Part of my journey this year as a woman, mom, wife, herbalist is to take better care of myself and I want to make sure that I really try and take care of myself like I would my kids, my husband or my friends and clients. In the past month, I’ve explored doing for my body. Some of it has been hard and some of it has been easier than I would have dreamed, but it’s all been worth it.
We’ve talked about the way I use food but I want to talk about the way I untie from my body. I know that food can be a great burier of issues, a staller of pain or lubricant of joy but I also just uncheck my body. I think that I listen to it in an observational way. I always know when a sickness is coming on or what I feel like right before my period. I knew super early when I was pregnant, every time but I don’t really converse with it unless something is radically amiss. My new intention is to really listen and talk to my body and to do that, I’ve been experimenting. So last Fall, I was fortunate to attend a free body healing workshop at what is now my second home, Knoxville Healing Center. It’s cliche to say “life changing” but it was. Years ago, I discovered and fell in love with running. I wasn’t really fast or really good but I loved it and it gave me something I never had before, a confidence and a language with my body. It was an amazing 3 years with a few races and lots of treadmills and parks. Then I bought some super cool, oh so groovy shoes that really weren’t designed for my feet and I started having so much pain in both heels. No matter what I did they hurt. Then I had another set back in the health department and I quit running. I tried many things to heal the heels. I would think they were good and then as soon as I had a running regimen, they would start up again. I switched to Yoga but it wasn’t the same, I wasn’t the same. ANYWAY, after the Maori session where FOUR people walked and skated on my legs and heels, I could run. I took it slowly but I was able to run a mile in 10 minutes for the first time in 5 years and more importantly I didn’t hurt afterward. Hmmmm, this body work thing seemed like a good idea. The holidays came and went and I kept thinking and feeling, wondering and running. So as part of my journey to be loving to myself, I debated what would actually show me love. I did the cleanse and stuck to it, so I was loving my body with real food and finding out which food made it feel better and which ones made it not happy. I wanted more, so I had a second Maori healing session with Ana Goncavles. This one did not disappoint. There was tension in my body that I knew was there but thought it was pretty harmless. I wasn’t in pain before the session so I assumed no pain was good enough. After the session, I felt euphoric and I took time for myself to just enjoy that feeling, reside with it and not let it seep into the day but let it seep into me. I came to realize that the lack of feeling pain isn’t necessarily the healthy thing. Sometimes, we just numb ourselves to tension. There wasn’t pain but the tension was blocking other feelings. I liked the unblocked me much better. A month later, I scheduled myself for a massage with Beth Young. It had been a long month of learning, lots of introspection and self work so I had no idea what to expect. I’ve had massages before, some were just wonderful and some weren’t as special but to paraphrase a semi-old saying- “Massages are like pizza, even if they aren’t that great, hey they’re still pizza!” Let’s just say that Beth’s massage was the pizza that Iron Chef Bobby Flay, The Pioneer Woman and your Grandma made. It was freaking out of this world. I’ve never had an experience quite like it and I really don’t know if it was a one time event but I could more than feel what she was doing. It came with imagery and when I got off the table, I needed more time to “come to” but what I was really doing was coming back into my body, feeling parts that I didn’t feel for such a long time. When I went to bed that night, my back was sore from where she opened up pressure points but instead of wincing in pain I sighed in relief. I was aware of the free space that used to hold so much stress and it bound up my freedom of movement and feeling. So I’m still processing all of this and getting comfy with my body, listening not just to pain or discomfort but contentment and happiness. Where do they want to occupy space in my body? I know I carry tension in my shoulders and chest but where are my giggles, my breathless awe that comes from compassion or the love that I feel for my family and friends. I don’t want to just “know” these answers, I want to place them and recognize them when they are here with me or not. This is the only way to honor them and myself.
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There are many levels of how we undernourish but overfeed our bodies. Some of us rely on fast or processed foods whether it’s because we feel we don’t have the time or the knowledge to cook healthy foods for ourselves. Some of us don’t eat a meal until we get almost sick with hunger and then all discretion is gone. Some of us don’t eat regularly because we just aren’t that interested in food. Some of us just want to eat what tastes familiar and eating different foods seem scary or unnecessary. Then sadly there are some of us who don’t have access to healthy foods because we live in a food dessert. This undernourishment is the biggest way we don’t practice self care.
When I was a child, my Dad worked shift work guarding the nuclear plant half an hour from our home. When ever he worked the night shift, he would always stop at a gas station on his way home and get a cup of coffee or snack for the road. EVERY SINGLE TIME he did this until I was 10 or so he bought a candy bar for us kids. They would be waiting for us on the kitchen table when we got up in morning and our mom would always let us have it right after breakfast. I know that my Dad meant well. He missed us and wanted to give us a small “treat” to show us that he was thinking about us. That’s what he called them in the handwritten note he left by the candy bars, treats. I do not blame my Father at all for the love affair with sugary treats and how I use them to “treat myself”. I, simply, want to show that little actions with the best of intentions can impact us all our lives. SO whenever, I feel overwhelmed, a little sugary pick me up would be my “treat”. I treated myself often. It also don’t hurt that sugary treats are also used to celebrate. WAHOOOO!!! I can justify the “fix” on a good day or a bad day, or a holiday. We always hear that sugar is nothing but empty calories but empty never tasted so good, am I right?? Anyway, this is a personal but perfect way of demonstrating overfeeding oneself. I know that I am not the only one who knows this cycle. You may not be a “sweets person” and you might prefer the salty comfort of pretzels and chips or may you like fatty treats like hamburgers when you need to blow off steam because you got stuck in traffic after a day at the job where your computer froze up before the presentation and you spilt coffee in your lap as the boss yelled at you. It doesn’t matter which food you use, if you use the same strategies with them. It’s not just food either, we might have a love/hate relationship with sodas, ice cream, coffee, wine, hard liquor whatever the fix we use it to self soothe or get our happy on. If we are using a substance that offers no nutritional or very little nutritional value as often as I used sugar, then we are overfeeding and undernourishing our bodies. I know that I do it as escape and I see that same desire and habit in other people. It is my personal opinion that we are also undernourishing more than our bodies by overfeeding it with empty calories. I think that we are stunting something in ourselves by denying the feelings a place to reside. Do we fear that these emotions will take root and become invasive? I think so. I think I learned that I didn’t have to really have to wallow in my feelings of missing my Dad when I was little if I just enjoyed the candy. Then I got in the habit of it and then my tastebuds really became accustomed to the hit of the sweet taste. The cycle is pretty ingrained not only in me but so many others. As I’ve said before, this year is my year of Self Care and lots of LOVE. So for the month of January, I was involved in a cleanse that I designed to stop this covering up and running away. I also wanted to be really good to my body and take out foods that caused or contributed to inflammation, candida, stressors or interrupted the digestive process. I also included an herbal detox formula to help flush all the residue I had accumulated. It was an intense 30 days but I learned a lot. I shed light into areas that had been covered for decades, I had no choice but to face what came my way and I found out that I was so much stronger that I thought and I never quit or slipped up even with emergency dentist appointments, the death of family pet, or the very stress filled social life of a teenage son. I came to a greater understanding of what food does really mean and what is real hunger and what is habit. Which foods really made me feel full or upset my digestion, inflamed my body. I had to be super aware and I didn’t flinch. If that’s not self love, it’s at least self exploration and that is necessary to get to love. This is a real ‘treat’ that is not only healthy for me but really satisfying. I hope you all enjoy it as well. Next week, I’m going to play around with a candy bar in honor of Dad’s Bday. Cacoa Chaga Chia Pudding (I dare you to say that 3 times real fast) 1 1/2 cups of Almond milk- any non dairy milk will work studies have found that dairy actually blocks the absorption of the antioxidants in cacao or chocolate 1/3 cup Chia seeds 1/4 cup cacao 1/4-1/2 TBSP dual extracted Chaga Mushroom Powder 5- 8 pitted dates 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
40 Times the Antioxidants of Blueberries, and 119 times that of bananas. Antioxidants are substances that help prevent the damaging effects of oxidation on cells throughout your body Highest Plant-Based Source of Iron. Iron deficiency can lead to conditions like iron deficiency anemia, chronic anemia, cough, and pre-dialysis anemia. The health benefits of iron include the eradication of different causes of fatigue. Iron also plays a key role in strengthening the immune system by making it strong enough to fight off infections. Full of Magnesium for a Healthy Heart & Brain. Low amounts of Magnesium in the body have been linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and migraine headaches. More Calcium Than Cow's Milk. Calcium is not only vital for bone health but it helps with everything from the regulating menstruation to protecting you from multiple types of cancer Boosts and stabilizes moods Cacao contains the mood improver, anandamide – known as the bliss molecule, which creates a feeling of euphoria. Health Benefits of Chia High in Nutrients but low in calories Loaded with Antioxidants High in quality protein High in Omega 3 Fatty Acids May lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes Reduce blood pressure Health Benefits of Chaga Mushroom Lowers inflammation particularly that caused by stress Improves immune system The polysaccharides in Chaga boost white blood cells that regulate the immune response to infectious micro organisms. This works against everything from the common cold to cancer. Strengthens hair and firms skin Self Care seems to be a hot buzzing phrase lately and sadly for good reason. This society that we live in has grown to celebrate and deify the busy, those who “soldier through” daily, weekly and more on. We live in a culture of shame- shame on you for needing time, shame on you for taking time, “In my day we didn’t have issues with self care, we weren’t weak” Frankly the culture we live in, goes at you from all sides with relentless attitude. The truth is that we must take care of ourselves or we start to lose part of ourselves, whether its due to the monotonous day to day or the constant stress and chaos, discomfort, unhappiness and in worse case scenarios disease will set in. Adding insult to injury we also look to treating ourselves or indulging in foods, drinks or activities that really aren’t healthy and in fact can lead to more issues. I know that as a Mother, I’ve often fallen into this pattern, little to no sleep because I stayed up to get some me time, eating too much sugary gluten-y carbs to make it through the day or to get to stay up late enough so I don’t feel like a Mom-bot. Sacrificing my joys and interests because that’s what the good mom’s do. 2018 is the year, I stop that. I put myself if not in first place, at least neck and neck with my family. I truly do better for them and for everyone if I nurture myself. This is a scary statement and even scarier practice, I can almost hear the snarky comments forming as I write it. Comments from real and imagined people but also the ones that my own double starts. To say I’m not being selfish but practicing preventative medicine, is one thing to believe and practice it is another. I’ve sat in the chair across from many a client and they told me their symptoms and situations. I know what the results of pushing myself and not listening are because I lived them once and self corrected but it was only to the minimum, this year is the FULL MONTY!! I’m ready to expose myself to greater things and not wait. Time is so precious and so are people, we can’t waste ourselves or our time here. Who’s with me for a month of self loving and supporting ourselves with healthy choices, healthy actions and real honest to goodness healthy living??? All month long I will be highlighting ways to show our selves some love. Be your best and favorite Valentine! So stay tuned here and follow me on FB at The Empirical Herbalist to get even more ideas. I’m hoping that we can join in as a community to support ourselves and each other as we dare to do this. Where I live, the two topics du jour are Snowmageddon and the Flu. I always say that there is an herb for everything and while there are plenty of herbs to add to your snow cream that’s about it for snow. The flu however is an entirely different subject.
There are so many herbs to help ward off, fight off and speed up healing from the flu but I’ll stick to my favorites. This is a list of herbs to help with the Flu, but each person is different and individuals will have different varying symptoms to treat. These are the broadest working herbs I use against the Flu, but I never rely on just one and never repeatedly. The Flu strains change and adapt rapidly so your tools need to change also. For instance, my elderberry syrup is never the same. Most commonly it has 12-14 different herbs in it but the amounts of each herb change depending on the symptoms for what the majority of people report. I also change it depending on weather conditions, damp season versus dry season need different approaches. Astragalus- A Chinese herb that has been used traditionally to improve the immune system. It’s historic use is in the youngest children up through the elderly in TCM is unmatched. It is a tonic herb that works on building immune strength and the whole body. It’s an herb that benefits through longer term use and can be taken or eaten most of the year. It’s primary action seems to be on the lungs, circulatory system and fortifying the immune system particularly in the the aid of rebuilding bone marrow. This plant can be added to your soups, rice or porridges to cook. It lends a very slight earthy flavor and really isn’t very noticeable. It’s easy to take as a tincture or glycerite. It blends easily with most other herbs. **It really doesn’t have any counterindications historically but as more people are diagnosed with auto immune issues, more people are reporting them. I have several clients with auto immune issues who do well with Astragalus but I know people who do not. Garlic- known as Russian penicillin or poor man’s penicillin, this herb has one of the longest known use as an herb to treat most any illness. It is a wonderful herb to increase in your diet or medicine cabinet all year but especially during the winter months. Garlic is effective after the air has worked it’s magic with the Allicin in the plant so I recommend that you chop, mince or grate it and let the air do it’s work on it for 10 minutes, then cook or eat it. Garlic contains high levels of vitamin C and has a high potassium content so it helps with the absorption of essential nutrients. Thanks to the pungent smell that garlic emits, our body reacts by a signal that travels to the brain to release watery fluid in the lungs to counter the pungent property, thereby helping clear the lungs. I love using aired and minced garlic to create a honey to take as a preventive in the winter. Garlic Honey 1 cup of local raw honey 3 or more garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon dried Thyme leaves 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar Throw everything in a a pot and simmer over a stove for about 2 minutes. You do not want to cook the herbs, it’s only to infuse the honey so stir often. You can strain or leave the herbs in there. Take 1 tablespoon a day for an adult 1 tsp for a child 12 and under. Elderberries/elderflowers- Across Europe both the flower and the berries are utilized in syrups, teas and jams for their medicinal actions of inducing sweating and stimulating the immune system but in the US, we tend to use the berries much more. I like a combo myself and find that it’s more thorough to use them together. Elderberries are a stimulant to the immune system and thankfully they are delicious as well. They blend well with lots of herbs flavor wise and healing movement wise. Elderberry Syrup is quickly becoming one the fastest DIY medicines with recipes popping up all over the web and getting pinned on Pinterest. Numerous studies are always being done on the effectiveness of Elderberries and it’s syrup. Most studies show that it can reduce the length of the flu for an average of 3-4 days, which is roughly the same as prescribed drugs without the harmful side effects. Also Elderberry is used as a preventative around the world. I won’t speak to doses because everyone has a different recipe and it would change depending on the recipe. Elderberries can also be made into jams and sauces that are eaten through out the winter months. Elderflower makes a great many beverages ranging from teas to cordials. And both can be made into a tincture. Olive Leaf- Numerous studies confirm that olive leaf has antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. Researchers found that comparing Olive Leaf to Green Tea, it has twice the antioxidant capacity of green tea and none of the caffeine. Olive leaf has antiviral properties. It is used to treat viral infections such as influenza, swine flu, common cold, herpes and hepatitis B.Studies show that some of the bioactive phytochemicals in olive leaf disrupt the replication of viruses including those responsible for common cold and influenza, stopping the viruses from continuing to grow wreak havoc in your body since one of the major steps involved in infection is the replication of the infective pathogen. When a few influenza viruses enter into human cells, they immediately set about creating more of their kind. If this replication proceeds far enough to produce a considerable population of such viruses, influenza infection sets in. By blocking the process by which influenza virus reproduces, olive leaf breaks the chain of replication and ensures that the population of flu virus is not significant enough to overwhelm the immune system. This antiviral property of olive leaf has been shown to win against influenza viruses including the strains (influenza A viruses such as H1N1 and H3N2) responsible for the 2009 swine flu pandemic. The antiviral properties of olive leaf have been shown to provide full cover against the major viruses responsible for upper respiratory tract infections during the flu season. In fact, studies show that olive leaf extract was especially effective against viral infections when fever was also present, making it a great enemy of the Flu. Thyme- This tiny little leaf packs a whallop. It’s anti microbial, anti fungal, loaded with anti oxidants, boosts the immune system, has anti stress activities, protects the heart and clears the respiratory system. For today’s article though we want to focus on it’s antioxidant values, respiratory actions and it’s stress busting. With one of the highest antioxidant concentrations in any herb, thyme has been praised for thousands of years as an overall health booster. The phenolic antioxidants found in thyme, including lutein, zeaxanthin, and thymonin contribute to neutralizing and eliminating free radicals throughout the body. Free radicals are the dangerous by-products of cellular metabolism that can do major damage to your healthy cells by causing apoptosis or spontaneous mutation. These antioxidants help prevent oxidative stress present in your organs, as well as your neural pathways, heart, eyes, and skin. Thyme acts as an expectorant and an anti-inflammatory substance. It eliminates phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tracts, eases inflammation to help breathe, and prevents microbial development that can lead to illness. One of the vitamins in thyme (B6) has a powerful effect on certain neurotransmitters in the brain that are directly linked to stress hormones. When we are ill, the last thing we need is to add more stress to the situation since stress hormone imbalance is linked to longer and tougher illnesses to fight. Kalmegh- This is hands down my favorite flu fighter. I found it while doing research three or four years ago and I can honestly say it is a miracle herb. I will also warn you that it is the worst tasting herb I’ve ever taken but boy oh boy is it worth it! Andrographis (Kalmegh) is a plant that is native to South Asian countries such as India and Sri Lanka. The leaf and underground stem are used to make medicine. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine where it is known as “the cure for all diseases” and it really has been used for practically everything. It is used for digestive complaints including diarrhea, constipation, intestinal gas, colic, and stomach pain; for liver conditions including an enlarged liver, jaundice, and liver damage due to medications; for infections including leprosy, pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, syphilis, malaria, cholera, leptospirosis, rabies, sinusitis, and HIV/AIDS; and for skin conditions including wounds, ulcers and itchiness. Some people use kalmegh powder for sore throat, coughs, swollen tonsils, bronchitis, and allergies. It is also used for “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), and prevention of heart disease and diabetes. Other uses include treatment of snake and insect bites, loss of appetite, kidney problems (pyelonephritis), hemorrhoids, and an inherited condition called familial Mediterranean fever. I use it mainly for it’s swift action against colds and the flu and I'm not the lone fan. In fact many claim that kalmegh stopped the 1919 flu epidemic in India. I wouldn’t be surprised, I’ve seen it knock out the flu in as little as three days. It’s one of the main ingredients in my herbal flu shot tincture. Vitamin C is another great thing to load up on and it’s part of all the herbs mentioned or you can take it as a supplement but make sure you are getting Vitamin C because it’s an antioxidant and they are disease fighters. Vitamin C also plays a crucial part in the production of collagen, which is essential for the creation and repair of cells, muscles, tissues, and blood vessels. I have used and witnessed all of these herbs work against the Flu as either a solo herb or as part of a bigger formula. I also tell people to be kind to yourself and loved ones while recovering and that means lots of good food and rest. Don't try to power through, we are chronically under rested and that is an issue for another day. I've been asked countless times what my top 10 herbs are or which herbs I couldn't live without and the answer honestly changes too often for me to ever create a definite list. Herbs are kinda like celebrity crushes, you have your old favorites from your early years but sometimes new ones come along that capture your attention and adoration. But this list is really chocked full of my favorites. I use them for my family and clients often. I hope you find this information helpful and just maybe you'll develop a new crush or two.
Ashwaganda- We know it’s been used for at least 3,000 years and is prized in Ayurvedic medicine as well as all over the Middle East and China. Primary uses are to counteract the adverse effects of stress, increases energy, tones all the organs and systems helping them work efficiently. Several scientific studies have shown that Ashwaganda increases stamina, endurance and immunity. It’s a powerful antioxidant that reverses cellular damage showing that it can be used not only as a preventative to heart disease and cancer but also may reverse the effects of those. Ashwaganda has shown to help stabilize both low and high blood sugars. Perhaps, my favorite use of Ashwagnada is to help with stress. It supports the adrenals and helps with fight or flight reactions in people. I’ve used it to undo damage done by Chemo and Radiation with great results. Fennel -Fennel is the digestive herb. It soothes the stomach and aids in the break down of foods and even stomach acids. It freshens breath, stabilizes blood sugar and stabilizes mentsrual cramps, unwanted hair loss. balances hormones, regulates blood pressure, helps with all digestive complaints like diarrhea, colitis and Inflammed bowel disease. Studies have shown that it profoundly improves memory and cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Inhibits the formation of tumors and blood clots, without stomach damage like aspirin and aspirin derived products Fennel extract has shown that it may improve the pressure on the optic nerve which would benefit glaucoma sufferers Turmeric- ANTI INFLAMMATORY in all caps because it is the superb herb for treating all types of inflammation. Used to treat Acne, skin irritations such as psoriasis and eczema, Allergies, Alzheimer’s, Cancer, High cholesterol, Colitisis, Cystic Fibrosis, Depression, Type 2 Diabetes, Eye infections, Gas, Gout, Gum disease, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Liver disease, Macular degeneration( age-related) Parkinson’s disease, stroke and wounds It’s a powerful antacid, speeds healing, relieves headaches and migraines, decongestant. Yarrow- According to the some Greek Myths this herb was made into a tea which Achilles was dipped into instead of the river Styx making him immortal. It has a history dating at least 2,500 years back to Ancient Greece and India. Primary uses are for wound healing, stamina, digestive uses, coughs and colds, inflammations and bites of all kinda. Culpepper was a prescriber using it for everything from infections of the “privates” to wounds, nosebleeds and hemorrhoids. Colonists introduced it to Native Americans who began using it for toothaches, dysentery, all blood illnesses including menstrual cramps and problems. Yarrow is used today for all of the before mentioned and has been used to combat stresses I find it exceptionally useful for stresses that are related to the physical, like running or over exertion. It has small amounts of thujone so it can help with sleep disorders. I would use it in correlation with other sedative herbs and not alone. Use the leaves dried or fresh for wounds. Makes a great gargle for toothache but tastes like hell. Make sure you add lots of mint and cinnamon. Dandelion- From flower to root and everything in between. In my humble opinion, the hands down best herb but the most maligned at least in our country. It Russian Herbalism, it translates to “elixir of life” It not only has a history of use in the folk medicine but holds an important role in the official medical books as well. Mainstream Doctors use it to treat liver and gallbladder diseases. It promotes the formation of bile and acts as a diuretic so it is used to treat edema. It breaks up kidney and gallstones and helps them pass as it pulls water out of the body for them to travel upon. It’s bitter properties aid in digestion and is useful for balancing the acid level of your stomach and easing inflammation caused by stress or poor eating. It has mild laxative qualities and helps with constipation in a very gentle calm way. It’s used internally and externally for skin issues. All skin issues can be traced back to the liver and since it is the for most liver tonifying and rejuvenating herb it is excellent as a tea, tincture, vinegar or a food to help protect and heal the liver. Also washing with the tea, lotion or oil made of dandelion helps all skin issues such as psoriasis, eczema, carbuncles, skin rashes, hives etc. The tea has a long history in the Russian court and folklore as a way to rid the body of unwanted freckles. It can be used to promote sweating out a fever. I would combine it with ginger, a pinch of cayenne and cloves to make a great sweat inducing tea. It’s rich in potassium, iron, and all the vitamins a, B1, B2, B6, C and D. It prevents anemia, stiff joints, rheumatism and gout. It is the highest plant source of potassium and has an balanced amount of sodium so that even though it is a diuretic, it doesn’t leach potassium but actually replaces it unlike all other diuretics. It can be used to help with Alzheimer’s (due to it’s high lecithin content and high choline content) all liver disease, bladder infections, swelling or edema, insomnia, heart conditions, miscarriage, pneumonia, flus, breastfeeding problems and due to it’s balance of magnesium, calcium and potassium osteoporosis as well. Dandelion is a tonic, bitter, adaptogen herb that would improve every single person’s health if they used it. Plantain- If Dandelion is the most maligned then plantain is the most ignored and it’s effecting our health. This lowly little plant is anti bacterial, anti microbial and anti toxic. The leaves have a long history of being used to treat insect bites and small scratches, burns, poison ivy or poison sumac rashes and snake bites. In the wild, you only have to pick a leaf or two, pop it in your mouth and chew it around. Place it on the injury or the abrasion. You can also juice them, cook them or eat them raw. In Russian medicine, the leaves are prescribed for gastric and digestive issues. The leaves are also juiced and drank to improve appetite and improve sluggish digestion. Eaten or drank it helps to stabilize blood sugar, clean your liver and help your body with stand the effects of modern life and modern medicine. It has been shown to protect you from the toxic uses of chemotherapy and other drugs. Red clover- Traditional uses are for respiratory disorders in China, Russia and North America. It’s been used to stabilize blood sugar, treat skin issues, all sorts of female health issues from PMS to menopause. It has a long history of being used both internally and externally on skin issues ranging from hives, baby acne, balding and even vitiligo. Taken internally it can relieve inflammation of the ears and eyes. Perfect for pink eye and meillures disease. A strong tisane or tea can be taken several times a day to treat chest pain from anxiety and stress, chronic rheumatism, inflammation of the bladder and kidney problems. Women can use it to treat PMS symptoms such as cramping, heavy bleeding, menopausal hot flashes, and taken regularly in pregnancy it has been shown to prevent miscarriage. Tinctures are used in Russia to reduce benign fibroid tumors. It can relieve the inflammation of the ovaries and thus has been known as a fertility herb. Red clover tincture can be taken to reduce serum cholesterol levels and has been used as a preventive for hardening of the arteries successfully. Moms have used it to cure a multitude of ills from wounds, scars, jaundice and rickets. It has also become used as both a tobacco substitute for chewing tobacco and snuff users. It helps curb the cravings and eventually they kick the habit. Drinking a strong tea has also helped cigarette smokers. I attribute this to it’s adaptogenic qualities. Red clover as a cancer treatment and preventative is superb, some even say the best treatment. It shows a particular affinity toward treating cancers of the mouth, stomach and lungs. It is a purifier, working to clean the blood. It also has a reputation of sort of an anti depressant. It is used homeopathically and a Bach Flower Essence for people who aren’t really sure if they want to live or die, give up or fight. Mullein- Every mom should have some Mullein on hand. It’s a go to for ear aches and sore throats. Mullein leaves are hairy in a prickly way and are actually fairly irritating when fresh so always dry the leaves to use. Let’s talk about sore throats and coughs. Mullein has a lot of mucilage ( a slippery gel when it comes in contact with liquid) This is what produces the soothing action and reduces the inflammation. Commission E in Germany has studied it and endorses it as a treatment for coughs and colds. Thanks to it’s thick mucilage, it is a wonderful herb to have on hand for bouts of cough stemming from the Flu, bronchitis. allergies and whooping cough. You can take it as a tea, tincture or smoke it. It works particularly well on dry hacking coughs or coughs that seem to rock you to the core. The Ooey Gooey goodness also works wonders on hemorrhoids! You can apply externally and take as a tea. For ear pain, it is traditionally used as an oil. Mix with a few cloves of garlic and simmer over very low heat for a few hours. Let it cool and strain. You can massage it on the outside of the ear and pour a small bit on a cotton ball and place that in the ear. Studies have actually shown that mullein oil works better than amoxicyllan for ear infections. With it’s similarities to comfrey, it can be used to help with joint health after a sprain or pull. The homeopathic remedy is great for hairline fractures or when a bone is out of place. Black Walnut- vermifuge- dried hulls of the nut ground and dried for at least a year. Kills all sorts of parasites, such as pinworms, tapeworms and other intestinal bugs. It stops Candida from spreading and kills it off. It’s anti fungal properties make it a powerful medicine against hook worm, ring worm, athlete’s foot and even jock itch. It clears up skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, and eczema. it can be taken internally and applied externally to the skin. It’s relationship with skin, fungus and bacteria make it a perfect aid for skin issues such as warts, herpes out breaks, and cold sores. It tones ands eases inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Working well against any yeast or bacteria that may be lurking in your digestive tract. Since they are related to English Walnuts, they have similar benefits on the cardiovascular system and diabetes but the Black Walnut is like the SUPERMAN of the walnut world. It works faster, better and stronger. Traditionally, the blackened part of the hulls have been used but new research is being conducted on the green hulls. Dr. Hullah Clark has been having great results treating AIDS and cancer. I use it as part of my Lyme Disease treatment. Pau D’arco-Used by the ancient and mystical Incans, this tree gets it’s name from the Spanish because it was used to make bow sticks. Ahh, but it has so much more to offer. The Incans used it to treat fevers, sore throat, dysentery, snakebites, bladder and yeast infections. It’s excellent anti inflammatory action makes it useful for many of these. It is a miraculous herb for killing Candida, especially good for yeast infections. Soak a tampon in strong tea and leave it in over night. High in antibiotic power, it has been used to treat staph infections and MRSA. It’s very active against other types of bacteria and fungus. It conclusively shows to be great particularly for the bacteria that causes food poisoning. It promotes rapid wound healing and prevents scarring. In several studies in the 1950’s, Brazilian researchers showed that it was effective in destroying cancer cells and leukemia. Newer Korean studies show that it kills lung, colon and prostrate cancer cells at a fairly rapid rate. It is used often in the winter to alleviate coughs and alleviates Smoker’s cough and reverses the damage done by years of smoking. Researchers are currently studying it against lupus and fibromalgia. Beware- Large doses can cause nausea, vomiting and occasionally diarrhea. It can also interact with other drugs you may be taking causing your blood to take longer to clot. Not to be used in pregnant or nursing mothers or in children under the age of 2. Tulsi- Holy Basil- Considered a gift from Vishnu. It is an ayruvedic herb from India but grows very well here. Tulsi is one of my favorite herbs. It improves the immune system, helps the body fight inflammation, deal with stress, promotes energy but in a relaxing way that doesn’t rev you up like caffeine. It is great for colds and flus and asthma. It reduces inflammation in the whole body but I have seen an affinity for the softer places and it works to un block blockages of the lymph nodes. It’s strengthening on the teeth and help in gum disease make it a wonderful ingredient in your tooth powders or as a mouth wash. Works quickly on insect bites and wounds when a tea or lotion is applied externally. Helps with hives that flare up due to stress. Cordyceps- also known as caterpillar fungus and summer plant/winter worm Technically a fungus and not a true herb. It’s a parasite that infests and kills insect larvae and caterpillars. The fungus emerges from it’s dying host and looks like a worm. TCM considers this a plant in the Summer and an animal in the winter. It was extremely rare in Ancient China and only the Emperor and his family could afford to use it. It was used as a tonic herb to keep them healthy. It is used traditionally in the areas of the Himalayas. A survey in 2008 showed it to be one of the most common treatments in Nepal. Immune and Antioxidants- It improves immune function and helps make white blood cells. Japanese and Hong Kong scientists have been studying it’s antioxidant activity. It has been shown to prevent cell damage. This makes it a powerful tool in helping reduce the ill effects of aging on the body. It has been shown to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides which would benefit anyone with a history of heart disease or strokes. It also raises the good “HDL” cholesterol. Studies have shown that it levels out blood pressure, raising it if your’s is low and lowering it if it’s high. It increases blood circulation which in turn helps the whole body. The increased circulation has wonderful results on the bronchial tubes and the lungs. Several Chinese studies have found it to be invaluable for asthma and chronic Bronchitis sufferers. In a review of 5 separate studies, 4 weeks of cordyceps use improved lung function in 78 to 92 % of participants. It dilates the airways which increases oxygen to the blood and the rest of the body since it is increasing the circulation of the blood. It has been proven the increase strength and stamina and is used by athletes and weekend warriors. It aids the body in muscle formation. It has a duality that enhances energy but promotes a deep and restful sleep, so it’s not your traditional stimulant. The Chinese have studied it extensively on the liver and the kidneys. It has been called “ideal” for the kidney transplant patient as it actually increases the chance of a body accepting a new kidney. It has been shown to increase renal health and reduce the inflammation of the kidney particularly in people with lupus nephritis and liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. Last but not least, probably due to it’s circulation enhancing properties, it treats erectile dysfunction and impotence. It also works as an aphrodisiac and has a history of improving fertility. Astragulus- Root of plant. legume. Typically sold in long strips that look like tongue depressors, but for the last several years most herbal stores sell the powdered and boy does this make life better! No more boiling decoctions but you can make a tea or throw it in soups and rice so much easier. Native to China and Mongolia. Would grow well here. Called the children’s echinacea or milk vetch it is one of the safest most helpful herbs in TCM. It is used to strengthen the immune system and it’s over all effect on the body and energy. It has been proven to be safe from people as young as a month and all the way up to 108 year olds. It’s very nourishing is a food that people in Asia eat most of their life. In TCM it is often combined with ginseng or Angelica. I use it with Elderberry, ginger and black cumin seed a lot. Black Cumin Seed- It has the reputation of “ curing everything but death” and it pretty much lives up to the reputation. It is known as “the blessed seed” and ‘love is in the mist”. In the Bible, it is called “ftich” It has been utilized for at least 3000 years in the Middle East for everything from respiratory illnesses, stomach issues, circulatory diseases, overall tonic health. Most of the modern world dismissed it’s healing properties, even in the Middle East until recently the younger generations were over looking all it’s healing and wonderful mojo, because old school healers and sages used it for everything and I mean everything. I liken it to the Dad in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. He used windex for everything and everyone ignored him but on the Wedding day, John Corbett used it successfully for his pimple. BCS is very much like that Windex. Got a cold- take some BCS Got the Flu- BCS Mastitsis- BCS diarrhea- BCS throwing up- BCS high blood pressure - BCS PMS and menstrual cramps- all cancers- BCS insomnia- BCS diabetes- BCS So everyone chalked it up to bunk. A placebo at best but most likely modern myth. UNTIL, a prize Arabian horse was on it’s deathbed with asthma. The owners had a fortune on the line and wanted a safe, truly holistic way to cure this animal. Vet after Vet failed until an old homeopath called an old acquaintance vet in Egypt who recommended BCS. They mixed it in the the feed bags and in just a few weeks, the horse was not only better but winning shows. It got the attention of researchers. After over 200 tests were performed they were mesmerized. BCS actually improved or cured all the above conditions. All those aged and wise people were right!!!! Actually nothing that it has historically been used to treat has shown any negative results. Science is baffled and a little unhappy about that. Pregnancy is one of the most exciting and scary times in a young Mama's life. We worry about everything especially what is safe to consume and what isn't. I've put together a short list of some of the most commonly favored herbs to drink as a tea while pregnant. These herbs not only help keep a Mama hydrated but come with other health benefits.
Red Raspberry Leaf- Tones the uterus, helps to prevent miscarriage, eases morning sickness, assists in creating an ample amount of colostrum and breast milk. Lemon Balm- tasty, herb that is mildly relaxing which can be a wonderful aid to the Mommy to be. It’s also a wonderful herb to help with all stomach upset, especially when combined with ginger. It’s a mild anti histamine and can relieve seasonal allergies especially when combined with tulsi and nettle. Nettle- helps the kidneys function at optimal levels, Nourishing herb that is a bio-available source of iron, calcium and vitamin K. Reduces the chance of a hemorrhage after birth. Strengthens the blood veins and reduces chances for hemorrhoids. Increases breast milk production. Fennel- A great sweetener to add to other tea blends but also helps with morning sickness. Oat straw- A super mild tasting rich source of calcium and magnesium which makes it a great source to calm nervous tension. It can be combined with Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Tulsi and Ginger. It’s a wonderful herb to help increase milk production too. Chamomile- Chamomile is one of the most famous and often drunk teas around the world! Even Peter Rabbit’s mama gives him a cup to calm his nerves and stomach. It’s renown for it’s wonderful way with a nervous tummy due to morning sickness or stress. I prefer this tea iced but love to soak in the goodness in a bath. Strawberry Leaf- Strawberry leaves are similar in the toning action of red raspberry on the uterus and right now is the perfect time to take advantage of it. I like to buy a pound of organic strawberries and cut off the leaves and a small chunk of the fruit. I then pour boiling water over the leaves and fruit and wait for it to cool to room temperature, then strain and serve over ice! YUM Ginger Root- A slightly warming herb that has been used to help with morning sickness or digestive issues for well over a thousand years. It also packs a punch against colds and flu viruses by warming up the body to fight the invading illness. Alfalfa- Loaded with vitamins A, D, E and K, this herb is a powerhouse to drink and mix in with any of the other teas. Tulsi- One of the supreme herbs for helping the body adapt to stressors and fighting histamine in the body. |
AuthorWife, Mom, herbalist and friend. Feel free to change the order of the description to fit your needs, I do several times a day. Archives
November 2021
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