herbs for a spicy warming winter

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Wonderfully warming, anti bacterial and astringent, Cinnamon bark has been the object of much research lately because of it’s ability to normalize blood sugar. If you are having trouble with fluctuating blood sugar, try consistent intake of Cinnamon for several weeks and see what happens. Blueberries and Cinnamon together are a great treat for those with diabetic tendencies. Its astringency helps control diarrhea and ease flatulence. It is no surprise that it is such a powerful healer; we see it in so many recipes. When we include Cinnamon in our diet, it brings warmth to all organs and extremities. It is a great uterine warmer and brings circulation and healing there. It will also help to ease menstrual cramps.
Garlic (Allium sativum) The most amazing infection fighter on the planet, Garlic is best when used fresh, however, many people are not agreeable to munching down whole cloves of fresh Garlic. One way to reap the benefits of fresh Garlic without the ‘bite’ is to pickle it. You can fill a jar with Garlic cloves and then with Apple Cider Vinegar. Let it sit for at least 2 weeks…you can leave it for up to a year in the vinegar. You can add salt to the vinegar and watch it turn blue! Then you have two medicinal opportunities…eating the cloves or using the vinegar on salads, greens or in soups. You can use granulated garlic on popcorn or any culinary enterprise or make your own Garlic oil the same way you make the vinegar. If I feel like I am becoming depleted, I will start eating garlic cloves a few times that day and usually, that nips it in the bud. If you feel that you are coming down with a serious cold, you can pop cloves every 30 min for several days. If odor is an issue, there are odorless capsules you can buy in the Coop.
Garlic permeates our systems so well you can have fun trying this experiment…place a clove of garlic –peeled, between two toes. In anywhere from 10 min to 2 hours you will taste it in your mouth! There are actually volumes of remedies and recipes using Garlic. Its warmth and antifungal properties make it the one plant I would take with me to the proverbial “deserted island.” It heals warts, though may burn surrounding skin so keep the garlic slice taped on the wart only!