Herbsways Blog On Hold For A Reason

There have been no posts for quite a while on this blog for a very good reason. I have been compling a recipe book on Bulgarian cuisine where 100 recipes have been tried, tested and written up all using in the main homegrown produce.
Here is the introduction to the book which will be published and on sale before Christmas.

An Introduction To Bulgarian Cuisine

Bulgaria was founded in 7th Century from this time right up to the 18^th Century the Bulgarian diet was essentially based upon mainstay Europeans food such as various meats, dairy products, fish, cereals, fruits and vegetables. Into the 19^th Century Bulgarian cuisine began to develop its own identity with many of the Bulgarian recipes seen in this book originating from this time. The types of produce grown and used extensively in kitchens in Bulgaria are given here:

• Meats: pork, beef, lamb, chicken, fish, duck, goose and snails.
• Dairy products: Almost everyone in Bulgaria eats yoghurt regularly; you can only find the bacteria that make yoghurt in Bulgaria! There are two main kinds of cheese: sirene (white sheep’s cheese) and kashkaval (yellow cheese). Sirene can also me made from goat and cow’s milk.
• Cereals: Rice, corn, maize, sunflowers, beans, lentils.
• Vegetables: Potatoes, cabbages, (green and red), carrots, tomatoes, green peppers, eggplants/aubergines, cucumbers, gherkins, garlic, zucchini/courgettes, lima beans, haricot beans, broad beans, peas, lettuce, radish, turnips, asparagus, gumbo, mushrooms and olives.
• Fruits: Cherries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, peaches, pears, plums, apricots, watermelons, honey melons, grapes and quince
• Nuts: Peanuts, chickpeas, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds and sweet chestnuts.
• Herbs and Spices: Parsley, coriander, rosemary, spearmint, savory, paprika, dill, thyme, cumin, devesil, summer savoury, oregano.

By the 20^th Century Bulgaria's economic interests were now linked with Middle and West Europe and exposure to common European foods like pizza, mayonnaise and cream as well as other foods not native to Bulgaria.

Bulgarian cuisine today is a mixture of typical Bulgarian dishes and imported global world foods including much fast food. On the other side of the coin Bulgarian cuisine is now exported worldwide not least for the reason from the masses of Bulgarian people moving overseas during the 1990s and stems from this demand.

Bulgarian home cooking is normally done starting with the cooking of the meat and gradually adding all other ingredients. The cooking process would have all been started and finished in one saucepan. Cooking food on a low heat is steeped in Bulgarian history. Many stews and casseroles are served in a brown-lidded bowl called a ‘gyuvech’ meaning earthenware dish. This gives the distinctive flavoursome, nutritious and well tenderised eating associated with Bulgarian cuisine.

I will be turning attention back into articles here once the book is out so thank you all for bearing with me.

How To Get Rid Of Pain Naturally (Using Herbs)

In the past few years, the whole "all-natural" movement has been gaining ground as evidenced by aggressive marketing of alternative health products from weight-loss diet pills to cold medications all marked as "derived from nature." Of late, Western medicine is trying its best to join the alternative health bandwagon by researching on ancient herbal remedies that have been in use in more primitive cultures for centuries. This is also the reason for the sudden increase of natural pain relief medications.

Western medical science is still studying the host of ingredients and combinations that make up these natural pain relief, before any major investment is made by pharmaceutical companies, production-wise. There are a few "naturally made" medications already being sold on the market, but most of the traditional natural pain relief remedies have yet to be tested by neutral research laboratories. Most developed countries have employed strict standards regarding medical testing, and, as a consequence, has slowed down the release of herbal or natural pain relief medications.

However, in less developed countries, the natural pain relief remedies are still in frequent use and are, in fact, more popular than western medicine. This is particularly true outside of urban communities, where Western medical procedures and tools are either inaccessible or too expensive for the people. With the herbs and ingredients being readily available, and the people being aware of which plants work for what ailments, the process of using these natural pain relief methods is significantly simpler. While Western medicine recognizes this, there are several concerns that prevent the herbs and ingredients being used from being introduced to the mainstream.

Aside from the aforementioned testing procedures, developed countries have research being conducted to find out what exactly is making the natural healing methods work. This would allow pharmaceutical companies to both present the medication in the traditional capsule or pill form by isolating the key ingredient, but also by allowing them to study the effects and pinpoint other potential applications.

Another difficulty is the prevalent belief that herbal remedies or traditional medicines are somehow "inferior" or are fraudulent, as compared to Western medicines. While this view is archaic, this has been cited as one of the reasons why traditional Chinese medicines not being widely used outside of Chinese communities in the US. Supposedly, the extensive testing and study conducted by pharmaceutical companies on natural "pain killing" also involves the isolation of the working compound, which would allow them to market it as a "modern" drug.

It is also worth noting that some of these remedies may not be easily accessible to outsiders, making procuring samples difficult. With samples to test being so difficult to obtain, companies are rendered incapable of marketing the remedies, even if the chemistry behind the herbs is sound and effective. Another problem stems from the fact that most outsiders are incapable of understanding the cultural subtleties differentiating one herbal treatment from another.

Despite these difficulties, some pharmaceutical companies have managed to successfully field and market effective remedies based on folk treatments and herbs. There is an extant market for such remedies, and with massive advertising and media mileage, the market is expected to boom in no time at all.

Visit the Health And Nutrition Tips website to learn about what is psoriasis, flexural psoriasis, psoriasis symptoms, toe corn removal, foot corn removal , foot corn symptoms and other information.

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Author: Harry Ayala

What Are “Certified Organic Herbs” ?

Bulk organic herbs are more economical to purchase than buying them in small bottled quantities – and more environmentally friendly to boot! By purchasing your herbs in bulk quantities, you can take advantage of large volume discounts, whether you are a retailer or a consumer of the end product. By purchasing bulk organic herbs in large amounts, you not only save, but ensure that what you need is there whether it’s for customer demand or cooking at home.

What Are “Certified Organic Herbs” ?

As consumer awareness increases about food – how it is grown, how far it travels, etc. – the demand for organic bulk herbs and certified organic spices also rises. Meanwhile, as the cost for many standard food items increases to the same level of locally-grown bulk organic herbs, the price of such organic foodstuffs becomes more competitive. But what exactly does “certified” mean?

Certified organic spices and bulk organic herbs are those raised in an ecologically sustainable way, without the kinds of chemical fertilizers or pesticides that can leach into the plant's leaves, roots, stems, flowers or bark, and leave a toxic residue. In addition, farmers who raise organic bulk herbs avoid the potentially destructive practice of monoculture. For instance, large-scale corporate agricultural operations may focus on the cultivation of only one or two products – for example, limiting a particular region to the production of only one or two Chinese herbs, such as a few varieties of ginseng. This practice causes plants to be less resistant to diseases as well as drain the soil of nutrients.

Farmers who raise organic bulk herbs focus on a healthy diversity of crops. This means a smaller supply (one of the reason that organic bulk herbs have been traditionally more expensive than non-organics), but it also means a healthier crop that is of superior quality. In the U.S. organic certification is handled on the state level by local governmental, non-profit and private agencies that have USDA approval. Since 2002, under the National Organic Program, produce such as bulk bath herbs and certified organic spices can only be labeled as such by adhering to specific requirements.

Herbs and Spices for Every Occasion

Chinese herbs are the basis of medication used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which Western medical science is starting to examine seriously. Of course, many women (and even men) appreciate a good soak in bulk bath herbs, and some of these even have therapeutic properties. Between this and the traditional kitchen uses of bulk herbs, it’s easy to see the wisdom in stocking up and keeping a good supply on hand.

Buy herbs in bulk for the savings, and to insure that you have them on hand when you need them.

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Author: Anne Harvester

It's Easy to Grow Herbs in Pots

An Interesting article on mint, one of the most used herbs worldwide. Not need to buy mint ever again if you take someof the tips given here.

Herbs can also be grown indoors in pots or containers. They can also be grown in window boxes or hanging baskets. Growing herbs in pots is not anymore difficult then growing herbs in an outdoor garden. Indoor herb gardens need the same growing requirements that garden herbs need.

All plants need three main things in order to grow successfully; sunlight, soil and water. Herbs are no exception. Sunlight is key to growing any type of plant including herbs whether they are grown indoors or in a garden.

You should place herbs grown in a kitchen or other room in a south or west facing window to get the best kind of sunlight. Different types of herbs have different light requirements but, for the most part, all need a sunny location.

Some home herb growers supplement the light source with "grow lamps" or fluorescent lamps. Herbs also need a well drained, not too rich soil to grow in. Add two parts of sterilized potting soil with one part coarse sand or perlite for herbs that are grown in containers.

You will also need about an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot to ensure that the plant has good drainage. Herb grown in pots indoors can also be supplemented with one teaspoon of lime per 5-inch pot to ensure that the soil is sweet enough for the herbs.

Herbs grown in pots also need water. Misting the plants and moistening the pebbles will help to keep the herbs within humid conditions. Since they are being grown in containers they do need to have more water then herbs that are grown in a garden but, you should avoid getting the roots of the herbs drenched or soggy.

An advantage to growing herbs in a container is that you have the freedom to move them about as you please. Annual herbs can spend all of their time indoors but, perennial herbs do better if they were to be placed outside during the summer.

Although all herbs should be brought inside before the first frost in order to avoid the loss of foliage. This rule is over looked when it comes to mint, chives, and tarragon. These types of herbs will go into a rest period then form firmer and fresher growth after it is introduced to a light frost.

All herbs can be grown in containers but some herbs do better then others. Mint is an herb that needs to be contained or it will take over the garden. Over all it is fairly easy to maintain an indoor herb garden. It keeps the herbs handy and within reach anytime you need them for cooking.

With these tips listed above, you will be able to care for your herbs and ensure a healthy plant. You should also include periodic light feeding and yearly repotting for optimum health of the herbs. You will also have to remember to replant annuals each year and move perennials outdoors when needed.

Plus, use your herbs as much as you want as well as harvest them occasionally. It is no secret that pruning plants encourages new growth. This rule also applies to herbs. So use them in your recipes, store them and give them away to friends.

Author: Mary Eule Scarborough
Mary E. Eule, BA, MS is a professional writer and researcher who been an avid container herb gardener for over 25 years. She is also the author of the comprehensive, step-by-step guide, "The Down to Earth Guide to Easy Container Herb Gardening," Visit her website: http://ContainerHerbGardening.com to purchase her e-book, download her free herb e-course or to get additional tips and articles on growing herbs in pots .

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Occupation: Author, Marketing Expert and Speaker

Mary Eule Scarborough, an unassailable marketing expert and thought leader, helps businesses of all sizes get and keep more profitable customers. A former Fortune 500 marketing executive, she is also the founder of two successful small businesses, an award-winning speaker, certified Guerrilla Marketing coach and the co-author of two new books, "The Procrastinator’s Guide to Marketing” (Entrepreneur Press, November, 2007) and “Mastering Online Marketing" (January, 2008). She has a BA in Journalism/English from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in marketing from The Johns Hopkins University. Log onto her website: www.StrategicMarketingAdvisors.com for free marketing articles, tools, tips and templates…or to learn more about her books and services.

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Golden Seal Root - Side Effects and Benefits

Botanical Name of Golden Seal: Hydrastis Canadensis

Other Common Names: Goldenseal, eyebalm, ground raspberry, orangeroot, yellowroot, yellow puccoon, Indian dye, eye root, Jaundice root.

Habitat: Golden Seal is a plant found in the Northeastern United States in shady woodland areas at the edges of forests in rich, moist soil. This plant prefers slightly acidic soils and will prosper in partial sun, or even shaded areas.

Description:
Golden seal is a small perennial herb. The woody, yellowish rhizome gives rise to a single hairy, stem and top with two 5-9 lobed leaves which terminate in a single greenish-white flower. It grows to a height of about 30 centimeters. The knotty, yellowish-brown rhizome is roughly 5 centimeters long and 1 centimeter thick with an abundance of rootlets. It has a strong odor and bitter taste. The golden seal does produce a fruit, similar to the raspberry in appearance, but it is not edible.

Plant Parts Used:
The root of this plant is used in medicinal and herbal uses.

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of The Golen Seal Root

• Golden seal is used as a treatment, especially in combination with echinacea, for some respiratory complaints such as stuffy noses, sinus problems, and symptoms of the common cold.
• It is also used, in combination with other herbs, to cleanse the body of toxins and help purify the kidneys and urinary tract.
• It is gaining popularity as an anti-diabetic treatment as well. It has been shown to increase insulin production and, through separate pathways, lower blood sugar levels. This use must be monitored closely due to golden seal’s tendency to raise blood pressure, which is a common complication of diabetes.
• Golden seal is also effective for treating skin irritations such as acne, rashes, fungus and bacteria. It is also effective for mouth ulcers and other irritations to the mucous membranes of the mouth.
• Due to its effects on blood vessel tone it has been used to control the bleeding of excessive menstruation and other internal bleeds. This increase in tone also leads to its use to stop persistent external bleeds as well.

Potential Side Effects of Golden Seal

Golden seal use can cause emotional changes and nausea. It may also cause a rise in blood pressure and has been shown in some cases to lower blood sugar levels. Due to its uterine contracting abilities it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Golden seal may irritate the structures of the gastrointestinal tract, especially in those who already have GI disorders. Topical use may cause the skin in the affected areas to become more sensitive to sunlight.

Golden seal may cause an increase in the sedative effect of other herbs or drugs used for sedation. It may also interfere with drugs used to lower blood pressure. Those on blood sugar control medications should monitor their levels closely while taking goldenseal. It may also counter the effects of drugs used to prevent acid reflux or chronic gastric acid issues.

Dosage and Administration

Golden seal can be found in oral forms such as tablets or capsules. These capsules should be taken according to manufacturers suggested dosing. Golden seal may also be found in a powdered form that can be used to make a mouthwash or skin wash as well. Mixing 2 teaspoons of dried golden seal root and 5 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes will yield a good mouthwash or skin wash. This may be used up to 4 times a day.

Author: Alien

Alien writes for Natural herbs . He also writes for herbs and asthma home remedies

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Herbs For Hair Growth

Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. The hair that we see and care so much about is actually nothing but dead cells. The part that is living is below the scalp and is called the follicle. Near the follicle are the sebaceous glands that make the hair look vibrant and shiny. These sebaceous glands make the hair look oily or dry depending on the sebum production.

The following are the uses of herbs for hair growth:

The first positive thing about using herbs for hair growth is that there are no side effects associated with them like the drugs that are available in the market. If you have Lifeless hair, it can be made better with massage with good herbal oil.

•  Applying henna to hair deep conditions it. Henna is a very traditional and widely used treatment for hair growth. This herb is available in tropics. Henna is also used as a natural dye. Henna is mixed with other herbs like gooseberry, coffee and lemon juice. This mixture is a very good cure for hair fall.

•  Massage your hair with warm oil. Take a fresh green coconut and massage some warm coconut milk into the hair. Keep this on for an hour and a half. This will make the hair soft and healthy.

•  Use Aloe Vera gel on the hair once in a week and wash your hair.

•  Hair loss is usually due to infection that harms the follicle. You can get rid of this infection by the use of the water on the hair with Neem leaves that have been boiled for 5 minutes. Neem is considered as a natural disinfectant and doesn't damage the hair shaft. It is also known to cure dandruff, which is also one of the reasons for hair loss.

•  Honey mixed with warm oil and a teaspoonful of cinnamon powder has to be rubbed into the scalp. This should be left on the scalp for around 15 minutes. This helps in hair growth and helps in keeping the hair soft and shiny.

•  Crushed olive leaves mixed with vinegar should be applied on the hair. This a great remedy for hair loss.

•  A paste made of honey and egg yolk is also used for hair growth. To counter the smell caused by egg can be countered by rinsing the hair with lemon juice

Doctors recommend diets rich in nutrients that boost the growth of hair. If your want to stop hair loss you should include lots of 'Vitamin A' rich diet. Eat green leafy vegetables like spinach, milk, sprouted beans and salads. Increase the intake of Protein rich diet and you will naturally healthy hairs which promote hair growth.

Good hair adds beauty to your personality and it is only a healthy body that can be capped with beautiful hair. Eating nutritious diet and protein rich diets that are healthy to your health will add starts to your crowning glory.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_57503_23.html

Author: sai kumar08

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A Great Natural Medicine Site Found

Herbs are natural source of medicine and the field of knowledge in this genre is endless. In some people’s eyes they wouldn’t use anything else other then herbs for remedies and cures, but where do you get advice on this massive subject? Where can you get feedback form people who have used herbs as medicine and have experience on the methods and effect they have had?

I have found a great site that is basically dedicated to herb talk and natural medicines. With a health forum which is a Google PR5 which proves it’s popularity and other sections on nutrition and recipes based on natural herbs and other foods there is a wealth of sections that can be clicked into for advice from others who have the same interest. The site has a wide and active audience and many of the topics will have very useful information on many sources of medicine that people can openly talk about. It is a site where you can register for free and it is quick and easy, then you can ask questions you may have or answer questions given by other members.

I just thought it would be a useful resource for many people reading my blog.

Herbs to Increase Energy

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The body’s ability to produce and utilize energy properly depends on many factors. Biochemically, energy is produced within the mitochondria of body cells as part of a complex process, where glucose from food is converted to adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Certain herbs can activate and economize energy production and utilization. Herbs with this ability are known as ‘adaptogens’. Adaptogens increase the body’s ‘adaptive energy’, which economizes biochemical and physiological responses to ‘stress’ (physical, chemical and biological) and increases disease resistance.

The concept of ‘adaptive energy’, traditionally called ‘vital force’, has its equivalent in Chinese medicine, namely Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). Theory states that adequate production and utilization of Qi is underpinned by the body’s genetic or inherited energy, called Jing. Herbs that increase Qi are called Qi tonics and those that supplement Jing are called Kidney-meridian tonics.

The best known Qi tonics are Panax ginseng (Korean Ginseng) and Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus). Both are defined in the West as adaptogens as well as immune modulators, cardiac tonics and antioxidants. In scientific trials, Korean Ginseng consistently demonstrates an ability to improve muscular strength, maximal oxygen uptake, work capacity, fuel homeostasis, serum lactate, heart rate, visual and auditory reaction times, alertness, and psychomotor skills. In layman terms, this equates with enhanced energy production and utilization resulting in increased physical performance.

Traditionally, Korean Ginseng is combined with Astragalus and modern research demonstrated that this combination has profound anti-fatigue effects, due in part to improved energy metabolism.

As indicated above, herbs with Kidney tonifying properties are essential to the success of any formula treating insufficient or deficient energy. The best known herbs for this purpose are Cordyceps sinensis, commonly called caterpillar mushroom and Withania somnifera or Ashwagandha.

Cordyceps is a highly valued medicinal mushroom in both Chinese medicine and modern clinical practice. Cordyceps helps increase stamina and endurance by enhancing mitochondrial energy production and is one of the top selling sports supplements amongst the worlds' elite competitive athletes.

Withania is also known as Indian Ginseng due to its many therapeutic similarities with Korean Ginseng. It is a highly respected adaptogen and Kidney-meridian tonic with anti-fatigue, anabolic, antiinflammatory, immune modulating, anti-anaemic, cognitive enhancing and aphrodisiac properties.

Three other herbs reinforce the energy enhancing effects of these principle ingredients. Interestingly, all three herbs are commonly known as Ginsengs. That is, Tienchi Ginseng (Panax notoginseng), American Ginseng (Panax pseudoginseng) and Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosis).

Siberian Ginseng rose to fame in 1984 after publication of a study into its effects on Soviet Olympic athletes during challenging training and competition. Athletes using Siberian Ginseng were found to have improved stamina and recovery, increased oxygen uptake and better performance.

By helping economize the body’s energy production and utilization, this combination of herbs can provide balanced support, whatever your level of physical activity.

Author: PaulKeogh

Paul Keogh ND, DMH is a qualified Naturopath and medical herbalist with 20 years combined experience in clinical practice and the development of medicinal-grade, integrated Chinese and western herbal medicines. Paul regularly reviews the benefits of vitamins, supplements and vitamin tablets for different goals and conditions.

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Coriander - Grown But Not Eaten In Bulgaria

Coriander is a fantastic herb for its strong flavour and is produced as a major export food in Bulgaria. It is very rare indeed for Bulgarians who produce so much of it to use it in their National dishes – I really don’t know why?

This aside coriander or cilantro is an annual herb. It is native to south western Asia and west to North Africa. It looks a bit like parsley with its It is a soft, hairless leave growing up to 50 cm in height. The flowers form small umbels coloured white or light pink, asymmetrical, with the petals pointing away from the centre of the umbel longer (5-6 mm) than those pointing towards it (only 1-3 mm long). The seeds, another fantastic food ingredient is round and ranging from 3-5 mm in diameter.

Used sparingly in salads coriander leave ad a ‘zing’ to the taste. Many Asian dishes use coriander alongside many other herbs and spices. The herb is never overpowered in taste, even with the addition of chillies. The coriander seeds give an even stronger flavour and are often lightly dry roasted before being ground or crushed to bring out an even more intense flavour.

Coriander is easy to grow even in the UK if in a sunny sheltered position and of course in pots inside the house on a sunny window ledge would being good results. You can use the seeds from the supermarket or local Asian grocer to plant. You will find that if you do go to your local Asian grocer the leaves and the seeds will be much cheaper and fresher that supermarket produce.

I have introduced coriander to my Bulgarian family and friends in salads and other meat stew dishes, but although they like it, they will not use it and revert back to traditional ingredients where coriander is excluded. The only use they have in Bulgaria is to add coriander to the distilling of rakia – this is done most effectively and the resulting rakia takes on the flavour very successfully.

Elsewhere coriander seeds are used in other alcoholic beverages such as brewing certain styles of beer, particularly some Belgium.

Coriander has many uses in all types of food, but you must remember that always buy and store the seeds whole as ground coriander loses its flavour very quickly.

Basil - An Answer To Flies In The Home

The use of herbs as a natural answer to many problems never ceases to amaze me. Already this summer flied have been a major problem, they sneak into the home and cause havoc and I just can't face the thought of using poison based fly spray to eliminate the problem.

Recently I had a Greek friend staying with me and he suggested I grow basil in containers and keep them in the house. This will keep the filed at bay he assured me as this is what he does in Greece where flies are even more of a problem.

So a few basil transplants from the garden and into some yoghurt containers and I have some indoor basil that sit proudly on my kitchen and dining room window sill. Not only that but the smell of basil is a great to have around the house as well. By the way, Don’t for one moment think that I would go to a garden centre and buy herbs when you can do this for nothing!

All the basil in place and the test was on. There were a couple of times when flies entered the rooms, but they darted out as fast as they came in. It worked a treat. Why didn’t I know about this before with all the suffering I had to go through?

It seems there is a herb answer to most things and now you know.

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Pimpinella Anisum - Or Bettter Known As Anise

Pimpinella anisum or its more common name anise grows in the warmer parts of the world. It probably originates from the Mediterranean area and is a grass-like herb that grows to 60 cm in height and blossoms with a 5 part cluster of white flowers between May and June.

The fruits are harvested in July and August just before full maturity to avoid the fruit dropping. The aniseed-flavoured fruit has distinctive odour and sweet taste. It is normally packaged in a hemp or chetirisloyni paper bags to prevent moisture seeping in. therefore should be stored in dry and ventilated areas.

the herb is used mainly for coughs and associated ailments such as inflammation of the bronchi, laryngitis and angina. Add to this a remedy for pains in the stomach and intestines, gastric mucosal inflammation, colic, flatulence, sand and stones kidneys and bladder problems. Lastly is is known to increase milk in breastfeeding.

In Bulgarian folk medicine is used when thick, insomnia, headache, lack of regulation and painful menstruation, and other hiccups.

You can add 1 teaspoon beaten plodcheta and leave to soak for 1 hour in half a litre hot water, then drink 1 glass of this before meals 4 times a day. Or you can use essential oil with 1-2 drops that can be taken on a sugar lump.

I will be sure to keep an eye out for this in Bulgaria, sounds a pretty useful herb to have n stock although I don’t think it would survive a cold winter here is grown, but maybe as an annual is the raw seeds can be sourced. Being grass like probably would lend itself to being grown in containers to restrict root invasion then perhaps could be sheltered during winter.

Neroli Oil - A Popular Perfume Ingredient

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I had never heard of neroli oil before until I was given a DIY deodorant recipe given to me by a Bulgarian friend, which had this included in the ingredients. Not knowing about it before is not surprising as being a bloke who doesn’t take much interest in perfumes. Well I know about it now and so will you.

Neroli oil is produced from the blossoms and the scent is similar in scent to bergamot produced from the blossom of the bitter orange tree.

The blossoms are pick by hand in late spring and the oil is made from water distillation, as the blossom is to tender a herb to go through the process of steam distillation as with other herbs and spices.

Princess of Nerola first introduced the essence of bitter orange tree as a popular fragrance and used it in her gloves and in the water when bathing. This is where the name comes from. Neroli has a fresh distinctive and quite spicy scent with a flowery characteristic. Its floral oils are used extensively in perfume manufacture. It is a non-toxic, non-irritant oil and over 12% of all perfumes use Neroli now as their main ingredient. It blends well with all citrus and other floral oils. A little know fact is that Neroli oil is also one of the key flavouring components of some Cola based recipes.

Used in aromatherapy and massage treatment, Neroli has a soothing effect on the nervous system. For many years it has been used to relieve tension and anxiety with a marked affect to increase blood circulation. A solution can be made by adding three or four drops of the essential oil to one cup of almond oil. This can be added to grapefruit seed extract to make great oil for massage, but not for children or pregnant women.

Next time I see perfume in the shops I will look at the ingredients to see if I can detect the neroli content.

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Bulgarian Homemade Witch Hazel Deodorant

Witch hazel makes a great deodorant and because of its natural skin-healing and skin-care properties is an ideal replacement for commercial deodorants.

This DIY recipe for witch hazel based deodorant was given to me by a friend who works in a perfume shop and of course using locally produced Rakia with a high alcohol content, the higher the better. You can use vodka if you can’t get hold of Rakia. Here is a Bulgarian homemade recipe you may want to try. It makes 100 ml of deodorant.

You need to get a range of essential oils, which can be easily bought from good health shops or online stores. When you buy stocks they last for years so it is a good investment and of course many of the oils have therapeutic benefits in their own right.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp 50% (or more) proof rakia
• 10 drops geranium oil
• 10 drops cypress oil
• 10 drops rosemary oil
• 5 drops neroli oil
• 5 drops lavender oil
• 40 ml witch hazel
• 25 ml rose water
• 25 ml cornflower water

Method:

1. You need a 100 ml bottle (glass) with a spray attachment to store the deodorant
2. Put the Rakia in the bottle and add the oil one at a time.
3. Give it a good shake so all the oils and alcohol have been thoroughly mixed.
4. The witch hazel should be added into the bottle then the rose and cornflower flower waters.
5. Mix well by shaking the bottle.
6. The deodorant is now prepared and ready for application.
7. You need to shake the deodorant before you apply it each time.

You will feel fresh all day and know that it is doing your skin a world of good.

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Herbs and Witch Doctors

Herbal history shows evidence that medicine men, also know as witch doctors were responsible for health of their tribes. They gathered herbs and even went about performing minor surgical treatment to patients. their job was to provide medical advice and give treatments that was tied up with supernatural elements. They used charms, spells to ward off evil spirits.

The most well-known medicine men and witch doctors are from the American Native Indian societies, mainly because of the American film industry and westerns, therefore research would have been made for this. Medicine men perform ceremonies over the patient with family and friends in attendance. Herbal and other components that are called magic formulas are used along with prayers and a constant rhythm through drumming.

There was an overriding belief that these medicine men were able to contact the gods and with the aid of herbs and supernatural powers the patient would be cured, effectively ridding them of the evil spirits. They had an escape clause though. It the ceremony didn't work it was explained that the evil powers were too strong. A medicine man would have great respect, just like doctor of today in the community. However medicine men would not have had any formal training in medicine and procedures that were learnt were passed down by word of mouth.

Although many herbs would have been used and many would have worked in their own circles, the procedures were more of a psychological practice. We used many of these herbs in the same way today with our scientific knowledge base behind it and leave the psychology to the psychologists. The science has taken away the respect for the medicine men many years ago. The pillar of their society and glamour of their practices has faded, but they have left a legacy of herbal practices that do go on.