Ginger

Note: Consult a doctor if you are being treated for any illnesses before using any type of food for its’ health benefits.

This herb is a perennial. It is from the sub/tropics, and is used in making different things. For instance, some perfumes are made using ginger, as are medications and different types of condiments. It is often used in Asian cuisine.

Ginger helps with an assortment of ailments such as:

• Motion sickness
• Dizziness
• Morning sickness
• Arthritis

Ginger also has many nutrients that help a person to maintain optimal health, such as:

• Potassium
• Vitamin B6
• Magnesium

There are many recipes that use ginger as an ingredient. They include:

• Chinese Roast Pork
• Coffee Cake
• Pumpkin Pie

Shannon

Nutmeg

Note: Consult a doctor if you are being treated for any illnesses before using any type of food for its’ health benefits.

WARNING: Too much nutmeg is NOT a good thing, as it contains a poison that is dangerous if consumed in large amounts. It is considered a psychoactive food.

Nutmeg is a wonderful spice that is used throughout the year, especially during the autumn and winter months. Nutmeg is great for use in pies, cakes, puddings, ciders and more, giving a sweet taste and aroma.

Nutmeg aids in (use in small amounts, AFTER consulting a doctor):

• Flatulence
• Digestion
• Vomiting
• Lowering blood pressure
• Detoxifying the body
• Brain stimulation

Nutmeg is nutritious, containing such nutrients as:

• Zinc
• Iron
• Vitamins A, C
• Fiber
• Potassium

Here are some great recipes that utilize the use of nutmeg:

• Mulled Cider
• Hot Buttered Rum Mix
• Banana Nutmeg Mini Muffins

Shannon

 

How to Use Half-Eaten Fruit

Half-eaten fruit is a common occurrence in households with small children. be sure to place all half-eaten fruits in the refrigerator for later. When the child wants to eat again, take it out and do something with it. For instance:

• Cut of a small slice of an apple or pear to get rid of the brown so the child will eat it.
• Slice the fruit and top with oats, nutmeg and brown sugar. Bake until warm.
• Chop the fruit and add to a muffin mix or pancakes.

What do you do with half-eaten fruit? Let us know in the comments.

Using these items will save money in the long run, and adds more nutrition to your child’s diet throughout the day.

Shannon

How to Use Half Eaten Veggies

It is a shame to throw out half-eaten food, and I rarely do this myself.

To begin with, childrens’ serving sizes are much smaller than adults, and so are their stomachs. They should not be eating as much as an adult does. I tend to give 1 or 2 tablespoons of vegetables rather than more. If the child wants more, they will ask. Don’t worry about them not getting enough.

Now, when the meal is over there will likely be leftover veggies. Immediately put these items into the freezer. It is wise to keep a container/bag in the freezer for these items. Collect leftover vegetables until you have enough for a stew/soup, a rice or pasta dish, or a casserole.

This saves money in the long run, and will make a healthy meal when times are lean.

How do you use extra veggies?

Shannon

Basil Tea

Note 1: Do not use dairy products in your tea. These types of products take the effects of the antioxidants away.

Note 2: I do not add sugar to my tea. I got used to this practice slowly, by using less and less sugar over time.

Note 3: Consult a doctor if you are being treated for any illnesses before using any type of food for its’ health benefits.

Have you heard of basil tea yet? This tea is very popular in India. It is usually used for medicinal purposes, and has many health benefits, including:

• Ease of vomiting
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Stress
• Treating anorexia

Basil tea is also used for its’ sedative effect on the body. It also has antiseptic properties.

It is also very nutritious, providing the body with:

• Vitamin K
• Iron
• calcium

It is recommended that 2 or 3 cups of tea be drunk each day.

Here are some recipes for your enjoyment:

• Fresh Basil Tea
• Lemon Basil Tea
• Peach Basil Tea

Shannon

Peppermint Tea

Note 1: Do not use dairy products in your tea. These types of products take the effects of the antioxidants away.

Note 2: I do not add sugar to my tea. I got used to this practice slowly, by using less and less sugar over time.

Note 3: Consult a doctor if you are being treated for any illnesses before using any type of food for its’ health benefits.

The active ingredient in peppermint tea is menthol. Peppermint tea is a great morning tea. In fact, it is great for any time when you need some extra energy. The dried leaves of the peppermint plant are used to make teas.

Peppermint tea also has many health benefits, such as:

• Diarrhea
• Colic, stomach ache
• Flatulence
• Dissolves gall stones
• Fights bad breath
• Mild asthma
• Helps with stress
• Cancer

Besides using the tea as a drink, it can also be added to a path for a pleasant scent as well as a means to help energy levels.

Peppermint tea is also nutritious, providing the drinker with vitamins such as A, B and C. It also provides beta-carotene.

This tea is great combined with:

• Green tea
• Grey tea
• White tea
• Black tea

Here are a few peppermint tea recipes for your enjoyment:

• Peppermint Tea
• Chocolate Peppermint Tea
• Iced Peppermint Tea

Shannon

Basil

Note: Consult a doctor if you are being treated for any illnesses before using any type of food for its’ health benefits.

This herb is related to the peppermint. The leaves of the basil are round, often pointed. They can be used to make tea, and are dried for other purposes as well.

The health benefits of basil are varied, and include:

• Antibacterial properties
• Heart benefits

Used in Thai, Italian and other cuisine, Basil has many nutrients essential to good health. Some of these nutrients include:

• Vitamins K, A and C
• Iron
• Calcium
• Potassium

Some recipes that include basil are:

• Baby Bam Spice Seasoning Mix (Emeril)
• Basil Infused Oil
• Classic Pesto
• Creole Spice Mix
• Herb Salt Substitute
• Homemade Tomato Sauce
• Lush Tomato Salad
• Zucchini Chowder

Shannon

Bay Leaf

Note: Consult a doctor if you are being treated for any illnesses before using any type of food for its’ health benefits.

Bay leaf is an herb that grows on a tree, which is a bit unusual.  It is a bitter, spicy herb used in many recipes, and can also be used to prevent bugs from getting into foods and food areas.

Bay has many health benefits, including:

• Stimulation of appetite
• Help for colic
• Relief from flatulence
• To get rid of dandruff
• To help with scabies

The nutritional value of bay includes:

• Vitamins A and C and B6
• Folate
• Fiber
• Omega 3 and 6
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Calcium
• Protein

Some really great recipes using bay leaves include:

• Many Bean Stew
• Shrimp Gumbo
• Easy Spaghetti Casserole

Shannon

Peppermint

Note: Consult a doctor if you are being treated for any illnesses before using any type of food for its’ health benefits.

Peppermint is an herb that is often used as a flavoring for many products including gum and candy. It is widely grown in Europe and is a very calming herb, and can help with:

• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Nausea
• Induces perspiration when needed

It also has antiviral and antibacterial effects, and can be helpful in treating skin problems.

The nutritional value of peppermint includes:

• Vitamins A and C
• Manganese
• Fiber
• Iron

Some great recipes using peppermint include:

• Peppermint Mirengues
• Easy Butter Mints
• Peppermint Bark

Shannon

Chicken and Cheese Roll-Ups

These are great as snacks, or in a lunchbox. They are affordable, and can be made from leftovers. Roll-ups are also quick and simple to make.

Chicken and Cheese Roll-ups

• Tortillas
• Thin chicken slices
• Cheese slices
• Lettuce leaves
• Spinach leaves

1. Place the cheese on the tortilla.
2. Place the chicken on the tortilla.
3. Place the lettuce and spinach leaves on the chicken slices.
4. Roll up the tortilla and wrap or place a toothpick through the roll-up to hold it together.

NOTE: This recipe can be made without the tortilla if desired.

Shannon