Spice rubs are unique in that while there are many different ways to add spices to food, before, during and after cooking, spices are most effective when added prior to the cooking process. The most popular way to do this is by allowing the food to marinate in spices mixed with some kind of liquid, such as olive oil, citrus juice or wine. Another delicious to add extra flair to your cooking methods are to use a spice rub.

What are Spice Rubs

A spice rub is really quite simple; it is nothing more than a mixture of spices and herbs that are literally “rubbed” on to the surface of the food before it is cooked. One of the oldest and most common spice rubs is coarsely-ground black pepper.

For Spice rubs, the grind is important; unlike table spices and those added during sautéing or boiling, these spices are of either of a fairly coarse grind or simply crushed. Spice rub may be applied to the food several hours prior to cooking in order to impart the flavors; it may be left on during the cooking process or removed just prior to applying heat.

Spice rubs are most effective for dry-heat methods of cooking, such as baking, broiling or grilling; pan-frying may be appropriate for spice rubs that contain flour or bread crumbs. Spice rubs are usually applied to meats and fish, but can be used for grilled vegetables such as eggplant as well.

A Personal Thing

In the old days, most cultures and even families came up with their own spice rubs; in many cases, the recipes were closely-guarded secrets passed down from one generation to another.

As modern life has made increasing demands and people find less and less time for food preparation, commercially-prepared spice rubs have become increasingly available. Cajun spice rub is one of the more popular choices, but it is by no means the only one. Here at Starwest Botanicals, you can find a number of different spice rubs for various meats, including beef rubs , poultry rubs , pork rubs and fish rubs. You wont want to miss our Jamaican Jerk Seasoning! These spice rubs are carefully blended from high-quality, organic herbs and spices and can be delivered right to your door.

About Starwest Botanicals

Starwest is the foremost Internet supplier of bulk herbs and spices as well as essential oils and herbal extracts.

A recent news article from local ABC news station WLS-TV in Chicago announced earlier this year that Dr. Marcia Schurer a 56-year-old woman lost 35 pounds – 20 percent of her weight – four years ago and has kept it off ever since. The secret in her success lies in a low fat diet. This is the entire recipe for Grilled Chicken with Chili Spice Rub they share.

For those who want to purchase pre-mixed spices and seasoning blends Starwest also offers a selection of all natural organic rubs including Organic Mediterranean Seafood Rub, , Organic Savory Beef Rub, and Organic Roasted Pork Rub. Starwest all-natural rubs are each made from a delicious combination of certified organic spices, seasonings, and herbs that add unique flavor to meat, seafood and vegetables.

Grilled Chicken with Chili Spice Rub

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 ½” strips
1 Tbsp. chili spice rub (see recipe)
Extra virgin olive oil cooking spray

Heat the grill pan over a medium high heat for 3 minutes. Rub or sprinkle the chicken pieces with the chili spice rub on both sides and then lightly spray the pieces with the olive oil cooking spray. Grill the chicken for about 4 – 6 minutes on each side or until done.

Yield: 12 oz.
Per 12 ounces cooked: 517 Calories; 10g Fat (16.2% calories from fat); 107g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 263mg Cholesterol; 338mg Sodium.

Per 1 ounce cooked: 43 Calories; 1g Fat (16.2% calories from fat); 9g Protein; trace Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 22mg Cholesterol; 28mg Sodium.

Note: If you want your chicken more seasoned, add a little more spice rub. You can also grill the whole breast but the cooking time will take a little longer that way. Serve it as an entrée or use it to top or fill salads, sandwiches, wraps, pasta, quesadillas, or pizza. Toss the grilled chicken with some grilled red onions and red peppers to make chicken fajitas, top with some fresh chopped cilantro and then wrap it in a warm flour tortilla.

Chili Spice Rub

1 Tbsp. ground chili powder
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 Tbsp. ground coriander
1 Tbsp. Spanish paprika

In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, coriander, and paprika. Transfer the spice mix to a storage container until ready to use. Label and date the container.

Yield: 4 Tbsp.

Per 4 Tbsp: 81 Calories; 4g Fat (36.7% calories from fat); 4g Protein; 13g Carbohydrate; 5g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 90mg Sodium.

Per 1 Tbsp: 20 Calories; 1g Fat (36.7% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 22mg Sodium.

Note: Use about 1 tsp. spice mix per 4 oz. boneless meat or poultry to season or about 1 Tbsp. per ¾ lb. per 1 lb. boneless meat or poultry. If you like this spice, make a double batch at a time. This is a very versatile spice rub. Use it on poultry, meats, shrimp and vegetables.

Bulk natural oils are used in all manner of skin and hair care products, as well as for cooking. Some bulk natural oils can also be used as carrier oils, which means they are combined with other ingredients to create a massage oil or other types of body oils. They are available in a wide variety, including Apricot Kernel, Coconut, Grapeseed oil, Olive, Sesame, Jojoba, Lanolin and several others.

Apricot Kernel oil is one of the natural oils for skin care. Apricot Kernel oil is very moisturizing, and thus is a common ingredient in cosmetics and in shampoos and conditioners to moisturize the scalp.

Coconut oil is another good skin softener. You may also see it in soap, shampoo and detergents. It has also been experimented with for use as a basis for biodiesel. It is also used for cooking.

Natural grape seed oil is often used as a carrier oil. In aromatherapy, essential oils can be added to natural grape seed oil, thus turning the combination into one of many natural massage oils.

Olive oil is popular for cooking, although it is also an ingredient found in cosmetics and soaps. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat, and is widely used in Mediterranean cooking. Extra virgin olive oil is used in skin care products, including cleansers and moisturizers.

Sesame oil is one of the bulk natural oils used for cooking. Light sesame oil has a high smoke point, making it excellent for use in cooking fried foods, while toasted sesame oil is used instead as a flavoring for foods. It is the basis for natural massage oils, and is used in shampoos and conditioners as well.

Jojoba oil is used primarily in cosmetics, skin and hair care products. It may have fungicidal qualities as well.

Lanolin is an oil which is produced by sheep, and is located in their wool. In its natural state, it is quite thick and greasy, and it has been used as a lubricant for mechanical parts, as well as used in cosmetics and shaving creams. The highest quality lanolin may help to soothe broken or cracked skin.

You can buy natural oils at online dried herb and spice merchants. Natural products should not be used to diagnose or treat any disease or health issue because they have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult with your health care provider if you think you have a medical problem.

Please enjoy this informative article re-published from our recent fall newsletter.
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Improving Digestive Health With Carminative Herbs
by Christa Sinadinos, Clinical Herbalist

The digestive system is considered the foundation of health by many natural health practitioners. Digestion consists of two fundamental processes, assimilation and elimination, which generate energy for the physical body and provide the nutrients which maintain the body processes and systems.

Eating high quality, unprocessed, whole foods provides fuel for the body, but the digestive system has to function properly in order to assimilate the nutrients. A number of factors can reduce the digestive capacity including stress, eating quickly, consuming cold foods, and drinking iced beverages. Additionally, the use of alcohol, recreational drugs, antibiotics, and other medications can also hinder digestion. Some of these factors can be remedied by eating foods which are served warm or at room temperature, and by relaxing while consuming a meal.

Another way to improve digestion is by utilizing flavorful, carminative herbs. Herbs with carminative properties help to reduce flatulence and bloating. They are beneficial for treating colic, as well as for decreasing smooth muscle cramping and griping pains (intestinal cramping). Some carminative herbs increase bile flow, which improves the digestion of fats. Examples of carminative herbs which improve assimilation include the following: anise, cardamom, coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, ginger, orange peel and peppermint.

There are numerous ways to incorporate carminative herbs into the diet, for instance, most of the herbs covered in this article can be included into food recipes. Anise, cardamom, coriander, fennel, and ginger enhance the flavor of soup, bread, grain, bean, and meat dishes. Drinking herbal tea, consuming an herbal extract or a digestive chew are other methods of ingesting carminative herbs. The following herbs have been used to improve digestive functions

Anise Seed (Pimpinella anisum)
Anise seed has carminative properties which enhance digestion; it can also be used as a breath freshening agent. Anise prevents and expels gas, and allays nausea and indigestion, which can be beneficial in relieving morning sickness. It is helpful for treating infant colic; it also increases the flow of breast milk. Anise is commonly used as a flavoring agent in black licorice candy, toothpaste, and confections. The seeds have a sweet, black licorice-like taste and they are used to flavor digestive liqueurs including anisette, ouzo, raki, aguardiente, ojen, and kummel. These beverages are often consumed as an aperitif.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
Cardamom has carminative actions which help to relieve gas and bloating. It acts as an antispasmodic and can slow the rate of stomach muscle cramping, as well as numb the nerves in the stomach. Cardamom is often added to digestive bitters formulas. It is safe for children, although catnip and chamomile are generally more effective for treating infant colic. Cardamom can be used in combination with other warming herbs such as ginger and cinnamon to enhance circulation. Cardamom seeds have a pungent, sweet flavor.

Coriander Seed (Coriandrum sativum)
Coriander has anti-spasmodic, carminative, and stomachic properties. This spice enhances the flavor of both Mexican and Indian dishes. It also enhances the digestion of beans. Coriander seeds come from the plant known as cilantro and have a similar flavor.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger has a broad range of beneficial medicinal and culinary uses. It is a digestive stimulant which increases salivary and gastric secretions. It can be used to reduce flatulence and to quell nausea. Ginger also reduces cramping of the stomach and bowels, as well as menstrual cramping. It can be used in the treatment of motion sickness, and can also help to reduce morning sickness. The fresh root contains enzymes which enhance digestion.

*Contraindications: ginger has blood-thinning actions and should be used with caution by individuals taking blood-thinning medications or who have blood clotting disorders. Avoid consuming ginger for two weeks prior to surgery and for one week following surgery.*

Orange Peel (Citrus sinensis)
Orange peel has a bitter, aromatic flavor and is considered a digestive tonic. It stimulates bile flow, increases digestive enzymes, and helps to reduce stagnation of the liver. It contains high amounts of pectin, which binds with and removes radioactive compounds, heavy metals, and environmental toxins, that are stored in the body. Orange peel has carminative actions which reduce the cramping that may potentially result from taking potent bitter, cholagogue herbs such as gentian and Oregon grape. It also contains flavonoids that help to strengthen connective tissues, improve the integrity of the blood vessels, and enhance free radical scavenging (i.e. antioxidant) properties. It is a tasty addition to most tea blends when used in small quantities.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is an age-old remedy which can be used in the treatment of nausea, dyspepsia, and stomach cramps. The tea of peppermint is a safe remedy for morning sickness. Peppermint also anesthetizes the nerves in the intestinal tract, making it an herb of choice for stomach pain or an upset stomach. The tea is helpful to reduce gas pain and hiatal hernia pain. Peppermint can decrease heartburn and esophageal acidity from hiatal hernia. However, for some individuals peppermint may aggravate the latter two conditions.

*Contraindications: discontinue use of peppermint if it aggravates acid indigestion or gastric reflux disease.*

Christa’s Delicious Digestive Chew Recipe
Two parts of candied ginger (chop into small pieces ¼ to ½ inch size)
One part each of anise, cardamom, fennel, and orange peel
Combine the above ingredients and consume one teaspoon of the mixture before or after meals.

Christa’s Carminative Tea Blend
Add one part each of allspice, anise, cardamom, coriander, fennel, orange peel, and marshmallow root; add one half parts of licorice root and dry ginger

First, combine the previously listed herbs. Next, place four tablespoons of the tea blend in 48 ounces of water, in a vessel with a lid. Simmer on low for a minimum of thirty minutes. This will yield approximately one quart of tea. Strain the tea and add cream or milk (optional).

Carminative Chai Tea Blend (caffeine free)
Two parts of fresh grated ginger root (or one part dry ginger root)
One part each of allspice, anise, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, and fennel seed
One half part of licorice root

First, combine the previously listed dry herbs. Next, place two tablespoons of fresh grated ginger and two tablespoons of the herbal blend in 48 ounces of water, in a vessel with a lid. Simmer on low for a minimum of thirty minutes. If fresh ginger is not available, use four tablespoons of the dry herbal blend. Strain the tea and add cream or milk (optional).

In the spirit of the season, Starwest offers you this Fall Favorite: a Recipe for Pumpkin Bread. Enjoy!

Mmm Fall Pumpkin Bread

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.

2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and
sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour,
baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry
ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the
prepared pans.

3. Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Celebrating the holidays with family is a highlight of the year. With the Holidays quickly approaching, look to Starwest for the best in culinary delights to share with your family. We have a selection of delicious and unique recipes waiting for you on the Starwest Holiday recipes page! Pies, soups and cookies are part of the selection.

Holiday Recipes »

Let us know if you have any family favorites.

Avocados are the fruit from the Persea americana tree, which is native to warm climates such as those found in Mexico, South and Central America and the Caribbean, although they are also grown in California and Florida as well. The fruit will only ripen once it has been picked from the tree. Oil can be pressed from the fruit, and natural avocado oil is both edible as well as used in body care products such as massage oil.

There are both color and scent differences between refined and unrefined avocado oil that you will want to know about before you buy avocado oil. Refined avocado oil has no scent and is pale gold in color. Unrefined avocado oil has a deep green to brown color and does have a strong scent. Refined oil is sometimes preferred for facial lotions and skin moisturizing treatments because it is odor free, but both work well for smoothing and keeping the skin supple.

When eaten, bulk avocado oil may help with cholesterol levels. Bad LDL cholesterol levels may drop while good HDL levels may increase. Bulk avocado oil may also offer an antibacterial quality. The fat found in avocados is monounsaturated, and they are also high in potassium, B vitamins, as well as vitamins E and K.

Other avocado oil uses include topical ones. Because of its high fat content, bulk avocado oil may help to moisturize the skin, and is sometimes included as an ingredient in lotions for the skin as well as massage oil.

Natural avocado oil may also be used for massaging into the skin because it is quickly absorbed by the skin so there is no greasy feeling and it leaves the skin smooth. It may also help sunburned and wind-damaged skin, and it is used as an ingredient in cosmetics as well as hair products.

As with all herbal products, they have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and should not be used to diagnose or treat a disease or health problem. If you believe that you have a medical issue, you should consult with a health care provider promptly.

Although “pumpkin” comes from the Greek word pepon – meaning “melon” – pumpkins are not Greek, nor melons. Although they are now grown in many parts of the world, the pumpkin is a North American native and a member of the squash family.

Because pumpkins are usually ripe and ready for harvest in October and November, pumpkin pie has become a tradition during fall holidays. Not only is its nutty, sweet flavor excellent for pies and other pastries, pumpkin is also an excellent source of lutein and beta carotene (which gives pumpkins their characteristic orange color). In addition, a recent study in China suggests that consuming pumpkin may help mitigate some of effects of diabetes (from the London Daily Telegraph, 9 July 2007).

More About Pumpkin Pie

Although pumpkin has a certain degree of natural sweetness, it benefits from the addition of a number of spices when made into a pie filling.

Pumpkin pie spices are those that are associated with desserts and other dishes such as pancakes and yams, and include cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and allspice. At Starwest Botanicals, you can get all of these in one package, pre-measured and blended in just the right proportions for your convenience. You can choose from either Certified Organic pumpkin pie spice or regular salt-free Pumpkin Pie Spice, and you can save a great deal when you purchase it by the pound – which will make a good many pumpkin pies!

Either way, Starwest Pumpkin Pie Spices are of the highest quality and properly stored, will keep for many years.

About Starwest Botanicals

Starwest is the foremost Internet supplier of bulk organic herbs and spices as well as essential oils and herbal extracts.

October Lavender Sale

We’re having a lavender sale! For the month of October, the following items are 10% off our already fantastic prices:

• Whole Extra & Select Lavender Flowers – Both Organic & Conventionally Grown
• Organic Lavender Dryer Bags
• Lavender Essential Oils – Both Organic & Conventional
• Lavender Hand & Body Lotion
• Lavender Aromatherapy Touch-ons
• Lavender Flower Water

Be sure to visit our SPECIALS page for other great deals and discounts on herbal products!

Astragalus root is a widely known medicinal herb that has long been a staple of Chinese herbal medicine. Practitioners of Chinese medicine have used this powerful root to stimulate and strengthen the immune system. Astragalus herb is thought to help keep your immune system healthy so it fights off free radicals and diseases. More recently, the use of the herb is catching on with practitioners of alternative medicine in the rest of the world.

The Astragalus root, otherwise known as astragalus membranaceous, is thought to be a powerful herbal supplement. Astragalus root comes from a perennial plant of the pea family which grows in northern China and Mongolia. As an herbal remedy, it has been used for literally thousands of years in China for therapeutically healing. Hard to believe something so small can hold such big benefits.

While there may be many areas of human health that a dietary supplement including Astragalus capsules can help, there is surprisingly little or no research on the properties of the herb. Herbalists believe the root can stimulate the spleen, liver, lungs, circulatory, and urinary system. Astragalus powder has been recommended to treat conditions ranging from arthritis, asthma, and nervous conditions to lower blood sugar and blood pressure. Another positive benefit of the Astragalus root is its ability to increase both energy levels and vitality.

The Astragalus herb is famous for its purported ability to boost your immune system. Western medicine has discovered that this Chinese herb stimulates our bodies by producing a substance known as interferon and boosting red blood cell formation. Interferon, an anti viral agent, assists our bodies when destroying viruses and other harmful free radicals. For this reason, herbalists recommend the Astragalus powder for people who suffer from a weakened immune system. This would include those who frequently suffer colds or respiratory infections. It may also be helpful for those with more serious conditions such as cancer, since the body is in a weakened state while fighting this disease.

Known as a safe herb, the Astragalus herb has no known side effects. However, it is still important to consult a physician before taking any kind of supplement, especially if you are taking medications already. Some medications can counteract the properties of the herb, and vice versa. Before starting any herbal regimen consult with your doctor. Also, if you are pregnant or nursing, it’s not advisable to take astragalus as its effect on children have not been tested.