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Pulp is the fibrous byproduct leftover after extracting the juice from fresh fruits and vegetables. Technically, it’s called pomace.The juicier, thicker the vegetable, the more juice you’ll yield.
Why Keep The Pulp?
Pulp contains nearly 95% of the fiber of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as up to half the nutrients. They’re the very same things that we are urged to eat more of to reduce the risk for everything from type 2 diabetes and obesity to cardiovascular disease and cancer.
When you plan to use pulp in your cooking or baking, peel and core your produce before it goes down the chute. You don’t want apple seeds or tough pineapple peel in your homemade breakfast bars.
Benefits
Pulp is rich in fiber ; Fiber helps regulate the body’s use of sugars, helping to keep hunger and blood sugar in check. We need at least 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day for good health, but most of us average about 15 grams a day.
Gut Health is Health and Wellness; Your gut wall houses 70 percent of the cells that make up your immune system. When your gut is happy the body is.
Full of nutrients and minerals; When you juice a lot of the good stuff gets booted out.
How to store leftover pulp
If you’re not going to use your pulp right away, it’ll keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for about 24 hours.
You can also freeze it in bags, though the color and texture may change slightly when you thaw it.
Hey everyone, so while I’ve been on vacation, I was asked what my favorite plants are? Well, check them out below with a few facts about them.
Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera is edible and is incredibly useful for many afflictions. It’s not native to North America, but it’s been naturalized in many places.
How to Identify:
Aloe Vera plants have succulent leaves that grow 2 to 3 feet (0.6 meters to 0.9 meters) tall. The plant is stemless or has very short stems. Aloe Vera leaves are thick, fleshy, and filled with gelatinous sap. The leaves grow in clumps, green to grey-green, and may have white flecks on the leaf surfaces. The leaf margins are serrated with small white teeth. Flowers appear in the summer on a tall spike growing from the center of the plant. Flowers range in color from white and yellow to orange and red.
Edible or no:
Eat aloe vera leaves raw or cooked. The outer green skin can also be eaten but is bitter and harsh. Removing the skin with a sharp knife leaves the meat and gel inside the plant; both are edible.
Aloe is good poached or otherwise gently cooked. Fully cooked, it loses its slimy texture. Some people enjoy raw aloe as juice or by putting a chunk in their water.
Medicinal:
Aloe Vera gel, the gelatinous substance inside the leaf, is used to relieve sunburn, wounds, and other minor skin irritations.
Other Uses:
For external use, split the longleaf ways with a knife and scrape the gel from the leaf’s interior.
Heartburn & IBS: Consuming 1 to 3 ounces of aloe vera gel with each meal reduces the severity of acid reflux and the associated heartburn. It also helps the cramping, abdominal pain, flatulence, and bloating caused by irritable bowel syndrome.
Aloe Vera extract makes a safe and effective mouthwash that reduces swelling, soothes, and provides relief from bleeding or swollen gums.
Warning: Long term internal use of Aloe Vera is not recommended due to the latex found in Aloe Vera. Please do not use it internally while pregnant. Do not use it if you have hemorrhoids or kidney issues.
Anise Hyssop:
Anise Hyssop is also known as giant blue hyssop, giant lavender hyssop, elk mint, and licorice mint. It belongs to the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. It is native to northern and central North America.
How to Identify:
Anise hyssop grows from 2 to 5 feet (0.6 to 1.5m) tall, with bright green leaves that are notched at the edge and covered with fine white hairs on the underside.
Edible or no:
Anise hyssop can be used as a sweetener and to make tea. It can be used as a flavoring or seasoning. The leaves and flowers can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried.
Other uses:
Drinking Anise Hyssop Tea with meals eases digestion and prevents excessive gas and bloating.
Anise Hyssop has been used to treat colds, flu, and respiratory issues.
Anise Hyssop is also used to relieve pain and treat burns and wounds. Due to its anti-microbial properties, it has historically been used in salves and poultices.
Wash the skin in Anise Hyssop Infusion to help relieve the itchiness of poison ivy.
Tea Bonus:
Add fresh or dried Anise Hyssop to a jar and cover with boiling water. ( 4-6 tablespoons dried herb or 6-8 tablespoons) fresh herb per quart jar, but you can do whatever works for you. Cover and let steep until cool enough to drink. Strain and drink, or cool and refrigerate to save for iced tea.
Ashwagandha ( I use every day)
Ashwagandha is a member of the nightshade family. It is sometimes called Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng due to its importance in Ayurvedic medicine.
How to identify:
The bush grows to a height of 2 to 3 or more feet (0.6m-0.9m), with dull green leaves. Light green, bell-shaped flowers appear in midsummer and orange to red berries in the fall. Branches grow radially from a center stem.
Edible or no:
The plant is not generally eaten, but its seeds are used in the production of vegetarian cheeses. The leaves are used to make Ashwagandha Tea.
Other uses:
Ashwagandha has long been used to relieve anxiety, improve mental health, concentration, vitality, and enhance life quality. It also acts as a mood stabilizer and relieves symptoms of depression.
Ashwagandha is particularly beneficial to diabetic patients in reducing blood glucose levels.
Ashwagandha helps improve sexual function.
Ashwagandha helps regulate immune function by reducing the body’s stress hormones, reducing inflammation, increasing the white blood cell count, and increasing immunoglobulin production.
Warning: The herb is generally believed to be safe and has an extensive history of use. However, no long-term studies on the safety and long-term use may make it more likely that side effects will be experienced while taking. Consult your doctor and watch for side-effects when using ashwagandha over the long term.
Bottle Gourd:
The bottle gourd is often cultivated for its fruit, known as calabash, white-flowered gourd, and long melon. When harvested young, the fruit is used as a vegetable. When mature, it is dried, and it can be scraped and used as a bottle, container, or pipe.
How to Identify:
This annual vine grows to be 15 feet (4.5m) long or more. The fruit has a smooth light-green skin and white flesh, and it grows in a variety of shapes and sizes. It has long, densely packed hairs on the stems.
Medicinal:
It is used to control blood sugar levels and is an anti-inflammatory.
Other uses:
Calabash facilitates easy digestion and movement of food through the bowel until it is excreted from the body. Thus, it helps in relieving indigestion and constipation problems.
Bottle gourd tender leaves and tendrils are also edible and contain higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals than its fruit.
Bottle gourd acts as a natural sedative and helps facilitate calm sleep. Insomnia, which means lack of sleep, can cause various health problems like cardiovascular problems, irregular heartbeat, increased risk of high blood pressure, etc.
(Lost Book Of Remedies)
I hope you all enjoy this post; if you have any questions, comment below.
Hey everyone, I hope everyone is having a happy Aloha Saturday! Today we are going to be talking about herbal powders. Well, known herbal powders are basil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Herbal powders can be added to juices, taken in capsules, smoothies, honey, or even milk or water. I prefer capsules or in juice just because it’s quick and easy. Herbal powders can also be used topically mixed with water, oil, or honey to form a paste. Rub the paste on the affected body part and cover it with a cloth.
A good example is Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum) for lower back pain, whether from strain or menstruation. I take Ashwagandha capsules every day to help with my anxiety and stress, and it has helped with cramps. Another good example is organic coconut milk powder, which is good for your skin. It helps softens the skin.
How to Encapsulate Them:
To start the encapsulating process, you must first grind up the herb or root. A food processor can be used or a mortar & pestle.
Before you make an herbal mix, you must first measure out what you need. Be sure to
mix the powder well, so the capsules are of the same concentration.
Capsules come in three sizes, 0, 00, and 000. They can be filled by hand or machine. I prefer machines.
A Few Guidelines to Follow:
Start with single powders before moving onto blends. When you start something new, you want to be sure of how it affects your body. I recommend keeping a journal.
Also, always consult with your doctor if you have any concerns, especially if you have a health condition or breastfeeding.
Dosage varies widely depending on a person’s structure as well as condition.
1/4 teaspoon – 1 teaspoon (or roughly 1 to 4 grams) 1 to 3 times a day is a relatively standard dose.
Keep your area dry and sanitized at all times. Capsules come in vegan and vegetarian. Research which dosage is best for you or your company
Herbs and how they help:
Cinnamon: A well-known herb dating back to Egyptian times. It’s a warming herb that helps with the digestion system, regulates blood sugar, and improves memory. It helps with cold and flu and is low in calories.
Chili Peppers: In any form, it gives you a nice punch. They also may boost your metabolism and help keep blood vessels healthy.
Cocoa: The critical ingredient in chocolate loved by many all around the world. The bean is filled with antioxidants that boost heart health and may help with lowering blood pressure.
Cumin: Used a lot in Indian dishes; my favorite would be curry goat. Cumin is naturally an iron and used in weight loss.
Garlic: The best thing since pickles. Garlic may lower the chances of heart disease. Eating or ingesting garlic daily may help with high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Rosemary: Rich in antioxidants that prevent cell damage. I grow rosemary in my garden and keep a small bag of it by my bed. Sniffing rosemary has been said to help mental tasks. And has anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.
Ashwagandha: Used in western herbalism and one of my personal favorites. Ashwagandha nourishes the body’s brain and neural pathways while restoring strength after a period of stress or illness. Use for auto-immune disease cases, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, brain fog, insomnia, anxiety, nervous exhaustion, and stress. Perfect for someone who works out and, as we said above, topically.
Moringa: The leaves of the tree are nutrient-dense and a great source of protein. It’s a brain and liver tonic, stress reducer, increases milk supply, antioxidant-rich, and helps with stress. Many studies have been done, and it has been said to help cancer patients.
Nettles: A staple in herbal medicine but not very heard of. It is used to treat arthritis and lower back pain. May reduce inflammation, may lower blood pressure, and may treat enlarged prostate symptoms.
Spirulina: A superfood in the health world, a blueish-green alga that also contains chlorophyll. (Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants. Plants use chlorophyll and light to make food.) Spirulina is also a great source of phytonutrients, copper, iron, manganese, potassium, B vitamins, iodine, and Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Face Mask Recipes:
Thyme Face Mask:
Mix ¼ cup oatmeal with a tablespoon, dried lavender leaves, rosemary leaves, and thyme leaves in a food processor. Add a small amount of fresh aloe vera gel. Seal the paste in an airtight container.
To use, mix the mask powder with enough water to moisten to a spreadable consistency, apply to the face (avoiding eye area), and leave it on for 15 minutes for a soothing and invigorating self-care ritual.
If you have fresh aloe meaning a plant, get a piece of the aloe and follow the instructions below correctly. If you guys would like a video, please comment below.
Step 1: Remove the base: First, use a sharp knife to cut the base off the leaf off at a slight angle. You may also want to remove the pointed tip and sides.
Step 2:Drain the inside from the leaf: Let the aloe leaf stand upright in a container or in your sink for about 10 minutes to let the yellow sap drain out. This sap is called aloin, and while it is not toxic, it has a very bitter taste and may cause stomach discomfort, so it is best to dispose of it.
Step 3: Remove Sharp edges: Use a sharp knife and cut the pointy sides off.
Step 4: Remove the outer layer: Use a knife or vegetable peeler to remove the leaf’s thin outer layer, revealing the clear jelly-like substance inside. Note: Be careful! The aloe will be very slippery. You can then cut the leaf’s bottom layer or scoop out the inside.
Step 5: Harvest Gel: Remove any remaining green pieces of the leaf. If you notice any reddish-brown remnants of the aloin sap, you can cut it out of the gel or rinse it off. Cut in 1-inch cubes and store in a tight air jar in the fridge. You can also use aloe in fresh juice or smoothies or by itself.
Skin Detox Mask: May reduce skin puffiness and lighten skin proteins.
You will need activated charcoal, turmeric, witch hazel, and whole milk yogurt.
Mix ½ teaspoon of each ingredient for one mask. Mix the activated charcoal, turmeric, and yogurt first before slowly adding in the witch hazel. Apply and let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
Lemon Light Mask: Helps with dark spots and old scars.
You will need raw honey and lemon juice.
Combine two tablespoons of raw honey with ½ tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply to the skin and leave on for at least 20 minutes so the lemon juice can exfoliate the skin. The honey will moisturize and soothe the skin as well. To remove, rinse with warm water.
Nutmeg Exfoliating Mask: Has calming antibacterial properties best for sensitive skin and is a gentle exfoliant.
You will need nutmeg and whole milk.
Make a nutmeg face mask by combining 1/2 tablespoon of ground nutmeg with a tablespoon of whole milk. Apply to skin and leave on for up to 10 minutes to soothe healing and sensitive skin before rinsing with warm water.
Spice Blend Recipes:
Fajita:
2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp ground cumin
2 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground coriander
Instructions: Add spices to mixing bowl and stir to combine, store in airtight jar 6 months to a year.
Poultry:
3 tablespoon sage dried
1/2 tablespoon rosemary dried
1 1/2 tablespoon thyme dried
1 tablespoon marjoram dried
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
1 teaspoon ground coriander optional
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions: Add spices to mixing bowl and stir to combine; grind into powder and store in airtight jar 6 months to a year.
Creole Seasoning:
6 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoon dried oregano marjoram
2 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoon onion powder
2 tablespoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoon sea salt flakes
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried thyme
½ – 1 tablespoon cayenne
Instructions: Add spices to mixing bowl and stir to combine, store in airtight jar 6 months to a year.
Greek Dry Rub:
3 tablespoon dried oregano or marjoram
2 tablespoon dried basil
2 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon dill weed
1 tablespoon sea salt flakes
1 tablespoons ground black pepper
1 tablespoons ground thyme
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions: Add spices to mixing bowl and stir to combine, store in airtight jar 6 months to a year.
Steak Seasoning:
3 tablespoon salt flakes
3 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon crushed coriander seeds
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
Instructions: Add spices to mixing bowl and stir to combine, store in airtight jar 6 months to a year.
Italian Seasoning Blend:
2 tbsp dried basil
2 tbsp dried oregano
2 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp dried sage
Instructions: Measure out all the ingredients into a mixing bowl. Next, mix with a dry spatula or whisk.
Then transfer the seasoning into an airtight spice jar or a mason jar (if you make a large quantity).
Tips:
How much to use?- Depending on your taste buds, I would start with 1-2 tablespoons serves 4; I will generally use 2-3 tbsp.
How long to store them?– Will store fresh for up to 6 months in an airtight mason jar. After the herbs may start to lose their freshness. Make a new batch once that happens.
Hey, everyone! Welcome back for another post. Today, we are going to be talking about essential oils/carrier oils. From diffusers to mixing a number of other products, essential oils are used nationwide. Like herbs, always consult with a doctor before changing your diet or testing anything on ANY body part.
Essential oils:
A natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the plant’s characteristic fragrance or other sources is extracted.
Before using a new essential, always do a test patch to test for any irritation or swelling.
WHAT are carrier oils:
Carrier oils are naturally derived from vegetarian sources like the seeds, kernels, or nuts of plants. They have a neutral scent and dilute concentrated essential oils to be safely applied to the skin.
WHY use them:
Essential oils are harsh, which means they evaporate quickly and contain the plant’s natural scent and characteristics they’re derived from. This can make them too strong and result in skin irritation if applied undiluted. Carrier oils do not evaporate or have a strong scent, making them ideal for diluting essential oils, reducing the essential oil concentration without diminishing its properties. When you dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil, you can also control its attention before applying.
Jojoba Oil:
Slightly nutty aroma.
Medium consistency.
Superior, non-greasy absorption, similar to the skin’s natural oils.
Moisturizing for skin and hair.
Long shelf life.
Good for hair products
Sweet Almond Oil:
Has a slightly sweet, nutty aroma.
Medium consistency.
It absorbs relatively quickly; leaves a slight hint of oil on the skin.
Rich in vitamin E and oleic acid.
*Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies.*
Coconut Oil:
Unlike coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil is liquid at room temperature.
No noticeable aroma.
Absorbs well; leaves skin feeling silky and moisturized; non-greasy.
High in essential fatty acids.
Long shelf life.
Grapeseed Oil:
Light, thin consistency.
Well suited for massages, it leaves a light glossy film over the skin.
Moisturizes skin.
High in linoleic acid.
Relatively short shelf life.
Mostly used in hair and skin products.
Other carrier oils include shea butter, olive oil, and cocoa butter.
Carrier oils should typically be used within six months, but some oils can stay usable for up to one year. To maximize shelf life, store oils in their original air-tight containers in a cool, dark place.
Different Types of Oils:
Tea Tree: Safe to use on skin, good for fungus, acne blemishes, and fungal skin infections like athlete’s foot. It also serves as a numbing agent for toothaches and eliminates the infection.
Lavender: Works on bruises, cuts, and skin irritation too. Good stress reliever also (Sleep/Depression).
Calendula: Used to reduce the appearance of acne scars. You can also put a drop in your bath water to soothe psoriasis.
Chamomile: Used for pain oil, anti-inflammation, can also be used for eczema and or rashes.
Peppermint: Peppermint purifies and stimulates the mind. Apply oil to temples for headache/migraines. It also can increase mental alertness, Also suitable for indigestion in small doses.
Frankincense: Used for relaxation, may heal bug bites, scars, may help with depression symptoms, inflammation, immunity-boosting, and awareness.
Oregano: This oil has naturally antibacterial qualities, which help to fight colds and other sicknesses.
Lemon: Lemon oil can be used not only to detox the body but it can also to help with acne. Useful for increasing focus and concentration. As a bonus, it can help keep fleas away when used on your pets.
Grapefruit: It’s a natural antiseptic, good for fatigue, and you can add it to your homemade household cleansers to keep your home safe and clean.
Eucalyptus: It has many antibacterial properties and has been known to stimulate the immune system, helps with colds, allergies, and nasal congestion.
Lemongrass: Used as aromatherapy to relieve muscle pain, externally to kill bacteria, ward off insects, and reduce body aches, and internally to help your digestive system.
Thieves: Supports Healthy Immune System and great as a deodorant.
Olive leaf extract: Natural antiviral and immune booster.
Rosemary: Stimulates hair growth, may help with pain management, and repels specific bugs.
Orange: Used for various applications that range from lifting mood and reducing stress to adding a fresh, citrusy aroma to a room. Some examples include antimicrobial activity, pain relief, and anticancer properties.
Cinnamon: Used as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. It can also be used in aromatherapy as a relaxant.
Clove: Used for easing digestive upset, relieving pain, and helping with respiratory conditions.
Patchouli: Often used for things such as skin conditions, relieving stress, or controlling appetite. You can apply the diluted oil to your skin or use it for aromatherapy.
Clearly, Sage: Helps with stress reduction, has many antibacterial properties, and may be used as a natural antidepressant.
Thyme: Commonly used as a preservative in foods, cosmetics, and toiletries. It can also be found as an ingredient in mouthwash.
Diffuser Blends: Feel free to experiment to find the one that works for you.
Tips:
Wear Gloves
Always store in dark glass bottles.
Write down the amounts of each oil used.
Sniff some coffee grounds to clear your olfactory senses
Mix oils in a small bottle and use from that
If you have children or pets around, use fewer total drops
Strong essential oil, use fewer drops (for example, Patchouli, Vetiver, and Ylang Ylang).
In a large room, use more drops
For a strong aroma to fill the area, use more drops
Hey everyone, and welcome back to Ask a herbalist part three. It has been a minute, and I want to thank everyone for their patience. Today we are jumping right back into the questions, so here we go.
How to start a herb collection?
Your herb collection would depend on what you are trying to achieve. I will list some essential herbs and how they can be used in the kitchen, home, and health. Remember always to keep spices or herbs in a dry, sealed mason jar. Always make sure no water gets inside, or mold might grow. A lot of shops on Etsy have starter kits. Don’t overthink it and start small. These are a few things I always keep on hand.
Peppermint: Now, I have about 3 peppermint plants currently because I love everything about it. As someone who has IBS, I tend to have a lot of stomach issues. Peppermint is good for nausea, headaches, cramps in oil form, upset stomach, gout, and more. Peppermint also relaxes muscles and helps treat diarrhea and IBS.
Dill: Dill is a herb in the celery/carrot family. Dill leaf will help with cramps, muscle spasm and stimulates breast milk. Safe for children, but always consult with a doctor first if you have any concerns. Dill also helps with halitosis (bad breath). If you chew the seeds daily, it can help with a long term problem.
Garlic: Surprise, I am more than sure everyone, well most people have some form of this herb in your household. Garlic is one of the most powerful herbs in the book, from thrust, yeast, and fungal infections to congestion, whooping cough, and high blood pressure.
Lavender: Fun fact about lavender is that it is apart of the mint family. Serval parts are edible and can make a lovely tea or be put on a salad. Lavender can kill lice and their nats, aches and pains, UTI’S, and lowering blood pressure.
Lemon balm: Looks similar but is more of a distant cousin. Lemon balm can be used to help with anti-inflammatory, regulates the thyroid, and helps with dementia.
Always remember that I am not a doctor: just a humble juicer and certified herbalist. Before you change your diet or try new things, always consult with your doctor or a trusted physician.
How do you start a garden?
When creating a garden, it’s important to figure a few things out first for one, what zone you live in. For starters, Hawaii is in zone 11. We get sun all year round, so I usually do not worry about winter or the first frost. Next, start small research soils, types of gardens stuff like that. I grow peppermint, catnip, bittermelon, flowers, and things like that. Other indoor plants that are easy to maintain are aloe, a money tree, a snake plant, or pathos. Research is critical in this. You don’t need much to have a green thumb. Talking to your plants helps, I promise. You can find out what zone you are in by merely asking google. When starting to grow or take an herb, always read up on the side effects. Even when growing different plants, some can be poisonous by touch, so always do your research.
What should you know before starting a garden or herb collection?
The main requirement for growing Herbs is growing them in the proper location. Most prefer full sun as long as average summer temperatures don’t rise above 90 degrees. If you have hot summers, consider planting in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade in the summertime or a place that receives filtered light (such as under a tree that allows some light to pass through). Check the area several times during the day to ensure that there are at least four hours of sun. (e.g., 8 to 12, 12 to 4, or from 9 to 11 and 2 to 4)
Planting Herbs:
You need approximately 1 to 4 feet in diameter for each plant for planting Herbs, depending on the plant. Here are some general guidelines for plant sizes:
This post and thread was just a brief look into the herb and garden life. These next couple of months, I have youtube videos planned, more interactive blog posts, posters, and more. I have been learning that I am moving more into my teacher ways following my mother’s footsteps. (lol)
Thank you again for taking the time to read. Please don’t forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe.
Humble Soul 