Spring Tonics

Spring and love are in the air! Unfortunately, so are sluggish bodies moving about after being worn down from the long winter months. Now, you may consider this to be a terrible series of woes to contend with, but you can rid yourself of that tired body, take in the fresh scent of the spring air, and allow love to bloom.
Spring is the time of year to "cleanse the blood." The body becomes deficient in nutrients during the winter months, and in early spring eating greens for rejuvenation are in order. Among the popular springtime greens are dandelions, watercress, burdock, and parsley. Fresh minced leaves can be liberally sprinkled on salads, soups, and stews.
Those pesky dandelions everyone tries to rid their yards of in the spring are quite useful. Dandelion leaves are eaten in the spring, before flowering. The leaves can be eaten either raw or cooked. Dandelion is also a diuretic and will aid in cleansing the body of toxins.
Watercress is just what is needed after being cooped up for the winter. It is said that watercress is an aphrodisiac. Try it in salads, sandwich spreads, soups, or stir fries for a radiant glow to your skin.
Herbs which can build the energy of the organ system are used as tonics and are commonly recommended for low vitality. Many tonics act primarily to provide nutrients: vitamins, minerals, and sugars. These include comfrey and dandelion leaf. Others act to balance and stimulate energy, improving the ability to utilize nutrients. The most valuable of these being the Chinese root tonic herbs: burdock, dandelion, parsley, Oregon grape, and goldenseal root.
The young leaves of burdock can be cooked in several changes of water and eaten as a potherb. The stalks, before it flowers, can be peeled and eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. Dig up the root and add it to soup or use it to make a stir fry.
Everyone recognizes parsley as a garnish, but it is an herbal multivitamin containing beta carotene, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. (Women who are pregnant or suspect they may be should avoid eating large amounts as it can stimulate menstruation).
This spring, put a spring in your step with a spring tonic!


by Judy Burger

Love Potions & Charms

Love and the pursuit of love have always preoccupied the human race. And the beautiful, modest flowers have been used the world over as love charms. Plants were thought of as powerful forces that could influence lives. For the charm to be properly effective, the usual practice was to pray and talk to the plants, conveying one's purpose to the plant along with showing proper respect. When a dried herb was made into a charm, it was usually made into a powder and then placed into a leather bag and worn as a necklace or around the waist. Love potions were another popular use of plants (herbs and essential oils) to ensure attraction to another, cure lovesickness, or help in cases of thwarted love.
Is the magic completely gone? Is there anyone who still searches for mountain valerian? Or fills their pockets with wild parsley seeds and a secret hope in their heart? I certainly hope the magic is still alive. In the spirit of the past, and a hope for the future, I give you this potion to try for yourself.

Love Potion No. 9
Mix two cups good quality brandy, one ounce dried Damiana leaves, 1/4 cup flavored honey, one two-inch piece of orange peel, five whole allspice, and 1/4 teaspoon cardamom seeds in a bottle, then close tightly. Store in a dark place, shaking daily, for one month. Strain, re-bottle, and take by tablespoon as desired.


by Judy Burger

Yule

The winter solstice (on or around December 21^st) has long been honored as the moment we shift from the darker half of the year to the lighter half, as the days begin to lengthen- the sun is reborn. Germanic and Norse traditions historically celebrated a festival known as Yule or Yuletide, a holiday that is still celebrated by Neopagans and Heathens today and lasts anywhere from three to twelve days. Many traditions we now associate with the Christian holiday of Christmas originated in historical Yuletide celebrations, such as caroling, imbibing on wassail (spiced cider), mistletoe kissing, as well as decorating trees with lights, and hanging holly and ivy in the home. A Yule log, traditionally made of ash, was brought into the home and lavishly decorated before being set ablaze, as the highlight of celebration. A piece of the previous year's log was added, symbolic of retaining prosperity throughout the year and into the next. There are many variations of these celebrations in modern traditions. Whatever you celebrate, we hope you have a blessed and warm holiday!

The Magic of Soup: January is National Soup Month

In the 17th century B.C., I-Yin, the Chinese imperial chef studied herbs for medicinal use in cooking and developed the healing herbal soups that are now a standard part of the Chinese diet and healing regimens.
Experts believe the therapeutic value of soup comes in part from the ease with which the body assimilates the ingredients, broken down by simmering, as well as from the synergy of food and herbs cooked together. Soups don't require much energy to digest so in many cultures they are often used instead of food when a person is sick. (For example, chicken soup: the Jewish penicillin). Soup is an ideal vehicle for introducing therapeutic substances into the daily routine. You can eat soups containing tonic herbs and food daily for preventative health.
To make a good tonic soup, use a non-metallic pot such as a ceramic or crock pot. Cook the ingredients over low heat. Simmering gently leaches out the energetic and therapeutic properties of the foods, rather than destroying them.
Fall is the season of the lung, which is nourished by pungent foods, and must be protected from excessive dryness, and from ailments like cods, bronchitis, and the flu. Winter is an important time to tonify the kidneys with soups. As you strengthen the kidneys, you strengthen the whole body.

Soup Recipe for Cold & Flu

3 whole scallions, sliced into thin 1" strips

1 ounce black or white soybeans

5 quarter-sized slices ginger, cut into 1" strips

2 pints water

Bring all ingredients to a boil. Cover and simmer over very low heat for thirty minutes. Makes 2 servings.

Recipe for Kidney Tonic Soup

1/4 ounce fennel seeds

1/4 ounce cinnamon bark

Dried orange peel (about 1/2 of an orange)

2 scallions, cut into thin 1" strips

3 cloves garlic, pressed or chopped fine

3 quarter-sized slices ginger, cut into 1" strips

1/4 pound tofu (or cooked chicken) 1" cubes

1 quart vegetable or chicken stock

Place fennel, cinnamon, and orange peel in a tea strainer or herb floater. Place with other ingredients in a pot. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered for forty minutes. Remove strainer and serve. Makes 2 servings.

by Judy Burger

I Ching, a Tradition, By: Amy Chris Keiper, also known as the writer, L.C. Harrison

I Ching has become a cross cultural philosophical creation, that has been used for centuries to promote connection with higher consciousness. Created during the Zhou (Chou) dynasty in China, I Ching has roots in Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. I Ching is a type of cleromancy based on numbers in connection with the ancient texts of the Book of Changes/I Ching (Yijing). In the Xia dynasty, I Ching was utilized by Rulers to find guidance by connecting with the Spirits of Nature and Ancestors. Dr. Carl Jung utilized the I Ching in his therapy sessions. Jung felt that the symbolism in the I Ching was supportive in healing with a focus on the conscious and the unconscious, the realm of consciousness (the psyche). I Ching is a meditative tool that supports connection with the higher consciousness for guidance, wisdom, and self-realization.

The practice of counting to build the hexagrams for I Ching to consult the texts with coins, sticks, etc. can be meditative. I Ching is viewed as supportive in making better decisions in helping to reduce doubt, creating focus and clarity by the meditative practice and in forming clear questions, promoting a broader perspective by setting aside emotions during the meditative practice, and reducing stress as the mind relaxes for focus. As a tradition, I Ching is viewed as a way to observe patterns in change, that there is always change, and as a way to understand the inner self in relation to life choices.

I Ching has come to have a tradition, where it is practiced by families at the time of the New Year for guidance in the coming year. Questions are worded in a “Would this be Beneficial” manner. Traditionally each person may ask up to three questions, which may be a daily practice. The same question should not be re-asked within the same week. Although I Ching has been utilized as a tool of communicating with ancestors, I Ching is traditionally viewed as sourced from the higher consciousness (the divine).

Overall, this ancient practice is a way to understanding the self, healing the inner spirit through realization, and adapting the benefits of meditation into your life with added insight. In the promotion of broader self perspectives, open-minded approaches, and clarity for the understanding of change as a constant, I Ching is a healing tool for decision making, awareness, and the inner self.

After Wrapping All The Gifts, Wrap Yourself Up!

A Bavarian monk named Father Sebastian Kneipp developed an herbal wrap treatment along with his practice of hydrotherapy and herbal regimens. He used layers of hot, herbal-scented towels, similar to the aromatic body wraps of today.
You can save hundreds of dollars and enjoy this technique in your own home. Few materials are needed. A large plastic or vinyl sheet that is waterproof, along with a blanket, large beach towel and a 12-ounce spray bottle are all that is necessary.
Lay out the blanket on the floor, put the plastic sheet over that, and the beach towel over that. Fill the spray bottle with very hot mineral or distilled water with a total of 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oils. Shake well and spray onto the beach towel. Shake often while spraying. Lie down face-up on the beach towel and reach around to grab all the layers, pulling them around the sides and on top of you. Time is important, because the essential oils are evaporating and the water temperature cools quickly. Consider a heating pad under the blanket to assist in warming.
Close your eyes and relax totally in your "cocoon". You can stay wrapped up as long as you are comfortable and remain warm, about 30-60 minutes. Aromatic wraps encourage your body to detoxify by increasing perspiration, stimulating circulation, and promoting lymphatic drainage. A detoxifying wrap would include Cypress-6 drops, Lemon-5 drops, Juniper- 2 drops, and Lavender- 2 drops. Or for a relaxing blend, try Lavender-10 drops, Bergamot-3 drops, and Sweet Orange- 2 drops.





by Judy Burger

Head to Toe Herbal Skin Care

For those who love to indulge in herbal luxury, begin by cleaning your face and removing all makeup. Use this simple herbal wash.
Infuse 1/2 cup chamomile or lavender flowers and 1/2 cup crushed fennel seeds in two cups of boiled water. Steep twenty minutes, strain, cool and use to wash your face.
Now apply the following herbal mask and allow it to set for ten minutes.
1 Tbsp. comfrey leaves and 1 Tbsp chamomile in 1/2 cup boiled water. Cover and steep ten minutes before straining. Add this to 3 Tbsp. powdered oatmeal (grind in coffee grinder) or 3 Tbsp. yogurt. Apply liberally to face and neck. Lie down and cover your eyes with a cotton ball dipped in the leftover infusion. Rinse and apply an herbal toner. Here's a recipe for a simple toner.
For sensitive and mature skin, make an infusion of 2 Tbsp rose, lavender or calendula in 1/2 cup boiled water. Strain. Use 1/2 cup of this infusion along with 1 tsp. vegetable glycerine and 1/2 cup witch hazel. Apply with a cotton ball.
For oily skin, infuse sage, lemon balm, lemongrass, lemon verbena, rosemary or any combination of these herbs in 1/2 cup boiled water. Strain. Use 1/2 cup of infusion with 1 tsp. glycerine and 1/2 cup witch hazel. (Refrigerate after using. Will keep for three days). After toner dries and sets, apply an all-natural moisturizing cream or lotion.
Remember to nurture your nails. Infuse 2 Tbsp. horsetail or crushed dill seed in 1 cup boiled water. Cover and steep twenty minutes. Strain and pour into two small bowls. Soak your nails for ten minutes or longer. Massage 1 Tbsp. of almond oil into the nails and cuticles. Use the infusion to soak the toenails also and massage any leftover oil into the toenails.
Then it's time to step into an herbal bath and finish the beauty treatment with a good twenty minutes soak. Use any combination of the following herbs in a cotton or muslin drawstring bag.
Chamomile- soothes skin and reduces puffiness around the eyes.
Comfrey- soothes inflamed skin and reduces blemishes
Fennel- cleans and tones the skin
Sage, Thyme- antiseptics
Lemon Balm, Lemongrass- increase circulation and gently astringe the skin
Rose petals- reduce fine lines and soften the skin
Rosemary- reduces oily skin




by Judy Burger

Ginseng: Which One is Best?

The Chinese have used ginseng for thousands of years, believing it enhances sexual performance, increases energy and eases stress. Many Americans are skeptical, demanding scientific validation. A summary of what is known about the herb may help you decide whether to reach for ginseng every day, on occasion, or opt for something else.
The generic name Panax comes from the Greek pan, "all", and akos, "cure"; however, Traditional Chinese Medicine rarely uses the herb alone to "cure" anything. Instead, it is used as an ingredient in their therapeutic formulas. It's used to restore vital energy (qi) and regulate body systems- in Chinese medicine, the primary purpose for healing is to restore balance and strength so the body can heal itself.
The best known of the true ginsengs are Asian or Oriental (P. ginseng), available in white or red forms, and American ginseng (P. quinquefolius). White ginseng (actually a very pale yellow) is the peeled and dried root of Asian ginseng. The fresh root is considered "cooler" than red and useful for people who need a little energy boost. Ginseng root turns red and hard when the fresh root is slowly steamed, then dried which alters the ginsenosides, making it more stimulating than the white form. Red ginseng is frequently used for people aged forty or older who show low energy. American ginseng is considered by the Chinese as a better tonic than Asian ginseng for supporting the adrenal glands, regulating metabolism and increasing fluids. It is seen as more cooling than Asian ginseng, and thus appropriate for younger, "hotter", stressed individuals.
When choosing ginseng products, look for those standardized to at least 4 to 5 percent ginsenosides. Follow label instructions; 100mg one to two times a day is the usual dose. With ginseng extract or tinctures, it is recommended to take 1/2 tsp in a little warm water two to three times a day for one to two months, then stop for one week. You may continue taking the tincture for one to two more months. To make a tea, use 3 tsp of dried or sliced root per cup of water. Simmer covered for 45 minutes. (Red root requires longer cooking times). Strain and drink a cup two to three times a day. You can refrigerate leftovers, covered, for four days.
Taking a ginseng supplement or tea in moderation is safe for most people, but it is not appropriate for people with high blood pressure. Asian and American ginsengs have been shown to increase blood pressure in some people. Though not a true ginseng, Siberian ginseng would be a better choice for them, as it will not raise blood pressure. Young children and pregnant women should avoid ginseng.


by Judy Burger

Growing Older Gracefully with Ginkgo

Ginkgo is the oldest surviving tree on Earth. As a healing herb, it can help prevent and treat many conditions associated with aging thus passing on its potential for survival to humans. Medical excitement over ginkgo comes from the herb's ability to interfere with the action of a substance the body produces called platelet activation factor (PAF). By inhibiting PAF, ginkgo has shown enormous healing potential.
As people grow older, blood flow to the brain can decrease, leaving less oxygen for brain cells, or if blood flow is blocked, a stroke can result. Studies show ginkgo significantly increases blood flow to the brain and may even speed recovery from stroke. Also as blood flow to the brain improves, so do short-term memory and response time.
Ginkgo also improves blood flow to the heart, and may prevent heart attacks by reducing the risk of internal blood clots that trigger them.
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of adult blindness. In one study, ginkgo produced significant improvement in the vision of sufferers of this disease. Other studies showed it to improve tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and chronic dizziness (vertigo).
PAF causes the kind of bronchial constriction typical in asthma. Because ginkgo interferes with PAF, it is often used for treating asthma and other respiratory complaints.
PAF plays a key role in blood clotting, so it may cause problems for those people with clotting disorders. Ginkgo is considered safe in recommended amounts of 60-80mg twice a day as a preventative dose and 240mg daily for existing problems.




by Judy Burger

Triphala

Triphala is an herbal blend made from three medicinal plants that are native to India. It is a fundamental remedy of Ayurvedic medicine, one of the world's most ancient medical systems that has its origins in India over 3,000 years ago.

Though you may not have heard of Triphala or Ayurveda, both the remedy and the healing system are becoming increasingly popular around the world.

The unique blend that is Triphala consists of three herbs: Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amla. It is an overall health tonic that is very helpful for digestion but it also acts to boost the immune system, reduce stress, can help with the effects of aging, and disease prevention.

Haritaki is known in the Tibetan tradition as the “king of medicine”. Its longstanding medicinal use is often indicated in depictions of the healing Buddha, in which he is offering the fruit as a remedy and medicine. It has a positive effect on the brain and heart, as well as regulating digestion. Haritaki has been shown to have notable effects on spiritual and mental awareness.

Amla, also known as “Indian gooseberry”, is a powerful rejuvenating herb that is loaded with vitamin C. It lowers and regulates cholesterol, boosts immunity, promotes eye health, prevents premature aging, regulates digestion, promotes healthy hair, as well as other beneficial effects to the system.

Bihitaki is called the “one that keeps you away from disease”. It is another powerful rejuvenating herb that is drying and strengthening for the mucus membranes throughout the body, especially the lungs, intenstines and urinary system. It tones the digestion system,can help during periods of stress, boosts the immune system, and can help heal stomach ulcers.

by Theresa Musatto

Antioxidants- Can You Overdo?

Are you taking antioxidants (Vitamin C, E, Beta-carotene, Pycnogenol, grapeseed extract, etc.) to prevent disease and aging? Antioxidants play an important role in human health and many people are realizing this and taking supplements accordingly. Research suggests that you should feel more energized by taking more antioxidants because they knock out energy-robbing free radicals. But is more of a good thing, better? Could you be taking too many antioxidants?
According to Denham Harman, M.D. PhD. the farther of the free radical theory of aging, the answer is yes. If you are noticing increasing fatigue and weakness, waking up feeling tired, you may be overdoing antioxidant supplementation. Every individual has an appropriate level of antioxidants that will best serve his or her health and depends on a number of factors in your life, from foods you eat to the amount of exercise you get. But one thing is certain: More is not necessarily better.
Free radicals, while often branded as the "villains" are not always the bad guys. Free radicals are sometimes the good guys. For example, white blood cells use free radicals to destroy bacteria and virus-infected cells. These free radicals prevent immediate death from infection. In addition, with the help of other free radicals, the liver's enzymes detoxify harmful chemicals. What contributes to disease and rapid aging are excessive free radicals produced by outside environmental influences. If you wipe out large numbers of good free radicals, you're handcuffing your body's immune system.
The key is to take enough antioxidants to stop the free radicals that are acting in destructive ways but not so many that you interfere with those that are essential to your body's good health.
Below are the Alliance for Aging Research's middle-range recommendations:
Vitamin E       100-140IU
Vitamin C       200-1,000mg
Beta-carotene 17,500-50,000IU



by Judy Burger

Herb Tea On Ice

A tall, cool glass of herbal iced tea is a fine way to celebrate summer and to quench your thirst during the warm days ahead. They provide a perfect forum for experimenting with the offerings of your garden.
Tea is the second most widely consumed beverage around the world, surpassed only by water. Iced tea's history began during the sweltering heat of the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis and illustrates the ingenuity for which Americans are famous. One resourceful vendor whose hot tea was not selling well poured the brew over ice and it was an instant hit that has never lost its popularity.
Whether you use herbs and spices alone or brew them with black, green or oolong tea, making herbal iced tea is simple. Start with fresh cold water and bring to a boil. Place herb leaves or flowers in a tea ball or muslin tea bag. Use 1 heaping teaspoon of dried herbs or 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs per cup of boiling water, 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons per quart of water or 1/3 to 1/2 cup per gallon of water. Make your tea a little stronger than you would hot tea because the ice will dilute the flavor. You can also brew the tea in the sun or make it in an automatic iced-tea maker.
Be creative and experiment with teas to please yourself and your family, or use whatever herbs are plentiful in your garden.
Below is a list of herbs grouped according to flavor. Choose one flavor or group of flavors to dominate, then add flavors from another group as an accent. Use about 3 parts of your dominate ingredient(s) to 1 part of accent herbs. Fruit juices, honey or sugar may be added after steeping for extra flavor.
*Spicy flavors: cloves, cinnamon, allspice, cinnamon basil, anise seed
*Fruity flavors: lemongrass, lemon verbena, citrus zest, chamomile, pineapple sage, lemon thyme, ginger root, raspberry leaves, lemon basil
*Floral flavors: hibiscus, rose hips, rose petals, lavender, jasmine
*Minty flavors: bee balm, peppermint, spearmint, catnip
*Herbal flavors: rosemary, marjoram, sage, savory, parsley, yarrow, hyssop

Apple-Mint Iced Tea

Makes 1 quart

1 quart water

6 teaspoons black tea or 6 regular tea bags

1 cup fresh peppermint leaves (or 1/2 cup dried)

2 cups apple juice

2 Tbsp honey (only if using unsweetened apple juice)

Fresh sprig of mint and an apple slice for garnish

by Judy Burger

Stocking an Herbal First Aid Kit: Bites, Stings & Splinters

If you are curious about herbal first aid but don't know where to begin, start slowly by stocking your medicine chest with a few basic herbal products used to treat minor injuries. The herbs suggested for first aid are safe & effective and generally cause few side effects. As with any medicine, though, you should keep these remedies out of reach of children.
While nature provides a variety of bugs to pester us, she also supplies herbs to stop the itching and swelling of those bug's bites and stings. There are many herbs that stop itching and reduce swelling, but my favorite is lavender which not only smells great but also reduces the risk of infection. Try this Insect Bite Oil:
1 teaspoon lavender essential oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Combine the two oils and dab the mixture directly on the bite as needed. Caution: Keep Insect Bite Oil away from your eyes.
For more severe stings and bites of bees, wasps, ticks and spiders, combine lavender with echinacea and bentonite clay into a poultice. The clay pulls the poisonous material to the skin's surface and keeps it from spreading. (Reminder: restrict activity for at least 20 minutes to prevent the poisons from circulating through the bloodstream). Echinacea lessens any allergic response that might occur. Remember, however, that allergic reactions can have serious consequences. If you know someone is allergic to a particular insect, do not depend solely on herbal first aid- seek immediate medical attention. Wheezing, swelling and hives are all indications of a serious problem.




by Judy Burger

Finding Serenity Through Meditation

By: Amy Chris Keiper also known as the writer, LC Harrison

Meditation is a way to transmute the mind, that it promotes concentration, emotional balance and clarity. Meditation is thought to support feelings of happiness, tranquility, and serenity. There are many types of meditation, including Progressive Relaxation, Mindfulness, Breath Awareness, Zen, and Transcendental. Often, any type of meditation is approached by a method that applies a stimuli for the participant to focus on and respond to, which includes music, imagery, or even journaling as ways to assist in meditation. The stimuli method of meditation is referred to as guided meditation.

The Purpose of utilizing meditation can be as broad as the needs of any participant, but meditation is a useful tool in stress reduction, pain control, self awareness, concentration development, coping strategies, and it is a tool with many additional health benefits. Many have found meditation to support the nervous system by lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving cortisol levels, and breath support. Meditation brings these benefits by helping the participant to focus and redirect their thoughts, allowing them to be more self-aware and aware of their surroundings simultaneously, which usually helps reduce anxiety and promotes a more heart-centered approach to adapting.

Meditation seems impossibly difficult for most, distractions like restlessness and nagging thoughts get in the way of focus and sitting still for a moment. This is where the guided meditation approach is most helpful in getting started meditating to discover all the healing benefits. To practice meditation, the first thing you do is to choose one intention, and then choose some relaxing music or a favorite song, or any image that you find draws you in, or grab a journal to doodle in or write anything that comes to mind. The next step is to relax while you listen, or gaze, or write or draw, pay attention to your focus and to your muscles, be sure to let the tense feelings go and stay fluid and at ease. The third step to take is to pay attention to your senses. Consider what are you feeling inside, if you are holding something how does that feel? How do your surroundings feel to you, or do you hear anything, or do you see anything? Be sure to concentrate on your breathing, and try to take deep full breaths. Then consider how all this feels to you, and focus on the feelings that you have. Release anything that feels negative or bad to you, and try to focus on good and positive feelings. Be sure to stay aware of your body and breath the whole time you are meditating, return to feeling your deep breaths and keeping your muscles untensed. Meditating can be that simple.

The idea that everything is within, and you can mold your thoughts to support you in many healing ways is what meditation is all about. Meditation is a great tool that enables adaptability in many different ways, all beneficial. Through discovering the center of the self and in becoming more self aware you may be able to transform yourself into feeling healthier, happier and more fulfilled.

The Herbal Bath: Skin Care

Soon the weather will be warm enough to wear shorts, sleeveless tops and bathing suits, exposing all that winter-worn skin. Also, the thoughts of summer are driving us stir-crazy with cabin fever. Luckily, if you've got a bath tub, you've got an oasis right in your own home. A bath can be wonderfully restorative and adding an herbal infusion can provide some real physical and emotional benefits.

Your skin, the largest organ of your body, is highly permeable- especially when it's wet and warm. The warm and subtle pressure of the water stimulates and soothes your body inside and out. Beyond the water are herbs which nourish your skin and deliver their own health benefits. For example, rose can penetrate the skin to help it resist infection and heal and renew itself. It also helps restore the skin's moisture balance, smooths wrinkles and reduces redness. In addition, the essence of rose also stimulates receptors in the brain that can relieve depression, grief and sadness, calm the nerves, regulate the menstrual cycle and even aid digestion. Herbal baths can be custom-blended to suit a host of health and beauty needs.
To prepare your skin for an herbal bath, try brushing it beforehand with a dry, nature-bristle brush or loofah. A moderate pressure in small, circular strokes will remove dead surface skin, allowing the herbal essence to penetrate your skin better. Keep the bath water between 90-95 degrees (roughly body temperature). A hot bath tends to be draining, making you feel sluggish and tired. It can also rob your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and tight. Always follow your bath with a dose of moisturizing lotion or oil such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, applied while your skin is still damp, to seal in the moisture your skin absorbed while soaking.




by Judy Burger

Chocoholics Rejoice!

Your favorite vice may be just what the doctor ordered. Cocoa and its derivative, chocolate, may aid digestion, boost blood flow to the heart and help anyone with chest congestion breathe easier. Unwrap a chocolate kiss and read on.
Spanish conquistador Hernando Cortez first was introduced to a drink called chocolate when he saw Montezuma the Aztec ruler of Mexico sipping it from a golden goblet. Cortez introduced the Aztec treat to the Spanish court, where it became an instant sensation. For more than 100 years the Spanish kept chocolate a secret until the 1660's, then its use spread throughout Europe. It was especially popular in England and Holland where it was enriched and sweetened with milk and sugar. But it always remained a liquid until about 150 years ago when it was fashioned into the blocks and candies we know and love today.
Cocoa has been used for centuries in Central America to treat fever, coughs and complaints of pregnancy and childbirth. They rubbed cocoa butter on burns, chapped lips and balding heads. American's eclectics used it as a wound dressing and salve. They also prescribed it internally as hot cocoa for asthma, and as a nutritive for invalids and persons convalescing from illness.
The product of this herb has long been villianized as a cause of obesity, acne, heart disease, kidney stones, tooth decay, headaches and heartburn. But this reputation is underserved. Chocolate used in confections are rarely as much of a problem as their high fat, high-cholesterol butter and cream. Cocoa and chocolate contain no cholesterol (except milk chocolate, which contains a small amount due to its dairy ingredients). Cocoa's saturated fat is in the form of stearic acid which does not raise cholesterol.
Chocolate's contribution to tooth decay comes not from its cocoa content, but rather from the other sugary, gooey ingredients.
Cocoa contains two chemicals, caffeine and theobromine, which account for its use in herbal remedies.
Kiss the guilt goodbye. Now there are some genuine reasons to brew a heavenly cup of cocoa. Try it as a pick-me-up or digestive aid. Cocoa has only 10-20 percent of coffee's caffeine content (13mg compared to coffee's 65-150mg). It may relieve drowsiness without causing jitteriness, insomnia or irritability.
The theobromine in cocoa relaxes the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract. Try some to soothe your stomach after meals.
Both caffeine and theobromine are close chemical relatives of a standard treatment for asthma, theophylline, which opens the bronchial passages. Anyone with asthma should be under a doctor's care, but there's no harm in a cup of cocoa for some possible relief. Even if you don't have asthma, try cocoa or chocolate for the chest congestion of colds or flu.



by Judy Burger

Spring Allergies: It's Not Too Early to Prepare!

Ah, the glory of spring. Singing birds, new green grass, warm weather; not to mention sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and depleted energy. If this sounds familiar, then you probably have allergies. You can, however, use herbs to relieve lung and sinus congestion and to build up your immune system.
Allergic reactions occur when your immune system mistakes an innocent substance for a threat and attacks it by releasing histamines that produce inflammation and make your sinuses run and your eyes water. For an herbal anti-allergy program, use natural antihistamines, such as chamomile, peppermint, ginger, anise and feverfew. Combine these with herbs that relieve congestion and stop sneezing, such as elderflowers and yarrow. Echinacea and chamomile decrease the congestion and slow the allergic reaction. You may want to take care with chamomile, as it is in the same family as ragweed and may cause a problem for a small group of people.
Using stinging nettles to treat hayfever is nothing new. In a 1990 study, tablets of freeze-dried nettles successfully reduced symptoms. And getting rid of symptoms is what you want, but it is also important to fix the imbalance that is causing your allergy in the first place. You need to enhance your immune system and Siberian ginseng or schisandra are good choices because they not only boost your immune system but also clear bronchial passages, reduce inflammation and counter fatigue. Dong quai (often mistakenly thought of as a women's herb) is an herb that research has shown to reduce the number of antibodies manufactured by your immune system. Fewer antibodies mean less reaction to allergic substances.
Sinus congestion and allergies go hand in hand, so adding elderflowers, yarrow and peppermint can't hurt. They reduce inflamed sinuses and help drain them. For quick relief, thin congestion with essential oils of eucalyptus, peppermint and bergamot combined with steam to help breathe easier. If steaming is not practical, carry an herbal nasal inhaler like one put out by Olbas, (we also make one called Breathe Easy) or make your own from the recipe below.

Homemade Nasal Inhaler
1/4 tsp. coarse salt
5 drops eucalyptus oil

Place salt in a small glass vial (with a tight fitting lid) and add oil. Open the vial and inhale deeply, as needed.



by Judy Burger

Humanitarian Profile: Herb Pharm

We are proud to carry an array of Herb Pharm products. Check out their website to read the story of their founders, their mission and about the ethical way in which they source their plants.
"...Sara and Ed became leading, founding members of United Plant Savers, or UpS, a group dedicated to preserving native herb populations in the US. The organization changed the way the herb world thought about cultivation and wildcrafting. At a time when wildcrafting was considered to be the optimal way to harvest herbs, UpS observed that some wild plant populations were under threat from the practice. We worked with the organization then and in the decades since to conserve and protect native herb populations for generations to come. That’s why we became a UpS Botanical Sanctuary.
Our passion for the work UpS does is apparent in the decades of actions, stewardship and advocacy we’ve taken to support it. These include being a Certified Organic farm, a Monarch Butterfly Waystation, Salmon-Safe, Bee-Friendly and a Certified B Corp."

An Affair of the Heart: Heart Disease

    Coronary artery disease is the number one cause of death and affects approximately seven million Americans, causing 1.5 million heart attacks each year. Mainstream medicine offers only a temporary fix with $9 billion spent on bypass surgeries each year. If that money went instead into preventative approaches, the health system would be better off and so would millions of Americans.
    Preventative therapies include treating high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, encouraging Americans to quit smoking, lose weight, exercise more and manage stress more effectively. Garlic, onions, ginger and red pepper help prevent and treat heart disease by reducing blood pressure and garlic and onions also cut cholesterol and discourage the blood from forming clots. If you know much about herbs, that probably isn't news to you. But you may not know that many other herbs can help.
    High-calcium plants such as lamb's quarter, stinging nettle, watercress, licorice, marjoram, savory, red clover and thyme can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack.
    Angelica- contains 15 compounds that are calcium channel blockers. Doctors routinely prescribe calcium channel blockers such as verapamil (Calan) to prevent heart attack.
    Hawthorn- improves blood circulation through the heart by opening the coronary arteries. It also helps to reduce blood pressure.
    Purslane- is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids which help prevent clots that trigger heart attack. In addition, it contains calcium, magnesium and antioxidants- all very supportive of a healthy heart.
    Chicory- has two heart benefits: It slows a rapid heartbeat and it also has a mild heart-stimulating effect similar to the often prescribed medication digitalis.
    I do not advise abandoning any current medications (Calan or Digoxin) in favor of Angelica or Chicory, but adding herbs to your daily diet in cooking, teas or supplement form can improve your chances of preventing heart disease and heart attack. If you do decide to use these, let your doctor be aware so he/she can monitor your medication effects closely.

Low Cholesterol Tea

1 tsp. roasted chicory root

1 tsp. linden flowers

1/2 tsp. fenugreek seeds

1/2 tsp. ginger root

1 quart water

Combine all in a pan and bring to a simmer. Cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain the herbs. Drink 1-2 cups a day.

Prevention Better Than Cure- Heart Care Aromatherapy-Style

These formulas reduce stress, improve circulation, nervous system and also lower high blood pressure.

Cardamom    2 drops

Geranium      1 drop

Clary Sage    2 drops

Bergamot      1 drop

OR

Rosemary     1 drop

Hyssop         1 drop

Bergamot     1 drop

Use in a bath or in two teaspoons vegetable oil for a full body massage or in one teaspoon vegetable oil for self-massage. Self-massage once a week. Bath twice a week.

by Judy Burger

Preventative Measures for Optimal Health

If your New Year's resolution is to live a more healthy life, a common sense approach to maintaining optimal health always includes basic preventative measures. We all know: eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; avoid alcohol, tobacco, drugs and processed foods; drink plenty of water; exercise; get plenty of rest, fresh air and sunlight. But did you know essential oils can also help in your efforts in a number of ways, especially during the cold and flu season?
Not only can essential oils prevent infections, but in some cases, they can fight off one that has already invaded. The oils used for cold and flu prevention include tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon, myrrh, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, grapefruit, frankincense and bergamot. Tea tree and eucalyptus oils are the most useful for preventing upper respiratory infections, and for treating them once they have set in.
Steam inhalation is the best method, or placing a few drops of either oil in your humidifier also works very well to sanitize the air and you will also inhale the molecules of the oils. For children or anyone who may object to the odors of tea tree or eucalyptus, try lemon and lavender oils instead. Any citrus oils such as grapefruit, sweet orange or bergamot also work well.
Any of these oils can be added to a suitable base oil to make a comforting chest rub. Reduce fevers by adding lemon, peppermint and eucalyptus to sponge baths or compresses. To ease general muscle aches that accompany cold and flu, bathe with a combination of rosemary and lavender. Any symptoms that do not respond to your own home cures (such as prolonged chest pain or congestion) can lead to serious illnesses like pneumonia. Use common sense, listen to your body and seek professional advice when needed.
Aromatherapy is a subtle yet effective method of maintaining your health without the side effects of drugs or the expense of other medical treatments. Continue to adopt preventative measure to improve your general level of health and let Chicory Hill Herbs be a part of your success.



by Judy Burger