Herb Basics

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A NATURAL IRON BOOST

Looking for a natural, inexpensive way to increase your iron intake? Try this recipe, recommended by Aviva and Tracy Romm in their book ADHD Alternatives.

Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) works quickly — taken as a syrup, the herb can raise iron levels in a matter of weeks. Blackstrap molasses is high in iron, and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) enhances iron absorption and assimilation.

YELLOW DOCK IRON-RICH SYRUP

1/2 ounce dried yellow dock root
1/2 ounce dried dandelion root
1 quart water
1/2 cup blackstrap molasses

Combine yellow dock and dandelion roots in water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 4 hours. Strain liquid into a saucepan. Simmer, uncovered, until liquid is reduced to 1 cup. Add molasses and stir well. Pour into a clean glass jar, cool to room temperature, and seal jar. The syrup will keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Take 1 to 2 tablespoons daily, along with 250 mg vitamin C to enhance iron absorption.

Source: Romm, Aviva and Tracy Romm. ADHD Alternatives. Pownal, Vermont: Storey Books, 2000.

ENJOY A CHAI HAZELNUT SMOOTHIE

In her book Wai Lana’s Favorite Juices, yoga instructor and juicing enthusiast Wai Lana provides this delicious, exotic recipe, which makes an energizing breakfast. The smoothie provides antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

CHAI HAZELNUT SMOOTHIE
Serves 2

1 cup milk
3/4 cup chai
2 teaspoons fresh ginger juice
11/2 frozen bananas
1 heaping tablespoon hazelnuts
1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup, to taste
1 pinch cinnamon
1 teaspoon flax oil
1 scoop protein powder

Blend, pour into glasses and enjoy!

Source: Lana, Wai. Wai Lana’s Favorite Juices. Malibu, California: Wai Lana Productions, 2003.

REMEMBER THREE HERBS FOR A BETTER MEMORY

Need a mental boost? The following are a few of the best time-tested herbs to help improve memory.