Just the Essentials

 If you don't subscribe to our somewhat erratic free newsletter "Just the Essentials" you may want to visit our website and sign up.  Nothing to it - the sign up is on the home page.  www.essentialherbal.com
I'm copying it here to share!  It's from the other day.

I've been hesitant to send out this newsletter because my own email is crammed with year end mail from businesses.
The thing is, more than ever, all businesses, including TEH, are more grateful than ever for the people who keep us going! We're beginning our 22nd year, and every single January I spend time thinking about all the kindnesses and generosity that have allowed me to continue. The first 5 years before my sister Maryanne offered to help were almost beyond comprehension now. Often when people ask how I got started, I don't think they believe me. Things are so much easier these days. Just digital cameras... on phones! pffft...

Here we are starting a fresh clean year. I hope it's a good one for you. Below you'll find some great things to make to keep winter at bay. Be sure to try one or all!

Rosemary Pistachio Shortbread
Plucked off the blog – from the very early years.
Click here for 4 more shortbread recipes, including one gluten free, linked in the post.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter - room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup chopped pistachios
3 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves - minced fine
additional confectioners sugar for garnish
Method:
In a large bowl cream the sugar into the softened butter using a large mixing spoon.
Add the flour 3/4 cup at a time.Add the vanilla extract, pistachios and rosemary and mix until well blended.
Roll the dough into large marble sized pieces using 1 level tablespoon of the dough and place on an ungreased cookie
sheet.
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 17 to 20 minutes until light brown.
After the cookies have been removed from the oven and have cooled off slightly roll each one in confectioners sugar.
This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies.

We make this root and bark syrup almost every year. It's helped with almost every instance of chest congestion so far, and the 1/4 pound of osha I purchased specifically for this syrup will probably last another year or two (so 7 years?). Roots last well if stored properly. This is fully explained HERE.

In the dry winter air, it's important to stay hydrated. Keep those mucus membranes in good shape so viruses don’t come in contact with skin. We humans are up to 60% water, and even bones are nearly 30% water. Our brains need hydration in order to work properly and keep those synapses firing properly. Every function of our body depends on sufficient hydration. Try one of these in addition to extra fresh, pure water:

Tension Re-leaf Tea
parts chamomile
4 parts lemon balm
2 parts catnip
2 parts passion flower
2 parts raspberry leaf
1 part valerian root
Mix up this blend and keep it on hand for any time someone in the house is having trouble unwinding.

Luscious Lemon Tea
Blend equal parts 3 of the following:
Lemon Balm
Lemon Verbena
Lemon Grass
Lemon Peel
And a pinch of lemon thyme
Serve sweetened with honey, and garnished with a fresh lime slice. Very refreshing!

Minty Morning Tea
part black (orange pekoe) tea
1 part spearmint
Brew as you would regular black tea. This is so yummy in the morning or when you need a pick up in the early evening.

 

Lastly, the obligatory ad.

www.essentialherbal.com
for all these goodies AND the magazine!