Blog - Healthy Outdoor Living

Blood Tonic Herbal Cordial Recipe

February 5, 2025 livehealthy

blood tonic cordial with cranberries

Blood Tonic Recipe from 1920’s Prohibition Times

This Blood Tonic “Cordial” has an interesting history. It was served in at least one soda shop in Philadelphia during the prohibition era between 1920 to 1933. Alcohol was not legally allowed to be sold in establishments during that time. Herbal tonics were offered as alternatives. These herbs are truly excellent at cleaning the blood and clearing what “ails ya”.

It makes a beautifully red and tasty drink and is delightful added to some sparkling tonic water! Of course, you can add alcohol if desired. Enjoy!

Blood Tonic Cordial Recipe

1/4 c dandelion root

1/2 c rosehips

1/4 c licorice root

1/4 c red clover

1/4 c grated beet

2 c sugar or 1 c honey

2 c water

1/2 lemon juice

I used dried herbs but fresh are fine, if available, too. Simmer in a pan over low heat on the stove for 20 minutes, remove and strain out herbs, bottle and refrigerate or enjoy immediately. Enjoy added to sparkling water or in hot or cold drinks as desired. It will keep for a few months in the refrigerator.

20 Benefits of Tea recorded in 1686

January 14, 2025 livehealthy

Benefits of Tea As Recorded in 1686

Purifyes the Blood of that which is gross and Heavy
It Vanquisheth heavy Dreames
It Easeth the brain of heavy Damps
Easter and curets giddiness and Paines in the Heade
Prevents the Dropsie
Drieth Moist humours in the Head
Consumes Rawnesse
Opens Obstructions
Cleares the Sight
Cleanseth and Purifieth adult humors and a hot liver
And Defects of the bladder and kidneys
Vanquisheth Superfluous sleep
13.Drives away dispense, makes one Nimble sand Valient
Encourageth the heart and drives away fears
Drives away paints of the colic
Strengthens the inward parts and prevents consumptions
Strengthens the Memory
Sharpens the Will
Purgeth safely the Gaul
Strengthens the use of due benevolence

Someone was trying to convince the public to drink tea! I have no idea who wrote these so long ago.

Actually, many benefits from that list have been proven correct in modern science. Tea, may it be black, green, white, red or herbal is a great way to strengthen overall health.

Just think of whatever you want to strengthen in yourself and there is likely an herb to help, haha.

Me, I will take more of the use of due benevolence…

Happy sippings!

9 Herbs to Lighten, Renew and Recharge

January 9, 2025 livehealthy

Herbs to Lighten up, Renew and Recharge

Herbs to help lighten the load of mucus, congestion, stored toxins and system stressors.

fresh chickweed

Chickweed Herb– High in Vit. C and minerals. Helps dissolve fat in the body. Good for cleansing, boils, ulcers, tumors and swelling. Helps stop bleeding and inflammation from lungs, bowels and stomach. Helps remove mucous from respiratory.

Olive Leaf – a natural antibiotic, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal shown to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, help respiratory response and heart and skin health.

Chaparral– A blood cleanser, strengthens the kidneys and glandular system, good for skin problems, arthritis, allergies. Red Clover and Chaparral combined together help break down growths and tumors in the body. Note: Modern recommendations are use in small amounts or externally. See more on Chaparral.

Red Clover– See above. Especially good to cleanse the blood and calm the nerves. Helps dissolve tumors and growths. 4 Herbs That Help With Environmental Detoxing

Pau’D Arco – A detoxifier. High in iron. Good for pain connected with cancer. Good for digestive system, nervous disorders, skin, colon, kidneys, insomnia. Effective for yeast and fungal overgrowths.

Dandelion Root– Acts as a tonic to the whole system, a blood, kidney and liver cleanser, destroys acids in the blood, good for skin, energy, digestion, low blood pressure, anemia, water retention, and much more. High in calcium and nutrients. More about dandelions: Dandelions, the Tonic of Spring

Nettle is a blood purifier high in vitamin C and minerals, strengthens liver and kidney function. Helpful for allergies.

Burdock Root is one of the best blood cleansers as well as a kidney, liver and gland cleanser. It helps to reduce swelling and deposits in the joints. It is helpful for most skin conditions and is also used for fatigue and nervous disorders.

Mullein Helps dispel mucus in the system. It is considered the herb of choice for respiratory problems, also is a natural painkiller, helps calm spasms, and helps reduce swelling in the glandular system.

These herbs and more are included in our Trim and Tone tea! Perfect to compliment your January cleansing efforts. They can also be found in our Spring Tonic, which really is helpful all year long. Enjoy!

No Sugar January Challenge

December 31, 2024 livehealthy

January without processed sugars?

I challenge you to do it with me!

If you enjoyed more sugary foods through the holidays than usual like I did, you are probably feeling ready for a January detox too.

I am doing my January detox, which I will share following this, but my hard, set rule this year for January will be No Sugar. What does this look like?

Why?

Because processed sugars block the immune system from working and protecting you properly for at least 3-6 hours after you eat them! Even 1 teaspoon worth! Because, in my opinion, they are what really make the difference in thriving and just surviving health wise.

Natural energy goes up,

Blood sugar stabilizes and remains even throughout the day.

The body can rest and reset.

Better sleep.

Less processed foods in general are consumed.

The brain fog clears.

How to Details:

No processed sugars in foods, no added white or brown sugar.

No fake sweeteners or diet sugars, including monkfruit and/or stevia cut with erythritol. This includes wines and sweet beverages.

Raw honey, real maple syrup, molasses and natural fruits are okay and unlimited. Our bodies can naturally and easily convert and use these sugars.

That’s it. That’s the general guidelines.

When?

The whole month of January.

What else am I doing?

fruit

Lots of citrus! Every day.

Lots of water and herbal teas

Lots of veggies and natural meats

Movement every day

Getting outside every day

Cleansing with herbs

More coming on that coming up!

Herbs for Cleansing Toxins Internally

December 17, 2024 livehealthy

Internal Cleansing Herbs

It’s getting to be that time of year when we think of cleaning and clearing spaces to make ready for new. Externally we easily see the need, but it may be even more valuable to do some intentional, deep cleaning internally. There are great herbs to get this job done. Think of them as the soap, scrub brush and vacuum for your body! Here’s some quick lists. In January we will deep dive into it all.

Binders (grabs toxins, metals, etc to expel)

Diatomaceous Earth (Intestinal Scrubber)

Bentonite Clay (toxins and metals)

Burdock Root (blood purifier, mercury detox)

Activated Charcoal (Poisons, Toxins, Gas)

Mucus expectorants

Marshmallow Root (irritable bowel)

Fenugreek (Lungs, throat, coughs)

Mullein leaf (lungs)

Slippery elm bark (throat, stomach)

Digestive Laxatives

Aloe vera

Cascara Sagrada

Senna

Rhubarb root

Psyllium (“colon broom”)

Flax

Cleansers-whole system

Red Clover (blood)

Burdock root (blood, liver, metals)

Dandelion Root (whole system)

Yellow Dock (liver, blood, skin)

Oregon grape root (infections)

Kelp and seaweeds (scrubbers)

Reishi mushroom (whole system)

Nettles (Blood)

Milk Thistle (liver)

Pau D’Arco bark (fungal/yeasts)

Parasites

Wormwood

Black Walnut

Diatomaceous Earth

Chicory

Mullein

Plantain

Thyme

12 Benefits of Hawthorne For Heart and Blood Pressure

October 3, 2024 livehealthy

Support Heart and Health with Hawthorne

The Hawthorne Berry harvest was great this year!

Thank you Dad and Nancy and Charlie and all the harvest crew.

Let me tell you some of the many benefits of this lovely tree berry and how, when and why to use it:

Hawthorne berries and leaves are wonderful for the heart and circulatory system because they are high in bioflavonoids with vaso-dilating and heart muscle strengthening and regulating activity.

They are also effective at reducing high blood pressure and arterial plaque.

They help strengthen vein and capillary structure and improve circulation.

Act as a digestant for better food absorption. It helps reduce constipation, bloating, cramping. It is also helpful in treating intestinal infections and parasites.

High Cholesterol reducing. Also beneficial effect of triglycerides, liver cholesterol, and loss of body fat.

Regulating heart rhythms. People find a significant decline in heart palpitations when taking consistently.

Immune system support and overall health tonic. Hawthorne berries contain powerful antioxidants which promote anti-inflammatory action. It helps remove free radicals that cause damage to the body. They also contain a high level of vitamin C which helps fight infection.

You can eat these raw or cooked, in tea, tincture or make them into a jam or jelly.

Here at T’s Tonics we dry our Washington state farm harvested (thanks Dad) Hawthorne berries and steep them into a tincture for optimal strength and potency.

We like to combine them in our Heart Tonic with Gingko, Motherwort, Rosehips and Linden for a whole body supportive Tonic. Try it today!

Lemon Balm -12 Benefits Beyond the Calm

July 31, 2024 livehealthy

Lemon balm, Excellent for soothing the nerves and “lifting the spirits”, does so much more!

This calming herb is a powerhouse for the entire body. Here’s some of it’s many benefits besides being such a deliciously lovely tea:

It strengthens the digestive system and is helpful for stress related digestive problems. It is useful in easing constipation and colic.

Relieves anxiety– it helps to reduce anxiety in kids and adults alike. It can help calm racing thoughts. It is calming to the body as well as the mind and improves moods. It has been helpful with ADHD as well as mild depression.*

Anti-viral, antibacterial and anti fungal properties. Helpful against Candida yeast infections. Also, helpful against the herpes virus including cold sores and Shingles.

PMS Symptom reduction. It is an anti-spasmodic and reduces cramping and anxiety symptoms of PMS.

Sleep aid. It reduces anxiety in the body and mind and helps people get deeper sleep.

Protects the heart. It lowers blood pressure and calms heart palpitations.

Helps with Liver detoxification and production of anti-oxidants.

Supports the body in fighting cancer cells.

Diabetic help. It helps control blood sugar levels.

Improves Memory, cognitive function and problem solving skills in all ages.

*References: The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies by Nicole Apelian and Claude Davis.

My Dad didn’t realize what he was taking on when he said he would grow Lemon Balm for me on his farm in Washington state. This herb is easy to grow and spreads rapidly. It can take over areas and can be harvested several times throughout the summer.

We offer his organic, lovingly hand cut lemon balm in several teas and tonics here at T’s Tonics: It is found in our Tummy Tea, Tension Tonic and Sleep Tonic.

Top Weight Loss Tip-Passion!

July 24, 2024 livehealthy

Weight Loss the Easier Way

The best way, in my opinion, to lose weight is to get excited about something! Anything. Refocus your energy onto something greater than yourself, your problems, your weight, your next meal.

Find a new hobby or passion and immerse yourself.

It gives you excitement and focus, decreases boredom and can help make healthier habits happen. Let me explain:

When I was a behavior counselor for Nutri-System, a weight loss program franchise, 30 years ago, I noticed this pattern. We would discuss habits, and triggers, and share our struggles. A lot of talk and thought focused on food, types of foods, portion sizes, times and styles, etc. I struggled with my own weight in that job because I was thinking and talking about food so much!

The times extra weight slid off easily is when I wasn’t focused on it. I was focused on something beyond myself.

For me, I can pile on weight when I am unhappy. When I lived in the Willamette Valley area of Oregon for a year I gained an extra 30 pounds. Which is a lot on a 5’2″ frame. I was unhappy in my situation, had no activity outlet, was in a very gray and rainy area, and feeling a little unloved and lost in life.

The minute I decided to move and go to the college I wanted to, I got excited about life again. I had direction and purpose and the pounds started pouring off.

Do you have something you are excited about in life?

My daughter, Arianna, is another example. A few years back, she was in a job that was unhealthy for her and had gained some weight. As soon as she met her future husband, the weight came pouring off. Her whole body changed before our eyes! The combination of nerves and feeling loved were transformative, literally.

What ever we focus on grows! What do you want to grow in your life?

I believe another big factor in eating extra is boredom.

That’s why moving forward in life and being excited about something works!

It truly comes down to habits.

One habit change that My husband and I did a few years ago that has really helped us is to have a smoothie in the morning rather than the bagel that was our yesteryear breakfast.

I pack our smoothies with lots of super greens and goodness that helps give us a good start on the day and helps keep our gut biome healthy and regular. I know that some people swear by having protein in the morning. That may work well for them. I’m not quite ready for a big meal

Morning Cranberry Smoothies coming right up!

first thing in the morning. This works for us and makes us feel good.

Do what works for you. Our recipe is below, tweak at will:

Breakfast Smoothie:

(Per serving)

1 ripe banana

1/4 c. Frozen blueberries (organic) or cranberries

1/4 c. Fresh greens (I go out and pick mint, herbs and/or greens from the garden. Kale, parsley, cilantro, etc. will do as well)

Heaping Tbsp. Plain yogurt

2-3 pieces pineapple, orange or lemon

1 Tbsp. Supergreen mix (recipe below) or protein powder or almond butter

1/2 c water

Supergreen Powder Mix

Change up according to what’s on hand:

Moringa powder

Red beet powder

Spirulina

Matcha

Kelp or Atlantic dulce

Wheatgrass

Chaga mushroom powder

Reishi mushroom powder

Lemon peel powder

Ginger root powder

Turmeric

Dash cayenne and black pepper

Ground sesame and flaxseed

Maca root powder

Once in a while options: ashwagandha powder, saw palmetto, tea, etc.

Our Trim & Tone Tea is also a great jump start to help take off pounds, increase digestion, cleanse out mucus and crud. Try some today.

And let your passion and excitement for life be big!

Healthy Baby Tip 1-Don’t Worry

July 23, 2024 livehealthy

Don’t Worry- Just Get Even with Laughter

Us mothers all have advise and wisdom for you. And there are some good gems in it too, believe (only) me!

We want what’s best for you, of course.

We all have the perfect way that worked for us in everything from getting kids to sleep, to eating, to potty training and on and on. And it’s good to listen to and learn from whatever advise. Mom (and Dad) hacks are great.

Take it and then use your intuition and observation skills to judge what works best for you.

And then don’t worry.

I needed that advise the most when I was having young kids.

It’s natural to second guess yourself on many things. To not be sure if you are doing enough, or doing too much. The mental gymnastics can be big. At least they were for me. Along with guilt trips and being hard on my self for any little thing throughout the day.

Just know you get a reset the following day.

So don’t worry.

And the child that seems slow at something will catch up. Don’t worry. And the child that is fast will find other things to be slow at.

And your spouse will do things different than you and have a different relationship with your child. That’s good even though it will drive you crazy at times.

And whatever seems like a problem right now will not be important next week or next month. (If it’s still a problem, you will get more opportunities to work on correcting it.)

So be gentle with yourself on the learning curve you are on right now. It’s steep as a new parent.

You are made for this!

And the dishes can wait. Sometimes there are more important things to do. Don’t worry.

So laugh at yourself and laugh at the mess and laugh at the day and laugh with the little ones.

What an adventure life is! …Without the worry.

Take a deep breathe and fix yourself another cup of tea. My mama said everything is better with a cup of tea. Mama’s Tea

Mama’s Tea

Ticks and the Natural Oils that Repel

June 4, 2024 livehealthy

Natural Oils to Repel Ticks

We found 4 ticks crawling on clothing when we were camping in the Ochocos National forest this time last year. My daughter found 2 near brush here at home.

But never fear, there are natural oils that repel ticks. They are also helpful on the skin if you have had a tick bite. These work great on animals too.

My sister, Tena, has tick problems on her property in Texas. She has to check her dogs every day after they run in the brush. She told me she has taken to spraying our Skeeter Beater on a bandana that she puts around their necks. It helps a lot.

This year we are prepared! Here’s a quick list of insect repelling essential oils:

Oregano, Thyme, Pennyroyal, cedarwood, peppermint, lemongrass, lemon eucalyptus, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, tea tree, juniper, rosemary, patchouli, citronella, Idaho tansy, cinnamon, clove, lavender.

Blends of oils such as what’s in our Skeeter Beater and Anti-Itch Spray work best.

Happy exploring! Stay bug free and joyful.