Tag

from

Browsing

When you bake buns, you save valuable food from being thrown away. It only takes a few minutes and rolls from the day before taste fresh again. Here you can find out what to look out for when baking bread rolls.

Bread is one of the oldest staple foods in the world. According to the WWF, 90 percent of Germans eat it at least once a day.

Baked goods are also among the most frequently thrown away foods: According to the WWF, more than a third of the production ends up in the garbage. In the supermarkets, rolls that are more than three hours old are no longer considered fresh. In addition, many people do not want to eat soft rolls from the day before. It is very easy to bake bread rolls and save them from the dustbin.

Bake the buns in the oven

How you store bread and pastries is crucial to help them last longer. Bread and pastries are best stored at room temperature and protected from air, for example in a bread bin. In the refrigerator, on the other hand, the baked goods quickly harden.

You can simply bake them in the oven so that your rolls still taste fresh from the baker later:
Brush the buns with a little water using a kitchen brush. If you don’t have a kitchen brush, run the buns under running water for 1-2 seconds.
Place the wet buns on a baking sheet.
Bake the rolls at 150 degrees Celsius for five to eight minutes until they are crispy again.
Allow the baked buns to cool briefly on the baking rack before serving.
This method is suitable if you want to bake a larger quantity of rolls. Avoid heating the large oven for just a bun or two to conserve electricity.

Bake the buns with the toaster

Many toasters have an attachment for baking buns. With a toaster, you can therefore bake small amounts of bread rolls, saving time and energy.

How to bake your rolls with the toaster:
Place one or two buns on your toaster’s raising device.
Choose the highest temperature and bake the buns for two to three minutes.
Then flip them over and bake for another minute or two. Then they are crispy on the other side too.
After you’ve baked the buns, serve them immediately.

Bake hard buns

You can also re-bake older, hardened rolls instead of throwing them away. If they are already too hard, you can use them for other things, such as breadcrumbs.

In this way, hard rolls taste fresh again:
Soak a tea towel in water and wring it out well.
Wrap the bun in the damp cloth and let it soak up the moisture for 2-3 minutes.
You can then use either of the two methods described to crisp up the moistened bun

Women, in particular, are familiar with the problem: a small slip and the nail polish are already on the clothes. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, you’re wearing the new and, above all, expensive top. It is well known that nail polish is very aggressive and therefore cannot be removed easily. But with the right products, which can mostly be found in your own household, nail polish stains can be easily removed from clothing. Above all, it is important to act quickly if you want to save yourself the trip to the expensive cleaning service.

Dab quickly – do not rub

Beautiful nails are often painted with nail polish. If you paint your fingernails with nail polish, you should always have a cotton ball or a cloth ready. These are used when something goes wrong and the nail polish ends up where it doesn’t belong – on the clothes. In addition, note other tips for painting nails.

It is important to act quickly. The stain should be dabbed off with a cotton swab or a towel as soon as possible – never rub! Rubbing would destroy the textures of the clothing, causing the nail polish to get even deeper into the clothing. As a result, it will be even harder to completely remove the stain later.

Remove the stain with nail polish remover

After most of the stain has been blotted, nail polish remover can be used.
However, before treating the stain with it, the application should be tested on an inconspicuous area of ​​the garment. The clothing may react poorly to the nail polish remover, which would increase the damage. If this is not the case, a piece of paper or a towel should first be placed under the affected area. This catches any nail polish remover that may drip out in the next step.

A towel or cotton ball is now lightly dipped in the nail polish remover. The nail polish stain is now dabbed with this until the stain has completely disappeared. Any residue of the nail polish remover can be removed with a warm, damp cloth.

Remove nail polish with white spirit

A good alternative to nail polish remover is petroleum ether, even if it may not be found in every household. The use of this is particularly recommended if a piece of clothing shows bad reactions to nail polish remover.

The same applies here: Dip a cotton swab or a towel in some white spirit and dab the stain until it has been completely removed. If there are residues here too: simply remove them with a warm, damp cloth.

Remove nail polish with acetone as a stain remover

Anyone who has neither nail polish remover nor benzine to hand can consider whether there is acetone somewhere in the household. This is also great for removing nail polish stains from clothing. The same application applies here as for nail polish remover and benzine.

Then in the washing machine

Nail polish remover, acetone, and mineral spirits may be good stain removers, but their smell is certainly not pleasant. It is therefore advisable to put the respective garment in the washing machine after treating the textile. The usual washing program should be used here – the odors have now disappeared and the garment can be worn again.

Remove nail polish from clothing

  • If possible, dab the nail polish off immediately with a cotton ball or towel
  • Never rub!
  • Put nail polish remover, mineral spirits, or acetone on a cotton ball/towel
  • Blot the stain until it is gone
  • Then wash the garment in the washing machine

Cayenne pepper appears in the list of ingredients in many a recipe. Pharmacies also offer heat patches with cayenne pepper extract. What makes it so versatile?

Do not confuse: cayenne pepper and chilli powder

Cayenne pepper and chili powder look almost the same visually. But what many do not know: It is not the same product.

Cayenne pepper consists only of ground chili peppers of the Cayenne variety. The Cayenne chili peppers grow on a subshrub (Capsicum annuum var. acuminatum) that is about 50 centimeters high. The spice was used as early as the 15th century and originally comes from South America. From the 18th century, powdered cayenne was also popular in England. The English could use it to flavor the dishes they had come to know in the Indian colonies. You can dry cayenne and then grind it into cayenne pepper.

What the vernacular understands as chili powder today, on the other hand, is a spice mixture. That means it is not pure chili. The basic ingredients include cayenne pepper, garlic, cumin and oregano. Depending on the spice mixture, nutmeg, cinnamon or cloves are also included. With chili powder you can, for example, cook the typical Mexican dish Chili con carne or the meat-free version Chili sin carne.

Cayenne pepper is much hotter than chili powder. The Scoville unit indicates how pungent a spice really is on our taste and circulatory systems. The degree of sharpness of pure cayenne pepper is between 30,000 and 60,000 Scoville. For comparison: The pepperoni is at the lower end of the scale with 100-500 Scoville, while a jalapeño chilli has much more heat with 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville.

The name cayenne pepper is also misleading because there is no relationship to the classic pepper. Red, green, and black pepper are all based on the fruits of the pepper plant.

How does cayenne pepper work?

According to BR, cayenne pepper can support the body as follows:
What makes cayenne pepper hot is the active ingredient capsaicin.
When you eat cayenne pepper, your body produces endorphins. Under certain circumstances, these can still put you in a euphoric state, the “pepper high”.
The capsaicin contained in cayenne pepper promotes blood circulation in the skin and muscles and even relieves pain by releasing your body’s endorphins.
According to the Apothekenumschau, cayenne pepper also has the following effects:
Due to its sharpness, the cayenne pepper has an antibacterial effect: it stimulates gastric acid production. Stomach acid kills pathogens that enter the body through food in the digestive tract.
The active ingredient capsaicin in cayenne pepper also boosts the body’s digestion.
According to the NDR, some dietary supplements with capsaicin promise to promote fat burning. Eating chili can also make you sweat.

But in addition to capsaicin, cayenne pepper contains something else that is important: It contains a high proportion of carotenoids and vitamin C. Both ingredients make cayenne pepper a valuable antioxidant. Antioxidants are naturally occurring chemical substances that protect and strengthen our body from harmful influences.

Caution: If you have a sensitive stomach, you should not eat too spicy. This also applies if your stomach lining is weakened by stress, painkillers or other medication. Because the capsaicin it contains boosts gastric acid production

Many different dishes can be prepared with cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper traditionally comes from the national cuisine of South America. In addition, it is also used in the kitchens of India, China and Indonesia.

The cayenne pepper gives many dishes a spicy note. You can use it to refine various dishes – for example your pumpkin soup, your arrabiata sauce or your marinade. Or mix some cayenne pepper into vegan dips to flavor them.

As a special insider tip in the cold season, you can sprinkle some cayenne pepper on your hot chocolate. Have fun enjoying!

Red potatoes bring variety to your plate both visually and in terms of taste. In addition, the dye it contains is said to be beneficial for your health. We will give you all the information and tips on how to prepare it.

There are not only the classic yellow potatoes: in addition to purple potatoes, red potatoes are particularly popular.

Red potatoes are by no means new. Most of them are old varieties that have almost been forgotten. In conventional agriculture, the cultivation of rare varieties is hardly worthwhile. Modern potato cultivation focuses exclusively on high-yielding varieties that can be stored well.

Red potatoes: varieties and growing tips

Like the yellow potatoes, their red relatives also come from South America, but you can also plant red potatoes yourself in this country. They also grow here in Germany and the cultivation hardly differs from conventional potatoes.

However, the yellow potatoes are much more robust than the red varieties. Good care is important for a rich harvest: Enrich the soil well with compost and provide the plants with sufficient water, especially during flowering.

There are some red potato varieties that are also suitable for your garden. Basically, you can distinguish between two categories:
Potatoes with red skin and light flesh
Laura: It is a very popular red variety because it stores well. The variety is predominantly waxy and retains its consistency. The peel is very fine, so you don’t need to peel it.
Linzer Rose: This variety is particularly common in Austria and is characterized by its creamy flesh. It can also be stored well and germinates late.
Desiree: The Desiree red potato produces large lush tubers that cook floury.

Red potatoes – particularly healthy thanks to their colour

The potatoes get their color from the plant pigment anthocyanin, which is one of the flavonoids. In 2017, the Food and Nutrition Research team did a comprehensive study of the phytochemical and its health benefits. The dye works, among other things:
antioxidant
anti-cancerous
antimicrobial
preventive against cardiovascular diseases
against obesity
This makes the colorful tubers even healthier than their yellow relatives. Otherwise, they hardly differ from conventional potatoes in terms of their nutritional values. The tubers are high in carbohydrates, but due to their high water content, they are low in calories compared to other carbohydrate sources. Some red varieties contain slightly more starch than their yellow counterparts.

Prepare red potatoes

Red potatoes add variety and color to your plate. In terms of taste, they are often described as nutty and spicier than yellow potatoes. Here, too, the taste varies depending on the variety. As with yellow potatoes, a distinction is made in the preparation according to the consistency:
Waxy potatoes are particularly suitable for:
fried potatoes
potato salad
homemade fries
You use floury potatoes for:
baked potatoes
Mashed potatoes
potato casserole
The anthocyanin contained remains even after cooking, but the color fades slightly because the dye is water-soluble. The following tips will help you to preserve the color:
Boil the potatoes whole with the skin on. You only need a little water for this. The peel protects not only the color but also the nutrients.
Alternatively, you can steam cook red potatoes. With this gentle preparation, nutrients and color are particularly well preserved.
The potatoes also keep their color well in the oven.

Now remove the acrid smell of vomit easily and cleverly. Because vomit not only looks unpleasant but also smells extremely bad. After removing the puke, the odor often lingers for a long time.

You don’t always make it to the toilet in time or hit the bucket in front of the bed. And then you have the salad. Because the smell often persists despite immediate cleaning. Getting the smell of vomit out of textiles, however, requires fewer resources and a little time.

Remove vomit step by step

The surge-like emptying of the gastric contents is extremely unpleasant. There is also an acrid odor. And the smell of vomit tends to linger on textiles for a long time, making them difficult to remove despite immediate cleaning. There are several simple methods to remove the smell of vomit. The majority of these include means or objects that are available in every household. It is important that the vomit is cleaned up quickly and completely. If there is still vomit on the affected area, the area must be soaked with water to make the vomit easier to remove. But especially on carpets, not too much water should be used, as the water spreads quickly and the stain could become even bigger.

1) Cat litter and sawdust against vomit

First of all, you need to remove the vomit as soon as possible. You can sprinkle cat litter or sawdust on the vomit first to get rid of the vomit faster. Because these two tools bind the liquid. This makes it easier to remove. They also help to neutralize odors. That’s why you should use one of the two methods as a first step. Cat litter can also be used to clean mattresses and remove stains.

2) Detergent against smelly odor

For the first method, you only need commercial detergent. After removing the vomit, you still have to rub the detergent onto the wet textile with a hard-bristled brush. If the fabric is delicate, you can dilute the detergent with a little water. For white fabrics, you can replace the detergent with bleach. Then vacuum with a normal vacuum cleaner or a wet vacuum cleaner.

If you use a vacuum cleaner, it must be suitable for both dry and liquid vacuuming. If you don’t have a wet vacuum cleaner or a vacuum cleaner, you can also use a dry kitchen towel. You should then wet the textile again to remove the remaining detergent residue. Then repeat this step until all of the product has been removed. Because soap residue from the detergent leads to discoloration on the textile. After drying, the smell of the vomit is usually gone. Also, note our tips for neutralizing odors in the home.

3) Water-baking soda paste for textiles

As an alternative to detergent, you can use a paste made from baking soda and water. First, mix the baking soda with water until it forms a paste. If you want, you can also add a drop of dish soap or bleach. But you can only use bleach on light-colored fabrics. Otherwise, stains may occur. The bigger the stain, the more paste you’ll need. Also, make sure the paste isn’t too thick or clumpy. Since you need to apply it evenly and thinly to the affected area. Once dry, you can remove them with a stiff brush or an old toothbrush. The drying process should take at least 24 hours. So that the paste has an effective effect. If there are still paste residues after brushing off, you can remove them with a vacuum cleaner or by hand.

4) Vinegar and window cleaner for puke

Instead of a baking soda paste, using vinegar, acetic acid, or window cleaner also helps. For this, you have to mix the vinegar or the window cleaning agent with water. So mix one part vinegar with two parts water. You can also add a drop of bleach or dishwashing liquid for even better odor control. You can then apply the vinegar-water mixture to the affected area with a brush or sponge. The mixture now acts on the textile for one to two hours. Finally, you have to vacuum up the mixture again with a wet vacuum cleaner or towel. If you’re using a towel, you’ll need to apply constant pressure as you remove it.

Effective products from the Internet

If nothing helps because the smell of the puke is so strong or you don’t have any home remedies handy. Then you can use tools from the Internet. Because they too can successfully eliminate the smell of vomit. So it quickly smells fresh again at home. We have selected the best for you. The product “Dufti Spezial”, which was recommended by one of our readers, is also included.

Yeast from beer is an easy secret recipe for when you don’t have yeast at home. Be it for pizza, yeast braid or cake – we’ll show you how you can make yeast from beer yourself.

Yeast consists of microscopic organisms that make dough rise. Yeast is also an essential ingredient in beer – here it ensures that beer ferments. You can take advantage of this if you don’t have any yeast in the house and still want to bake something.

Note: Even though yeast consists of small organisms, yeast is vegan: they are unicellular fungi.

You only need three ingredients to make yeast from beer

The following ingredients replace about one cube of yeast. This amount is therefore suitable for about 500 to 1000 grams of flour.

What you need:
100 ml beer: Here you can use a beer of your choice, preferably naturally cloudy.
1 tbsp flour
1 tsp sugar
Recommended kitchen utensils:
1 small bowl
1 fork or 1 small whisk for mixing
1 kitchen scale or 1 measuring cup
1 jar or other container that you can seal

Make yeast from beer yourself: It’s that easy

Pour 100 milliliters of beer into a small bowl.
Slowly pour in the flour and sugar while whisking constantly. This will prevent lumps from forming.
If there are small lumps, try to crush them with a small fork and stir to break them up.
Pour the whole thing into a screw-top jar and seal it tightly. If you don’t have a screw-top jar handy, you can use another container like a food storage box or a bowl covered with a plate.
Set the beer-flour-sugar mixture aside and let it sit for several hours, preferably overnight.
Note: Use 100 milliliters less liquid for the recipe you want to use the yeast for.

Tip: You can use the rest of the beer to prepare a dish with beer batter, or you can mix up a tincture for your skin or hair – because brewer’s yeast is also good for this thanks to its healthy effects. Or you simply enjoy the rest on the balcony or by the window.

Yeast from beer or “normal” yeast?

Yeast that you can buy at the grocery store is a type of pressed yeast, and there are about ten billion yeast cells in a gram. In beer, yeast converts sugar contained in the beer ingredient malt into alcohol and carbonic acid. Yeast also contributes to the flavor of beer.

It doesn’t matter whether you use “normal” yeast from the supermarket or make yeast from beer yourself, there is no difference in taste. But the difference between the two types is the driving force: that of brewer’s yeast is somewhat weaker. So your dough will need a little more time to rise. Optionally, you can prepare a pre-dough that you let rise several times over several hours or freeze.

If you don’t yet know what you can do with the homemade beer yeast: how about a yeast braid with raisins or a plum cake? If you don’t like plums, you can also prepare a simple yeast dough and top it with fruit of your choice. If you want it hearty, we also have a recipe for pizza dough for you.

Another way to make your own yeast is to use dates or other unsulphured dried fruit to make yeast water. However, this alternative must rest for up to a week. Yeast substitutes such as baking powder are also suitable for some recipes. Making your own yeast from beer is easy and also quickly ready for use, which is a clear advantage for us over other variants.

With sparkling water and from the plastic bottle – that’s how many prefer to drink their water. But the effect of plastic on human health is controversial. Does bottled water from PET bottles really pose a risk?

“Environmental hormones in mineral water!” was the headline in many major media outlets in 2009. Two scientists from the Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main published research results at the time that suggested mineral water was contaminated with substances that have an estrogen-like effect. Since then, the validity of the study has repeatedly been questioned by various parties and authorities have given the all-clear. But the fear that water from plastic bottles is contaminated with environmental hormones or other chemicals persists.

What has happened in research since then? Are hormones really a problem – or are there possibly other substances? Do unhealthy substances from plastic bottles get into the water at all?

PET bottles: hormones in mineral water?

Since the Frankfurt study of 2009, no other serious research has found such high levels of exposure to hormonally active substances. So did the substances really come from the plastic bottles?

The search for the source is extremely difficult and far from over, says Dr. Martin Wagner, one of the authors of the study. “I am still of the opinion that there was estrogen pollution in the water at the time. But nobody knows exactly where they came from,” explains Wagner. “Unfortunately, little has happened since then, there have been hardly any scientific studies on mineral water in the last ten years.”

dr Frank Welle, a chemist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging (IVV), doubts that the hormone pollution really came from the plastic bottles. In the Frankfurt study, it was striking “that the same brand of mineral water in glass or PET bottles showed no significant differences.” He wrote this in an analysis in 2014. He also says that since then there have been no relevant publications on the subject. “But that’s not surprising if there are no hormones at all in mineral water or PET bottles.”

According to the last statement by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) from 2011, there is “neither evidence of estrogen-like activity in the mineral waters, nor have substances been detected in concentrations that could have caused such an activity.” However, the BfR sees a need for further research.

also dr Martin Wagner, who is now doing research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, says: “In the last study, we did not find any estrogenic effects in PET.” Overall, PET came off relatively well. However, he announces that a new, as yet unpublished study has definitely found hormonal stress. “This shows that results in this area are difficult to generalize.”

How do pollutants get into the water?

If the plastic bottles really aren’t the (biggest) problem, how do chemicals get into the mineral water? One possible source of contamination is the water source.

Contamination of mineral water at source

Various contaminants get into mineral water from water sources again and again. Among other things, the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES) established in 2006 “that in some cases the raw water already has an estrogenic effect.” This suggests that any estrogenic contamination that is actually present could come from the springs instead of from the bottles. “But this has not been systematically investigated since then,” criticizes Wagner.

Plastic bottled water: chemical aftertaste

Assuming that PET plastic bottles are more or less harmless: why does the water sometimes taste so strange? Everyone knows the chemical taste when plastic bottles have been in the sun for a long time. Acetaldehyde escaping from the plastic is responsible for this. The substance is created in the manufacturing process of PET; it can be released into the water, especially at high temperatures and for long periods of storage.

Water in plastic bottles: harmful or not?

So is water from plastic bottles (PET bottles) a health risk? According to the current (!) status, probably not. We deliberately formulate this so vaguely because in some cases significantly more research is needed to be able to answer this question conclusively.

The suspicion that hormonally active substances migrate from plastic bottles into mineral water has not (yet) been confirmed according to the current state of research. Various substances from the PET can be released into the contents of the bottles, but according to the current state of knowledge, not in critical quantities. Not only on this, but also on a potential health hazard from microplastics, there is still a lack of clear knowledge.

In addition to substances from the plastic, residues from agriculture are also found in mineral water – however, this applies to water from both plastic and glass bottles.

As a precautionary measure, should we stop drinking water from plastic bottles? Everyone has to decide for themselves whether they want to do without for health reasons. But there are other reasons that speak for it.

Tips for removing rust from the baking sheet or from the rusty pan. With natural home remedies, you can remove the rust without any chemicals and save cleverly. There are also tricks to avoid rust.

After a while, it can happen that rust spreads in the baking tray or in your favorite pan. But throwing it away is not an option. Instead, you can easily remove the rust with simple home remedies and help your baking tray and pan to shine again.

How is rust formed?

Rust is formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in combination with water. Thus, rust is corrosion caused by the chemical process of oxidation. Steel or iron objects, in particular, can be affected by this slow destruction. Therefore, the question often arises as to how these objects can be rust-free. In the following, we will show you how to remove the rust from your baking sheet and pans.

1) Remove the grate from the baking sheet

The baking tray is often affected by rust and dirt. Cleaning the baking sheet is usually an unpleasant task. But simple home remedies for cleaning the baking sheet will help you to eliminate the problem. In the following, we will show you how you can remove the rust from your baking sheet quickly and effectively.

Tomato juice against rust

A little-known home remedy for rust is tomato juice. Similar to the vinegar, you need to spread the tomato juice on the baking sheet. Or put some of the juice on an old sponge and use it to rub away the rust stains. Here, too, it may be necessary to let the tomato juice take effect. So you can easily remove the stubborn rust.

Clean the baking sheet with salt and oil

Using salt as a home remedy is popular. And not just when cooking! You can also use it to remove the rust from your baking sheet. To do this, rub the tin with salt. Then rub in an oil-soaked cloth or old bacon and leave to take effect. Then clean and polish again with a new, damp cloth. If you have a lot of rust spots or patches of rust, you should repeat the process several times.

Remove vinegar and oil to rust

To remove rust, the use of all-rounder vinegar has also proven itself. This makes removing the grate from the baking tray child’s play. To do this, mix vinegar and oil in a ratio of 1 to 1. Then rub the baking sheet with it and let it work in briefly if necessary. Finally, grate the mixture, removing the rust as you go.

Cola as a home remedy for rust

Just as often one reads on the internet about removing baking tray rust with cola as a home remedy. And indeed it works because the cola contains phosphoric acid. Consequently, you can dampen a sponge with coke and then rub the affected areas with it. Or put the cola on your baking sheet and let it soak in. Finally, you can easily remove the rust. Also, read how to clean clogged pipes with coke.

2) Remove rust from the pan

You can remove rust with simple means. Whether from the cast iron pans, frying pans, or other kitchen accessories. It’s a tedious task, but there’s no way around it. And with the right tricks for cleaning the pans, it’s a lot easier.

Use baking powder and baking soda

For thorough rust removal in frying pans, use the home remedy baking soda or the miracle cure baking powder. To do this, mix 2-3 packets of baking powder or baking soda with two tablespoons of vinegar to a paste. Then spread this on the pan surface and let it work for a few minutes or overnight. Finally, rinse the grate with hot water. Or use a brush to scrub. The brush should not be a steel or metal brush. In the case of very stubborn rust, you can also use dishwashing detergent. Can also be used on the baking tray.

Soak in vinegar

Not only can you use vinegar to clean coated pans, but you can also remove rust. If you have a rusty steel pan, you can soak it in vinegar and then gently brush it with a steel sponge. You can see how well this method works in the video below. You should then sear the pan. Also, note our tips for removing rust from cutlery and crockery.

Potato and salt method

If you want to remove the rust from your pan, put a good amount of salt in the pan. Then cut a large potato in half. Now you can rub the salt in the pan with the cut potato side. You can rub vigorously in circular movements. As a result, you should be able to remove the rust from the pan. Several repetitions may be necessary. Also, note our other tips for using potatoes.

Remove citric acid to rust

You can also treat your rusty pan with effective lemon juice and lukewarm water. In the case of heavy rust, you should let the pan soak in this mixture. After the exposure time, you can rinse the pan with hot water and, if necessary, rub it down properly with a sponge. If your pan has only a few rust spots, it is sufficient to apply the mixture with a sponge and rub off the rust spots. Citric acid is also suitable for removing rust stains from clothing.

Herbs in your garden are a pure delight. Its flowers attract bees, bumblebees and butterflies, they exude a heavenly fragrance and inspire new taste experiences in the kitchen. Some herbs can be the salt in the soup – or even replace it. Herb beds are usually easy to care for, hard-wearing and productive. And that’s not all – if you want to heal minor illnesses in a low-threshold way, you’re well advised to grow a few essential herbs in the garden. Some medicinal herbs also find their place on the balcony and windowsill. We have put together our top eleven medicinal herbs that should not be missing from your medicine chest.

Thyme – Small herb with well-documented medicinal properties

Thyme is indisputably a must-have among Mediterranean herbs. The herb with the small wiry leaves conjures up Mediterranean flair in your vegetable and potato dishes. In the garden, for example in the herb spiral and on the balcony, thyme makes itself popular because of its willingness to bloom and its trouble-free thriving. But the herb is not just a delicious spice in the kitchen.

Thyme has been used as a remedy for all kinds of ailments since ancient times. Its essential oils, such as thymol and carvacrol, have an antibacterial, antibiotic, expectorant, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect. These effects of thyme have now been well documented in studies.

Relieves airways, relieves spasms and relaxes the intestines

A thyme tea has an antibacterial and antiviral effect against infections of the upper respiratory tract. The antispasmodic effect also relieves the bronchial tubes. Thyme tea can also be good for the stomach. In the case of flatulence and menstrual cramps, it calms things down again. Drink a well-strained tea made from 2 teaspoons per cup of thyme in three cups throughout the day to allow the healing effects to unfold.

A thyme steam bath lets skin impurities disappear quickly and gently, because it has an antibacterial effect without destroying the pH value of the skin. You can also make a strong decoction of 100g thyme in half a liter of water, let it cool down and dab blemishes with it.

Real chamomile – Yellow tea against bad pain

The clear yellow tea from the white-feathered flowers is considered the health tea par excellence. It lives up to this reputation because the plant, which has been used for thousands of years, can alleviate a wide range of ailments. It has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. Chamomile grows on barren, poor garden soil or in herbal soil in window boxes and tubs.

Inflammation of the gums or a sore throat can be alleviated with chamomile with a gargle solution. A tea can also be of good service if it has been steeped for a long time and is drunk in small sips throughout the day.

Chamomile blossom tea also develops an antispasmodic and antibacterial effect in the gastrointestinal tract. A decoction of chamomile flowers added to the water of a sitz bath can relieve minor genital infections and hemorrhoids.

Rosemary – The power of the coast for your muscles

Rosemary, the “rose of the sea” is relatively undemanding and grows in the dry zone of herb beds or in tubs and pots on balconies and terraces. Rosemary can grow relatively tall outdoors, up to two meters. Short-snouted insects like bumblebees and bees love the bluish flowers. We humans appreciate the bitter-spicy taste as a basic seasoning for soups and stews. The essential oils of the needles have a circulation-enhancing and warming effect. Rosemary loosens muscle tension, helps with rheumatism, muscle and joint pain and gives the circulation a boost.

Green Sud is also good on the head

Make a rosemary brew to harness its effects. To do this, strip the needles from the branches and put them in a pot with water. 100g of needles are enough for one liter of water. Let it simmer for twenty minutes and then pass it through a sieve. You can add the brew to your bath water.

20 g rosemary boiled with 250 ml water and poured with 250 ml cold apple cider vinegar results in a strengthening hair tonic that soothes your scalp and smells extraordinarily well.

Taken internally, rosemary aids in digestion. Add it to particularly fatty foods to aid in digestion.

Lavender – Violet happiness and calm for your nerves

The silvery stems and leaves of lavender and its purple flowers are the epitome of Provençal summer. Its distinctive sweet-fresh scent has been used in perfumery for centuries. You can plant it in the garden to border beds or to give a border of perennials a rustic look. It attracts bumblebees, bees and butterflies and keeps aphids away from other plants. But lavender also has its place in the herb bed. Lavender is an herb that has a beneficial effect on the nerves and psyche. According to studies, the essential oils contained in lavender, coumarins, tannins, flavonoids affect the nerve receptors in the body. The release of the stress hormone norepinephrine is inhibited and the body releases more of the happiness hormone serotonin. The mere scent has a delightful effect.

Sleepless nights? Only for the moths!

A lavender bag under the pillow ensures a peaceful and deep sleep. You can also make lavender tea from two teaspoons of dried flowers or add it to other tea blends. Lavender tea calms the nerves, clears thoughts and alleviates fears and depressive moods.

Indoors, the dried flowers will repel moths from closets.

Meadowsweet – Sweet pain reliever from the meadow

You may know Meadowsweet from walks along streams or wet meadows. The perennial grows up to two meters tall, has pinnate leaves and flowers in white racemes. Meadow hay with meadowsweet spreads a characteristic, cinnamon-like sweet fragrance. You can collect meadowsweet in the wild, but it is definitely worth cultivating the plant in your herb bed as well. Due to its height, however, the herb is not so well suited for containers or window boxes. The real meadowsweet has many healing effects that have long been known in folk medicine. It contains substances that have an astringent effect on the mucous membranes. This helps against colds. However, the high content of salicylaldehyde and salicylic acid methyl ester is particularly noteworthy. Together, these two substances have a pain-relieving and fever-reducing effect similar to that of aspirin.

Gentle drainage

Meadowsweet tea is also said to have a diuretic effect. The whole plant, i.e. stems, leaves and flowers, is used for medicinal purposes. You can make a meadowsweet tea by steeping a tablespoon of the chopped plant parts in a cup of boiling water. Then let the infusion steep for 10 to 20 minutes. Then pour everything through a fine sieve. Meadowsweet tea should be drunk as hot as possible to increase the sweat-inducing effect.

Sage – Bitter leaves against viruses, bacteria and fatty foods

Real sage is another typical Mediterranean herb, which thrives well in our latitudes and overwinters without any problems. It grows bushy and branched as a pretty purple flowering semi-shrub in our herb garden. The slightly felty silvery leaves taste bitter and aromatic.

Sage is a culinary herb that goes particularly well with hearty and greasy dishes. Its bitter substances stimulate bile production and help with fat digestion. The antimicrobial properties are used in the kitchen to preserve oily and fatty foods.

Not only is sage valuable for your medicine chest, but also because it contains thujone and camphor. Both substances are antibacterial and partially antiviral and are effective against inflammation in the mouth and throat with a sore throat. Prepare a tea from fresh or dried sage leaves. Ten leaves are enough for a cup of water. You can drink the tea or make a stronger infusion to use as a gargle solution. Anyone who likes to produce natural cosmetics can add sage to homemade deodorants, because it inhibits excessive perspiration.

Calendula – Rich orange is not only delicious, but also healing

The marigold blooms bright orange and lush as an insect magnet in your garden. The flowers not only enrich your beds for decoration, but also your diet with their edible, slightly salty-bitter petals and your herbal pharmacy with their healing powers. Their content of plant pigments, flavonoids and carotenes has an antibacterial, expectorant and wound-healing effect. Calendula officinalis, as it is called in Latin, is a traditional cottage garden plant that was used as a weather prophet in earlier times. It is believed that the weather will be nice when the flowers open in the early morning.

Since the 12th century, marigold has been used in herbal medicine to alleviate and heal skin complaints, gynecological disorders and as an antispasmodic. The flavonoids, glycosides, saponins and mucilage it contains are said to have a disinfecting, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and analgesic effect.

Refine tea and dishes with marigolds

You can use the pretty colored leaves of the marigold as an ornamental herb in tea mixtures and potpourris. They can be used as a substitute for saffron in many dishes. Whole flowers adorn salads and also taste great. You can pickle the marigold buds in vinegar and then eat them like capers.

In medicine, among other things, marigold ointment or wraps are used especially for dry skin and in wound healing. You can easily make a marigold soap yourself. The yellow-orange color of the flowers can also be used to dye rice or Easter eggs, for example.

Flowers for smooth skin and light legs

Marigold helps heal skin injuries and wounds by promoting cell renewal and protecting the wound from inflammation and bacterial attack. In addition, marigold promotes blood circulation and thus works against muscle and joint problems as well as heavy legs. The marigold also has a firm place in natural cosmetics. Marigold moisturizes dry, cracked or irritated skin and promotes the renewal of skin cells.

The marigold blossoms are used medicinally because they contain the important active ingredients for the skin, muscles and joints. Harvest and dry the marigold flowers as soon as they first bloom. Early picking also stimulates flowering.

Congestion in the veins, which leads to fluid accumulation and swelling, can be relieved with calendula ointment. The “heavy legs” disappear because the marigold has a stimulating effect on blood circulation and the lymphatic system. Fluid transport is improved and swelling can subside more easily.

Parsley – Healing outside the box

Yes, you read that right! Parsley, the evergreen and evergreen among kitchen herbs, can also be used as a medicinal plant. The main use of parsley is its dehydrating effect, which you can use internally and externally. Fresh parsley provides you with a high dose of vitamin C for your immune system. Fasting cures are supported by parsley tea because the tea has a strong draining effect. Add three handfuls of chopped parsley to half a liter of boiling water and let it simmer and steep for a few minutes.

Strong voice through green Sud

Drink the tea in sips during the day and stop the dose in the early evening so that you are not woken up at night by the urge to urinate. Parsley is said to help break down and flush out toxins from the body. The draining effect is also said to counteract high blood pressure. Externally, you can use parsley to minimize cellulite. Wraps made from the chopped parsley are said to do this.

Incidentally, a course of parsley tea is also suitable for intercepting a budding urinary tract infection. If you have to talk a lot or even sing, you can drink a low-dose tea that is lightly sweetened with honey to strengthen your vocal cords.

Peppermint – Coolness and relaxation for body and mind

With its sweet freshness, mint is the ultimate summer herb. Cultivating real peppermint in the garden is easy and always worth it. The herb spreads luxuriantly on damp locations that are not too sunny (install a root barrier if necessary!) and is more versatile than almost any other. Whether you use it to refine sweet dishes or teas, make syrup from it, season salads and dressings with it or add it to delicious cocktails – mint refreshes and creates a pleasant coolness.

Tasty and healing on top of that – mint calms the intestines

In addition, it also has some healing properties. The areas of application of the medicinal plant are primarily the gastrointestinal tract. Its essential oils strongly stimulate bile production, which initially gives a boost to fat digestion. Starting from the bile, the entire digestion is then facilitated. Mint oils can lessen or reduce bloating. Yoghurt dips with mint go perfectly with meat dishes and all dishes with legumes. Anyone suffering from irritable bowel problems can get relief with two cups of fresh peppermint tea a day. Mint oil has a cooling effect and can relieve tension headaches. A strong brew made from peppermint leaves also has the same effect if you place it on cotton balls and dab your forehead and temples with it. Symptoms of colds and runny noses are alleviated when you treat yourself to a mint steam bath. Peppermint is also used for muscle and nerve pain.

Lemon Balm – Magical aroma brightens the mood

Lemon balm is a grateful herb that branches out like a bush and thrives luxuriantly in almost any soil. Lemon balm takes center stage in the herbal spiral. It can also be planted in balcony boxes and tubs, but then it has to be kept small by cutting and dividing. The jagged, heart-shaped leaves of lemon balm give off a scent of fresh, tart lemon peel and can often serve as a substitute for the more expensive exotic lemongrass. You can process lemon balm into cold soft drinks and soothing tea. The flowers are small, white and inconspicuous, but very popular with bees.

Various substances in the essential oil, such as citral, geranial, neral and citronellal, are responsible for the scent of lemon balm. These oils are also responsible for the healing properties of lemon balm. You can use lemon balm leaves to calm down and improve mood against a number of psychological complaints. Lemon balm can also relieve indigestion. Lemon balm is even antiviral to a small extent. A tea made from its leaves can stop or alleviate the onset of a cold.

Arnica – Full flower heads have a gentle decongestant effect

Used as a medicinal plant for centuries, arnica was in some cases completely eradicated in nature due to excessive collection. Today, the wild collection of arnica, which occurs on acidic, poor meadows, is forbidden. In order to still benefit from the effect of the plant, you can plant it in your garden.

The healing effect of arnica against swelling, bruises and bruises is well documented for external use. In homeopathy, arnica is also used internally, but you should not take any plant parts from the arnica itself, because then it has a toxic effect.

Worth the wait

It is not very uncomplicated to plant arnica in the garden. Above all, well-drained, acidic and lean soil without waterlogging is important. Cultivation indoors towards the end of winter in February is also required. You can then plant the seedlings in May after the last frosts. You then need a little more patience, because arnica grows slowly and can only be used three years after rearing. When the time comes, you can make a tincture from the flowers, which can be further processed as needed. Add 100 ml spiritus dilutus from the pharmacy to 10 g arnica flowers. Shake the mixture daily for a week. Then pour the liquid through a fine sieve and into a small apothecary bottle. To make poultices with it, you need to dilute the solution at a ratio of 3:10. You can also use the tincture to make mouthwashes that have an antiseptic effect. The dilution is then 1:10. It is important that you do not swallow the solution! Children and those who are allergic to daisy family should refrain from using arnica altogether.

Many types of tea can relieve colds or strengthen the immune system. Here you can find out how to prepare the most popular types of tea and how they work.

Tea is considered healthy, warms on cold days and tastes great as iced tea even in summer. No wonder he’s popular all over the world. Over time, countless types of tea have emerged: tea was served either as a traditional drink or as medicine. Ginger, rosehip and many other plants have a beneficial effect.

But most tea comes from the tea plant: Depending on how the tea leaves are processed, we get green, white or black tea.

Many types of tea – many problems

Tea is the ideal drink for a healthy diet: if you don’t sweeten it with sugar or honey, it contains almost no calories. Many parents give their babies unsweetened tea as it is healthier than (fructose) juices.

However, you should find out exactly where your tea comes from. Fair trade tea is rarely available in many supermarkets.

Fair: On many tea plantations, the workers are exploited and receive wages below the subsistence level. Abuse and discrimination are commonplace.
Pesticides: On large tea plantations, synthetic chemical agents are sprayed to kill pests and maximize yields. The soil, the water and the health of the workers suffer from the chemicals. In the end, pesticides are always found in the finished tea.
Toxic Herbs: Many herbal teas are contaminated with weeds. The plants are often accidentally picked at the harvest. Often these are poisonous herbs that are potentially carcinogenic.

Teas with a clear conscience

Jasmine Tea: Good for the immune system
Green tea: A particularly healthy type of tea
Lime blossom tea: Good for colds
Ginger tea: Type of tea against nausea and colds
White tea: Traditional fine tea from gentle production
White tea: Traditional premium tea from gentle productionCaraway tea: Tea against flatulence
Rosehip tea strengthens the immune system
Black tea is popular and has an invigorating effect
Chamomile Tea: For drinking and inhaling
Peppermint tea: remedy for stomach problems