NEW MAGAZINE! ISSUE 2
100 PAGES OF TIPS AND RECIPES!
MYHERBSMAG.COM
HOT TIPS FROM EUROPE ` ORGANIC AMERICA ` EAT WELL, GROW & HEAL AT HOME
Three Best
ALTERNATIVES to ANTIBIOTICS
Fall 2016 HANDY GUIDE FOR MOTHERS-TO-BE HERBS FOR PREGNANCY
NASTURTIUM, CLOVES OR GARLIC
Healing SOUPS
BEAT BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLUES AROMATHERAPY FOR CHILDREN
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ISSUE 02 OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER
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MY HERBS MAGAZINE
D
ear readers,
We’d like to extend to you a warm welcome to our second issue of My Herbs magazine – a new publication that aims to reveal the amazing natural world of herbs. My Herbs originated in the Czech Republic six years ago. Since then, it has spread throughout Central Europe offering readers tried-and-true tips to grow organically, eat well and heal naturally, all from home. Thousands have learned about the nearly medicinal power of these plants to increase health and happiness. And now, My Herbs is making its U.S. and international debut. In our second issue, we reveal ways to preserve the natural bounty of autumn and prepare for the colder winter months. Find out where to face your indoor plants so they flourish throughout the fall. In addition, we offer tips and tricks to help little ones beat those back-to-school blues (and fight off seasonal illnesses using natural methods). Beyond flu season and winter colds, the use of antibiotics is on the rise and fear of drug-resistant diseases is growing. But no need to panic just yet; there are three herbal alternatives to antibiotics that could help. We wish that you find these and many more of our articles interesting, but more importantly useful to enhance and elevate your life. Warm regards and happy reading, Kelsey Quinn and the rest of the My Herbs editorial staff. Subscribe to My Herbs at MyHerbsMag.com
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CONTENTS 10 Treatment Without Antibiotics Practical guidance on how to kill harmful bacteria while avoiding chemical drugs, and how to become conversant with the natural ones. 14 Cordyceps Sinensis This mushroom is known in the West as a medicinal mushroom, and its use has a long history in both traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Tibetan medicine. It is one of the strongest natural drugs for combating immune deficiencies. 16 Soup Herbs Preserve herbs that keep you warm, heal aliments, and offer seasoning with your winter dishes. 20 Aromatherapy for Children If you are worried that at the beginning of the school year your kids will immediately have to miss school or kindergarten, read this article.But worry not. There are many tips and tricks to try that will help keep your kids happy, healthy and ready to learn. Sample some of these recipes to help tackle problems that very young, and even older children or adults suffer from. 28 Expert’s Advice Your questions are answered by My Herbs psychosomatic therapist. 30 Herbs Against Pain Discover what the best natural, herbal treatments are for pain. 32 My Herbs Photo Series Step-by-step instructions on how to make herbal syrups.
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36 Nettle The unmistakable medicinal plant with a wide range of applications. 38 Cannabis Another installment in the series prepared for you by Lukas Hurt. This time he will focus on harvesting, processing and drying – in other words activities typically done in the fall. 42 Manufacturing Herbal Cosmetics - Daisy The vernacular name ‘daisy,’ widely applied to members of the Asteraceae family, is derived from its Old English name, meaning ‘day’s eye’. This is because the petals of Bellis perennis and other plants of the Asteraceae family open at dawn and close at dusk. Daisies are obviously lovely to look at in our lawns and meadows for seven months of the year – or even longer – but their beautiful white flowers are also tasty, healing, and serve as a source of homemade cosmetic preparations. Learn how to preserve the daisy to be able to use it all year through. 44 My Herbs Calendar In fall, the spleen and pancreas are the organs most susceptible to problems; therefore, you should give them maximum care at this time of the year. 46 Herbs by the Points of the Compass Whether you grow plants in an apartment or in the garden at your
house, we will give you good advice on where individual species grow optimal and where to place them for best results will help them flourish.
60 Cancer Treatment Another part of the regular series, this time focused on a supportive treatment program.
50 Oyster Mushroom This strong immunomodulator may be a helpful food supplement for the fall season as well as a preventive remedy to ward off many illnesses.
64 Healthy Dinner Eight low-calorie, nutritious dinner recipes that will satisfy the tastes of both kids and adults alike.
54 The Mysteries Inside Herbs In the first chapter of this new series you will learn about glycosides and which plants contain them. 56 Natural Sources of Minerals Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that protects us from many health problems. 58 Amaranth Amaranth, also known as pigweed Anyway, this plant's grains have a very positive effect on our health and which should certainly become part of our diet.
72 Vegan Diet Lukas Hurt has interviewed the coauthor of an unusual cookbook called, ‘A Banana Instead of an Egg’ and chatted with her not only about the precepts of veganism, but also vegan lifestyle and the quality of food ingredients. Includes mouthwatering vegan recipes. 78 Focus on Women Suitable exercise is important during pregnancy and after childbirth. 80 Focus on Men Keeping your gut healthy. 82 Crohn's Disease An ever-increasing number of patients suffer from chronic intestinal inflammation. How to fight this disease, and what role do diet and lifestyle play in the battle? Unlock the secrets of an herb that can be a supportive remedy. 88 Egyptian Horoscope
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Dear readers from all over the world, Our goal is to bring you maximum enjoyment from reading about the miraculous world of herbs despite all the dierences in changing seasons, climate and growing conditions, weights and measurements as well as geographical locations you may come from. We always strive to do all necessary adjustments and conversions to make the reading as pleasant and comfortable for you as possible, however, it may happen from time to time that you come across lines that are not fully matching the circumstances you are experiencing. In such a case we hope for your kind understanding.
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Unit Conversion Chart WEIGHT 1 Pound 1 Ounce 1 Dram (Pinch) 1 Grain VOLUME 1 Quart 1 Pint 1 Cup 1 Fluid ounce 1 Tablespoon 1/2 Tablespoon 1 Teaspoon 1/2 Teaspoon
lb. oz. dr. gr.
454 Grams / 0.5 Kilograms 28 Grams 2 Grams 65 Milligrams
qt. pt.
1000 Milliliters / 1 Liter 0.5 Liter / 2 Cups 0.25 Liter fl oz. 30 Milliliters / 0.03 Liter tblsp. 15 Milliliters 7.5 Milliliters tsp. 5 Mililliters 2.5 Milliliters
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Healing without Antibiotics Antibiotics are certainly one of the most significant discoveries of the modern age. Conventional antibiotics tend to be used a bit too often, though, so doctors usually raise a warning finger before prescribing them. Fortunately, nature offers a plethora of healing agents which can be equally helpful. here’s no universal guide on how to heal the human body – mainly because each of us has a different metabolism. Why is it so? There are three reasons:
T
1. Heredity One could call it “repeating the mis-
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takes of our ancestors” on the cellular level, which perfectly corresponds with the individual’s soul. But let's not dive deeper into this, since we don't know much about this. What we do know though, is that matter is heredity too, including not the similarity of
shapes, but also hand gestures, talents and flaws. Parents are certainly aware of these similarities with their children, and it is the result what we call genes. This information, the so-called hereditary diseases or predispositions to get them, runs in the parents' blood cells. One thus, has no other choice than to build upon their cellular and informational basis which they inherited from the parents. This, again, corresponds to family karma. 2. Other people Even other people influence the passing of matter through thinking and mental attitudes of the individual. This can be done unconsciously throughout life. 3. Date of birth Willpower and susceptibility to traps or manipulations can also be partly predicted from the date of birth. The so-called karma of an individual also corresponds with this.
NATURAL TREATMENT Antibiotics, especially if we’re talking about the natural ones, can cure many health problems, whether they're short-lasting or long-lasting. Herbs can cure body inflammations which might at first look like more common illnesses like tonsillitis, flu, or bladder inflammations, no matter the time of the year. All these cases are inflammatory illnesses which constrict the kidneys. Their functioning is weakened even though the illnes does not effect the kidneys directly.
How to Use Honey on Wounds After cleaning the wound, put honey on one side of gauze or a clean cloth, and lay it onto the wound. Or pour a thin film of honey directly onto the wound and put the gauze over that. Either way, seal the honey in with surgical or duct tape on the edges of the bandage. Clean and repeat twice a day. If supplies are scarce and the dressing stays clean, you could cut that back to once a day or even a bit longer. Important caution: Never try to treat a bad wound by yourself when you can get medical help. For one thing, even with honey, it could turn into a very serious limb- or lifethreatening infection.
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HEALING WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS
What can be of help Nasturtium – Eliminates a wide spectrum of bacteria, cures inflammation and can support other treatments. Most often used in the form of tincture or dried and crushed in a capsule. Cloves – Good to chew, especially during tonsillitis. You don’t have to swallow them. Garlic – Should be consumed in greater amounts during illness. If you’re unable to chew it, you can simply swallow it, add it to food, or take a goodquality, clean food supplement. A clove of garlic before sleep is better than aspirin, and it also boosts immunity.
Did you you know honey can be used as medicine? The research shows that honey is of great value for prevention and treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bees make a protein that they add to the honey, called defensin-1, which is helpful in treating burns and skin infections. Honey kills bacteria resistant to other antibiotics and actually heals tissue, nursing the skin back to health. Not only that, but it can decrease the pain. But, be careful, not all types of honey possess the same healing properties. The most effective honey to be used as natural antibiotics is Manuka honey. It’s made in Australia and New Zealand from the nectar of the manuka tree, and it’s known as the honey with the most antibacterial chemicals.
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Most common illnesses Cough Can be cured by strong decoctions from mint, mallow, linden tree, wild strawberry, plantain, mullein, coltsfoot and fennel. It’s based on an interaction between two paired organs – the kidneys and lungs. It is therefore necessary to give attention to both.
Frostbite Lukewarm water and subsequently hot water, camphor ointment, cognac or hot wine can be a great first aid tool. For treatment you can then apply wet packs with vinegar. The vinegar should be diluted in 1:3 ratio with water and applied on the frostbite every two hours. For frozen lips, use honey or sea-buckthorn flax, or hemp oil. A heightened consumption of apples, oats and flax seeds will also help.
Burns Burns can generally be treated by honey. In acute cases you can also use butter which even regenerates the skin. You can also try common. Cut them into slices and repeatedly apply on the wounded areas (even six times a day). Potato starch heals potential blisters. Fire-burn wounds can then be healed by ointments from marigold, chamomile, aloe vera or hemp. During the healing process, it is important to supply the body with enough vitamin C and E and also zinc.
Bruises, scratches, wounds A quick surface cleansing agent is called an antiseptic. Strong alcohol or salt-pickled garlic are ideal tools to treat wounds. When applied, they burn any unwanted bacteria that would otherwise thrive happily on the open wound or in the host’s blood stream. You can then use wet packs with comfrey, chamomile, bedstraw, goldenrod, cloves, St. John’s wort or hemp to heal the wound. Mix the herbal tinctures with honey and apply on the wound regularly. Honey has antiseptic effect and quickens the healing.
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Caterpillar Fungus (Cordyceps sinensis) Even though it looks like a caterpillar, it is actually a fungus with some of the strongest cancer-fighting abilities. But that’s not all it can do. Just try it out and see the results!
hat exactly is caterpillar fungus? It is a parasitic fungus found in the Chinese and Tibetan mountains, especially in the areas above 3500 meters/11 500 feet above sea level. It flourishes on the sunny sides of mountain slopes, and people have been using it for over 5000 years for its healing properties. The caterpillar fungus is truly unique in contrast to its fingal counterparts. While most other fungi also have anti-carcinogenic properties, they are nothing else but plant products. The caterpillar fungus, however, is half-mushroom/half-larva. During winter it survives in the ground only as mycelium, and with the coming summer it turns into a mushroom. As it matures, it produces spores which spread on caterpillars, spiders, and other
W
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insects, and then it progressively fills the insect’s whole body. As the spores multiply in the insect’s body, the insect dies. Moreover, the fungus transforms the body of its victim into strange shapes of mushroom-like tissue growing out of the limbs and chest of the infected insect. With the end of summer, when the vegetative period of the caterpillar fungus ends, the harvest of ripe fruiting bodies begins. A parasitic Cordyceps contains mainly proteins, fats, amino acids, beta glucans and proteoglycans, vitamins B1, B2, B12, D2, E and K, natural mannitol 7%, cordycepin-adenosine 0.2%, minerals like potassium, magnesium, boron, iodine, and zinc, and about 80 enzymes, including vital coenzyme Q10. The quality of mushrooms, however, is
determined by the proportion of polysaccharides (minimum 30%) and the method of processing. HEALING EFFECTS The caterpillar fungus is often compared to the reishi mushroom and ginseng. It rejuvenates the body and functions as an “elixir of youth.” It is used in Chinese medicine where Western medicine uses its strongest drugs: it is used to treat cancer, or to replace corticoids. However, the caterpillar fungus does it with no side effects and with the possibility of long-term usage. It is also traditionally recommended for harmonizing the liver and the kidneys and for its strong aphrodisiacal properties. Athletes use it to improve oxygenation of their bodies as it helps expand their airways, and thus regenerates their bodies after strenuous physical activity. The mushroom can even be used as allowed doping in sports. Cordyceps acts against the growth of malignant tumors, and along with a special treatment it provides excellent results during chemotherapy, particularly in the treatment of throat and nose, lung, stomach, liver, lymphatic, and blood cancer. AVAILABILITY Overall, there are about 300 kinds of caterpillars. While Caterpillar fungus lives only in some provinces of China and Tibet, other species, such as the Red Cordyceps, or Ditmar invading wasps, can be found elsewhere in the world.
List of the healing effects: • Natural antibiotic and antifungal agent • Powerful antioxidant, prevents premature aging • Full-fledged substitute for corticoids without side effects • Strengthens immunity • Detoxifies • Destroys cancer cells and prevents their growth – a preventive agent and a natural remedy in one • Lowers cholesterol • Regulates blood pressure • Treats inflammation including chronic inflammation in the body • Suitable for allergies • Aphrodisiac • Prevents depression, anxiety and insomnia • Eliminates tinnitus • Suitable for athletes – strengthens the heart, helps the body to better utilize oxygen, promotes muscle growth • Eliminates the effects of prolonged stress • Improves kidney and liver function • Suitable for autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, thyroid gland disease, Crohn’s disease, and others) • Destroys fats, so it is an appropriate part of weight reduction diet • Has a positive impact on the absorption of calcium and phosphorus • Helps treat respiratory diseases • Improves fertility • Helps prevent hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) MYHERBSMAG.COM
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Lovage
Herbs (not only) in the soup Autumn is the time of the year when we preserve herbs for winter. They will come in handy not only healthwise but also as tasty ingredients. And soup is an essential part of your winter diet as it is the perfect thing to warm you up. What herbs are the best to serve the purpose?
LOVAGE (Levisticum officinale) Lovage is a traditional seasoning used especially in Central Europe. As it grows spontaneously in many gardens as weeds, requiring no care whatsoever, we sometimes tend to forget how beneficial to our health this plant might be. And that’s a shame. Lovage contains a lot of vitamin C and A, minerals, tannins, organic acids, bitter chemical agents, resin, sugars, furocoumarines, and essential oils. These components cause the spasmolytic effect of the plant (inhibiting painful contractions, colic of smooth muscles, intestines, bladder, and urinary tract). Lovage helps cure bladder inflammations and kidney problems and is popular in naturopathy. It also helps improve digestion and supports stomach activity and appetite. It is
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often used as an ingredient in tea blends, as it reduces flatulence. Lovage alleviates fatigue and refreshes the body, lowers uric acid levels in the blood, and stimulates the nerves. Externally, it can help eliminate swells and heal bad wounds. Use in cooking: All parts of the plant can be used in cooking – the leaves, the seeds, and also the roots. It is most often used to season soups and sauces, roast meat, and stew vegetables. You can also add it to marinades or dressings. Description: Lovage leaves slightly resemble those of parsley but are significantly bigger. It can grow up to two meters or two yards in height. To grow lovage, plant root sprouts or seeds in the ground. Do that
ideally in early spring, late summer, or fall. The soil should ideally contain humus with enough nutrients, but lovage is a tough plant which can grow practically anywhere without problems. The site should be sunny or semishady. Lovage loves a lot of water but can survive without any water at all for quite a long time. It is prone to infection by many kinds of parasites and diseases, though, and for this reason it should not be planted where plants of the Apiaceae family (commonly known as the celery, carrot or parsley family) have been planted.
Make yourself a: HOME-MADE “MAGGI” SEASONING SAUCE: Ingredients: • a half amount of nettle • a half amount of lovage Preparation: Wash the herbs, cut them finely, stuff them in a jar, and sprinkle with salt. Pour in a bit of good, coldpressed olive oil. Seal the jar, and keep it in the fridge. The liquid homemade seasoning sauce will last up to a month there. COMMON DAISY (Bellis perennis) Common daisy is an absolutely undemanding plant that pleases us with its beauty for most of the year. It usually blooms from early spring to late au-
tumn but may occur earlier or last longer, until winter – depending on the weather. The common daisy is full of remedial agents. It contains minerals, bitter agents, essential oils, slime, flavonoinds, tannins, inulin, triterpene, and organic saponins and sugar. It cleanses the liver by increasing its metabolism, treats gall bladder, respiratory diseases, and even skin problems like psoriasis and impetigo. We can drink or eat it, bathe in its decoction, or apply it as a tincture to combat a variety of skin problems such as ulcers or badly healing wounds. If gargled with water it can rid you of a sore throat, laryngitis, or gum inflammation. Use in cooking: The common daisy tastes good in salads and can be used as a decoration in other (preferably vegetable) dishes. Its blooms also taste wonderful in soup apart from making it look prettier.
Make yourself a: DAISY SOUP Ingredients: • 1 liter (1 Quart) of vegetable broth • 2 Tbsps of dried mushrooms • caraway seeds • 2 handfuls of daisy blooms and leaves • 1 bundle of spring onion • 2 carrots • 1 bundle of parsley • 2 potatoes • 2 eggs • 2 Tbsps of olive oil • sea salt, pepper
Daisy
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Preparation: Heat the vegetable broth and add chopped mushrooms. Simmer for about 10 minutes then add finely chopped or grated vegetables and simmer for another 10 minutes. Before turning off the cooker add the daisies and the remaining ingredients. Serve with fresh bread. CHIVES (Allium schoenoprasum) Chives are a popular herb rich in vitamin C - even three times richer than lemon. And not only that, it has a high content of B vitamins, mainly B1 and B2 and also vitamin E. It also contains minerals, like sulphur, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Due to its composition, it is suitable to aid digestion. Additionally, it lowers blood pressure, stimulates appetite, and acts as an antiseptic. Use in cooking: The blooms can be used as decoration, while the leaves add aromatic flavor to salads, spreads, and soup. Growing: Chives can be grown all year through – in the garden during the warm months and in windowsill planters in winter. That is how you get easy access to fresh
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vitamins throughout the year. If you opt for outdoor cultivation, it is advisable to plant chives in late winter, and in mid-spring put the plants in the ground. The soil should be light and fertilized. Although the chives are a hardy plant, it likes the sun but can tolerate half-shade as well. Under no circumstances should it be planted close to legumes or brassica vegetables, as it does not grow well then. You should also pay attention to regular watering and weeding in its vicinity. To have rich clumps, tear off the blooms regularly. GARDEN PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum) Parsley is often ranked among “superfoods,” mainly because of its outstanding ability to cleanse the blood and stimulate its creation. Parsley is a diuretic and is the integral part of basically every cleansing and detoxification treatment there is. It prevents flatulence and contains a lot of vitamins, in particular A, B, C, and E. It also contains minerals, such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, calcium, and iron. Essential oils act as the main agent in parsley, with
apiol being the most important one. Others like terpenes, felandren, cymene, and pinene are contained in smaller quantities. Also, flavonoids represent a major active agent contained in parsley. Its leaves are high in folic acid.
Make yourself a:
Use in cooking: Parsley fits well in almost any savory dish. It is used mainly in soups and sauces but tastes good with meat or as an ingredient in herb butters. Growing: Parsley requires lighter, slightly acidic soil. It likes sunny sites or partial shade. Seeds are sown in early spring directly into the flower bed, but it can be grown almost all year round in a windowsill planter. Just be careful not to spill it over.
Make yourself a: PARSLEY CREAM SOUP Ingredients: • 2 large parsley roots • 5 cm (2 inches) chunk of leek • 1 potato • 150 ml (1/2 cup) of cream for cooking • a bit of butter • half a bundle of parsley leaves Preparation: Butter fry the chopped vegetables, pour water or broth over it, season with salt, and simmer until tender. Chop the vegetables and fry it in butter, pour water or broth over it, sprinkle salt, and boil it until it’s soft. Then blend the soup with a stick blender. Pour in cream and simmer for about 5 minutes. Finally, decorate with chopped parsley leaves.
CHIVES AND YOLK SOUP Ingredients: • a thick bundle of chives • 150 ml (1/2 cup) of whipping cream • 2 Tbsps of whipped cream • 2 Tbsps of white flour • a thick slice of butter (approx 2 cm or 3/4 in) • 300 ml (1 cup) of cold, strong poultry broth • 2 egg yolks • salt Preparation: First let the butter melt in a pan, then add the flour and make a light roux. Pour broth over it and stir well to prevent lumps, so that no nubs appear. Then add both types of cream at room temperature, sprinkle salt, and mix well. Simmer for 10 minutes, add chopped parsley, boil for another few minutes and then remove from the heat. Finally, pour blended yolks in while stirring and season with a pinch of salt.
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Subscr ibe No Lim w ited Ti me
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Subscription On-line: $14.98 Printed: $29.98 Printed+On-line: $29.98
New issue every 3 months with information specific to the new season.
Subscribe Today & Save! Please visit our website and fill in the form.
MyHerbsMag.com E-mail: magazine@MyHerbsMag.com Phone: +1 (415) 231-3767
Address: ACV PUBLISHING LLC 5348 Vegas Dr., #1423, Las Vegas, Nevada 89108, USA