H's Herb World

Calendula, a flowering plant also known as pot marigold, can be served as a tea or used as an ingredient in various herbal formulations.
While the tea is made by steeping the flowers in boiling water, the extract is derived from both the flowers and the leaves 🍃 
Despite its slightly bitter taste, calendula tea is a traditional remedy used in folk medicine because of its ascribed therapeutic properties. Meanwhile, you can find the extract in oils, ointments, and tinctures.

Marigold extract is used as a food colouring for many different food items throughout Europe. Marigold petals, both fresh and dried, are also edible. They can be eaten raw or cooked and used in everything from teas, drinks, soups, desserts, and even savory dishes!

Flaxseed or linseed (Linum usitatissimum) is considered one of the wonder foods with its many potential benefits for the body. It is the original superfood for improving digestive and heart health while lowering the risks of cancer. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil were popular ingredients in cooking for many centuries. Today, flax is marketed as seed, oil, or ground flax and is a staple in most pantries. It is also popularly used as an ingredient in some nutritional food supplements. It's also a great appetite suppressant due to its high fibre content so great for weight loss programmes

The common flax has been around for many centuries – dating back to the Neolithic age – farmed for consumption. It is a plant native to India and used for Ayurvedic medicine. But there is also evidence that traces their origin back to Babylon in 3,000 B.C. In ancient Egypt, flaxseed is highly valued for its symbol of purity. Egyptian priests would wear only flax linens and also for embalming their mummies.

Herbs have been around and used for thousands of years. The first written records were etched into clay tablets over 5000 years ago by the Sumerians in Mesopotonia and the Ancient Egyptians wrote the Ebers Papyrus which listed over 850 herbal medicines in 1500 BC. It’s likely that humans have used plants as medicines for as long as we have existed.

Today they still have their place used alongside the conventional medicine prescribed by doctors. It is very important that any herb taken is carefully checked to see that it will not interfere with the medication from your doctor.

Here are just a few of the everyday ailments that herbs can help with

Anxiety

Inflammation

Wound healing

Migraines

Arthritis

High cholesterol/blood pressure

Nausea

Irritable bowel syndrome

Menopause symptoms

Herbs can also be used as an excellent detox

I primarily work with herbs in tea form, but also use essential oils and I can make up capsules

If you would like a consultation (without charge or obligation) to see how I can help you please private message me.

Lavandula is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World and is found in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, and from Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to southeast India.

Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy. Distilled from the plant Lavandula angustifolia, the oil promotes relaxation and believed to treat anxiety, fungal infections, allergies, depression, insomnia, eczema, nausea, and menstrual cramps.

Milk thistle is native to Europe and was introduced into North America by early colonists. Milk thistle is found throughout the eastern United States, California, South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia.

Milk Thistle Protects Your liver

It May Help Prevent Age-Related Decline in brain function

Milk Thistle Could Protect Your bones

It May Improve cancer reatment.

It Can Boost Breast Milk Production.

It Could Help Treat Acne.

Peel and soak the roots and stalks to remove all bitterness, slice thinly and cook/stir-fry or boil in soups and stews.

The leaves with spines removed, can be eaten raw or cooked like spinach. Milk Thistle seeds can be roasted and ground and used as a coffee substitute. They are also quite sweet to chew as a snack.

The young flowers can be eaten but as time goes by they become less palatable.

Green tea is reported to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet.
It’s loaded with antioxidants that have many health benefits, which may include:

improved brain function

fat loss

protecting against cancer

lowering the risk of heart disease

Balances hormones

Reduces inflammation

Help prevent cell damage

As well as regular green tea, I have some flavoured with pomegranate flowers if anyone wants to try something a little bit different!
I have limited stock of the flavoured green tea

Using only the best quality leaf. 30 bags of this amazing tea is just 6€!!

MORINGA

When it comes to moringa benefits, there are almost too many to count! Native to Africa and Asia, the Moringa Tree, or Moringa Oleifera to use its scientific name, is one of the most nutrient-rich plants in the world.

It has a delicious spinachy green flavour, perfect for boosting curries, stews, casseroles, soups, salads, green smoothies and more. Moringa is:

25% plant protein including all 9 essential amino acids

24% fibre

A rich source of iron, vitamin K & E

A source of vitamin A & calcium

High in antioxidants

As Moringa is a natural source of these nutrients, it is highly bioavailable, so our bodies can absorb the benefits more.

Moringa can be consumed in a tea If desired, spices and herbs, such as cinnamon and lemon basil can help offset the slightly earthy taste of pure moringa leaf. It's naturally caffeine-free, so you can drink it before bed and not have a problem.



@ Mijas, Andalucia, Spain

Cowslip is a plant that grows throughout Europe and Asia. The flower and root are used to make medicine

Cowslip flower is most commonly used for swollen nose and throat and bronchitis It is also used for. trouble sleeping headache, muscle spasms, heart failure and many other conditions

Culinary Uses for Cowslip

The flowers may be eaten fresh with cream, candied, or brewed into tea. Cowslip wine, made from the yellow petal rings together with sugar, lemon rind and juice, water, and yeast, was considered an excellent sedative.

Interestingly in Northern Ireland Cowslips are so rare that they are protected and are often planted along roadsides and in gardens, so are more likely to be native away from road verges.



@ Mijas, Andalucia, Spain

Yarrow

Native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia, this magical herb has been used medicinally for thousands of years in many cultures around the world.

The Latin name Achillea comes from the mythical Greek warrior Achilles, who was said to have used this plant to heal soldiers wounded in war.
It was also referred to in the classical period as herba militaris because of its use in wound healing on the battlefield.

In the Middle Ages it was used as an ingredient in gruit, an herbal mixture used to flavour ale prior to the use of hops and the flowers and leaves are still used in some types of bitters and liqueurs.

Long considered by herbalists to be a “blood moving herb,” yarrow has been used to stimulate blood circulation and lower blood pressure.

@ Mijas, Andalucia, Spain

Herbs have been around and used for thousands of years. The first written records were etched into clay tablets over 5000 years ago by the Sumerians in Mesopotonia and the Ancient Egyptians wrote the Ebers Papyrus which listed over 850 herbal medicines in 1500 BC. It’s likely that humans have used plants as medicines for as long as we have existed.

Today they still have their place used alongside the conventional medicine prescribed by doctors. It is very important that any herb taken is carefully checked to see that it will not interfere with the medication from your doctor.

Here are just a few of the everyday ailments that herbs can help with

Anxiety

Inflammation

Wound healing

Migraines

Arthritis

High cholesterol/blood pressure

Nausea

Irritable bowel syndrome

Menopause symptoms

Herbs can also be used as an excellent detox

I primarily work with herbs in tea form, but also use essential oils and I can make up capsules

If you would like a consultation to see how I can help you please private message me.

PARSLEY is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean. The two most common types are French curly-leaf and Italian flat-leaf.

Over the years, parsley has been used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, allergies, and inflammatory diseases.

Today, it’s widely used as a fresh culinary herb or dried spice. It’s bright green in color and has a mild, bitter flavour that goes well with many recipes.

The herb is rich in many vitamins, particularly vitamin K, which is needed for blood clotting and bone health.
Parsley is also a great source of vitamins A and C — important nutrients with antioxidant

Parsley contains many powerful antioxidants that can benefit your health.The fragrant herb is particularly rich in a class of antioxidants known as flavonoids. Studies show that diets rich in flavonoids may lower your risk of conditions, including colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a medicinal herb with numerous health benefits. It is a common spice in Indian cuisine and has been used in alternative medicine for centuries to treat certain ailments.

In recent times, the tea made from its seeds has been gaining popularity. Fenugreek tea may play a role in heart health, aid digestion, fight inflammation, and promote weight loss. Fenugreek is high in fibre, will make you feel fuller and so aid weightloss.

Fenugreek tea also can play a role on the treatment of type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity.

Its also an effective natural remedy for a sore throat due to its antiseptic properties.

Oh and one last thing, use the tea cold as a rinse after washing your hair to treat dandruff!

Passion Flower

Today passion flower is promoted as a dietary supplement for anxiety and sleep problems, as well as for pain, heart rhythm problems, menopausal symptoms, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is applied to the skin for burns and to treat hemorrhoids.

Passiflora, known also as the passion flowers or passion vines, is a genus of about 550 species of flowering plants, the type genus of the family Passifloraceae. They are mostly tendril-bearing vines, with some being shrubs or trees. They can be woody or herbaceous

Historically Roman Catholic priests of the late 1500's named it specifically for the Passion (suffering and death) of Jesus Christ in the Roman Catholic religion. They believed that several parts of the plant, including the petals, rays, and sepals, symbolised features of the Passion

@ Mijas, Andalucia, Spain

My very first attempt at candles!
Rose 🌹 oil infused and the Noel candle is Orange oil and cinnamon...now to see if they burn successfully 🤞

@ Mijas, Andalucia, Spain

So a very different order from a lovely new customer for Green Tea with Pistachio!

Best ingredients sourced and order completed..

I always try my teas before sending out to my ladies and I could not wait to try this.

The verdict - Delicious! crushed pistachio nuts give this normally quite "earthy" herb tea a creamy sweetness. It makes it kind of cloudy too like you've added a touch of milk.

What we already know

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants that have many health benefits, which may include:

improved brain function

fat loss

protecting against cancer

lowering the risk of heart disease

What we may not know about pistachios

High levels of unsaturated fatty acids and potassium.

They can lower your chances for cardiovascular disease.

Pistachios are bursting with the fiber, minerals, and unsaturated fat that can help keep your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol in check.

Just 7€ for 30 prepared tea bags! They're in 2 bags of 15 to share with a friend if you like.

Neroli

Originating in Tunisia and primarily cultivated across North Africa and France, neroli is widely believed to have been named during the 16th century for Princess Anne Maria de La Tremoille of Nerola, Italy, who fell in love with the striking fragrance and introduced it to her homeland.

Neroli oil emits a rich, floral scent, with citrusy orange overtones. It's used as a base note in perfumes and scented products. Because of its soothing effect on mood, neroli oil is often used as an ingredient in body lotions and cosmetics.

It can also be used in aromatherapy. Neroli essential oil is a wonderful sleep remedy as its hypnotic and soothing properties can help relax your mind, as well as relieve insomnia, grief, and feelings of despair. It has also been shown to reduce blood pressure, ease agitation, and benefit your overall wellbeing.

Marigold or Calendula Flowers

A little ray of sunshine in a pot or in our gardens and so beneficial for us and our 4 pawed best friends

For us they can be eaten as petals or leaves, raw or blanched, fresh or dry, sweet or savory. To prepare marigolds Pull the petals from the stem, with scissors cut off any white or pale green bits as these could give a bitter taste if not removed. Sprinkle on salads, into soups, quiches and sauces for an extra zing

Marigold has long been recognised as a medicinal flower to address cut and sores, again in a cooled tea solution because it contains essential oils and a high concentration of flavonoids (secondary plant substances), such as carotene. They act as anti-inflammatories to promote topical healing and soothe irritated skin.

The use of a cooled solution of Calendula/Marigold Tea in veterinary medicine has been indicated for bathing eyes with allergic conjunctivitis. These are typically red, sore, weeping eyes that may effect our pets at any time of year.



@ Mijas, Andalucia, Spain

Welcome to the fascinating world of herbs.

Herbs have been around and used for thousands of years. The first written records were etched into clay tablets over 5000 years ago by the Sumerians in Mesopotonia and the Ancient Egyptians wrote the Ebers Papyrus which listed over 850 herbal medicines in 1500 BC. It’s likely that humans have used plants as medicines for as long as we have existed.

Today they still have their place used alongside the conventional medicine prescribed by doctors.

It is very important that any herb taken is carefully checked to see that it will not interfere with the medication from your doctor.

Here are just a few of the everyday ailments that herbs can help with

Anxiety
Inflammation
Wound healing
Migraines
Arthritis
High cholesterol/blood pressure
Nausea
Irritable bowel syndrome
Menopause symptoms
Herbs can also be used as an excellent detox

I primarily work with herbs in tea form and prices start from 6€ for 30 prepared tea bags

If you would like a consultation to see how I can help you please message me.

Email [email protected]

Find me on Facebook on H's Herb World

Thank you and have a great weekend!

Helena





@ Mijas, Andalucia, Spain

Moringa

Moringa commonly referred to as drumstick is treated as a ‘super plant’ for its unique yet powerful properties that combat different ailments in our system. This nutrient-dense plant has its roots in Ayurveda and was used as a medicine by our ancestors. Drumstick is one of those rare plant species whose seeds, flowers, leaves, and stems are edible and extremely nutritious.

Regulates blood sugar levels

The high blood sugar level is the main characteristic of diabetes, which in turn leads to heart diseases. Drumsticks are known to reduce spiked blood sugar levels significantly. Plant compounds contained therein are responsible for reducing blood sugar levels as well as enhances gall bladder function. This in turns regulates blood sugar.

Helps to purify the blood

Drumstick helps in purifying the blood of toxins and making our organs function better. They further act as a potent antibiotic agent. Consuming drumsticks on a regular basis may help you streamline blood circulation well.

Boosts immunity

Constantly changing weather and hectic lifestyle takes a toll on the immune system. Drumstick and its healthy green leave act as an immunity booster that helps control body temperature during a fever.

Helps in developing stronger bones

Due to the presence of a high amount of calcium and iron in drumsticks, they play a major role in developing strong and healthy bone structure. It also prevents the loss of bone density and increases overall stamina and health.



@ Mijas, Andalucia, Spain

Willow is one of around 400 species of tree found mostly in the Northern Hemisphere. It's of great historical importance in herbal medicine because, in the 19th century, the drug we now know as Aspirin was developed from its bark.

Willow bark and leaves were used for fever and pain in ancient Egypt as well as being a staple in native American healing.

Today the bark is usually prepared as a tincture or tea, or ground and put into capsules and is used as a natural remedy for arthritis as an anti-inflammatory, fever, headache and other types of pain.

As a note of caution, anyone taking anticoagulant medication should avoid taking any form of willow as it will further thin the blood.

If you’ve experienced anxiety or have trouble sleeping, you’ve probably thought about trying an herbal remedy for relief.

Valerian has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy.
It was used in ancient Greece and Rome to ease

Insomnia
Nervousness
Trembling
Headaches
Stress

It may be just what you need to finally get a good night’s sleep. The roots can be used in a tea or they can be dried and ground to put into capsules.

Personally I am not overkeen on this plants aroma, so I would take it in capsule form.

St. John’s wort is a plant with yellow flowers that has been used in traditional European medicine as far back as the ancient Greeks. The name St. John’s wort apparently refers to John the Baptist, as the plant blooms around the time of the feast of St. John the Baptist in late June.

Historically, St. John’s wort has been used for a variety of conditions, including kidney and lung ailments, insomnia, and depression, and to aid wound healing.

Currently, St. John’s wort is most often used as a dietary supplement for depression. People also use it as a dietary supplement for other conditions, including menopausal symptoms, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

It is used topically for wound healing.The flowering tops of St. John’s wort are used to prepare teas, tablets, capsules, and liquid extracts.

Tarragon is commonly known as a flavoring for vinegar and is used in pickles, relishes, prepared mustards, and sauces. This herb also goes well with fish, meat, soups and stews, and is often used in tomato and egg dishes. Tarragon adds distinctive flavour to sauces, being quite strong in flavour its best used sparingly at first until you find your own preference.

Tarragon is low in calories and carbs and contains nutrients that may be beneficial for your health.

Just one tablespoon of dried tarragon provides
Calories: 5
Carbs: 1g

Manganese
Manganese is an essential nutrient that plays a role in brain health, growth, metabolism and the reduction of oxidative stress in your body.

Iron
Iron is key to cell function and blood production. An iron deficiency may lead to anaemia and result in fatigue and weakness

Potassium
Potassium is mineral that’s crucial for proper heart, muscle and nerve function. What’s more, research has found that it can lower blood pressure.

Tarragon can be consumed in tea form, but as previously mentioned it packs a powerful punch flavour wise, so perhaps best sprinkled onto salads, or your fish and chicken dishes.

Saffron is a small, bulbous, perennial spice, a member of the lily family.

To produce saffron, the stigmas the part of the flower which catches pollen must be painstakingly handpicked, then carefully laid on a sieve and cured over heat to deepen the flavour. This process is so labour intensive that it makes saffron is the most expensive spice in the world with a gram of the sought-after spice selling for up to £75 or around 80€, its actually more expensive than gold!

It takes about 463 stigmas to make up 1g and each flower will yield just 3!
Add to that It only flowers for about three to four weeks during October and November and there you have it why it is so sought after and pricey

Currently saffron is commercially produced in Iran, Greece, Morocco, Spain, Kashmir and Italy. Iran is the most important producer of saffron both, in terms of volume and quality, and Spain being the largest importer of the spice.

Here are some health benefits of this amazing spice

Known as the sunshine spice, saffron is used as an anti depressant.

Boosts memory and heart health too.

As with all herbs and spices saffron is rich in antioxidants which protect the body against harmful substances.

Rosemary is a fragrant herb native to the Mediterranean region. It has a warm, bitter taste and it provides a nice flavour and aroma to many foods. In addition, rosemary can be used in tea or as an essential oil or liquid extract.

Rosemary is not only known for its taste and smell; it is also renowned for the many health benefits it possesses. A good source of iron, calcium and vitamins A, C, and B-6, rosemary has been used for its medicinal purposes for centuries.
Some of the many potential health benefits of rosemary include:

Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.

Rosemary is considered a cognitive stimulant and can help improve memory performance and quality. It is also known to boost alertness, intelligence, and focus.

The aroma of rosemary has been linked to improving mood, clearing the mind, and relieving stress in those with chronic anxiety or stress hormone imbalances.

The oil of rosemary has been known to promote hair growth prevent baldness, slow greying, and treat dandruff and dry scalp.

Rosemary is often used for digestion problems, including heartburn, intestinal gas.

Loss of appetite.

Rosemary is specifically powerful against bacterial infections.

The nutrients in rosemary help protect skin cells from damage often caused by the sun and free radicals.