Blogs

Our First Week: We have been working10 to 12 hour days since March.  All that hard work paid off for a wonderful first start.  I am grateful for the abundance. 

Week One Product:  Nettle, comfrey, calendula, garlic scallions, mustard greens,  salad, arugula, basil, radishes, carrots, spinach, herbs, evergreens,  kale and collard greens. 

Nettle:

Nettle Pesto

Makes: 1 generous cup

1/2 pound nettles
4 large garlic cloves, smashed or garlic scallions
1/2  teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/4 cups extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup grated raw organic cheese

Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer for the nettles. Add the nettles directly from their bag and cook, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes. (This denatures their sting.) Dump into a colander to drain. When the nettles are cool enough to handle, wrap them in a clean dishtowel and wring out as much moisture as possible, like you would for spinach. You’ll have about a cup of cooked, squished nettles.

In the food processor fitted with the paddle attachment, whirl the garlic, salt, and pepper to taste until finely chopped. Add the nettles, breaking them up as you drop them in, and the lemon juice and whirl until finely chopped. With the machine running, add the oil in a slow, steady stream, and process until smooth. Add the cheese, pulse briefly, and season to taste with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/spring-time-super-tonic-food-nettle

More Nettle Recipes: 

http://www.thekitchn.com/stinging-nettles-8-recipes-for-145582

Comfrey: Comfrey Infused Grapeseed Oil/Olive oil is  used in  salves, creams and lotion recipes.  I like to apply the salve to acne scars and inflamed skin rashes.  You can also just use it as an infused oil.  The magic of Comfrey is from the active component contained in the leaf and root called allantoin which helps to boost the production of new skin cells.  In fact it works so fast that you should NEVER use it on open wounds, dirty wounds or broken skin.  You should only apply it to areas that have already scabbed over.

A Recipe for Infused Comfrey Oil:

You will need:

• A clean, dry jar
• Cut and dried Comfrey leaves
• An oil of your choice, enough to fill the jar.
• A spoon
• A square of thin cotton material, or a sieve.
• A clean, dry, glass bottle.

Carrier oil: The oil can be chosen to suit your needs:
Pure sunflower oil is cheap, cheerful and perfectly good; olive oil is a little more luxurious and my favourite for medicinal purposes; other possibilities include sesame, jojoba, avocado, hemp seed, almond and many others.

Method:

• Fill a third of the jar with Comfrey leaves.
• Fill the jar to the top with a carrier oil.
• Using a clean spoon press the Comfrey leaves down to ensure that there are no air bubbles.
• Put the lid onto the jar and leave in a warm, sunny window for at least one week and no more than two weeks.
• Strain the mixture and pour into the glass bottle.
• Store in a cool, dry place.

This oil can be used to hasten the healing of abrasions, bruises and sore muscles.
It must NOT be used on deep cuts as it is capable of healing the skin’s surface so quickly that the deeper part of the wound could fester.

http://www.freshpickedbeauty.com/2012/01/comfrey-infused-oil.html

http://www.thekitchn.com/stinging-nettles-8-recipes-for-145582

Calendula Tea: 

The simplest use of calendula flowers - it's just weld Calendula as tea.
Pour one cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of fresh calendula flowers OR one to two teaspoons of dried calendula petals. Steep for ten minutes, then strain. By drinking two to three cups daily there will be a great improvement in blood circulation.

To help in the healing of skin wounds:
Soak a compress in Calendula Tea, and apply to the wound for 30 minutes twice daily.

Calendula can also be used to treat sore throat. Gargle with warm tea several times a day. This will help relieve the inflammation caused from the common cold.

Other Calendula ideas:

http://blog.esgreen.com/2010/04/marigold-flower-tea.html

http://mountainroseblog.com/healing-calendula/

Evergreen Tea: 

½ cup of pine needles (or other needles from fir or spruce trees)

Crush the needles slighly & add to a pot of boiling water (3-4 cups). Simmer for 15-20 mins, or simply steep the needles in not yet boiling water.

You can add a spoon of honey or other liquid sweetener (maple syrup, agave, etc), as well as herbs such as rosemary or green tea, to this wonderfully aromatic brew.

Left over tea can be added to a bath, poured over the stones in a sauna, or used as a rinse for the hair to combat dandruff!

Evergreen Tea: 

Other ideas for evergreens: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/evergreen-healing

Evergreen Infused Olive Oil.   Infuse for 6 weeks, strain and drizzle on meat, rice, bread etc. 

Arugula  And Spinach Stir Fry: 

Spinach  arugula, coarsely chopped.

Garlic scallions chopped

Basil chopped

Balsamic vinegar

A few dashes of coconut aminos or organic Brags liquid aminos 

Link to coconut aminos:http://www.coconutsecret.com/aminos2.html

Heat pan with oil of choice: 

Add chopped garlic scallions, cook until tender

Add arugula and spinach, sauteing for about one minute

Add chopped basil, sauteing for about a minute

Add 4 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar and then steam it down for another minute or two

Add coconut aminos or Brags

Optional:   add some organic cooked and chopped turkey bacon, or organic beef sausage

Serve with couscous, quinoa, or any one of your favorite starches!

Mustard Green Stir Fry or use your wild greens: 

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/mustard_greens/

Make sure you use organic broth

http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2009/07/balsamic-glazed-chickpeas-and-mustard.html

I would take out the soy sauce and use organic Brags or use coconut liquid aminos

Thank you Mountain Mama Members for your awesome support.  If you have any questions please e-mail me.

Mountain Mama CSA

Mountain Mama Weekly Wellness Box . 

CSA stands for community supported agriculture, where individuals pledge support to a farm in return for high quality food and farm products. Members, also called shareholders, invest in a local farm by funding the whole season’s budget in advance. In return they receive a proportion of the harvest throughout the growing season. CSA farming creates a very strong relationship between the consumer and producer, which benefits all that are involved.

What it means to you:
Your weekly Harvest Box will be filled with fresh-picked, top-quality produce every week for 20 weeks starting June 8th through Oct. 19th. You will pick up your share/box every Wednesday at the Wild and Weedy Apothecary from Noon - 6:00 pm 

I use no herbicides, no insecticides no pesticides, no fungicides. I grow food using permaculture ideas, bio-dynamic practices and old school methods, there are no toxic chemicals ever used.  I do  not use any chemical applications or synthetic fertilizers.. 

Each box comes with an on-line newsletter with recipes and news from the farm. 

Save shopping time because your produce is already gathered and ready to pick-up.
Feel a closer connection to nature as you see the progression of the seasons in your Harvest Boxes.
Your membership helps keep our family farm contributing to a vibrant local economy

How the farm benefits from your membership
As we share our produce with you, we receive respect and appreciation directly from you. That feels awesome! 

Your membership fee paid in the spring allows us to afford all of the up front costs of bringing this high quality produce to you during the harvest season. There are no government subsidies for small food producers like us.
Your support encourages us to continue sustainable land stewardship. Remember my farming practices are holistic and chemical free. 
 
Our box relies heavily on familiar items. A seasonal assortment of vegetables, greens, roots, and herbs. Again, Recipes are provided for less familiar vegetables.

How many people will this harvest box feed? 

This is by far the most common question we get.  We have found that the amount of produce a household consumes varies greatly. This depends on how often people eat out or entertain, whether people are vegetarians, vegans, or omnivores, and whether they are going to supplement their diets with things like bananas, oranges, avocados and other things that don’t grow in your area.  
We only offer full shares, If you think a full share could be to much for you then one option that might work for you is to find a friend or neighbor who would like to share it with you.

There are lots of families that will find that their wellness box suits their needs. Others will love our Wellness box, but will desire more produce than we provide, so they purchase additional local produce at the farmers market.

Honestly if we were eating the amount of veggies we should be eating on a weekly basis, a full share is really not enough.

The fresher your produce is, the more vitamins and minerals it has. We do not use machinery or chemicals. On that note here are some things to consider. I want this to be a great experience for you and me, Again I want to remind you that we are a small farm and your food is local , no chemicals and very fresh,

Depending on what you are used to there could be some produce that you do not like or have never had. This can be very hard for some people. The people who will enjoy our wellness box the most are those who enjoy most kinds of produce and like trying new things.  I want you to keep in mind that I make no guarantees that you will like everything in your box.  It is important that I make that clear right from the beginning. 
If your primary goal is to get the most nutrition out of your produce for your dollar then this is the place for you.  Welcome aboard.

The 2016 Season: Sign ups start in June 
Starts June 8th through Oct 19th That is 20 weeks of receiving a wellness box     
The price for  a full weekly wellness box share is $725.00 for the full 20 weeks. If you break that down it is only $36.25 a week or approximately 5.17 a day.   That's less than most peoples coffee drinks a day.  


You can pick up your weekly wellness box every Wednesday. Pick up time is from Noon -  6:00 pm at the Wild and Weedy Apothecary.  Once you sign up you will receive more information about pick up.  
Call or email our farm if you have any more questions.

To sign up: 
Call 503-503-472-6656

E-mail:  wildweedyherbs@gmail.com

Make Checks payable to: Wild and Weedy Apothecary,llc

 Wild and Weedy Herbal Wellness Box 

This is a great way to build your herbal medicine chest and stock your kitchen pantry with nourishment.  This is a six month journey into the beauty and benefit of herbs.  It goes from June to November

Let us be your person guide on your journey to wellness . 

Monthly wellness boxes will be either seasonal or have a theme.   Herbalism creates a deeper connection to healing for most people than other methods.  It provides nourishment to your body to prevent disease in the first place.

It is ideal for anyone who would like to use natural healing on a more regular basis, through nourishing their bodies and boosting their immune system.  The wellness boxes will help to build your herbal medicine chest. As we all know being prepared when illness and injury hit is half the battle.   You will  receive items that will help with your kitchen cookery. Becoming a better cook puts  you on the path of taking responsibility with your health and builds  your immune system.  All items are petroleum free products.  

You will receive 3 items , handmade new products each month. Often times these ingredients will be wild crafted or grown on our farm.  

Items range from: pesto, elderberry syrups, tinctures, elixirs, powders, creams, salves, soaps,  fun teas, cold and flu products, infused oils, infused vinegar, body care products, medicinal teas, infused salts and more. 

You will learn more about new plants and herbal products

All products made with intention and love

from your local herbalist.  

 This is a six month commitment to learn about natural ways to boost your immune system and care for yourself. With the cost of health care on the rise, this truly is one of the best decisions you can make for you or your family's health.    

This is an investment in your health 

March to May is a 3 month commitment

Cost:  $180.00 

USPS Mail Shipments Add  $27. 00 for the 3 months

June to November Is a 6 month commitment

Cost $360.00 

USPS mail shipments add $54.00 for the 6 months 

The morning was cool, (35 degrees) calm and misty.  Feeling a bit low on energy I decided to move manure first.  I knew after several wheel-barrel trips my mind and body would warm up and wake up.   Robbins are one of my favorite birds and I love how they arrive when spring is about to happen.   I heard a Robbin, and I felt a stir of excitement.  I was not sure if it was one of the few that hang out here for the full winter, or will it be one of many that will bring the song of spring.   The  Robin landed in the Hawthorn Berry tree in front of me and sang a song, this led me to many thoughts.

 I stood there in silence and observed nature.  Nature gives such unconditional love, it gives calmness, it gives serenity, it gives happiness and it lets you know you are alive. 

Climate change, is a change that is happening all across our solar system.  The climate change that is happening on earth is a reminder to humans, that change is happening with or without us.  There is no doubt the tragedies caused by weather can be scary and take life.  These tragedies let us know we are alive, by waking us up, like having ice cold water dumped on you.  These weather patterns give us a chance to change what we are doing. It is a chance to wake up, pull together and save our planet.  All the planets in our solar system are heating up and going through climate change and  these planets have no humans....

 The climate change that is happening on our earth has nothing to do with  humans... 

What we are doing to our planet is killing it.  Killing the water, the micro-organisms, we are giving the planet and all it's species cancer.  This cancer is growing at an incredible rate.   It is not your cars and the cows farting away.  It is your way of life that is making our planet a red planet..  It is your detergent, Teflon, plastics, soaps, paints, chemical agriculture, GMO food, cell phones, shoes, synthetics, the gadgets no-one needs, it is the dollar store mentality,  it is our lack of concern, our selfishness, our lack of growing our own food, our lack of walking more, it is our lack of support for our seniors/elders, it is our support of massive water in bottles, it is the Costco's, the Petco's, the Walmart, the soda, the fast food, the video games, the lack of caring about nature, the lack of being out in nature, therefore you do not care about nature, it is the generations, that complain, but do nothing, it is the generations that are all about selfishness, it is the generations that have let TV raise their kids,  it is the kids who love getting for Christmas, but do not give, Christmas is not for consuming, Christmas is not for greed, Christmas is not Walmart and cheap crap from the Dollar Store, Christmas is not a new big screen TV, Christmas is not junk food, new video games, more plastic toys, more barbies, more dolls, more candy, more candy, more candy, more red dye, more rushing, more need to want, more stress, more stress on the earth, more trash for the earth, more trees cut down, more soda, more fast food because you are rushing around shopping, more junk, more junk more junk, that ends up in the dump..... in the ocean, in the bellies of birds and animals, in the blood streams of the world, including your body.  Is this what we as humans are all about??

It is easier for all to think we are having climate change, to let the government tax us, controls us and blame us.. To truly change what we need to change to save our world, we will need to change how we  live on a daily basis.   If the government was really concerned about our world, they would out-law chemical agriculture, and outlaw bottled water production, outlaw petroleum made products that humans use on a daily basis.  The climate change the government speaks of is the change they want in their greedy pockets, to make off of you.  They see this $$$$$$$$ 

Nature lets you know you are alive, by wind, ice, snow, freezing temperatures, extreme heat, tornado and hurricanes.  All elements that bring life together and can give life an end.  Elements that give tragedy, but these tragedies bring miracles, bring people together and wake people up. 

Tragedies and Rebellions bring change, it is these moments in the circle of life that these energies connect people.  At these moments we have been given a chance to react in a positive way and care, or react in a negative way, not care.  Who are we..

"WE" are a  world that is raising a population of I wants who are unattached to nature. .....

Remembering to breath, and to only allow peaceful intentions in my mind, body and spirit. 

Thoughts of spring, it is coming soon

Thoughts on  celebrating the "Return Of Light".  Winter Solstice is near... 

My eyes caught a big figure flying across a field, a blue heron,  there seems to be more around here for the first time in years, this year.  As I watched this blue heron fly across an old hay field that needs lots of love, I dreamed of some day having my own hay field.  I dreamed of how I would farm it, how I would weed it, how I would harvest it.  It would the old ways, hard, but worth every blister and sore muscle that came with it.  Someday I will do this and it will make my spirit proud.  The land, animals, micro-organisms will be grateful for the light, love, gentleness and nourishment I will bring.  

The chick-a-dees were out,  more robins arrived and were eating the hawthorn berries,

Fresh air, peaceful intentions, love being sent out into the universe.  Deep breaths of thankfulness 

Early spring...

they're still flocks of geese hanging around, more robins today, blue herons hanging around. 

Just maybe an early spring

I am excited, thoughts of seeds, and new crops, new fences, building beds, bees and flowers

I stood silently taking nature in, 

Last night I herd, the Great Horned Owl Hooting, a little early for mating season.... 

Thoughts of early spring 

Thinking of my actions of this past year

I am thankful

I am thankful for knowledge

I am thankful, I read every label of every-purchase I make. Where does it come from, how is it made, what is in it ??? 

I am proud of the way that I live, I have taken more plastics out of our life,  we eat organic,  I am growing my food and herbs, I strongly support local organic farmers and a great CSA (growing wild)  I am becoming a stronger herbalist 

I am proud that I rarely buy produce from the store

I am proud that 99% of our meat is sourced local organic 

I am proud that I raised a lot of meat for my family

I am proud that I work on living lightly on this earth

I am proud that I did not overly consume again this year for Christmas

Proud that each family member will only receive one gift from a local artisan some food and my special tea 

Proud that I have not set foot in a Walmart or  a Mall in over 12 years

I paused, my  thoughts, for my goals for  next season

I think in seasons, not new years, what will I do for the next season

Keep decreasing plastic in our life.  I want to get to a 5% goal

I will not ever, never ever purchase CFL Bulbs for my house, it is either leds or candles.  I refuse to be apart of the Mercury poisonings to this world from CFL bulbs. I hope you will join me on this one.  Imagine 313.9 million houses across america, (minus me), will be contributing to the mercury poisonings to the world and themselves.  Remember if you break a CFL in your home or anywhere else, open the windows and leave immediately and do not come back for 20 minutes. While you are at it make sure you hold your breath while opening the windows. 

I will.....

 build a rocket stove, 

 bake more bread

  hike more

 make more herbal remedies

 teach others about herbs

put more food away at the end of the summer

grow, more potatoes

 figure out how to feed my dogs,  by making their own food.  

 sign up on the Woof-USA Program again, this will bring helpers( as long as they are scent free) to our farm.  We will be able to teach them sustainability and receive extra help. 

continue the Saturday Market, selling herbal products

add more art in my life

add more sleep to my life

cut down computer use

help others with health

I have to make a lighter foot print .......

Lighter Foot Prints, Can You?

Our would is raising a population of I wants, who are unattached to nature and nurse off of video games TV screens, get empty calories through sugar, sucking off a straw of big gulps, soda pop, energy drinks, boxed food, frozen food, toxic fat and fast foods which is in return.. growing a nation of obese or skinny fat zombies 

Could you use this time that you gather with  families and friends this holiday season and talk of how you can be more giving, , how you can support your local organic farmers, set a goal to grow herbs or some food items together, to hike more, to be outside more, to put the TV in the closet,  to give up big box store shopping, to give up video games, how to give up fast food, junk food, unhealthy food,  give up bottled water, give up soda, how can you as a community help your community become a community that gives, grows and is not toxic.  

Take a pause, be still, reflection of  thoughts for last season and the new, stand,  silent, and observe.  Remember ....All things are connected................

What you do, purchase, speak, act, eat, will affect all in this world, your choices will either harm or heal the connection to others and this planet. 

We are at a critical time in the history of the Earth.  We are apart of shaping the future we want for ourselves and for future generations.  We are all responsible for creating a new future based on a culture of peace, universal human rights, economic justice and respect for all life on Earth. 

Money is a kind of energy .  Every single thing that your money buys supports that product.  It support the way that product was made, the people who were involved in making it and, unless it was produced by a cooperative or was fairly managed, it supports the person at the top who makes the most money.  Consume less and consume consciously, with awareness of how each product came to you.

We enter the new season and the return of light, pause and take a moment to look back on your last seasons journeys, what have you completed and what are your insights?  It is a great time to look at the new journeys and new dreams.

It is time, to set your new path, new goals, new creations, for next the seasons journey.  Who do you want to be, what do you want to give, how can you help your world, what can you change,  these are the questions I will ask myself

New paths, new foot prints, new journeys, new life, the seeds are being planted, last years energy is being cleared and this years energy is coming soon.  

This Season Is The Season To Pause, Be Still, Reflect, Be Silent, Observe, To Help, To Care, To Grow, To Support, To Be Free, To Be Healthy, To Be In Nature, Be Happy, Life Can Be Good With This List Of Be's ....... 

Seasoning Blessings  And Peace To All...

Basil is not the only herb that you can use to make pesto.  

There are so many varieties of pesto that you can make.  Lately we have been making a nettle pesto,a wild greens pesto (the wild greens were dandelion, plantain and yellow dock),    and today I made sage pesto.  The sage pesto was incredibly awesome.  I added the sage pesto to our pasta and eggs.    

For the garlic I used 3 garlic scallions and for the cheese I used raw organic cheddar.   

Anyone up for a challenge?  I would like to challenge you and your taste buds in making this wonderful recipe.  

This is a great recipe for a healthy, healing herb paste.  Sage dominates the flavor of this pungent, strong pesto.  You can use less sage fi you find it overpowering.  If you would like to add more healing nutrients try adding fresh wild herbs such as dandelion greens, chickweed, and plantain.  

Recipe from Rosemary Gladstar's book:  Medicinal Herbs, a beginners guide 

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems

1/2 cup parsley

1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves, first time making it try the 1/4 cup version and if you would like it stronger than next time add more

3 cloves garlic

3/4 to 1 cup olive oil

1/4 to 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or walnuts or a mix

1/4 cup raw cheese (optional) 

Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt 

To make: 

Combine the herbs, garlic and olive oil in a blender or food processor and pulse until creamy.  Mix in the nuts or seeds and cheese (if using) and salt and pepper ot taste.  

To use: 

Serve on toast or crackers, pasta, steamed grains, omelets, vegetables or organic meat.

Today. was my first day of my Mountain Mama Wellness Box Delivery.  I am sending all of you my information I gave out, because you can shop for organic/no spray food at your local farmers markets or you could look for a local organic/no spray farm that offers a CSA and join and  then use this information.     Eating lots of organic/no spray veggies on a daily basis will keep you healthy strong and mindful.   The herb information will keep your immune system strong.  It is your investment in a wellness program for yourself and your family.  It is a form of health insurance, true HEALTH INSURANCE, not sick insurance. 

I strongly believe that if we really want to change our world  one of the things  we have to do is look at our food system and what we eat on a daily basis.   

I will be sending out health information and recipes on a weekly basis on seasonal foods and herbs

I am here to help you, so please if you have any questions or need some help e-mail me.

Seek in your life, the "slow food",  a meal that is remembered by the taste-buds of your tongue, food that gives conversation, food that makes you feel alive, awake and energetic.

Peace to all and may the green of veggies come your way everyday.  

Click on link below for recipes and health information: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mountain-ma...

I rise up out of bed early in the morning, out by 7:00 am, feed the animals, take the horses and dogs up the mountain, I workout doing agility drills up the steep hill with a 10 pound pack on, once I am at the top, I do push-ups, low stances drills, front kicks, outside crescent kicks, inside crescent kicks, straight leg kicks, ab work, stretch, then I have tea, listen to the birds and then come down out of the mountains.  At that point my day is all farmer Sue, I have a couple of breaks and I do not get back inside the house until about 10:00 pm.  There have been many days where my husband and I go back out ( yes after 10:00 pm) and slug patrol.   I figure I am putting in about 12 to 15 hours a day, on the farm.  The days are super long, we are all tired, but at the same time we feel good about what we are doing.  There is something special about the energy of working the land, connecting with it and growing your own and for others.  

Rosemary, basil, onions, beet greens mixed with swiss chard, stir fry mix of brassica,peas,cauliflower and broccoli, cabbage,kale, celery, mustard,lettuce mixed with argula,spinach, nettle, comfrey, wild mix of lambs quarter, sheep sorrel, tea mix of mint,catnip mint, calendula and st. johns wort, garlic and scapes (curly garlic tops)

Rosemary is used  for culinary, for beauty and for herbal healing: 

What is Rosemary?

16 health benefits of rosemary that'll make you want to use it on a regular basis.

Cancer Prevention
Rosemary contains carnosol which has been found in studies to be a potent anti-cancer compound. Researchers have had promising results in studies of its efficacy against breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, and skin cancer. In one study, researchers gave powdered rosemary to rats for two weeks and found that it reduced the binding of the carcinogen given to the rats by 76% and significantly inhibited the formation of breast tumors.

Improved Memory
Rosemary has long been believed to have memory-enhancing properties. In 1529, an herbal book recommended taking rosemary for "weakness of the brain." Today, research has found that rosemary contains a diterpine called carnosic acid that has neuroprotective properties that researchers believe may protect against Alzheimer's disease as well as the normal memory loss that happens with aging.

Remarkably, even the smell of rosemary has been found to improve memory. Test subjects in cubicles were given essential oil of rosemary to smell and they had better quality of memory and better overall memory than the control group, though their speed of memory was slower compared to the control group.

Mood Elevator
The same study that found that smelling rosemary improved test subjects' quality of memory also found that their mood was significantly improved compared to the control group.

Migraine Help
Rosemary has been a popular natural migraine remedy for centuries. Boil some rosemary in a large pot of water and pour it into a bowl. Place a towel over your head and lean over the pot to inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. Because smelling rosemary has been found to improve memory and mood, this method may also help with memory function and put you in a better state of mind.

Pain Relief
It not only helps relieve the pain of migraines, but essential oil of rosemary can also be applied topically as a natural treatment for arthritis, sore muscles, and other joint and muscle pains.

Anti-Inflammatory
Rosemary contains two potent anti-inflammatories, carnosic acid and carnosol. One study found that these two compounds inhibited COX-2, an enzyme that causes pain and inflammation in the body. They also inhibited the production of excess nitric oxide, which also plays a role in the inflammatory process.

Immune Booster
Rosemary boosts the immune system thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Because it is healing in so many ways, it boosts the overall health of the body.

Antibacterial
Studies have found that rosemary has powerful antibacterial properties against H. pylori (the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers) and Staph infections.

Digestive Health
Rosemary is often used to help treat digestive problems such as upset stomach, constipation, indigestion, and almost any other digestive related problem. It also helps to prevent foodborne illnesses when ingested with foods such as meat or eggs.

Hair Growth
There is a possibility that rosemary may stimulate hair growth. One study found that people with alopecia, a disorder that causes the hair to fall out, had significant hair regrowth after rubbing rosemary, lavender, thyme, and cedarwood into their scalps for seven months. However, it is not clear whether it was the rosemary or the other herbs that caused the regrowth.

Better Circulation
Essential oil of rosemary is often applied topically as a natural remedy for poor circulation, though there have been no studies to prove this effect.

Fresh Breath
Rosemary can be used as a natural mouthwash and is said to work very well. To make the mouthwash, steep fresh rosemary in a pint of heated water. Strain it and use it as a mouth rinse as often as you like. It will keep in the fridge if covered.

Diuretic Properties
Rosemary is a mild diuretic, which means that it can help get rid of bloating and water retention in the body. When rosemary is used regularly, it may help in the increase of urine flow and help the kidneys function at optimal levels to help get rid of excess water in the body.

Respiratory Health
Rosemary is a great natural remedy for respiratory problems. Breathing in the scent of the essential oil may help with congestion due to colds, allergies, respiratory infections, and the flu. You may also boil fresh rosemary in a pot of water, place it in a bowl, and breathe in the steam to help clear the lungs and throat. This will also help with any sinus or head pain associated with respiratory conditions.

Liver Detoxification
Rosemary has been used to treat liver problems for hundreds of years. Hippocrates prescribed it for this purpose. One study found that rosemary extract reduces cirrhosis in rats given thioacetamide, a toxic compound that is toxic to the liver. It also prevented liver damage from tetrachloride in rats and mice.

Anti-Aging
Rosemary is a popular ingredient in anti-aging skin creams because it helps reduce puffiness, stimulates cell regeneration, increases firmness, and improves overall skin tone. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and increases blood flow to the skin. 

Precautions

Women who have heavy periods should avoid excessive use of rosemary, since it may stimulate menstrual flow. The herb should not be used medicinally during pregnancy. Small amounts of rosemary used in cooking, however, are safe for pregnant women and for women who have heavy periods.

More on Rosemary:http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/rosemary.php

Rosemary Hair Care: 

Before name brand shampoos, women turned to their gardens, woods and fields for plants that met all of their beauty needs. Whether it be a cure to dandruff, premature balding, dull strands or a desire for a new color there was a plant that they knew could meet their specific demands. I think that as the world is beginning to become more synthetic the less we truly understand the implications of allowing such chemicals, toxins and mad men creations into our bodies. It is important to be knowledgeable and at the very least know that there are natural alternatives to every single demand that humans require whether in sickness or health. 

When it comes to it's contributions to hair Rosemary seems to be all purpose. Here is a brief list of its uses and benefits to hair

Rosemary Hair Care: 

Scapes-Curly Garlic Tops

Scape Pesto Recipe
1 cup (or less) freshly grated Parmesan cheese or other sharp Italian cheese
1–2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice, adjusted to taste
1/4 pound roughly chopped scapes 
1/2 cup olive oil
salt to taste

Puree scapes, olive oil, and juice in a blender or food processor until nearly smooth. (You can make a smooth paste if you prefer, but most people like a little texture in the pesto.) Gently stir in the cheese or gingerly pulse the cheese into the mixture; take it easy as you mix in the cheese to avoid making the pesto gummy by over blending. Taste and then adjust juice and salt to taste.

Store in the refrigerator to use within two or three days; freeze for longer storage. Scape pesto freezes well, and it holds its appealing green color when frozen even better than the traditional basil pesto.

Garlic Scape Hummus

2 cans of chick peas (garbanzos), drained
1 cup sesame seeds or tahini
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh chopped garlic scapes

Place the ingredients in a blender and mix on high until a thick paste forms. Salt to taste.

Variation: Add your favorite curry, to taste.

Sheep Sorrel:http://www.motherearthherbs.com/sorrel.html

First I want to give you a few quotes by one of  the most incredible women you could know. 

“You are not Atlas carrying the world on your shoulder. It is good to 
remember that the planet is carrying you.” 
― Vandana Shiva

“In nature's economy the currency is not money, it is life.” 
― Vandana Shiva, Earth Democracy: Justice, Sustainability, and Peace

“Nature shrinks as capital grows. The growth of the market cannot solve the very crisis it creates.” 
― Vandana Shiva, Soil Not Oil: Environmental Justice in an Age of Climate Crisis

Because I am full of fire and have a strong personality, I look into things, I research, I ask a lot of questions, I read alot, I am alone 80% or more, I am with nature, animals and plants which makes me go deep in my mind, heart and intuition. Today as I am doing some research, I can't help but get angry and feel depressed. What is happening to our food system at an incredible rate is more than sad. The corporate food corruption alone gives my heart to much anger. On days like these I can not help but think being a sheelple would make life seem so grand. But, ignorance may be bliss it gives nothing but a sad spirit inside that has be broken and only finds water by being led. Today is a reminder and know my life is grand, I have my animals, and nature spirits for them I am thankful. I am thankful that I work on only having purity in my life and that I can listen to the right side of good and light and I pray that I can somehow help before it is to late... Thank you Great Spirit for the new changes that are about to happen in my life, I am thankful for the knowledge. I still have things I could give up. The hard road is not easy but here I go.

Today seems to be a day I am frustrated with the American People I say American because this is where I live. We are concerned about bullying but yet WE as Americans let, yes WE let our own government bully the world. Teen suicide is UP, and people are concerned and want to find the problem, the problem is, in my eyes to much screen time, to much cell phones, really bad food so it makes it impossible for your brain to function right, to much busy life, extinct family time? Family time seems to be something that is becoming extinct. A few weeks ago I was sitting at Whole Foods with my daughters and one of their friends. We were laughing, talking and eating great food. No cell phones came out, no lap tops etc. We stopped for a moment to look around, it was a sad picture everyone in there was starring at their cell phone screens. That is not family time. Watching a movie together is NOT family time. American food? I see and talk to people who are against Monsanto and biotech food, yet these same people who know about bad food eat out. They eat out a lot. No concern for the earth, themselves, and the toxins they are supporting that pollute the rivers and our air. My air, your air, animals air. I have a chemical injury do to these same people who support these various toxic things. People complain they are tired and stress out but yet they will blame everything except the vary thing that they put in their mouths which supports their body that gives either good energy or bad energy. I just read this morning that our organic packaged (processed) food is being polluted with toxic ingredients that our government has given company's the permission to not list it on the food labels. WHAT! I do not buy much packaged food, but I do buy organic oat milk, butter and the occasional canned beans. Now I am calling organic tilth to see what the heck. I have a lot of research ahead. Earth day is coming up, why is it one day a year? Does this honestly make you feel good because you did something for one day but yet you pollute on a daily basis's? Folks I do not want to offend but it is time to re-think what we do in our world. Turn your screens off, get rid of the cable TV, have family game night, require you child to only use their cell phone for emergency only. If you go out to eat make a point to not bring in your cell phones, when you are having family time turn off all ringers put and cell phones in another room. Pick up hobbies together, plan family hikes, sign up for a race together, if you want to not contribute to the toxic chemicals in this world, stop eating out unless it is only organic or from a local farmer who does not use petroleum based products, if your toddler or teen is acting up what have they eaten? Pay attention to your world, make it beautiful because our government will not, it is up to you to actually really change and that change needs to happen soon.

A few paragraphs from Farm Wars,  I left the links below: 

When did we learn to accept anything less than the best? When did we acquiesce to inferiority? To the endless compromise of our food supply? Why do we think that we somehow deserve to be robbed blind, lied to, poisoned for profit, and cheated every step of the way by the corrupt corporate system that acts like a black hole – sucking in everything and giving nothing back in return except abject misery? And why do we seem to like it? Why do we keep going back for more instead of ridding ourselves of these pariahs? Do you really want to know why? Because we have been trained that way! That’s why we accept “organic beer” made with conventional hops, and USDA Certified “contains organic ingredients” food items that have been poisoned with the likes of Neotame. We accept these things because we have been conditioned to think that this is somehow okay. It’s time to change our way of thinking.
It’s time to stop bowing to multi-national corporations who may or may not be what we think they are. Know your food producer. Know what you are eating. Become a food warrior, and fight for the right to not be deceived. Know how to read labels and figure out what the ingredients really are. The more people that wake up to the reality that we are surrounded by people who couldn’t care less about our health and are actually out to do us harm as long as they can profit by it, the better our chances of survival. Make no mistake about it. We are in a food war, and that is a war for our very lives.

http://farmwars.info/?p=4913

http://farmwars.info/?p=4897

“Gandhi is the other person. I believe Gandhi is the only person who knew about real democracy — not democracy as the right to go and buy what you want, but democracy as the responsibility to be accountable to everyone around you. Democracy begins with freedom from hunger, freedom from unemployment, freedom from fear, and freedom from hatred. To me, those are the real freedoms on the basis of which good human societies are based.” 
― Vandana Shiva

One more for the night:

“Globalized industrialized food is not cheap: it is too costly for the Earth, for the farmers, for our health. The Earth can no longer carry the burden of groundwater mining, pesticide pollution, disappearance of species and destabilization of the climate. Farmers can no longer carry the burden of debt, which is inevitable in industrial farming with its high costs of production. It is incapable of producing safe, culturally appropriate, tasty, quality food. And it is incapable of producing enough food for all because it is wasteful of land, water and energy. Industrial agriculture uses ten times more energy than it produces. It is thus ten times less efficient.” 
― Vandana Shiva

This weekend make it a point to go buy local organic produce.  Make it a point to not buy feed lot meat from the supermarket, Make it a point to read labels,  Make it a point to not buy processed food.  Make it a point to not buy boxed or bagged juke food for your child, teen or family anymore.  Make your treats homemade.  Homemade does not come from a box. 

Picture blow:  Even Oregon State University, the extension office and government DO NOT EVEN KNOW WHAT A VEGETABLE ARE!   

Peace to all