Add Roots for more Growth

June 23, 2025 livehealthy

Roots for Growth?

If you want more growth, go deeper, add roots

This piece of advice was given to me 3 times in 3 different ways in as many days. It got my attention.

“Depth is the Antidote to Desperation.” was the first notice, taken from Tad Hargrave’s website, https://marketingforhippies.com. He does excellent work, by the way. His advice to go deeper and “niche” down with one specialty got me thinking about depth of knowledge. I’m still working on the rest.

Then some herbal notes came my way commenting on how drinking roots can help us be more grounded.

In order to last through the heat of summer, the sprouts of springtime have to keep growing and create strong roots of stability. Growth in depth gives structure for growth in height and the power to withstand harsh times. I liked this reminder.

Then I was reading about the herbal roots good for strengthening our whole systems! Dandelion root, burdock, sarsaparilla, ginger, birch bark and more…

Do you want more growth and depth in your life? Me too. So what did I do?

I decided to make Root Beer! Drink more roots, right?

All of these roots happen to be in root beer. What a perfect summer refresher!

I found a good recipe online that used 7 different herbs/roots. https://www.seriouseats.com/diy-root-beer-how-to-brew-your-own-root-beer-recipe/by Marcia Simmons.

I also added dandelion root, fennel seed and threw in some fresh apple mint that was growing nicely. There are many variations and good recipes on the web. There is also root beer extracts you can use for quick concoctions.

It turned out quite tasty!

I also realized a lot of these herbs are in our Spring Tonic too! Sarsaparilla, dandelion root, licorice root, fennel, ginger, yellow dock are all there, with the added benefit of red clover, yarrow and chickweed as blood and mucus cleansers! Good for anytime a reset is needed, not just in spring.

People are saying Spring Tonic is very helpful in easing allergy symptoms.

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fulness of God.” – Ephesians 3:17-19

How to use Chickweed Herb to Dissolve Fat and More

March 30, 2022 livehealthy

Chickweed Season!

fresh chickweed

Why would you want to eat this chicken Food?

It’s an easy way to dissolve Fats and Cleanse!

This common weed that grows in most states and probably in your backyard can be used both internally or externally.

It can be found and used all growing season but is especially nice in the spring to help clear out the heaviness and mucous of winter.

All parts are edible but make sure they are growing where no pesticides are used.

Internal Uses:

High in minerals and vitamin C, this herb helps dissolve mucous and fats in the body.
It can stop bleeding and inflammation from lungs, bowels and stomach.
It is a tonic for constipation and digestive problems.
A blood and internal cleanser, it is used to draw poisons and toxins out of the body.
The tea can help relieve inflammation and pain of rheumatoid arthritis.
Great for the skin; acne, roseola, rashes, eczema, dermatitis, shingles, varicose veins.

External poultices:

Skin issues and rashes
Nerve pain. Surface nerve misfiring can be soothed with a poultice.

Recipes:

Fresh chickweed can be chopped up and added to salads and soups.

My favorite way is to add a handful into our morning smoothies.

Dried chickweed can be made into teas and tinctures.

Chopped fresh or dried chickweed can be used in poultices and directly on skin to relieve rashes, swelling, boils, herpes, etc.

Try harvesting and using some today!

Chickweed can also be found in our Spring Tonic.

7 Herbs To Get Ready For Spring

March 15, 2022 livehealthy

7 Herbs That Can Help You Get Ready For Spring

I am reposting this blog from last April with some updates. Still true and more relevant than ever.

In the winter we can build up and store congestion, mucous and toxins in our bodies.

Spring cleaning the inside of our bodies can be just as refreshing, lightening and energizing as the spring cleaning we do in our homes. After all, how often do you wash your hands or take a shower to clean the outside of our bodies?

Here’s 7 herbs that can help lighten up and renew your whole body from the inside out.

Good anytime of year. Lovely in the springtime.

Take them individually, make your own herbal tonic or enjoy our Spring Tonic bottled and ready for you. Enjoy!

fresh clover tops

Red clover is high in minerals and is an excellent blood purifier.

Dandelion Root is a whole system tonic. It destroys acids in the blood as well as purifies and builds. It is high in minerals, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, and Vitamin C. Also cleanses the liver and is a gentle diuretic.

Ginger has been used for digestive disorders, motion sickness, fever and coughing and helps lower cholesterol.

dandelion

Chickweed is high in vitamin C and helps dissolve fat and mucous in the body. Good for skin problems.

Fennel is good for digestion, nervous disorders, energy, endurance, helps dispel sinus congestion and much more.

Sarsaparilla is a blood purifier that can help balance hormones. It is good for longevity and aging. It was used by native Americans for thinning the blood in preparation for the rising heat of summer.

Yellow dock is a blood purifier and body cleanser. It acts as a natural Iron and energizer in the system. It is good for liver and skin problems, inflammation, swollen glands, tumors, ulcers.

All of these herbs are carefully extracted and combined together in our Spring Tonic Blend.

Here’s to having a wonderful, light and healthy Spring.

Smoothies for Spring Allergies

March 5, 2021 livehealthy

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

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!

Allergies, 10 Herbs to Help

November 3, 2014 livehealthy Leave a Comment

10 Simple Herbal Allergy Helpers

Herbs can help with allergies. When symptoms flare we want to go for quick results, but allergy symptoms will increase over time unless we reprogram our bodies reaction to the offending allergen.

There are many different causes and reasons for allergies, but most result in the body over-triggering our immune systems. Our bodies go on alert against the offending weed, dust or food and then stay on defense longer and longer, becoming more sensitive with time, as they attempt to ward off the perceived danger.

chamomile

Different remedies work best for different allergies but there are some common ones that work in general. The area affected as well as time and environment conditions can clue us in to the right cause and remedy.

I have compiled a very simple list of helpful time proven natural remedies to speed relief and build your body’s defenses based on allergy symptoms. These are just a place to start.

Allergy Runny Nose: Onions and garlic, eat lots! (The homeopathic remedy of this is allium cepa if you can’t stand eating onions.) Homeopathic is easy, inexpensive and fast, available in your health store, but has to be very specific. (There are no side effects, but you should start seeing results within a few applications if it is the one you need.)

Skin Conditions: If you have skin problems that are due to allergies, many times taking a natural form of sulfur (MSM) can help immensely. (It also helps with stiff joints) Studies are showing a lack of sulfur in our soil, especially in dry areas, and also in our bodies.

Burdock and Chaparral are helpful for allergies, excellent for skin issues and cleansers of the blood.

Silica as an herbal supplement or in tea can help too. Silica is naturally found in horsetail herb (also known as shavegrass). It helps build collegen which helps our connective tissues for stronger hair, nails, bones and skin.

Allergy Sinus Congestion: Nettles, peppermint and gingko, Gingko increases circulation in the brain and has natural antihistamines which makes it a great allergy helper. Nettle strengthens the whole system’s defense against environmental allergies.

Oils for quick, temporary relief: Peppermint oil and/or lavender oil. Make sure it is therapeutic quality to use medicinally. One drop placed in hand and then rubbed gently on nose, temples and/or back of neck. Breathe in deeply to clear the sinuses for a couple hours. These can work as a face steam too. Place 1-2 drop in non-aluminum or plastic bowl, add boiling water and hold head over bowl under a towel until water cools or effects slow.

Tea and Honey: Much publicity has been given to the benefits of local raw honey, and it’s true. I am a walking testament to how well they work for allergies to outside sources, such as hay, grasses, trees and pollens. The bees pick up pollen from all of the irritants in bloom and so the honey they produce helps your body build up resistance to those allergens; very much like a vaccine works. That’s why the more local the honey the better.

Teas made out of the local herbs work the same way; your body is taking in small, diluted amounts and builds a tolerance to those herbs. Take your tea and honey together for a pleasant way to help allergies. Our Outback tea is based on this principle.

Environment: Look around your environment for any conditions or pollutants that may be weakening your immune system even if not directly related to your allergy. Help your body be stronger by getting rid of them, if possible. For example, formaldehyde in carpets, chemical cleaners, dust, mold, weed-killers, sunflowers, etc. can compromise your living area.

Affirmation: “The world is a friendly place. I am at peace with life.”