Is It Summer Already??

Hello Dear Readers!
I am so sorry for the long hiatus!! As always, Winter slipped quickly into Spring. Spring is hyper drive around here!! We decided to put off breeding the goats, so we could concentrate on the herbs. Never fear, we will be having babies in October!  That was a good decision!! We hit the ground running, adding more herbs and new beds. We also applied to Market Square Farmer's Market.  We were accepted and have been attending there since the first weekend of May. It has been awesome!! We have made many new friends and contacts.  Making custom teas, salves, and tinctures has taken off exponentially. This is my true heart's desire: to work one on one with folks to help find an herbal help for their specific needs. To that end, I will be returning to school in the Fall to work on my MS. in Therapeutic Herbalism from MUIH. This program is the first in the country. I was accepted last year, but put my acceptance on hold. Over the last few months, it has become ever so apparent that the need is great and I need all the education I can get.

In other exciting news: we have applied to be part of the Botanical Plant Sanctuary Network set up by United plant Savers. www.unitedplantsavers.org. This group is phenomenal! Started by famed herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar and others, its goal is preserve endangered medicinal herb species. Many of these herbs are woodland varieties.  Our land lends itself quite well to this. We already have Goldenseal, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, and Wild Yam growing here. Our vision is to set up an educational area where folks can come and learn about these jewels up close and personal. We will keep you updated on this!

Our first on farm class will be Sunday, July 20 at 2:00 pm. Nothing excites me more than people who want to learn!! This class is herb identification.  I cannot wait to schedule more!!

Folks have mentioned that our class and products are inexpensive. I wanted to speak to that. When we decided to open the farm again last year, we sat down and wrote some goals. The most important one: we would always be a service centered business.  In service I mean, serving others.  Making herbal knowledge and medicine accessible to EVERYONE, was number one. Now for herb farms that do not have this goal that makes them no less or us better. Just different. In my life, I have found when we set out to serve others with the right heart intentions, those are returned ten fold.

I will try to be more faithful in my writing! Be blessed dear ones!!! Praying you and yours are well and healthy!

Crystal

Mullein: Fourth Herb for Winter

Mullein (verbascum thapsus) graces our country back roads during the throws of Summer, but her true healing properties are needed in Winter. With its soft, gray leaves and yellow flower stalks, it easy to spot. Over the centuries, mullein has had a variety of uses.  It has been used to treat tuberculosis in Europe since the 16th century. Mullein was planted outside outhouses in the mountains for a soft tp! The long stalk can be soaked in oil and lit for torches which is also entertainment for teenagers.  It has long been smoked by Native Americans and is often used in smudging(purifying) ceremonies.


Two important qualities of mullein are: expectorant and antibacterial.  This makes it ideal for respiratory ailments that cause mucus such as bronchitis, allergies, and tb. Mullein actually reduces the amount of mucus the body produces.  It is also soothing for sore throats. To treat coughs and sore throats, a tea is best.


The yellow flowers that bloom on the stalk make an excellent ear oil for ear infections.  This oil can also be used to heal gum lesions and mouth ulcers. The oil could also be used topically on inflamed, sore joints. To make it: put 1/4c of mullein flowers in 1c of olive oil. Heat gently on low on the stove for 20. Strain through cheese cloth and let cool.  You could also add garlic cloves for antibiotic qualities.


As always, seek the advice of a medical professional. This information is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical ailments.
Wishing you health and happiness!

Mustard Plasters: Not Just for Granny!

With all the coughs and colds going around, I thought I would share the step by step process in making a mustard plaster. First and foremost they are not to be used on a child under 3 or on anyone who cannot communicate that it is burning.
So let's get started! This is what you will need:
1/4c of dried mustard- the kind sold in the spice section of your local grocery store.
2 small cotton towels: same size
Large towel
Hot water(not boiling)
Large Bowl: I use a stainless steel pot because it holds the heat better.
Warm, wet dishcloth
Salve - I use the calendula salve I make.
1. Lay one small towel on kitchen counter.
2. Cover towel completely with the mustard powder.
3. Fold the bottom end of the towel up.
4. Cover with other small towel.
5. Roll the 2 together like a scroll.
6. Ready the person by placing large towel under them on a bed, so he can lay down. Make sure the room is warm. Have him take off his shirt and cover chest completely with salve.
7. Place the mustard filled towels in bowl of hot water. Wring out.
8. Roll out on the chest with the folded edge at the bottom.
9. Cover with blankets.
10. Remove quickly, if the person says it is burning.
11. For any child under 12: do not leave on for more than 5 minutes. Adults can leave it on for 15 minutes.
 12. After removal, wash the chest with the warm cloth and cover the person with blankets immediately.

*Do not do this more than one time a day for 2 days.*

Praying that you and yours are healthy during these cold winter days!!

*This information is not intended as medical advice. Please seek the advice of a medical professional.*

Boneset (eupatorium perfoliatum) grows in low meadows and damp ground from Nova Scotia to Florida. No plant in American herbalism has been used more than boneset!  Many Native American tribes used it to cure "fevers": everything from the flu to malaria.  African slaves living in the South used it to treat dengue fever.  Its name was derived from its ability to break "bone" fevers.

Boneset contains anti-virals that dries out mucous making an effective treatment for any cough caused by phlegm. It also relieves muscle aches and pains due to flu. Researchers have discovered it has 23 different nutrients including: calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, niacin, selenium, vitamins A and C, and zinc. Pretty amazing!!

For an overall flu fighter: brew 1 oz of dried boneset to 1 pint of water. Drink a 1/2 cup every 4 hours. You want to go slow in drinking the tea because in excess it can cause nausea and vomiting!  For a decongestant: Make a tea and soak a flannel cloth. Place on chest and throat.  Boneset lost its popularity due to the invention of aspirin.

Do not take Boneset if you are allergic to chamomile or ragweed. Also women who are pregnant or nursing should not take it.

May you and your enjoy abundant health during these cold and dark days!

Disclaimer: This is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Please seek the advice of a medical professional.

The Lovely Marshmallow

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) is such lovely plant! Really! There is not one thing not to love about it! It is quite lovely looking much like a Hollyhock. It has been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Althea comes from the Greek word "altho" meaning cure The root was used to make marshmallows before we came up with how to make the synthetic ones. The mucilaginous properties that helped make marshmallows are what also make it a great winter herb.  It belongs to the Demulcent category of herbs, meaning it is slimy. This slimy quality soothes our bodies' mucous membranes.

Marshmallow due to its soothing qualities is excellent for sore throats. It moistens the lungs raw from dry cough. It also has ant-congestion properties making ideal for the cough and colds.  It is not only for colds and throats, it coats gastric ulcers and soothes bladders irritated from infections.

The best way to use Marshmallow is by making a cold infusion. Place some marshmallow root in a jar(1/4 of the jar). Fill the rest of the way with lukewarm water. Place in the frig for 4 hours. By doing a cold infusion, you preserve the coating properties.

Diabetics should not take marshmallow because it interferes with glucose levels. Anyone on prescription medication should not take it. Due to its coating properties it interferes with absorption


Hoping you and yours are staying healthy!

Now for the disclaimer: This is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please seek the advice of medical professionsl

5 Herbs You Need to Know for Winter

Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing information on five herbs that can help keep you healthy through the winter. Some are familiar, some maybe not so much! Grab a cup of steamy herb tea and enjoy!

Echinacea (E. augustifolia E. pallida E. purpurea) This an oldie, but goodie. It has been talked about in major news outlets. Did you know until the 1920's, it was the number 1 medicinal herb sold in the U.S.? Millions of Europeans take it for infections. In 1993, German physicians prescribed it 2.5 million times to their patients! WOW!!

Researchers have not been able to pin point exactly how it works. They do know that it stimulates the non-specific activity of our immune cells. Unlike antibiotics that kill all our bacteria (good and bad), Echinacea makes our own immune cells more efficient. An added benefit is that our all important gut flora does not become imbalanced or depleted.

Echinacea does not only have antibiotic qualities, but also works as an antiviral. Topically it works as an anti-inflammatory for psoriasis or eczema.  The dosage is usually 60 drops of a tincture 1x day for an adult, taken for 2 weeks.  People who are allergic to plants in the aster family, should avoid taking Echinacea. Also people with suppressed immune systems, have HIV, MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, should not take Echinacea period!!

Stay turned for the next herb: Marshmallow root: not what you think!

Here's to abundant health!

Now for the disclaimer: this post is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please seek the counsel of a medical professional.

Dried Herbs for Sale

Folks ask we all the time what herbs we have for sale. Most we grow organically here from non-gmo seed or plant starts. Others we buy organic in bulk, simply because we can't grow them due to climate, we just started growing them this year, or crop failure. We have lost some to this rainy Summer. :( If there is something you need that is not on the list let me know.

Leaves:                                              Flowers:                    Berries:
Plantain                                             Red Clover                Elder
Ginkgo                                              Chamomile
Lemon Balm                                     Elder
Comfrey                                            Evening Primrose
Meadow Sweet                                 Calendula                          
Horehound                                        
Yarrow
Sage(ceremonial and culinary)         Seeds:
Skullcap                                            Fennel
Evening Primrose                             Fenugreek
Rosemary                                         Anise
Lavender
Ashwagandha                                    Roots:
Wood Betony                                    Comfrey
Epazote                                             Astragalas
Mullein                                             Dandelion
Arnica                                               Valerian
Catnip                                                Licorice
Stevia                                                
Lemon Verbena                                
Peppermint
Chocolate Mint                                  Bark:
Nettles                                               Slippery Elm
Red Raspberry
Feverfew
Jewelweed