Botanica West

Sorrel

Common sorrel (Rumex acetosa), also known as spinach dock, is a perennial herb that is cultivated as a garden herb or leaf vegetable (pot herb). It’s hearty and grows with little watering.

Sorrel is a slender plant about 60 cm high, with roots that run deep into the ground, as well as juicy stems and edible, oblong leaves. These deep roots makes it high in minerals and healthy eating as well.

It has whirled spikes of reddish-green flowers, which bloom in summer, becoming purplish. The stamens and pistils appear on different plants the ripe seeds are brown and shining. These can be gathered and replanted for a larger crop in the future. Read more »

Originally posted 2009-01-01 06:00:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Poor bone density is a real problem as we age especially during menopause and many of the medical treatments can really do a job on the digestive system. It seems the medical treatment can cause more damage to the body then the poor bone density itself!

The first thing we do in our clinic is that we address the hormone imbalance itself. We have a hormone replacement specialist for bio identical hormone replacement therapy H.R.T. here on staff at the Botanica west. If you choose to use herbals which are less expensive and doesn’t require blood tests, we have a Chinese Acupuncturist and Native American Iridologist / Herbalist on staff as well. Read more »

Originally posted 2009-04-16 19:18:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

There is a medicine cabinet right in your kitchen that you can use in a pinch.

Try some of these herbs for yourself and you can be your own spice doctor.

Allspice

Great at relieving flatulence and dyspeptic pain, helps with nervous exhaustion, gas, and diarrhea.  It may be applied as a compress in cases of rheumatism and neuralgia

Anise

Excellent for improving memory, colds, flu, cough, bronchitis, sinusitis, gas, colic, tension, lactation (not pregnancy!), eye brightener, fresh breath.  Anise is very useful for breaking up mucus and is used for hard, dry coughs where expectoration is difficult.  A tea is made by adding a cup of boiled water to three teaspoons of crushed seeds, steeping for 20-minutes.  This may be used to stimulate the productions of mother’s milk.  The seeds may be smoked or added to a cough syrup formula.  It is also used as a stimulant and carminative to treat flatulence and colic, taken as a tea.  Added to laxative formulas, it will reduce cramping of the bowels.

For hacking coughs add 7 teaspoons of Anise Seeds to 1 quart of boiling water and then simmer down to 1 1/2 pints.  Strain and add 4 teaspoons each of honey and glycerin.  Take 2 tsp. of this syrup every few hours to relieve the cough.

To improve memory, take 2 tablespoons, 3 times a day. Read more »

Originally posted 2009-11-16 17:49:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Beans the Magical fruit

I can’t believe nowadays a Mexican girl can’t make a simple pot of beans! And im not talking green beans, jelly beans or lima beans, im talking about re fried beans, black beans, chili beans… Where are there elders! This is a family staple dang it!

It seems every culture has a tradition rich in beany goodness, whether it is fava beans, adzuki beans, black beans, navy beans, mung beans, cannelloni beans…You just need a crock pot and they cook themselves. Once you make them you can make wonderful things from them. We make a pot of beans about every week. Different every time. Its a staple in my daughters vegan diet. For instance a few suggestions below, the ideas are endless. Read more »

Originally posted 2009-05-26 21:42:21. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Purslane Originated in India and was one of Ghandis favorite foods. It can be added to soups, stews or sautéed in garlic and olive oil for a delicate side dish. My favorite way to eat it is to simply add it to salads. Since it has a delicate texture and a slight tartness to it and marries well with balsamic vinegar. Read more »

Originally posted 2008-09-30 07:04:51. Republished by Blog Post Promoter