Does the thought of a refreshing day by the lake or at the local swimming pool have you jumping up and down for joy or does it have you running to hide?
If you or someone you love suffers from allergies, environmental and/or chemical sensitivities it will be the word “pollen” that is heard instead of “lake vacation” and the words “chlorine overdose” or “bacterial infection” instead of, “pool”.
I would love to share our “Spring & Summer Protection-ade” recipe with you to help you get through these experiences. It has been a great help in our family!
This recipe includes three power herbs that help with so many spring and summer issues that I can’t list them all but I will list a few of them below… (click on the photo to view the recipe full-screen)
Nettles: Prevents allergy symptoms, cleanses the body of toxins (like chlorine), reduces reactions to chemicals and allergens even after exposure, filled with vitamins, minerals and natural nutrients (like all dark greens), reduces inflammation of rashes or red eyes and runny nose, stimulates the lymph system, supports the adrenals and kidneys, helps people who suffer from asthma, and destroys intestinal worms and parasites (the picnic part of the lake trip or the dangers of public pools reminded me of this one 😉
Interesting Folklore: It is said that Milarepa, a Tibetan saint, was said to have lived on nothing but Nettles for many years. This is entirely possible if you look at the nutrient value in just one leaf!
Elderberry: These are amazing little super berries. They are traditionally used for winter flu and cold symptoms so people sometimes forget you can dry them and use them for spring and summer too! They act against all cold and flu-like symptoms which are often the same symptoms a person suffers when experiencing allergies or sensitivities. The antioxidant properties are stronger than vitamin E and C combined. They fight bacterial and viral infections. The juice from them tastes like slightly medicinal berries so keep this in mind if you change the proportions in the recipe.
Interesting Folklore: Elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995.
Note: These berries are poisonous if not cooked and eaten in excess.
Hibiscus: This flower is a superior hydrator so is the perfect herb to prevent summer dehydration. Dehydration is not only dangerous, but also greatly increases symptoms of allergies and sensitivities. Hibiscus balances fluid levels in the body and helps the body fight off or dilute allergens and chemicals that it is exposed to. Hibiscus is high in vitamin C and benefits the immune system, the heart, blood, lungs and throat. It is also said to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Interesting Folklore: It is used as a shampoo in India
I knew about nettles and hibiscus but not elderberry – interesting. But what is the “recipe”?
Hi Elissa! The recipe is on the photo. I did forget to mention that there is one cup of water per tsp. of herb but that is pretty standard so I hope a lot of people can fill that part in…oops on my part…
If not they can read this, hopefully 🙂 or they will ask like you did 🙂 When I say “1 part, etc..” that can be 1 cup, 1 tsp. or 1 TBS. and the water can be adjusted based on 1tsp herb to 1 cup of water 🙂