedies utilize different parts of a complete plant rather than segregating the solitary dynamic elements contained in the herbs. It may be mentioned here that in the instance of the conventional study of herbs or herbalism, the selection of the herbs vary according to the dog’s traits as well as the canine’s health situation. On the contrary, in the case of contemporary herbalism, medical practitioners give more importance to the chemical ingredients contained in the herbs.

It is interesting to note that since the earliest days of evolution of life, animals were quick to realize the fact that consuming some specific kind of plants had a positive impact on them. They also became aware that ingestion of these specific vegetations made them experience better health. For instance, the dogs devour grass with a view to bring on vomiting and get rid of any noxious substance that they might have consumed.

Although the conventional study of herbs came into view and progressed in all pre-historic human civilizations, classical herbalism was documented most effectively in the primeval Hindu scriptures, especially the Vedas, approximately 5,000 years in the past. In fact, Ayurveda or the natural system of medicine practiced in the Indian sub-continent for over 5,000 years, considers all factors while treating an ailment. This system of herbal therapy also utilizes the herbs used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and informs us through fables the manner in which the animals initially helped the humans to find out the therapeutic significance of different herbs. History says that the conventional study of herbs thrived in ancient Europe too and the Persian and Islamic medical doctors supplemented the subject.

Later, when people from different European nations disembarked in North and South America, Africa as well as Australia, their knowledge of herbs or herbal medicine was enhanced when they learnt about the therapeutic value of the medicinal plants used by the local inhabitants. In fact, when the epidemic of flu first broke out in the European settlements in America, the patients were frequently administered sage or Salvia officinalis and boneset or Eupatorium perfoliatum. Although pharmaceutical companies have engulfed much of the medicinal market now, even now herbs continue to be a crucial element of most conventional medications for treatment of all humans as well as animals throughout the globe.

It is worth mentioning here that the aromatic plants or herbs are extremely adaptable and multipurpose and various preparations can be made with them. Herbs may be used fresh or dehydrated and administered in several methods such as tea or tincture, infusions or ointments, poultices or compresses. The different herbal preparations have their specific benefits and shortcomings and one needs to do some exploration on the subject to determine the preparation that would suit your dog’s medicinal requirements best.

It is advisable only to administer such herbal products to dogs that have been specifically prepared for them. For instance, compared to tablets, it is always better to use tinctures for curing dogs as the canine’s petite digestive tract can readily soak in this form of herbal preparation. At the same time, it must be borne in mind that the majority of animals have an aversion to tinctures prepared with alcohol and hence it is better to administer tinctures with vegetable glycerin base. Tinctures based on vegetable glycerin are sweet to taste and have a flavor similar to that of corn syrup.

Looking at the world of herbs, one would be surprised to know that there are hundreds and thousands of herbs used by people belonging to different cultures or civilizations across the globe and it is virtually impossible to chronicle all of them. Hence, as an alternative to endeavoring to prepare a list of the different herbs found and used worldwide, here is a shorter listing of some basic and helpful aromatic plants that are comparatively simple to trace as well as utilize.

Here are a few tips that may help you in procuring the right herb that best suits your dog’s medicinal requirements. It is important to know the source or place of origin of the herb while purchasing any of these aromatic plants. Moreover, it is also imperative that the buyer ascertains that the herb is original and not blended synthetically. At the same time, as far as possible, make sure that the herb has been cultivated organically and harvested naturally. And while administering the herb to your dog, first find out the prescribed dosage of the herb for the particular condition in a full grown adult and give much less than that to the canine.

Always remember that if your dog is suffering from a serious condition that may prove to be hazard to the animal’s life, consult a veterinarian before administering any herbal medication to the canine. It is essential to consult a veterinarian or an herbal medicine practitioner before using any herb on your dog. This is all the more imperative if an herb is known to have adverse effects following its use. It is important to note that herbs cannot and should not replace the conventional medicines, but may used effectively as a supplement and support to the traditional form of medication. Normally, herbs are not administered to patients in any urgent situation. On the contrary, herbs are generally used to treat chronic or incessant conditions where there is no binding on the time for curing a patient.

Aloe (Aloe vera)
The aloe vera is a fragile and luscious herb that generally thrives best in tropical type of weather, but finds it difficult to stay alive in other climes. In fact, there are several chefs who grow aloe vera in pots at a corner of the kitchen that receives maximum sunlight with a view to have an effective remedy at hand in case of any burns. The aloe vera leaves enclose a substance similar to jellies that is effective in comforting the skin inflammation owing to as insect bites, trivial burns, lick granulomas ( petite accumulation of granulation tissue caused by constant contagions) as well as hot spots. Aloe vera possesses anti-bacterial characteristics and hence can be used during surgeries to induce the curative process. Another advantage of aloe vera is that when it is applied externally on animals, they will refrain from licking that part of the body owing to the herb’s astringent flavor.
Administering aloe vera on an effected part of the body is simple. You just need to cut a leaf, take out the juice enclosed and apply it externally. It is important to note that the aloe vera may also be administered internally basically as a laxative. As the internal application of aloe vera may lead to acute stomach troubles, it is always advisable to use the herb externally or consult a herbal medicine practitioner before administering it internally to cure any condition.
Burdock (Arctium lappa)
The burdock is distinguished for its effectiveness in cleaning the body of all toxic deposits when used over a period of time. Therefore, burdock is also reputed as a ‘blood purifier’. Owing to its ability to flush out all toxic wastes from the system, burdock is highly effective in healing arthritis as well as liver and kidney disorders. People residing in localities where the use of pesticides and chemicals are excessive should think about using burdock as dietary add-ons for the pet dogs. When burdock is added to a dogs’ diet, it helps in sorting out the lethal contaminants found in the atmosphere from their system. In addition, burdock is also very effective in curing unceasing skin disorders like eczema.
For those who are unacquainted with the herb, burdock is not only an effective, but also safe aromatic plant and can be administered without any apprehension of adverse effects or any degree of toxicity. Instead, the herb helps in eliminating toxicity. What is more interesting is the fact that even most dogs like the flavor of burdock and eat it willingly. One may procure fresh burdock roots at the local health food stores, chop them and put these in his or her dog’s food. Alternatively, dehydrated burdock roots are also available and may be mixed with the dog’s food.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula, also known as the pot marigold, is beneficial for keeping the skin well toned as well as treating and alleviating skin irritations. The herb effectively restrains infection and creams and lotions prepared with calendula may be used to heal minor skin inflammations like poison ivy, insect bites, wounds as well as insignificant burn injuries. It is essential to ensure that the wounds are unsoiled and free from any contagion before applying calendula on them as the herb is very effective in treating skin disorders and mending ruptured skin quickly.
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
In Latin, coltsfoot literally denotes ‘cough dispeller’ and has been an important ingredient in most cough syrups for hundreds of years. In fact, coltsfoot is an effective remedy for producing and getting rid of phlegm. The herb is also anti-spasmodic in nature helping in controlling spasms. The herb may be used for effective treatment of infections in the respiratory system, deep gasps that also takes pneumonia and kennel cough into account. What is of most significance is that coltsfoot not only hold back cough signs, but also assists in cleansing the body of the causes for the ailment. It is worthwhile to mention here that many nations have limited the use of coltsfoot as the herb encloses hazardous alkaloids. Hence, it is essential to take the advice of a competent herbal medicine practitioner if one considers using coltsfoot for some time.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Like calendula, dandelion is distinguished for its ability to cleanse the system of toxic wastes. Basically, dandelion or Taraxacum officinale is a universal wild plant found in the lawns. The herb has multipurpose use as it is very effective in cleansing the blood circulatory system and assisting the body to get rid of toxin and noxious substances. In addition, the herb is useful in helping the body throw out the toxins from the liver and kidneys while maintaining the potassium intensity of the body. The herb is also an effective durative that increases the outflow of urine. Dandelion also controls the movement of bowels. If anyone does not use pesticides or chemicals in their gardens, he or she may straight away collect the herb from their garden and add it to their dog’s diet for desired results.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Apart from being an important spice used by cooks worldwide, garlic is a valuable herb that helps in inducing the functioning of the liver. The numerous benefits of using garlic includes getting the body rid of toxins, lessening free radicals or reactive atoms or molecules in the body that may lead to cancer, improve the immune system and also function as a germ eliminator. It has been found that garlic is also effective in reducing high blood pressure and enhancing the digestive system. This is in addition to the herb’s ability to help the body to stay away from tumors as well as micro-organisms like parasites, viruses and fungus. Many herbal practitioners also use garlic as a natural deterrent for flea. As in the instance of burdock, people having dogs as pets may use garlic in the canine’s diet a number of times every week. The herb may be used fresh or as a dehydrated powder. It is important to note here that it is not beneficial to use any herb in excess and this is also true in the instance of garlic. It is advisable to use garlic in restraint as it has been found that extended and excessive use of the herb is likely to lead to anemia.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Distinguished for its ability to alleviate nausea, ginger is often administered to people suffering from vomiting tendencies as well as motion sickness. In case your dog happens to suffer from carsickness, it is advisable to give him a capsule enclosing powdered ginger root at least half an hour before you embark on a journey. Ginger is also effective in healing indigestion as the herb is known to be an excellent stomach comforter.
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Over the centuries, hawthorn has been used conventionally as an astringent (a substance that draws tissue together) to heal diarrhea as well as other disorders. However, present day herbal medicine practitioners mainly use hawthorn as a heart tonic with a view to induce the circulatory system, control the blood pressure as well as lower arrhythmia or irregular heart beats. Hawthorn’s ability to repair the muscles of the heart makes the herb an effective medication for dogs suffering from cardio-vascular problems as well as congestive heart failure.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.)
Also identified as the ‘great detoxifier’, licorice is a valuable herb that possesses several properties such as being anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and also anti-viral. It is important to note that licorice is also capable of enhancing the functioning of the kidneys as well as the internal secretion system. Owing to licorice’s ability to soothe the irritation and swelling as well as the mucous membranes, many herbal medical practitioners recommend the herb for colitis (inflammation of the colon), gastritis as well as diverticular ailments. Here is a word of caution. The herb should never be administered to animals suffering from heart disorders, particularly quick heart beats or high blood pressure.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
The milk thistle belongs to the sunflower family and is distinguished for its usefulness in healing any condition related to the liver. As the liver is burdened with the enduring task of getting the body rid of wastes and toxins, at times, especially during any stress, the organ also requires some support in carrying out its functions effectively. For instance, when a dog is administered any treatment like chemotherapy, a vaccination or anesthesia, the amount of toxic materials goes up in the animal’s system and in such cases using milk thistle helps in cleansing the system more effectively. In fact, when the intensity of toxic materials is high in the system, milk thistle helps in protecting the liver. All said and done, majority of the herbal medicine practitioners are in favor of using milk thistle only when it is required and not simply as a liver tonic or medicine to stimulate the liver. Substantiating their view, these herbalists point out that haphazard usage of milk thistle may adversely affect the liver. In addition, it must be ensured that the herb is never administered to a pregnant dog.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley is effective not only in restraining cancerous growths, but also a useful tonic that enhances the performance of all organs of the body. In addition, the herb is also effective in cleansing the blood stream as well as the liver of all waste materials and toxins. In the case of humans as well as in dogs, parsley helps in doing away with bad breath. All these properties of parsley make the herb an ideal dietary supplement for your dog.
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Raspberry is generally considered to be a tonic or stimulant for the womenfolk. This is mainly owing to the fact that the herb is very effective in reinforcing the walls of the uterine as well as calming down spasms. In fact, raspberry is a commonly used herbal nutritional supplement for pregnant bitches and many veterinarians recommend the use of the herb throughout the pregnancy period of the bitches with a view to maintain the health of the uterus and also induce fast milk production by their mammary glands.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva)
The bark of the slippery elm tree has been identified by herbal medicine practitioners to be a crucial remedy to cure inflammation of the colon, diarrhea and several other swelling and irritation of the intestines. The herb is effective in calming down the moist lining of the intestines containing mucus-secreting cells and is also beneficial in healing disorders of the respiratory and urinary tracts. The herb is extremely useful for dogs having very susceptible stomachs, especially those who have severe effects following even an insignificant change in their diet.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Herbalists have used valerian for hundreds of years for the herb’s sedative features. In fact, valerian is a normal tranquilizer that helps in alleviating pain, contractions of muscles and even palpitations. Administering a very small dosage of valerian often helps in soothing the nerves of a terror-stricken or nervous dog. You may administer the herb to your dog before any situation that might give rise to anxiety to your pet, for instance prior going on a long drive or visiting a veterinarian. Researches have also established that usage of valerian is useful in lessening seizures in animals suffering from epilepsy. It must be noted here that administering a higher dosage of this sensitive herb may lead to intestinal problems. In addition, valerian should never be given to animals that are about to bred.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is an ordinary flower found in abundance along the roadside, but has numerous remedial properties that make it a valuable herb in curing several conditions. The yarrow is a very effective diuretic and helps the body to get rid of all waste materials and toxins by enhancing the urine outflow. At the same time, the herb is beneficial for alleviating irritation and swelling and has a calming effect on the mucous membranes or the moist lining of the organs comprising mucous-secreting cells. While yarrow is effective in blood clotting, the herb is widely recommended for curing fevers and infections.

How traditional forms of medicine function

Unlike in the modern-day allopathic treatment where same medicines are prescribed for the same disorder among all people, the conventional forms of medication, such as the herbal healing, lays emphasis on the characteristics of an individual suffering from an ailment. For instance, the Ayurvedic form of medication insists on the equilibrium of the ‘energies’ or forces both contained by as well as exclusive of the body. Ayurveda depends on the five basic elements - ether, air, fire, water and the earth. This form of traditional medication states that these five basic elements are present in three ‘doshas’ or energies and they are present in all persons, animals, food and environment in different measures. Ayurveda further stresses on the fact that as all animals have a distinctive composition of these ‘doshas’ or energies, it is essential to keep in mind their arrangement of ‘doshas’, age and the time of the day while healing their ailments by the use of herbals. As a result, this form of traditional medication offers different treatments for the same ailment in different animals.

It is interesting to note that the conventional study of herbs or herbalism in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is also similar to that propagated by Ayurveda and both these forms pursue a common prototype. Both Ayurveda as well as the Traditional Chinese Medicine illustrate an illness as a ‘pattern of disharmony’ or an imbalance between the energies within and without the body. Going by the Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are various kinds of herbs that are used for perspiring, vomiting, draining downward, thawing, cleansing, lessening, harmonizing and some also with tonic or stimulating actions and each of them are used depending on the combination of yin and yang of the patient as well as that of the herbs with a view to reinstate the harmony in the body. For instance, the herb ginseng is considered to function as a stimulant to the yang inclination of the body that is said to be male and forceful. Hence, according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herbal medication is basically tailor-made depending on the requirement of each individual animal.

In most cases, herbal treatments are usually exercised to rectify the functions of the body and are administered in small sequences. There are many dogs that are averse to ingesting fresh or dehydrated herbs mixed with their diet and in this case they are provided with tablets prepared with herbs. Using herbal medicine for dogs may often be counter-productive. For instance, when certain herbs are applied externally on people, they prove to be useful for the skin, but when they are applied outwardly on dogs, the animal is likely to lick off the medicine thereby contaminating itself. Hence, it is advisable to make your dogs get into Elizabethan collars before applying an herbal medicine on them externally.
Preparation of herbal medicines

There are many plants which are wholly important from the medicinal point of view, while only some parts possess therapeutic value in other plants, shrubs and trees. Again, the parts of plants that are of medicinal value may be prepared in various ways. While infusions, tinctures, decoctions, teas and tablets are prepared with herbs for ingestion, ointments, lotions, creams, poultices, compresses and infused oils are prepared from herbs for external use.

It may be noted that tinctures, infusions and decoctions are best and most reliable herbal preparations for dogs as these are prepared from aromatic plants that are known to be harmless when ingested by the animals. The coarse parts of the plants like the barks, roots and berries are boiled in water to prepare decoctions or herbal drinks. After boiling the herb in water for some time, the liquid is rinsed and drunk either hot or cold. On the other hand, to prepare a tincture, soak the herb either in water or alcohol for some weeks and rinse it before storing the liquid in dark bottles and cool dry places. Normally, a tincture can be preserved for two years and taken whenever the need arises. Herbal infusions are basically prepared like tea by boiling the leaves and flowers of medicinally important plants in water and usually taken hot.
The utilities and benefits of herbs

To protect themselves from the predators as well as other natural hazards, plants produce certain compounds. While these chemicals are essential for the survival of the plants, they are also useful for other living things such as humans and dogs. For instance, the most popular herb worldwide, garlic encloses more than 200 different chemicals and many of these are beneficial for dogs too. As mentioned earlier, garlic has many properties and they include lowering blood pressure, facilitating the disintegration of waste substances from the cells, and also functioning as a moderate repugnant for fleas. On the other hand, leaves of the ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) plant enclose materials known as flavonoids. These flavonoids are very efficient in hunting down as well as neutralizing the free radicals (reactive atoms or molecules) found in the body. Similarly, another herb known as Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is useful in controlling the intensity of sugar in the blood and also influences the adrenal glands (secreting cell mass of the kidneys).

Ashwaghanda (Withania somnifera) is a very popular herb in Ayurvedic herbalism and is known for its ability to enhance the hemoglobin as well red blood cell content and thereby counteract anemia. Similarly, the oil of cedar (Cedrus) is effective against disease-bearing micro-organisms as it is said to possess anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and acaridical (eliminating mites) properties. The oil hauled out of neem (Azadirachta indica) seeds is also known to possess anti-bacterial features and scientific studies have established that it also helps in restricting ringworms. As mentioned earlier in this article, researches have demonstrated that aloe vera possesses analgesic, anti-microbial as well as anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, when aloe vera was tested on horses, it was found to invigorate the immune system too.

It is interesting to note that several herbal medicinal products have been developed to heal deadly diseases like cancer. For instance, the herb Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) encloses a substance known as vincristine that has been found to be useful in minimize tumor growths in specific categories of cancer. Initially, when vincristine was available only as a concentrated solution extracted from the plant, it was a very costly herb. However, preparation of artificial vincristine in the laboratory has made it cheaper and accessible for treating white blood cell cancers in dogs.
Preparing infusion with herbs

Here is how you can prepare an infusion with peppermint leaf or Roman chamomile flower at home. Infusions prepared with these herbs are antiseptic in nature (helpful in controlling infections) and produces an instant calming effect in conditions such as open wounds and skin contagions. These herbal infusions are also useful in alleviating moderate gastro-enteric disorders.

To prepare an infusion with either peppermint leaf or Roman chamomile flower, first boil some water in a clean and sterilized cup. Pour the boiled water in another vessel and heat one teaspoonful dehydrated or two teaspoonful of fresh herb in the cup. When the herb is heated, fill three-fourth of the cup with the previously boiled water. Cover the cup and allow the herb to permeate in the boiling water for approximately 10 minutes. Next, strain the liquid and store it in a covered cup in a cool dry place for use whenever necessary.

* Herbal treatments
* Micronutrients
* Nutritional therapies
* Biochemic tissue salts
* Massage
* Traditional Chinese Medicine
* Bach Flowers Remedies
* Aromatherapy
* Homeopathy
* Hydrotherapy

one can safely assume that the DIF is now well into negative territory: as of today depositors have no insurance courtesy of a banking system that has leeched out all the capital of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Let’s pray there is no run on the bank soon.<<<

And there goes those evil capitalists, they disappear when their working capital is taken from them.

As do those of us who need our social security money to survive.

So we old ones die and the young get a shovel and a room in a cement cube.

This is all so unreal that I feel like a kooke to even look at my own thoughts.

But hey, that change everyone wanted, is this it?

BREAKING - Mandatory Flu Vaccines For Children In New Jersey (No joke)

thread here:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2351020/posts

Well, so the conspiracy folks were all right, it will come.

Do you think that Freepers will all go to the same camp?

For they will not want us to talk to other folks.

That is a great idea. I have a pocket drive right here...

Worth reposting, with all the discussion about forced H1N1 vaccinations:

NATIONAL GUARD ASKED TO EXPLAIN “INTERNMENT” JOBS

From GoArmy site :
( Yes, The United States)

Internment/Resettlement (I/R) Specialists in the Army are primarily responsible for day-to-day operations in a military confinement/correctional facility or detention/internment facility. I/R Specialists provide rehabilitative, health, welfare, and security to U.S. military prisoners within a confinement or correctional facility; conduct inspections; prepare written reports; and coordinate activities of prisoners/internees and staff personnel.

Advanced level Internment/Resettlement Specialist provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level I/R Specialist, you may be involved in:

* Supervise and establish all administrative, logistical and food support operations, confinement/correctional, custodial, treatment, and rehabilitative activities
* Responsible for all personnel working in the confinement/correctional facility, including security, logistical, and administrative management of the prisoner/internee population
* Provide command and control, staff planning, administration/logistical services, and custody/control for the operation of an Enemy Prisoner of War/Civilian Internee (EPW/CI) camp

* Provide command and control, staff planning, administration/logistical services, and custody/control for the operation of detention facility or the operation of a displaced civilian (DC) resettlement facility

link :

http://www.goarmy.com/JobDetail.do?id=292

thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2311145/posts

curious as to the history of MOS # 31E

( I gotta quit reading the news )

Great raw food recipes at this post. Thanks Granny! Salads are good but winter is coming.

QUICK, EVERYONE OUTDOORS, WATCH THE SKY!!!

LOL, 10 extra points, to the Las Vegas Dispatcher, who gave the alert for the UFO, a few minutes ago and did not crack her voice tone.

Says it sounds kinda like a copter, but has pulsating red and green lights.

LOL, sounds like one of the Air Force pilots is bored and having a bit of fun.

http://www.radioreference.com/apps/audio/?ctid=1745

It will be sited all over the country, once the word gets out.

Earlier tonight, I posted a link to grain recipes, it is above this one, a few spots, LOL.

There are several there that I would like to try, I didn’t attempt to break them down to post, as I just don’t have the energy to post single recipes tonight.

Hugs, Granny. Thank you for continuing with this thread. It means a lot to me.

Toffee Poke Cake

1 (18 oz) chocolate cake mix
1 (17 oz) jar butterscotch caramel ice cream topping
1 carton frozen whipped topping thawed
3 Heath candy bars chopped

Prepare and bake cake according to package directions, using a greased 9x13 baking pan. Cool on a wire rack.

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes in the cake. Pour 3/4 C. caramel topping into holes. Spoon remaining caramel over cake. Top with whipped topping. Sprinkle with candy. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Dorie
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DoriesRecipeBox/

Tightwad Tuesday: Anatomy of a Frugal Cleaning Cabinet

Posted: 29 Sep 2009 04:00 AM PDT

Frugal Cleaning Products

People often wonder what is in my cleaning cabinet. With the plethora of cleaning products available, it’s sometimes hard to know what a frugal person needs. Or rather doesn’t need.

My cleaning cabinet is very basic. I’ve found that with a few basic items, I can clean almost anything.
Essential Frugal Cleaning Supplies

Vinegar. I’ve written before about all the things I love to do with vinegar. From fabric softener to disinfectant, vinegar on it’s own can clean a lot of things. It’s even more powerful when combined with other things.

Baking Soda. Baking soda makes a great scouring powder. It also deodorizes carpets, refrigerators, and cat litter boxes. And when combined with vinegar, it can unclog drains. I also use it in my homemade laundry detergent.

Dawn Dishwashing Detergent. Dawn is great for breaking down grease. I like to use it in combination with vinegar to clean my bathrooms.

Rubbing Alcohol. This is great for cleaning computer and television screens. You can also use rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and water to make a glass cleaner. Just use a cup of rubbing alcohol, a cup of water, and a tablespoon of vinegar.

Olive Oil. Mix three parts olive oil with one part vinegar to make a great furniture polish. I confess I hardly use furniture polish, though. I just dust with a slightly damp rag.

Borax. Borax is a great laundry detergent booster, and I use it in my homemade laundry detergent recipe. It also works to get rid of ants.

Washing Soda. Another laundry detergent essential.

Fels Naptha Soap. My favorite soap for making homemade laundry detergent. On it’s own, it’s also a great spot remover.

Commercial Dishwasher Detergent. So far I haven’t found anything to replace dishwasher detergent, so this is the only commercial cleaning product I use.

That’s it. With these 9 ingredients, I clean my entire house and do the laundry. All of these ingredients combined cost less than $25. That’s a lot better than an overstuffed cabinet full of $100 worth of cleaning products, each used for a single purpose. I prefer to keep things simple…and cheap.

beingfrugal.net

My Mother used to make a similar cake, ;^) ... only she baked a white cake, poked holes, drizzled sweet canned peach juice into the holes and chopped the peaches then spread them on the cake while still in the pan and spread whipped topping over the whole thing. It was a nice sweet treat. Thanks for the ping to a new recipe.

[Radio show and forum]

http://www.rocoto.com/Preserving.html

Preserving

Wednesday, 05 December 2007 14:49 Joe Carrasco

Aji Amarillo & Aji Colorado

Bolivian & Peruvian cooking use a lot of powdered Aji Amarillo (baccatum) & Colorado in recopies. These tasty peppers can (and have) been used fresh but I generally dry the bulk & use mostly the Rocotos fresh.

Drying Aji Amarillo & Aji Colorado

[Dried Aji Amarillo]

Dried Aji Amarillo

* Wear latex gloves. Warn your family of what you are about to do so they can stay clear of the kitchen.

* Pick the peppers when they are very ripe. I try to batch the drying process as much as possible so I usually wait till late in the season. I may pick the ripest peppers early and use them fresh to delay the harvest until I have the maximum number of ripe peppers.

* Cut the stem and a small amount of the crown off the pepper with sharp scissors. Slit the pepper from top to bottom on one side so that you can clearly see the seed vein running along the inside of the pepper. I leave the seeds & pod in place.

* I use a 5 level electric dehydrator to dry my peppers. Get one with adjustable height shelves if you can. Wash the peppers first, dry with a paper towel, then arrange on the dehydrator. If the dehydrator has a vent on top, open it. Air temperature in my dehydrator reaches 118. You would think this would harm the seeds but I get excellent an germination % out of seeds dried this way. Also, the drying peppers give off a potent aroma so plan for an appropriate location.

* Remove peppers when they are crispy but still bright orange. Do not let the peppers get too dark. Allow them to cool completely before grinding.

Aji Amarillo Powder

* My method for powdering the peppers is to use an electric Braun coffee bean grinder. It doesn’t exactly powder the peppers but it works
* I store the Aji en polvo in glass jars in my freezer. I leave a pouch of silica in the jar to keep the stuff dry.

Rocotos (aka Locoto in Bolivia)

Rocotos are plumb sized fleshy peppers from South America This lovely pepper is usually enjoyed fresh in salsas or stuffed. Rocotos can be preserved by freezing, drying, or pickling. Since fresh is best with this pepper, I usually will leave them on the bush as long as possible always picking the ripest peppers. When I find that I have too many ripe peppers, I pick a bunch and either freeze them or dry them.

Frozen Rocotos

These are usually the first peppers I use in the kitchen when the last of my crop is gone (sometimes as late as December).

Use this same Rocoto preparation technique for drying and freezing.

* Wear latex gloves.
* Pick the peppers when they are very ripe. The ripest Rocotos have a light crackle pattern on the skin. Mushy peppers are too ripe.
* Wash and dry.
* Use a sharp knife to cut the crown of the pepper. Try to do it far down enough so that when you pull the stem/crown loose, it will take the seed pod with it. Set the seed pods aside. The seed pods can be dried in the dehydrator or set in a warm place to dry naturally.
* You should have a nice little pepper cup that can be stuffed or used creatively in recipes.

To Freeze:

* Flash freeze the peppers on a cookie sheet on wax paper for 6+ hours.
* Transfer the peppers to zip lock bags or other suitable storage. Frozen Rocotos are almost as good as fresh.

Dried Rocotos

Use the same preparation method for drying as for freezing. When you have a Rocoto cup...

* The cleaned Rocoto can either be dried in the dehydrator whole or cut in half for faster drying. I have also dried Rocotos whole (with seeds) but it takes longer and they turn out a little darker.
* Rocotos will get pretty dark when dry; be sure to check them often so you don’t over cook them.
* I store the dry Rocotos in glass jars with a packet of silica gel.
* To dehydrate, soak in water for several hours until soft.

Pickled Rocotos

The traditional pickling method for Rocotos is the “Escabeche de Verduras” (vegetable escabeche). The ingredients for this Bolivian escabeche are:

* As many ripe Rocotos as you want. (washed, whole)
* Several peeled and sliced carrots. Cut to either chunky strips, wheels, or use a mandoline for a fancy cut.
* Small brussel sprouts. (washed, whole)
* Small shallots (washed, whole or cut in half)
* Cauliflower (cut sized similar to the brussel sprouts)
* Pickling spices (peppercorn, dry parsley, oregano, rosemary)
* Red wine vinegar & plain white vinegar

Combine ingredients

* Prepare all the vegetables.
* Fill a screw lid jar full of the escabeche goodies.
* Sprinkle some of the pickling spices as you fill the jar with the veggies.
* Fill the jar to the brim with a mixture of 33% red wine vinegar, 33% white vinegar, & 33% water.
* Close up the jar and store in the refrigerator. The escabeche should last a few months so make multiple batches during the season.
* The escabeche should be ready to eat in about a week.

Preserving Peppers In Oil

A nice container of pretty peppers on the window sill with light streaming through just looks good. Others preserve peppers in oil to infuse the oil with taste & heat. Care should be taken when preserving for food as there is risk of Botulism.

Preserving for decorative use

Start with good straight red thin walled peppers. Thin walled peppers dry translucent and give the arrangement a nice glow when lit from behind. I prefer Aji De Arbol or Thai Dragon. Pick the peppers when they are good and ripe (before the skin wrinkles). Clip the stem close to the pepper & wash well. Dry in a dehydrator and remove before individual peppers get crispy or darken excessively. The drying will take careful monitoring because peppers will try at different rates depending on size and where they are are placed in the dehydrator.

Wash and dry a clear decorative bottle or jar. Drop your dried peppers in one at a time until you are pleased with the appearance. Fill the container 80% full with a light colored oil. For decorative use, I recommend peanut, light vegetable, or a light olive oil. Add a hand full of multicolored peppercorns to complete the arrangement.

Preserving for food

Usually this technique is employed to flavor the oil. I have never eaten the peppers after they have soaked in oil for an extended period of time. The above method of preserving for decorative use is the basically the same as when preparing for consumption. However, since it is the oil that will be used, make sure that you choose a high quality oil. Spicy extra virgin olive oil is great substitute for regular olive oil. I use it on Bruschetta, Focaccia, & salads. Chile infused peanut oil is great for cooking stir fry.

Do not use fresh peppers when making spicy oil. Use only dehydrated completely dry peppers. as this will reduce the chance of Botulism. Also, do not use any herbs or spices that contain moisture. Use only dry or dehydrated herbs. Also, take note that olive oil is perishable and will go rancid so don’t make too much or it will be come strictly decorative.

Preserving in Alcohol

Try substituting Vodka for the oil in the above instructions (no peppercorns or spices). Don’t let the peppers sit too long or the Vodka will be too spicy!

http://www.rocoto.com/recipes/5-Salte%C3%B1as.html

What is a Salteña? It’s simply the most delicious Bolivian delicacy known to man. Actually, the Salteña hails from La Paz Bolivia - but you don’t need to travel all the way there to enjoy this feast. The below recipe has been finely tuned with assistance from my Abuelita. It’s a sure fire winner. Enjoy!

Serving Size : 40 Preparation Time :2:30

Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
———— —————— ————————————————
8 each garlic cloves — diced fine
1 1/2 each white onions — diced fine
5 tablespoons parsley — chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons Aji Amarillo — powder
1 teaspoon Aji Colorado — powder
1 tablespoon oregano — dried
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cumin — ground
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds extra lean ground beef
2 each potato — finely chopped
1 each beef bouillon cube
2 each carrot — finely chopped
3 pkg gelatin powder
1 cup frozen peas
14 oz beef broth
1/2 cup spaghetti sauce
6 cups flour
12 oz shortening
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups water — boiling
3 each eggs, hard-boiled — diced fine
40 each black olives

Prepare the filling at least 4 hours in advance to allow gelatin to set.
Filling

Finely chop in food processor: onion, garlic & parsley.

In a large pot, gently sauté the onion, garlic, oregano & parsley in vegetable oil for about 15 min (do not allow onion to brown). Add the Aji Colorado & Aji Amarillo, cumin, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, spaghetti sauce, & beef bouillon. Cover & simmer on low heat for approximately 45 min until a reddish oil starts to rise to the surface. Add 1 1/2 cups water, remove cover & reduce for 15 min - 30 min. You will know it is ready when a reddish oil rises and covers the entire mixture.

While “auguado” is simmering, prepare the following:

In a separate pot, boil about 5 cups of water with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add chopped potato celery and peas. Boil for about 3 minutes and remove ingredients to a holding bowl and dump water.

When auguado is ready (reddish oil), add the meat in large chunks (raise temp a little). Allow meat to clump, then break up clumps so you have small clumps. Allow mixture to cook for 15 minutes mixing frequently. Add the beef broth and the potato/celery/pea/carrot mixture. Mix well and add about another 1/2 cup water. Thoroughly dissolve gelatin powder in about 1/2 cup boiling water and add to auguado and mix thoroughly. Turn off heat and allow mixture to cool. When Transfer mixture to a large bowl, cover and refrigerate overnight.
Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, shortening, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. After the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, add the boiling water - 1/3 cup at a time mixing in between. The dough should be a bit sticky when done.
Making the Salteñas

Peel and chop the eggs and place on a plate. Place the olives on a bowl. Remove the filling from the refrigerator. To make the salteña take a golf ball sized amount of dough into your hand and roll it into a flat circle (about 5” in diameter and fairly thin). Put about a large heaping tablespoon of filling in the center or the dough. Add 1 olive and some chopped egg.

Carefully close and seal the salteña with a twist seam. Salteñas can be frozen. Separate frozen salteñas with wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.

To serve the Salteñas

Preheat oven to bake at 500. Place salteñas on a lightly greased baking sheet leaving about 1 1/2” between salteñas. Place in oven on medium rack for 15 to 20 minutes (time depends on oven). Salteñas are done when they are golden brown. Serve with beer or other cold drink and lots of napkins. You know you’ve got the recipe right when the dough does not leak the juices.

http://www.rocoto.com/recipes/6-Papas%20a%20la%20Huancaina.html

Papas a la Huancaina
Wednesday, 05 December 2007 13:43 Joe Carrasco

Description: “Boiled potatoes served with a spicy Bolivian peanut sauce”
Serving Size : 10
Preparation Time : 1:30

Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
———— —————— ————————————————
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
4 Teaspoons Aji Amarillo — powder
1/4 cup water
12 ounces peanut butter — unsweetened
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 head butter lettuce
10 each potato — cubed 2” thick
10 ounces olives
4 each eggs, hard-boiled — sliced 1/4-inch thick

Combine the vegetable oil, Aji Amarillo, and water in a sauce pan. Adjust the amount of aji to taste, 4 teaspoons should produce a medium heat sauce.

Heat mixture on low heat for 45 minutes. As the mixture reduces, keep adding water 1/4 cup at a time. Continue to heat until the oil separates to the top and is reddish/yellow.

In a separate pot, boil the peeled cut potatoes till done. Rinse in cold water and allow to cool to room temperature.

In yet another small pot, hard boil the eggs. When done, let them cool and slice 1/4” thick.

Add the peanut butter and milk to the sauce and blend well. Continue to heat on low heat for another 1/2 hour. Add 1/4 cup water if the sauce gets too thick. Sauce is done when the oil starts to separate again.

Arrange lettuce leaves to cover the bottom of a serving dish. Arrange room temperature potatoes over lettuce and cover with room temperature or slightly warm sauce. Add olives and sliced eggs over the sauce. Best olives to use are black Mediterranean olives with pit.

http://www.rocoto.com/recipes/7-Rocoto%20Relleno.html

Rocoto Relleno
Wednesday, 05 December 2007 13:46 Joe Carrasco

One of the most well known rocoto recipes is the rocoto relleno. This recipe hails from Arequipa Peru. I am Bolivian, not Peruvian so this recipe comes from a combination of recipes found on the internet. I tweaked the ingredients and quantities to make it easy.

Serving Size : 6 Preparation Time :1:00
Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
———— —————— ————————————————
6 each fresh Rocotos — washed
2 each eggs, hard-boiled — chopped
1 each white onion — chopped
2 each clove garlic — chopped
2 tablespoons aji Amarillo powder
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1 teaspoon ground oregano
2 tablespoons peanut butter, unsalted (natural peanut butter)
1 can evaporated milk
6 slices Monterey jack cheese
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Cut open each rocoto and remove seeds and veins with spoon. Place in a small pot ull of water and put on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to just before oil and remove from heat. Allow to sit for 10 minutes and then pour off water.
Repeat 4 times alternating 1tbs surgar and 1 tbs salt in the water, this will remove lost of the heat or this dish will be too hot for most people. If you like it hot, do the aforementioned only one or two times.

Stuffing: Boil the eggs, allow to cool and chop. Saute in a large skillet with 3 tbs vegetable oil the chopped onion and garlic for about 5 minutes. Add the aji colorado and cook for about 5 more minutes on medium (you can substitute 2 fresh or dried aji
amarillo if you have some). Add the ground beef & oregano and cook for another 10. Add the peanut butter & eggs & salt/pepper to taste. Take off heat and set aside.

Stuff the rocotos and arrange in a baking dish. Pour about 2 tablespoons evaporated milk into each one, cover the opening with cheese and cap with the rocoto top. Pour any leftover suffing into the baking dish and a little of the milk also. Cook in the oven at 350 for about 40 min.

Serve with boiled potatoes. Arrange some of the extra stuffing on the plate and place a piece of cheese on top.