Marinade for Fish and Seafood - weekend recipe

There is a recipe book that I have that I use so frequently I had to actually go find it to get the title because I just call it the Thyme book.  It is entitled It's about Thyme by Marge Clark.  Marge Clark is considered to be one of the best early herb recipe book writers who was such an advocate for herbs in the 80s and 90s that when she passed away suddenly in an auto accident in 1999 we all lost an generous person willing to share the lessons of her herb and life experiences.  She published only a few books from her home in West Lebanon, Indiana, but all were a combination of herb tips, recipes and personal observations that made herbs so much more approachable for all of us.  I never got to hear her speak in public, but I feel like I know her the personable way she wrote her books.

Marinade for Fish and Seafood

1/2 cup olive oil
juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon thyme leaves, chopped
     or Lemon Verbena leaves, chopped

1/2 Tablespoon French Tarragon (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 fresh green onions, finely chopped, including green tops

Directions:
Combine all ingredients and add to seafood or fish.  Marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, but no more.  Broil, grill or bake according to any appropriate recipe.  Makes about 3/4 cup.

NOTE:  Marinating fish longer than 60 minutes results in "cooking" the fish.

RECIPE THEME:

Each month a theme is chosen and a number of recipes on that theme from my massive archive will be shared.  This year we have 12 new topics, different from the topics of last year.  To find the recipes of last year, check out this recipe link or search the blog with the topic Recipe2018. 

You can search the monthly theme by looking for the theme keyword in the search box and it will pull up the recipes on that theme as posted, so look at the bottom of the recipe in each posting for the KEYWORD in the () to search for each  month.  All recipes this year will be tagged Recipe2019 so you can find them all.

The themes are:

Jan 2019 – Chicken and Dumplings (CDumpsJan)

Feb 2019 - Pasta Dishes (PastaFeb)

March 2019 - Edible Flowers (FlowerMar)

April 2019 - Seafood Recipes (SeafoodApr)

May 2019 - Cajun And Creole

June 2019 - Vegetarian Dishes

July 2019 - Zucchini Recipes

August 2019 - National Mustard Day – mustard recipes

September 2019 - Quiche

October 2019 - Crock Pot meals

November 2019 - Pies

December 2019 - Mocktails

Immunity Boosting Herbs

There are numerous herbs which are known, both through traditional knowledge and modern scientific research, to benefit the immune system. Typically, such herbs work by directly attacking and destroying disease-causing pathogens, increasing the numbers and/or activity of immune cells in the body, or both. Here are some powerful immune-boosting herbs, in no particular order.

1.Astragalus

Astragalus was described by Mark Stengler, ND, as "one of the best herbs in the world for enhancing the protective effects of the immune system." This herb boosts immunity by increasing the numbers and/or enhancing the function of various immune cells in the body, including macrophages, natural killer cells, white blood cells and antibodies. It also stimulates the production of interferon, a potent antiviral compound. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, where astragalus is known as Huang Qi, it is used to help prevent common colds and upper respiratory tract infections.  In the US we call it milkvetch and it grows wild in fields, long roads and other places where the soil has been disturbed.  I posted some more details about this plant back in 2012 among the Wild Herbs I found in Wisconsin.

2.Echinacea

Although the taking of powdered echinacea in tablet form was debunked a number of years ago, further study has revealed it does give the immune system a boost by stimulating the immune cells that patrol the body and fight off disease-causing pathogens when extracted into tinctures. This herb raises both the number and activity of white blood cells, a core component of the body's immune system, and activates interferons, which are required for protective immune defense against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and tumor cells. Echinacea also contains other chemicals which prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, and has even been shown to have anticarcinogenic properties.

One particular study in Germany found that 30 drops of Echinacea tincture taken three times daily helped to enhance the activity of phagocytes, a type of immune cell, in the body by 120% after 5 days of consumption. The direct antiviral properties of Echinacea make it valuable considering the limits of conventional medicine in dealing with viral infections.

I covered some of its other attributes and details of how to grow it and make a tincture from the leaves, flowers and roots in an herb of the week post in 2011

3.Licorice Root

There are two compounds in licorice, glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid, which research has shown to elevate the levels of interferon in the body. This helps to keep the replication of viruses and other pathogens in check. Licorice root is actually found in many Chinese, Ayurvedic, Japanese and even Western formulas for treating infections and infectious diseases. Licorice lozenges and teas are commonly recommended by my herb friends. I shared a tea recipe back in a blog in 2012 

In Europe, physicians have a high regard for licorice root as one of the best herbal treatments for fighting viral hepatitis. Both hepatitis B and hepatitis C are treated intravenously using licorice in Europe.

4.Goldenseal

Goldenseal has been found in research to have antiviral and antibacterial properties, as well as the ability to both increase immune cell production and enhance immune cell activity. 

Be aware however this plant is protected, so wild harvesting is generally not allowed in most places.  Instead try to grow a patch of your own (And no, this is not goldenrod or ragweed the plants that grow everywhere!)

Goldenrod (not Goldenseal)

5. Elderberries 

Elderberries are held in high esteem in areas all over the world. Known for their outstanding ability to ward off and cure the common cold and flu virus, elderberries make some of the most effective remedies and should be a part of everyone’s home healing pantry. In fact in a 1996 report researchers who studied elderberries found that they are 99% effective in fighting the Avian Flu (H5N1) virus. (Nutri-ingredients USA) Make a tincture or enjoy a syrup made with this on your pancakes or ice cream.

6.Garlic

Garlic also contains compounds which fight and destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and even cancer cells. For the best health effect, fresh garlic should be chopped or crushed, left for 10-15 minutes, and then eaten raw.  Do not kiss your partner after trying this, however.

7.Ginseng

American Ginseng

Research in Germany found that Siberian ginseng boosts immunity. In particular, the activity of lymphocytes are enhanced, which are immune cells in the body that fight infection. In addition, Chinese ginseng has also been found to give immune function a boost. American ginseng is also known for its healing properties and as a result it has been over harvested.  There are a number of regulations about harvesting this plant so know yours before you gather it yourself.


Sources for this article include:

Stengler, Mark, ND. The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies: Proven Remedies Medical Doctors Don't Know. New York, NY: Prentice Hall Press, 2010. Print.

Murray, Michael, ND., Pizzorno, Joseph, ND., and Pizzorno, Lara, MA, LMT. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. New York, NY: Atria Books, 2005. Print.

Gaby, Alan R., MD. The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press, 2006. Print.

Haas, Elson M., MD, and Levin, Buck, PhD, RD. Staying Healthy With Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine. New York, NY: Celestial Arts, 2006. Print.

Herb of the Week - Wild herbs

Who says a cell phone cannot take good photos!  This is the view down to the picnic area from the scenic overlook in Eau Galle Recreation Area in Wisconsin where I recently attended a family get together.

I had left my camera in my car which is down in that parking lot you can just bearly see in the photo, so I used my phone to get these shots.  It was only good for that anyway as there was no phone reception here.  That was nice too!

While walking with a couple family members I found several naturally growing herbs and had a great conversation with my nephew about foraging.  If you live in Minneapolis, check out the facebook page Foraging with Friends.  Here is what I found in a short 15 minute treck up the side of an earthen dam.

This is Mullein, it is not yet flowering, but we did see several plants that had shot up the towering yellow spike of flowers that is so indicative of this medicinal herb.

This is a white yarrow or common yarrow (Achillea millefolium).  It is surrounded by purple flowers and  some rue.

Angelica caught my eye as we were driving home from the event and my husband was not thrilled that I made him stop by the side of the road to snap this. 

This one although very unique in shape and flower, has me stumped.  I thought it was Pussy Toes when I first saw it without the flowers open.  However, when I saw the flowers open, then I thought it might be unicorn root.  I could not verify either identification, as I could not find an image, that looked quite like this with the tan striped pods that opens to a 4 petal flower with serrate petals.  If you know what this lovely plant is please let me know so I can improve my mental data base.

It was the season for purple flowers as the thistles, wild asters and astralagus were everywhere.  I took this nice show of astralagus just as we topped the dam.

Astragalus  also known as field milkvetch, purple milkvetch, cock's-head is native to much of western and northern North America from most of Canada to the southwestern United States, as well as eastern Asia. It grows in vernally moist areas such as meadows, and is often found in sagebrush.  It can grow in less than ideal soil, which is probably why it was growing on the steep slope of dam.  With a tap root it can find water and stay anchored on the side of the road or in this case the side of a dam.

This is a perennial herb growing a slender but sturdy stem from an underground caudex. It leans or grows upright to a maximum height near 1 foot. The stem is often roughly hairy. Alternately arranged leaves are up to 4 inches long and made up of several pairs of leaflets up to an inch long each. They are oval to lance-shaped and may have notched tips. The flowers originate in an oval-shaped cluster of purple or pink-tinted to nearly white pealike flowers. Each flower is up to an inch long.

The fruit is an oval-shaped legume pod up to a centimeter long. It is dark colored with white hairs and dries to a papery texture.  The name milkvetch comes from the fact it is used as a grazing crop for milk cows and sheep.  There are many species and some do contain hazardous compounds.

This view made walking up a rather steep earthen dam worth the effort.  The view, like that from the overlook I shared first was such a great bit of Central Wisconsin terrain and vegetation.  It made the effort to find the access road worth, three dead ends! 

By the way those steps were on the water side.  We had to walk up a narrow dirt path from the dry side of the dam!

Crafting Herbal Baths

Herbal baths are deeply relaxing.  They help take the edge off the day, calm and quiet the mind, encourage deep sleep and sometimes are just the comfort one needs in a rough and busy world.  Now that the hectic holiday season is past, we have time to pamper ourselves a bit. Time to read those books we haven't had time for, try some new recipes, and maybe even enjoy some luxurious herbal baths. Depending on the herbs you use and the temperature of the water, you can create a bath that is relaxing, stimulating, uplifting, soothing, decongesting, or otherwise curative. 

Remember that the largest organ of the body is your skin and using it as a way to assimilate toxins and assimilate treatments is the easiest and among the most effective. Unfortunately people tend to shy away from taking baths anymore, opting for showers in an age of efficiency.  People have replaced the slow, peaceful nature of bathing with a quick shower.

Now truly a bath is only soothing if you fit in the bathtub, but now the movement is swinging back to large deep soaking tubs, so people are slowly realizing that they may have lost something in the efficiency of a quick shower.

The temperature of the water will affect the healing quality of the bath.  Cool to tepid is excellent for lowering fever or normalizing the system.  A warm bath is relaxing and soothing to the nervous system.  Cold water is stimulating and contracting and will firm and strengthen the inter system if you are brave enough to endure it.

To make Herbal Baths

To craft an herbal bath, use 3 to 4 ounces of herbs per tub.  Use the herbs to make an extra strong herbal tea; strain and add the tea to the bathwater.  Or you can bundle the mixed herbs in a swatch of cotton fabric and tie it directly onto the nozzle of the tub.  Run hot water through the herbal bundle until the tub is half-filled, then toss the bundle in the tub and adjust the temperature with cold water.  Soak in the bath for 20 to 30 minutes to enjoy the full benefits of the herbs.

Now if you cannot take a soak in the full tub, a hand or foot soak may be the way to go.  Remember all the nerves of the body pass through the feet and hands.  Simply choose an appropriately-sized container and adjust the proportion of herbs to water accordingly.

Herbs with healing properties for the bath:

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)- a building immune system herb especially through the rebuilding of bone marrow.  It has been used for preventing and treating long-term infections including colds and flu.  Because it helps regulate metabolism and circulation it is good with dietary sugars and may be used by some to treat diabetes.

Black cohosh - has many estrogen-like qualities and is used often by menopausal women.  It is especially good at relieving the stress and nervous tension that often accompanies the menstrual cycle.  Black Cohosh should not be used during pregnancy.

Burdock -  is used often in tea and tinctures.  In the bath it is great for itchy, irritated skin.

Calendula – great for your hair as well as your body, this herb in the bath is great for treating burns, sores, bruises and skin ulcers.  And as a hair rinse it is best for brown and blond hair.

Chamomile – beyond its well-known soothing abilities as a tea chamomile in the bath is very soothing and works as a powerful anti-inflammatory.  It is also effective with sore and achy muscles.  It is considered gentle enough to use in a baby’s bath.

Dandelion – this herb is bitter and not always the best tasting, however it has restorative and rejuvenating properties that you can use in the bath and avoid the bitter taste. 

Mullein – known for its ability to speed healing and ease pain from bruising this can be useful in a bath blend.

Lavender – can be taken internally and externally for relaxation, but its best use is an antibiotic and anti spasmodic.  So toss some in the bath and enjoy the aroma and the benefits to skin.

Lemon Balm - helps to dispel nervous anxiety and gladden the heart.

Peppermint – will induce perspiration and eliminate body toxins.  It can also reduce head congestion.

Rose petals  - are soothing both for the skin and for the nervous system.

St. John’s Wort – an herb that gets a great deal of press for treating depression and giving healing, but it is also a great herb of back pain because of its work within nerve tissue.

Thyme  - is good for infections and inflammations.  The active ingredient in thyme is an exceptional antiseptic.  Added to the bath it is a wonderful treatment for ailments and germ fighting.  Great in foot baths as well.

The Backyard Patch has a large number of Bath Bags and Sachets to try if you want to experiment with the soothing properties of a bath.  Check out our listings at Ebay.  And this winter we developed a bath sampler with three heat-sealed tea bags containing three different bath blends.  You can find this in our SAMPLER listings.