January New Moon Reflections and Musings:           finding the heart of the mystery and the beauty from the herbal world.                                                          

 Welcome to the New Moon series of  reflections and herbal musings. I have two intentions with this. First it is to be a newsletter of sorts. News about the herbs? Yes, they speak to us!

Secondly, the New Moon Herbal online “class” is intended to light up your screen and I presenting in lively animation.  I initially wanted to start in January. Rather, the season brought me here with this introductory newsletter with a candle burning, unseen. 

For January, my screen will remain dark. Please bare with me.

 If you are interested in attending a live short class on any of the New Moon class nights, please “register” by sending me an email and I will send you the link so we may light candles together. See a list of New Moon dates below.

My January Reflection

January is dark. Yes, the earth has made its turning and each day will grow a bit lighter. However, it is winter and I feel we are still in recovery during this post holiday season. I agree with Sharon Blackie who wrote that New Year resolutions that include our purges, weight loss goals, detoxes and the rest don’t work. Why? Because it is putting pressure on ourselves when we are already exhausted! We arrive into January frazzled, exhausted and perhaps unsure about what we really should be doing. “The last thing we need is to launch ourselves like rockets into a regime of major lifestyle change, based on a day in the calendar randomly imposed on us”, she writes.  I have to agree! It doesn’t feel like our calendar-made “New Year” is in sync with the seasons, or our natural cyclical rhythms around us, or that of our own bodies.

Then, what is this season for, if it’s not for purges, diets, detoxes and other high pressure “resolutions”? Again, Sharon Blackie writes: “It’s a time to think about change and transformation,  about letting the long cold dark strip us down to the bare bones and seeing what remains of us that matters”. These are soul searching comments but ring  important truths. 

A long time ago, our original Calendar was generated by women. The months coincided with their menstrual cycles as to this day. Each month began with the New Moon. Each season began and ended, as we know, with the earth’s relationship to the sun, light and darkness. 

Ancient peoples followed the rhythms of the earth and the celestial events of the sun; the solstices and equinoxes. When the living creatures and plants of the earth quieted with the winter months and “hunkered down” so did we. As life lay beneath the soil, so we also turned inward in reflection while looking forward to the coming of light and life to the earth once more. 

This is the season of winter. 

If you listen closely, you can tell when the earth, where winter resides, begins to stir and waken. That is the time, when after our quiet reflective days in the darkness, awaken with new energy to generate renewal and change. 

I found myself in that quiet place leading up to January’s New Moon. Honestly, I couldn’t bring myself to get in front of a camera with neat hair, face paint and pretty cloths. I feel like I am still without leaves or flowers like the barren living things outside. But, I’m human and not a tree. I hope you don’t mind that I am standing here a bit “stripped down to the bare bones”.

Herbs that help us with Anxiety and Depression

These have been crazy times like no other. My  herbal class intention for January was to look at anxiety and depression.

I trust that most of our anxiety is from stress. Stress being  the root cause for so much of our dis-ease. 

A forest hike one day lead us close to a nearby road. My eyes were watching my feet until I chanced to look up and see this little gnome figure made out of spruce bows, red felt for a hat and a potato for a nose. I love love love my walks in the woods but this little gnome caught my eye, made me stop to take a closer look while giving me a good laugh.  Mind medicine comes in all forms I will have to admit. 

There is so much written about how to manage stress. Forest bathing, meditation, yoga, exercise of any kind or simply by taking a bath. Some need more intervention. This is where it gets tricky.

Mild relaxing herbal teas are many. Consider Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Motherwort, Lavender or Linden. Herbs that are a little stronger include Passionflower and Hops. Mountain Tea which is not easy to find will bring you down a couple of notches. I admire this Mediterranean sage for its powerful calming way. Some swear by the CBD products. My experience have found that more often they make matters worse. Everyone is different. “Start low and go slow” applies as it does with any very strong medicine.

I am leaving sedative herbs out of this list though any of the herbs above can help with sleep. 

Many of us respond well to the adaptogens for managing stress. The adaptogens that are calming include Holy Basil, and for some Ashwagandha. I found that for some people starting with a tincture or capsule of Ashwagnadha in early afternoon will help them settle down by nightfall. Others take it before bed with good results. For others this herb can be stimulating. Don’t take Dr. Google too seriously. You need to learn what works for you. 

Depression, like anxiety has many causes but I’ll keep it simple. Generally, people who feel depressed lack energy and motivation to do anything for themselves or others. There is a dark cloud over their heads that persists. Sometimes it’s paralyzing hence the lack of motivation.  Right now we may all have dark clouds. It’s about resilience between those that cope and those that don’t. How do we keep going? How may we get through this globally imposed disconnection from friends and loved ones? These are deeper questions for our times and very challenging.  The herbs are our allies but they can’t change the world for us without our participation with them. This is one way to make a difference. 

Herbs that help lighten the cloud cover include a number of adaptogens. They are Eleuthro, Rhodiola and Schisandra. Try them as tinctures. Two are roots and Schisandra is a tart berry. A little goes a long way. Their energy giving properties are deep unlike coffee’s more immediate tension-like energy. 

What may also help lighten the dark clouds? It is about choosing to find connection. In these times of isolation, I have been connecting with the quiet forest surrounding me. Waiting with them for spring to waken us together. 

The herbs are powerful. We need focused patience for them to help us. We need trust that the plants are here for us. And, they aren’t far away. 

See below for the upcoming New Moon schedule. 

(Email: rjrcnm@gmail.com to register.) Note each date falls on a different evening of the week. The set time is 8pm EST. 

New Moon Schedule going forward:

February 11                           August 8

March 13                               September 6

April 11                                 October 6

May 11                                  November 4

June 10                                 December 4

July 9

Drop me an email if you are interested in any one of these dates. 

I will be making something or doing something herbal on each one of these to bring in some connection with what I am sharing. I know people love cooking shows. I’m thinking to make the New Moon musings -or whatever else to call this evening- something that touches on doing something I know that we would all love to do together. 

With herbal blessings

Hopefully I will see you as the earth begins to stir in February!

Rachel 

 

Making a Chai Tea for Resilience and Warmth 

These are difficult times with a global raging illness and predictions that it will get worse before it gets better. While conventional medicine is racing to find a medication and a vaccine that will work, there hasn't been any formal attention on the power of the plants and the power that we behold in ourselves to select these gifts right from our natural world for healing and comfort!

Today I started out making an herbal Chai tea and it evolved into this adaptogenic, liver tonic, immune enhancing, warmth promoting and spicy brew. (Thanks to a Vermont-based herbalist for this inspiration, Guido Mase). I intended it as a tea and not a soup! Though it looked like I was making soup! It was fun to do and, in time, I hope to experiment with different herbs and spices.

I put in one of the adaptogens (e.g. ashwaghanda, eleuthro, Rhodiola, ginsengs, licorice and Schisandra) that increase our resilience and survival. The adaptogens help us repair and heal by activating our neuroendocrine-immune systems. 

I included a liver tonic (e.g. dandelion, burdock, milk thistle) that nourish our core where we need our liver to assimilate and eliminate - everything! 

I used one of the medicinal mushrooms (e.g. Reishi, chaga, shiitake, cordyceps.) that ... it would take a book! Primarily they are immune enhancing as is deep-acting astragalus root. You could throw astragalus in, too.

I included a few of the warming spices that aid in circulation such as cinnamon, clove, coriander, anise, cardamom, ginger and warming anti-inflammatory turmeric. 

Simmer your choices in a quart of water for 30 minutes and strain. You may add coconut cream or milk and sweeten with raw local honey as needed for a true chai experience.

Recipe

2-4 tablespoons of a liver tonic root, dried or fresh chopped . You may consider adding turmeric root in addition to one of the liver tonic roots.

2-4 tablespoons of mushroom, chopped, grated or powdered e.g. chaga, shiitake, cordyceps or 4 slices e.g. Reishi

2 tablespoons fresh ginger chopped

1 tablespoon aromatic seeds e.g fennel or anise

1 teaspoon peppercorns

1 tablespoon aromatic spices e.g. cardamon, coriander clove cumin

6 cinnamon sticks

1 Quart of water

Combine everything in a large pot, cover and bring to a boil. Then simmer for about 30 minutes. Strain and add cream, coconut, cream or coconut milk with a little raw honey.

Cheers!

A Short Take On My Personal Experience With Burdock

 

One herb comes immediately to mind, where the getting of the herb was very much part of my experience with using the herb. For what could possibly bring one closer to getting to know and “using” anything intimately, if one does not make an encounter with that desirable wild thing – whatever it is- in its own element, first. We’ve about all lost those experiences of encountering wild things, including plants in their element. Without those intimate experiences, I believe, we have lost our appreciation of the full meaning and value of what we have in our hands before us, because we haven’t experienced simply, getting it. For example, compare the experience of opening a 1 pound plastic bag of cut and sifted Lemon Balm, to cutting handfuls of fresh Lemon Balm growing in the filtered sunlight of a border garden in late spring. Then, you know what I’m talking about.

So, it was true with Burdock. Large fuzzy-leaved and intrusive in my garden scape surrounding my impressive deck, one spring I decided it needed to go and I was going to get it. Get it all. Besides, what a better time is there to dig it out, root and all, than spring? I had dug Dandelion roots before, and I knew they were no small ticket for getting an earth-bonding experience.  I knew I could handle this Burdock, or so I thought. I was ready. I grabbed my shovel and off I started.  Spadesful after spadesful I worked around the thick-necked central tap root. Down, down I went into the earth as I had to enlarge the circle as I went to loosen the hold that the soil had on this massive root. Deeper and deeper down into the earth I carefully shoveled to reach the narrowing end of the now branching taproot.  Challenged not to prematurely break off the tap root I carefully continued on and on into the afternoon of that bright spring day.

Is there something about getting down to the “root of the matter”, or finding the “root cause”, or the “root of the problem”? Is it no wonder that roots are our source for solving problems? And, so it is true with Burdock.  “Burdock is truly a superior tonic herb, both as a preventative and as a medicinal plant”, says Rosemary Gladstar (1). Historically, Burdock has been traditionally used as a “blood purifier”, and liver tonic. In fact, Burdock carries more antioxidant activity than most vegetables and has demonstrated prebiotic properties that may improve health (2). David Hoffman writes (3) and many herbalists agree that Burdock is a valuable remedy for the treatment of skin conditions that result in dry and scaly patches mostly effective for psoriasis if used over a long period of time. Dr. Bove (4) includes Burdock in her herbal remedies for cradle cap, cold sores and eczema for children. Deb Soule, a beloved herbalist of mine, from Maine, writes that Burdock tea or tincture is nourishing for the liver and kidneys and promotes digestion and appetite through the bitter stimulation of digestive juices and the secretion of bile while it helps eliminate ingested chemicals and waste materials (5).  It seems plain and simple: Roots are our roots for health maintenance and well-being. So, how did I use that wild Burdock root that I spent all day spading the soil for? I grated it fresh, and then, dried it, and, then put it in a jar next to my stove in the kitchen. Over this past winter, I took a handful, and would throw it into my stews in which I made many. I did it over and over again. Its nutty earthy flavor penetrated the broth. No one complained. Everyone heartily ate. The little grated roots tasted like ground meat, frankly. No one knew. And, I didn’t tell. They didn’t need to know. And, that was ok. Yes, experience it, to know, first.

 

References

1.       Gladstar, Rosemary. 2008. Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Bibrant Health. Storey Publishing.

2.       http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/burdock

3.       Hoffman, David. 2003. Medicinal Herbalism. Healing Arts Press.

4.       Bove, Mary N. D. 2001. An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants. Mc Graw Hill.

5.       Soule, Deb. 1995. A Woman’s Book of Herbs: The healing Power of Natural Remedies. Citadel Press.

Immune Support Soup

Winter Health is about building your immune system so that your body can do what it needs to do to keep you strong, vibrate and healthy. There are many herbs that have the power to support, build and heal us in this way. How can we do this that is realistic and do-able? Often, there is "information-overload". Where can we begin?

  I have found that people can best incorporate the healing herbs, much like we can of our culinary herbs, when we include them in our everyday diets and cooking.

My thinking is that herbs shouldn't be thought of as a supplement  but a rather a compliment. Just  step back and take a look at how far we Americans have come, pertinent to using herbs in cooking. "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme" may have first become popular through a Paul Simon song, but we are familiar with them and enjoy these herbs, particularly, through the winter months. More recently, we have come to love Basil as a Pesto, over fresh Tomatoes, and in sauces, and Cilantro the distinct aromatic herb that we savor in fresh Salsas. There are many more as we have become exposed to culinary delights of other cultures and nations.

 

Fresh Picked Dandelion Root

 

So, now it has come time to celebrate the roots! As the herbs have made their way into our cooking, let's use the roots as compliments in our sauces, soups and stews,  instead of something that we find in the dreaded medicine cabinet. (i.e. How many of us really like taking a cupful of pills every day?)


                                                 
There are many "immune soup" recipes out there. In common, these immune soup recipes use roots and often mushrooms as their ingredients. Any of them can cook up into dense broths that are either frozen in cubes to be added later, or used that same day.  A very hearty soup can result by adding vegetables, beans, potatoes or whatever is available. It's really truly hearty!

The roots come from near and far. Much more has been researched in the East so they are better known. I trust with time we will discover that there are western herbs with equal power and strength.
Right now our best known roots for immune support are Burdock and Dandelion,  particularly.

Anyway, here is a list of the roots and mushrooms that have been used in various recipes that I have found:

Dandelion , Burdock, Astragalus, Ginseng, Ginger, Fo-ti, Chinese Bellflower and Ashwaganda. Popular mushrooms are Reishi, Red Reishi, Chaga, and Shitake.
Fresh garlic is often added as part of the base.

Burdock leaf and flowers.

The ratio of roots to water can vary. For a dense broth use 1-2 cups of roots/mushrooms/garlic for every quart of liquid. Simmer the roots in the water very slowly for a minimum of 1 hour. Preferable longer.
Strain, and either create your hearty soup or place in ice cube trays and freeze to make immune-cubes to put in future soups, stews and sauces.

This is my favorite recipe:

Immune Support Soup

1 cup Astragalus Root, dried
1/2 cup Ashwagandha Root, dried
1/2 cup Reishi Mushroom, dried
1/2 cup Burdock Root, dried
half bulb garlic, chopped. (4-5 cloves)

Take the above ingredients and simmer them covered in a  pot with 2 quarts of water. Simmer slowly on low heat for at least 1 hour and strain. Make into a hearty soup, freeze in cubes or drink 1 cup daily as a tonic.

(This recipe is from a wonderful book filled with herbal wisdom and science: The Wild Medicine Solution; Healing with Aromatic, Bitter, and Tonic Plants by Guido Mase (2013, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vt.)

Wild-Harvesting your own Dandelion and Burdock roots are do-able here in the Northeast US. This is best done in the very early spring or later fall. Their roots are can be very long (+12") and thick when over 1 year old. They often need a good heavy spade and lots of patience. Once dug they need to be scrubbed clean. I grate the root fresh and then dry the grated root in a very low oven. I find this easier than trying to cut into a whole dried root.

Fall Workshop - Simple Cold and Flu Remedies

What do you do when you feel a cold coming on?

 

 How can we move through this coming  cold and flu season with what nature has given us?

 

Join me for Cold and Flu Remedies Workshop OCTOBER 26 from 2p-4p.

$20. includes all materials and supplies.            Email to sign up    rjrcnm@gmail.com             


Take come a flask of Elderberry Syrup and more!  

See you soon!
Rachel
rjrcnm@gmail.com

The Farmer's Market

Our opening day was beautiful. People were so happy to come out and feel sunshine. New England gave us a long winter this year. Despite global warming, there was a bit of  lingering chill and snow on the ground. I had snow on our fields the beginning of April. Now, spring is beautifully here.

Our Farmer's Market opened this Tuesday. There were many folks with herbs and plants to sell from their greenhouses and gardens. The Goat Cheese lady brought her baby goats for the children to pet. The bread lady, that everyone loves, sold out, as she usually does, before closing. The meat lady has added fruit trees to her inventory of offerings. The homemade ice cream man found his same spot that he had last year.

What is a Farmer's Market? Here, people chat with one another and meet the producers and chat some more. They chat about their problems, and their interests. The Farmer's Market is a place to get to know the people that make and grow the food we eat. I wish there was a measure for this part, for it should be included on the ingredient list. If it's not on the list, then the food isn't as potent or charged with a human-interaction factor.

My most popular medicinal teas were "Sleep Without Sheep" and my Migraine Reliever tea: "Get-it-out-of-your-Mind". Who would know? It seems like there is a lot of anxiety, restlessness and extreme distress from migraines. Such a challenging time. Our lives shouldn't do this to ourselves.

The Holden Farmer's Market is a very small market. There are regulars, though. They show up on the first day and every day until it closes; about 26 weeks from now. There are newcomers, of course, too.
I'll be there every Tuesday until the end of October when it closes. I'll be chatting with the regulars and the newcomers. I'll be getting to know the people that stroll by. I know my conversation and my well-intended smile will become an ingredient in the products they buy. I believe, it changes the potency.

It works- that is, when it includes the human-interaction factor. It works when you know who has made it, who has crafted it, when, how and why it was made. This variable in the research hasn't been tested. I believe we need to have a relationship with the people that feed us and nourish us in order for the foods and herbs that we use will work for us at their optimal best.
While it may be trendy to "buy local", I believe, there is something more happening when we do buy local,  because we're doing it. We are making an effort to do so. We join CSA's. We aren't stupid. And, enough is enough. We don't want chemicalized food. If big business isn't going to look out for us (and they never have and never will) then WE must. We must.
Message here?
Get to know your local producers. Get to know your local Farmer's Market vendors. Buy local. Eat local foods. Know your ingredients. Know that they hidden ingredient in all great food is knowing the farmer that grew it for you.
Our lives depend on it.

Herbal Cold Care Kit; What's in it?

Do you have the "Common Cold"? Or, do you believe you have the Flu? Did you get your flu vaccine injection and did you get sick anyway? Yes, it does happen to the best of us.

What's next?  Pull out your "Cold Care Kit". What's in it? Below are my favorites.
1. A Decongestant Steam
2. Elderberry Syrup
3. Herbal High C Tea (an ideal children's tea)
4. Tea for Cold and Flu (idea for those that can tolerate ginger and cayenne)
5......
What? No Motrin?

The herbs that have served us for healing from congestion, excess fluids and coughs are well known particularly Coltsfoot, Mullein and Eucalyptus. Grieve writes that Coltsfoot  used to be painted as a sign on the doorpost of an apothecary's shop. Doesn't this communicate confidence in this herb's reliability?  (Pharmacies have lost their symbol for healing and care. The mortar and pestle is gone too. What does CVS, Walgreen's and Rite Aid have in common? They have a full length candy aisle and the pills are in the back.)
We have almost completely forgotten about these wonderful herbs that sooth, relieve, decongest and heal us from our sicknesses. It's time to get to know them before we have completely forgotten.


 I am limited with graphic ability. Please trust that these recipes have been tried and are true. They are also very beautiful to look at. Don't rely on a picture, anyway. Just get them and experience their beauty as you sift them through your hands!

I share these recipes to encourage you to experience the healing power of herbs.
I do sell these wonderful herbs and mixes, too.
Email your requests: rjrcnm@gmail.com
Take care!



A Decongestant Steam
3 parts Peppermint
2 parts Eucalyptus
1 part Elder Flower
1 part Comfrey
1 part Lobelia
1 part Chamomile
Place a couple of tablespoons of herbs into a large wide bowl of steaming hot water.
Add a couple of drops of Eucalyptus or Peppermint essential oil.
Lean over the bowl and breath in the aromatic steam. If you can tolerate a towel over your head, try this. You'll get quite sweaty and hot. Stay no longer than 5 to 10 minutes.

Elderberry Syrup
1/2 cup dried Elderberries
1 tablespoon dried Rosehips
2 cups of water
1 tablespoon grated Ginger
5 Whole Cloves
1 Cinnamon Stick
Bring to a boil 20-30 minutes. Strain the herbs and spices from the water. Then add 1 cup of honey to the strained water.
Take 1 table spoon of syrup 3 times per day or as needed for cough and cold relief.

Herbal High C Tea
1 part Calendula
1 part Cinnamon Chips
2 parts Lemon Grass
1 part Hibiscus flowers
1 part Nettle
4 parts Rosehips
1/2 part Orange Peel
1 part Spearmint
2 parts Wiintergreen

Tea for Decongestion
1 part Calendula
1 part Mullein
2 parts Peppermint
1 part Coltsfoot
1 part Eucalyptus
1/4 tsp Ginger
A pinch to an 1/8th tsp of Cayenne
Steep 1 tsp per cup for 10 minutes and drink as often as desired.

Winter Spices with a Summer Flare

Spices are warming but they are also supportive to our overall health and well-being.  And, winter is our time to realish the warming and healthful spices and herbs of Cayenne, Ginger, Horseradish and Garlic. Herbs can soften the bite while adding vitamins and minerals with every shake. It's fun to use them and invent mixes through the seasons.

So how can we use them in winter that reminds us of our summer fun with food? We think of grilling as something we do in the summer, so why not use the wonderful spices that make up a blackened Chicken or Tuna for a winter meal? The heat is welcoming while the herbs nourish us and remind us of when we have had our fresh garden grown vegetables at hand.

Here's a little Herbal Rub with a little Heat that would enliven any meal. Sprinkle on fish, chicken or roasted root vegetables.
We used it on Tuna Steaks.

HERBAL RUB
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Thyme
1 tsp Cilantro
1 tsp Dried Mustard
1 tsp Basil
1/2 tsp Garlic Granules
1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Combine all ingredients and mix in a small bowl. Store in a closed glass jar.

What about Kava?

(This is a reproduction of an article from www.herbalgram.org. Please forgive the misalignment. Visit www.herbalgram.org for the best updated information on Kava. This is a fabulous website with great information!!)   Laura Bystrom, PhD Mariann Garner-Wizard Shari Henson Amy Keller, PhD Heather S Oliff, PhD Risa Schulman, PhD Executive Editor Mark Blumenthal Managing Editor Lori Glenn Consulting Editors Dennis Awang, PhD, Thomas Brendler, Francis Brinker, ND, Allison McCutcheon, PhD, Risa Schulman, PhD Assistant Editor Tamarind Reaves PDF[?] (Download) Anxiety Kava (Piper methysiticum) Date: February 15, 2004 HC# 042115-OLO Re:Kava - A Brief Review Pepping J. Kava: Piper methysticum American Journal of Health-Systems Pharmacy. 1996;56:957-960. Use of kava kava (Piper methysticum) predates written history in the islands of the South Pacific. Offered as a beverage during social occasions or ceremonies, the pulverized underground portions of the kava plant are often mixed with coconut milk. The beverage has played a role in greeting visitors, securing marriages, and settling disputes. For at least the past twelve years, scientific investigation into the warm and sociable effects this plant induces has led to medicinal use for modern day anxiety. Today, extracts standardized to 30-70% kavalactones are used for reducing daily stress and anxiety in general populations, as well as for treating patients with anxiety of psychosomatic, neurotic, or nonpsychotic origins. Research also shows that kava's anxiolytic effects may extend to women entering into their menopausal years. In this article, Pepping states that only a few small studies have assessed kava for anxiety; however, there have been at least six double-blind placebo-controlled randomized (DBPCR) studies on 335 participants which have found significant anxiolytic activity, with a meta-analysis confirming those results. In addition to these, at least half a dozen clinical trials have examined kava. Many pharmaceutical sedative-hypnotics act by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. The author writes that kavalactones may have a unique mechanism, as binding studies to these receptors in vivo are conflicting. Kava appears to act on the amygdala complex within the limbic system, the emotional center, of the brain. Studies have shown that kava decreases levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate, increases daydreaming waves, and decreases concentrating brain wave activity. Kavalactones relax skeletal muscle, and have mild anticonvulsant properties. Sleep quality is enhanced, with an increase in deep sleep without affect on rapid-eye-movement. Kava should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, however, or consumed with alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, other anxiolytics, or psychopharmacological drugs. Case reports suggest that kava may reduce the effectiveness of levodopa therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease. Kava offers an alternative to pharmaceutical anxiolytics. The author advises people to proceed with caution. 'Higher doses can affect motor function, and long-term use could lead to psychological dependence,' he states. However, Pepping fails to cite any reference for this last statement; and there is no strong evidence linking continual kava use with dependence according to ethnobotanical data citing traditional use or modern case reports where kava is frequently used in modern European clinical medicine. In fact, one 25-week long study showed no signs of withdrawal. It is not recommended to use kava for more than three months without medical supervision, a caution based on the relatively conservative safety assessments of the German Commission E. Reports of liver toxicity associated with prolonged use of kava at very high doses have been cited (Pizzorno JE, Murray MT. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 2nd Ed.) as well as the exacerbation of hepatitis in patients with a history of recurrent hepatitis, even with short-term use. -Carolyn Williams Orlando, MA

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Recovery Tea; a compliment to antibiotic therapy following illness.

This flu season has significantly impacted families this winter. It seems that there have been so many families who have been sick with upper respiratory illnesses. Some of these illnesses have been coupled with abdominal symptoms or high fevers or lingering sinus infection and congestion.

It is no wonder that you may find yourself run down, exhausted and depleted in the process of your recovery. Antibiotics fight "biotics"- your body's biology. While these drugs are effective in eradicating harmful bacteria they do ravage on all bacteria beneficial and harmful. In the meanwhile, your doctor will not address how to "recover" from your illness other than to take plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. This advise is virtuous but there is more that we can do.

One simple addition is to drink an immune building and nourishing tea. There are so many wonderful herbs that have this ability. This tea combines the more common and well known herbs that have a proven record to enhance our immune system and nourish our bodies through their nutrient rich contents:

RECOVERY TEA

2 parts Calendula Flowers

2 parts Echinacea

1 part Eleuthrococcus

1 part Red Clover Blossoms

1 part Peppermint

1 part Nettles

1 part Cleavers

1 part Rosehips

1 part Hibiscus flowers

1 part Orange Peel

Take one tablespoon and add to one cup of boiled water and steep for 10-20 minutes.
Drink 3 to 4 cups per day.



Make your own, or order this tea which will be freshly mixed to order.

Place your order :
Send $16.00 for 2 ounces of loose tea. I will gladly mix a fresh bag of tea for you. Price includes shipping.

Rachel J. Ross
30 Wahlstrom Ln.
Jefferson, Ma. 01522
508-847-8615
rjrcnm@gmail.com

Working Hands Healing Cream

Here is a cream that combines healing herbs infused in oils with Aloe Vera Gel to create a soothing cream for chaffed and roughened "working hands".

Working Hands Healing Cream contains Calendula, Comfrey and St. Johnswort infused in Almond Oil. It is a classic blend. Coconut oil and beeswax is melted into the blend along with a bit of lanolin. Left to solidify at this stage you have a salve. However, this mixture is then slowly added to a water soluable blend of Aloe Vera Gel and Distilled Water to create an ultra soft cream that is very soothing and healing for our many working hands! Amazing!

 Contact us for the ingredients to make your own, or to order a ready-made jar!

Contact: https://sites.google.com/site/hillsideherbals/contact-us

Visit:  https://sites.google.com/site/hillsideherbals/products to order.
Working Hands Healing Cream comes in a clear glass 4 oz jar. $10.00 ea. plus shipping.

The Herbs and foods for Winter Health

What are your favorite winter herbs and foods for health?
 When we feel well and healthy we don't think about how to keep it this way. Our home-based wisdom has long been lost among the threads of medical advice that have been spun since grandma.  Most Grandmas don't really know anymore, either.

 It's not any one's fault, really. It is when we get sick, that we think about the remedies to cure our ailments. This is natural. But, our diets are integral part of our overall health with many wonderful sources of life-giving and health-giving foods, herbs and spices right here in the kitchen. But, this is December! No! Wait until after the holidays!

Yes, this is December and there is so much emphasis on the  holidays and the wonderfully tasting foods that go with them. The holidays appear as winter does and our focus is on our celebrations of being together -and eating, heartily, what we often complain about afterward. We desire to provide the relishes of the season or we expect to be served them. Despite their calories, this is the time to party, right? We go for it. Whether it be office parties or family gatherings, this doesn't seem to be the time to develop and maintain a sense of order and self-control with  what we eat and how we eat through the season.

OK, I admit it.  I am not that much different than anyone else. I love my glass of red wine and dark chocolate, too, etc, etc. So, what I am proposing? I am proposing to NOT eliminate foods but to CHOOSE TO ADD foods that are life-giving into our menus over the winter season. This works especially well with families who have picky eaters or who have  hard core meat and potato fans with big appetites. i.e. I am not advocating skipping out on the celebration of fun eating. I am saying lets add on healthy additions to our diet in between all the fun. Game?

 What would a winter health-promoting diet look like? What should we include in our diets "in between the fun"? Should we exclude any foods? Perhaps it is something to contemplate before the New Year and to make gradual, step by step eliminations  as time goes on.  Over time the new foods and herbs will push over the old foods and habits. After all is said and promised, we can, at least, try.
 I know that we can do this. I don't believe if we punish ourselves over what we eat that we will feel better about what we do eat. Staying healthy or eating healthy is not about punishment. Nope. Not. We have to believe we are nurturing ourselves. If not, then go back to go. Not ready.

OK, OK, where's the list?
When we are cooking each day for ourselves and/or our families we should include
 GARLIC and
ONIONS as often as we can. I think I can include garlic in a recipe every day. Make your own salad dressings and include chopped fresh garlic. Add Garlic to stir fry, soup, stew, meats, fish, veggie sauces and spreads. Add
SHALLOTS and
LEEKS in soups and in stir fry. Add ginger. Fresh ginger is amazing. Don't be shy from
HORSERADISH either. It is adds a spark and heat to foods. It can clear the sinuses like nothing else! Cook with herbs such as
BASIL,
THYME,
ROSEMARY,
PARSLEY and
SAGE.

Choose the warming spices such as
CINNAMON,
CARDAMON,
CLOVES and
NUTMEG in cooking.  It is no wonder that  our  ancestors mixed these wonderful aromatic spices with our
APPLES,
PUMPKIN and
SQUASHES; Butternut, Acorn, Turban and Blue Hubbard, for winter meals. Buy organic and locally grown roots, vegetables, fruits, grains and meats when you can. Keep it local, fresh, and organic. Think roots. Have a root vegetable with meals as often as you can fit it  in. The roots include,
SWEET POTATOES,
WHITE AND RED POTATOES,
CARROTS,
TURNIPS,
 RUTABAGA,
BRUSSEL SPROUTS,
CELERIAC,
 BEETS, and
PARSNIPS. Eat the winter greens such as
KALE It is a bit bitter for children so add butternut  squash or carrots. Steam Kale and carrots or Butternut squash together and flavor with honey if needed. Use
MUSHROOMS of any kind. They are immune system protective, anti-inflammatory and cancer fighting. Saute in garlic and olive oil, or slice raw in salads.
Our antioxidant berries are our native fruits the cranberries here in New England. Use
CRANBERRIES for pancakes and breads, or sprinkle dried cranberries in salads with walnuts. While oranges often can cause sinus congestion, use lemons and limes for salad dressings and Red Grapefruits at breakfast for added vitamin C.
BROCCOLI has all the nutrients and vitamins for healthful living. Broccoli protects against cancer, heart disease, stroke, vision problems and bone loss.

The winter months have shorter days. It is part of our well-being to have plenty of rest. Allow the night to fall and darkness to  close in on the evening. Get plenty of rest now and through the winter months. It is OK to sleep more now. You will naturally be more awake later, and you will be up for more hours as the days lengthen. Our activities and lives often don't allow us to follow the ebb and flow of the seasons. Yielding to the closing in of winter and creating warmth with the herbs and foods we eat will help keep us healthy throughout the winter before us.

I found this old CHAI TEA recipe that does NOT use black tea as a base.
Try it tell me what you think:

Grate 1 oz of fresh ginger,
add seven peppercorns,
a cinnamon stick
5 whole cloves, and
15 Cardamon seeds.
Heat in one pint of water and simmer for 10 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup of milk and simmer for another 10 minutes. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg and a few drops of vanilla extract. Drink 1 cup of the tea sweetened with honey, twice per day or as needed for warmth.

Coming next: Kitchen and herbal remedies for sniffles and colds.

The Moss Garden

There are extraordinary moss gardens all around the world where one may walk among them  in deep moisture laden forests. Here, there is a small sampling of the wonders from the forest floor of our New England home.

Mosses are the ancient little plants that lack true roots and true stems. They do not have true seeds but little spores that are held in tiny fragile capsules. After all the green is gone from our surroundings, signaling  the coming of winter, it is especially a feast for the eyes to bring in a collection of the mosses that  abound in our woodlands.

Mosses cling to the rocks and decaying wood. They carpet consistently moistened soils, lowlands or bogs. They require water to bring together their "egg and sperm". It is miraculous that they find a way to do this on the surfaces of granite, decaying leaves and earth,  as well as in between the crevices of the bark from trees.

If you choose to harvest your own mosses also collect some extra soil. Collect the rotted wood with the moss on top. Don't try to separate them. Sometimes you can scrape a moss from it's substrate such as with  cushion moss from granite. Be mindful. Sometimes they cannot survive if they are separated. Do not collect all your mosses from the same place.

Fill your bowl with  soil and arrange your mosses. Use a plant sprayer to mist them daily. Enjoy the harvest of greenery from the forest floor. And, you don't need a bow.

What is a Community Herbalist?

What is a "Community Herbalist"?  I have become such a person. My heart, soul and knowledge combined assures me.  How do I know? I haven't known, though I have been one of these people for quite some time. Was there a degree that had told me that I am one of these people? Was there a graduation ceramony? Were there people that presented a certificate or license? No.

These days not many children have the opportunity to spend endless hours in the forest, woods and fields that surround them, as past generations. But, I was one of these children. My knowing began when I was perhaps 5. I grew up amongst 200 acres of hardwood and pine forests, swamps, rocky hillsides, lowly hidden ponds, open meadows and streams. I spent hours there. I explored. I wandered. As I grew up, I wrote my poetry there. I questioned life there. I loved only these places. To the rest of the world I was odd. To me, it was a part of my heart and my soul and my very being. It meant everything to me and I mean eveything. "Everything" meant, my passion, my life's breath, my joy, my source of meaning and my place of peace. I would run to my "sanctuary" for solace, for comfort, for acceptance and for  a place to renew and replenish what the world seemed to steal and rob from my core and essence. Through all these times, the woods and the plants "spoke" to me. Through these time, I learned about the goodness of our earth, our plants and what is here for us, for comfort, for renewal and for healing.
This was only the beginning.

There is so much that our planet has provided to sustain us. So, you know what? All that we need is already here. Trust me. All that we need to experience, is all ready here. All that can keep us healthy, is here. It's here. Of course, we need our sophisticated medicines for advanced disease. I am grateful for all that has been accomplished with battling cancer. What we need to know that the herbs provide a compliment and balance to our modern medical/technical approach to health and healing. There is a time and place for herbal care.

Do you want to get to know the plants. How do you? First, take a deep breath. Take many deep breaths, outdoors in the fresh air. Then, find time to take a long walk. But, not just one. Take many long walks. Many. So many. So many, along the same path that you begin to recognize the plants that you see and the trees that you pass. Take so many walks that you begin to notice how the scene that you see, changes. And, Smell. Smell the rotting leaves in autumn. Smell the spring thaw. Smell the summer sun. Go beyond touching. Delve. Get your hands muddy. Fill your fingernails with dirt. Get your feet wet and your jeans covered with mud. Let wind fill your lungs and muss your hair. Take more time doing this than expected. Learn about the plants that are growing around you. Get to know them. Take a book along and flip through the pages there in the field. Once you can grasp a name then perhaps a webpage can give you more images. But, the real thing is the best image!
This is how to begin to get to know. Take time to get to know the plants that can heal you.
Study what you have found. Trust what you have learned.

So here I am. A community herbalist is someone who has a passion for the plants and what the herbs may offer for our well-being. A community herbalist desires to share these knowings with others. I desire to show you the plants and share my experiences so that you may also know. I desire to teach you the way of the herbs that may heal so that you may heal yourself. They are here for all of us. Our healing can begin, and our path toward well-being can take its first steps with just getting to know one herb. Where is this very special herb? It is in our backyards! It is in our abandoned field! We do not have to look far.
Then, again, some of our most healing herbs are in the grocery store. (Provided that you buy organically grown foods.) Start with garlic. Use lots of it. Use plenty of onions. Add fresh grated ginger. Add mushrooms. Enjoy the spices such as Cinnamon, tumeric, cumin and cloves.  There is so much the good earth has given us. If we appreciated her as much, as we should, we would be more passionate about saving her, I believe.

A Community Herbalist, is your healer. It is a person that can offer assistance in your health and well-being through offering herbs, education and resources.

I have herbs to heal and resources for you to find the best way to improve your health and sense of well-being. It's not about a co-pay because "health insurance" doesn't know anything about how to offer assurance, when it comes to really taking care of yourself!

Here's some fundemental questions: What does healthy mean? When have you ever felt totally and completely healthy?? What do you think you need to give yourself perfect health?
(Has your doctor every asked you those questions?)
How would you answer these questions?

Do you have questions?
Do you have a community herbalist?

If you do, ask your community herbalist!

Rachel Ross
30 Wahlstrom Ln.
Jefferson, Ma. 01522
508-847-8615
rjrcnm@gmail.com
www.hillsideherbals.com

Herbal Facial Steams

Facial Steams are best known for opening pores of our skin as part of a face cleansing process. Our herbal facial steams that we used this past week in our herbal facial workshop were used for just this purpose. I used two recipes I had gotten from Rosemary Gladstar. They are so lovely.  One is for normal to dry skin and contains mostly flowers. It is so beautiful to look at and smell, too. The second is also intriguing. It is for normal to oily skin and its astringent herbs are perfect for this.  The recipes are below.

One of the ladies who attended my herbal facial workshop said that she loved the step using the herbal facial steam out of all five steps. Afterward, she requested that I make one for sinus congestion and make another one for relaxation and sleep for her. She said she would prefer to fill a bowl of steaming hot water and herbs and breath in their essences than take it as tea or a capsule.
Why not? Giving it some thought I created a steam for both.

Directions:
Put a tablespoon or two in a large bowl of hot steaming water. Cover your head with a towel over your bowl, to hold the steam in and around you, as much as you can tolerate for 5-8 minutes. Ahhhh.

Recipe for Dry to Normal skin:

2 parts Chamomile
2 parts Roses
2 parts Calendula
3 parts Comfrey
1 part Lavender

Recipe for Normal to Oily Skin:

1 part Sage
3 parts comfrey
2 parts Calendula
1 part Witch Hazel
1/4 Rosemary

Recipe for Sinus Congestion

3 parts peppermint
2 parts Eucalyptus
1 part Elder flowers
1 part Comfrey
1 part Lobelia
(You may add a drop or two of Eucalyptus essential oil to the water)

Recipe for Relaxation

3 parts Lavender flowers
2 parts Chamomile flowers
1 part Hops flowers
1 part Red Clover blossoms
1 part Mugwort
(You may want to add a drop or two of Lavender essential oil to the water.)

I am happy to mix up your own personalized facial steam. Or, enjoy the ones above.


Rachel Ross
30 Wahlstrom Ln.
Jefferson, Ma. 01522
rjrcnm@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/site/hillsideherbals/home
508-847-8615

About Hillside Herbals

It was a wintry morning when I sat in a circle of moms with their new breastfed babies and listened to their concerns, wishes and woes. There was a consensus: "Breastfeeding isn't easy!". Issues raised included low milk supply, colic and fatigue from lack of sleep. As I listened, I thought why can't there be an herbal tea that could help a mom feed and calm her baby while promoting relaxing and restful sleep, without using pharmaceuticals.

The herbs that grow around us are here for us. We simply need to get to know them and experience them. We need to simply trust that what has been given to us here on earth, is meant for us. What is meant for us can be gentle and healing in such a simple way. We don't need oversized corporate pharmaceuticals to take care of our children, significant others, our pets, or ourselves- most of the time. I trust this simple truth.

I grabbed a piece of paper and started to right down what I wanted to put into my first tea which already had its name born before it's ingredients: "Happy Baby Breastfeeding Tea". I contemplated and thought deeply. I scratched out one herb and added another. I thought again. I brewed my mix to try and shared it with a few friends. The tea contains: Milk Thistle Seed, Fenugreek Seed, Fennel Seed, Anise Seed Dill Seed, Chamomile Flowers, Catnip Leaf, Hops Flowers, Marshmallow Leaf and Spearmint. All the herbs are organic. The Marshmallow is from my herb garden and organically grown. Not only was there a birth of a tea that would help moms, but there was also a birth of an intent for my wildly large garden, to, in part, provide the healing herbs, and flowers to all of you so you may also benefit from what our good earth has given us.

Hillside Herbals is a result of a blend of my interests and skills; as a Botanist, Midwife, Lactation Consultant, Herbalist and Gardener. I make teas, tinctures, salves, oils, cosmetics, herbal pillows and also, provide herbs in bulk for you to craft yourself. I specialize in woman's health, however, I am familiar with  Male health and their (unspoken) needs and children.

My first tea is my Galactagogue for nursing mothers to help with milk supply, stomach and nervous tension.

(Each bag makes 45 cups of Tea! $16.00 plus shipping. Write in comments to purchase. I'll send you a bag!)



There is more on the way. I have a tea for when the Baby's Here! It is a tea for postpartum wellness and healing. I also make teas for just daily pleasure. My most recent is "Autumn Sunrise". It is a blend of Hibiscus Flowers, Rose Hips, Calendula Flowers, Cinnamon and Orange Peel. It is delightful to drink and beautiful to look at.

Do you have suggestions or herbal offerings? Are you looking for an alternative for that pharmaceutical that sits on your shelf that you know can not be healthful or life-giving?

Write in.
I would love to hear from you!


 Herbal Facial Workshop:

I held an HERBAL FACIAL workshop this past week. It was amazing and really so much fun. Not only fun, all of us confessed that our skin never felt better. It was a 5 Step process.
Our first step was an herbal scrub: Miracle Grains. It is a recipe developed by Rosemary Gladstar.

Recipe
1 cup finely ground Oats
2 cups of White Cosmetic Clay
1/4 cup finally ground Almonds
1/8 cup finely ground Lavender
1/8 cup finely ground Roses

Grind all ingredients to the desired consistency. (I use all organic ingredients.) You may wish to grind the oats very fine. The almonds are nice with just a touch of "grit" left in them. Generally try to powder the roses and lavender as much as possible; they will always have a bit of coarseness or graininess left.
Mix all the ingredients together.
To make moist miracle grains: add enough water to dried powdered mix to make a nice paste and apply.
Keep a jar of dry Miracle Grains by your bathroom sink. Make up only enough that you will need for your scrub. It is safe and better than soap as an alternative to use before bed every night.

Our first Herbal Facial with the Miracle Grains scrub on our faces.

Great fun!
I promise we'll do another Herbal Facial again. A likely time will be after the holidays. Stay posted or visit my fledgling website: https://sites.google.com/site/hillsideherbals/home

Rachel Ross
30 Wahlstrom Ln.
Jefferson, Ma. 01522
508-847-8615
rjrcnm@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/site/hillsideherbals/home