Monthly Herbal: June 2011

So this monthly herbal poll is a tie between PauD'Arco and Cats Claw. What to do? Lets do Both! Hey its my blog, I can do that lol.
No information tonight tho kiddies.
I gotta hit the hay. Cherry picking, again, in the morning ^_^

You can check out my newest article for Suite101: How to Detox with Oil Pulling
I'm actually going to try this out fo rmy dental health starting tomorrow, wish me luck!

David Wolfe and SuperHerbs

David Wolfe, raw food superstar, explains superherbs and their relation to superfoods and food.

Monthly Herbal: Superherbs

First, sorry I haven't been doing the Monthly herbal blog posts like I was. This is due mostly to my lack of internet access, but since I moved recently and am currently staying at a home with wireless, I'll be online more often.

What's to come with I Chose Health and it's Monthly Herbal?
I recently watched a couple videos and read a few articles about SuperHerbs. What I would like to do is continue the Monthly Herbal posts but instead of with basic infomarion about every day herbs, I would like to write posts of information about each superherb, its medicinal and nutritional information, and how to prepare it.

What are Superherbs? Much like superfoods, Superherbs are herbs (plants) that are packed with nutrients and natural medicine. Some superherbs include vanilla bean, noni, horse tail and Pau D'Arco.

But where to start?
You'll see a poll on the right for 4 superherbs. The winner of the poll will the the first superherb of the month. Don't worry if your choice isn't the winner, as it will be on the list for the next vote.
Until the Monthly Herbal is chosen, I'll post some videos and links about superherbs in general, to give you an idea of what they are and why they are important.

Pine Pollen

Interesting sounding new poduct: Pine Pollen.
Considered a superfood, pine product is available through many health food stores such as The Raw Food World.

December Monthly Herbal

So...executive decision...PINE will be the Herb of the month.
Thank you everyone who voted!

Pine

Definition: any evergreen, coniferous tree of the genus Pinus,  having long, needle-shaped leaves, certain species of which yield timber, turpentine, tar, pitch, etc.
More than 100 different types of pine trees are currently known to the world, with 35 different varieties grown in the United States.
Pine trees can grow up to 60 feet high and 30 feet across. Full sun and little water is needed for growth and they can survive in  any type of soil. Fertilizing a healthy tree could actually be detrimental to the tree's health ad should only be done to a tree who's needles are yellowing as a sign of nutrient deficiency.
They are the only plant whose seeds are produced within a cone.
Pine trees are usually only harvest for  reasons: decoration (both indoors and out) and as raw material for furniture.

Consider these interesting facts when you are looking for your Christmas tree this season!

10-28-10

Hello Readers,

I'm sorry that I haven't posted or been on the computer at all this past week. Been very busy...

Lysine
So I got a horrible fever blister 2 days ago. It took up a large portion of my upper lip and hurt badly. I asked my mom if she had anything for it (expecting one of those foul smelling balms) and she gave me her bottle of  generic brand Lysine supplements. Having never heard of it, I was a little wary but went ahead and took the double dosage my mom recommended along with making a paste of 1 pill, 1 drop of Tea Tree oil and a couple of drops of water to put directly on the blister.
Today (2 days later) my fever blister is practically GONE! I totally recommend this, so far...having not done any real background research into the supplement. I've never had any medicine for fever blisters or mouth sores ever act so fast or so well.

November Monthly Herbal Poll
The poll is up! Pumkin, Sage, Apple, and Cranberry - 4 herbs that I associate with fall and Thanksgiving.
I know the poll is up a lil late this month so...The poll will not end until the 6th, so you have a whole week into November to vote!

Monthly Herbal: Hemp Reading

I grabbed Living Organic at the library and wasn't too surprised to see a few sections mentioning hemp.


In the Natural Beauty chapter: Hemp oil - a centuries old beauty secret is revived in soaps, shampoos and conditioners, lotions, and lip balms. Its essential fatty acids are incorporated for its moisturizing properties. It helps heal minor skin problems, including acne, and adds body and shine to hair.

In the Organic Clothing chapter: Organic clothes haven't caught on too well in the fashion world due to their subdued colors. Hemp, however, could be the product that turns the natural fashion world around, according to textile designer Louisa Wood. Wood is aiming to transform hemp's frumpy image, saying that hemp dyes well "since its so absorbent, so you don't need so many chemicals as cotton to dye it."
Wood won a scholarship to travel China, a major hemp producer, to learn how hemp fabric is made. She plans to experiment with vegetable dyes.

speaking of hemp clothing...

The Living Longer Argument

An argument against natural medicine, natural living, raw living, and other lifestyles that gravitate from the normal, conventional and allopathic that I hear frequently is that "humans are living longer now."
I question the validity of this argument. Yes, the average human lives longer, into their 70's and 80's, today rather than the average lifespan ending at 45 like it did not so long ago. However, are these 70 and 80 year old happy being that old?

I hear from people my own age (early twenties) about aches and pains and how they dread getting older for these aches and pains will only get worse. I see people dread their doctors visits, knowing that the doctor will see yet another problem, prescribe yet another pill. I have family members hitting the twilight years with doctor visits every other week!
Are you really happy putting yourself through all this misery because you felt modern lifestyles and modern medicine was good for you?

So why are people living longer if we are putting all this gunk in our bodies? 
My theory is the technology of communication and transportation. It is easier than ever for people to find out about medicine, superfoods, lifestyles, etc. There are blogs like mine all over the net, websites, videos, newsletters, and more. With the rise and transportation technology, superfoods can be shipped all over the world making broccoli, kale and cacao just as accessible for people in the UK as it is for people in Ecuador.
This unique ability to access in our time is what might be the cause for longer lifespans.
Another reason is affluence. People in modern, westernized countries tend to have more money and therefore more means to experiment with health, doctors, lifestyles, etc.

My other argument against the "humans are living longer now" statement is simply, are they?
Some people might argue that the people in biblical times lived to be hundreds and thousands of years old. Some were nomadic. Some, like Adam and Eve, lived off the fruit of the land, some were agrarian, yet they had huge lifespans living a natural life.

Then there are the people that live to be well over 100 in other countries, third world countries where there are few or no allopathic doctors at all. Some studies say its the superfoods like acai or goji berries that they eat that causes such a long, active, healthy lifespan. Others say its the combination of natural foods, natural medicine and living in an area where they don't have to deal with the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional stresses that the modern and post-modern world bring.

I am sorry if this sounds a little like a rant.
I simply feel like the people who propose this as an argument to me do it in defense of the doctors who kill people every day with misdiagnosing illnesses or giving them "medicines" with side effects that make the patient worse. Or in defense of food companies that load "food" with MSG and other excitotoxins that literally make us addicted to their food even as they raise the prices of real food and outlaw healing herbs like hemp.
It is simply sad.

on a happier note...
The Monthly Herbal for October is...(drum roll here)
HEMP!
Look forward to strange, new and exciting information about this misunderstood herb including videos, recipes, and perhaps an interview?!?!?!

Monthly Herbal: Red Raspberry Harvesting

I wanted to show this video from Learning Herbs.com abotu harvesting raspberry leaf.
I didnt know that fresh leaves could be harmful and to ingest the leaf/tea you should dry it first.

Monthly Herbal: Red Raspberry

I have posted videos and info about The Renegade Health Show with Kevin and Annmarie Gianni before, so today when I watched Annmarie discussing the wildcrafted herbs used in her beauty products I wanted to share that she uses the seeds of red raspberry in some of her products.
Annmarie uses red raspberry seeds in her anti-aging products because raspberry is a nutraceutical loaded with essential fatty acids, vitamin A for damaged skin, vitamin E for scars and irritation, and anti-oxidants!

The raspberry info is nearer the end but this video is full of herbal information.

Monthly Herbal: Red Raspberry

Red Raspberry

Rubus ideaus
Raspberries contain significant amounts of polyphenol antioxidants liked to health protection against several human diseases. They also have up to 20% fiber per total plant weight, which is high for fruit plants.
Raspberries are said to fight against such problems as inflammation, diabetes, allergies, age-related cognitive decline, and age-related degenerative eye-sight. There is even preliminary research evidence that raspberries can help fight against AIDS and AIDS related problems.

The Rubus ideaus plant is mostly known for its edible berries, however, this plant's leaves should be noted.
From personal experience a tea made of raspberry leaves (Traditional Medicinals brand) is very nice at the end of a long day.
Benefits from red raspberry leaf tea include strengthening the uterus, relieving menstrual cramps and could be a factor in a healthy pregnancy.

Monthly Herbal: Tea Tree Oil Uses

My Tea tree Face Wash:
In a spray bottle I mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol (wich hazel can be used too).
To this I add 8-10 drops pharmaceutical grade tea tree oil.
To use, I shake the bottle then spray a bit on a dry cloth.
I rub the cloth on my face in circular motion to exfoiate the skin.
The wash reduces and prevents acne as well as refreshes me after a day out, at work, or simply when waking up in the morning.

Room Cleanser
I've also read that a mix of Eucalyptus and Tea Tree oil mixed in an oil burner can rid a home of mold.
Mix a few drops of each Eucalyptus and Tea Tree (use pharmaceutical or aromatherapy grade, as always) in the bowl of an oil diffuser.
Add enough water to fill the bowl almost to the top then, light a tea-light candle beneath the bowl.
Place the diffuser in any room with mold.
These oils can also be diffused in a room where someone is sick or to cleans the air in a new house or a room that has been uninhabited for some time.


Essential Energy has a few oil mixes that include Tea Tree oil.

Rejuvenating Blend: boosting the immune system as well as bringing clarity to the mind, this blend is great for an instant pick-me-up or long-term rejuvenation.
2 drops each eucalyptus, tea tree and geranium with 1 drop sage oil in a carrier of primrose oil or grape seed oil for massage or bath.

Traveler's Best Friend Blend: every traveler knows the perils of traveling without a fully equipped medicine kit. This blend is the perfect companion for adventurers, a trusty cure-all for those icky things you pick up on the road towards nirvana.
2 drops each lavender and tea tree with 1 drop each peppermint and basil in a carrier of grape seed or wheatgerm oil for baths.
(Use tea tree as a general topical antiseptic)

Monthly Herbal: Tea Tree

I am soooo sorry I haven't posted the much awaited August Monthly Herbal! My life is sooo hectic right now, I even forgot my friend's b-day (Sorry Edward!) with the mess of wedding planning and prep, moving stress, visiting the parentals, so on and so forth.
Anyways...

Tea Tree is this month's featured herb! For those of you who don't remember, I did a poll 2 months ago on last months herb and Tea Tree and Dandelion tied! So, making an executive decision, I made Dandelion July's Herb and, to keep the peace, Tea Tree this month's herb.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

I wanted to get a few things across before going in depth on the benefits of Tea Tree. First, Tea Tree is NOT Tea (Camellia sinensis), like the type that we drink.
Tea Tree is commonly used as an oil (I've never seen it in any other form myself).
An anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-septic, tea tree oil was found in the 1920's to be a better medicine than most available.

The Melaleuca alternifolia plant is a small tree native to Australia. Commercial plantations were founded in the 1970s.

The oil comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia.
Perfume note: Middle
Aroma is strong and medicinal

Tea tree oil is one of the most potent oils for treating bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections. It permeates and kills invading organisms in the body while stimulating the system.

Tea tree oil addresses:
abscesses, acne, athlete's foot, cold sores, insect bites, woulds, infections, asthma, dermatitis, bronchitis, congestion, colds, coughs, fevers, flus, sinusitis, whooping cough, thrush, vaginitis, cystitis, lethargy, debility, vulnerability, and shallow breathing.

Safety Information
According to the American Cancer Society: "Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. It has been reported to cause drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, coma, unsteadiness, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, blood cell abnormalities, and severe rashes. It should be kept away from pets and children."
The oil can cause skin irritation in high doses, so it is best to do  skin patch test before adding the oil to soaps, baths, oils, or washes. 

Monthly Herbal: Dandelion Fritters

Rosalee de la Foret also wrote a recipe for Dandelion Fritters in her Wild Foods Cookbook but I wanted to make it seperate from the other posted recipes because I have a video to share with it of the Herb Mentor group making the fritters.

Recipe
1/3 c. flour
1/3 c. milk
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 c. cornmeal
1 egg
dash of sea salt

Sweet additions
1 Tbsp honey (or to taste)
cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cadamom to taste
(I would also like to add anise, pumpkin spice, and all spice to this)

Savory additions
thyme, rosemary, oregano, or other savory herbs to taste

Mix dry ingredients together then add egg and mix well.
Add sweet or savory ingredients.
Dip flower blossoms into mix then fry in hot oil until golden brown.

As you will see, the video doesn't exactly follow this recipe, however, I'm told cooking is an art and done best with improve (so says my fiance).

Monthly Herbal: Dandelion Wine

Rosalee de la Foret of Herb Mentor did a video lesson on how to make Dandelion wine which includes how to harvest.
I've never had dandelion wine myself but know a few people that have and they say it's very sweet and yummy.
She uses dried apricots but I'm wondering what those of you who have made this or tried it have used, since I don't like apricots all that much...or raisins for that matter...

Monthly Herbal: Dandelion Recipes

Below are recipes from Wild Foods Cookbook by Rosalee de la Foret available for free through Learning Herbs.

Dandelion Pesto
2-4 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 c. cold pressed olive oil
2-3 c. freshly picked young dandelion leaves
1/4 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese
Dash of sea salt
Squirt of lemon juice (optional)
1/4 c. ground nuts (walnuts or pinenuts)

Place oil, garlic, and salt in the blender along with half of the dandelion leaves.
Blend well
Add other half of the leaves
when finished blending, should be of good consistency and still a little runny.
Pour into bowl and add cheese, ground nuts, and lemon juice.
Try as a dip, on bread, pasta or salmon, or with scrambled eggs or tofu.

Dandelion Greens
1 onion, diced
pinch of sea salt
2 Tbsp olive oil or butter
2 cloves of garlic
Bunch of dandelion greens
Squirt of lemon juice

Saute oinion in salt and oilive oil or butter until carmalized.
Add garlic and saute a minute more.
Add dandelions and saute until wilted.
Add squirt of lemon juice.
Use as base for quiche, tacos, or simply roll up in a large kale, chard, or lettuce leaf.

Pickled Dandelion Flower Bulbs
Harvest buds when they are still tightly closed
1/2 c. Onions, diced
3 Tbsp fresh minced ginger
4-5 garlic cloves
1 c. Dandelion flower buds
Apple cider vinegar
Tamari sauce

Rinse flower buds well and place in a pint jar with onions, garlic, and ginger.
Fill halfway with apple cider vinegar
Fill the other half with Tamari.
Cover with lid and let sit for 3 weeks in fridge
Enjoy with salads, snacks, or on tuna fish sammies.

Dandelion Coffee
Collect dandelion roots after going to seed or before flowering.
Wash well, then cut into small pieces.
Dry them well and store for later roasting or
roast them in a cast iron skillet until the turn brown and release a pleasant odor.
Once roasted, place a couple of tablespoons roasted root in 8 oz. water and boil for 7 minutes.
Add cream and sweetenver, and enjoy.

Monthly Herbal: Dandelion

You all didn't make things easy on me. 3 votes for Dandelion and 3 for Tea Tree, 1 for both Rose and Chamomile.
So, I had to make an execuive decision and sided with my Fiance who voted for Dandelion, with Tea Tree being August's Herb of the Month, as a sort of consolation prize for those of you who voted for Tea Tree.
That being said, here's a little information about the Herb of the Month, July 2010.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
A.k.a Cankerwort, White Endive or Wild Endive.
The scientific name comes from the Greek Taraxos "disorder" and Akos "remedy."
The term Dandelion comes from the French, dente de lion or "tooth of the lion" in reference to the plant's leaves.

Safety Info:
Do not use internally if suffering froma blocked bile duct or blocked intestine.
May irritate the GI tract
Avoid if suffering from low blood pressure or excessive urination as the plant is a diuretic.

Associations
Planet: Jupiter
Astrology: Sagittarius

Medicinal Uses:
Dandelion is a highly nutritious herb with vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, E, D, P as well as biotin, inosito, iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnessium, and zinc!
Has diuretic properties as mentioned.
Roots can clear skin disruptions (best results after long term use).
Dandelion oil is used to relieve aches and pains including that of arthritis.
The Sap is used topically to remove warts and moles (best results after long term use)
Dandelion is also known to cleanse the liver

More:
Brought from Europe, Dandelion came to the Americas to provide food for bees.
Every part of Dandelion is Edible excepting the stem, however, every part can be used for food or medicine.

Monthly Herbal: Lavender Shopping!

To tie up my monthly herbal I wanted to point out the Lavender shops in my area (Tri-Cities, TN and local).

Scott County Lavender in Jonesborough, TN specializes in all things Lavender including pet beds and soaps. They were also a major part of the Jonesborough Lavender festival this year (which I sadly missed). I hope they continue with the festival and their shop. You can smell them up the street, I swear!

I found that there is another Lavender Festival in Oak Ridge, TN (near Kentucky) that occurs in June. This year's was "the best yet" with food, over 90 vendors, and presentations on everything from Naturopathic medicine and yoga to Cooking with herbs. Maybe I'll check it out next year too.

I also came across The Lavender Cottage , based out of Greeneville, TN in my search. While having nothing to do with the herb, this etsy shop does have a lot of nature inspired jewelry.

Monthly Herbal: Lavender 4

Herb Companion is full of useful articles.

Keeping the month's herb in mind, I was browsing the main page and up popped an article by Lemon Verbena Lady about what else? Lavender!

Now is the Time to Prune Lavender is a good article talking about the heat, trimming back lavender, drying and a yummy recipe, Lavender Lemonade!!!

Also, check out her blog here on Blogger!
There you will see her lovely lavender photos as well as other pretty plant pictures.

I can't wait to try out that lemonade recipe!

Monthly Herbal: Lavender 3

I'mv very excited to post today because I have found a whole website devoted to LAVENDER! How exciting is that?

The Joys of Lavender is a site that gives information, craft ideas, and body care ideas that all have to do with lavender.
I would like to echo their home page first sentence:
"If I could have only one plant or one essential oil, it would be lavender."
I totally agree as I'm sure my reader's can tell.

Check out their site and my previous posts on lovely lavender. If you have any lavender sites, crafts, info that you would like to share, comment please!