Abigails Herbs

History records indicate that the Mayan civilization discovered chocolate between 250 to 900 CE. They are credited for the domestication of the cacao tree.  Cacao beans were used throughout Mesoamerica as currency, but the artifacts that survive from the golden age of the Maya suggest that the consumption of chocolate was, as for most of its subsequent history, restricted to the society’s elite. Have you seen the movie Chocolat, with Johnny Depp? The following is a recipe for Mayan Hot Chocolate which is similar to the drink used in the movie.

Get these ingredients ready:

• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 chile pepper, cut in half, seeds removed
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1 to 2 cinnamon sticks
• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 2 tablespoons sugar or honey, or agave syrup to taste1 tablespoon almonds or hazlenuts, ground extra fine
• whipped cream

Now, follow these simple steps:

1. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add chile pepper to boiling water.
2. Cook until liquid is reduced to 1 cup.
3. Remove chile pepper, strain water and set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cream or milk, vanilla bean and cinnamon stick until bubbles appear around the edge.
5. Reduce heat to low; add chocolate and sugar or other alternative sweetener; whisk occasionally until chocolate is melted and sugar dissolves.
6. Turn off heat; remove vanilla bean and cinnamon stick.
7. Add chile-infused water, a little at a time, tasting to make sure the flavor isn’t too strong.
8. If chocolate is too thick, thin with a little more milk.

Licorice puts the fire out of heartburn,stomach  and intestinal ulcers. It is as effective as the popular antacids, however, licorice does not carry the side effects of constipation, diarrhea or the risk of kidney damage associated with antacids that contain alot of calcium. Licorice has been found to even treat GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease); the most severe form of heartburn. Placing a licorice tea bag over  annoying and painful canker sores helps to heal them.

It is important that the type of licorice used be deglycyrrhizinic acid, meaning the glycyrrhizinic acid has been removed. Glycyrrhizinic acid has been linked to blood pressure problems. Research has found that the deglycrrhizinic licorice builds a protective mucous barrier within the digestive lining, protecting it from the acid backwash that causes heartburn. This herb is also thought to block prostaglandins in the stomach, which permits the stomach lining to repair itself and symptoms to go away.

Incidentally, the black licorice candy is not a good source of licorice, since it has sugar and is flavored with anise oil. Do not take licorice if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. Due to the powerful phytonutrients in licorice, it is important to take a five – day break from a steady diet of licorice every three to four weeks.

The passionflower is a beautiful and exotic flower found in South America. In spite of this flower’s exotic name and unusual appearance, this herb seems to calm one’s passions rather than ignite them. Passionflower is a gentle yet effective relaxing agent which can be used anytime of the day or night.

Passionflower is best taken in the form of tea. Brew a tea from the dried leaves or the flowers ( 2 tablespoons of dried herb per cup) and sip. It will help to calm racing thoughts. For insomnia, use the tincture form; one teaspoon in warm water. With its mild amount of caffeine, passionflower tea is safe to sip all day.

Please be aware that pregnant or breatsfeeding women should avoid passionflower altogether.

There is evidence that new research shows that adding green tea and capsaicin to your diet could cut down on appetite and cut caloric intake. Capsaicin is a pain killer; it is the chemical found in hot peppers that causes the hotness effect. It triggers metabolism into action and kick starts faster burning of calories.

Green tea has also been found to boost metabolism and burn calories faster. I drink one to two cups of green tea each morning and for lunch I eat fresh jalapeno peppers from my vegetable garden. I am receiving comments from my friends who notice that I am losing weight. Of course, I exercise consistently too.

Since it is so stimulating to your taste buds, capsaicin can help keep you from overeating. Toss some hot peppers into salads, salsas and stir-fries. Brew a couple cups of green tea and drink everyday to rev up  your metabolism. Remember that green tea contains caffeine, so be careful not to drink it too close to your bedtime.

Kava kava is an herb which is native to areas of Polynesia and Melanesia. In these cultures it was originally used as an intoxicating agent for celebrations and cultural celebrations. When taken in small doses, it can calm anxiety.

Some naturopathic doctors prescribe kava kava for eveyday stress-related activites, such as long airplane flights, professional presentations, public speaking appearances and interpersonal confrontations. Kava is also given to help with symptoms of PMS.

Kava kava was given in the Polynesian villages to calm combative behavior within tribes of families. The South Pacific people have said that “when kava enters the heart, there can be no hate.” It dispels frustration so you can work through conflict and find peaceful resolution.

I took some kava kava elixir two nights ago to help me calm down. I place about five drops of the elixir under my tongue and it was very effective at helping me to feel warm and relaxed. I was excited about my birthday and all of the celebrations that my friends were having for me. I was able to relax into my birthday celebrations and enjoy my special day, (which lasted all weekend), without  feeling rushed and discombobulated. I have a tendency to be very high-strung. The kava kava did work great and I was able to control my emotions without my emotions controlling me.

Warning:  Do not take kava with alcohol. Do not use kava if you have hepatitus or other serious liver conditions. Avoid taking kava kava in any form if you are pregnant or nursing a baby.

When stress or hormonal changes leave you feeling drained, ahswagandha can help restore and re-balance scattered energy. Used in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is the great vitalizer. It is referred to as the Indian ginseng, having alot more than just a tonic effect.

The herb’s name, Ashwaghandha, literally means “smell of  a horse.”  Everyone knows how strong and powerful horses are, and, they are huge animals with a large amount of physical prowess. Ashwagandha will not only increase your horsepower; it will balance  your energy levels and take away that old, worn out feeling. It will make you feel re-vitalized and energized.

Recommended dosage is to take two, 500 milligram capsules two times per day.

Like wine, green and white tea, dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants which are extremely healthy for our hearts. In a study published by the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center in 2008 suggests that eating 2.5 ounces of chocolate every day can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. We should enjoy a cup of cocoa or a dark chocolate bar everyday, for our own benefit.

Here is a rich and decadent chocolate dessert  in the form of a fondue:

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

12 ounces good quality 75% dark chocolate chopped into small pieces

one-half teaspoon cinnamon or one teaspoon orange extract or orange liqueur

1. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add the cream and vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
2. Add the chocolate, remove from heat, and stir until melted completely. Sprinkle  in the cinnamon or the orange extract or liqueur, stir well, and pour into a warm fondue pot.
3. Serve with fresh fruits-try bananas. sliced Granny Smith apples, strawberries, and dried fruits like apricots and pears.

This is a dessert rich in fat, so eat in moderation. Use organic, dark chocolate. Enjoy this delightful decadent treat.

I switched from using skin lotions and potions which are made from synthetics, such as propylene glycol, EDTA and parabens. All of the synthetic additives mentioned above not only can cause dangerous, long-term illnesses (such as cancers), but they actually dry out skin over time.

I consulted with a variety of skin specialists over the past few years and they have all recommended, if I loved my skin and wanted to keep it looking  young and supple and feeling soft), that I start using organic skin lotions. They all informed me that those name brand perfumes and lotions were actually aging my skin with repetitive usage. They taught me that natural organic products made from pure essential oils were much more beneficial to my skin.

As I started to use organic shea butter and other raw oils such as apricot kernel oil, peppermint oil and clary sage, my skin became softer and took on a more youthful, moisturized appearance. If I ever use perfumes with harsh chemicals, I am careful not to spray the perfume directly on my skin; instead, I spray the contents on my clothes.

Along with essential oils, check to be sure that the lotions you use on your skin always contain pure oxygen water. The water insures your skin that it will receive adequate and complete moisturization.

Many menopausal women suffer from general insomnia; tossing and turning at night and unable to get a good night’s sleep. There are a great deal of scientific studies which have affirmed the efficacy and the safety or taking valerian root to treat insomnia.

Valerian works the same way that a heavy-duty benzodiazapine (like Valium, Ativan or Xanax) does, but it is much safer because there is no side effects (hangover) or risk of addiction with Valerian root. It is a very reliable sedative for most people. My friend drinks it one hour before bedtime in the form of a tea. It helps her to sleep through the night peacefully.

Be careful not to take Valerian if you’re already taking prescription sleep aids.