Sunday, 26 June 2016

St John's Wort Oil - Hypericum Oil


St. John’s Wort has become extremely popular in recent decades as a potential cure-all herbal remedy for a wide number of conditions. Unlike many other herbal treatments, many of the health benefits of St. John’s Wort have been verified by the scientific community, and the herbal supplements are commonly prescribed by medical professionals. St. John’s Wort is a small flowering plant from the Hypericum genus. 


st john's work hypericum oil
St John's Wort Flowers


Preparation of Hypericum Oil:


Making an Infused Oil with St. John’s Wort is quite easy:

- Pour the Hypericum flowers in a glass jar.
- Add Extra Virgin Olive Oil to cover them well.
- Seal the jar and place it in a sunny place, ideally for 4 weeks.
- Shake the jar once a day.

After a month the liquid has developed a typical dark red color.

- Press the flowers well and strain the liquid.
- Keep the oil in a clean container. If well stored, it can be used for a year.


Hypericum perforatum
St John's Wort Oil


Hypericum Health Benefits:


- Psoriasis: A 2012 study treated psoriasis patients with a St. John’s wort ointment. Patients experienced improvements in swelling and redness, scaling, and thickness.

- Skin Treatment: St. John’s Wort Oil is exceedingly effective at soothing pain and healing wounds quickly. But it also is very effective for larger wounds, burns, swollen glands, and sore muscles. Apply it to a stubborn splinter and eventually it works the splinter out enough for you to get it!

- Anti-Depressant Qualities: Perhaps the most well-known effect of St. John’s Wort is its anti-depressant nature. It has been widely used to relieve symptoms of depression for generations, and is now a popular natural solution that doctors and psychiatrists often prescribe to their patients. St. John’s Wort contains a rare combination of antidepressant chemicals.

WARNING: the oil should not be combined with anti-depressive medicines!

- Addiction and Withdrawal: Although additional research on this particular benefit is still ongoing, early indications show that the use of St. John’s Wort can be very helpful in easing cravings and withdrawal symptoms after quitting cigarettes, alcohol, or other addictive substances.

- Antiviral Agent: New research has recently come to light that St. John’s Wort has certain antiviral capabilities, including the prevention or reduction of risk for AIDS, hepatitis, and other serious viral conditions. 

- Hormonal Balance: St. John’s Wort active ingredients have strong effects on hormone regulation in the body.

- Anti-Inflammatory Agent: The soothing nature of St. John’s Wort and the rich concentration of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds make it perfect for easing the aching pains of arthritis, in addition to gout, joint discomfort, and muscle aches.

- Pregnancy Pains: While pregnant, hemorrhoids or other stretched out areas of the body can become very painful. Although it is not recommended to take oral supplements throughout the pregnancy, topical application of St. John’s Wort salves and pastes are highly recommended for women suffering from these pregnancy-related conditions.

- Anti-Cancer Effects: Cancer research has recently begun putting more faith in the role that St. John’s Wort could play. Laboratory research has shown a definite correlation between the prevention and treatment of leukemia with consistent use of St. John’s Wort supplements. Any cancer-preventing substance is highly valued, and this research will certainly be ongoing.


Interactions:

Patients should be cautioned on the potential for interactions and the need to consult their health care provider before taking St. John's wort with prescription or nonprescription drugs. 


Purchase your St John's Wort here:

Wednesday, 22 June 2016

Bay Leaf - Laurus Nobilis

Bay Leaf is a commonly used term that applies to many different plants around the world. The true Bay Leaf is scientifically known as Laurus Nobilis. This plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to the Mediterranean region. Bay Leaves have been a part of culinary and medicinal culture for thousands of years, dating back at least to Roman times.

The uses of Bay Leaves include grinding the leaves into a spice to flavor soups and stews, but the leaves are most commonly added in whole form as a flavoring for certain Italian and Greek dishes and are then removed or used as a garnish. Whole leaves are not commonly consumed.


bay leaf leaves benefits laurus nobilis
Greek Bay Leaves


Health Benefits of Bay Leaves


To achieve all of the health benefits listed below, it is essential that you find true Bay Leaf, derived from the laurel tree, with the scientific name Laurus Nobilis. 

- Treatment of Diabetes
- Good for Digestion
- Cardiovascular Benefits
- Treatment of Cold and Infection
- Anticancer properties
- Anxiety and Stress
- Anti-Inflammatory Activity
- Hair Health
- Increases your overall mental activity


Strange Uses of Bay Leaves



Reduce Anxiety: All you have to do in order to use this natural method for relieving anxiety is to take a dry bay leaf and burn it in your living room or bedroom. Go out and leave it burn. Go in after 10 minutes and experience the calm atmosphere created in there.

Make Ants Disappear: Take a handful of dried bay leaves and grind them in a blender until they have turned to a fine powder. Sprinkle anywhere you are having problems with ants. It works for months and will not kill the ants or other creatures, but makes them go away.


Purchase your Organic Bay Leaves here:

Monday, 20 June 2016

Greek Mountain Tea - Sideritis

Greek Mountain Tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea infusion made from the dried flowers, leaves and stems of the Sideritis plant. Sideritis flourishes throughout high elevations in the mountains of Greece.

Consumption of Greek Mountain Tea dates back to ancient civilization in Greece, when the Greek philosopher Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, hailed its benefits for the immune and respiratory systems.


greek mountain tea sideritis ironwort
Greek Mountain Tea


Although the Greeks drink their mountain tea as a hot beverage, it also makes an excellent iced tea. 
Greek mountain tea is a pleasure to drink! It has a light floral taste. 


Brewing Greek Mountain Tea is very simple!


Simply add the herbs to water in a small pot, cover and bring to a boil. 
Let it boil for 3-5 minutes.
Then remove the pot from the heat, and let it steep covered for another 3-5 minutes. 
It is excellent with a bit of Raw Honey but you can also enjoy it plain or with fresh lemon slices!


Health Benefits of Sideritis:


- Antibacterial 
- Anti fungal 
- Antimicrobial 
- Antioxidant 
- Analgesic (topical essential oil)
- Edema Care (inflammation-related)
- Fights Colds
- Helps Prevent/Cure Inflammation
- Immune System
- Improves Digestion
- Cholesterol Reducer
- Respiratory Health
- Tonic Characteristics
- Exceptionally high iron content
- Staving off osteoporosis
- New studies show that it may aid in the prevention of breast cancer
- Over 60 components that have proven health benefits


Purchase your Greek Mountain Tea here:


https://www.etsy.com/listing/268299680

Saturday, 18 June 2016

Raw Honey Health Benefits

Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized, heated or processed in any way. The differences between Raw and pasteurized honey are substantial. Raw honey is an alkaline-forming food that contains natural vitamins, enzymes, powerful antioxidants and other important natural nutrients. These nutrients are destroyed during the heating and pasteurization process. Pasteurized honey is equivalent to and just as unhealthy as eating refined sugar.


raw greek honey
Raw Flower Honey



Health Benefits of Raw Honey:


- Prevents cancer and heart disease.
- Reduces ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders.
- Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties.
- Increases athletic performance.
- Reduces cough and throat irritation.
- Blood sugar regulation.
- Heals wounds and burns.
- Probiotic: Some varieties of honey possess large amounts of friendly bacteria. 
- Beautiful skin.
- Acne treatment.
- Treats Allergies.
- Morning Sickness aid.
- Hair loss.
- Aids sleep.
- Boosts Immunity.


Purchase your Greek Raw Honey here:


https://www.etsy.com/listing/268301084

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

Health Benefits of Olive Oil

For thousands of years, olive oil has been an essential part of the Mediterranean diet as olive trees are found mostly in the Mediterranean region. 

Oliveoil is a rich source of different polyphenols. These polyphenols work as both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients in the body. Olive oil is unique in terms of its fat composition. It is mostly made of oleic acid, a monounsaturated, omega-9 fat. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as vitamins E and K. Plus, olive oil is naturally free of cholesterol and gluten.

As many lower quality olive oils are available in the market, you need to be very careful when buying it. The best type is extra virgin organic olive oil, which is cold-pressed and has the best taste and smell.

We produce superior category Organic olive oil obtained directly from olives and solely by mechanical means. Our Organic Olive Grove lies at the north-eastern part of Peloponnesos - in Greece. 


extra virgin olive oil health benefits
Extra Virgin Olive Oil


Health and beauty uses of olive oil are numerous, and you can use it both internally and externally.

Health Benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil:


- Makes your arteries more elastic
- Reduces bad cholesterol levels
- Prevents cancer
- Makes you less hungry
- Aids weight loss
- Reduces the risk of stroke in the elderly
- Lowers the risk of coronary heart disease in women
- Protects your red blood cells and therefore your heart 
- Helps you to stay healthier into old age
- Helps fight breast cancer 
- Improves Brain Functioning
- Improves your memory
- Prevents heart attacks in men
- Keeps your lips soft and supple
- Conditions your hair 
- Cures or reduces acne
- Prevents dry scalps 
- Treats sunburn

The list is endless....


Purchase your Organic Olive Oil in our shop:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/268306446

Monday, 13 June 2016

How to Dry Your Own Herbs

Drying  your own herbs is really easy! All you really need is some string and a warm, dry place with hooks or pegs to hang them from.


Dry your Herbs - Steps:


Step 1: Gather your herbs. The best time to do this, is in the morning before the sun is shining on them. It’s also best to pick the herbs before the plants start to flower.

Step 2: Wash your herbs and pat them dry with a towel. Or, if your herbs look pretty clean, you can just shake them gently to get rid of any residual dust or dirt. At this point, pick off any leaves that are yellowed, spotted, or discolored.


dry wild herbs
Drying Herbs


Step 3: If your herbs have a lower moisture content (like thyme, bay leaves, oregano, sage, etc.), air-dry them by tying them in bundles and hanging them in a place that is warm and dry with some air circulation. If your herbs have a higher moisture content (like basil, lemon balm, mint, etc.), they could start to mold if they are not dried quickly enough. 

Step 4: Store your herbs. Once your herbs are completely dry (they should be able to crumble easily in your hands and have that crispy feel and sound like autumn leaves do), you can separate the leaves from the stems and put your dried herbs into old spice bottles, mason jars, etc.
The best place to store herbs in in a cool, dry place away from the light. This will keep the properties of the herbs as intact as possible and keep them fresh for the longest.


Looking for Organic Dried Herbs? You can find them in our shop:


https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageNatureGreece?ref=l2-shopheader-name&section_id=18794230

Sunday, 12 June 2016

Greek Raw Honey

Greek Honey:


Greek honey is considered to be some of the finest honey in the world. Earth scientists and botanists consider Greece a country with the richest flora in the Mediterranean basin, (more than 7,500 different species of herbs, plants, wild flowers and trees). Thus, with this magnificent array of nature’s blessings, the bees give us multiple types of Greek honey. 

Our honey comes from Pelion Mountain. The land of Pelion is blessed with rare medicinal plants and herbs and sustains a wide variety of flora. Our beekeeper harvests by hand using the ancient traditional methods from late spring until late autumn. The honey is extracted cold and is unfiltered to ensure the many health beneficial properties of the nectar. 


greek raw flower honey
Wild Flowers Honey


Raw unprocessed honey, straight from the hive, has been used worldwide for millennium to promote human health and for healing purposes.


Purchase your Greek Honey here:


https://www.etsy.com/listing/268301084




Medicinal Wild Herbs of Mount Pelion

Greek Herbs:


Our herbs come from the Mount Pelion in central Greece. The land of Pelion is blessed with rare medicinal plants and herbs and sustains a wide variety of flora and fauna. The rare plants growing on the mountain, are used extensively for therapeutic purposes. The god of medicine Asklepius, lived there. In older times, people flocked to this area seeking cures for various ailments. 

According to a recent study, Mount Pelion has listed a total of 225 species, representing 77 families. The most known plant that grows in Pelion is the Greek mountain tea, which is reputed to be good for skin, teeth, metabolism and digestion. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory drug for maintaining respiratory health and it is believed to help the immune system. 


greek herbs wild medicinal herbs
Medicinal Wild Herbs


Plants like the Greek Sage, Thyme, St John's Wort, Oregano and Mint  are found in abundance in this region. A variety of wild medicinal plants and herbs are seen growing among the wildflowers that embellish the slopes of Pelion. Hundreds of studies are still made for the attributes of Pelion herbs and plants. 

In addition to their medicinal properties, wild herbs have a distinctive aroma and taste! They are used extensively in the greek cuisine. You can’t go very far in Greece without bumping into the smell of someone's cooking. Greek food is simple and artfully perfumed with herbs and spices that are combined in unexpected ways...

Saturday, 11 June 2016

Organic Olive Oil Production

Organic Olive Trees


Organic olives are those that have grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or other artificial agents. This means that to be organic, the olives can’t use any chemicals or pesticides to help them grow. Olive trees in general are a very hearty tree. They require little to no pesticide intervention to grow olives.


extra virgin organic olive oil
Organic Olive Grove


Organic food has more of the antioxidant compounds linked to better health than regular food, and lower levels of toxic metals. Plants produce many of their antioxidant compounds to fight back against pest attacks, so the higher levels in organic crops may result from their lack of protection by chemical sprays.


Purchase your Organic Olive Oil:


https://www.etsy.com/listing/268306446