Gypsywort is an herbal plant

Gypsywort is an herbal plant that but has no culinary purposes at all but rather is used for industrial and medicinal purposes. This plant originated in Europe and Northwest Asia. Gypsywort’s most important properties come from the stem and the leaves. These were used for the astringents, sedatives, anxiety, tuberculosis, and heart palpitations. Industrially, Gypsywort was extremely beneficial in making a permanent black dye. Oddly enough that is how it got its name, the Gypsies were said to have stained their skin with this black dye like substance so they would resemble Africans or Egyptians while they were performing their “magic.”

Gypsywort is also called Lycopus europaeus; it has no known hazards and usually grows near rivers, streams and ravines. You will likely find this plant from June to September but the seeds are the most ripe between August and October. A unique physical characteristic of this plant is that is has both male and female organs so it self fertile, pollinated by insects and bees. In a survival situation, the root of the Gypsywort could be eaten raw or cooked.

The flowers of this plant are used for astringents and sedatives but also have an iodine property to it that is commonly used for hyperthyroidism. The entire plant has been known to slow and strengthen heart contractions, treat coughs and bleeding from the lungs, and excessive periods, and the leaves are great for cleaning wounds. Heart disturbances and nervousness can be eased by the use of Gypsywort. The part that is rendered for use is the flowering plant itself and the best time to gather these is June – September. It is a sedative, because it reduces the pulse rate in conditions involving an overactive thyroid gland by reducing the activity of iodine. It was once prescribed for hyperthyroidism and related disorders such as Basedow’s disease.

Gypsywort can be purchased at your local herbal supplement store or ordered online and does have some outstanding benefits although not much culinary use. It is a very uncommon and not very often spoken about form of herb. Some use it with aromatherapy and a mixture of many other oils and fragrances. Bugleweed is very closely related to Gypsywort and for medicinal purposes the two are very often closely linked to each other.

The juice of the Bugleweed can also be used as a dye. The two could also be twins in the family of herbs. The rarity of this particular herb in underestimated and often undervalued. With the research that is being done each year on various herbs and their contribution to the medical field maybe one day people will hear more about this herb that remains quite a mystery to most.

Many of the other herbs that can provide similar benefits as the Gypsywort are becoming extinct because they are over harvested and over used so it could be extremely beneficial to utilize much rarer herbs that can often bring forth some of the same benefits as others. Gypsywort just might be one of the herbs that would fall into this category.

Tarragon is a relative to the Sunflower family

Tarragon is a relative to the Sunflower family and there are two different breeds of Tarragon, Russian and French. However, when you go shopping and pick up some Tarragon for your pantry or a favorite recipe it is almost guaranteed that you have just selected the dried leaves of the Tarragon plant because that is what is most often used and sold for commercial purposes.

Tarragon has a somewhat bittersweet flavor to it, almost resembling anise with that hint of licorice flavor to it. Tarragon does not have a long history behind it like most of the other herbs as it was not brought into the Unites States until the 19th century. It does have some mention about being used in England much before that time though. Traditionally, Tarragon is used to flavor such things as vinegar, relishes, pickles, mustard, and other various sauces.

The word Tarragon is derived from the French word which means “little dragon.” There are two beliefs about how this nickname came about; one is because back in early times it was thought that Tarragon had the ability to cure venomous snake bites. Other thought it got this name because of the distinct roots that the Tarragon plant has that quite clearly resemble that of a serpent.

However, sometime as early as the 13th century Tarragon became widely used for seasoning vegetables, inducing sleep, and as a breath freshener. Not until the 16th century did Tarragon become more widely known. The Tarragon that is sold in the US today is not true Tarragon but rather Russian Tarragon which is not nearly the same. True Tarragon will be called French Tarragon and if you want to be sure that is what you are getting it is best to grow your own.

It is not recommended to use dried Tarragon because all of the active oils have been dried out. It is best to use fresh Tarragon which needs to be used rather sparingly because of its pungent taste. If you have grown the Tarragon yourself and have harvested it then put it in a Ziploc bag and stick it in the freezer. When it is time to use it there is no need to defrost it but remember that heat intensifies the flavor of Tarragon. If you have ever had Béarnaise Sauce, you should have recognized that Tarragon is the main ingredient in it.

Tarragon is used when preparing many sauces. In a pinch it has been said that a substitute could be chervil, a dash of fennel seed, or anise but the flavor will not be the same.

Many have claimed that Tarragon works well to induce appetite and the root of Tarragon was once used to cure toothaches. It is linked to medicinal uses for digestive aid and also for the prevention of heart disease. It can be used to induce menstruation and can be used as a sale substitute for people with high blood pressure. Further medicinal purposes include use for hyperactivity depression, and as an anti bacterial aid for cuts and abrasions.

Sage is a relative to the mint family

Sage is a relative to the mint family. It is common for Sage to be ground, whole or rubbed but is generally in more of a coarse grain. Sage is grown in the United States but is also grown in Albania and Dalmatia. Sage is a very popular herb in the United States and is used quite frequently for flavoring such things s sausage, pork, lamb, and other meats, salads, pickles, cheese, and stuffing. The smell of Sage is very aromatic and distinct.

Sage loves to hang around in the kitchen with Thyme, Rosemary, and Basil. They work very well together. Sage is normally one of the main herbs in stuffing for poultry but is often added to lamb and pork dishes as well. Sage is very strong and should be used sparingly as a little goes a long way. Sage, like many other herbs develops its full flavor the longer it cooks and withstands lengthy cooking times which might be why it is so good when used in the stuffing for the Thanksgiving turkey that cooks for about five hours.

If you grow your own Sage you will find that all you have to do is snip off the tops of the plant with scissors and add it right to your favorite recipe. Sage is still at its best when dried but if you prefer just simply place the fresh Sage leaves in a baggie in the freezer and pull them out as required.

Today, Sage has no medicinal purposes to speak of but back in a different time Sage was used regularly to cure snake bites and was also used to invigorate the body and cleanse the mind. In the middle ages it was quite common for people to make a Sage tea and drink it for ailments such as colds, fever, liver trouble, and epilepsy.

Although there is nothing to solidify these claims it is also said that a chewed Sage leaf applied to a sting or an insect bite will reduce the sting and bring down the swelling. Sage tea has been said to soothe a sore throat and also help in drying up a mother’s breast milk and also reduces blood clots. Further it has been known to help with itching skin if it is added to hot bath water. Today, it is mainly the Native Indians who still rely on the herbal powers of Sage.

The word Sage means salvation from its Latin origin and is associated with longevity, immortality, and mental capacity. Sage never loses its fragrance even after being dried out so it is often added to potpourri and is also added to many soaps and perfumes. It has been used in insect repellents and has antibacterial properties which have helped it become a preservative for many things such as meats, fish, and condiments. Sage has a musky smoky flavor and works very nicely for cutting down some of the richness in many foods. It also goes great with almost any vegetable too. Sage is definitely an herb that most people almost always have in their pantry if they do any cooking at all.

Dandelion

The Dandelion is an herbaceous plant that really is much more than just a nuisance in your yard. For all purposes, the Dandelion leaves are at their best just as they emerge from the ground and they are very distinct as nothing really resembles this at all. Depending on when you harvest the Dandelion leaves will determine the bitterness of them but it is an appealing bitterness.

These leaves that are considered an herb blend nicely with salads and do well either sautéed or steamed. Many claim the taste is similar to that of endive. People who are into eating the fruits of nature claim that it is perfectly acceptable to eat the Dandelion flower as well. Some claim that they make outstanding fritters if they are battered up and fried and make a colorful contribution to any stir fry.

Dandelions leaves are actually extremely nutritious, much more so than any herb that can be purchased in the stores. They are higher in bets carotene than carrots are and they have more iron and calcium and iron than spinach does. Dandelion leaves are also full of vitamins B-1, B-2, B-5, B-6, B-12, C, E, P, D, biotin, inositol, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. Dandelion root is one of the safest and most popular herbal remedies on the market and is widely used today.

Traditionally it can be made into a tonic that is known for strengthening the entire body, especially the liver and gallbladder because it promotes the flow of bile. Dandelion root contains taraxacin so it reduces the inflammation to the bile ducts and reduces gallstones. It is commonly used for Hepatitis, liver swelling, and jaundice. It also helps with indigestion.

This plant also goes by the French name, Pissenlit. Ironically enough when used in the tea form made by the leaves or the root has a tendency to act as a diuretic on the kidneys. Over the counter diuretics have a tendency to suck the potassium out of the body but not the Dandelion leaves. Dandelion root tea has helped some actually avoid surgery for urinary stones. Dandelions are really just good for overall health and well being so just about anyone could benefit from a cup of dandelion tea. Many herbalists say that incorporated the Dandelion plant into dinner each night will assist in easier digestion.

When you take a Dandelion plant and break the stem you will find a milky white substance inside. This substance is great for removing warts, pimples, moles, calluses, soothing of bee stings, and blisters. Some other things that Dandelion has been popular in the past for is making Dandelion jam and others use it for a coffee substitute when it is roasted and ground Dandelion root. Many also drink Dandelion wine.

Today, Europeans use plenty of Dandelion roots to make herbal medicines and find it hard to believe that Americans refer to this highly beneficial plant as a weed when it has such positive benefits for the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and the stomach.

Diamond engagement rings-what are his?

It is a known fact that there is no other gem in the world that speaks of love more powerfully than a diamond ring. It is considered the most precious stone, like found himself rarely and is indestructible. These are the qualities that make a diamond engagement ring a symbol of romance, love and commitment.

How diamonds have become more accessible, most people go to showcase their immense love for their beloved. Just to make sure you find the right piece of jewelry, here are some tips that may help you assess the authenticity of the diamond engagement ring:

While buying a diamond engagement ring or other diamond jewelry always consider the four C:

· Color: leaving aside the fancy colored stones, colorless a diamond stone is the value more than delivers. Diamonds are graded from D to z D be more colorless to Z being light yellow colored diamond. Each diamond categorized as more yellow d grade, then it is too expensive.

· Cut: most of us are wrong to be cut as it is engraved a diamond. Rather it is the technique by which the stone was marked to reflect the spark from it. A secular man cannot assess the genuineness of the cut of a diamond. To make it easier to Jewelers give GIA certificate or ASG to verify the quality of the diamond.

A diamond gem is considered to be real when it is classified as an ideal diamond or diamond award, very good. Anything beyond that as diamond rated good, right or even poor not worth the cost. Opting for a diamond engagement ring is classified as well is better to go for a diamond rated fair or poor.

· Clarity: when it comes to clarity there is a certain scale of which one can rank the genuineness of the diamond. The registration number and determines the price. There are various standards such as IF, VVS1, VVS2, etc to know clarity. When we talk about inclusion, relates to the inclusion of air bubbles, scratches, small defects or any other minerals included in the diamond.

· Carats: the size of the stone is called carat. Most of them do not consider the size of the diamond engagement ring because they feel it is a highlight of the jewel, symbolizing the love in its purest form. But there are some that are more of a social status of flaunt a huge stone on their finger than anything else.

Completely depends on the choice and the budget of individual to select the size and style of the diamond engagement ring. The type of ring that you want to submit to their beloved is also an important factor. At the end of it, love matters and don’t cost.

Custom-size anklets

A type that is jewellery underestimated anklets. Everyone likes to wear a large studded ring to show their taste in jewelry and bracelets are very popular as well and of course everyone has pierced ears for earrings, but many people do not appreciate the beauty of anklets. They’re great to accessorize with open toes shoes, sandals, heels or wedges. They are also traditional jewellery are commonly worn in Southeast Asia, especially India. Nowadays, people like to wear anklets, barefoot or with clothes that exposes the anklets. They are particularly popular among the crowd of music festivals, wear anklets worn by people made of string and beads. Otherwise, most people just like wearing anklets as an accessory, and the number of people who do this began to increase.

Nowadays, anklets come in many varieties. There are many types of anklets for women that are made of different materials and come in a variety of styles. It certainly will be able to find the right anklet for you depending on your style. Some anklets are intended to only be worn on ankle naked, while others may be worn on boots and shoes, or look especially well above her stockings. Anklets can be constructed from the string and multicolored Beads, yarn or Twine for more than one biological aspect. These seem particularly well with wooden sandals, bare feet or Bohemian style clothing.

There are also gold anklets that often have different forms and can have associated with charm. Gold jewelry will obviously be more expensive, but certainly has a seductive charm. Anklets especially look great when they are set in jewelry and charms. Can work well with high-heeled shoes, especially with the more formal attire. A brace can add a certain air of elegance for a formal look, especially if it is made of gold. Gold filled anklets are another great option as well.

Apart from the gold, another cheaper option is silver anklets. These bracelets are usually accompanied by a variety of pendants and jewelry. You can add charm based on your likes and interests and make it a personal piece of jewelry. These work great as gifts. You can add charms that you know will be important for the person you are gifting the anklet to, and will be especially appreciated. And at a price much lower than gold anklets.

Chronic fatigue syndrome: effects

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a disease in which the patient constantly feels fatigued and is not helped by sleep or rest. While there is no cure for the CFS, there are many treatments available to soothe the symptoms. Even if the effects will cease for an extended period of time, the symptoms associated with CFS may be quite restrictive to the victim, and some are listed here:

As with many diseases, one of the first indicators of CFS is nausea; It is likely that the onset of CFS will flu-like symptoms on sick, quickly followed by a persistent fatigue that won’t go away. These are the first signs of starting to act and there are a number of other effects that can cause, with some people living in more than others.

The term “myalgic encephalomyelitis” means pain in the muscles and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord; Thus, an effect of the syndrome is particularly muscle pain throughout the body, making the victim unable to do much in the way of activities and daily chores. This lack of social activity can cause effects psychologically jarring as well, like depression, irritability, anxiety and panic attacks. Isolation from family and friends mean that the victim will usually also be able to get out of bed due to tired and aching muscles and lack of motivation.

Other short-term effects include loss of concentration, and in some cases, loss of memory for specific periods. Physical effects can vary from headache sore throat, the usual symptoms of a bad cold/flu; However, adding the rest not to impede these signs, which can cause further problems with major organs.

Palpitations, increased heart rate and shortness of breath in certain situations is likely to occur in more severe cases and sometimes the body is able to adapt to sudden changes in temperature, or the victim may begin to suffer from allergies that have not experienced before.

As regards the long-term effects, many CFS symptoms begin to clear up over time, but the disease can still take its toll. Although fatigue cannot be as persistent, it is likely that it will be activated after the strenuous activity and excessive affirmation. Far from the physical effects and in addition to the social problems which can lead, CFS also affects those who cannot earn a living and have to get disability. Younger sufferers can have problems at school and need to be taught independently which of course can affect social growth, as well as their academic balance.

CFS can affect anyone, at any age, of any background; Although the effects and symptoms may vary, the personal and social obstacles, which sets the victim is more drastic. Is an unusual disease that can operate in very unusual models and this can really affect a person’s life and work. Although it cannot be cured, it can be softened through special diets and treatments, pain management, and has no controlling your life.