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Acorn Health Blog

What we love is great health...

...and we like to write about how we can all achieve better health, naturally. Sometimes tips on how you can DIY to better health and sometimes on the therapies that can make a difference to you, your health and wellbeing.
Thank you for reading, We hope you enjoy :)

Lemon Balm

General Health & Wellbeing Posted by JadwigaPosted on Mon, October 07, 2024 12:55PM

Nestled in the realm of herbal wonders, Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) emerges as a fragrant gem, celebrated for both its aromatic allure and versatile health benefits. Let’s embark on a journey into the lemon-scented world of Lemon Balm, exploring where to find it, its myriad applications, and delightful recipes for a zestful well-being.

Where to Find Lemon Balm: A Garden Delight 🌼 Embrace the joy of discovering Lemon Balm in your own garden or local herb market. Known for its heart-shaped leaves and a gentle lemon fragrance, this member of the mint family is a resilient herb that thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade. Whether in a container on your windowsill or gracing your outdoor herb garden, Lemon Balm is a delightful addition that beckons with freshness.

Applications for Health and Wellness: Nature’s Elixir 🌱

  1. Calming Nervous System: Lemon Balm is renowned for its calming properties. A fragrant cup of Lemon Balm tea can be a soothing ritual to unwind and ease stress, promoting relaxation.
  2. Digestive Harmony: Incorporate Lemon Balm into your culinary repertoire for its digestive benefits. Infuse salads, soups, or beverages with its lemony essence to add a burst of flavor and aid digestion.
  3. Sleep and Anxiety Support: Create a restful bedtime routine by sipping on a warm cup of Lemon Balm tea. Its mild sedative properties may contribute to a peaceful night’s sleep and alleviate mild anxiety.
  4. Topical Healing: Explore the herb’s topical applications by crafting a homemade Lemon Balm salve. Applied to minor cuts, bruises, or insect bites, it may offer soothing relief and promote skin healing.

Recipes for a Zestful Well-being: Culinary Delights with Lemon Balm 🍵🍋

  1. Lemon Balm Tea: Harvest fresh leaves, steep in hot water, and enjoy a fragrant cup of Lemon Balm tea. Sweeten with honey for a delightful twist.
  2. Lemon Balm Pesto: Elevate your culinary creations by blending Lemon Balm into a vibrant pesto. Pair with pasta, salads, or as a flavorful spread.
  3. Lemon Balm Infused Water: Refresh your senses by infusing water with Lemon Balm leaves. Add slices of lemon for a hydrating and aromatic infusion.

Incorporate the citrus elegance of Lemon Balm into your daily rituals, savouring its delightful essence and reaping the bountiful benefits it offers for health and well-being.



Fat Hen

General Health & Wellbeing Posted by JadwigaPosted on Wed, October 02, 2024 12:09PM

Fat Hen is a lesser-known but highly versatile herb that has earned its place in various herbal traditions around the world. It goes by several names across different regions and cultures. In addition to its scientific name, Chenopodium Album, it is also known as lamb’s quarters, goosefoot, wild spinach, and pigweed. These names reflect its association with both domesticated animals and its spinach-like appearance, highlighting its historical role as a nutritious wild green.

Historical Usage Across Herbal Traditions
Fat Hen has a rich history of usage in various herbalism traditions. In Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India, it is valued for its cooling properties and use in balancing the doshas. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed to support kidney health and promote detoxification. European herbalists historically used Fat Hen as a nutritious leafy green and a medicinal herb to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to skin conditions.

Mystical Associations 🔮✨
Beyond its practical uses, Fat Hen holds mystical significance in some cultures. It has been associated with fertility rites and rituals due to its prolific growth and nutritious qualities. In European folklore, it was believed that carrying Fat Hen could ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

Harvesting and Preparation 🌾🍽️
Fat Hen is typically found growing abundantly in disturbed soil, gardens, and along roadsides. It is recognizable by its goosefoot-shaped leaves with a powdery coating and small green flowers. Harvesting is best done in the spring and early summer when the leaves are tender and flavorful. The entire plant can be used, from leaves to seeds, in culinary dishes such as salads, soups, and stir-fries. Leaves can also be dried for later use in herbal teas or as a nutrient-rich addition to smoothies.

Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits 🥗🌟
Nutritionally, Fat Hen is a powerhouse. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Its high protein content makes it a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets.

Health benefits attributed to Fat Hen include:
– Supports Digestive Health: Rich in dietary fibre, Fat Hen aids digestion and promotes gut health.
– Nutrient Dense: Provides essential vitamins and minerals crucial for overall well-being.
– Anti-inflammatory Properties: Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body.
– Boosts Immune Function: Vitamins and minerals support a healthy immune system, enhancing resilience against infections.

Incorporating Fat Hen into Your Wellness Routine 🍲💪
Whether you forage for it in the wild or cultivate it in your garden, Fat Hen offers a sustainable and nutritious addition to your diet and herbal medicine cabinet. Consider adding its fresh leaves to salads, sautéing them as a side dish, or blending them into smoothies for a health boost. Experiment with drying the leaves for teas or incorporating them into homemade herbal remedies.