Herbal Tea Blend for Menopause Relief

 I am trying to embrace the idea that menopause is simply a rite of passage into the next 50 years of my life.!  While I may feel out of control on several new things going on with my body, the one thing that I am gaining control over is hot flashes/flushes, and night sweats.  When they began a few months ago, they were extremely uncomfortable and annoying.  I did some research on adding more cooling herbs to my daily teas/infusions.  I made my blend based on recommendations by Dr. John R. Christopher, Rosemary Gladstar and Susun Weed.  This tea is a delicious herbal medicine chest that I made to suit my needs and tastes.

Red Clover-I wish I had this herb growing wild nearby (I did find a field in the mountains, and wished I could go and gather)!  Since I can't get it fresh, I order from MountainRoseHerbs and use it dried.  Red Clover is high in phytoestrogens, it is a lymphatic cleanser, and has been said to be an anti-cancer remedy for women.  I love the way it smells and tastes!

Blessed Thistle-is wonderful for inflammation and easing headaches. It strengthens the brain and heart, as well as purifying the liver.

Oatstraw-This is a great tonic for the whole system. It is known as a restorative nerve tonic, and it is rich in calcium, iron and magnesium.

Black Cohosh-A popular menopausal treatment as it is both a stimulant and a relaxant for the female system. I used the roots and they have a bitter flavor, that I don't really care for. Therefore I am making a tincture of the roots so next time I make a batch of this tea, I will omit it.

Orange and Lemon peels-Whenever we buy organic citrus, I save the peels, dry them and add them as a flavor enhancer to my teas.  Of course they are rich in vitamin C, and that's always a good thing.

Blessings,
Joanna

--Four Thieves Vinegar--Use summer herbs for preventing or beating winter illness

I love that our garden is providing us with so many fresh herbs this year!  Thank you Lord for the rain and sunshine! All winter and spring, I enjoyed the Four Thieves Vinegar that I made last year.  I either like to take a spoonful of it in a bit of warm water, or add a spoonful to my salads, cooked greens, or rice dishes.
The legend of the four thieves dates back to medieval days.  It is said that during the plague, four men were robbing the homes of those sick and dying.  Somehow they managed to survive and avoid the disease.  They were believed to be wearing rags around their faces that were soaked in vinegar and herbs.  The powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties warded off the plague!
Today, we can use the vinegar to boost our immunity and keep colds at bay.
Always use apple cider vinegar that is with the mother...I use Braggs.

• Combine fresh herbs from your garden including:          thyme
•                                                                                          oregano
•                                                                                          basil
•                                                                                          sage
•                                                                                          lavender
•                                                                                          garlic

Fill a quart jar 1/2 to 3/4 with herbs and cover with ACV

The picture is tilted, but the herbs should be completely submerged in the vinegar.  Allow to infuse for 4-6 weeks in a dark area.  Remember to shake occasionally.
Once your herbs have infused, strain and store in a glass bottle.  It will keep on your counter for at least a year.  It will help you make it through long, cold winters with little illness, and it tastes really good.  Of course, you can always make a drink with the vinegar and equal amounts of honey as well.
Hope you make some now for the coming winter.
Blessings,
Joanna