Friday, December 21, 2012

The Joy Of Christmas~

The Joy of Christmas...let me count them one by one...so many, you'll be sleeping before I'm done.
There's holly and cedar, rosemary and Red Birds...
Paper Whites and Poinsettias , Red Roses and Tartan skirts...
Stockings of red, green and beyond....bows and bells....oh my, what great fun...
Candles in the windows, sleighs by the stoop, hot coco and mama's homemade soup....
Snowflakes and snow-balls for some there will be...alas, just rain and wind I see...
Chestnuts by the fire...cranberries strung above...and a toast to the one you love...
Pretty paper, pretty ribbon, pretty cards from far and near...
Silent night and happy dreams for those you hold dear...
Chocolate, red velvet, coconut and caramel tarts...
Snickerdoodles and Thumbprints, all tugging at our hearts...
Memories and flashbacks, from days carved in stone...
History indeed, but never really gone...
Carols for the neighbor...prayers for our Troops...
Christmas trees of all description-Presents all around-everything Merry and Bright...not like in Bethlehem...
Look into your heart-and find the tiny spark-turn up the flame and light the way....for yet another Christmas Day.

God Bless and may we keep the spirit of Christmas always in our hearts.

See you in 2013~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz

Sunday, December 09, 2012

Rejoice~Tis The Season~

Merry Christmas from the 'Sage Hill Farms' family~

December is the month of many joyful reunions, family and friends who see each other on a daily basis, and those who travel far to make the connection at this special time of year.

There is magic in the air ! The twinkling of the lights seem to say...awake, go forth, and celebrate.
The falling of frosty snowflakes and cold windy gust...all seems to be a little less harsh during December.
Perhaps it is because we know there is a warm and ready fire awaiting us inside, hot frothy chocolate or simmering cider on the stove.
Or, perhaps it is the spirit that comes to celebrate the most important birthday of the year.....our Lord Jesus Christ.

We hear much about the commercialization of this amazing season...to this I say...tune out the hustle and bustle if it bothers you, but do not allow the actions of others to discolor your reason for the season.
Gifting is part of the celebration, that which comes from the heart is perfect for this display of love and inclusion.

May you, your family, and all those you include...have the most blessed Christmas ever.

A Recipe to Tempt Your Taste-buds~

( Cranberry and Port Sauce with Lemon Thyme~)

Makes about 1 pint-can easily be doubled

4 Tbsp port
4 Tbsp orange juice
4 oz brown sugar
8 oz fresh cranberries
1 Tbsp finely grated orange rind
1 Tbsp finely chopped lemon thyme

Pour the port and orange juice into a saucepan and add the sugar.
Place over low heat and stir with a metal spoon until the sugar dissolves.

Transfer the mixture to a larger pan, increase the heat a little and add the cranberries.
bring mixture to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the berries are just tender and the skins begin to burst.

Remove pan from heat and mix in the orange rind and thyme.

Leave to cool...you can then pour into jars and seal for later use or for gifts...or place in a container for use on your holiday meats...it's delicious on turkey, chicken, duck, or ham...

Enjoy !

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Sage Hill Farms
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Saturday, December 01, 2012

Winterizing~





We winterize our homes, our cars, boats, and gardens...doesn't it make sense to do the same for our most precious possession ? Our Self~

Salmon, sardines, and other oily fish are high in omega-3 fats, which boost immune system activity. These fats also help balance excess omega-6 fats.

Other good sources of omega 3's include flax seeds, walnuts,and omega-3-enriched eggs.

OR...you can take a supplement-250 mg EPA from fish oil...morning and night is best.

We can also add a powerful punch to the strength of our immune system by taking Andrographis...this is highly recommended by herbalist (Karta Purkh Singh Khalas, DN-C,RH.) Taken throughout the cold/flu season, especially if you are traveling or under stress, will fortify your system.

Scandinavians have been using andrographis for 20 years to reduce the symptoms and duration of infections.

In the early stages of a cold take 10 to 15 g of andrographis per day as tea or in capsules, or up to 20 ml per day of the tincture.

(Andrographis paniculata is an herb commonly used in China, India and other countries in subtropical and Southeast Asia. Both the fresh and dried leaves, as well as the fresh juice of the whole plant, have been used in a variety of cultures. In traditional Chinese herbalism, Andrographis is used to support healthy digestive, cardiovascular and urinary systems. In Sweden, Andrographis has been used for more than 10 years as a primary herb for the winter season for immune support.)

(PS) keep a small bowl of water with a cup of white vinegar and a few drops of Lemon oil in your kitchen sink...leave your dish towel in this mixture when not using it..it will stay clean and fresh all day. Plus, anything you wipe with it will be germ free.

And for goodness sake...add herbs to your daily diet-they add awesome flavor to any dish, each and every one is packed with nutrients of all accounting...what's not to embrace ?

Stay safe and healthy for the holiday's and all winter~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist/teacher/speaker
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Saturday, November 24, 2012

December And Its Bliss~


December is overflowing with Blissful moments and things....

Textures, smells, sounds, and views...the feel of a fresh cut Christmas tree, the smell of kitchen aroma's ( from cornbread to gingerbread )
the sound of bells, chimes, and stillness of the cold winter day...and the views of beauty everywhere we look.

Please, let us not forget to share all of these Blissful gifts with those among us who may not be as blessed to have access to the same.

Peace On Earth, Goodwill Toward Men...is worth striving for.

It's beginning to look, sound, and smell...a lot like December ~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com


Sunday, November 18, 2012

November Bliss~

November can be  as magical as the ' Month of Lights '...December.

A simple basket of pine cones can lead to a long and interesting conversation...the shape, the tree history, the many ways to use and display them in your fall decorating scheme...they add sound effect to a bonfire or in an outside pit :)

Dried branches of all the different leaves around your area-cut them long and place in a tall container and rest beside the front door-as the leaves fall just allow them to stay in place as if under a tree.

Enjoy the transition from a summer of bright blooms and never ending greenery into a stark display of bare trees and earthy shades of grasses and shrubs.

I opt to not light up the month of November...instead, to bask in the Bliss of  dark mornings and early dusk evenings...a warm cup of cider and the soft comfort of a cozy blanket....who needs lights :)

Wishing you each the most gracious Thanksgiving, a day of being truly  "Thankful."

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931 438 8328

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Photo credit of NASA-August 2011-tracks left on the moons surface by the Apollo 17 Moon Mission-

So many amazing facts about our universe....


November 13-2012....Tuesday brings the beginning of the New Moon Solar Eclipse-when the moon reaches its minimum brightness.
Therefore it is called- New Moon. In astronomical terminology, the phrase new moon is the lunar phase that occurs when the Moon, in its monthly orbital motion around Earth, lies between Earth and the Sun, and is therefore in conjunction with the Sun as seen from Earth. At this time, the dark (un-illuminated) portion of the Moon faces almost directly toward Earth, so that the Moon is not visible to the naked eye.

A perfect time to focus on the change one has need or want of...
To secure the path one has already embarked upon-
To understand better what change is, does, and requires for a different outcome.

For everything thing, there is a Season ~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist/teacher/speaker
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Healing From Within~Continued






This statement and action applies to our nation, our world, and our 'self '...today seems the perfect time to embrace the ' Truth ' and take action.

Superficial remedies never have and never will be an answer to any core issue.

Our country and our world is suffering from internal problems-quick fixes and symptom relief only serves to prolong and deepen the infestation.

Our bodies are no different in the suffering and the relief requirements.

Breathing...is the one major reason for so many health issues.....aha, let me clarify...'Breathing the wrong way...'

In any 24 hour period, we will breath in and out 21, 600 times.
Does it not make perfect sense that there is a right way and a wrong way to breathe.

We can go 30 days without food, 4 days without water...and only 4 minutes without air.

Regardless how much effort one is putting into being healthy...if  the breathing isn't right, healing cannot happen in a total and sustainable way.

It is the most natural way to heal thy-self...

Do your research, find a program that works for your needs...then practice, practice, practice.....there is a saying...practice makes perfect...Believe it !

Make it a purely blissful day~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist/teacher/speaker
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Healing From With-in~

One of the greatest pains to human nature is the pain of a new idea.~Walter Bagehot~

My belief is aligned with this thought as I listen and see....many who say they want better health, better way of daily living, better choices, better outcomes...yet, the true way for bringing all these desires to fruition seems to be the most unacceptable..embracing a "new idea."  New thought process, new actions, new reactions.
When we find ourselves at this 'crossroads,' the decision is, to stay on the path we know ( comfort zone ) or take the path less traveled. ( embrace a new idea )
To think we can have it both ways is choosing to live in denial and thereby, adding confusion to our already non-working method.

A perfect time to stop, reflect, embrace, and apply, is anytime...so right now is the perfect time.

We must live in this world-we do not have to conform to it.

You, I, we, are the only ones who can change those areas of our life that bring us less than joy and harmony.

When we clear and clean the mind, we will naturally follow the steps to doing same for the body.

Think of it as de-fragmenting your computer~cleaning up all those little bits and pieces of radical escapees.:) Works every time~

Welcome to a new season-a great place/time for a "New Idea~"

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist/teacher/speaker
Sage Hill Farms
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Chaos--Do You Know It ?



What exactly is chaos? The name "chaos theory" comes from the fact that the systems that the theory describes are apparently disordered, but chaos theory is really about finding the underlying order in apparently random data.

When was chaos first discovered? The first true experimenter in chaos was a meteorologist, named Edward Lorenz. In 1960, he was working on the problem of weather prediction. He had a computer set up, with a set of twelve equations to model the weather. It didn't predict the weather itself. However this computer program did theoretically predict what the weather might be.


One day in 1961, he wanted to see a particular sequence again. To save time, he started in the middle of the sequence, instead of the beginning. He entered the number off his printout and left to let it run.

When he came back an hour later, the sequence had evolved differently. Instead of the same pattern as before, it diverged from the pattern, ending up wildly different from the original. Eventually he figured out what happened. The computer stored the numbers to six decimal places in its memory. To save paper, he only had it print out three decimal places. In the original sequence, the number was .506127, and he had only typed the first three digits, .506.

By all conventional ideas of the time, it should have worked. He should have gotten a sequence very close to the original sequence. A scientist considers himself lucky if he can get measurements with accuracy to three decimal places. Surely the fourth and fifth, impossible to measure using reasonable methods, can't have a huge effect on the outcome of the experiment. Lorenz proved this idea wrong.

This effect came to be known as the butterfly effect. The amount of difference in the starting points of the two curves is so small that it is comparable to a butterfly flapping its wings.

The flapping of a single butterfly's wing today produces a tiny change in the state of the atmosphere. Over a period of time, what the atmosphere actually does diverges from what it would have done. So, in a month's time, a tornado that would have devastated the Indonesian coast doesn't happen. Or maybe one that wasn't going to happen, does. (Ian Stewart, Does God Play Dice? The Mathematics of Chaos, pg. 141)

This phenomenon, common to chaos theory, is also known as sensitive dependence on initial conditions. Just a small change in the initial conditions can drastically change the long-term behavior of a system.

Now, flap your wings and ignite a spark.

Bea Rigsby-Kunz

 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Embracing The Power of Nature~


Connecting To The Power Of Nature~

This brings all sorts of imagery to mind, the gardens, favorite hiking trails, greenhouses overflowing with common and exotic plants, a single rose, and water-free flowing from the core of our earth.

All of this and more.

However, my thoughts today revolve around a favorite book of mine.

" Connecting to the Power of Nature." by...Joe H. Slate, Ph.D. ( Alabama ) is a licensed psychologist and Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Athens State University.

The U.S. Army and the Parapsychology Foundation of New York have funded his lab projects in said subject. His research led to the establishment of the Parapsychology Research Foundation.

Quote..."Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth  find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life last."    ( Rachel Carson )

Most of my waking hours from April through September are spent in the outdoors. I am blessed and so grateful for the connection I have with nature. The feel, smells, sounds, and knowing that my spiritual and physical energy is powered by a force so easily embraced...renews me to full potential and desires with each new day.

Those who know me well-know this is my time of year to reflect, give consideration to what was, and what must be, come the new year that is moving in.

May the Season bring what you need to grow.:)

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com


 

Friday, September 28, 2012

Culinary=Medicinal~


Our skin is constantly exposed to one extreme after another. Summers are long and hot, over-exposure to the sun, saltwater and chlorinated water from swimming, perhaps too many slathers of different creams and oils...and our diet, all play a major role in the health of our skin. Our health status can and does determine the appearance of the skin.

If we are aware and understand our body, we can look at our skin and know, to a large degree what is missing in our diet-or perhaps what should be removed from our diet.

Simply by drinking enough water, keeping the system hydrated will go a long way in reducing or eliminating dry skin, acne, and other skin irritations.

With winter just around the bend, it is a great time to embark on a system to winterize 'self.'

Sunflower oil... is one of the best remedies for needy skin. It absorbs easily and does not leave a fatty residue. Sunflower oil/cooking or Essential, mixed with Cocoa or Shea Butter, makes an awesome ointment for dry-skin, eczema, and for healing damaged/stressed skin.

Sunflower... in culinary...we all know and love the roasted seeds, sprinkled on salads, as a topping for mac/cheese, a few scoops on top of fresh tomato or pumpkin soup...and in many breads and even desserts.
Use the light cooking oil in any salad dressing along with your favorite addition of herbs.

1/2 cup of brown mustard and 2 Tbs of sunflower oil-blended together with 1 tsp of Sage Hill's Cajun blend will bring baked salmon to the height of goodness. ( makes enough for 2 to 4 salmon steaks. )

- With a pastry brush -start blending the sauce on the salmon about 2 minutes prior to removing from oven. ( don't over heat it. )

* Salmon is a very- good for the skin-food also .

Feel good, look good, and live long...by using culinary for medicinal benefits.

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Monday, September 24, 2012

Herbs Past & Present~# 8-From Plants To Pills







Herbs In Modern Medicine

Although Extracts, such as essential oils have been prepared from various plants for centuries, traditional herbalism has always combined herbs to modify effects, viewing the whole as greater than the parts.

The move to identify the individual active ingredients and use these as single drugs began in the 18th century, and many thousands are now known.
The chemicals display quite different properties from original herbs.

Initally, these drugs could only be obtained from plant extracts, but later the chemical structures of many extracts were identified and the drugs are now made synthetically. In the transition of use from crude plants to clinical pills, modern medicine has lost the art of combining herbs to modify toxicity and of using whole plants which themselves contain chemical ingredients that can reduce the risk of side effects.

Some well known herb plants that were chemically synthesized and we know them today as:

Foxglove....digoxin and digitoxin...used in treating heart conditions today.
( in 1775 Dr. William Withering began testing and research on foxglove and its benefits and side effects. He spent 10 years studying the side effects of foxglove and identifying the plant's optimum dose before publishing his ground-breaking research.

Opium Poppy....morphine, first identified by Friedrich Serturner in Germany-1803 in the form of white crystals from crude opium poppy.

Willowbark....first was salicin, which was later modified to be less of an irritant on the stomach, and acetylsalicylie acid was launched as aspirin-1899, by the Bayer company. In less than 100 years plant extracts have filled pharmacists' shelves.

* Extracted chemicals can often be extremely potent and can cause effects that were unknown when the whole plant was used.

In 1947 CIBA, extracted the alkaloid reserpine from snakeroot and began marketing the drug Serpasil as a cure for hypertension. However, it had severe side effects that included depression and abnormal slowing of the heartbeat. A new drug was developed from the herb in the 1950's. It has always been restricted to prescription only in the US.
To date, however, snakeroot continues to be widely used in parts of Europe and Asia, taken by many as a soothing tranquilizer.

**The information in part for these eight articles comes from The Complete Medicinal Herbal-by-Penelope Ody.










 Disclaimer....Any and all herbal articles from and by Sage Hill is offered totally as educational information only. We do not intend this information to be viewed as medicinal advice for any given treatment.
Sage Hill does not sell Medicinal products nor do we give Medicinal advice.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Herbs Past & Present # 7~Merging of Practices


There was a time ( before all the land battles ) when early pioneers and the Plains tribes shared much of their herbal lore/knowledge with each other.

One of the early and most popular was Samuel Thomson-founder of "Physiomedicalism."  Born in 1769 he learned his craft as a child from Widow Benton--" a root and herb doctor," who combined Native American skills with the traditional role of " herb wife."

Maintaining Balance....Central to the Physiomedicalism view was the belief that it is possible to strengthen the body's vital force by keeping both tissues and nervous state in balance. This was/is accomplished by sedating one and stimulating the other. ( chamomile was a popular sedative herb, while ginger was perfect for a stimulate.)

Eclecticism....Other "botanic" systems followed, among them the Eclectic school founded by Dr. Wooster Beech in 1830's.
Along with the herbal remedies and the Native American practices was the addition of a more orthodox medical technique, and the analysis of disease.
At it's peak this practice claimed more than 20,000 qualified practitioners in the United States and was serious rival to regular medicine.

* The challenge ended only in 1907 when , following a review of medical training schools, philanthropists Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller decided to give financial support solely to the orthodox medical schools. *

This was in truth the beginning of the separation/war between herbal and what we now know as Western medicine.

The Movement In Europe....Physiomedicalism was brought to Britain in 1838 by Dr.Albert Isaiah Coffin, who set up a similar system of patent remedies and do-it-yourself guides to diagnosis. Wooster Beech followed in the 1850's to preach his Eclectic message. The movement took hold and was popular until well into the 1930's.

In 1864 the various groups merged to form the National Association of Medical Herbalist. It continues to thrive today as the National Institute of Medical Herbalist--the oldest formalized body of specialist herbal practitioners in Europe.

Next...From Plants To Pills.

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
EatWell-BeWell~
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

 Disclaimer....Any and all herbal articles from and by Sage Hill is offered totally as educational information only. We do not intend this information to be viewed as medicinal advice for any given treatment.
Sage Hill does not sell Medicinal products nor do we give Medicinal advice.



 

Organic Pumpkin Cheesecake


1 cup Organic Gingersnap Crumbs

 2 Tbs... sugar
 
3 Tbs...melted butter
3/4 cup... sugar
1/3 cup...crystalized ginger
2 large eggs
1/4 cup half & half
 1 Tbs unbleached flour
 1/2 tsp fresh grated nutmeg
 1/8 tsp clove
 1/4 tsp sea salt
1 cup...unsweetened pumpkin puree



Directions

Use middle rack in the oven- and preheat to 350 degrees F.
Place the cookie crumbs and sugar in a small bowl and whisk to blend. Add the melted butter and stir to combine. Press the mixture onto the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan. Bake the crust until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Place the sugar and crystallized ginger in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the ginger is finely chopped. Add the cream cheese and process until the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs, half and half, flour, ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt, and pulse the machine until the mixture is just combined.
Remove about 2/3 cup of the mixture and set aside.

Add the pumpkin purée to the remaining batter in the food processor and pulse just until combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared crust. Drizzle the reserved 2/3 cup of batter over the top of the pumpkin mixture, and then lightly swirl it to create a decorative orange-and-white pattern.

Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until the center of the cheesecake is just set, but still jiggly, 30 to 35 minutes.
Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely, then cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, 4 to 6 hours.

 Remove the sides of the springform pan and slice into thin wedges to serve.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Herbs Past & Present # 6-North American Traditions


The first European settlers arriving in North America brought with them the familiar healing plants from home.; heartease and plantain. They also absorbed some Native American healing traditions, discovering new herbs, such as boneset ( comfrey ) purple coneflower ( echinacea ) goldenseal, and pleurisy root. Many of the American tribes also used a practice of sauna like sweat houses,( this was the time of the Medicine Man or Shaman ) a time of ritual herbalism- and the idea of heat as a healing technique was adopted by Samuel Thomson ( founded the Physiomedicalism movement ) More about him tomorrow.

This melding of traditions bore fruit in the  Physiomedicalism and Eclectic schools, which were later imported to Europe and had a lasting influence on European herbal practices.

Next...Merging of Practices.

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmasandvintagestore.com

 Disclaimer....Any and all herbal articles from and by Sage Hill is offered totally as educational information only. We do not intend this information to be viewed as medicinal advice for any given treatment.
Sage Hill does not sell Medicinal products nor do we give Medicinal advice.



Friday, September 21, 2012

Herbs Past & Present # 5-Out Of The Dark Ages

                                  
                                       ~ Out Of The Dark Ages~

After the fall of Rome, European herbal traditions were not completely
submerged by the ensuing Dark Ages.

The 'barbarians' brought with them their own herbal healing customs to which they added the Roman practices that survived and, with the spread of Christianity, there was considerable exchange of both actual medicines and tried and tested remedies.

The Growth Of European Herbalism

Europe's oldest surviving herbal written in the vernacular, The Leech Book of Bald, dates from the first half of the 10th century, and includes remedies sent by the Patriarch of Jerusalem to King Alfred.

Although medical schools spread through Europe ( the most famous, at Salerno, was founded in the early 10th century and taught the Hippocratic principals of good diet, exercise, and fresh air ), healing and herbalism were largely in the hands of the Church, with all monasteries growing medicinal herbs and tending the sick as part of Christian duty. Healing was as much a matter of prayer as medicine.

By the 1530's , as learning moved away from the cloister, emphasis was gradually again given to the healing skills and disciplines once taught at the Salerno school.
A new practice emerged  through a German physician named Paracelsus.
The practice we know as Doctrine of Signatures...which maintains that the
outward appearance of a plant gives an indication of the ailments it would/will help /cure. ( nutmeg and walnuts were compared to the brain. Lungwort leaves look like a diseased lung. A sliced carrot looks like the center of the eye, and on and on. ) As we know today, all of these and more have been proven to be so.

Tea is a classic example of this practice/belief...in the 17th century it was proclaimed as a cure-all....then it became no more than a popular drink...and we are now back to seeing and using tea as a medicinal benefit.

Stay tuned~more to come....

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

 Disclaimer....Any and all herbal articles from and by Sage Hill is offered totally as educational information only. We do not intend this information to be viewed as medicinal advice for any given treatment.
Sage Hill does not sell Medicinal products nor do we give Medicinal advice.




Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Herbs Past & Present # 4 ( The Principles of Chinese Medicine )

Ancient Chinese Medicine ( herbalism ) is cloaked in myth. Often leaving one wondering who and what was real and who and what is just myth. Consider too, many practices that we consider myth today was very real in its time.

An important Chinese herbal from about 200 B.C. is named after Shen Nong. Shen Nong was /is thought to be a mythical figure...will we ever really know.

The founding father of Chinese medical theory is the Yellow Emperor, who is reputed to have lived around 2500 B.C. However the classic text that bears his name is dated 1000 B.C. It is believed to represent an older verbal tradition.
As in the West, medicine during that time was inseparable from philosophies and techniques in China, with a mix of physicians, village  herbalist, and native shamans.

By the 19th century, Western mission hospitals had begun to represent a real alternative to the old practices. Chinese medicine survived but became a national, standard medical system only in the 1960's when Mao Tse-tung founded five colleges of traditional Chinese medicine.

Today , older regional healing styles are still followed by surviving Chinese medical families, many of whom have emigrated to Singapore, Hong Kong, and San Francisco.

There is so much more to herbs and herbals in Chinese medicine practices...I would encourage anyone interested to do the research.

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

 Disclaimer....Any and all herbal articles from and by Sage Hill is offered totally as educational information only. We do not intend this information to be viewed as medicinal advice for any given treatment.
Sage Hill does not sell Medicinal products nor do we give Medicinal advice.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Herbs Past & Present-(A Science Of Life)


                                                   Ayurveda

The term comes from two Indian words: ayur, or life, and veda, or knowledge.
Ayurveda medicine is described as a " knowledge of how to live,"  stressing that good health is the responsibility of the individual.
Illness is seen in terms of imbalance, with herbs and dietary controls used to restore equilibrium.

The earliest text from this science date to 2500 B.C. with successive invaders  adding new herbal traditions: the Persians in 500 B.C.; the Moghuls in the 14th century, bringing the medicine of Galen and Avicenna.

The British closed down the Ayurvedic schools in 1833 but did not succeed in destroying the ancient learning completely.

Ayurvedic Medicine is practiced and highly sought after today for those who wish to take full control of their well being....the whole being.

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Disclaimer....Any and all herbal articles from and by Sage Hill is offered totally as educational information only. We do not intend this information to be viewed as medicinal advice for any given treatment.
Sage Hill does not sell Medicinal products nor do we give Medicinal advice.


 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Herbs Past & Present~~( Origins of Western Herbalism )














Hippocrates may be known today as the father of medicine, but for

centuries medieval Europe followed the teachings of Galen, a 2nd-century physician, who wrote extensively about the body's four " humors"--blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile-and classified herbs by their essential qualities as hot or cold, dry or damp.

These theories were later expanded on by 7th century Arab physicians, and were still being used well into the 18th century.

( Ancient Civilization )

Herbs In Papyri----Surviving Egyptian papyri as far back as 1700 B.C. record that many common herbs such as Garlic and Juniper have been used medicinally for about 4,000 years.

Hemp was used for eye problems just as it is prescribed today for glaucoma, and poppy extracts were used to quite crying children.

( The Greek Model )

Early Greeks saw the world as composed of four elements---earth, air, fire, and water.
These elements were related to the seasons, to four fundamental qualities, to four bodily fluids or humors, and to four temperaments. In almost all individuals , one humor was thought to dominate, affecting both personality and the likely health problems that could be suffered.

Today we see personalities classified as Type A or Type B...and traits attached to each that will dictate how each personality tends to act and/or react to their surroundings...in turn, causing or allowing actions and changes in bodily functions.

( Roman Remedies )

The Greek theories of medicine reached Rome about 100 B.C. As time passed they became more and more mechanistic, presenting a view of the body as a machine to be actively repaired, rather than following the Hippocrate dictum of allowing most disease to cure themselves.

Medicine became a lucrative business with complex, highly priced herbal remedies.

So, it seems modern day wars inside the medical train of thought really isn't anything new.

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Disclaimer....Any and all herbal articles from and by Sage Hill is offered totally as educational information only. We do not intend this information to be viewed as medicinal advice for any given treatment.
Sage Hill does not sell Medicinal products nor do we give Medicinal advice.

 

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Herbs Past & Present~


Many of you know me as a Culinary Herbalist, herb grower, gardener, and advocate for "Truth In Labeling, " and promoter of all around better food habits for good health.

In the next few months I would like to introduce another subject dear to my heart and something I embrace and practice. ( Herbs...for medicine.)
Let me qualify one thing clearly...I do not sell medicinal products, nor do I give medicinal advice.

My goal is to share information that will peak your interest and motivate you to look at all options for getting and maintaining good health. This can and should be a combination of practices. Herbal medicine, Western medicine, food choices, lifestyles, and spiritual health. Balance is what truly brings about the very best health.

From ancient times, herbs have played a vital role in the healing traditions of many cultures.
The alternative way of looking at health care, of which Herbs, past and present represent-can be just as valid today as they were 5,000 years ago.

Next post will look at Origins of Western Herbalism~ stay tuned .

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com


Disclaimer....Any and all herbal articles from and by Sage Hill is offered totally as educational information only. We do not intend this information to be viewed as medicinal advice for any given treatment.
Sage Hill does not sell Medicinal products nor do we give Medicinal advice.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Herbs Through The Ages~

 




Calendula ( Pot Marigold )  is and has been for thousands of years, one of the most cherished herbs in homeopathic medicine.

The flower, leaves/stem/and oil are all used in a wide range of ways to treat a multitude of issues.

This is one of the most amazing benefits of herbs as medicine...they are varied in their usage and little to no side effects when used properly.
( note-some people may be allergic to a certain herb ) so be aware and get professional guidance prior to launching any self-treatment.

Applications from Calendula consist of :  Creams, Infusions , ( teas ) Tincture, Compress, Mouthwash, and Infused Oil.
( Essential oils are very potent and should be used with some educational knowledge of the product and Cautions.)

(The Character)...Slightly bitter, pungent, drying, gently cooling.
(Constituents)...Saponins, flavonoids, musilage, essential oil, bitter principle, resin, steroidal compounds.
( Actions )...Astringent, antiseptic, anti fungal, anti-inflammatory, heals wounds, menstrual regulator, and stimulates bile production.

Sage Hill grows Calendula for a company In Tennessee which uses it in organic pet treats and products.

***Warning***Do not confuse Pot Marigold with common Garden Marigolds...they are not the same and the garden marigold is toxic, often used in pesticides and weed killers.

Disclaimer....Any and all herbal articles from and by Sage Hill  is offered totally as educational information only. We do not intend this information to be viewed as medicinal advice for any given treatment.
~~~
William Turner in 1551 said of Pot marigold...Somme use it to make theyr here yelow...not being content with the colour.

Beds of Calendula make for exceptional fall color.

EatWell-BeWell

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com




Thursday, September 06, 2012

Fall Landscapes...Enjoy !

 

Today I planted kohlrabi and mustard, both are fall crops in the middle south.

We still have tomatoes and bush beans producing a harvest about twice a week.  Okra has just begun to produce...yum !

Chives, basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage are still in abundance.

Leaves are falling and so the compost bin is full and happily doing its job.

If you are ready to start a compost pile for the overwintering...use all you discarded veggies from the garden, eggshells ( rinse well ) coffee/tea grinds, and any grass clippings and leaves that haven't been sprayed with pesticides, etc. Keep damp but not soaked...add some earthworms/composting worms and cover with a large tarp...check about once a week-turning about every 2 weeks...by spring time you should have a nice pile of beautiful composted soil. Spread this sparingly in your garden beds and no other fertilizing will be needed.

Happy fall, enjoy the changing landscapes...wherever you are.

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Autumn is Lurking~I'm Grateful ~

 

Leaves are falling, grasses are pluming, blooms are beginning to produce smaller and some are drying.

Sage Hill has experienced a very demanding summer, I will not be sad to say farewell until next year :)

We will be busy for the autumn season, but...a different kind of pace and that can be refreshing.

Fall crops in the vegetable gardens will be okra and greens...that's it !
We will be adding some new beds for flowers ( cutting flowers ) for next spring/summer. Expanding on projects already in motion will be a priority....Berry patch, Native garden, and a water source in the Bog.

Must keep the critters happy and returning.


Welcome to Autumn at Sage Hill Farms...

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328
michaelkunz(at)bellsouth.net
bea.kunz@gmail.com
 

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Summer Foods

I'm keenly aware of summers ending very soon.

I find myself looking forward to the change in seasons...yet, I know how much I will miss the summer vegetables , at least for a few days.

I love eating whatever the seasonal foods around me happen to be.

But...for now, the tomatoes are still plentiful...and this is a recipe to enjoy again and again....until that final no more !

Oregano Tomatoes

4 large tomatoes ( heirloom preferable )
2 oz butter ( real )
1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano-or-1-1/2 tsp of dried
1 clove garlic ( crushed )
Fresh ground black pepper
Pinch Sea Salt
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Cut tomatoes in half horizontally and place in a shallow heatproof baking dish.
Beat the butter with the oregano, garlic, pepper, salt, and cheese.
Spread the mixture over the cut side of the tomato.
Broil under medium heat for about 5 minutes until the topping is just turning golden.

Serve with crusty fresh bread and very good with white fish.

Enjoy
EatWell-BeWell~

Sage Hill has fresh oregano ready for harvest...also fresh dried ready for your fall and holiday cooking~

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Summer's Best~

Simple greenery is one of my favorite Table-scape's for the summer.

Rosemary is also one of my favorite herbs for the summer usage...as you see-makes a lovey table piece, a small jar filled with the heady stems on the kitchen just speaks "home."

How many households doesn't look to the grill for easy and delicious summer foods. Vegetables on the grill is my best loved way of eating and serving them...squash, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes, and white corn...any and all take to the grilling like a June-bug on the rosemary.

Soak a few sprigs in clean water and toss onto the veggies or meat( rosemary, not the Junebug )...keep the rosemary soaked to impart the full flavor.

Good and good for us...

EatWell-BeWell

Bea Rigsby Kunz
32 Old Petersburg Pike
Petersburg, TN 37144
931-438-8328
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Fresh rosemary for sale...as well as basil, fennel, oregano, peppermint, stevia, sage, tarragon, and thyme .

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

A Cup of Miracles~

A Cup of Warm Water and the Juice of Half a Lemon~:)
 
I call this my " Cup of Miracles ".....helps start the day on a hydrated note, which helps prevent dehydration and adrenal fatigue. When your body is dehydrated, (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, and the list goes on. Your adrenals are two small glands located on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by your adrenals that regulates water levels and the concentration of minerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response. So, the bottom line is that you really don't want to encourage a deep state of dehydration!
 
One simple action in your morning routine can bring you .....
  
A Strong Immune System
 
Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is a must for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain & nerve function and helps control blood pressure.
 
A Balanced pH
 
Yes, sitting on your counter they are acidic, but inside our bodies they're alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). As we all know ( or should ) an alkaline body is really the key to good health.
 
Helps with weight loss
 
Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster and keep it off in a more stabilized manner.
 
Better digestion activity
 
The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis—the activity of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen toxins in the digestive tract.

Serves as a gentle, natural diuretic
 
Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.
 
Clear skin
 
The vitamin C helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well. ( who doesn't want a few less wrinkles :)
 
Hydrates the lymph system
 
 
Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Sage Hill Farms
Culinary Herbalist
931-438-8328

 

Saturday, July 07, 2012

Summer's Garden To Winter's Table~

Now that our gardens are in full swing, over abundant in produce and demanding attention every day to keep it that way....what can we do with all the fruits of our labor.....allowing it to waste away is not an option at Sage Hill...so, the work and the fun begins.

Today we are utilizing all the extra cucumbers, about a half bushel...we have shared, sold, and eaten many...well, actually a lot.

Pickle relish is one of those items that must be carefully scrutinized when purchasing at the super-market...most have High Fructose Corn Syrup, and very high Sodium content...mine will have neither.
~
Mothers Pickle Relish~no doubt my grandmother's too~
( I've adjusted the amount to a smaller batch )
~
5 pounds-small to medium size cucumbers
1 large sweet onion
1 Tbsp Pickling Salt
3 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups cider vinegar-5% acidity
1 Tbsp whole Allspice
1 Tbsp whole Cloves
1-3" cinnamon stick
~
Wash cucumbers and remove the darkest end of the cucumber( blossom end ) this is usually bitter.
Chop cucumbers and onion by hand or in a food processor-combine in a large -non reactive bowl-Sprinkle with pickling salt-mix well-cover and let stand overnight. ( refrigerate )

Next day...Drain well, tie all spices in a cheesecloth bag
In a 6/8 quart saucepan combine vegetable mix, spice bag, and all other ingredients.
Bring to a boil over medium high heat-stirring occasionally.

Boil for 10 minutes-stirring often to avoid sticking.
Remove from heat and remove spices.

Fill hot jars with mixture leaving 1/2 inch space between jar rim and lid.
Carefully run a non-reactive spatula around the inside of jar to release air bubbles.wipe jar tops and threads clean.

Place hot lids on jars and screw bands on firmly.

Process in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes.

~

I use pint size jars and an open top canner...place jars in canner-cover with boiling water to just over the lids...this will assure sealing and the proper action to avoid spoilage....

TIP: Jars that do not seal in a few hours should be left in the frig to eat or thrown out...never store unsealed jars. The content will spoil.
~



Bea Rigsby-Kunz

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

Rosemary-An Herb For All Seasons~

Rosemary, a plant/herb for all seasons indeed....a strong determined perennial that will give you years of beauty and production if you are aware of it's needs.

Good drainage is a must...raised-bed growing is fabulous for this-
Home made/composted soil is perfect...a little Fish Emulsion for food every few weeks and no need for any other additives.

Keep the tips snipped to encourage spread instead of straight up growth...makes for a much stronger and prettier plant.

Less instead of more water is the best...too much water and poor drainage is the death of any plant and especially herbs.

Uses....in the summer ( what we have now :) toss wet sprigs on the grill for a fabulous aroma and taste on meats, vegetables, and fruits.

In the fall...it is heavenly on a bonfire or in the fireplace...roasted atop a turkey and allowed to steep on top of the stove for a good smelling home.
Great for the respiratory health too.

Winter and the holidays lend themselves to endless uses of this beautiful evergreen....from a simple but elegant table-scape to a outrageous door wreath...Rosemary is your girl !

July 4th and all is good ~we are grateful.

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

From Sage Hill Farms and all the helping hands...we ask you to make this holiday safe, fun, and in honor of the meaning.

Take a stand...EatWell, send a message to the food police...we demand the  safest, the cleanest, and the most nutritious...It's Independence Day !


Happy 4th of July....

The Sage Hill Farms family...
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

The Perfect Giving Back or Paying It Forward~

....the change you wish to see~




Once in a while, the perfect chance presents itself that allows us to give back in a manner that makes a difference to the whole and not just a chosen few. This is one of those times, Jim Gerritsen in Bridgewater, Main-an organic farmer and advocate for all organic farmers against the damaging actions of the chemical giant...Monsanto-needs our help.

Let me make clear...farmers are not wealthy people...most of us work on a very tight budget, often working against all odds to make a goal and keep our farms and businesses out of the red.

Jim has, over the last 30 years, donated hundreds of hours to the cause of the organic farmers, most recently being the lead plantiff in the OSGATA suit for relief from the wrongful  actions of Monsanto.

Please take the time to follow the link below, learn about Jim and his family, and all they do for the organic farmers.

Remember...No Farms No Food...

I grew up with the knowing that we help our neighbors when help is needed....Jim is our neighbor, just living in another state.

Those who know me, know I do not promote many causes, or ask you for donations to those causes...this is a worthy plea...I'm asking...a little or a lot, will be greatly appreciated .

Thank you for your time and your consideration of this request.
http://www.indiegogo.com/help-woodprairie-build-repair-shop

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Sage Hill Farms
Tennessee
Advocate for "Truth In Labeling."
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Monday, June 18, 2012

An Herbal Summer~

I know from my own experience we tend to get stuck using the same herb/seasoning time after time. This is the time to experiment with herbs we may not have tried before. Even if you aren't growing your own, most any farm market or fresh produce market will have a variety. ( maybe even your neighbor :)

Basil, mint, and parsley seem to be the staples for most.
Cilantro, Lemon verbena, Savory, Tarragon and Thyme...many awesome flavors can be achieved by opting to stray a bit  from the norm.

Thyme is wonderful tossed onto the grill with chicken or fish, squash or potatoes.
( soak it a few minutes in water-then lay on top of meat or vegetable )

Tarragon...a small amount added to lemon or strawberry sorbet is awesome.

Savory...a milder thyme flavor...mixed with buttered breadcrumbs and spread on baking chicken...yum !

So, reach out and go a little herb crazy this summer...

Enjoy and remember to visit the website or tour this blog for recipes to tempt~

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Wednesday, June 06, 2012


Little Green June Apples......the production promises to be plentiful-the tree is loaded ! These make wonderful snacks for the grandsons and for the big people too :) This is an old heirloom apple that is used a lot to graft and help preserve other heirloom varieties.

Not good to eat right from the tree...a wee bit too tart...but peeled and thinly sliced...allowed to dry naturally ( spread on a clean cotton cloth and leave in a sunny location for a couple of days)...perfection and so good for us.

Once they are dried just scoop them into a storage bag and they will last for weeks/months. ( well, depends on who and how many are munching )

( to keep them from discoloring while drying...toss a few drops of lemon juice and mix until they are all coated. This will also help to preserve them .)

Hope your summer is playing out green and healthy ~

We are busy already....little green peppers, tomatoes are blooming, as are the squash.....it's happening !

If your in my area, stop by for a cool glass of tea or lemonade...

Enjoy~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328
931-675-3962

Friday, May 25, 2012

Herbs and Your Skin~

I write a lot about culinary herbs, but do you know there are some simple ways to use herbs outside the body for healthy and beautiful skin.

These can all be made into tinctures and ingested...but, for now I'm talking about simple applications that can be derived through steeping and using as a splash or spray.

Red Clover and Nettle...will cleanse and detoxify

Yarrow, Chamomile and Calendula...reduces itching and redness from rashes and allergies.

Chamomile and Comfrey...soothe soreness-from exercise or injury.

Thyme and Echinacea...fights infections.

Lavender...healthy skin growth.

Yarrow and Nettle...helps eliminate waste via the kidneys.

Fennel and Clary Sage...helps balance hormonal fluctuations leading to skin blemishes.

Lemon Balm and Sweet Marjoram...eases stress.

Horsetail and Oat...promotes wound healing.

Bring a quart of water to a boil, add herb of choice and gently boil for about 5 minutes...remove from heat, cover and allow to steep for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain and store in a glass container.....fill a spray bottle as needed or use with cotton balls to apply to needed areas. 

I keep it in the frig, feels wonderful on a hot summer day-spritzed or applied to the face or even the feet,

Note...this in no way implies medicinal advice.

And please avoid the eyes when applying to the face :)

Happy and safe summer~Bug free we can wish !

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com


                                                    Calendula

Friday, May 11, 2012

Accolades To Spinach~and good health

According to Sage Hill Farms and Popeye :)

Spinach is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet.

Spinach is native to ancient Persia (Iranian regions). Arab traders carried spinach into India and China. Traders also brought this green leafy vegetable to the Mediterranean regions of Europe and ultimately to the US. Today, there are three primary varieties of spinach available on the market. Typically the most popular is baby spinach, but you could also go for smooth-leaf or Savory (has curly leaves). ( Sage Hill grows and prefers the curly leaf...buttery and smooth.)

Powerful Plant-based Steroids
Spinach contains its own type of vegetable steroids called phytoecdysteroids. These are similar to insect molting hormones and have been proven to dramatically increase glucose metabolism. This keeps blood sugar levels stable and minimizes the requirement for the critical fat-storage hormone insulin.

Spinach is filled with blood purifying chlorophyll.
This chlorophyll is quickly metabolized and used to develop new red blood cells and pull out carcinogenic substances from the body. Chlorophyll has magnesium which acts to strengthen the blood-brain barrier and protect the neurological system from environmental toxins. Spinach is really an amazing source of glycoclycerolipids that protect the digestive tract from inflammatory damage. These are the main fatty acids that makeup the cell membranes of light-sensitive organs in chlorophyll containing plants.

Helps Boost Immunity
Spinach is also an important source of copper, zinc and selenium which help boost immunity. Spinach also contains some very newly studied carotenoid anti-oxidants called eposyxanthophylls. The epoxyxanthophylls that have been researched to show remarkable anti-cancer properties include neoxanthin and violaxanthin.

Vision and Brain Function
Spinach is also filled with the powerful carotenoid anti-oxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. These phytonutrients are extremely important for healthy vision & brain function. The carotenoids act to protect chlorophyll from intense UV radiation. Under intense sunlight, chlorophyll can convert into an excited form called triplet chlorophyll along with singlet oxygen molecules which act as potent free radicals. The more carotenoids a plant maintains the greater the degree of survivability it has and the enhanced nutritional bio-availability provides.

Why Buy Organic?
When purchasing spinach be sure to choose organic, as the non-organic commercial varieties are considered the most heavily sprayed edible plants on earth. Also, look to buy it fresh to avoid chemical preservative agents and aluminum found in the cans. It’s also quite simple to grow in areas of mild temperatures--it grows beautifully for me in the spring and fall.

Spinach will also grow very well in a large/wide container.-you can grow enough in a old wash-tub or whiskey barrel for 2 to 4 people and if harvested about twice a week will give you an abundant crop all season.

Happy Gardening.........................

EatWell-BeWell~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328

Friday, April 27, 2012

A Look Back~Worth The Re-visit...

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=15644207#editor/target=post;postID=2338884311627053825

Spring is a perfect time to make diet changes, it's time for lighter and simpler foods...eating in season is and can be the one best thing for good health in so many ways.

Ask me about this if you need direction....I'm here to help.

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328

Sunday, April 22, 2012

GMO's And Herbs ?

Well...GMO's are in so many things we would never consider...well, some of us would-I've recently been accused of being paranoid...I thanked the messenger and went on my way happy in knowing I was informed...paranoid is a keen sense of wrong ~( at least according to me )

Back to the topic I started....'Cornstarch' is made of ....you guessed it...
And what's happening to our corn crops....right again...GM'd...

An ancient and perfect replacement for cornstarch is....'Arrowroot.'

This herb was used in ancient times and by the Native Americans as an antidote for poisoned arrows.

Arrowroot is a thickening agent-a white powder and I find the amounts to do the job is about the same as cornstarch.

For every problem...the Earth has an answer.

Hope your Earth Day was eventful~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Earth-A Day-Make It Count



While ' Earth Day" is over-all, a very good reminder of our connection, responsibility, and or challenge...to nourish, honor, and constantly put back that which we take.

My wish is to see and to commit those efforts into every day thoughts and actions.

So...while anything we do tomorrow ( Earth Day ) will be appreciated by the strong and trusting lady...it is, the thoughts we embrace and the promises we make...and keep...that will bring lasting and useful results.

Thank you each for your gift of celebration and dedication~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Sage Hill Farms

Happy Earth Day~



Saturday, April 14, 2012

Herbs In The Kitchen For Taste And Wellness


                                                       
Herbal interest is, at the present time, undergoing a revival in America, but the science of herbal medicine dates back thousands of years. Archeological evidence exists to confirm from cave dwelling times that the poppy was used as a medicinal herb. Some of the earliest records appear to be 5000 years old in a Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Sanskrit writings of medical remedies date back to 1500 BC. Even Hippocrates –"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." – made great use of the plant kingdom for healing, including Mint, Poppy, Mugwort, Sage, Rosemary, Rue, and Lemon Verbena.

The purpose of herbal remedies is to stimulate the body’s own natural healing abilities by cleansing and rebalancing. Many herbs contain antibacterial and antiviral properties. The advantage of herbal remedies is their ability to rapidly return the body to a state of health without the damaging side effects; unlike synthetic drugs.

Herbs, correctly prescribed, can be combined to target, regulate, heal or tone any organ in the body, unless the tissue has been completely destroyed.

The earliest known records of medicinal herbs date back to 3,000 BC, from northern China. The herbs identified in those records; such as, myrrh and frankincense, are still being used today. At that time, however, herbalism was often misunderstood and thought of as folklore .

By the 19th Century herbalism was no longer looked upon as a means to good health-however, it was becoming fashionable to include herbs in the culinary manner.

While I believe in, and practice, a Holistic program for wellness-I can’t guide you in that arena…simply because I’m not qualified to do so.

I am qualified to share the benefits of herbs in the kitchen !

Always keep in mind that herbs in culinary usage is not just for flavor, each and every herb serves a higher calling that taste.`

Be aware also that tossing a couple of peppermint leaves into a pitcher of tea isn’t going to make a big difference in how you feel at the end of the day. But, if you plan your herb usage during the course of the day…it can and does make a difference.

3 to 4 cups of herbal tea-hot or cold, a few herbs in your dinner salad, rosemary or thyme in your baked chicken, and a good herbal blend of cayenne, garlic , onion, and sea salt on your bread or potato…now you’ve got some good preventive and/or maintenance going on.

Education is the key, and we aren’t talking going back to school for years…all you need do is read my website and blog, do some outside research, and apply…Presto…you are now on your way to a new feeling.

How well the good things work depends totally on your overall consumption and actions. If you are eating ‘junk’, drinking carbonated sodas, smoking, drinking more than 6oz of alcohol, or taking a plethora of prescriptions drugs…well, then it becomes the battle of Good versus Evil…..bad things can happen !

I’m here to offer help…whatever way you need me. Let’s talk ~

EatWell~BeWell

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328