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T's Tonics

Handmade Natural Products and Organic Herbal Tea

Smoothies for Spring Allergies

Smoothies for Spring

Spring is a time of renewal. But allergies can take some of the joy out of it.

Here is a yummy, easy smoothie recipe to help give you some extra defense against allergies:

Spring Smoothie Recipe

a little maca powder on top

3-4 Fresh pineapple slices (Bromelain, vit. C)

inch piece ginger root or tsp dried ginger (Bromelain),

1/2 c plain yogurt (Bromelain and probiotics)

handful of Kale or spinach (Bromelain and quercetin)

I usually grab some Dandelion leaves and or chickweed leaves to throw in (blood and allergy cleansers).

fresh chickweed growing wild

fresh chickweed

1/2 orange or lemon (vit C, pH balance) if organic, put a piece of peel in too for extra nutrients

1 tsp- 1 Tbsp to taste raw local honey (local allergens)

1 banana (potassium)

1 handful parsley and/or cilantro (blood cleansers)

Optionals: 1/2 seeds or nuts, like walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or nut butters; frozen blueberries; lime juice; celery; cranberries; grapefruit

Blend up in the blender and enjoy! 

We do a variation of this smoothie recipe nearly every morning. It is a great way to start the day!

Another spring food that can help fight allergies because it is high in quercetin is aspargus. 

Rhubarb is also a good defense food in springtime. (calcium)

Basically a rule of thumb is eat what is in season to help with seasonal challenges.

Here is a great reference:

https://thelostherbs.com/avoid-spring-allergies-with-these-7-natural-remedies

We wish you the very best spring ever! Here’s to getting outside more!

7 Easy Ways to Bring the Sunshine Indoors

How to Bring the Sunshine Indoors this Winter

Fast and easy ways to help us stay bright and shining!

Citrus Fruit

citrus fruit

lemons uplift

Citrus Fruit is your internal winter sunshine.

There is a reason citrus fruit is in season in the winter; we need it! We need the vitamin C and immune boosters sure, but even more:

The cells that make up the skin of citrus fruit are shaped to attract and let the sunshine in to ripen the fruit. It stores up the sunshine for us!

Music to dance and move to- There’s nothing like the Beach Boys or some reggae to put you in a moving mood. You have your own favorites, I’m sure. Whatever makes you sway your hips and gets the feet tapping! Dancing around the house is an entirely different way of moving than anything else. It works for me, anyway, to loosen up and relax the inner dragon.

 

Lights – to me, light is so important. Especially in the dark months of winter. Putting extra twinkling Christmas lights around the kitchen and living room is a great way to add a warm glow.

Plants – Living things that give us more oxygen and help clean the air.

 

 

 

Photos – Bring sunshine in with pictures or posters of sunny places

Paint a room yellow- I especially love yellow in bathrooms. Yellow pillows can work in place of paint too.

 

 

 

Sun Soother on your face and body, whether you are out in the sun or not, it is great all year long! (Here)

Then throw your beach towel on the living floor and have an indoor picnic!

Let the Sunshine in You light up this World!!

9 More Uses for Arnica Beyond Pain Relief

9 More Uses for T’s Tonics Arnica Sprayarnica spray

 1. Injuries – Bumps and bruises

This is the given reason, so it’s your freebie. This is still the fastest thing I know of (arnica) to take down bumps and bruises. The sooner it’s applied the better.

“It gave relief soon after spraying it on my knee injury.” –Steve

My son is kinda funny about this; he is a true believer, but when he hurts himself, he usually wants everyone to see how bad it is. Arnica spray makes the bumps and bruises disappear too quickly.

So use with caution, it may work too well!

“My arms and hands were going to sleep on me at night. After I sprayed it on the back of my neck, I slept through the night without any numbness.” – Charity H.

arnica for injuries

arnica used for muscle injuries

2. Arthritis- or any pain caused by inflammation ie. stiff joints and/or injuries

Another given, I know. But it’s amazing how someone will use it for one specific thing, and forget when a different problem crops up. Like arthritis, or a twisted ankle, or tennis elbow…

“My wife sprayed it on my back which has been in pain and almost instantly it gave relief. 2 hours of no pain. It was like a miracle.” –Antonio T.

7. Sports – Overworked and painful muscles

Basic rule is use it on anything that hurts or is inflamed.

“My fingers give me fits sometimes because of overworking and arthritis. The arnica spray is very helpful at reducing swelling and discomfort.” If I use it after working hard, I will not wake up the next day as sore as I am without using it.” – Dennis H.

Excluding open wounds and broken skin, of course, that will sting!

 

3. Skin issues like irritations and rashes

Arnica spray is proving very helpful for all kinds of skin situations! Try it on any suspicion or abnormal skin spots.

   “I use the arnica spray on my inflamed skin dermatitis. T’s Tonics is more potent and works better than other arnicas I have used.” –Marjorie O.

“This is the only thing I have found to take away my hive rash that happens every evening. It takes the itching away in under 5 minutes and then I can sleep.” -Stan S.

4. Bug and plant bites – like stinging nettle.

I brushed my hand against some waist high stinging nettle, while running along a trail. By the time I got back to my car, there were itchy welts along my wrist. I only had some arnica spray in the car, so I sprayed it on. In a couple minutes the bumps and itch had gone away. I forgot about it and looked again in a half hour and it was completely gone.

I have also used it on a spider bite, with the same results. It’s worth a try, in a pinch.

5. Acne and pimples, breakouts

“I sprayed it on this big pimple I had on my cheek and it took it right down almost instantly. It was completely gone the next day.” – Catalina G.

arnica for breakouts

arnica for breakouts

6. Heat relief- spray on back of neck to cool body temperature on hot days!

 

8. Headaches –spray back of neck or temples (avoid eye area)

Spray directly on location or spray on hands and rub over area. Avoid getting in eyes. Wash hands after use. Enjoy quick relief; repeat as needed after effects wear off.

9. Leg cramps or “growing pains”

May be helpful for cramps caused by lactic acid build-up. Gives cooling relief.

10. Animals

animals like arnica

Our old dog Skip likes arnica

Our pets are very responsive to arnica. My old dog loves it. It helps to keep his stiff hips moving.

The arnica spray is safe for animals and easy to use on them too. Just spray on site.

“It really helped my dog, Dan, recover fast when he twisted his foot chasing a ball.” -Margie O.

11. Travel

We have often had occasion to use arnica while traveling. It is our first aid wherever we are, but it seems to be used for lots of things while traveling. Just the general aches of being on the road…

motorcycle camping helpers

motorcycle camping

It helps cool us off and keep us moving when we are on a long motorcycle trip.

And it gets us moving in the morning after camping on hard, rocky ground. (the air mattress is thin)

Inevitably, we find an occasion to share it with others in need also.

 

Arnica Pain Relief Set

8 Raspberry Leaf Tea Benefits

Raspberry Leaf Tea For Mood Lifting!

raspberry leaf tea

raspberry leaf for women

Here are 8 Benefits for you:

  1. They are rich in nutrients and minerals. That’s why it is the #1 recommended tea ingredient for pregnant women.
  2. Uplift Moods
  3. Balances Hormones
  4. Helps with PMS symptoms and menopause, regulates period cycles
  5. Helps with inflammation of all kinds, including leg cramps, stomach cramps, nausea, etc.
  6. Helps to prevent hormonal acne and breakouts
  7. Boosts immune system because it is rich in anti-oxidants
  8. Helps relieve adrenal fatigue

Get local raspberry leaves for tea if possible. Local organic leaves give you the most benefits fitting the specific needs in your area. And United States grown leaves are less acidic to your system then overseas leaves.

We combine our raspberry leaves into tea blends for even greater effect. Both our Women’s Tea and our Trim and Tone Tea have local raspberry leaves included.

It makes for a very lovely tasting, soothing tea.Enjoy some today!trim and tone tea

Herbs For The Brain

Herbs to Think Deeply

Our Brain Tonic came about in a thoughtful way.
My step mother died of Alzheimer’s. It is a horrible disease. Seeing the progression of it inspired all of us in the family to try to keep our brains healthy!
I started studying and experimenting with herbs that are helpful for memory and clarity of thought. We all love what was created.
The resulting herbal combination was part of our Thinker’s Tea which had a great following here in Central Oregon.
The combination of Gingko Biloba, Gota Kola, Sage and Rosemary herbs have been shown in studies to be as effective, or more so than, some alzheimer medications!thinkers-tea
I added green tea, peppermint and eleuthero for antioxidants and energy.
As a tonic, this combination is even more powerful. It is steeped in pure grain alcohol to extract all of the medicinal properties from the herbs. That same alcohol sends the benefits straight to the blood system and on to the brain. This by-passes any digestive compromises you may have.
Do not take if you have an intolerance to alcohol.

More about these brainy herbs:

Jasmine Green Tea-Rich in polyphenols which are powerful anti-oxidants that strengthen immune systems and rejuvenates our bodies. They are shown to inhibit and help kill cancer cells! Also helpful in fighting infection. Supports the cardiovascular system and helps lower cholesterol. Other positives are increased metabolism, energy, and help with rheumatoid arthritis.

Peppermint leaf is also a powerful anti-oxidant and combined with the green tea works overtime to support the heart, digestive and nervous systems. It is also good for strengthening the immune system and is good for the skin. Stimulating to the brain yet calming to the emotions enables this herb to help with concentration and focus.

Lemon Peel -has many positive benefits that work dynamically in combination with green tea and peppermint. It is wonderful for digestion and metabolism. It balances the pH and increases energy, circulation and mood levels. It is rich in vitamin C which supports the immune system.

Ginkgo leaf – antioxidant, stimulates circulatory system, reduces inflammation, improves memory and brain function, anti-aging benefits. High in iron, calcium and vitamin C.

Sage leaf– antibiotic, antioxidant, immune building, helps memory retention and concentration, drying to mucus membranes, dries milk in nursing moms, helps balance hormones for menopause, decreases inflammation, good for skin and bones, eczema, acne.

Rosemary leaf– sister herb to sage with similar benefits: helpful to digestion, brain stimulation, immune system, and healthy hair growth. Together, they are shown to equal the benefits of some Alzheimer medications.

Gota kola– Known as the herb of “enlightenment”, gota kola has many benefits including increased cognitive abilities, circulation, oxygenation, treats gastric ulcers, helps regulate blood pressure, decrease anxiety, stress, and mental fatigue, increases libido, a mild diuretic, it can help pass toxins out of the body, helps wrinkles and aging of the skin.

Of course, turning upside down also helps! Let the blood rush to your brain, haha. Happy pondering.
natural pain relief products

Our Three Brains and How To Gain Control

We all have 3 brains controlling us

The gut, the head and the heart. They are more connected than I realized! But not always in control. Sometimes they don’t work well with each other. And we know that if any one of these brains is causing problems, the whole body suffers!

Let’s face it, there are enough divisions outside of our bodies, we don’t need our insides warring also. We want our brains to communicate nicely with each other and run a healthy, united system together.

We concentrate a lot on taking care of the outside of the body, making is clean and presentable. We haven’t focused as much on the care of the brain, heart or gut in this country.

I researched this connection between the gut, brain and heart for a speech I gave. I was floored by what I learned! Here are some of my findings and how to get them all working together.herbal tonics for sleep, pain and mental clarity

The Gut Brain

The gut is full of nerves and shares this nerve connection with the brain through the vegus nerve

Some people rely on their Gut feelings. Maybe you have experienced a “gut wrenching” event. Or have a “feeling in your gut” about something.

In fact, our gut knows when something is wrong before our brain. The brain is up there all alone and relies on information from the gut for what is going on.

Feelings in the Gut

Our gut digests feelings as well as food, so when emotions are not dealt with completely, and are just stuffed, they actually eat away at the gut.

Not only does this effect digestion, but many dis-ease issues begin in the gut.

Stress changes the gut bacteria.

Anxiety and depression can cause changes in the gut health. But inflammation in the gut can affect the brain and cause symptoms that look like autism, anxiety and depression. – Mental Health America

Healthy bacteria in our gut are our warriors that fight bad bacteria. They come from eating live foods.

Serotonin is well known as a brain transmitter. 90% of serotonin is made in the digestive tract.

“Altered levels of this serotonin have been linked to diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis” – CalTech

This means a compromised gut is going to effect our head brain also.

The Head Brain

A lot of new studies are being done on the brain. Science can now see how thoughts grow in the brain. According to Dr Caroline Leaf, a neuroscientist that studies thought patterns, the average person has over 30,000 thoughts a day.

A lot of these thoughts are random, they are like seeds. If we continue to think on something, that seed starts to grow, and they become like trees in our brain, called dendrites. The trick is, what kind of thoughts are we growing up there?

All memories have a feeling attached to them, that is how they are retrieved. Negative thoughts can grow as easily as positive ones. But they effect us a lot differently. They even look way different on scans. They grow toxins in our body.

We create the conditions for illness: we make ourselves well or sick!

Fear vs. Love

Fear shuts down all of our brains. Love literally lets light shine in!

“Research shows that fear triggers more than 1400 known physical and chemical responses.”

“Toxic thoughts and emotions disrupt and cause structural changes down to the cellular level.”

-Dr Caroline Leaf in her book, Who Switched Off My Brain?

Have you ever made yourself sick after a really stressful situation?

My first Gymnastics competition when I was nine years old, I got so sick I missed it. Just from the nervousness of thinking about it. I got physically sick after almost each one that first year.

The Heart Brain

“For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” Prov. 23;7

Our heart is the center of our desires. It is connected with the right side of our brain, the limbic center, which controls our emotions.

Groundbreaking research by Dr Candace Pert shows that emotions regulate what you experience as reality.

“You won’t believe it unless your brain’s limbic system (the seat of your emotions) allows you to feel that it is true.”

The right side of the brain is our feeling and subconscious side. The left side is our thinking and conscious side.

If we think in our brain that we want some thing in our life but we unknowingly feel in our heart (or subconscious mind) we are not worthy of it, we will likely not get it.

“The mind heart always wins out. The prayers of the heart are always answered.” – states the therapist and author, Karol Truman, in her book Feelings Buried Alive, Never Die.

The more our right and left brain, our thoughts and feelings, are lined up, the quicker we actualize those thoughts in our life.

So this single mindedness of heart and mind is huge. We need to both know it and feel it (believe)

James 1;8 “a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

Connecting the Brains

So how do we connect our 3 brains? 3 suggestions that were shared with me:

  1. We listen to our brains. They need to be good friends to each other and treat each other well.

We acknowledge our emotions and digest them. We digest them with forgiveness, acceptance, love. FORGIVE OURSELVES AND OTHERS.

  1. Change the reaction, by changing the thought. Excitement creates the same body responses as anxiety.

Excitement tightens my stomach and gives me sweaty palms too, just like stress. But excitement doesn’t shut down my creative thinking. So if I can say in my mind, “ I am excited to give this speech” for example, that creates a better reaction in my body then “I am anxious about this speech.”

  1. Do something physical to cement the change.

ie. have a hand pump that goes with your victorious thought. Or wear a reminder bracelet, etc.

Remember improving the health of any one of our brains, helps the others get healthier too. So you can start today on improving diet, thoughts and/or emotions for immediate benefits!

We are all connected and our bodies are our home we live in every moment.

“We are marvelously made!”

 

 

Dandelions, the Tonic of Spring

Dandelions are a perfect Spring Tonic

I love the sight of dandelions coming up in the spring. It’s one of those signals that growth is coming. Let me share some ideas to take advantage of this spring tonic found in nearly everyone’s yard.

I wanted to make dandelion wine a few years ago. (Quite a few years ago). It was spring time and I was in love with the yellow bouquet scattered across my lawn. I had read the book, Dandelion Wine, by Ray Bradbury. The notion of “bottling up the sunshine” was captivating to me. I didn’t even drink wine. Then. But, I was a budding herby and the fermenting experiments were running wild in my pantry. This sounded like a tasty addition.

I think I found the recipe in my old Preserving the Fruits of the Earth book which has everything from how to pickle herring to preserving persimmons and some things I have never heard of in it.

I layered slices of oranges and dandelion flowers in a crock pot and followed the directions precisely. I stirred diligently. I waited for months. I peeked regularly. It failed famously.

The chickens danced with glee over THAT pile of scraps.

I still love dandelions. I now make teas with them.

Dandelion leaves and roots are exactly what we need in springtime! They help cleanse the winter cobwebs out of our liver, so to speak. We eat hardier foods in the wintertime. Dandelions help clean the blood, kidneys and liver and lighten us up for the hotter seasons. It also destroys acids in the blood and is a tonic to the entire body.

Dandelion root is also wonderful for women going through menopause. It can be taken fresh or dried on a regular long-term basis to help regulate the hormones.

Dandelion leaves are an excellent diuretic. They are high in calcium and minerals and help flush chemicals out of the system.

How to Use:

So how do we go about taking advantage of this plethora of goodness?

Look no further than your own lawn. But first make sure it hasn’t been sprayed with any chemicals. Also, keep out of the dog rooming and varmint areas.

Young spring dandelions are best. The whole plant is edible, so carefully pull it out, root and all. Wash thoroughly and separate out the parts you want.

The leaves and flowers are a great addition to salads.

The roots can be chopped up and put in soups, stews, smoothies, tea, sauces, etc. They hide well, not having a strong flavor.

Some people like to tempura batter and fry the flowers for a fun food too.

However you eat your dandelions, Enjoy! They are a special healthy treat given to you each spring!

“Our mouths are filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.” -Ps. 126;2

10 Actions for a Strong Immune Defense

My Action List for a Strong Immune Defense

I created this fairly simple list of daily action steps for myself as a reminder of ways to stay healthy. I thought I would share it with some explanation added. It is by no means comprehensive, but it may gives some good inspiration or memory jogging to you too. Stay healthy and happy my friends.

  1. Start the day with thankfulness and prayer. Ask how you can show up today.
  2. Keep Breathing. –Take deep breathes from the belly, consciously, in and out, for 5 or more minutes. Center only on your breathing. This will help calm and focus your mind. You will be able to function better with a more oxygenated brain.And will help to still the noise and anxiety that can build up in our thinking. When you are under stress, you forget to breathe. Keep breathing.
  3. Keep Moving. –Action dispels fear. Not only important for strength, energy and endurance, this is important for your mental well being. Movement has also been shown as important to keep out of depression and/or addictions. Here’s a few simple action ideas if you don’t have your own going.
    1. Go for a walk, jog, bike ride, do sit ups, run your stairs, etc
    2. prepare your ground and plant a garden
    3. spring cleaning, window washing, clearing, vacuuming blinds etc
    4. paint a room or hallway
    5. install a pull-up bar
  4. Take probiotics daily. If you don’t have access to any, eat yogurt or kefir. These little good bacteria are the fighters to the little bad bacteria.
  5. Balance pH– The way I do this is to have Lemon juice or vinegar in hot water with honey or maple syrup daily.
  6. Drink lots of liquids, tea is an excellent anti-oxidant and system booster.
    1. Herbs that cleanse the blood are great for spring tonics: Burdock root, dandelion root, red clover, chickweed, taheebo, yarrow, yellow dock, comfrey, hyssop, licorice root, yellow dock
    2. Herbs that expel mucus: Garlic, cayenne, fenugreek, golden seal, horseradish, mullein, marshmallow root, ginger, comfrey
  7. Feed and sharpen your brain on positive information, learning something every day and laughing at something every day.
  8. Eat Real Foods– fresh fruits and vegetables, foods that have energy and life in them.
  9. Help Others– share generously with love.
  10. Be Creative -It makes you feel alive and energized.

Cranberries Saved Me!

Cranberries saved me from prescriptions!

cranberry benefitsIt’s that time of year that cranberries are in season in the stores. I find myself compulsively buying fresh bags of them to throw in the freezer.

Come to find out that cranberries have a lot more going for them than just vitamin C.

Here’s the story on how they helped save me:

When I was not quite five years old, I became sick and went into convulsions in my sleep. I was rushed to the hospital where I had surgery for a constriction around my bladder. After two weeks in the hospital and an overdose of something that nearly put me under again, the doctors told Dad and Mom that I would need to be on medication probably for the rest of my life.

My parents declined the doctor’s advice and put me on cranberry juice and a wholesome diet.

I have had no problems with my bladder or kidneys and have been relatively healthy without the need for prescription drugs to this day!

I am thankful for the power of cranberries!

Some of their Benefits:

  1. Strengthening to the kidneys and bladder, (perfect for the wintertime when these organs tend to need extra support.)
  2. Can help prevent urinary tract infections.
  3. High in Vitamins C, A and K.
  4. Supportive to the Immune System.

So this time of year especially, I like to indulge on cranberries. If you don’t like cranberries because you were introduced to them by way of canned cranberry sauce, you may want to try them again, fresh. It’s a whole different food.

In Bandon, Oregon, where the majority of Pacific cranberries are grown, you can sometimes find Dark Chocolate covered cranberries at the farmer’s market, which are out of this world. My mouth is watering just thinking about them.

cranberry smoothie

Morning Cranberry Smoothies coming right up!

I love to just throw a handful of cranberries into my morning smoothie. It gives it a little extra punch and it’s so easy.

Morning Smoothie (tweak and vary to your liking), per single serving

1 banana

1 sm. handful of frozen blueberries (or other fruit)

1 sm. Handful of whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)

1 Tbsp. plain yogurt

1 piece 3 inch celery

sprigs of cilantro, parsley, or kale

1 tsp.-Tbsp almond or peanut butter or tahini (sesame seeds)

1 small piece fresh ginger root

I also put in a tsp. maca root powder, or pea protein, tumeric, saw palmetto, spirulina, or other bulk powders/medicinals as I feel the need.

Fill to ½ of container with fresh apple juice or water and blend. Enjoy!

Here’s some other yummy, easy recipes using fresh or frozen whole cranberries:

Cranberry Salad:

making cranberry salad

Conners making cranberry salad for the hundredth time

2-3 cups whole fresh or frozen Cranberries

1 Orange, peeled

1 apple

2-3 Tbsp. raw honey

walnuts and/or chopped celery, optional

chop/blend the fruit together coarsely in a food processor, add honey to your liking as well as nuts if desired. Enjoy!

Cranberry Salsa

3 c cranberries

1 jalapeno pepper

3-4 green onions

½ c cilantro

1 Tbsp lime juice

3+ Tbsp honey

salt to taste

Blend all together coarsely in food processor. Serve with chips or over cream cheese with crackers, etc.

Conner wrote his first cranberry salad recipe when he was 7 or 8. He’s been in charge of the cranberry salad for Thanksgiving ever since.

recipe

Conners original cranberry salad recipe

 

Chaparral for SunScreen?

What is Chaparral and Why do we put it in our sunscreen?

This potent, smelly brush of the desert southwest is an unlikely suspect, but we have been impressed with it’s healing effects for awhile now.

Let me introduce you to chaparral,

chaparral

Chaparral has had many medicinal uses throughout history.

The American Indians used chaparral for arthritis, bowel cramps, gas, colds, and chronic skin disorders.

In the 1940s it was used by the American army as a preservative in drugs because of it’s antioxidant properties.

Chaparral has also been used in cancer treatments, and for digestive problems, respiratory problems, including colds and infections, arthritis, rheumatism, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, chicken pox, parasites, obesity, and as a blood purifier and weight loss treatment.

The impressive thing to us is it’s remarkable healing of the skin. It is used effectively for many skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and on burns and scars. It is high in antioxidants which may help prevent and repair damage to the skin. It has also been used as an antiseptic dressing for cuts and wounds.

I was introduced to chaparral as a teenager by my mom for breakouts on my face. We (my siblings and I) were given it internally in capsule form, never topically. The reasoning being that cleansing the blood leads to clear skin. It helped.

But several years ago my sister gathered some in the California desert while visiting there and gave it to me. Stinky stuff she knew I would love.

I had been hearing about the successful use of chaparral for skin cancer and other skin issues. At the time I had a rash below one eye that wouldn’t go away no matter what I tried.

So I infused some of the Chaparral into oil and waited impatiently for the required 6 weeks steep time.

I don’t know if it was that, but the rash went soon after and hasn’t come back.

Precaution: Over usage of this herb internally can be detrimental to the liver. Use caution if taking internally. Topically it is entirely safe but, as always, if irritation occurs, discontinue.

Note: The oil used in our Sun Beater sunscreen has been infused with 10 herbs that are beneficial in healing the skin, including chaparral. Learn more Here