Kristina finds her garden has the cure for what ails her.
Words Kristina Jensen
A while ago, I had a wee heart scare. It’s usually nothing major, just an atrial flutter where my heart decides to do a quick samba. It leaves me breathless and slightly giddy, unfortunately without the romance and passion of dancing.
Usually I calm my heart rate down quite quickly by putting my head between my knees and taking a few deep breaths.
But this time it didn’t. I ended up taking an emergency flight to hospital early one Sunday morning.
In the last 18 months I’ve had vertigo and have been nursing a sore shoulder. I began to wonder if turning 50 had somehow set the downhill gears in motion.
Upon closer examination, it seems it’s not necessarily the physical things I am doing but mostly to do with the Mind. Mine appears to require some stern talking-to in the department of future thinking.
I am a micro manager. There are five calendars adorning the walls. Lists are scattered here and there. I wake up in the morning and am immediately bombarded with all these ‘to-dos’.
Vertigo made me stop in my tracks and lie down, sometimes for hours at a time. Now it seems this little heart of mine is reminding me again to pay attention to my mind and to the people and things around me.
I’m starting to sound like Eckhart Tolle, a spiritual author whose most popular work is The Power of Now. He is an advocate for emptying the mind of the clutter, that incessant chatter. This is what I am learning to do and it’s great!
At the heart of what I’m writing about is finding time to be in the ‘now’. As soon as I start thinking that I don’t have enough of it, things start to go downhill.
It’s a good thing I have my garden to retreat to, the piece of earth that helps me attain the power of now.
It is through gardening that I also acquired a love of thyme. As a culinary herb, it adds unparalleled aroma and flavour to a dish, but it’s also full of pun-potential.
Thyme and thyme again, it’s my go-to for ailments. Got a sore throat? Gargle a mouthful or two of a thyme infusion. Need a pick-me-up? Try a cup of thyme tea. Feeling a cold coming on? Inhale it, eat it, drink it.
KRISTINA’S THYME MASTER TONIC
I love making my own cough and cold remedies. I think it comes from my mother, who could somehow turn your illness into a delightful opportunity to make a special remedy.
If we were truly sick, we had to go to bed and stay in bed. She would then brew a drink of onions in honey and hot lemon. Just one whiff would make me feel better.
My latest experiments have been centred around making a ‘master tonic’. There are many recipes for this online, each with its own special character.
I used thyme as the base of my version.
I dry my own thyme for this recipe, hanging the sprigs in a net bag for a month in a warm dry place. It seems to make the flavour stronger than when using the fresh plant.
This drink is strong, hot and spicy, and chases away my winter blues.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup dried thyme
6 garlic cloves
2 hot chilli peppers, the hottest you can find (wear gloves when handling)
10-15 generous slices of root ginger
2 tbsp turmeric powder or 3 slices of turmeric root
700ml organic apple cider vinegar
METHOD
Mix all the ingredients except the vinegar in an Agee-sized jar (1 litre). Pour in the apple cider vinegar. Close, then shake. Keep the jar in a cool, dry place for about two weeks.
Invert the jar every day or, even better, several times a day. After two weeks, strain the liquid through a thin cloth, squeezing the solids in the cloth so the mixture can release its juices.
Keep the tonic in the fridge. Gargle a tablespoon a day for a few seconds, then swallow.
Makes 1 litre
Ready in 2 weeks
Kristina’s tips
• Be careful when you open the jar – this tonic is strong and hot on the sinuses.
• Never dilute the tonic or its effects are reduced.
• Have a slice of orange, lemon or lime on hand to eat after you drink this tonic to help reduce the burning sensation and heat.
SORE THROAT TEA
If you are working hard to achieve a difficult goal, I find a cup of thyme tea can help you keep a positive attitude. Maybe the Scottish highlanders knew this when they drank thyme tea to increase courage.
Thyme (active ingredient, thymol) and sage have excellent antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, making them ideal for a soothing tea for sore and inflamed throats. Ginger is both anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory.
It is best to make this tea fresh as it will become bitter if the herbs are left to steep for too long.
INGREDIENTS
½ tsp dried sage
½ tsp dried thyme
OR a couple of sprigs of fresh sage and thyme
1-2 slices fresh root ginger
honey or stevia
METHOD
Add the sage, thyme and ginger to one cup of boiling water and steep for 3-5 minutes. Strain if you don’t like floaty bits. Add a sweetener like honey or stevia if you wish.
Note: sage should not be used while pregnant or breast-feeding.
Makes 1 cup
Ready in 5 minutes
THYME STEAM INHALATION
A simple method for relieving congested sinuses.
INGREDIENTS
1 handful fresh thyme
boiling water
METHOD
Add a generous handful of fresh thyme to a large heat-proof bowl and pour boiling water over it. Place your face above the bowl with a towel over your head and inhale the steam.
Note: steam can burn you so start with your face high above the bowl and then move it down slowly.
The post How to use thyme to combat winter ills: Thyme Tonic and Sore Throat Tea appeared first on thisNZlife.
#ThymeTea #ThymeSteamInhalation #MedicinalHerbs #HerbTonic #KristinaJensen
Top 24 Best Hooks
2-Piece Extra-Strong Magnetic Hook Set – 8 Lb Capacity2-Piece Extra-Strong Magnetic Hook Set – 8 Lb Capacity - Hang tools, badges, kitchen utensils, keys, decorations, towels, etc. Strong magnetic hooks for your kitchen, garage, or office. Set of two hooks. Chrome plated steel. 15″ diameter 15″ depth.
Command Timeless Hook, Large, Brushed Nickel, 1-Hook (17063BN-ES)Command Timeless Hook, Large, Brushed Nickel, 1-Hook (17063BN-ES) - Wood and zinc die cast base materials. 1 hook and 2 strips. Mounting hardware and installation instructions included. Organize and decorate in one easy step. Classic design and finishes.
Heavy Duty Vacuum Suction Cup Hooks (2Pack) Specialized for Kitchen&Bathroom&Restroom Organization, by iRomicHeavy Duty Vacuum Suction Cup Hooks (2Pack) Specialized for Kitchen&Bathroom&Restroom Organization, by iRomic - Fast shipping shipped from usa by fba. Supper suction and long lasting made of high quality abs plastic and german basf tup rubber for suction pad that can hold up to max load of 13 pounds and stay suctioned for years. Use tips and attentionthis item is a pack of two hooks that works only on non-porous,smooth surfaces such as polished ceramic tile,mirror, glass window,polished stainless still wall and plastic board etc, won’t work on any porous,bumpy,rough or textured surfaces such as rough coating surface,unpolished marble or wooden door,rugged porcelain surface etc. Easy installation and removable just a push or pull on the lever handle for lock or loose and it is designed to be removable and reusable for your replacement. Damage freeno drilling,no screws,no holes,no glue is needed.
The Hillman Group 122412 White Driller Hook Ceiling Hanger, 1-PackThe Hillman Group 122412 White Driller Hook Ceiling Hanger, 1-Pack - All you need is a screwdriver. Most practical, easy to install and secure plant hook on the market. Strong and elegant hanger swivels 360 degrees for ideal orientation of your plant or decor. The toggling mechanism locks the anchor securely behind the drywall allowing it to hold heavier weight loads.
Suction Cup Hooks (34 Pieces) Clear Silicon with Metal and Plastic Hooks by Regent Products CorpSuction Cup Hooks (34 Pieces) Clear Silicon with Metal and Plastic Hooks by Regent Products Corp - These cup hooks have so many applications. Come in 3 different sizes, small 3/4″, medium 1 1/4″, & large 1 5/8″. Extremely handy to have around the house, office, work and more. Includes 2 packs of 17pc suction cup hooks (34 cups total). Great for organization and decorations.
Preyda Magnetic Hooks 6 Hook Set, Great for Hang and Add Storage Powerful Heavy Duty Neodymium Magnet, 20 lb.Preyda Magnetic Hooks 6 Hook Set, Great for Hang and Add Storage Powerful Heavy Duty Neodymium Magnet, 20 lb. - Easy assemble magnetic hooks are easy to remove, they would be great in any small space to aid storage and easy accessibility, and these magnetic hooks fit in anywhere and serve a purpose that cannot be duplicated. Multi purpose perfect use for hang little gadgets, the 20lb magnetic hooks usually used for hang hats, keys, towels, but to be honest, items will slide down the walls with more than 3 lbs hanging on it. Small size we do not suggest to use this 20lb magnetic hooks for hang heavy items, though you can really feel the pull when attaching them to a metallic surface via vertical adsorption on the material surface. Attention please due to the power magnetism, if you want to use these magnetic hook on stainless steel refrigerators, we suggest to put a tissue or something else between the magnet and the surface to protect the surface from scratching. Lifetime guarantee our products are extremely high quality and are checked during and after production for quality, your purchase is protected, return at any time and at any point what are you waiting for, it is time to declutter the space.
No-Hole Hooks Vinyl Siding Hangers – Low Profile- 4PKNo-Hole Hooks Vinyl Siding Hangers – Low Profile- 4PK - The no-hole hook is available in 2 styles, this one is called low profile and has a slight bend in the design. There are 2 hooks per package. Each holds up to 5-6 lbs. Hooks are approximately 1-1/2″. The no-hole hook is the perfect solution for adding decorations to the vinyl siding on your home or business. The hook is stainless steel so it won’t rust or stain the siding. Simple to use, you just roll the hook into any seam in the vinyl siding.
Command Medium Utility Hooks, 9-Hooks, 12-Strips (GP001-9NA) – Easy to Open PackagingCommand Medium Utility Hooks, 9-Hooks, 12-Strips (GP001-9NA) – Easy to Open Packaging - They also come in a variety of sizes and hold a surprising amount of weight, up to seven and a half pounds forget about nails, screws and tacks, command hooks are fast and easy to hang using the revolutionary command adhesive, stick to many surfaces, including paint, wood, tile and more. Yet, they also come off leaving no holes, marks, sticky residue or stains. Command hooks are available in a wide range of designs to match your individual style and decor. Rehanging them is as easy as applying a command refill strip, so you can take down, move and reuse them again and again.
ESYLIFE Hooks Over The Door Hook Organizer Rack Hanging Towel Rack Over Door, 9 Hooks, Chrome FinishESYLIFE Hooks Over The Door Hook Organizer Rack Hanging Towel Rack Over Door, 9 Hooks, Chrome Finish - The over the door hook rack is perfect for anyone who needs more hanging space. Size(wxdxh)16 x 4 x 118 inch. Sturdy steel construction and chrome finish, bright sliver color, waterproof and rustproof anti-corrosion bearing capacity 36 lbs. Beautiful supreme quality with 9 hooks,multi-purpose for coat hook, hat hook, bag hook. Fits standard doors up to 1-3/4 inch thick, and features 2 pcs eva black anti-scrathing pads, depended on your door depth, if you tab this in the hanging clips but the door can’t close, you needn’t use them.
eBoot 20 Pieces Wall Mounted Hook Robe Hooks Single Coat Hanger and 50 Pieces Screws (Black)eBoot 20 Pieces Wall Mounted Hook Robe Hooks Single Coat Hanger and 50 Pieces Screws (Black) - Wall mounted hook measurement the size of this set of wall mounted hooks is 44 x 30 mm/ 173 x 118 inches, medium size, suitable for you to hang many items. Matchable screws these screws are 15 mm in length and 5 mm in head diameter, and the screws can match with the hooks hole, for fix these robe hooks. Sturdy material the single hook is made of zinc alloy and the screw is made of iron, hard and durable material, not easy to break and can resist rust and erosion. Multiple applications you can use these hooks in different places, such as bedrooms, bathrooms and closets, to hang various items, such as dresses, clothes and hats. Quantity this package includes 20 pieces of wall mounted hooks and 50 pieces of screws, enough for you to use.
Command Wire Hooks Mega Pack, Small, White, 28-Hooks (17067-MPES)Command Wire Hooks Mega Pack, Small, White, 28-Hooks (17067-MPES) - Forget about nails, screws and tacks, command hooks are fast and easy to hang and hold a surprising amount of weight command adhesive sticks to many surfaces, including paint, wood, tile and more yet comes off leaving no holes, marks, sticky residue or stains. Rehanging is as easy as applying a command refill strip, so you can take down, move and reuse them again and again.
Holiday Joy – WORLD’S STRONGEST All Purpose 2-1/2-Inch Suction Cups with Hooks – Made in USA (Large – 4 Pack)Holiday Joy – WORLD’S STRONGEST All Purpose 2-1/2-Inch Suction Cups with Hooks – Made in USA (Large – 4 Pack) - Often imitated but never duplicated, no other suction cup on the planet delivers the holding power, crystal-clear clarity, unsurpassed safety or value of these “made in usa” suction cups over thirty years of extensive r&d has gone into perfecting these cups why put your trust in cheap, flimsy and inferior overseas knock-offs that won’t hold up and will only let you down. Great for hanging wreaths and larger decorations in windows, on mirrors, or any other clean, slick, non-porous surface once applied, not affected by heat or cold strong, rustproof metal hooks. Pack of 4 large suction cups with hooks actual suction cup size, 2 1/2″ each cup is rated to hold up to 7lbs. Instructions make sure surface is clean use only on slick, smooth surfaces such as glass, metal, ceramic tile, plastic, formica, etc always test a suction cup before hanging heavier objects or valuable items for best results, surface should be above 40 degrees fahrenheit when applied. Suction cups do not yellow, deteriorate, or lose adhesion over time these suction cups have light diffusing rings that prevent focused light from damaging interiors, while the superior material resists yellowing the metal “u” hook design, is deep and ideal for window-mounted holiday ornaments, stained glass, and decorations you can use it in the home, office, bathroom, garage and anywhere else you can think of.
12 Pack Adhesive Hooks(13.2lb/6kg) Sticky Wall Hooks Transparent Plastic Reusable Heavy Duty Hook for Kitchen Bathroom Office No Trace No Scratch Waterproof and Oilproof12 Pack Adhesive Hooks(13.2lb/6kg) Sticky Wall Hooks Transparent Plastic Reusable Heavy Duty Hook for Kitchen Bathroom Office No Trace No Scratch Waterproof and Oilproof - Waterproof and anti-moistureit won’t fall off even it is under the bathroom showerno affecting its adhesive and sealing powerexcellent waterproof,mouldproof and oilproofsuperior weather resistance. Durable and heavy dutysmall hook great capabilitystrong bearing weight,heavy load of 6kg/132lb itemsno falling offdurable and reusable,no need frequent buyingwashable,can wash in water to recover stickness. No nail no drilling and easy installationtraceless adhesive material,perfect sticking,just stick onto the wall and squeeze all the air bubble out,simple work by hand. Multi-applicationuse it on ceramic,glass,stainless steel surface,door or metal coating furniture and so on, adaptable to various wall surfaces,great performance(painted walls are not advised)hang the kitchen tools,bathroom ware or various sundries. Stealth designunique transparent design makes it almost invisible which is quite suitable for nice home decoration materialpvc,backside super adhesive traceless solid glue,abspack of 12 pieces,independent packagesize 60mm(l) 60mm(w).
Heavy Duty Rustic Entryway Hooks – 10 Pack of Wall Mounted Vintage Double Coat Hangers with Four Extra Long Bronze Metal Screws IncludedHeavy Duty Rustic Entryway Hooks – 10 Pack of Wall Mounted Vintage Double Coat Hangers with Four Extra Long Bronze Metal Screws Included - Premium quality and durability, made from superior quality steel, each wall mounted hook is sturdy enough to handle the heaviest of items it can easily hold up to 35 lbs of weight so it’s the perfect addition to your home or office. Quick and easy installation, with 40 heavy duty screws included in each pack you can easily install and securely mount this onto any wall these single hooks make for an easy fit compared to conventional 5 to 6 hook racks that are bulky and hard to install. 100% satisfaction guaranteed, we are sure our hooks will help you declutter the mess around your home with a strong and reliable set of hooks we offer a 30 day money back guarantee to ensure you can buy with confidence click add to cart now. Removes clutter, easily hang up anything from coats, jackets, hats, necklaces, jewelry, keys, towels, handbags and belts to keep your home organized ideal for entryways, hallways, foyers, bathrooms and rooms with limited storage space. Stylish coat rack, with 10 rustic style wire hooks you’ll add some classic minimalist design and flair to complement any room decorate your entryway to impress guests or use it in the bathroom to store towels and robes.
Brainerd 133077 Cirque Coat and Hat Hook, Satin NickelBrainerd 133077 Cirque Coat and Hat Hook, Satin Nickel - Ideal for use in foyers, hallways, and bathrooms. Adds a decorative accent to any room. The product is highly durable and easy to use. The product is manufactured in china. Abs base material. Easy installation and easy handling. Organize and decorate in one easy step.
Command Large Utility Hooks, 7-Hooks, 12-Strips (GP003-7NA) – Easy to Open PackagingCommand Large Utility Hooks, 7-Hooks, 12-Strips (GP003-7NA) – Easy to Open Packaging - Command hooks are available in a wide range of designs to match your individual style and decor. Rehanging them is as easy as applying a command refill strip, so you can take down, move and reuse them again and again. They also come in a variety of sizes and hold a surprising amount of weight, up to seven and a half pounds forget about nails, screws and tacks, command hooks are fast and easy to hang using the revolutionary command adhesive, stick to many surfaces, including paint, wood, tile and more. Yet, they also come off leaving no holes, marks, sticky residue or stains.
StoutMax Heavy Duty Bike Storage Hooks Set, 8 PackStoutMax Heavy Duty Bike Storage Hooks Set, 8 Pack - 8-pack heavy duty steel bike utility storage hook set with graphite finish. Soft non-marring, non-slip coated finish to protect surfaces. Stoutmax ez-thread makes installation a breeze. Each hook is constructed from stoutmax heavy duty galvanized tough steel. Ideal for ceiling storage of bicycles, garage storage, recreational equipment, tools, lawn furniture, and garden hoses.
30 Pack S Shaped Hanging Hooks 3.5″ Hangers for Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom and Office30 Pack S Shaped Hanging Hooks 3.5″ Hangers for Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom and Office - Material metal. Package includes 30 pieces hooks size 35″ silver color s hooks. Weight 11 g per piece. Length 9 cm/ 35 inches maximum bearing weight 5 kg. S shape, no need to stick or use screws, widely applied in closet, kitchen, bathroom, storage room, garage, workshop, and office.
Yueton 50pcs Vinyl Coated Screw-In Ceiling Hooks Cup Hooks (Black)Yueton 50pcs Vinyl Coated Screw-In Ceiling Hooks Cup Hooks (Black) - Vinyl coated cup hooks/ ceiling hooks pack of 50 color black material vinyl+metal size total length 47mm width 25mm open mouth 13mm vinyl coated hook length 32mm screw length 15mm easy installation.
Command Traditional Plastic Hook, Large, Brushed Nickel, 1-Hook (17053BN-ES)Command Traditional Plastic Hook, Large, Brushed Nickel, 1-Hook (17053BN-ES) - Remounting is as simple as applying a command clear refill strip, so you can use them again and again. Forget about nails, screws, tacks or messy adhesives. Yet, removes cleanly, no holes, marks, sticky residue. Clear hooks and strips blend in seamlessly allowing you to show what matters most, your decor, not how it’s hung up. This clear adhesive strip, holds strongly on a variety of surfaces, including paint, wood, tile and more.
Ninth Five 30lb Swivel Swing Powerful Magnetic Hooks,Strong Heavy Duty Neodymium Magnet Hooks – Great for Your Refrigerator and Other Magnetic Surfaces(4 Pack)Ninth Five 30lb Swivel Swing Powerful Magnetic Hooks,Strong Heavy Duty Neodymium Magnet Hooks – Great for Your Refrigerator and Other Magnetic Surfaces(4 Pack) - 4 magnetic hooks includedneodymium magnet,nickel coating,bright appearance and corrosion resistanceeach of the hook weights 38g,the vertical attraction is 14kg(30 pounds),the shear force is less than 1/3 of the vertical forcetest conditions 10mm thick pure iron and smooth surface (at the same time meet). These fittings allow the magnets to easily be attached to your designs, they also provide any easy, non-destructive way to suspend objects or attach them to metal surfacesin order to easily separate the two hooks,we put a white plastic washer in the middle of two hooksplease do not try to connect two hooks together in the absence of the plastic washer because they are too strongif connecting,the use of shear force will be more easy to separate them. Free bonus4 free 3m scratch free adhesive pads included how to use tear off the papers on both sides, stick to the magnet or magnetic surface,they will effectively reduce scratching or damaging your delicate surfaces. Hooks make perfect tool and knife holders, toy holders, cleaning supply/equipment holders, lawn/garden tool holders, recreational and sports equipment holders, pots and pans holders, etcyou can hang hammers, paint brushes, power cords, brooms, brackets, hats, coats, aprons, bags and practically anything else you can think of. Multifunction rotating head,the hook rotates 360 degrees and swivels 180 degreesvery flexible and convenientthe hook part of every swivel hook can be removed, so the hook part pull out or deviate of the magnet pot are normal phenomenons you could install the hook part back to the circular hole on both sides of the magnet pot,swivel the hook forcefully into the holes until it return to the proper position and then hooks can be used again.
Command Jumbo Hook, Slate , 1-Hook (17088S-ES)Command Jumbo Hook, Slate , 1-Hook (17088S-ES) - Yet, removes leaving no holes, marks, or sticky residue. Forget about nails, screws and tacks, command hooks are fast and easy to hang the revolutionary command clear adhesive strip stick to many surfaces, including paint, wood, tile and more. Rehanging them is as easy as applying a command clear refill strip, so you can take down, move and reuse them again and again.
24 Pack Heavy Duty S Hooks Stainless Steel S Shaped Hooks Hanging Hangers for Kitchenware Spoons Pans Pots Utensils Clothes Bags Towers Tools Plants24 Pack Heavy Duty S Hooks Stainless Steel S Shaped Hooks Hanging Hangers for Kitchenware Spoons Pans Pots Utensils Clothes Bags Towers Tools Plants - Many usesthese cute s-hooks has wide usessuitable for kitchenware and can be applied on the wall to organize such cooking utensils as pots, pans, mops, spoons to save lots of space in our kitchenthese s hanging hooks also suitable for use in closet,storage room,bathroom,garage,workshop and office. Buy with confidenceone order you could get 24 pack s shaped hooks we offer one year warranty for these s hooks we’re sure they’re exactly s hooks which you looking foradd it to your cart if you really need them. Simple and clean designthis s hook solid, clean design serves purpose of improving organization perfect length, easy to remove item and very handy for you to use and carry. Well made s hooks these are made of high quality metal,so they’re very sturdy perfect for you to hang something up on wire racks, such as shelves or bakers rackyou could hanging your cookware on your racking system. Perfect for kitchen solutionyou could use these with a adjustable wire metal rack in your kitchenthese are great for hanging pans and utensils from they help to complete the industrial look you was going for in your kitchen they are very strong and you will no fear in hanging your heavy 16 inch cast iron pan from themgreat price and quality.
Command Jumbo Utility Hook, White, 1-Hook (17004ES)Command Jumbo Utility Hook, White, 1-Hook (17004ES) - Rehanging them is as easy as applying a command refill strip, so you can take down, move and reuse them again and again. Command hooks are available in a wide range of designs to match your individual style and decor. Yet, they also come off leaving no holes, marks, sticky residue or stains. They also come in a variety of sizes and hold a surprising amount of weight, up to seven and a half pounds forget about nails, screws and tacks, command hooks are fast and easy to hang using the revolutionary command adhesive, stick to many surfaces, including paint, wood, tile and more. #Office
