Sunday, October 28, 2012

Haveing a Spirited Yuletide Celebration

Damiana Liqueur

This takes over a month to make so start easly if it is a gift or to be used for a sabbat.

 soak one ounce of Damiana Leaves,
two tablespoons of Saw Palmetto berries,
two tablespoons of Angelica root
l/2 tablespoon of vanilla pods
in 750 ml. of whisky.

After one week, strain the mixture through a coffee filter and save the liquid. Re-soak the herbs, etc. in 750 ml. distilled water for another week and then strain this second mixture. Heat the second mix to approximately 80C (176 F) and dissolve one cup of honey into the hot liquid. After the honey has dissolved, remove from the heat, allow to cool somewhat and then add it to the first (whisky) mixture.

You must then age the whole thing for at least a month! One ounce of liqueur, taken once a day for a few weeks should produce interesting results. Herbs usually work in a gentle fashion so don't expect instantaneous results. Indeed, because of their different metabolism, some people may not experience any effects whatever, while others may find the results too potent. Use these herbs in a respectful manner and use them in moderation, over-indulgence or extended use may have harmful side-effects. Most importantly, be wise, oh and by the way... enjoy yourselves!

Added info
Damiana was recorded to be used as an aphrodisiac in the ancient Mayan civilization, as well as for "giddiness and loss of balance." A Spanish missionary first reported that the Mexican Indians made a drink from the damiana leaves, added sugar, and drank it for its purported power to enhance lovemaking.
For more than a century damiana's use has been associated with improving sexual function in both males and females
Dr. James Balch reports in his book Prescription for Nutritional Healing that damiana "relieves headaches, controls bed-wetting, and stimulates muscular contractions of the intestinal tract. . . ."
Note:
Damiana---Medicinal Action and Uses---
Damiana was recorded to be used as an aphrodisiac in the ancient Mayan civilization, as well as for "giddiness and loss of balance."
A Spanish missionary first reported that the Mexican Indians made a drink from the damiana leaves, added sugar, and drank it for its purported power to enhance lovemaking.
For more than a century damiana's use has been associated with improving sexual function in both males and females.
Dr. James Balch reports in his book Prescription for Nutritional Healing that damiana "relieves headaches, controls bed-wetting, and stimulates muscular contractions of the intestinal tract, relieve anxiety, depression, headaches during menstruation, and exhaustion.
Damiana also helps to balance female hormone levels and control hot flashes."
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Saw palmetto ---Medicinal Action and Uses---
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (prostate enlargement), Prostate cancer, Neurogenic bladder (loss of bladder tone), Alopecia (hair loss), Prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, urineary track disorders in males,
If pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid saw palmetto as it may affect genital development. Tinctures may also contain alcohol, which should also be avoided if breastfeeding or pregnant.
Also interfere's eith antibotics.
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Angelica root ---Medicinal Action and Uses---
The root stalks, leaves and fruit possess carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, stomachic, tonic and expectorant properties, which are strongest in the fruit, though the whole plant has the same virtues.
Angelica is a good remedy for colds, coughs, pleurisy, wind, colic, rheumatism and diseases of the urinary organs, though it should not be given to patients who have a tendency towards diabetes, as it causes an increase of sugar in the urine.
It is generally used as a stimulating expectorant, combined with other expectorants the action of which is facilitated, and to a large extent diffused, through the whole of the pulmonary region.
It is a useful agent for feverish conditions, acting as a diaphoretic.


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Rosemary Lemon Liqueur

This fresh rosemary and lemon liqueur recipe is a variation on the Italian
limoncello. For a more complex, perfumy version, substitute ½ cup fresh
lemon verbena or lemon balm leaves for one or two of the lemons.

Ingredients:
Grated zest and juice of 5 large lemons
1 liter vodka
4 sprigs fresh rosemary (about 4 or 5 inches long)
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon glycerin (available at drugstores, optional)

Directions:
Place lemon zest, juice, vodka and rosemary in a clean glass jar or bottle.
Cover and let macerate in a cool, dark place for 1 month or more, giving the
mixture a shake every few days.

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Boil until sugar has completely
dissolved. Let cool.

Strain vodka mixture through a coffee filter into a clean jar or bottle with
an airtight lid. Sweeten to taste with the sugar syrup. If desired, add a
little glycerin as a smoother. Cover and age at least 2 weeks. Store in the
refrigerator or freezer for up to 1 year. Serve ice cold in small glasses.

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Provencal Thyme Liqueur

Homemade liqueurs can also be made with sage or fennel leaf. A Danish recipe
uses fresh lemon thyme.

2/3 cup dried thyme
1 liter vodka
3/4 cup sugar
3/8 cup water
1 branch fresh thyme (optional)

Combine thyme and vodka in a clean glass jar or bottle. Cover and let stand
in a cool, dark place for 6 weeks, giving the mixture a shake every few days

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Boil until sugar has completely
dissolved. Let cool.

Strain vodka mixture through a coffee filter into a clean jar or bottle with
an airtight lid. Sweeten to taste with the sugar syrup. Add fresh thyme as a
garnish in the bottle or jar, if desired. Cover and age at least 2 weeks.
Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year

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