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Making fennel tea

Making fennel tea

Fennel tea (Foeniculum vulgare) is made from the seeds of the fennel plant and has been known for centuries for its medicinal and culinary uses. Fennel itself is an aromatic plant, mainly native to the Mediterranean, but cultivated worldwide.

Traditional use

Gastrointestinal problems: the tea is traditionally used to relieve indigestion, bloating, gas and stomach cramps. It is also often given to babies to treat colic (stomach ache).

Gynaecological use: it is also used to relieve menstrual cramps in women and to increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers.

Cough and respiratory problems: Fennel tea can help relieve coughs and clear the airways, and is often used for colds and bronchitis.

Oral hygiene: chewing a fresh fennel leaf or drinking fennel tea is traditionally used to treat bad breath.

Beneficial effects

Digestive system support: the tea stimulates digestion, relieves bloating and gas, and has an antispasmodic effect.

Antioxidant properties: fennel is rich in antioxidants that help protect against free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

Anti-inflammatory: It may help treat inflammatory diseases due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Hormonal balance: thanks to its phytoestrogen content, it can help maintain hormonal balance, especially during menopause.

Strengthening the immune system: Regular consumption of fennel tea can strengthen the immune system as it is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Diuretic: It also acts as a mild diuretic, helping to eliminate toxins from the body.

Making fennel tea

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 cup of boiling water




Soak a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes and strain. It can be consumed once a day.

Warnings

Although the tea is generally safe, large amounts should be avoided during pregnancy and allergic reactions may occur in some people. It is always advisable to consult a doctor before consuming any herb regularly.

Making fennel tea
Making fennel tea
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Making peppermint oil at home

Making peppermint oil at home

Peppermint oil (Mentha piperita) is a long known and widely used essential oil extracted from the leaves and inflorescences of the peppermint plant.



It is very popular in traditional medicine and modern aromatherapy for its many benefits and versatile uses.

Traditional Use

Treatment of digestive problems: peppermint oil has long been used to relieve indigestion, bloating and cramps. It is often used in the form of teas or as a drop.

Relieve respiratory problems: Peppermint oil can effectively help clear the airways. Inhaled, it helps to relieve colds, flu and allergy symptoms due to its mucous-constricting properties.

Pain relief: traditionally used to relieve muscle and joint pain. Traditionally used to treat pain and inflammation.

Beneficial Effects

Headaches and migraines: topical application of peppermint oil to the forehead and temples can relieve headaches and migraines. It is also often used in aromatherapy for headache relief due to its cooling effect.

Digestive aid: the oil stimulates the production of bile and aids digestion. It can also be used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Respiratory health: Inhaling the oil can help relieve respiratory problems as it contains menthol, a natural decongestant.

Antimicrobial properties: peppermint oil has antimicrobial properties, so it can help prevent and treat infections. It can also be effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Mental freshness and concentration: inhaling the oil can stimulate brain function, improve concentration and mental alertness. Its refreshing scent is invigorating.

Skin care: applied externally, the oil has a cooling and soothing effect, which can be useful for treating itching, insect bites and minor skin irritations.

Ways of use

Inhalation: drop a few drops of oil into hot water, inhale by steaming.

Massage: Diluted with a carrier oil (e.g. coconut oil) for massage.

In bath water: add a few drops of oil to bath water for a relaxing and refreshing effect.

Oral use: only in very small quantities and properly diluted, on medical advice.

Warnings

The oil is highly concentrated and should always be diluted, especially when used on the skin.

Children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should always consult a doctor before using the oil.

Internal use is only recommended under proper medical supervision.

Making peppermint oil at home

Peppermint leaf

Olive oil or almond oil


Crush the peppermint leaves, soak in oil for 2-3 weeks, then strain. You can use it as massage oil or for aromatherapy.

Making peppermint oil at home
Making peppermint oil at home
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Making nettle leaf tea at home

Making nettle leaf tea at home

Nettle leaf tea (Urtica dioica) has a long history in traditional medicine, especially in Europe and Asia. Nettle is a versatile herb used to treat various ailments and improve general health.

Traditional use


Anti-inflammatory: Nettle leaf tea has traditionally been used to treat arthritis, rheumatism and gout. It relieves pain and reduces swelling.

Improving blood circulation: it helps improve blood circulation, which is why it has often been used to treat anaemia.

Digestive support: Supports the digestive system and helps relieve stomach and intestinal problems.

Detoxification: nettle leaf tea has been consumed for its detoxifying effects, as it stimulates kidney function and helps to eliminate toxins from the body.

Beneficial effects


Vitamins and minerals: nettle leaf is rich in vitamins (A, C, K and several B vitamins) and minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium). These nutrients contribute to overall health.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants in nettle leaves help protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress.

Anti-inflammatory: Nettle leaf has anti-inflammatory properties that can be useful in the treatment of arthritis and other chronic diseases.

Blood sugar regulation: some research suggests that nettle leaf tea may help to regulate blood sugar levels, which may be particularly useful for people with diabetes.

Relieving allergies: nettle leaf tea can relieve allergy symptoms such as hay fever due to its antihistamine effect.

Diuretic effect: Nettle leaf is a natural diuretic, which can help remove excess water from the body, thereby reducing swelling and water retention.

Preparation and consumption


Nettle leaf tea is easy to prepare:

Dried nettle leaves

Boiling water




Soak a teaspoon of nettle leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes and strain. You can drink it several times a day.

Making nettle leaf tea at home
Making nettle leaf tea at home
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Making ginger honey at home

Making ginger honey at home

Ginger honey is a popular natural remedy that uses a combination of honey and ginger to enhance the medicinal effects. Both honey and ginger have a long history in traditional medicine, and individually they have many beneficial effects.

Traditional Use

Ginger:

Digestion: Ginger has long been used to treat digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting and indigestion.

Anti-inflammation: ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties have led to its use in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Pain relief: Ginger is used to relieve headaches, menstrual pain and muscle aches.

Honey:

Wound treatment: honey has long been used to treat wounds and burns because of its antibacterial and wound healing properties.

Immune boosting: honey contains natural antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system.

Coughs and sore throat: Honey is often used to relieve coughs and sore throats by coating and soothing the mucous membranes of the throat.

Beneficial Effects

Ginger honey combines the benefits of both ingredients and has many beneficial effects:

Strengthening the immune system: together, ginger and honey strengthen the immune system, helping to prevent infections and illness.

Improve digestion: ginger stimulates the production of digestive juices, while honey promotes healthy gut flora.

Anti-inflammation and Pain Relief: the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger combined with the natural analgesic properties of honey are effective in relieving joint and muscle pain.

Treating Coughs and Colds: Ginger honey is particularly effective in treating coughs, sore throats and colds. It soothes the throat, reduces the urge to cough and helps to loosen mucus.

Antioxidant power: Both honey and ginger are rich in antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals and protect cells from damage.

Energy and Vitality: ginger honey has a natural energising effect, increasing vitality and mental alertness.

Tips for use

In tea: A spoonful of ginger honey is excellent with tea, especially herbal teas such as chamomile or green tea.

In hot drinks: dissolved in hot water with a slice of lemon, it can be an excellent drink on cold winter days.

Added to foods: can also be used to sweeten salad dressings, dips or cakes.

How to make ginger honey at home

Fresh ginger

Honey


Grate the ginger, mix with honey and store in the fridge. One teaspoonful a day can be consumed.

Making ginger honey at home
Making ginger honey at home

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Homemade chamomile tincture

Homemade chamomile tincture

Chamomile tincture is an alcoholic extract made from the flowers of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla).




Chamomile has a long history in traditional medicine and its tincture has many beneficial effects.

Conventional use

Anti-inflammatory: Chamomile tincture is often used to treat skin irritations, minor wounds, insect bites and other inflammatory skin problems.

Digestive problems: taken orally, it can help relieve stomach and intestinal cramps, bloating and general indigestion.

Calming effect: because of the calming properties of chamomile, the tincture is also used to treat stress, anxiety and insomnia.

Mouth care: the tincture can be used as a mouthwash to treat inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity, such as gingivitis and aphthae.

Beneficial effects

Anti-inflammatory: the flavonoids and essential oils found in chamomile have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, which can help treat various skin and internal inflammations.

Antibacterial: Chamomile tincture can be effective against bacterial infections due to its antibacterial properties.

Antioxidant: Chamomile’s antioxidant properties help to neutralise free radicals, thereby helping to maintain healthy cells.

Calming and stress relieving: chamomile’s essential oils, especially apigenin, help to calm the central nervous system, reducing stress and promoting better sleep.

Analgesic: Applied topically, the tincture can relieve minor pain and muscle spasms.

Application methods

Topical use: small amounts can be applied directly to the skin in case of inflammation or irritation.

Apply orally: A few drops of tincture mixed in water or tea may be consumed to relieve digestive problems or to promote calmness.

As a mouth rinse: Diluted in water, it can be used as a mouth rinse for the treatment of mouth inflammation.

Notes before use


Allergies: Chamomile is a member of the primrose family, so those who are allergic to members of this plant family should use it with caution.

Alcohol: The tincture contains alcohol, so children, pregnant women and those who avoid alcohol should consult a health professional before use.

Interactions: May interact with certain medications, so people taking medication are advised to consult a doctor before using the tincture.

Preparation of the Chamomile tincture

1 part dried chamomile flower

5 parts vodka or other high alcoholic drink


Place the chamomile in a dark glass jar, pour in the vodka and leave to stand for 6-8 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and use with a dropper.

Homemade chamomile tincture
Homemade chamomile tincture