One of the mainstays of good health…organically grown onions here at Bealtaine Cottage on the veranda, drying out before stringing.
Onions, Apples and Blackcurrants, organically grown, will provide an enormous amount of protection from colds and viruses and at the same time help to keep the blood free from oxidants.
All this because prevention is better than cure!
A pot of tea, comforting and refreshing as well as being a powerful anti-oxidant
Garlic…not just for keeping vampires away!
Traditionally, whole bulbs of wild garlic were placed under the thatch of Irish cottages, just above the door, to keep away evil!
It is no surprise that the writer of the book, “Dracula,” was, in fact an Irish man, Bram Stoker.
Garlic keeps the blood clean…apparently!
A slice of garlic placed on a cut will kill all infection!
Studies now suggest that Rose-hip extract can reduce the pain of osteoarthritis.
In the past this was used to make a poultice which was then applied to painful joints in hands, knees and hips.
It has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect and will successfully treat the inflammatory condition AND is free of any side-effects.
This is a very easy to grow cure and has many other uses…for example, the hips are packed with Vitamin C!
Another case of prevention being better than cure…sunflower seeds, used in bread-making will provide a good source of Omega to the body and be powerful in the protection of good health all round.
I add the hulled seeds to bread and flapjacks.
We should enquire of the older generation what it is that has kept and continues to keep them in good health.
Home made vegetable soup is one of the best sources of goodness to keep good health throughout the winter.
I make this in batches, using pumpkins from the pantry and keep it in the fridge, along with home made bread.
Pumpkins will keep for the entire winter if stored in a cool pantry.
The Elder tree was used as the mainstay of good health in village life long ago.
The leaves, bark, flowers, berries and roots were all used in folk medicine and herbal cures.
This is another easy to grow tree that keeps on giving…Elderflower Wine is absolutely scrumptious!
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I love garlic! So very good for one’s health – externally and internally.
It’s deliciously potent.
And, if the scent of it coming out of one’s pores is any indication, no wonder Vlad (and his minions) “pales” at the thought of sucking garlic infused blood 🙂
Wonderfully potent, I agree! Eat more and stay healthy!
Reblogged this on Reiki Dawn and commented:
More information from Collette on food as medicine. Beautiful
Reblogged this on Bealtaine Cottage and commented:
TRADITIONALLY, WHOLE BULBS OF WILD GARLIC WERE PLACED UNDER THE THATCH OF IRISH COTTAGES, JUST ABOVE THE DOOR, TO KEEP AWAY EVIL!
What a fantastic list of medicinal resources from the garden, no excuses not to remain in robust health this winter, thank you!
Are elderflowers the same as elderberries? Really inspired by your blog as we incorporate permaculture into our project. (We are building an Eco-sustainable village for orphaned and abandoned children in Guatemala) Thank you!
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Elderflowers turn into elderberries if left in situ.
Your project sounds great!
Blessings,
Colx
We have planted 40 elderberry trees around the Village. They grow like weeds here. Can’t wait to begin to harvest them!
You cannot beat homemade soup for comfort and healthiness. I have made parsnip soup today. Is that a butter churner on your shelf? I love your pictures of your kitchen, it always looks so cosy and welcoming x
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Parsnip soup is delicious, especially if the parsnips have been left in the ground until after the first frost as this makes them sweeter.
Yes, indeed, that is a butter churn…old and not in use any more as I’m a vegan, but great for storing!
Blessings,
Colx
I love reading your blog and it’s the highlight of my day when I can read your previous posts and take inspiration from you.
I’ve planted some garlic and onions over the last couple of weeks and also some shrubs.
Tomorrow is soup and bread making to sustain me over the cold snap we’re having.
Good health to yourself and your lovely four legged friends.
x
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You are proof positive that life is what one makes it…more power to you!
Blessings from Bealtaine Cottage
Colx
i love this site! the wealth of information is only equaled by the encouraging tone. the photos are enchanting, and the way of life put forth in each post is an enticement to me…to do likewise
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I love it that you love it…
Bless you for the lovely things you say!
Colx