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Hello All,

Mountain Mama Wellness updates on Friday April 14th 2023

Today I have a bit of a recap and some new items to introduce. Also attached the pdf.   I recently found the domain name that I like.  It was a bit tough because there are other Mountain Mamas out there.  I actually can’t believe this was available. When I get my website up and running it will be: www.mountainmommawellness.com

My e-mail is MountainMamaWellness@protonmail.com or if you have a different e-mail that I still use then that works also.

My phone number: 505-472-6656

I am now on Instagram.  I am not sure how all this works, and I do not know (yet) how to tell you how to find me. I am under soul_medicine2023 / Mountain Mama Wellness by Phoenix Sanders. So if you use Instagram, please find me and if you like start following me.   

I recently changed a website that I have had for about 10 years from www.mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com to  www.mountainmomma.ning.com. ;

But… I am having tech issues and now my site is not coming up.  I am in contact with the tech people and they are working on it. 

After I am finished with the website I will start on an etsy shop.  On that note since my website is going to take more time and etsy seems a bit easier I have started my etsy account.  It is not up yet because I have to enter all my items with all their information, which includes photos, ingredients, all measurements, their weight etc.   My official etsy shop name will be Mountain Moma Wellness.  

 It is official the Mountain Mama Wellness Boxes are happening!  I have been working on the information for my Mountain Mama Wellness Boxes this week and I was going to put the information here today.  But I just realized the information is in a notebook at home. The super short version, each monthly wellness box will have a theme with several items for you to enjoy and use.  These monthly wellness boxes will have information on each item, information on each herb used, the recipes (just in case you want to recreate something you enjoyed)each box will be based on a theme. For example summer is coming up and the June box will be a Summer Herbal First Aid Kit. The official start for this will be May 2023, a great way to celebrate May Day!!   The cost is $60.00 a month. I am debating on keeping a few theme boxes available for purchase (separately) year around. Such as a Menopause Box, Pregnancy Box, Men’s Health, Women’s Vitality etc.

New items of the week:  This week’s new items gave me the wonderful opportunity to be with my friend the Rose.  What better timing to, this is that time of year I am out hiking and I literally smell the wild rose bush when I walk by it. Yes you read that right, there are no blossoms at this time of the year, but as the Wild Rose Bush wakes up it literally gives off this intoxicating rose scent that comes from the leaves and branches. It is literally calling out to you saying summer will be here soon, just breathe in my scent, be happy and you will see my blossoms soon.   The Rose has many incredible and amazing health benefits, not to mention it is a wonderful aromatic bush. The rose tells you to relax, to love, to open your heart to love, it can wake up the senses for a night of passion, it rejuvenates and regenerates the skin.   Just smelling the scent of rose gives a calming and relaxing effect.

Rose Cold Cream is now available.  It is a moisturizer that rejuvenates and replenishes your skin. It can also be used as a cleanser. Just put a light coat on and gently wipe it off with a soft tissue.  You will be amazed at the dirt that it can pullout.  Don’t forget to do it to your neck.  After you use it to cleanse your skin, if you feel like it, apply a light coat to moisturize your skin.   This wonderful cream can be used just as a moisturizer.  I also love this cream as a full body moisturizer and I love using it after I get out of the shower.  What better way to start your day than smelling like a rose.

Ah but it gets better.  I also added a couple of flower essences.  Flower Essences are a healing vibrational energy medicine.  They are amazing and I have been using them for many years.  The Rose Cold Cream has Oak Flower Essence and Honeysuckle Flower Essence in it. 

Oak Flower Essence helps those who are extremely positive (but get burnt out) in their approach to life.  They are fighters who never lose hope or give up. Any problems they have stem from their tendency to draw constantly on their internal strengths, ignoring nature’s alarm signals and exhausting even their massive energy reserves as a result. .  Oak helps recharge your batteries and it will help you recognize that there are limits even to your strength and that there is a time to rest.

Honeysuckle Flower Essence helps those who have a tendency to look to the past, maybe to happier days.  As a result, there is a risk of losing interest in the issues and demands of the present, missing out on much of life as a result through a preoccupation with past events and happenings. The remedy will help those who struggle with this by encouraging them to focus more on the present, helping them to put the past into perspective, so that it does not come to dominate their thoughts.  Honeysuckle may help bereaved people who think back all the time, or act as if their loved one were still alive.   The next new items are:  

Yoni Butter Cocoa Butter, this one is almost the same as my other one, but has less bees wax and more of a cocoa butter smell.  It is like using cocoa on your yoni, it’s nice, slippery and is a great sensual moisturizing lubricant.   If you have a partner that loves to give you a full body massage this yoni butter works great for this also.   Something most women do not think about, we always moisturize our hands, faces, body and feet.  But after a shower you can also moisturize your yoni with yoni butter. 

Next is Ylang Ylang Rose Facial Spray. Give yourself a few spritzes on your face and then apply your moisturizer.  You can also spritz your face when you feel like you need a lift. 

Then there is Clary Sage and Lavender Body Mist:  The scent is uplifting and can help with bringing hope and joy into your day.  It has three different Flower Essences in it.  It has the star of Bethlehem, Gorse and Sweet Chestnut.

The last new item for this week is, Full Moon & New Moon Salt Soak. I would like to encourage you to add foot soaks and bath soaks into your life. Start new rituals of soaking in the healing waters of life a few times a week or at least one time a week.  Get a few candles, get some flowers and fill a tub, make a cuppa relaxing tea, put the soft music on, turn out the lights and soak your body or feet  Help yourself, learn to mother yourself,  and reconnect to the natural rhythms of nature. 

These days so many need rituals to mother themselves why not start with a soak, not only is it super important for vitality it encourages you to stop, be still, be silent and go back into the warm watery womb of life.  .So as the sun sets in the west and the darkness of the night approaches, slow down and fill the tub.  Remember the sun sets in the west and gives you a beautiful sunset, but it also reminds you to take in the gift of calm to help you sleep all night long.  The night sky is a reminder there is always beauty and light and this beauty and light reminds you to take the gifts of silence and stillness of the night to help you sleep all night.  So when you wake up you can be happy, healthy and whole so you can take compassion and love wherever you go. 

Full Moon and New Moon Salt Soak:  Baking soda, black lava salt, rose petals, Himalayan pink salt, Artemisia vulgaris, lavender buds, Epsom salt, bentonite clay, clary sage eo, geranium rose eo and LOVE 
Skin Bliss is still available! (I only have a few jars left) This is one of my most popular creams. Skin Bliss is great for most skin types such as normal, dry and mature.
I made another batch of Calm Body Cream – Luscious Moisturizer. I sold all but one last Saturday and that one is going to my niece. This moisturizer works for those who need to have a light moisturizer. This moisturizer works for oily skin, normal, dry, and mature. My daughter Raquel loves it and also uses it on my granddaughters. 

Every Saturday I will be at the Farmers Market at The Grange and will continue to be there every Saturday. I will also be in the Thursday Farmers Market which starts May 11th. I will do my best to update you with what products I will have each week. Each week I will be adding more products.

Satinka’s (my granddaughter) Herbal Allies which is all about Bioregional Herbalism. These are products that are either grown by us, or sustainably harvested here in Oregon by us. We then make products out of what we collected. These items are seasonal. Coming next week Cottonwood Balm (April 22)
Products that are coming soon: Blue Chamomile, Super Nutritive, Fennel Eye Cream, Ylang Ylang Rose, Lavender Toner, Rose Toner Miracle Grains, Face Serum, Fatty Soap and more.
Product List:
*New* Rose Cold Cream – Rose hydrosol, apricot oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, rosehip seed oil, beeswax, geranium rose eo, soy free vitamin e, oak flower essence, honeysuckle flower essence, LOVE AND BEAUTY.
*New* Full Moon and New Moon Salt Soak: Baking soda, black lava salt, rose petals, Himalayan pink salt, Artemisia vulgaris, lavender buds, Epsom salt, bentonite clay, clary sage eo, geranium rose eo and LOVE
*New* Ylang Ylang Rose Facial Spray
*New* Clary Sage and Lavender Body Mist
Calm Body Cream – Luscious Moisturizer -It has avocado oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, lavender eo, ylang ylang eo, lemongrass eo, chamomile eo and love. It is whipped and looks like whipped butter.
Salt Soak – Calm Waters- It has baking soda, Epsom salt, Himalayan pink salt, sea salt, lavender buds, rose petals, chamomile, corn flowers, hibiscus flowers, hops, lavender eo, ylang ylang eo, chamomile eo, lemongrass eo and Love.
Calm Waters – Stress Relief Spray -: Lavender Hydrosol, lavender eo, ylang ylang eo, chamomile eo, lemongrass eo, bach rescue remedy and LOVE.
Mocha lip Love – organic ground works coffee, cacao, cinnamon, vanilla and a bit of mica.
Smooches Ginger and Spice
Spearmint Lip Love
Happy Feet Foot Cream
Rejuvenate and Refresh Foot Soak
Skin Bliss Face Cream
St. John’s Wort & Cottonwood –Light Luminous, Elevating & Protective – After Shower Body Cream (Bioregional Herbalism)
Warming Balm
Self Heal ( BioRegional Herbalism)
Muscle Goo
Yoni Butter
Oregon Wild – High Mountain Forest Body Cream (Bio-Regional Herbalism)
Vapor Rub
Pine Resin Salve (Bio Regional Herbalism)
Other Chap Sticks:
Hot lips - Rosy Lip Balm- Peppermint Lip Love -Cardamom Tulsi Rose - Calendula Sunshine Lip Balm with gold mica and a touch of Lemon and Lavender.

With Love and Light
Phoenix (aka Sue)

Pine Vapor Balm 2022

This particular vapor balm has ponderosa pine resin in it.  The resin was collected in the high mountains or near central Oregon.  It was harvested in a way that does not hurt the tree. 

I highly respect this beautiful tree, just as I do all plants and tree life.   

If you plan to go out and harvest tree resin, such as the ponderosa pine, I ask that you respect the tree by making sure you do not take all the resin nor leave it bare underneath...  

Give thanks and an offering to the tree.  

What You Will Need:

1 quart jar

Corning ware pan

Towel

Oil of choice:  Such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil

4 tablespoons eucalyptus leaf

2 tablespoons thyme leaf

2 tablespoons peppermint leaf

Several Big chucks of pine resin.  About 7, 1 x 2 inch pieces. 

Clean containers to store your salve, such as tins or jars. 

Now it is time to infuse the herbs and pine resin in the oil.

Put the herbs and resin in the jar.  Now add just enough oil to cover it. 

Put the towel in the corning ware pan.  This keeps the jar from breaking.  It is my version (for this day) of a double boiler.  

Now add just enough water that when you put the jar in the pan  the water will not overflow.  

Infuse all day on low heat.  

Turn off and let sit over night

Next day turn it on and infuse for a few more hours.  Now it is ready to strain. 

To strain you will need a strainer and a cheesecloth.   Because you are using dried herbs and resin it is ok to squeeze it and get ever bit of oil that you can out of it.  

Now it is ready to make the balm, which is basically a salve.   

1/4 cup beeswax per 1 cup of infused oil.

I ended up adding about 1/3 cup beeswax to 1 1/2 cups infused oil.

When making salves., balms or ointments you want to add little bits of beeswax at a time.  Better to add little bits at a time then to much.  Test it as you go.  

I tested it by dropping a few drops of the oil with the beeswax on a spoon and I wait for it to cool off.  Then test it to see if you like the consistency.

1 1/2 cups infused oil

1/3 cup beeswax 

Now add: 

28 drops of orange essential oil

28 drops of pine essential oil

28 drops of eucalyptus

Now pour into containers of choice.  Cover but do not move until it has hardened.  

To Use: 

Rub on the tip of your noses and upper lip

Rub on chest

Have someone rub on your back

Put on your feet then put on a sock

Enjoy

OH NO, OH MAN.....

I have a cold sore on my lip, what do I do? 

First.....Slow Down 

All of us are not getting enough sleep, we are running 24/7 lives  and what we really need is more of this (see picture below).

Second...Breath and when was the last time you stopped and smelled the roses, sat still with no screens and observed nature? 

And.... how is your diet?  Are you eating foods that stress your body out or nourish you? 

Then take a look at your life and see what is stressing you out.  What stressful events are happening in your life that snuck up on you and stressed your body and mind out?  

Holistic Treatment:

Take care of your nervous system.  Avoid sugar, food additives, and add some relaxing teas that have lemon balm in them. 

Take some bitters.  Not only does it help you with digestion but it will help with the bitterness of life.  

Drink several cups a day of bitter teas that are cooling to the liver.  

Sue's Tea:

3 parts dandelion root

3 parts burdock root

2 parts yellow dock root

2 parts raw cacao

1 part roasted chickory root 

Make as a decoction. I make enough to drink 3 cups a day.  

How to make a decoction: 

https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/traditional-remedies-herbal-infusions

Try adding reishi, maitake and shiitake mushrooms in your daily diet.  They are immune supporting and all are indicated for viral infections.  

Avoid foods that are high in arginine, examples are peanuts, peanut butter and chocolate. 

WHEN THERE IS A BREAK OUT: 

You could try adding a lysine supplement and/or add foods that are lysine rich foods, examples are nutritional yeast, eggs, milk (raw) and beans.  

AVOID:  SUGAR AND A PROCESSED FOOD DIET 

Try antiviral herbs.  Example would be apply tincture of licorice root.  Other antiviral herbs are lemon balm, tea tree essential, bergamot (can cause photo-sensitivity),  and St. Johns wort.  

Try a lip balm for cold sores. 

On that note Wild and Weedy Apothecary now has a lip balm for cold sores.  

Wild and Weedy Apothecary's lip balm ingredients: 

Olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, tamanu oil,  lemon balm, st. johns wort, echinacea purpurea, peppermint EO, bergamot EO, tea tree EO, clove EO, bees wax and LOVE.    Available at the Farmers Market at the Grange on Saturday's.

When you have an outbreak remember NEVER double dip in your lip balm.  

Remember, I am not giving you medical advice, the above are only suggestions and it is up to you to do the research.  

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

 The best way to treat a cold and flu, is prevention.  Working on heather life style habits that boost your immune system, can keep you from getting sick frequently.  Good health is the practice of living healthfully every day.  If you or your family members become susceptible to illness, lack vitality,feel unfocused or lethargic it is  generally due to lack of exercise, poor sleep,  to much  screen time (video games, movies, social media etc.) poor dietary practices and lack of  quality time with family and friends.  Fighting infection is best handled by building up the strength of the whole body.

Let’s start with prevention

Get Plenty of Rest

Our bodies need rest and of a sufficient quality and quantity. It is during sleep, when our body is at rest, that it is able to optimally rejuvenate and heal.

Stay Hydrated

A large part of our body is comprised of water (55 – 70% by some sources). Water flushes harmful toxins out and is vital for the proper functioning of all body systems. The standard requirements state 8 glasses of filtered water daily but this will vary due to many factors; amount of exercise, body weight, climate, etc.

Dry Skin Brushing:

Our skin is our shield to the outside world. Keeping it healthy promotes a healthier body. Dry skin brushing is a great way to cleanse and promote a healthy lymphatic system, vital for our immune system and general well-being.

Brushing the skin before a shower or bath has numerous benefits such as helping with detoxification, removing dead skin (exfoliation) to open the pores, stimulating circulation, cleaning the lymph system and increasing cell renewal. With a dry, natural bristle brush, begin at the feet and work towards the heart stroking with gentle to moderate pressure. Be sure to cover all areas of the body up to the heart. Then begin at the hands and brush the arms. Start again at the neck and work again towards the heart until all areas of the body have been brushed. The first few times your skin may fill a little sensitive but will become accustomed to the brushing.

Eat Healthy :

Eating healthy during the cold and flu season is one important step to take. We are what we eat and eating healthier will lead to a healthier body and stronger immune system. Skip the junk foods and reduce sugar consumption. As little as 1 teaspoon of sugar (from any source) can suppress the immune system for up to 4 hours. Reduce your meat consumption, your body has to work harder to digest meats.  Eat organic, grass fed, and pasture raised animals.  Especially stay away from processed meats such as bacon, sausage and deli meats.  Add in more fruits and vegetables which will increase your intake of balanced vitamins and nutrients. Limit your intake of processed foods and dairy. Spend 20 minutes outside in the sun daily to increase your levels of vitamin D. Supplement with vitamin C and add zinc into your diet. Both garlic and onion have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties which will help fight infection and strengthen the immune system. 

Take Probiotics:

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that reside in the digestive tract. Increasing the healthy bacteria will reduce the unhealthy bacteria and lessen the load on the  immune system. Yogurt  without sweetener and fermented foods contain the healthy bacteria or supplements are available.  Look up Dr. Mecola on youtube on probiotics.

Exercise:

Moderate exercise is important to keep the body and immune system healthy. Exercise helps remove toxins from the body and cleanse the lymphatic system. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress.

Stress Reduction:

Stress is our reaction to any life event that upsets the body’s balance. Stress has become a major factor in all of our lives. If not handled properly, stress throws our bodies out of balance and into a state of dis-ease – not only physically but emotionally and spiritually. Stress reduces the immune system’s effectiveness.

There are many ways to reduce stress in our lives. A happy, positive attitude is one of the easiest ways. We all have the choice to live life from a positive or negative perspective. Turn off the media and reduce negative influences from your life. Stay away from the drama!

Take time for yourself, listen to relaxing music, meditate, immerse yourself in a hobby, enjoy nature, have body work such as massage or Reiki done.

Life is what you make of it. Change your thoughts, be happy!

Flu Prevention Using Fresh Herbs To Your Daily Diet: 

Garlic:  Add 1 to 2 cloves of fresh raw garlic into your daily diet.  Sprinkle it on salads, soups or bread. Mix it with honey to minimize possible stomach upsets. 

Thyme:  The herb has potent antiviral and antibiotic qualities.  Start drinking thyme as your daily beverage when everyone around you is getting the flu.   If it is too late and you already are feeling the effects of the flu coming on, thyme tea will generally, lesson the duration and severity of the illness. 

Rose Hips:  These are one of nature's best sources of vitamin C!   Other great sources of vitamin C are alfalfa, catnip, lemon balm, plantain, strawberry leaf, violet leaf, and white pine needle. 

Violet:  The common violet acts as a gentle immune-system stimulant.  Drink a tea made from teh whole above ground portion of the plant.  Other herbs that help stimulate the immune system are ST. Johns wort, white pine, and strawberry leaf. 

Wash Hands Often and Don’t Touch  Your Face or Eyes

Stay away from toxic hand-sanitizers!

Nourishing Infusions:  Susun Weed 

http://www.susunweed.com/An_Article_Fatigue_AW3.htm

What to do when the bug hits:

Remember the earlier you can catch an illness, often the easier it is to beat.

There are a lot of things you can do when you are sick ,because of this I am going to do only a small list.  I will give references at the end of this blog.  

 Nettle Leaf- Some natural doctors say this is the only herb needed for illness treatment. It contains large amounts of vitamins and trace minerals and helps the body stay hydrated and remove toxins. In a tea with Red Raspberry Leaf, Alfalfa and Peppermint, it makes a powerful immune supporting and illness preventing remedy.

Edlerberry- Elderberry is well known for supporting the body, especially during flu. You can find conventionally made elderberry syrups at many stores now, or to save money, make your own.  To make: Boil 3 cups of water with 1/2 to 3/4 cup dried elderberries. Once it has boiled, reduce heat and simmer about 45 minutes. When cool, mash berries and strain to get liquid. Add 1 cup of honey to the liquid and mix well. Store in the fridge for up to 3 months and take 1-2 tablespoons a day (adults) or 1-2 teaspoons a day (kids) for illness prevention. Take three times that dose if suffering from illness.

Ginger- In capsule form, ginger can greatly help with nausea and vomiting associated with the flu. It can also help with high fever and headache. Fresh ginger root can be steeped in boiling water to make a tea that is very effective against sinus symptoms and congestion.

Yarrow: Unsurpassed for flu and fever, and great for children. If used abundantly in tea or tincture at the beginning of an illness, it will usually shorten the illness to less than 24 hours. It is especially good for fevers as it induces perspiration and is great for all childhood type illnesses. It is naturally bitter, so it is often good to include peppermint and stevia leaf when making a tea. It is great for the liver and kidneys and supports the endocrine system.

Chamomile- An absolute staple, especially for kids. Chamomile calms the nerves, helps children sleep better and reduces inflammation or fever. Soaking a chamomile tea bag in warm water and placing over an eye for 15 minutes every 2 hours will relieve pink eye in less than 24 hours. Chamomile tastes great and is easy to get kids to take. We use it in tea and tincture formula. It is also great for regulating hormones and for the skin and can be used regularly for good sleep.

Peppermint- Great for all digestive disturbances and for lowering fever. It can be used as a tea or tincture or rubbed on the skin to bring a high fever down. It is antimicrobial and antiviral and kids usually love the taste. It can be consumed as a hot tea or cold tea during illness in any amounts.

Catnip- A traditional cold and flu remedy, and a great herb for children. It helps induce sleep and settles the stomach. As a tincture or tea, it is a great herb for combating flu, cold or other illness.

Red Clover- Very high in nutrients, Red Clover purifies the blood and relaxes the body. It has been used in hormonal preparations, but is also useful in treating almost any illness. Can be used in tea or tincture.

Coconut Oil- Coconut oil is high in lauric acid and is thought to dissolve the  lipid coating around some viruses and make them more susceptible to attack by the immune system. If sick, aim for 5-6 tablespoons per day in food or melted and stirred into hot tea. Coconut oil has many other health benefits as well and is known to boost the immune system.

Onions and Garlic on the Feet at night- For extreme cases of illness, I slice onion and garlic and place all over  the bottom of the infected person’s foot (rub olive oil on the foot first). I then wrap the foot in saran wrap and place a sock on overnight. Onions and garlic have been shown to pull toxins and help the body heal. Some natural practitioners even claim that having cut onions around will absorb toxins and keep others in the family from getting sick, though I have not tried this.

Apple Cider Vinegar  Drink- Yes, it tastes awful, but if you are sick enough, you won’t taste it anyway. Drink a tablespoon in water with a little bit of honey, at the first sign of illness and repeat hourly until symptoms disappear. This alkalizes the body and helps kill viruses and bacteria.

The List When The Bug Hits: 

Removal of all grains, dairy, sugars, etc

No sweets of any kind!!!! 

Sleep, sleep and sleep

No screens or limit your use to a super minimal

No screens in the bedroom

Make energizing bone broth: Recipe

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/bone-broth?...

A lot of hot herbal tea (Filter your water)

Strong infusions made from  nettle, mullein and oatstraw -  sip throughout the day.   

Chamomile, Yarrow, Catnip and Peppermint tea 1 cup every three hours

Edlerberry syrup every 2 hours - Adult dosage 2 tablespoons every 3 hours 

Fire Cider Tonic  - Drink 1 tsp 3 times a day (adult dosage) 

Stay Hydrated!!!  Lots of water

Magnesium

Vitamin D

Cod Live Oil

Mushroom cocoa (recipe on this site)

Onions and garlic on feet during sleep OR cold sock treatment (directions below)

Vitamin C every 2-3 hours in small doses until bowel tolerance

Curried onions

If there is a cough, I give them my special cough syrup (Stephen Buhners Recipe) This is the best cough syrup I have ever made! 

Immunity tincture - If needed.  Ingredients, echinacea, osha, garlic, horse radish, golden seal and cayenne

Herbal Teas are my favorite and my family's for preventive care and when they have bee hit with a bug.  

High C Tea (Family Favorite) Infusion 

4 parts rose hips

3 parts hibiscus

2 parts lemongrass

1 part elderberry 

1 part cinnamon chips

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.  Prepare as an infusion. 

Respiratory Tea: Infusion- Rosemary Gladstar book:  Herbal recipes for vibrant health

4 parts fennel

4 parts rose hips

2 parts lemongrass

1 part calendula

1 part coltsfoot

1 part mullein

1 part red clove flowers

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.  Prepare as an infusion. 

Sore Throat Tea: Decoction 

2 parts licorice root

1 part cinnamon

1 part echinacea

1 part marsh mallow root

1/8 part ginger 

Decoct the herbs as instructed for decoction.  Drink several cups of tea a day 

Infusion:  Are made from the more delicate parts of the plant. Simply boil 1 cup of water to 1 tablespoon of herb .  Pour water over the herbs and let steep for 30 to 60 minutes.  

Decoctions:  Are made from the more tenacious parts of the plant, such as the roots, bark, and seeds.  These require a slow simmer.  To make a decoction, place the herbs in a small saucepan and cover with cool water.  heat slowly and simmer, covered, for 20 to 45 minutes.  The longer you simmer the stronger the tea will be. 

Another family favorite is Elderberries.  Here is a recipe for elderberry syrup: 

Elderberry Syrup:  

Elderberry syrup is one of the most popular cold remedies in Europe. Elder has been used for centuries and is one of the most well documented herbs for colds and flus. It’s also great for lots of other stuff, but we’ll keep it simple for now.

You can give the syrup by the teaspoon (kids love it) every 2-3 hours while sick, or even use it regularly in your food, such as on pancakes! Elder is VERY high in bioflavonoids and is a great antioxidant.  For kids under 2, add the syrup to hot water to kill any microbes in the honey that might make them sick.

1 – 4 oz. package of dried elderberries

5 cloves

1 cinnamon stick 

1 tablespoon of grated ginger

2 cups of water

1 cup of honey

You will need a small saucepan and a fine mesh  strainer

How to make elderberry syrup:

1. First put 1/2 cup of dried elderberries into the small saucepan. Add the 5 cloves, cinnamon stick, 1 Tablespoon grated ginger, and 2 cups of water.
2. Cover and bring the water to a boil.
3. Turn down the heat, leave covered, and simmer until the liquid is reduced by 1/2.  This usually takes 20-30 minutes.
4. Strain into a bowl and add 1 cup of honey.

How to store your syrup:

Store the syrup in a closed jar in the refrigerator. Syrups have a relatively short shelf life. We generally make these in small batches and store them in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.

Fire Cider

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fire-cider?xg_source=activity

Fire Cider:  Is a warming, energizing concoction   Rosemary Gladstar says this will light your fire! It can be added to your salad dressings, used to flavor your steamed veggies or grains (like rice) 

This is a perfect remedy for someone who needs a fiery kick to his or her immune system. A blend of spicy and sweet flavors were combined to enhance your circulatory and digestive system. Will come in handy for those cold months when you’re prone to sinus infections, or when you feel cold coming on.

Take cider when you feel a sinus or congestion coming on. Take fire cider in small amounts to
boost your immune system. Take in small amounts to defeat constipation.

1/2 cup organic grated garlic

1/2 cup organic grated horseradish

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup grated fresh ginger

1/2 tsp. cayenne 

organic apple cider vinegar

honey 

4 cup jar with plastic lid (you do not want to use metal lids with vinegar)

Chop horseradish, garlic, onion, and ginger. Place them and cayenne in a quart jar, fill with apple cider vinegar. Cover with lid and shake well. Let it sit at room temperature for 4-6 weeks. Strain and add honey to taste. Store in a cool place. Your fire cider will keep for several months

HOW TO MAKE TINCTURES: 

http://mountainroseblog.com/guide-tinctures-extracts/

Let's Not Forget The Weedy Wonders

The weedy wonders will be in your yard, country fields and many other places.  Remember do not pick from areas that have been sprayed with chemicals, especially road sides! 

Burdock, chickweed, cleavers, dandelion, nettle, plantain, st. Johns Wort,  yellow dock.    It would be great for you, your children and friends to get know these weedy wonders,they are full of nutrition  most will be growing very close by.. 

Kitchen Aids For Cold and Flu: 

Black pepper, chives, cayenne, cinnamon, garlic, ginger and horseradish.

Herbs, Gardens and an Understanding of Nature: 

I am a big advocate of growing a garden and your own herbs.  This very act is healing.  It involves, watching nature, and moving within the seasons.  By doing this, you gather more knowledge and  an understanding about the herbs and food you have planted.  When you grow and gather you are more likely to use you herbs and produce, therefore gathering demands that you create a person relationship with nature which in turn reduces stress and  dis-ease.  Remember start small ! 

References:  

Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health by, Rosemary Gladstar

The Herbal Home Remedy Book by, Joyce Wardwell 

Where to purchase great quality herbs:  Mountain Rose Herbs

Herbal Healing for Children by, Demetria Clark 

Cold Soc Treatment:  I have friends that swear by this one 

The Cold Sock Treatment is a simple hydrotherapy technique that is especially effective for relieving nasal congestion in bed at night (frequently better than medications and without the side effects). It also helps to stimulate the immune system in the upper respiratory tract and is relaxing for aches and chills, and helps bring on a more restful night’s sleep when sick. We find it helpful in such conditions as colds, "flu" (not the "stomach flu"), earaches, sore throats, and sinus infections. It is useful with people of any age from infants to the elderly. The Cold Sock Treatment is especially good to use with the nasal congestion of colds and influenza.

Preparations. In the evening before going to bed, prepare by having a pair of cotton socks and a pair of wool socks. They must be at least 90% cotton and 90% wool, respectively. Most sporting goods stores and some department stores carry wool socks. For small children you can use safety-pins to hold a wool sock on that is too large, or rap wool cloth around each foot.

Step 1. Soak the foot part of the cotton socks in cold tap water and wring them out thoroughly. Place the socks close to the basin or bathtub used in the next step. Note: If your feet are already warm (e.g., you have already been in bed) you can skip to Step 3.

Step 2. Put your feet into a basin or bathtub of hot water to warm up your feet. Soak them for a few minutes until they are hot and pink.

Step 3. Remove your feet from the hot water and quickly dry them off. Immediately put on the cold wet cotton socks, and then over them, put on the dry wool socks.

Step 4. Go directly to bed and keep the feet covered through the night. The therapy does not work if you or your feet are uncovered, such as when walking around or sitting in a chair uncovered.

When the Cold Sock Treatment procedure is followed correctly the feet will start warming up within a few minutes of getting covered in bed. The congestion will usually start to be relieved within 30 minutes. It will often work better than a decongestant or antihistamine to relieve congestion during sleep. In addition, it is not uncommon to see a small child or infant fall immediately to sleep after they are put to bed with the Cold Sock Treatment. After approximately four hours the socks should be totally dry, the feet warm, and the symptoms will be much improved (if not gone).

If necessary the Cold Sock Treatment can be repeated through the night or used on consecutive nights. In repeating the treatment in the same night or if an illness starts during the night, it is not necessary to warm the feet in hot water since they will already be warm. Simply apply the wrung out cold wet socks and the dry wool socks and go back to bed.