Tropical Herb Tea
A fruit and herb tea that you will need to let steep in the fridge overnight, so prepare to make this recipe the day before you want to enjoy this exotic and tropical drink.

INGREDIENTS:
3 tbs hibiscus flowers (c/s)
3 tbs mint leaves (c/s)
3 tbs lemongrass (c/s)
1/2 cup chopped pineapple
2 oranges, sliced
1 papaya, sliced
1 mango, sliced

PREPARATION:
In 2 quarts water, bring herbs to a boil and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain out herbs. In a large jar or bowl, mix the fruit and pour the tea over top. Let refrigerate overnight. Serve chilled, with or without the fruit.
From Guest Writer: Sean Paajanen

Ingredients:
1 chopped banana
1 medium sized cup of any berry (strawberry/raspberry etc)
1 egg white
1 tbsp of honey
1/2 small cup of any yogurt (natural is good)
1 tbsp Organic GreenPower
6 ice-cubes

Method:
Add all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth. Serve and enjoy.

Fenugreek (Greek Hay) is a unique and versatile seasoning

Its scientific name, trigonella foenum-graecum, literally translates as “three-leaved Greek hay.” In fact, it is one of the spices that are used to flavor that staple of urban Greek street-cuisine, the gyro. In south Asian curries, it is called methi; Arab chefs and housewives call it hilbeh, and it is one of the main seasonings in the Arab pastry of the same name that is traditionally served during Muslim holidays such as Eid and Ramadan. Their cousins, the Hebrews, eat the bitter-tasting seeds during the Jewish New Year, or Rosh Hashannah. The Persian name for it is shambélilé; it is one of four main spices used in the Iranian vegetable stew known as ghormeh sabzi. In the U.S., it is one of the ingredients of artificially-flavored pancake syrup.

If you’ve heard of it, chances are you know it as fenugreek.

For all its obscurity, fenugreek seed is perhaps one of the most versatile spices in the well-stocked kitchen, and has several possible medicinal uses as well. In India, the leaves of the fenugreek plant are eaten in salads, while the ground seeds are used to flavor various kinds of curries as well as some varieties of flatbread, or chapatis. Modern Egyptians boil the seeds then add sugar and serve the beverage as a tea.

In addition to its many uses in the ethnic cuisines of western and south central Asia, fenugreek has been used in folk medicine to aid digestion as well as stimulate milk production in new mothers.

Current studies suggest that the consumption of fenugreek seeds may in fact help diabetics in dealing with their metabolism, and may provide some protection against certain forms of cancer, including those of the breast and the colon.

Why do people seek to alter their consciousness chemically through narcotics, alcohol and other substances?

There is no one generally accepted answer for this. Some studies indicate that the tendency is hard-wired into our brains; some call it an “imperfect spiritual longing.” Conservatives in society consider it a form of misbehavior that calls for punishment, while progressive citizens recognize some forms of addiction as disease that requires treatment.

The controversy rages on, but whether it is a behavioral choice or an inborn tendency, the desire to “get high” is not unique to humans. Just ask any cat.

Nepeta, or catnip, is one of the most common weeds in North America, and possibly one of the most useful. Its effect on felis domesticus is well documented, particularly among cat owners; house cats who smell the essential oils of catnip from its bruised leaves and stems engage in bizarre behaviors that can most accurately be compared to alcoholic intoxication in humans – and in fact, this effect is not confined to domestic cats. Wild jaguars of Central and South America have been observed to react the same way when sensing the presence of catnip¹.

All very well and good, you say, but how is this one of the bulk herbs that offers any added benefits to humans?

Catnip does not have the apparent narcotic effect on humans. However, catnip is one of the safest medicinal herbs commonly available; its phytochemicals are mild enough and present in sufficiently low concentration to administer as a tea to young children who are upset or suffering from the cold or flu.

Catnip also has a sedative effect on adults, and is believed to aid in digestion as well. Catnip is most commonly consumed as dried herbs in the form of a tea, brewed from catnip that has been cut and sifted. Catnip tea may be brewed with a reusable cloth tea bag or tea ball.

“Stalking the Jaguar.” The Natural World.(British Broadcasting Corporation, aired 1 Feb 06)