cloves | Marian Buck Murray

Cloves -- Nature's tiny energy booster. — Cloves — Nature’s tiny hero.

About a week ago I came down with a strange little virus. I had a very sore throat, along with a number of canker sores in my mouth. Yuk, not pleasant. I was weak, tired, and I felt like I could sleep for-ever. But, because it was the day before my daughter Rosalie’s 16^th birthday, I was determined to get better FAST.

So, I loaded myself up with Kombu-Shiitake Stock, EmergenC, and Umeboshi Plum — anything to boost my immunity. Unfortunately, none of this was helping my throat — or my mouth. And that’s when I remembered — CLOVES.

Back in the old days, before ibuprofen and novocaine, cloves were used to soothe tooth aches. They are very effective at numbing pain. I knew this, so I decided to try some clove tea, a remedy I’ve used before as an afternoon pick-me-up.

It worked! After a couple of cups, my throat and mouth felt much better. I kept it up, got lots of rest and drank quarts of Kombu stock. And I got better – just in time for Rosalie’s birthday celebration.

Clove tea is super easy to make. Put a pinch of whole cloves, approx. 5 or 6, in a tea ball or filter. Put the tea ball in a cup, fill with boiling water, and steep for 3-4 minutes. You can add honey to taste, although it tastes good without.

As I said, I’ve also used Clove Tea as a pick-me-up. I got the idea from my friend and teacher, Herbalist Letha Hadady, www.asianhealthsecrets.com. Cloves are fabulous for boosting energy. They warm and energize the adrenal glands, enabling them to provide you with more energy.

According to Ancient Chinese Medicine, cloves also relieve nausea, hiccups, and even impotency. Who knew something so tiny could have so much power?

So next time you need a rescue, go for the cloves.

Feel free to share this with anyone who might appreciate a kindly recue right about now. And, tell me about your own home remedies. I’d love to know what works for you!

Be Well and Energized,

Marian

We’ve had a load of snow here in New Jersey during the past few weeks. It is beautiful, and for once the snow is sticking around for a while. It’s the kind of weather that begs for a cozy fire, a fuzzy warm blanket, and a hot cup of tea.

I grew up in a fairly chilly house. My mother went eco-green before it was fashionable, and kept the heat down to conserve energy and save money. Now I find I prefer a somewhat chilly house, and I keep the heat low. My husband and daughters, of course, like it warmer than I do. But when I’m alone I sometimes get a little overzealous and I let the heat drop to below 60.

When I need warmth, I love to make a big pot of Four Spice Tea – with Ginger, Clove, Cinnamon Stick and Star Anise. It’s so easy to make, and you can find the ingredients in the spice aisle at most grocery stores. I purchase my spices online from Mountain Rose Herbs. They have a wonderful selection of reasonably-price organic products.

Here’s my recipe. It’s delicious. It’s warming. It stimulates circulation and digestion, and it’s great for a cough or cold. And, it smells wonderful!

Four Spice Tea

2-3 cinnamon sticks
4-5 pieces star anise
2 inches gingerroot, peeled and sliced
4-5 cloves
4 – 6 cups water
Honey or maple syrup to taste.

Combine ingredients in large pot. Bring to boil

Simmer for 20-30 minutes, adding water as necessary.

Strain into another pan or teapot.

Serve hot, sweetening with a little honey or maple syrup.

Enjoy!

Cloves to The Rescue

Warming Four Spice Tea