Question Of The Day

What is herb Freezing and preservation?

Freezing herbs is fast, easy and retains much of the taste, smell and nutrients found in fresh herbs. Frozen herbs will retain much of the flavor of fresh-picked herbs for use long after the growing season has ended.

Many herbs can be simply frozen on the stem and stored in an airtight container. Left on the stem, hardier herbs like rosemary, dill, thyme, bay or sage can be spread in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate and placed in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer into any airtight container for freezer storage without clumping. To use, simply remove herbs a sprig at a time. Some herbs, like chives, can be chopped and frozen bare with little loss of flavor.

How To:

Trim the Top Section of Leaves

When your herb plant is at the peak of its growing season right before flowering trim the top section of leaves off of each stalk. Leave at least 2/3 of the plant intact.

Spread the Leaves on a Cookie sheet or Freezer Ice Cube Tray

Make sure the leaves are situated as flat as possible with space between each one. Overlapping leaves will form a hard-to-manage brick when frozen.

Freeze The Herbs

Cover the tray with wax paper (preferred) or plastic wrap and freeze for at least two hours or overnight.

Remove the Leaves From the Sheet, then Return to the Freezer in Storage Bags

When the leaves are frozen solid, remove them from the tray, place them into zippered food storage bags, and return them to the freezer. Don’t forget to label the bag)

If freezing in ice cube tray the same process is used expect for a few steps. After trimming the herb run under cool water and sake off any excess moisture. (Remove all water before freezing). Don’t forget to pluck the leaves off each stalk. You can freeze the leaves whole, but chopping and measuring may be easier when cooking. ( 1tbsp per cube is a good start)

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Question OF The Day

Hey everyone, not really a question but really good information if you are interested in starting a garden or just learning about herbs, fruit and veggies !

In the world we live into today growing you own herbs assures a fresh supply each year. Growing your own herbs/veggies ensures no chemicals and a fun way to make your own seasonings.

A Reference chart that helps you understand each chart.

Anegelica to Coriander

Echinacea to Lemon

Lemon Balm to Rosemary

Sage to Violet

Oils all around

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
• For a gentle aroma, use fewer drops.

For Uplifting:

• 4 drops Peppermint, 4 drops Cinnamon, 2 drops Rosemary

Energy: 

• 2 drop Rosemary, 3 drop Peppermint, 2 drop Lemon
• 3 drops Wild Orange, 3 drops Peppermint

Peace & Happiness:

• 2 drops Lavender, 2 drops Bergamot
• 3 drops Chamomile, 2 drops Wild Orange, 1 drop Grapefruit
• 2 drops Chamomile, 3 drops Siberian Fir, 2 drops Frankincense

Enhance Memory:

• 3 drops Rosemary, 2 drops Sweet orange 
• 3 drops Cypress, 2 drops Coriander
• 2 drops Black pepper, 3 drops Yuzu

Panic attack/Stress:

• 2 drops Cleary sage, 3 drops Roman Chamomile
• 1 drop Rose, 4 drops Lavender
• 1 drop Neroli, 4 drops Petitgrain
• 1 drop Rose, 4 drops Frankincense

Confidence:

• 3 drops Frankincense, 2 drops Mandarin
• 3 drops Sweet orange, 2 drops Rosemary
• 3 drops Marjoram, 2 drops Cypress

Promotes Sleep:

• 5 drops Roman Chamomile, 5 drops Clearly Sage, 5 drops Bergamot 
• 5 drops Vetiver, 5 drops Patchouli, 5 drops Mandarin
• 3 drops Lavender, 3 drops Vetiver
• 4 drops Cedarwood, 2 drops orange 

Nausea:

• 2 drops Ginger, 3 drops Peppermint
• 4 drops Spearmint, 2 drops Ginger, 2 drops Cardamom, 2 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Ginger, 3 drops Peppermint, 2 drops Lavender, 2 drops Basil, 3 drops Black pepper

Cleaning day:

• 2 drops Pine, 3 drops Lemon
• 3 drops Lemon, 2 drops Eucalyptus

Oils can be found online on Etsy ( support small business), amazon, doTerra, and young living.

Leave any questions below! Check back tomorrow for another post!