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🌿Herbs High in Magnesium

Published by MyAdmin on July 23, 2025 Respond

Why We Need Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for over 300 biochemical processes in the body. It plays a key role in energy production, nerve function, muscle contraction and relaxation, and regulating blood pressure. It also supports bone health, helps the body produce proteins and DNA, and aids in maintaining a healthy heart rhythm. Deficiency can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, irritability, and even heart irregularities, making it important to ensure a steady intake through diet and herbs.

  1. Nettle (Urtica dioica)
    • Traditionally used as a tonic for energy and minerals.
    • Often prepared as a tea or steamed like spinach.
  2. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
    • Easy to grow, rich in vitamins and minerals including magnesium.
    • Use fresh in salads, juices, or teas.
  3. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
    • Contains magnesium and antioxidants.
    • Add fresh to salads, sauces, or infuse as tea.
  4. Coriander / Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
    • Seeds and leaves both contain magnesium.
    • Use as a garnish, in curries, or as herbal tea.
  5. Dandelion Greens (Taraxacum officinale)
    • Excellent for detox and mineral replenishment.
    • Use fresh in salads or steep as tea.
  6. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
    • Contains moderate magnesium levels and supports digestion.
    • Enjoy as a refreshing tea.

Some medicinal herbs don’t just provide magnesium but also improve how your body absorbs and uses it. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) supports healthy digestion, ensuring better mineral uptake. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) reduces stress and relaxes the gut, both of which can improve nutrient absorption. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) calms the nervous system, helping to reduce magnesium loss caused by stress. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) supports gut health and reduces inflammation, which can enhance mineral absorption overall. Adding these herbs to meals or teas can make magnesium-rich foods and supplements more effective.

Here are three simple remedies high in magnesium using foods and herbs:

1. Magnesium-Rich Green Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh spinach (or nettle leaves, blanched if fresh)
  • ½ avocado
  • 1 banana
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
  • 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

How to Use: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Drink once daily for a quick magnesium boost.
Why It Works: Spinach, avocado, and pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, while the healthy fats improve nutrient absorption.

2. Magnesium-Boost Herbal Tea

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon dried nettle leaves
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint leaves
  • ½ teaspoon dried ginger root
  • 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers

How to Use:

  • Steep in 2 cups of hot water for 10–15 minutes.
  • Strain and drink warm.
    Why It Works: Nettle and peppermint provide magnesium, while ginger and chamomile improve absorption and relax the digestive system.

3. Magnesium Relaxation Bath (External Remedy)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate)
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

How to Use:

  • Add to a warm bath and soak for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a week.
    Why It Works: Magnesium can absorb through the skin, relaxing muscles and reducing stress, which helps prevent magnesium loss.
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African Pepper (Xylopia aethiopica)

Published by Admin on June 6, 2025 1

🌱 Intro

🌱 Introduction and history
Xylopia aethiopica, commonly known as African Pepper or African Guinea Pepper, is a perennial evergreen tree native to West and Central Africa. Traditionally used in culinary and spiritual practices, its dried fruit pods have a spicy, peppery flavor akin to black pepper and are widely used in African cuisines. Historically, African Pepper was also traded across the Mediterranean and Arab world for its aromatic and medicinal properties.

💊 Medicinal Benefits
African Pepper is revered in traditional medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and analgesic effects. It is used to:

  • Relieve gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating and indigestion.
  • Alleviate respiratory issues like coughs and bronchitis.
  • Assist in postpartum recovery.
  • Soothe rheumatic pain and muscle tension.

Note: May cause skin irritation or sensitivity in some individuals.

📅 When to Plant in South Africa
The best time to plant African Pepper in South Africa is from late September to early November (spring). Use well-established seedlings or start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting.

🏡 Where to Plant
Ideal for subtropical and tropical climates, plant African Pepper in the ground in a sunny, sheltered spot. It’s best suited to warm areas like Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga.

🌞 Soil, Water & Sunlight Requirements
✅ Soil: Rich, loamy, and well-draining with good organic content.
✅ Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
✅ Water: Water moderately and consistently. Avoid waterlogging.
✅ Fertilize: Apply compost or a balanced organic fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
✅ Spacing: Trees should be spaced 3–4 meters apart.
✅ Seeds germinate: In 2–4 weeks with warmth and moisture.
✅ Transplanting: Transplant when seedlings are 15–20 cm tall and after the last frost.
✅ Maturity height: Grows 10–20 meters tall under ideal conditions.

🍓 Flowers & Fruit
It produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that give way to slender, dark brown pods (3–5 cm long). These aromatic pods are harvested and dried for use as a spice or medicine.

🌼 Companion Plants
African Pepper benefits from growing near nitrogen-fixing plants such as pigeon pea or cowpea, which enrich the soil. Avoid crowding with large-rooted trees.

🐛 Common Pests
Watch for aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap as a natural treatment.

🧺 Harvesting
Harvest pods once they turn dark brown and begin to dry on the tree—usually 2–3 years after planting. Use pruning shears to avoid damaging branches.

🫙 Storage
Dry the pods completely and store them in airtight glass jars in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, they can retain flavor and potency for up to 12 months.

🧪 How to Use as Medicine
African Pepper is commonly used in traditional remedies:

  • Infusion: Simmer a few crushed pods in hot water to relieve coughs or menstrual cramps.
  • Poultice: Ground pods mixed with shea butter for topical pain relief.
  • Decoction: Used in steam baths for colds and sinus issues.

🎉 Fun Fact
African Pepper is also called “Negro Pepper” or “Grains of Selim” and is one of the few indigenous spices to gain popularity across both traditional medicine and modern culinary circles in West Africa.

⚠️ Caution
Not recommended for pregnant women due to its uterine-stimulating effects. Always consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider before use.

🌿 Add a spicy spark to your Earthborn garden with African Pepper!
This multipurpose plant is perfect for those who love flavor, fragrance, and function. Start planting today and discover the power of ancient African spice medicine in your own backyard.

#EarthBornGrower #AfricanPepper #XylopiaAethiopica #Herbs #SpiceGardening
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🌿 3 Remedies Using Citronella Grass

Published by Admin on May 20, 2025 Respond

🦟 1. Natural Insect Repellent Spray
Citronella’s essential oils effectively repel mosquitoes, flies, and midges.

Ingredients:

  • 10 drops citronella essential oil
  • 5 drops eucalyptus oil (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons witch hazel or vodka
  • ¼ cup distilled water
  • Small spray bottle

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray onto exposed skin and clothing every 2–3 hours when outdoors.

Disclaimer:
Always do a patch test on your inner arm before full use. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and broken skin. Not suitable for infants under 6 months.

🛁 2. Muscle-Soothing Bath Infusion
Citronella’s anti-inflammatory properties help relax sore muscles and ease tension.

Ingredients:

  • 1 handful fresh citronella leaves (or 2 tbsp dried)
  • 2 cups boiling water

Instructions:
Steep leaves in boiling water for 15–20 minutes. Strain and add the infusion to a warm bath. Soak for 20 minutes.

Dosage: Use once or twice per week.

Disclaimer:
Do not use if you have sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema. Consult a doctor before using during pregnancy.

🌬️ 3. Aromatherapy for Stress Relief
Citronella oil can uplift your mood and reduce fatigue.

Instructions:
Add 3–5 drops of citronella essential oil to a diffuser filled with water. Run for 30 minutes in a well-ventilated room.

Dosage: Up to twice daily.

Disclaimer:
Essential oils are potent. Do not ingest. Use only in diffusers meant for essential oils. Keep away from pets and children while diffusing.

🧠 Important Note
Citronella oil should always be diluted before use on skin. Avoid internal use unless under the supervision of a qualified herbal practitioner.

✨ Have you tried any of these citronella-based remedies? Let us know in the comments or tag us in your garden apothecary creations!
#EarthbornRemedies #CitronellaGrass #NaturalWellness #MosquitoRepellent #HerbalMedicine

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🌿 3 Herbal Remedies with Danshen Root (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

Published by on March 26, 2025 Respond

Danshen Root, or Chinese red sage, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over two millennia. With its potent cardiovascular and liver-supporting properties, it’s earned a reputation as one of the most powerful heart-protective herbs on the planet.

In this post, we’ll guide you through how to harvest, prepare, and use Danshen Root for medicinal purposes — with three easy recipes you can try at home.

⚠️ Important: Always consult with a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider before using herbal medicine, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking blood thinners (like Warfarin), or have heart conditions.

🌱 Harvesting & Drying Danshen Root

Danshen is ready to harvest 2–3 years after planting. Choose a sunny day in late summer or early autumn when the plant’s energy is stored in the roots.

Harvesting Tips:

  • Dig around the base carefully to avoid damaging the roots.
  • Wash thoroughly, then slice into thin strips.
  • Dry in a dehydrator or hang in a well-ventilated area until brittle.

Once dried, store in an airtight glass jar away from sunlight.

💊 Medicinal Properties of Danshen

  • Cardioprotective: Improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces clotting.
  • Liver detox: Supports bile flow and helps eliminate toxins.
  • Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant: Contains salvianolic acids and tanshinones.
  • Menstrual support: Helps relieve pain from stagnation.
  • Skin healing: Can be used topically for wounds and inflammation.

🍵 Recipe 1: Danshen Root Tea (Infusion)

Best for: Daily cardiovascular support & general wellness

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp dried Danshen root (about 2–3g)
  • 250 ml hot water

Instructions:

  1. Place Danshen root in a teapot or cup.
  2. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the root.
  3. Steep for 15–20 minutes.
  4. Strain and enjoy up to 2x per day.

🧪 Dosage: Start with 1 cup per day. Do not exceed 6g dried root daily unless advised by a professional.

💧 Recipe 2: Danshen Root Tincture (Alcohol Extract)

Best for: Long-term storage & concentrated use

Ingredients:

  • 100g dried Danshen root
  • 500 ml vodka or brandy (40–50% alcohol)

Instructions:

  1. Chop or crush dried root for maximum surface area.
  2. Add root to a sterilized glass jar and cover with alcohol.
  3. Label, seal, and store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks.
  4. Shake daily.
  5. Strain and bottle in amber dropper jars.

🧪 Dosage: 1–2 ml (20–40 drops) 1–3 times daily. Start small and increase gradually.

🧴 Recipe 3: Danshen Healing Salve

Best for: Bruises, muscle aches, and wound healing

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp Danshen root powder or finely crushed dried root
  • 1 cup olive oil (infused)
  • 30g beeswax
  • Optional: 10 drops lavender or tea tree oil

Instructions:

  1. Gently warm olive oil and root together in a double boiler for 2 hours.
  2. Strain well through cheesecloth.
  3. Return oil to heat, add beeswax and stir until melted.
  4. Add essential oils (optional), pour into tins or jars, and let cool.

🧪 Use: Apply to affected area 1–2x daily.

⚠️ Safety & Contraindications

  • Not recommended during pregnancy or for people on anticoagulants.
  • Avoid combining with aspirin or other blood thinners unless supervised.
  • Discontinue use 2 weeks before surgery.
  • Monitor for side effects like nausea, dizziness, or allergic reactions.

🌟 Closing Thoughts

Danshen Root is a treasure trove of healing power, especially for heart and liver health. When harvested and prepared with intention, it becomes a deeply grounding plant ally in your herbal apothecary. If you need help on how to cultivate your own Danshen Root, check out our guide here

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