Cally The Hedge Witch

9 Health Benefits of Dandelion When you think of dandelions, you might picture pesky little weeds that grow in your garden. But don’t make the mistake of disregarding it as a “weed.” Dandelion has been long considered a beneficial herb by many different cultures around the world. In fact, different parts of the dandelion plant have been used by the Native Americans, the Chinese, and the Europeans in the preparation of herbal medicines and teas to cure several ailments. In recent years, science has also found that dandelion has many health benefits and can be used to cure a number of diseases. Here’s a list of benefits of dandelion. For example, dandelions contain over 100 phytochemicals and are not only abundant in vitamins A, C, and K, but also contain vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of other B vitamins. They are even sources for several minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. On top of that, dandelions possess characteristics tha...

When it comes to relieving joint pain, one of the best solutions for combating those annoying aches might already be in your kitchen. Aromatherapy—which has been used for centuries—is a safe, effective, and science-backed place to start before going directly to the harder stuff at your doctor’s office. While there are a handful of all-star options, one of the best is none other than ginger oil, which has been shown to help reduce knee pain, chronic low back pain, arthritis and beyond due to its anti-inflammatory properties, simply by massaging it into the skin. How to make ginger oil While you can buy the powerful oil in stores, you can also make it yourself—and it’s not nearly as complicated as you’d think: All it takes is one cup fresh ginger root, one-and-a-half cups olive oil, and a few simple steps. After rinsing the ginger—skin included—let it sit out until it dries, which might take two to three hours. Once dry, take a cheese grater and shred it, or chop into small pieces adding...

Everybody should have garlic infused oil, it is so lovely. Add it to any dishes where it needs garlic and Pizza, drizzled over pizza is so, so good. If you make your own pizza, spread some on the base first. Also makes delicious garlic bread. Spread it on a baguette, add a little chopped garlic and put in the oven for around 10 mins. INGREDIENTS 200ml (~1 cup) of olive oil (Get a good quality oil) 4-6 cloves of garlic INSTRUCTIONS First peel the garlic cloves, doing your best to keep them fully intact. Cut off the root end, this makes contamination with C. Botulinum less likely. In a pan, cover the garlic cloves in the oil and gradually raise the heat until the garlic is bubbling gently. Simmer for around 15 minutes. The garlic should go beautifully golden but not black or burnt. Turn off the heat, cover and leave to cool and infuse for the rest of the day or at least a couple hours. When the oil is cool, you’ll need to carefully strain out the garlic. Any little pieces left in ...

It’s so easy to make an infused honey. Firstly, use a good honey, preferably from a Honey farm or bee-keeper, I’m lucky enough to have both lically. Ty to avoid the stuff sold by supermarkewts unless you’re sure of the brand, some of them aren’t honey at all. The video will show you how to make it but I love Chamomile honey. I enjoy a cup before bed and it really helps me relax and sleep. Take a sterilised jar, add your washed and dried herbs (i use fresh chamomile) and top with honey. Screw on cap tightly and leave until the honey absorbs all the flavour and goodness from the herb. I keep mine in the fridge. Makes delicious tea and Infused honeys can also be enjoyed on fresh fruit, oatmeal, breads, desserts, smoothies, beverages, marinades and even drizzled over yogurt and ice cream. Lemon-Rosemary Honey This is great for marinades 1 tablespoon dried, grated lemon zest (allow fresh lemon zest to sit on a windowsill overnight) 1 1/4  teaspoons dried or 2 fresh r...

St Johns Wort is a nerve stimulant useful for treating depression, restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. It should not be taken by patients with bipolar disorder since it seems to increase the risk of mania. Personally, I do not recommend anyone suffering from any of the aforementioned use the herb. Many drugs can interact with St. John’s wort, and serious drug interactions can occur when certain medicines are used at the same time. Do not take St. John’s wort without medical advice if you regularly use other medicines, especially; an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medicine; a sthma or allergy medicine; cough or cold medicine; cancer medicine (chemotherapy); cholesterol medication; erectile dysfunction medications; heart or blood pressure medicine; HIV or AIDS medications; medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection; medicine to treat any type of infection (including HIV, fungal infections, malaria, or tuberculosis); medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or o...

Tobacco Root, Valerian Root, Valeriana edulis Valeriana Edulis also called tobacco root or valerian root, is a plant speciesin the family Caprifoliaceae. Despite the name tobacco root, the herb is not related to the tobacco plant. Most herbalists will use the dried root, I have tried growing it but finished leaving it growing on. Edible Use The seeds, leaves, and roots are edible. It has been reported to me that the root is poisonous raw, but when slowly baked, it produces an edible vegetable that has a peculiar taste and odor. Some people enjoy the flavor; not me. The seeds are also edible when lightly roasted. Medicinal Uses Anxiety and Panic Attacks Tobacco root has a calming effect that is beneficial to patients with panic and anxiety disorders. Take a brew of Tobacco Root Decoction from the leaves or roots to treat these types of attacks. Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior Tobacco root improves symptoms of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder by improving the b...