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Homemade aloe gel

Written by AdMHaGr on . Posted in DIY, Herbs.

You have aloe vera in your garben but you don’t know how to use it? It is easy to extract your own gel and particularly healthy for both internal and external use! The antioxidant activity of aloe protects the body from free radicals, prevents premature aging of the organs and the skin and is ideal for a wide range of uses!

Consuming your own aloe saves significant amounts of money as aloe costs a lot, especially the drinkable, while consuming packaged aloe is not as healthy as your own fresh aloe, due to the many preservatives that are added.

The 6 easy steps to extract aloe:

The first thing to do is to figure out how much gel we want to use in order to have small quantities for storage, without spoiling our aloe. Usually a large outer leaf is enough to have a large glass of aloe gel and abundance for external use and storage.

We cut an outer sheet as close to the trunk as possible with a sharp knife so as not to injure the cactus. In this phase yellow juice will start running, with strong smell. This yellow liquid, we do not want to use, as it has a strong laxative effect.

Put it under the tap to wash the leaf as much as possible. And especially the juice. It’s not gel and we don’t want it! Once sufficiently rinsed, dry the leaf carefully.

Cut the leaf like fresh green beans, the top and side spines and then with a knife remove the bark from above and from below. The gel is ready. You can remove the bark with a fruit peeler too.

Rinse carefully the pure gel and is ready for use: you can cut it into cubes for storage in a glass bowl in the fridge, and to make your own gel simply mash it. It must be diluted with water for consumption and you can add juice or tea of your choice. Orange juice and pomegranate are great! Add it to your shampoo, your creams, your hair conditioner!

You can store the gel for about a week in your refrigerator. Attention! Do not extract the gel with a spoon, as will be mixed with the yellow juice and the result will be disagreeable to you. Use the leaves after the fourth year of life of the plant. Keep in mind while cutting, that the aloe gel is very slippery.

Source: Botanologio.com – Use your own aloe vera gel

The basic principles of herbs intake

Written by AdMHaGr on . Posted in Garden & Nature, Herbs.

The consumption of various herbs, whether for therapeutic or preventive purposes, must always be done properly and in moderation. The analysis of the correct dosage for children, adults and pregnant women will follow in an article on the proper use of herbs. But proper consumption is not limited to that. There are some basic principles that must be followed in order not to lead to overdoses and especially complications.

The two basic rules for taking herbs are:

Weekly rest day: for the proper functioning of an herb, there should be a break from its use, 1 day a week. After 2 to 3 weeks of treatment, herbs should not be consumed, for 3 consecutive days. During this period of pause, we can monitor any changes or influences to the desired result, and even possible side effects. If the results within the three days of rest are unsatisfactory or remain at the same level, continue with the same dosage of herbs for another 3 weeks. If there is an improvement in any condition, continue with a reduced dose of herb. If the desired effect is achieved, treatment can be stopped and you can start some other nutritional or therapeutic use of herbs depending on your needs.

Dosage setting: Dosage is not something that depends only on your weight, there are many factors that affect the final amount of herb we use. The most important of these factors are listed below.

• For a slow and gradual overall effect, herbs should be consumed in small amounts mixed with milk between meals, as this delays the absorption.

• To increase appetite and increase digestive secretions or for local action in the gastrointestinal tract, the consumption of herbs should be done before the meal.

• To increase the absorption of an herb and its immediate effect, it is preferable to consume 1 to 2 hours after a meal

Herbs that do not have a tolerable taste, it is better to consume as cold decoctions or infusions

Source: Botanologio – everything about herbs

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Everything about oregano and its properties

Written by AdMHaGr on . Posted in Garden & Nature, Herbs.

Oregano is a native, perennial and aromatic herb of Greece and one of the most important herbs we use daily. It has a trunk woody and its branches are thin. It is a short bush with fluffy and oval leaves. Flowers, depending on the variety, are white or pink. The flowers of the Greek oregano are white.

The best time to collect oregano is during the flowering period, in July and August, and of course in the early morning hours. Oregano, amongst other ingredients, contains tannins, sterols, essential oils, thymol, flavonoids and carvacrol.

The parts of the herb that are useful and contain most of the healing and cosmetic properties, are the aerial parts, leaves and tops. The way of drying oregano is very important for the herb to keep its properties. The traditional way is to cut the branches to a height of about 20 cm and then tie them in thin bunches. Then, in a shady place, let them hanging upside down. The drying duration is about 15 days.

Oregano is a herb with excellent properties. The main ingredient in oregano is the essential oil, which contains phenols such as thymol and carvacrol. It also contains pinene and uric acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, iron and high levels of vitamin C. It is a very good source of iron, beta-carotene and fiber, which reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body.

The qualities of oregano are so many that are worth categorizing in areas that benefit our body and spirit.

The oregano benefits the heart, protecting against arteriosclerosis and hypertension.

In relation to the digestive system, oregano helps a lot in bowel weakness, facilitates digestion and opens the appetite. It has beneficial effects on bowel diseases, such as gastritis, food poisoning and diarrhea because of its spasmolytic and anti-diarrheal properties. It effectively treats constipation and spastic stomach and intestinal pains, as well as the feeling of saturation. Its spasmolytic action is beneficial for both colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. The oregano is very beneficial for those who suffer from Crohn’s disease.

The oregano protects but also treats urinary tract infections such as kidney, bladder and biliary tract infections. Prostate disorders and women’s hypovolaemia are treated effectively either with the oregano infusion or with tincture treatment. It is administered as a diuretic even in painful urine retention.

Also the oregano is beneficial for the respiratory system. In cases of bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma or dyspnoea, its softener infusion is particularly effective. Its essential oil contains expectorant properties that are beneficial for productive cough and nasal discharge. Its antitussive properties make it ideal for persistent coughing.

Another property of oregano is to stimulate the immune system. In cases of colds it is very useful, as well as in flu, sore throat and sinusitis. Its strong antioxidant action combined with its anticancer properties prevents the action of free radicals. While its sweating action combined with its antiviral property, combats fever as well as antibiotic bacteria.

The oregano is healing, so in case of sores in the oral cavity and irritated tonsils it is very effective. Its infusion is used for mouthwashing for bad breath in oral solutions, gargle and in cases of laryngeal and gum inflammation. Its analgesic action relieves painful toothaches, while in combination with its antiseptic and hemostatic properties, it makes it ideal for gingivitis and periodontitis.

The oregano also helps a lot in the healing of open wounds and ulcers, as well as chronic rheumatic discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties relieve bruising and swelling, while the massage with Oregano essential oil relieves the symptoms of arthritis, muscle aches and tendons. Finally, oregano is ideal for varicose veins, burns and for earache.

The infusion of oregano also acts as an emmenagogue, but also during the menopause period, it helps the body both physically and psychologically. The oregano works as tranquilizer for the nervous system. Its analgesic properties are ideal for nervous headaches and for mental and physical fatigue.

Be careful not to be given to pregnant women because it stimulates the uterus and can cause miscarriage.

Beyond the countless healing properties it has and offers, also has a wide variety of cosmetic uses.

It is very effective in treating acne, as well as in cases of cystic acne, either in the form of an infusion or by using a balm with its essential oil.

Oregano is also ideal for use in hair, as it effectively treats dandruff and oiliness. At the same time, the oregano extract acts as a natural hair tonic.

Skin problems such as seborrhea, eczemas, herpes, warts and psoriasis, oregano has great symptomatic treatment. That is, it effectively relieves symptoms such as itching, pain or burning sensation. It is considered to be suitable for curing the above diseases, without being fully medically supported. Oregano infusion is effective for relieving insect bites and fighting lice.

Finally, due to its strong antioxidant action and its high vitamin C content, oregano is a perfect anti-aging and antioxidant. Protects the skin from premature aging, protects against free radicals, and significantly reduces wrinkles.

The essential oil of oregano effectively helps to fight cellulite and in cases of fluid retention. Oil massage treatments where you add oregano essential oil will promote better blood circulation and decongest the area effectively!

Source: Botanologio.com- healing properties of oregano – cosmetic uses of oregano – how to collect oregano

The phases of the Moon in gardening

Written by AdMHaGr on . Posted in Fruit trees, Garden & Nature, Herbs, Vegetable garden.

The moon is an important element from antiquity, based on which, the diferent seasons, sowing, harvest, successful fishing, collection of medicinal herbs and the preparation of medicines were calculated. The phases of the moon were important and its relationship to the tide had been observed since antiquity but was scientifically substantiated by Newton.

In agriculture, even the traditional producers watch the moon to know when the weather will change, when is the right time to start the different agricultural processes to have a successful result! From whatever point of view we look at the moon, it is a given that it has a strong influence on the earth, either due to gravitational pull, or energetically, or spiritually, as everyone wishes to perceive and accept it as a phenomenon. Pruning, fertilizing, planting, grafting, collecting aboveground parts and rhizomes, transplanting, sowing and even weeding are related to the phases of the moon!

So starting with the basics so that we can properly monitor the moon and regulate the work of herbs and gardening, we start with the basics: the moon to make a complete circle around the earth, goes through four phases. The new moon, the waxing cresent, the full moon and the waning cresent.

Traditionally, during the waxing period, it is an ideal phase to plant, decorate the garden, add fertilizer and collect fruits, flowers and leaves, ie the aboveground parts of plants and trees. At the same time, it is a suitable period for the preparation of herbal medicines. It is the period when the plant will give the maximum of its healing properties, the higher percentages of essential oil and the fruits will be juicier.

In the period of the waning cresent in turn, the juice of the plants that during the filling went up, goes down to the root. It is a good time to plant seeds and bulbs, to transplant, to graft, to weed, to clean the garden, to prune our trees and plants without injuring them or to leave their sap exposed. It is also a good time to collect roots for healing purposes and to successfully dry herbs.

In short, we collect, strengthen and plant the plants in the waxing cresent and store, sow and clean in the waning cresent, with the sole exception of the roots that are collected in the waning cresent.

In the new moon and the full moon, that is, the phases when the sun aligns with the moon and the earth, we have a tide. We avoid work on this day that mainly has to do with pruning and transplanting but also the preparation of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Traditionally, of course, they are the ideal days to make medicines, especially the new moon, but there is a risk of failure or exaggeration. A day after the new moon and a day before the full moon are ideal.

In second phase, it is important to keep in mind the purposes for which we collect the herbs in order to have the appropriate results. Herbs that we collect for detoxification, cleansing and weight loss, are best collected during the waning cresent. While during the waxing cresent, we collect the herbs we want for nutrition, hydration, energy.

In order to be able to observe the moon there is a basic rule: The from the new moon to the full moon, is 14 – 15 days, while the same applies from the full moon to the new moon. The new moon rises at dawn and therefore is not visible. The first quarter at noon, the full moon at sunset and the last quarter at midnight.

So once we understand the impact on agriculture during the waning cresent and the waxing cresent, we can move on to the constellations through which the moon passes and in which constellations is it ideal to deal with our garden and our herbs.

The moon, rotating around the earth, it aligns every about 2 days with a zodiac sign. Filtering the constellation its characteristics through the moon.

Moon in Aries & gemini: ideal day for plowing, weeding, disinfestation, harvest. In the aries an extra positive is that the seed that will be planted will germinate faster. In general, the signs of air and fire are considered fruitless, making them ideal only for cleaning. Prefer when the moon is in the waning cresent.

Moon in Taurus: in all the signs of the earth the moon is very productive. In taurus it is ideal for planting and collecting radishes, carrots, potatoes, onions, leeks and generally rhizomes. The same applies to the planting of bulbs such as hyacinths, daffodils, dahlias, freesias, gladiolus, etc. This is not a good day for hard gardening!

Moon in Cancer: Due to the relationship of the zodiac sign with the Moon, Cancer is one of the most fertile signs. When the moon passes through the constellation of Cancer, it is the best phase to plant. Especially plants that have a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, melon. It is also a good day for watering and grafting.

Moon in Leo: may not be a good day for planting, but it is an ideal day for changes in the garden, decoration and landscaping.

Moon in Virgo: ideal day for cleaning the gardens, adding fertilizers and a very good day for beekeepers.

Moon in Libra: the artistic and feminine nature of libra, is good for planting, transplanting and picking flowers and ornamental plants. It is also a good day to pick herbs and make herbal cosmetics!

Moon in Scorpio: a very fertile sign for successful grafting, pruning and transplanting, while it is a sign that strengthens the roots if you decide to feed your plants with a moon in Scorpio.

Moon in Sagittarius: like the previous fire signs, Sagittarius is not considered a good sign for planting but has one exception, fruit trees.

Moon in Capricorn: is a productive sign, suitable for growing and planting perennials, trees, roots and vines. The important thing with a moon in Capricorn, is that the plants will last for years while the fertilization will be done slowly and correctly.

Moon in Aquarius: it is not a suitable day for gardening as it is considered a male and fruitless sign.

Moon in Pisces: in all water signs as well as in Pisces it is a very fertile period. Ideal for planting hydrophilic plants, while it is a good phase for grafting, fertilizing, and vigorous pruning.

Lavender – Everything about its properties, uses and cultivation!

Written by AdMHaGr on . Posted in Garden & Nature, Herbs.

The beautiful lavender, known since antiquity for many applications, finds many uses, from cooking and confectionery, to herbal cosmetics and treatments through its essential oil and tincture. As a natural aroma of space and closets but also for adorns a beautiful garden. In fact, it is food for all beekeeping insects.

Characteristics of lavender

It belongs to the Mediterranean herbs, to the genus Lavandula and is an evergreen herb. You will find it in many gardens as in addition to aromatic and healing herb, it is also a very beautiful shrub!

The flowers of lavender are purple and fragrant, while its stem is fluffy with a height of 30 to 80 cm. Flowering begins in spring and early summer and depends on the climate of the area in which it is grown.

There are many types of lavender that stand out from the foliage, the flower and the size that the plant reaches.
The essential oil, which is extracted from the flowers, is particularly beneficial offering many therapeutic and cosmetic applications. A special feature of lavender essential oil is that it can be used directly on the skin, offering relief from irritation, burns, acne and more.

Useful parts of the herb are its flowers, which are collected and stored in late spring and early summer, while they can be used for storing clothes, as well as for decoctions, infusions, baths, sleeping pillows. Lavender is not very nutritious, although the calcium and vitamin A it contains stand out. It is important that the lavender flowers are cut so that they always produce new flowers!

Lavender cultivation

Lavender is ideally grown in sunny airy areas with slightly sandy soil and alkaline with good drainage. It needs 6 to 8 hours of sun exposure and prefers mild winters. However, it can also respond to low temperatures. Adding well-digested manure helps young plants but generally lavender does not need fertilizers.


Lavender in cooking and confectionery

Dried lavender is great for cooking, as it can replace rosemary. Grated in a mixture of salt gives a wonderful taste, while the same happens when you mix lavender with sugar for your sweets. Try dipping in the oil bottle lavender, even in your vinegar so that you have ready aromatic oil and vinegar for salads and dressings. Finally, if you are a fan of iced tea, try adding lavender water or lavender tea in combination with lemonade, melissa or mountain tea.
* If you do not already know, lavender honey is wonderful, aromatic and creamy white!

Lavender in cosmetics

Lavender has countless uses in cosmetology, and it all depends on our imagination. The infusion, extract and flower water are used as toning face lotions, to dissolve clay powder for a soothing and cleansing mask, for insect bites, moisturizing and treating dry skin. You can wash your face to treat acne and rinse your hair if you have dry hair or severe itching and dry skin.

Lavender essential oil is ideal for wax ointments for sensitive skin, homemade soap where you can also put dried lavender, in shampoos for dry, damaged hair and massage oils.

In an oil base, the essential oil is excellent for relaxing massages, hair masks to balance the pH of the scalp, while removing dandruff. Lavender oil is an ideal face make-up remover.

Lavender can be used safely in young children and babies without side effects, while giving a feeling of relaxation. (not its essential oil or tincture)

Lavender essential in beeswax cream, due to its anti-inflammatory action, is used for redness of the skin, treatment of dark circles, discolorations and freckles. Its moisturizing action is useful for dry and dull skin, while it is ideal for hydration at the ages of 20 to 25. You will find the relaxing aroma of lavender in many fragrances, while the oil is soft and easily absorbed.

Lavender healing properties

In the form of an infusion (in boiled water) it will offer you relaxation from a difficult day, helps in better digestion after a heavy meal, fights migraines, relieves toothache and nausea, while reducing stress and hypertension.
Use lavender essential oil as it is on burns, as it immediately soothes, absorbs inflammation and heals faster without leaving marks. Apply the essential oil to insect bites with a cotton swab or if you want to avoid insect bites. Dissolve the essential oil (10 drops in 100ml oil of your choice) for massages when you feel muscle discomfort, joint pain or bruising. Rub lavender essential oil on the temples to relieve the headache.
When you suffer from insomnia, put dried lavender or lavender essential oil on your pillow for a peaceful sleep!

Lavender is especially known for its calming properties, so it can be used in cases of melancholy and mild depression. Ideal for dealing with feelings of fatigue, anxiety and feelings of panic.
Lavender tea relieves sore throat from colds, treats asthma and is beneficial for the respiratory system in general, offering relief from severe cough, bronchitis and irritation of the respiratory tract.
The anti-inflammatory action of lavender in combination with the healing and antimicrobial, works wonders on abrasions, skin diseases and cuts!

When rubbed, it relaxes the muscles and causes hyperemia. Relieves neuralgic and rheumatic pains. It is analgesic, antiseptic and antifungal actions, are ideal for bruises, psoriasis and scars.
There are no serious side effects from using lavender unless you are allergic. For safety reasons, we did not mention the therapeutic use of lavender tincture, as it is often misused and the advice of your doctor is preferable.

At home and in the garden

As a natural insect repellent, you can put it in cabinets and drawers dried for protection against moth, while you will find dried lavender to adorn candles, vases, giving color to your space.
As a natural aromatic, the essential oil in an aromatherapy device will absorb odors and at the same time will relax you, as it fights anxiety, melancholy and depression.
With a pot of lavender on your balcony, and an essential oil on your shelves, you ensure a variety of applications!

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