Barley Water - a Biblical Recipe

Barley Water is an ancient home remedy that was supposed to clear up the complexion and stop the formation of wrinkles.

Rinse barley, then combine with water and salt in a large kettle. Bring to a boil and simmer for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours. The longer the cooking period, the thicker the barley water will be. Add water as necessary to keep the water level at about 5 cups. Strain the barley, flavor barley water with honey and serve chilled.

Burn Salve

Make an infused oil using:

To prepare: Place infused oil and Beeswax in a double boiler and melt the wax. When the wax has melted, add essential oil of lavender. Pour into cream type jars. Cover and label.
 

Cold & Flu Tea

This is the time of the year that many of us are being bothered with a cold or the flu. For me I try to tell myself that I am "fighting" a cold instead of "catching" a cold and then I begin my fight by increasing my intake of Vitamin C and Garlic, Echinacea and Golden Seal or my Immune tincture. If I should get worse and I begin to run a fever I pull out the big guns and make myself a COLD & FLU TEA

This tea increases perspiration so you sweat out the fever. I drink 1/2 of a cup every 1/2 hour until I start to sweat. Then I drink 1/2 cup every one to two hours.

I usually don't stay sick too long using this tea.

Cooling Tea

My goodness it's HOT! Let's make a BIG pitcher of ice tea to cool ourselves down. Here is a nice refreshing healthful blend just right for these scorching days of summer.

Mix all herbs together and store in tight fitting glass jar. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pan. Turn off heat and add two good size handfuls of herb mixture. Cover and steep overnight. You can add honey or pure maple syrup to sweeten if you like. In the morning, strain off full strength into ice tea pitcher and chill.

Depression Tincture

Detox Tea

1 tsp. Burdock RT

1 tsp. Pau d Arco

1 tsp. Dandelion RT.

1 tsp Ginger RT.

1 tsp. Licorice

1 tsp. Echinacea Purp. Rt.

1 tsp. Roasted Dandelion RT.

8 cups cold water

To prepare: Bring herbs and water to a simmer for 20-30 min. Strain, Drink at least 4 cups through out the day.

Estrogen Producing Herbal Tea

Looking for alternative means of hormone replacement? Plants do not actually contain human hormones but they do contain lignans, coumetain, isoflavones and other chemicals that are plant based. When these chemicals come into contact with the good bacteria in the digestive system, they provide the needed building blocks to convert plant chemicals, phyto-esterols, into human estrogen and progesterone. See our article on Hormone Replacement Alternative Therapy for more information.

Kava Tea

Bring all ingredients except milk & honey to a boil in a tightly covered non-aluminum pan. Reduce heat and simmer on low for 1 hour. Strain through cheesecloth. Add milk and honey (you can add more milk and honey to desired taste).

The Islanders say Kava is best consumed under circumstances when you are reasonably relaxed and free of the cares of the day. You should not overeat beforehand, nor should you consume vast quantities of alcohol.

Sinus & Congestion Tea

Here is a nice formula to use for sinus headaches and congestion. It works like a charm!

To make: Mix all herbs together in a jar. Put 1 tsp. herb in a cup and fill with boiling water. Cover and steep about 20 minutes.

Traditionally dosage is 1 cup, 3-4 times a day.

You should get relief within a day but continue to take for a number of days if you know when allergies are worst for you (Spring, Fall), you take 3-4 months before that season begins as a preventative.

Tahitian Vanilla Creme Brulee

Heat half and half with vanilla bean extract until warm. Whisk together yolks, eggs, and sugar. Pour a small amount of the hot milk liquid into the egg mixture to temper it so the eggs won't scramble. Add remaining half and half. When cooled, add in cream. Cool completely. Remove vanilla bean. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Fill ramekins with mixture and place in baking dish. Fill the baking dish with hot water halfway up the side of the ramekins, cover with foil tightly and bake 35 minutes. Cool well. Sprinkle sugar over surface of creme. Place under broiler and broil until nicely browned and caramelized. Yield 8 portions.

Don't throw your vanilla bean away. Wash it off and dry it, put it in with a jar of sugar. Use it on cereal or coffee...or anywhere you use sugar and want to add the flavor of vanilla!

You can make your own vanilla extract by splitting four vanilla beans and scraping the seeds. Add the seeds and beans to 2 cups of brandy or vodka. Let stand in a cool place for at least two months.