Crafty Kitchen Witch

  The months of August, September and October are typically the time for harvest festivals, feasts and celebrations in the northern hemisphere. It is a time when many cultures and spiritual paths celebrate the bounty of the Earth, give thanks for the blessings of this bounty and honor their deities connected with Harvest and the plant spirits.   It is a good time for us to reconnect with the cycles of Nature and receive teachings from the nature spirits and plant spirits.  Study some of the plant species in your area (foods, flowers, trees, etc.) and then take a walk outdoors and try to identify these species.  You will notice that some of these plants are beginning to set seed, and it is very interesting to look at all the different types of seed that exist in Nature!   You can create a necklace of seeds to wear during a Harvest celebration, or you may choose to use your "necklace" as an altar decoration or candle...

adapted from  http://bembu.com/detox-tea-for-daily-cleansing  they have so much helpful information. Drinking a daily tea is not just for the British, you can incorporate this into your routine and enjoy the detoxifying effects that come with it. Not only can this be a soothing experience, but if you rotate through the teas on this list you’ll be getting a nice detoxing effect for your efforts. This can help your body get the nutrients and antioxidants it craves, all at a very minimal expense to your pocketbook, and without a lot of time and hassle. Burdock Root Tea- Burdock is a little-known herb that has a lot of detoxifying benefits. It can has been shown to strengthen the immune system as well, and has been known to help purify the blood. It helps both the liver and the digestive system, two of the main detox avenues the body has at its disposal. Basically if your liver is functioning better, you’ll be less toxic, and if you’re digestive system is keeping things regular, ...

a reposting from http://bembu.com/detox-drinks  I wanted to share and save this, hope you will try some Detoxing with various beverages is a great way to help give your body the nutrients it’s really craving, and can give your digestive system a break from having to break down and digest food. The liver is the most important detoxifying organ in the body, so it only makes sense to drink fruits and vegetables to help it function at its best. Here is a list of detox drink recipes that can be incorporated into any detox program you’re following, or just enjoyed for their health benefits. Matcha Mango Pineapple Smoothie – The matcha in the title means that you’re getting the real deal green tea that is used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Talk about a big boost of antioxidants, this smoothie can’t help but be green because of the tea. The pineapple is a nice touch, and the mango really lends a hand with additional vitamins and nutrients that are tough to find in other fruit choices. You’...

Crystals and the Power of Dreams   Dream Therapy is one of the oldest traditions for using dreams as a basis for both physical and psychological healing. The limbic system of our brain speaks in the language of symbols. Working with dream imagery in our waking state can help change perceptions and resolve conflicts, which are critical keys for mind-body healing.   Some of the most amazing tools for healing, are the treasures the earth provides us! Crystals and gemstones are one of the most beautiful, mystical and profound "energy medicine" tools, which have been used for centuries throughout all cultures, religions and empires. These are some of my favorite crystal suggestions for dreaming:   Agate - is a special protector from bad dreams. Found throughout historic lore, agate was chosen for it's bands of different colors and placed at the head of a sleeper to give rich and varied dreams based on the color of the stone. For instance, blue banded a...

Hops   Hops are twining vines with green flowers that resemble small pine cones or berries. British farmers hung dried hops wreaths in their homes for good luck and prosperity. Dried hops vines are not widely available, but beer, which is rich in hops, is. This easy recipe will bring prosperity magic into your home.   Bread Recipe: 3 cups self rising flour 2 tbsp. sugar 1 12-ounce can of beer   Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into a lightly greased bread pan and bake for 40 minutes at 350°F.  *** Medicine from the Garden: Hops  by Dena Nishek  Hops exuberantly twist skyward through spring and flush with their  own special "flower" in late summer. The vine's pale green blossom,  technically a strobile, is best known for the bitterness it  contributes to beer. But there is more to hops than beer. Not only  are they inspiring plants to grow, but they have medicinal qualities...

Lemon Tea Tree Botanical name - Leptospermum petersonii   A powerful insect repellent.  Said to have antiseptic, antimicrobial, carminative and sedative properties. It is used in aromatic blends for the diffuser to combat coughs and  colds.   The scent has been described as a strong, pleasant lemon odor with a delightful fresh rosy tone.   As a natural insect repellent. A 20% solution was found to be  effective against Anopheles farauti (Australian malaria mosquito.) It gave immediate repellency and remained effective for 4 hours for at least 50% of the insects. This is a good result for an essential oil. Enjoy!   http://www.aromathyme.com

I love herbs and this is so healing, always stir clockwise when empowering your soup. This soup will chase away what ails you. 2 large shallots, minced 2 small red potatoes, peeled and halved (6 ounces) 2 medium carrots, cut crosswise into 2-inch lengths 1 Tablespoon Butter or margarine, unsalted 2 Tablespoons Fresh chives, minced 2 Tablespoons Fresh chervil, minced 2 Tablespoons Lemon sorrel leaves, minced 2 teaspoons Fresh tarragon, minced 1 cup Celery ribs -- finely chopped 4 cups Vegetable broth Salt and Pepper 1 pinch Sugar 4 slices Whole wheat bread , toasted 1 dash Freshly ground nutmeg Grated cheddar cheese Melt the butter over medium heat in a large heavy pot. Add the herbs and celery and cook, stirring, until wilted and soft, about 3 minutes. Add the rest of the veggies and broth, salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Place a slice of toast in each soup bowl and pour the soup over. Dust with ...