Medicinal Uses For Herbs

Chamomile

Chamomile is a versatile herb medicinally that treats a plethora of common ailments.  Generally, there are three categories of use - as an anti-inflammatory for the skin, as an anti-infective for many common ailments, and as an anti-spasmodic for such problems as stomach cramps and indigestion.

Used in a Tea, or in Capsule form, Chamomile flowers are used internally for many common physical symptoms, including menstrual cramps, stomach cramps, indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, fever, colds, congestion, headaches, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, stress, nervousness, and poor digestion.  For babies, it is helpful with symptoms of colic and teething pain.  

Externally, Chamomile flowers can be ground into a paste (grind with mortar & pestle and add some water or unsweetened tea - add oatmeal slowly as needed for consistency) and used to treat skin irritations such as ulcers, infections, rashes, and burns.  The flowers can also be used in a bath to ease the pain of hemorrhoids and cystitis, and the essential Oil can be applied to combat neuralgia and eczema.  To prepare a bath, put a handful of flowers in a mesh bag, hang it on the tap using string or whatever, and run the bath water over it.  Use the same bath water, or an unsweetened tea, on brown hair to create golden highlights 

Lastly, Chamomile flowers can be used in a steam inhaler for respiratory and allergic problems such as asthma, hay fever, and sinusitis. 

Helpful Hints In The Kitchen

How to Halve A Cake Round

Many layer cake recipes call for individual cake rounds to be halved. Unfortunately, it is all too easy to make crooked, off-center, sloppy-looking cuts.
Here is how to get evenly cut layers every time.
Using a long, serrated knife, first make a shallow cut around the cake to mark the cut line. Then half the cake round through the equator, slowly rotating the cake as you cut. Then, carefully lift the upper cake layer and set aside. For easy maneuverability, slide each layer onto a tart pan bottom or rimless baking sheet.

Medicinal Uses For Herbs

Cayenne

Despite some being quite hot, all peppers are valued for their soothing effects on the digestive system, relief from the symptoms of colds, sore throats and fevers, circulation, especially for cold hands and feet, and as hangover remedies. Peppers act as a heart stimulant which regulates blood flow and strengthens the arteries, possibly preventing heart attacks. Nutritionally, fresh peppers are an excellent source of calcium and vitamin C. To make a medicine, especially with the hottest varieties, dry the peppers and ground into a powder. Use one or two tablespoons in warm water for relief of symptoms. Alternatively, pack the powder into capsules for use when making a tea is not convenient.

Peppers - especially hotter varieties such as Cayenne - can also be used externally as a remedy for painful joints, for frostbite, and applied directly to stop bleeding. They stimulate blood flow to the affected area, thus reducing inflammation and discomfort. Sprinkle a little powder into gloves or shoes to help stimulate circulation and keep the hands and feet warm. To make a liniment for external use, gently boil 1 tablespoon of hot pepper in 1 pint of cider vinegar. Do not strain, and bottle while hot.

For toothaches, make an Oil out of Cayenne and make a plug out of cotton saturated with the oil. Press into the affected tooth cavity.

Cayenne is safe if used in moderation but can cause problems in people with stomach problems and ulcers.

Helpful Hints In The Kitchen

Trick for softening butter

Whenever you need to soften cold butter quickly, rather than use the microwave (which inevitably results in some melted butter), simply cut the butter into pieces and place them into a small zipper lock bag. Then you just squeeze out the excess air and seal it tight. Using the warmth of your hands, knead the butter until soft.

Medicinal Uses For Herbs

Borage

Borage has been used since early times in teas to relieve depression and reduce fevers. The flowers or leaves are helpful for relieving the symptoms of bronchitis, and also act as an anti-diarrheal remedy. Take a cupful 2-3 times per day.

Externally, Borage leaves can also be ground into a paste (add hot water or tea, and maybe a little oatmeal for consistency) and make a cooling and soothing remedy for sprains, swelling, and skin inflammations and irritations.

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Medicinal Uses For Herbs

Basil

Basil is a member of the Mint family, and like most other mints, is mainly used in medicine for its digestive and anti-gas properties.  Herbalists also recommend it for stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation, headaches, and anxiety. 

Basil is usually made into a tea for medicinal purposes.    Try a cup of tea after dinner to aid the digestive process.  There is also some evidence that Basil has somewhat of a sedative effect, so drink some tea after particularly stressful days for relaxation purposes. 

Basil leaves can also be dried and ground into a powder for use in herbal capsules, which is more convenient when working or otherwise spending time away from home. 

Helpful Hints In The Kitchen

Freezer Storage Life In Months

Bacon & Sausage `1-2
Casseroles 2-3
Egg Whites or Egg Substitutes 12
Frozen Dinners & Entrees 3-4
Gravy 2-3
Ham or Hot Dogs 1-2
Lunch Meat 1-2
Meat, Uncooked Roasts 4-12
Uncooked Steaks & Chops 4-12
Uncooked Ground Beef 3-4
Meat, Cooked 2-3
Poultry, Uncooked Whole 12
Poultry, Uncooked Parts 9
Poultry, Cooked 4
Soups & Stews 2-3
Wild Game, Uncooked 8-12

Helpful Hints In The Kitchen

Conversion Chart

Measurement Equivalents

• 1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 3 teaspoons (tsp)
• 1/16 cup (c) = 1 tablespoon
• 1/8 cup = 2 tablespoons
• 1/6 cup = 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
• 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons
• 1/3 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
• 3/8 cup = 6 tablespoons
• 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons
• 2/3 cup = 10 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
• 3/4 cup = 12 tablespoons
• 1 cup = 48 teaspoons
• 1 cup= 16 tablespoons
• 8 fluid ounces (fl oz) = 1 cup
• 1 pint (pt) = 2 cups
• 1 quart (qt) = 2 pints
• 4 cups = 1 quart
• 1 gallon (gal) = 4 quarts
• 16 ounces (oz) =  1 pound (lb)  
• 1 milliliter (ml) = 1 cubic centimeter (cc)
• 1 inch (in) = 2.54 centimeters (cm)