We aren’t sure how much you use spice blends, but if you are like most people, chances are you go through them quickly. Maybe you get the crazy idea to try your hand at making your own spice blends for a change! Once you do that and realize the difference in flavor, you may never go back to store bought blends. Such is the case for this homemade chili seasoning, which is free of preservatives and additives.

Chili seasoning is not solely reserved for your favorite batch of chili; rather you can add it to salad dressings or other dishes. You most likely have the spices you need to make this chili seasoning in your spice cabinet or drawer. If ever you need to make more, you can buy more individual spices and create the spice blend. The great thing about that is that you will avoid the harmful ingredients, especially excess amounts of sodium, found in pre-mixed seasonings and packets.

A chili seasoning packet seems convenient, but not in regards to your health. In stores, a pre-mixed packet of chili seasoning can contain anti-caking agents and artificial flavors. In reality, chili seasoning typically consists of five to eight spices. Those spices usually include chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a few others. You can always customize the ingredients to tailor the flavor to your liking. And as a final note, chili powder is not the same as chili seasoning. That’s that!

SHARE:

The post Homemade Chili Seasoning appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Curtido is a fermented Salvadorian slaw made with cabbage, carrots, onions, and oregano. It is easy to make and is chock-full of beneficial probiotics that encourage healthy digestion. It typically accompanies pupusas, but you can enjoy it on its own as a healthy side dish. In fact, curtido has a slightly crunchy texture and fresh and clean flavor that is highly addicting!

The great thing about curtido is that the flavor only gets better the longer it ferments. It will keep fresh in the fridge for months, so long as you preserve it in an airtight container. Think of this side dish or condiment like the Central American version of sauerkraut. It’s fun and easy to make, and you can customize it based on your taste preferences. For example, this recipe includes optional slices of jalapeño, but you don’t have to include it if you don’t appreciate spice. We have to say that it gives it a powerful kick that is pleasant and addicting.

The key to making a great curtido is slicing the ingredients evenly. Much like coleslaw, you don’t want super think slices of carrot mixed in with thin cabbage slices. For this reason, remove a couple outer leaves of cabbage and save them for jarring. At that point, you can use a mandoline slicer or cheese grater to shred/grate the ingredients. Jar the ingredients and let the fermentation begin!

SHARE:

The post Curtido (Fermented Salvadorian Slaw) appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Get ready to enjoy hardy texture and savory flavor of these homemade vegan meatballs. Packed with protein and fiber, these meatballs can be made in under 30 minutes. They are perfect for your weeknight dinner or your next vegan pasta night. This recipe doesn’t include pasta instructions, but we have faith that you can tackle the difficult task of boiling noodles. We did, however, provide a simple marinara sauce, which you may want to doctor up to your liking.

The great thing about the sauce and the vegan black bean meatballs is that you can make them your own. For example, if you want to give the meatballs and Italian flair, add up to one teaspoon each of dried oregano and parsley flakes. If you want to impart a flavor that helps the meatballs mimic the flavor of Italian sausage, add a teaspoon of fennel seeds and a half teaspoon of dried basil. You can continue experimenting with flavors to the point where you transform this recipe into sweet and sour meatballs. We do have to say that once you venture outside of the Italian flavor profile, you may want to ditch the marinara sauce. Teriyaki meatballs may not go great with a red sauce!

Once you make the meatballs, you have to bake them in the oven. The meatballs require about 20 minutes to bake, during which you make the sauce. Let that sauce simmer the entire time the meatballs are baking in the oven and then introduce them to the sauce directly after baking. Simmer on the stove for an additional five minutes or so and then serve with the sauce.

SHARE:

The post Vegan Black Bean Meatballs appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A raw vegan soup involves three simple steps: prepare ingredients, blend ingredients, and serve in bowls. You can chop the ingredients that you are going to blend any which way because the blender does the heavy lifting. What sets this recipe apart from the rest is the addition of avocado. Occasionally, you see people top their raw soups with chopped avocado or cucumber, but this recipe blends the avocado with the other ingredients. That results in a thicker, creamier raw soup that is way more filling than your average gazpacho or raw soup.

The great thing about this soup is that it contains a lovely mixture of seasonings that give the ingredients a little extra va-va-voom. What we mean by that is that the dried basil, oregano, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper give the tomatoes, bell pepper, and avocado an extra umph. After it finishes blending, you open the blender and the aroma makes you salivate. The aromatics wake up your taste buds, readying them for a uniquely satisfying and flavorful dish. The most important thing is that you eat it right away because you don’t want to waste the fresh ingredients. If you make this recipe, let us know how you like it in the comments below.

SHARE:

The post Raw Tomato Gazpacho appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Have you ever purchased pre-made tomato soup from the grocery store? Many well-known brands offer their signature soups that often come in plastic containers. Next time you go to the store, check the nutrition label and notice how much sodium is in the entire container. Always pay attention to the serving size because there are often four or more servings in one of those containers, and you may eat at least two servings at a time.

This vegan tomato soup is not only made from whole food ingredients, but it also is very low in sodium. In fact, the potassium content in tomatoes works to regulate blood pressure by eliminating excess sodium in the body. Additionally, the lycopene in tomatoes that gives them their signature red hue may lower cholesterol levels and inflammation. The fiber in tomatoes, while helping to improve digestion, plays a role in lowering cholesterol, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Finally, the vitamin C in tomatoes works together with lycopene to help regulate blood pressure.

Although this is a tomato soup, there is more to the soup than the tomatoes. The aromatic basil is truly the best complement to the acidic tomato. There is some oregano in this soup, but adding too much makes it taste like marinara sauce. You want to achieve the perfect balance with your soup and this recipe may be the exact equation you need for deliciousness!

SHARE:

The post Vegan Tomato Basil Soup appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Get ready for a refreshing and herbaceous take on a classic slaw. Perfect on its own or for accompanying your Middle Eastern feast, this Lebanese slaw is fresh, crunchy, and very addicting. The flavorful, aromatic herbs, citrusy zest of the lemon, and rich olive oil keep you coming back bite after bite. If this is your first experience with a Middle Eastern slaw, we can’t wait to hear what you think of it.

Traditionally, Lebanese slaw contains mint, but we added parsley and dill to the recipe as well. This holy trifecta of herbs will maximize your flavor and turn the deliciousness factor up to 11. Plus, the crispy bite of the chopped scallions beautifully contrasts the intensity of the dill and mint. It’s almost like a Shirazi salad, which contains the same herbs and the addition of cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.

The real star of this slaw, though, is the Za’atar spice. This traditional Middle Eastern spice mixture is commonly used in savory dishes, but it has a place in light and fresh dishes as well. Throughout history, there have been several variations of this spice blend, but several ingredients tend to remain the same. You can purchase Za’atar spice in the store, or you can easily make your own if you have the spices on hand. It typically contains sesame seeds, sea salt, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried marjoram, and ground sumac.

SHARE:

The post Herbaceous Lebanese Slaw appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A garden is a tranquil sanctuary that provides endless opportunities. You can use it to grow food or you can harness the power of herbs to benefit your health. You don’t even need a garden! Purchase pots, soil, and small herbs, give them love, sunshine, and water, and then prepare them in various ways. From tinctures and syrups to teas and seasonings, herbs have myriad uses and can help improve memory, reduce arthritis symptoms, and even fight the common cold.

Some herbs thrive outdoors, while others grow better indoors. At the end of the day, you can easily grow them in pots without the need for a plot of land. Even if you live in an apartment and only have a five-foot by seven-foot balcony, you can grow the herbs in this article. Reap the health benefits of herbs year round when you grow them at home. Continue reading to learn more about starting your medicinal, herbal garden. 

Aloe Vera

Every person can benefit from inviting aloe vera into their life. The gel has soothing, cooling, antibacterial, emollient, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s possible to use it to reduce the pain and itchiness of sunburns, or even add to smoothies to encourage healthier digestion. Apply it to the skin to help reduce acne or the symptoms of eczema and rosacea. It’s a hardy plant that grows indoors and outdoors. Bring it inside during colder months and leave it outside in the warmer months. Just make sure it doesn’t have full sun exposure, because it will wilt. 

Rosemary

Rosemary is a shrub that has woody stems and aromatic needles. The rosemarinic acid in the needles have powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties. Several studies found that the antioxidants in rosemary exhibit anti-cancer effects, while the anti-fungal properties proved effective against listeria and H. pylori. For a healthy rosemary plant, make sure the soil is properly aerated. Water only when the soil is dry. It can take a while to grow, but don’t be afraid to trim the leaves if you want to cook with them. 

Tulsi

Known for its antioxidant, adaptogenic, immune-boosting, antidepressant, and mucus expelling properties, tulsi is a wonderful herb to grow at home. You may be more familiar with tulsi’s other name, holy basil. It’s a traditional folk herb that is beneficial for improving cognitive abilities, making it great for the elderly. Tulsi enjoys full sun in temperate areas, but it also likes shade in warmer climates. Make sure to trim the shoots and early flowers, just like regular basil, if you want a health plant. 

Oregano

Oregano is a classic culinary spice, but it boasts some powerful health benefits. Several studies examined carvacrol, the compound in oregano that may help protect against arthritis. Other studies found beneficial antioxidants in oregano that exhibited abilities to slow the growth of certain cancers. The polyphenols may even help reduce a person’s risk of other chronic diseases. It’s a perennial plant that requires natural light. It’s the perfect windowsill plant! Just leave it in the window for six hours a day and make sure the soil is completely dry before you water it. 

Lemongrass

Lemongrass has a beautiful, refreshing aroma that is a staple herb in Indian, Caribbean, Chinese, and Brazilian folk medicine. Most modern research focuses on the benefits of lemongrass essential oil, but actual lemongrass helps reduce anxiety, stress, insomnia symptoms, and the duration of colds and flus. You can use it in stocks, soups, or you can brew it into an aromatic tea. Lemongrass thrives in pots, and should be taken indoors during the winter. It has a tendency to take over a garden, so growing it in a pot prevents this. Lemongrass prefers full sun and quick-drying soil. 

Thyme

It’s common for health care workers in Europe to use thyme in many of their cold & flu products. Studies have shown that thyme has the ability to reduce symptoms of bronchitis, asthma, and even emphysema. Other studies found that thyme exhibited expectorant and antibacterial properties, making it great if you need to rid excess mucus from the body. It’s possible to propagate thyme from cuttings, but it’s easy to purchase a small new plant. Keep it in a small pot in the windowsill so that it gets ample light. You don’t even have to water it a lot because it is drought-resistant. 

SHARE:

The post 6 Medicinal Herbs You Can Grow In A Pot appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Bone broth has become one of the new “it” foods, but most people are not aware that the benefits from this broth are primarily attributed to the vegetables. Additionally, pre-packaged bone broth contains excess sodium and processed ingredients for extended shelf life. When it comes to a broth or stock that will actually make you feel the difference, you need to get back to basics, and by basics we mean herbs and vegetables.

Herbs are commonly used for seasoning meals, but many people forget that fresh herbs can contain antimicrobial, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and even antifungal properties. The herbs in your kitchen or garden can almost be thought of as a natural medicine cabinet, from which you can pull ingredients that can strengthen the immune system.

Bone Broth Vs. Vegetable Stock

Bone broth contains the collagen and amino acids from animal bones, cartilage, and skin. Drinking collagen, however, does not increase collagen levels in the body. In fact, it is the collagen boosting properties of herbs and vegetables, which are used to make and flavor bone broths, that are beneficial. Cut out the bone element and simply make a vegan-friendly broth to build immune strength. Some of the benefits from the key ingredients in the stock recipe in this article are listed below.

Garlic

The compound in garlic that gives it the potent smell is known as allicin, which has been proven to reduce the risk of getting sick by 63 percent. Allicin works to stimulate immune function, helping the body fight foreign invaders, including bacteria and viruses.

Onion

You know what they say, “You can’t have garlic without onion,” or maybe that’s just a saying we made up right now. Onions contain allicin and another compound known as quercetin, both of which are responsible for giving onions the expectorant, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial properties. While onions are especially useful for improving respiratory health, they also contain prebiotics that feed your gut to promote a healthier microbiome.

Rosemary

Rosemary has been used for thousands of years to strengthen the body’s ability to fight off respiratory infections and fevers. Rosemary is wonderful for any soup or stock, offering a beautiful aromatic flavor, but that’s not the only reason to use it. The antioxidants in rosemary also help to improve digestion and relieve muscle pain.

Oregano

Oregano has gained popularity in the natural health world lately, primarily because of its effectiveness as fighting the Staphylococcus strain bacteria. The diaphoretic properties of oregano help to reduce fever during the immune system’s response to an infection. The antibacterial properties of oregano also help to fight against salmonella and E. coli bacteria.

Ingredients For Stock:

• 2 medium brown onions, thinly sliced
• 1 head of garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 3 dried bay leaves
• handful of rosemary sprigs, rinsed
• handful of thyme sprigs, rinsed
• handful of sage leaves, rinsed,
• handful of oregano sprigs, rinsed
• 4 liters of water

Instructions For Stock:

• Add all of the ingredients to a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and then immediately reduce to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The stock should reduce by about a quarter.
• Remove the pot from the stove and use a slotted spoon to remove the large solids from the pot. Strain the remaining liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into another pot to remove debris and solids.
• Divide the broth into one or two-cup capacity jars and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week, but you can store them in the freezer for up to three months.

SHARE:

The post Recipe: Boost Your Immune System With This Garden Herb Stock appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Herbs can play a huge role in helping the body achieve optimum health. Whether the goal is to help remedy open wounds, aid digestion, boost the immune system, or lower cholesterol, herbs can be a viable, all-natural solution. Certain herbs have even been used for hundreds of years to naturally remedy a variety of health conditions.

What Are Herbs?

Herbs are plants that have a specific flavor, scent, and medicinal properties. They can be used in both culinary and medicinal fields, and they are appreciated/used differently around the world. Different cultures have learned to use herbs in various ways to treat things such as dysentery, bowel troubles, respiratory problems, or to help improve organ function.

Benefits of Herbs

Herbs can be used or consumed in a variety of ways to reap their benefits. You can inhale the aroma of an herb’s essential oil or brew fresh herbs into teas. Depending on what you are trying to achieve, you must use the herbs accordingly. Some herbs have anti-inflammatory properties and can help remedy conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel ailments, or osteoporosis. Other herbs can help balance blood sugar levels, which is great for diabetes patients.

What follows is a list of some very common, yet extremely powerful, herbs that you can incorporate into your everyday life.

Basil

Basil has been known to calm the mind when consumed fresh or drunk as a tea. It has stress relieving properties, but its aroma can help to boost energy levels. The antimicrobial and anti-aging effects work to keep your skin healthy and youthful; it’s also a beneficial insect repellent. Keep a bunch of basil fresh by placing the stems in water at room temperature. Do not keep it in the fridge.

Sage

Sage contains a lot of vitamin K, which helps to maintain healthy bones. You can actually chew sage or drink sage tea to help naturally remedy conditions like psoriasis or arthritis. When consumed, sage helps to fight free radicals in the body. Sage can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks, but make sure it is wrapped in a damp paper towel.

Parsley

Parsley is incredibly rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that work to kill cancer cells. These antioxidants include apigenin, luteolin, coumarins, and quercetin, among several others. The other nutrients in parsley, like manganese, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, all work separately to decrease oxidative damage and reduce kidney and liver toxicity. Keep parsley fresh by storing it the same was as basil (see above).

Dill

Dill is actually packed with flavonoids and B-vitamins, both of which have a calming effect on the brain. Consuming dill seeds can help to freshen your breath and soothe the digestive system. Did you know that 1 tablespoon of dill seeds contains more calcium than one-third cup of milk? To keep dill fresh, wrap it in a damp paper towel and store it in the fridge.

Rosemary

Rosemary has antioxidants, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that help boost the immune system and promote healthy circulation. It has been known to help fight off staph infections and enhance one’s overall well-being. Rosemary has incredible anti-aging benefits, which can be reaped from both the essential oil and the plant itself. Keep rosemary fresh by storing it the same way as dill.

Oregano

Oregano is a beneficial, heart-healthy herb with tons of omega-3 fatty acids. It is also a great herb to help detox the body and promote healthy liver function. You can also use oregano oil topically on the skin for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Store it the same way you would rosemary or dill.

Thyme

Recent studies have shown that thyme extract has the ability to reduce the heart rate in rats with high blood pressure. Additionally, it was also helpful in lowering cholesterol levels. Thyme has many health benefits, including the ability to help the formation of red blood cells. It can also help relieve lupus, fibromyalgia, arthritis, Hashimoto’s disease, and vertigo. Loosely wrap thyme in a damp paper towel and keep it in the warmest part of the fridge, like the door, for optimum freshness. 

SHARE:

The post The Benefits Of Herbs & Why You Need Them In Your Life appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Viruses exist everywhere, and they can cause health conditions like hepatitis, mononucleosis, HIV, the flu, and even the common cold. While many people commonly opt to get an annual flu shot (influenza vaccination), studies have shown that it is only 80% effective, due to the fact that this virus has mutating strains. Additionally, vaccines don’t properly educate your immune system and they can contain preservatives and chemicals. Wouldn’t it be better if you could use all natural herbs to fight off viruses without harming the body?

Facts About Viruses

A virus is a microscopic organism that can exist almost anywhere on the planet. Viruses can spread through sneezing, coughing, person-to-person contact, sexual contact, or by entering the body through food or water. More often than not, viruses infect plants, fungi, animals, humans, and bacteria. Some viruses are fatal, while others can make you feel ill for only a day or so. Consisting of genetic material, viruses cannot replicate without a host, which classifies them as parasites. Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on the planet.

So What Do Antiviral Herbs Do?

When you consume foods that keep your immune system strong, you have a better chance of fighting off viruses. Antiviral herbs can help to inhibit the development of viruses because they boost the immune system, which helps the body attack viral pathogens. Antiviral herbs also contain anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and healthy digestive properties.

#1: Echinacea

Echinacea is an amazing herb that is loaded with antimicrobial properties, which are great for the immune system. All varieties of the echinacea herb have phenol compounds. At a base level, phenols protect plants from UV radiation damage and infections. The active substances in phenols control enzymes and cell receptors, and their active antioxidants make them great for keeping human cells healthy.

#2: Astragalus Root

Astragalus root has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years, primarily for enhancing immune function. Several studies have shown that astragalus’ antiviral properties help to stimulate the immune system and inhibit the development of the common cold or flu.

#3: Ginger

If you keep up with our web content, you know that we love ginger. One of our favorite things about ginger is that it helps to cleanse the lymphatic system, also known as the body’s sewage system. It also helps to flush toxins from your organs. Did we mention that ginger prevents the body from accumulating toxins that can make you sick or susceptible to bacterial infections? Well, it does that too!

#4: Oil of Oregano

While fresh oregano is tasty, the health benefits come alive when it is distilled to extract the essential oil. Oil of oregano contains carvacrol and thymol, both of which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Carvacrol is responsible for reversing viral infections, allergies, parasites, and reducing inflammation.

#5: Cat’s Claw

This herb has a lot of bark, not meow! Okay…that was terrible. People in South America have actually used the bark of cat’s claw as a natural remedy for fevers and digestive conditions, like dysentery, for centuries. Cat’s claw has powerful antiviral properties that can be used to help reduce one’s viral load, and early studies show that it may be beneficial for HIV patients, but more research needs to be conducted.

#6: Elderberry

Elderberry has been popularly used in many cultures for its ability to help fight viral infections, herpes, influenza, and bacterial infections. Almost all of the elderberry plant is usable. You can use the bark, leaves, roots, and flowers, which can be beneficial to brew into a tea when you have the flu. Make an elderberry syrup to boost immune function by clicking here.

#7: Olive Leaf

The antiviral properties of olive leaf have been known to fight back against the common cold and more serious viruses like meningitis, pneumonia, hepatitis B, malaria, gonorrhea, and candida symptoms. Recent research has shown that the extract of olive leaf can fight against viruses that cause influenza or respiratory infections. Olive leaf extract’s compounds can also kill invading organisms, making it so viruses cannot replicate to spread infection.

SHARE:

The post 7 Antiviral Herbs That Enhance Your Immune System appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.