The Battle Against the Germs: Natural Remedies to Help You Win the War {Fresh From the Cabinet}

Hello hello. Here I am through the fog of vinegar and my other natural cleaning products. I don't know about you, but we are SOOOOOOOO sick of germs and nasties! There have been days recently where I wondered if I could ever totally get the snot out of the house! But even though we get hit a few times, we tend to be up and going again quickly. Today, I am going to share some tricks we have used to keep us able to bounce back when we get knocked down in the battle with the germs during the cold and flu season!
*Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical provider. I am simply "Doctor Mom" who does a lot of research to find the best things to help her family stay as healthy as possible. I am simply sharing ideas for what has worked for us time and time again. 

1. Never Underestimate the Power of A Cup of Tea

My family members are MAJOR herbal tea drinkers. I make my own teas with loose leaf herbs (I buy all my loose herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs), but also have a couple of store bought varieties I am never

Fresh from the Cabinet: Elderberry & Spice Syrup Recipe ~ A Natural Immune Booster for the Whole Family

It is that time of the year when all around you is the sound of coughing and sneezing. Your Facebook news feed is full of reports of head colds and the flu bringing down your friends, family and coworkers! You feel like wearing a Hazmat suit whenever you head to the office, and want to spray your kids down with Lysol as soon as they walk through the door after school. It's the time when you start pulling out all the stops to boost your family's immune system--from increased vitamin C to EmergenC packets. In our family, it means daily doses of elderberry syrup!

9 Nutritious Additions to Spice Up Your Daily Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to give yourself a pitcher of nutrition! There are so many fruits and vegetables that you can fill it with. With so many great combinations of ingredients, you can easily create a custom treat for yourself. Over the course of my family's smoothie adventures, I have discovered some great lesser known ingredients that pack a major punch and boost to the nutrition level of your breakfast (or lunch and dinner) treat--some are even on the superfoods list! These are the perfect additions to spice up your regular daily smoothies into high nutrition super drinks!

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I have little boys with various levels of pickyness, who happen to adore smoothies. I love to try to find ways of amping up the nutrition I pack into the smoothies! It's an easy way to give them the good stuff they might otherwise turn their noses up at. Here are my top nine go-to additions beyond the normally expected smoothie ingredients!

1. Coconut Oil (organic)

I am sure by now you know the incredible, awesome, fantabulous benefits of adding coconut oil to your daily diet. It's called one of the superfoods for good reason! (google it!) I love the organic brand Carrington Farms AND the Kirkland brand that I can pick up at Costco. It's got the best coconut smell, and it lasts until...well until it's empty! I use it for everything--including my smoothies! Some people might not think of adding it to smoothies, because it is usually in solid form. Not only that, but when it gets cold it seems to stay hard. Not ideal for adding to a smoothie with cold and sometimes frozen ingredients. So what do I do? 

I keep my coconut oil in the pantry and that keeps it in a nice semi-solid state that works well for use in smoothies. I also don't like to add the coconut oil until I have everything else blended up, because it seems to mix a lot better that way. I typically like to add about 2 Tblsp to a pitcher of smoothie. It adds not only an incredible punch of nutrition, but also a delightful hint of coconut flavor.

2. Coconut Water

I only recently started adding this to our smoothies, thanks to a suggestion by my dad and wow! It's a GREAT addition to our smoothies, not just for the flavor, but because of the high concentrate of good minerals and vitamins--did you know it has more potassium in it than a banana? And that's just ONE of the awesome minerals contained in this clear liquid! Add in the electrolytes and bioactive enzymes and you really can't NOT try this one out! I also love that adding one 11 oz carton takes care of pretty much all the liquid I need for my pitcher of smoothie. I use the Vita Coco brand, which comes in a nice case at Costco. As long as you get a good quality coconut water, I don't think the brand really matters.

3. Spirulina powder (organic)

Now this is one of my add-ins that really is a lesser known ingredient. Spirulina is a micro-algae that has been used as a nutritional supplement for centuries--and another one of those "superfoods" that people really should consider. If you have ever purchased a green smoothie--especially one from grocery stores--chances are it has spirulina in it! According to the FDA, Spirulina contains significant amounts of calcium, niacin, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins and iron. It also has essential amino acids (compounds that are the building blocks of proteins). In fact, protein makes up about 60 to 70 percent of Spirulina's dry weight. ("Spirulina: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits") 

One of the better brands for spirulina (because you REALLY want to make sure you have a high quality brand due to it coming from the ocean where toxins are possible), is Nutrex because it's from Hawaii--one of the few US suppliers for spirulina. I usually add just 1-2 tsp of spirulina powder to my smoothies because it's rather bitter. The boys like watching it turn our berry smoothies purple! I also suggest going with chlorella as well. It's another algae, that is known for helping pull out heavy metals from the body, and is used as a supplement for cancer patients to help deal with radiation treatments (among a host of other things!) A lot of green smoothies you buy at the store have BOTH of these algaes in them.

4. Flax Seed (organic)

Here is another one of those superfoods that I am sure you already KNOW is good for you. Everyone knows how awesome it is for the digestive system, but in general it is known to improve overall health and prevent disease. Flax seed is just awesome and it's one of the definite additions to our smoothies. Sometimes I will grind my seeds in my coffee grinder before putting them into my smoothies, and other times I will use my already ground flax seed powder. I like to add 2-3 tablespoons to my pitchers of smoothie.

5. Milk Thistle Seed Powder (organic)

Now this is one that I'm sure you are probably not very familiar with. But I urge you to do some research on the nutritional benefits of milk thistle--especially in regards to how it helps your liver health (and diabetes!)! Because I have a son who has issues with digestive stuff, I like to add milk thistle seed powder to help maintain a healthy digestive system and take care of our livers. I add about 1-2 tsp in every pitcher and we never notice any taste issues at all because it blends in so nicely.

6. Chia Seed

Chia seed is one of those known superfoods that is popping up everywhere these days! It's no surprise that I add a generous amount of this too! It also is a thickener which helps when you have a very "juicy" smoothie. I order mine bulk from various organic brand companies. I like to use about 1/8 cup in my smoothie, and I add it near the end and let it mix up very well to spread it around. A big power punch for my boys systems!

7. Maca (Ground)

(image source)

Here is another one of those lesser known, yet incredibly fabulous, herbs that you should consider for your smoothies! Maca is primarily cultivated in the central highlands of Peru, looks like a large radish, has a sweet, tangy taste, and an aroma similar to that of butterscotch. Maca root is commonly known to provide nutrients that nourish the endocrine system and is traditionally considered to be anti-fatigue, aphrodisiac, nutritive, immuno-stimulant, steroidal and tonic.("Maca Root: Health Benefits and Side Effects") It's just a great herb to consider adding to your diet! I would add about 1 tsp to a pitcher of smoothie. My mom especially likes to use this one in her smoothies!

8. Cinnamon (organic)

I love cinnamon. It's my most favorite spice and I find ways to add it into all sorts of things--and yes, smoothies is one of those ways! I love the bit of flavor that it adds--AND cinnamon is a very healthy addition to your smoothie! Did you know cinnamon is commonly known to lower blood sugar in diabetics? Or that it may be reduce inflammation and have anti-oxidant effects? (look it up!) I make sure an add 1 tsp to my smoothie...but not much more, because it will change the taste.

9. Elderberry Syrup

I make my own elderberry syrup to help keep our immune systems strong through the year. It is very very easy to make--the most basic recipe is elderberries, honey and water! I have adapted my recipe to include whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and grated ginger too--so it's extra good for you! I use my elderberry syrup in every single smoothie I make! It adds a kick of flavor, so it tastes great--and the nutritional benefits already in the elderberry syrup contribute to the goodness of the smoothie! I like to add about 1/4 cup or so to any smoothie...more if someone has a cold! If you don't think making it on your own will be a good fit for you, I recommend the Nature's Way Organic Sambucus Elderberry Syrup you can find at some stores with health food sections.

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I hope this has given you some new ideas of ways to incorporate more nutrition into the already awesome smoothies you are making! Don't forget that you can also add some more common extras like whey protein, hemp protein powder, raw honey, nut butters, kefir...go beyond the dairy, fruits and vegetables! Give your smoothies a nutrition punch!

A pitcher full of goodness to be shared with my boys!

WHAT EXTRAS DO YOU LIKE TO ADD TO YOUR OWN SMOOTHIES?

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Linden Flowers and the Cough Kicker Tea {Fresh from the Cabinet}

Plants. They are all around us. They provide us beauty, fresh air, and a lot of natural remedies for every day issues. I have really enjoyed diving into the world of herbal remedies and discovering new and exciting ways to use the many herbs and flowers that grow on our earth.  One of the plants that I have had fun exploring recently is the Linden tree--also known as the common lime or basswood-- a native tree to most of the middle and eastern United States. Known throughout folk medicine for its fever reducing properties as well as a long list of other health benefits, the flowers (also called lime blossoms) from this tree  are a valuable everyday remedy for any home.

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Let me start with a HUGE disclaimer: I am not a botanist. I am not a medical provider. I am not an herbalist. I am {just} Doctor Mom with an unquenchable thirst for trying to find ways to keep my family healthy, without relying on many of the side effect filled over-the-counter drugs being used to treat everyday problems. As always, please use common sense and wisdom. Consult your health care professional before undertaking the advice shared here, to best assess your individual needs, symptoms and treatment. This information is intended to just provide you ideas about more natural ways you could deal with everyday issues in your health and home. I have included all sources that I have studied for this article at the bottom of this blog post for further reference.

Linden Tree--aka common lime---aka basswood

The Linden tree (also known as the common lime or basswood) is a native species to a most of the eastern United States. It is a deciduous tree with soft, green, heart shaped leaves and clusters of tiny drooping lemon colored flowers. The flowers show up starting about June and will give way to a small velvety green fruit during the fall. These flowers are very pleasing (and strong!) to smell and bees love them. The flowers (also called lime blossoms) hang down from the tree in clusters. 

The tree is said to be able to grow up to 130 feet tall and can live up to 500 years. It has dull gray bark when young, which browns up slightly as it matures.

I asked Love-Of-My-Life about them...he knows them by their name Basswood, but says he only knows of one in the area at his uncles property--there aren't as many around here any more, though they are native to this area (Kentucky).

The tree is very pleasing to the eye and is used in decorative landscaping (and as a shade tree) frequently. It's wood--more familiarly called basswood--is used in making models and for carving due to its light density. Did you know it's used for making musical instruments and for artist's charcoal? Even the inner bark can be used for things like rope, baskets, mats and other woven crafts. 

The tree is amazing...and we aren't even to it's homeopathic uses yet!

It is commonly known in the homeopathic world that the linden flowers (aka lime flowers) have many medicinal uses.  The flowers are best known for containing a high amount of the curative plant fiber mucilage--great for dealing with respiratory complaints. Natural healers have been taking advantage of the warming properties of the trees blossoms for years in making fever reducing tea. Drinking a hot linden-flower tea is known to induce sweating--which as you know is the body's way of cooling itself...thus linden-flower tea is known throughout folk medicine as "fever tea".

But that's not all! 

Remember when I said that it was a must have in your house for everyday remedies? Here is a "short" list of what linden-flower tea is also known for:

*alleviates respiratory ailments including coughs and the byproducts of the common cold

*stimulates the appetite, promotes healthy digestion, and soothes intestinal disorders

*helps calm the nervous system, thus reducing symptoms of anxiety

*to help promote natural sleeping

*eases painful cramps

*skin health and regeneration

*swelling reduction
*a mild diuretic and good for easing the symptoms of gout and rheumatism.

I think you can see the benefit of having linden flowers at your disposal! I have also read that linden flower honey is delicious! I'm a big fan of honey in general, so I would love to try some!

You aren't limited to using it medicinally! The fresh tender leaves of the linden (lime) tree can be added to green salads. You can even remove the stalk from the leaves and add them to your next sandwich. 

Obviously, you have to make sure you are really harvesting a linden tree before you ever consume anything from it...and if you find one, make sure it's not anywhere near a place sprayed with pesticides/herbicides. You don't want those added to your diet!

But if you are like me...you probably just want it already harvested for you. If so, you can buy the linden flowers from most herbal suppliers. My personal favorite is Mountain Rose Herbs. They have excellent prices and are careful to make sure they only provide you herbs that are either organic or cultivated without chemicals or synthetic products--and aim for ethically harvested plants in the wild when available. But, if they can grow it themselves, they do!  Here is the link to purchase dried Linden Leaf and Flower like what I use in our home.

How can you use it to benefit your health?

If you do a search on Pinterest, you can find all sorts of herbal recipes with Linden Flowers in it. I have found many in the books I have read. Linden flowers can be used on their own or mixed with complementary herbs. They are definitely a common denominator of ingredients in the herbal recipes I have checked out.

To use the Linden Flowers as a tea, the most basic recipe is this:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp of linden flowers, and then steep for 10 minutes. Be careful not to steep too long or the flavor will be lost.

*Sip it (as hot as you can stand it) three times a day to reduce fever and to promote perspiration.
*Drink a cup or two of the tea each day to help break up mucus buildup and congestion, relieving bronchial problems and to help eliminate painful cramps.

I will throw out this note that as I was reading I learned there are contrary arguments regarding drinking large amounts of linden-flower teas. Some sources believe it might damage the heart, while others claim it's safe. Those with heart disease may want to limit their intake to be safe. 

How about a great facial?
Clean your skin and pat dry gently. Place 4 tbsp of linden flowers in a bowl and add 1 litre (1 3/4 pints) of boiling water. Lean over the bowl and cover the head with a towel to trap in steam. Remain in this position for a least 10 minutes to allow the steam to open and cleanse the pores. Then wipe your skin with a cool damp cloth. Pat dry and allow the skin to cool down naturally for about 30 minutes before heading outside.

Simple and oh so effective for a great deep cleaning feel. I like to do this when my skin is at its oiliest. It makes my face feel so good!

Have puffy eyes?
To decrease swelling, simply soak cotton balls in the tea (cooled down of course) and place them on the eyelids for about 20 minutes. The flowers are said to reduce swelling, so this a simple and quick remedy.

How about dealing with sleep issues?
Make a tea by boiling 2-3 handfuls of linden flowers in 1 quart of water. Strain this mixture and pour it into the bathwater (or put the handfuls in a muslin bag and toss into your bathwater). Bathing in this will help calm nervous tensions, fight insomnia and is effective for calming children and babies before bed.

I'd even throw in some lavender blossoms (or a couple drops of lavender essential oil) for a truly delightful and soothing bathtime soak.

As I did my searching, the ultimate goal was to find a great recipe to help my boys with the nasty wet cough they have thanks to this nasty warm-cold-warm-frigidly cold-warm bipolar weather we are having this year. A sign of the month of November it seems. I know we aren't the only ones dealing with it this month.

Once I learned that linden flowers had such a great amount of mucilage (great for breaking up mucus and treating respiratory issues)--similar to one of my favorite herbs Slipper Elm Bark-- I knew I wanted them in a tea. I looked at a lot of recipes and came up with the following recipe--I used it today and the boys not only liked the taste, but it I could hear the coughing ease as they drank their tea. I would say that they got a good 2 hrs free from coughing thanks to the tea--and it prepped them for a great night of sleep too.

This recipe is great for boosting the immune system and for alleviating all those annoying bronchial issues--especially the never ending cough! Only want one cup of tea? Just remember it's a 1:1 ratio on the herbs--with a smidge extra for the linden flower. You can adapt it to fill just a tea ball or a tea infuser mug. I don't really measure--I really do pinch! LOL!

What my herbal pile looked like before putting it in my tea pot. It's so pretty! 

*When I am giving the boys (age 4 and 8) herbal tea, I make one mug of tea and split it between them giving them about 3-4 oz each. This has always worked well and I would recommend a similar dosage of herbal teas for any child 4-10 years old.  

I get all my herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs and everything in this recipe can be purchased from them. This makes a delightfully rosy colored up of tea which just looks pretty too. And as always, LIBERALLY lace it with raw honey for extra flavor and help kicking the cough.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about the amazing Linden flower. You can see why it is so valued in herbal medicine and I hope that you will consider adding it to your natural remedy "medicine" cabinet in your own home!

SOURCES:
*Ageless (website)
Botanical Encyclopedia entry for Linden Flowers (http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-linden-flowers.htm)

*The Illustrated Book of Herbs (book)
by Gilda Daisley
Illustrated by Ingrid Jacob
Copyright 1989
"Lime" pg 86-87

*The Complete Guide to Natural Healing (book)
Copyright 1999
Therapeutic Teas (Group 2 Card 9)
Linden-Flower Tea

*LIVESTRONG.COM (website)
"Benefits of Linden Flower Tea" by Joanne Marie
http://www.livestrong.com/article/401394-benefits-of-linden-flower-tea/
May 17, 2014

*Linden Tea (website)
http://lindentea.net/