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T's Tonics

Handmade Natural Products and Organic Herbal Tea

Dandelions, the Tonic of Spring

Dandelions are a perfect Spring Tonic

I love the sight of dandelions coming up in the spring. It’s one of those signals that growth is coming. Let me share some ideas to take advantage of this spring tonic found in nearly everyone’s yard.

I wanted to make dandelion wine a few years ago. (Quite a few years ago). It was spring time and I was in love with the yellow bouquet scattered across my lawn. I had read the book, Dandelion Wine, by Ray Bradbury. The notion of “bottling up the sunshine” was captivating to me. I didn’t even drink wine. Then. But, I was a budding herby and the fermenting experiments were running wild in my pantry. This sounded like a tasty addition.

I think I found the recipe in my old Preserving the Fruits of the Earth book which has everything from how to pickle herring to preserving persimmons and some things I have never heard of in it.

I layered slices of oranges and dandelion flowers in a crock pot and followed the directions precisely. I stirred diligently. I waited for months. I peeked regularly. It failed famously.

The chickens danced with glee over THAT pile of scraps.

I still love dandelions. I now make teas with them.

Dandelion leaves and roots are exactly what we need in springtime! They help cleanse the winter cobwebs out of our liver, so to speak. We eat hardier foods in the wintertime. Dandelions help clean the blood, kidneys and liver and lighten us up for the hotter seasons. It also destroys acids in the blood and is a tonic to the entire body.

Dandelion root is also wonderful for women going through menopause. It can be taken fresh or dried on a regular long-term basis to help regulate the hormones.

Dandelion leaves are an excellent diuretic. They are high in calcium and minerals and help flush chemicals out of the system.

How to Use:

So how do we go about taking advantage of this plethora of goodness?

Look no further than your own lawn. But first make sure it hasn’t been sprayed with any chemicals. Also, keep out of the dog rooming and varmint areas.

Young spring dandelions are best. The whole plant is edible, so carefully pull it out, root and all. Wash thoroughly and separate out the parts you want.

The leaves and flowers are a great addition to salads.

The roots can be chopped up and put in soups, stews, smoothies, tea, sauces, etc. They hide well, not having a strong flavor.

Some people like to tempura batter and fry the flowers for a fun food too.

However you eat your dandelions, Enjoy! They are a special healthy treat given to you each spring!

“Our mouths are filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.” -Ps. 126;2

13 Ways to Help Digestion

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13 tips towards Better Digestion

If it’s true that most “dis-ease starts in the gut”, (as claimed by Dr. Schulze (super tonic), Stanley Burroughs (the Master Cleanser), my childhood doctor, and many others, than it pays to have a healthy gut, literally.

Here are 13 simple herbs, foods and ideas to help, some you probably know, some may be new:

citrus fruit

Citrus fruit for energy

1. Vitamin C:   It’s true. Vitamin C, among other great benefits, can help make you regular. In fact, studies done among the oldest peoples of the world, found one commonality they all share was that they all started their day with fresh (local) fruit and water, (first thing before breakfast). You will see fairly quick results in improved digestion in increasing your intake of fresh fruit or a vitamin C supplement by even 1-2 more a day. (Your can’t overdose on vitamin C, you will just get the “runs” if you have too much.)

“fruit, I must have fruit.” – from Monte Python.

2. Water: This is the one I notice right away. If I haven’t been drinking enough water, things go more difficult. We all know good water lubricates, hydrates, oxygenates, energizes, cleanses and flushes our cells and whole systems. But for me, it is the first thing that gets left behind when I am out of my normal routine, traveling or too busy.
3. Movement: Oxygen and circulation are key to keeping our systems functioning. These are most quickly increased with movement.
4. Probiotics: Good probiotics give your intestines hundreds of little digestion helpers. Who doesn’t want hundreds of entities working on their behalf? Probiotics contribute greatly to a healthy, working gut. Get them in yogurt or kefir or a good probiotic supplement.
5. Fermented foods: Works similar to probiotics above. Sauerkraut, kimchee, kombucha, etc.
6. Vinegar: the powerhouse. A tablespoon of cider vinegar taken after a heavy meal of proteins and fats will help cut the digestion time in half! Taken daily it keeps your pH balanced.
7. Aloe vera: Good for lubricating the digestive tract as well as helping skin, allergies, whole system, internally and externally

aloe vera

aloe vera plant

8. Diatomaceous Earth (Fossil Shell Flour) – can help by cleaning out the gut. It moves through the digestive tract “attracting and absorbing bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, endotoxins, pesticide and drug residues, E. coli, and heavy metals” and passes them out of the body. –explained by and available at bulkherbstore.com
Herbs:
1. Fennel-Good for colic, (used in “Gripe Water” which is great for upset tummies), aids digestion especially when uric acid is a problem, as in gout.
2. Cascara Sagrada –For when you are really constipated. Works well without causing the runs. It restores the tone of the bowel producing a permanent beneficial effect. Best at night on an empty stomach.
3. Safflower – helps to prevent and eliminate uric and lactic acid buildup as well as water retention and so it’s good for gout as well.
4. Ginger root has long been used as a remedy for digestive disorders, nausea, morning sickness, fever and coughing among other things.
5. Peppermint – mild enough for babies, it has been used for centuries to alleviate colic as well as minor bloating, gas, indigestion and digestive problems in all ages.

chamomile

chamomile

Bonus: Chamomile – safe for babies and all ages, mild and restorative. Works well with other herbs. Has calming effect also.

Bonus 2: Slippery Elm bark powder – Not only great for the throat (opera singers love this), Actually coats the stomach lining and strengthens it. Will stop the runs, even safe for babies and animals. Available at the health store.

A lovely way to get as many aids in at a time is in a tea blend such as our Tummy Tea that you can sip thoughout the day.

All systems are different and some herbs work for some types, but may not for you. Hopefully, you have found a gem here to help. “A happy gut makes everything better” so keep exploring, this is just a few suggestions to inspire.

We would love anyones adds and suggestions.